Television in the Home

[akuram1]

That really is a beauty.

[Panrock]

Thanks akuram, but I think our posts crossed. I deleted the post to which I think you're referring because it showed a set in my workshop, not my home, so strictly was off-topic.

Steve

[emeritus]

In the post-war combination TV + radios of the previous posts, the speaker grille extends across most of the cabinet width, whereas the one in the 1948 Odhams drawing only extends under the TV screen. So probably just an artist's impression, unless based on a pre-war set.

Thanks to posters for digging out illustrations of real combination sets, showing that the one in the book was not just a flight of fancy by the artist, but was based on a type of set that did exist in the late 1940's. Although I had seen examples of pre-war TVs that used mirrors in the lid when dad had taken me to the London Radio Shows, I don't remember having seen any combination sets like the one in the book.

[Stuart R]

Originally Posted by peter_scott

I think it's another artist's impression but perhaps they found it easier to draw after seeing the Cossor 902 with the transparent case.

Peter.

Good Spot, Peter Scott. There's a very strong resemblance with that Cossor. Dad suggested I bought this book at my school fête in the early '80s. It had great illustrations explaining the workings of television, record production, auto-changers, film projectors, domestic appliances, jet engines, traffic lights, railway signals......

Amongst the many great industrial names given a credit in the back of the book are Collaro, Garrard, EMI, Electrolux, Bendix and A.C. Cossor. Definitely published in 1949.

Regards,

SR

[Heatercathodeshort]

Originally Posted by Stuart R

Another 'is it a real model?' picture from Odham's 1949 "See How It Works" book along with a pipe-smoking looker-in.

Certainly based on a Cossor. Note the 'anti splinter' CRT bowl covering. I think it was only Cossor that did this. Being a mains EHT chassis, the CRT is probably a 75K. It has bits that look like a 1946 900/902 but I guess it was drawn from a number of pictures. J.

[Panrock]

A shot taken this afternoon of my Philips 17TG100U in action. This is my other 'main set' and tends to be used more at social events, since it has a large and bright picture that meets expectations today.

Steve

[CathodeBias]

That is a great picture, that set is a credit to you.

[Panrock]

You are very kind. Thank you. Here's the Test Card, closer up. It's by no means perfect but these Philips make for good practical 405 viewing today, with excellent servicing access. That's if you can forgive the unreliable LOPTs...

Steve

[CathodeBias]

Thank you for posting that close up image. The resolution and clarity are excellent, I would imagine actual images are pin sharp. I bet viewing is a joy. Great stuff

[Panrock]

Andrew Emmerson's book "Old Television" is highly recommended and a good source of on-topic images. I hesitate to copy them here though for copyright reasons.

Steve

[mark pirate]

It's by no means perfect but these Philips make for good practical 405 viewing today, with excellent servicing access. That's if you can forgive the unreliable LOPTs...

My set produces one of the best 405 line pictures I have ever seen, it only needed half a dozen components changed, I have had no LOPT problems (touch wood) probably due to the set having little use and being kept indoors all it's life.

It certainly is an impressive performer for a sixty year old set.


Mark

[Panrock]

The sound on this model isn't such a strong point, sadly. Though it is perfectly functional.

Steve

[mark pirate]

I had sound problems with my set, it was down to a resistor gone O/C, sound is fine now.

These 110 degree Mullard tubes do produce a very good image, I am yet to find a bad one, My Pam 600F also has a cracking picture, but the set needed all the caps replacing.

Compare the difference between the sets, the Pam has a polaroid safety glass.


Mark

[Panrock]

Yes, these sets are now over sixty years old and generally give a good account of themselves. My entry into their fan club was because my Gran had one in the 1960s, and I dropped it down the stairs, breaking the cabinet and shattering the tube. She made me repair it! This involved getting a Lawson 'regunned' tube, which proved perfectly fine.

All these years later, the cabinet finish can suffer from severe crazing. This is a very hard finish, probably plastic or 'urethane', and is very hard to get off for restoration.

My example, owned today, is the result of combining the best bits of two such sets, independently sourced.

Steve

[mark pirate]

All these years later, the cabinet finish can suffer from severe crazing. This is a very hard finish, probably plastic or 'urethane', and is very hard to get off for restoration.

I am lucky that my cabinet is in really good condition, there is only very slight cracking of the finish above the dropper.

I certainly agree that this type of finish is extremely hard to remove, I refinished the top of radio that had this type of finish, it took more than 10 coats of spray lacquer to match the sides!

The Pam also has this high gloss finish, thankfully it is near mint condition.


Mark

[HamishBoxer]

Steve, send Andy an email and ask as he may give permission to use with a credit.

[Panrock]

Andy has now very kindly given his consent. I'll scan just a few of the images and present them here tomorrow.

Steve

[Panrock]

Here's the first image. I shall be releasing them over the next few days at the rate of a couple of images a day.

It's September 12th 1936 and "television begins". You may not be able to afford the set, but at least you can read about it!

Does this resemble any real set?

This image comes from the book "Old Television" by Andrew Emmerson and appears here with the kind permission of the author.

Steve

[peter_scott]

An HMV900.

[Panrock]

Could that be a cartoon on the screen? Such as 'Mickey's Gala Premier' featuring well-known film stars of the day?

Steve