Invented by a Hungarian engineer named Zoltán Bay, the Nixie Tube or cold cathode display walked so that LEDs could run. Originally dubbed "NIX I," short for "Numeric Indicator eXperimental No. 1", Nixie tubes used a glow discharge that’s kinder to the cathodes, granting them an impressive lifespan of over 5,000 hours of continuous use.

During their heyday in the 1960s and 1970s, Nixie tubes illuminated the dials and displays of technical and scientific equipment everywhere. They were eventually overtaken by LED and LCD displays, which boasted lower power consumption and even longer lifespans. Nevertheless, Nixie tubes have maintained a cult following among electronics enthusiasts and are used in DIY projects, including clocks and art installations.