Print this page Television: Adding Sight to Sound
J.M. Syken
Course Outline
Through the viewing of several archival/documentary films produced in the 1930s/40s/50s, we will examine the history and development of television. We will examine the technology developed in the 1920s that made commercial television possible and televisions roots and inter-relationship with radio broadcasting..
As well, we will examine the introduction of experimental television broadcasts in New York City starting in the 1930s and the post-WWII expansion of television production and technology (i.e. color TV, remote control etc.). We will also examine the design, manufacture, testing and quality control of television sets.
This course includes a multiple-choice quiz at the end, which is designed to enhance the understanding of the course materials.
Learning Objective
At the conclusion of this course, the student will:
- Understand/appreciate the origins of television in radio broadcasting, development and transmission;
- Understand/appreciate the technology involved in transmitting and/or receiving television broadcasts;
- Understand/appreciate the public debut of television at the 1939/40 New York World’s Fair and the experimental broadcasts made prior to WWII;
- Understand/appreciate the post-WWII expansion of television production and technologies;
- Understand/appreciate the importance and difficulties encountered in developing color television; and
- Understand/appreciate the design and manufacture of television sets.
Intended Audience
This course is intended for architects, engineers and other design professionals.
Benefit to Attendees
The attendee/s will gain an intimate knowledge and insight into the development, innovations, technologies etc. of the television industry.
Course Introduction
The course incorporates the viewing of several archival/documentary films broken down as follows;
- Part 1 – Radio Paves the Way
- Part 2 - Pioneering Days
- Part 3 – The Future is Now
- Part 4 – RCA Leads the Way
- Part 5 – Design, Manufacture and Innovation
Part 1 examines the origins of radio broadcasting and the tangential development of television from radio broadcasting/technologies. Part 2 examines the development of television from the invention of the Iconoscope and Kinescope in the 1920s through to the experimental television broadcasts in New York City starting in the 1930s through the beginning of WWII. Part 3 examines the prospects of television in the post-WWII era. Part 4 examines the pivotal role the Radio Corporation of America (RCA) played in creating commercial television. Part 5 examines the design and manufacture of TV sets and the introduction of remote control.
Course Content
Part 1 – Radio Paves the Way;
TITLE: On the Air (1937)
LINK: http://archive.org/details/OntheAir1937
DURATION: 09:55
TITLE: Radio and Television (1940)
LINK: http://archive.org/details/Radioand1940
DURATION: 10:31
Part 2 – Pioneering Days;
TITLE: An RCA Presentation: Television (ca.1939)
LINK: http://archive.org/details/RCAPrese1939
DURATION: 09:03
TITLE: Magic in the Air (1941)
LINK: http://archive.org/details/Magicint1941
DURATION: 07:58
Part 3 – The Future is Now;
TITLE: Television Tomorrow (ca.1945)
LINK: http://archive.org/details/tomorrow_television
DURATION: 12:16
Part 4 – RCA Leads the Way;
TITLE: The Story of Television (ca.1956)
LINK: http://archive.org/details/Story_of_Television_The
DURATION: 26:01
Part 5 – Design, Manufacture and Innovation;
TITLE: The Reasons Why (1959)
LINK: http://archive.org/details/0725_Reasons_Why_The_09_01_01_00
DURATION: 26:49
TITLE: Television Remote Control (Tuner) (ca.1961)
LINK: http://archive.org/details/Televisi1961
DURATION: 05:46
Course Summary
When television came on the American scene in the late 1930s, it was heralded as being the next great industry and would broaden man’s horizons (by literally allowing him to see over them). Delayed by four years due to WWII, nevertheless television technology progressed and with the peace came the full-scale introduction of commercial television. Television created a billion-dollar industry and employed millions. By the mid-1950s, ten million American households owned a TV set and with the introduction of color TV, the future of TV seemed even brighter. The road was long, expensive and difficult, but the time to mate sight with sound had arrived.
Related Links
For additional technical information related to this subject, please visit the following websites:
http://en.wikipedia.com/wiki/Vladimir_K._Zworykin
http://en.wikipedia.com/wiki/RCA
http://en.wikipedia.com/wiki/Television
Quiz
Once you finish studying the above course content, you need to take a quiz to obtain the PDH credits.
DISCLAIMER: The materials contained in the online course are not intended as a representation or warranty on the part of PDH Center or any other person/organization named herein. The materials are for general information only. They are not a substitute for competent professional advice. Application of this information to a specific project should be reviewed by a registered architect and/or professional engineer/surveyor. Anyone making use of the information set forth herein does so at their own risk and assumes any and all resulting liability arising therefrom.
