How Far Off Is Television?

Radio Record, Volume VIII, Issue 17, 2 November 1934, Page 58

How Far Off Is Television?

A Review-And a Prophecy

(By

E. A.

Shrimpton

Consulting En

gineer to Standar@ Telephones and Cables, Ltd.)

"PHE question is constantly being put to us, "How far off is television?" While we are watching this phage of the radio field very closely, because of its likely effect_on our radio business. we are not yet in a position to definitely state when, and/or how, television will make its appearance as a real commercial possibility. The best source of information Which is available to date indicates that television equipment for both receiving and transmitting bas been developed to a point where it wouid be satisfactory for general public use. In view of the -present financiai status of most countries, it is appar: ent that.the practical general applicution of television must be delayed stiii further. For instance, in the United States it is estimated that to provide a satis factory television service across the country about 250 television broadcasting stations would' be required. In addition to this, the general public "must be able to afford something like £150 for a television receiver. Obviously thesé two huge obstacles cannot be overcome at the present time. While no startling inventions. have come to light during the past year, the progress that has been made has been marked by a steady: improvement in the detail of pictures transmitted. This improvement has. been made possible through increased attention to technical details in the optical pick-uy system; in the photo-electrie cell and amplifying systems, and in the actual ‘modulation of the radio waves emitted. This development has in a-gen-(Continued on opposite page.)