RCA Prewar Theatre Television Systems
In 1939, RCA built a projection system that produced an excellent picture on a 9 by 12 foot screen. In December of 1940, a system was installed in the New Yorker Theater on Times Square, and operated it for nearly a year. During this time, the results were viewed by leaders of the motion picture industry, high government officials and press representatives.
The programs ranged from studio presentations at Radio City to boxing matches via coaxial cable from Madison Square Garden, wrestling via high frequency relay from Jamaica, New York, and even parade ground maneuvers at Camp Upton, 60 miles away, via three radio relay repeaters.
On May 9, 1941, an especially ambitious program was attempted. A full evening program was scheduled for an invited audience of leaders of government, industry, press and the public, which filled the 1600 seat house to overflowing.
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1939 experimental projector. Click for schematic diagram. |
1941 projector .Click for a schematic diagram.
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The control console |
Test pattern on 15 x 20 foot screen
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Diagram of the 1941 projector
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From May, 1941 issue of RCA Radio News (Courtesy of Dave Sica)
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Program presented at the New York Theatre May 9, 1941
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From Radio & Television, July 1941
Mechanix Illustrated, August 1941
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Another system, for 4 x 6 foot screens, was introduced in 1940. From Radio & Television, July 1940
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