dim VFD

There are reasons that VFDs go dim, including the -25v (as low as -20v on some displays, and over -30v on others) dropping due to poor capacitors in the voltage multiplier that most designs use. However, by far the most common cause of trouble, especially on something that age, is the VFD panel itself going low emission. You could try checking the negative supply just in case, and also giving the face of the display and the inside of the window a good clean, as they collect a dust 'film' over the years. Other than that, it's a case of live with it, or replace it with a shiny new PVR ...

Arfa

Oh wow.. Took the front panel off, and it was extremely filthy.. It was tough dirt too, when I cleaned it, it dried up blury, but after lots of scrubbing, I have completed it, and it also became slightly brighter too, though not too well still.. (in the pics, the camera made it look better than it really is).

Before:

After:

A smoker in the house?

Jonesy

Oh wow.. Took the front panel off, and it was extremely filthy.. It was tough dirt too, when I cleaned it, it dried up blury, but after lots of scrubbing, I have completed it, and it also became slightly brighter too, though not too well still.. (in the pics, the camera made it look better than it really is).

Before:

After:

You can actually see the 'uneveness' of the illumination on individual segments, and this is the classic symptom of a worn display. Still, I guess it's at least useable now, so that's at least a bit of a result. :-)

Arfa

Hey that looks pretty good. Definitely worn, but serviceable. I'd leave well enough alone.