UK Vintage Radio Repair and Restoration Discussion Forum - View Single Post - The Rise and Fall of Audio Tape at the BBC, by Ian Astbury

Amtec123 · 26th Apr 2021, 12:20 pm

Indeed a most interesting, and detailed article.
However Ian seemed to imply that only EMI tape was used prior to 1969. I started working for Zonal Films in 1964, they were manufacturers of both magnetic tape, 16mm, 17.5mm and 35mm film. this was used in both the broadcast and film industry. One of the main products was a 1/4" PVC based tape which was supplied to the BBC on 10.5" NAB metal spools. These spools were 'second hand', and sent to us empty from the BBC, new tape would be wound onto them, and tested before dispatch. Most of our other customers specified a polyester base material which was far superior to PVC which suffered badly from "pin holes" the BBC contract was for huge quantities. The other thing I remember about it was that the PVC base material was dyed a BBC olive colour, presumably to prevent it being stolen.
Our magnetic film was also supplied to both BBC and independent TV companies.

26th Apr 2021, 12:20 pm	#19
Amtec123 Pentode Join Date: Jul 2020 Location: Reigate, Surrey, UK. Posts: 130	Re: The Rise and Fall of Audio Tape at the BBC, by Ian Astbury Indeed a most interesting, and detailed article. However Ian seemed to imply that only EMI tape was used prior to 1969. I started working for Zonal Films in 1964, they were manufacturers of both magnetic tape, 16mm, 17.5mm and 35mm film. this was used in both the broadcast and film industry. One of the main products was a 1/4" PVC based tape which was supplied to the BBC on 10.5" NAB metal spools. These spools were 'second hand', and sent to us empty from the BBC, new tape would be wound onto them, and tested before dispatch. Most of our other customers specified a polyester base material which was far superior to PVC which suffered badly from "pin holes" the BBC contract was for huge quantities. The other thing I remember about it was that the PVC base material was dyed a BBC olive colour, presumably to prevent it being stolen. Our magnetic film was also supplied to both BBC and independent TV companies.