The Secret Life of Machines

The Secret Life of the Television Set

Directed by Andrew Snell
S1 • E6    Dec 19, 1988
8.2
John Logie Baird, the Scottish inventor, developed an electromechanical TV system in the 1920s and gave frequent public demonstrations. The publicity encouraged EMI to develop a practical all-electronic system, similar to today's. In 1936 the BBC transmitted both systems, but EMI's was judged superior.

Episode Contents:

Models: TV scanning is demonstrated with a drawing made on many strands of string. A cutaway TV and cards that mimic the screening of a colour TV. Explanation of the simplest electronic components.

Machines: Tim's displays at the National Film and Television Museum (UK)

Guests: British TV sets from before and after WWII.

Films: Zworykin interview. J.L. Baird cartoon.

Extro: A mountain of live televisions set on fire.

Where to Watch The Secret Life of the Television Set

Cast of The Secret Life of the Television Set

  • Tim HunkinHimself - Presenter
  • Rex GarrodHimself - Co-Presenter
  • Andrew SnellDirector
  • Tim HunkinWriter
  • Elizabeth QueenanProducer

 

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