They're not really that mysterious, just really old and outdated televisions. You cherish them regardless, as per your previously stated esoteric and eclectic taste.
These films and shows are all hundreds (if not thousands) of sweeps old. You're only able to watch them due to the stray wreckage you gather and repurpose to this end. Well, that, and these tapes are supposed to be virtually indestructible. And you guess you could watch the ONE show that's still airing on modern-era television, but the drastic decline in quality gives you a bit of pause.
On the other hand, you like to leave the GOOD SHOWS playing on repeat — the ones that make you contemplate your own existence, as much as you contemplate the workings of the media itself.