Quartz Watch, The / The Telephone

Synopsis: Tim Hunkin humorously explains the workings of some familiar machines. His technique is to present the scientific principles and show how the machines evolved by using demonstrations and animated cartoon sequences.
1: How the quartz watch works and how it has evolved. Explains how the crystal moves; why cheap quartz watches are more accurate the Rolex; why wrist watches became popular during World War 1, what makes the hands move, why polarised sunglasses block out the digital watch display; what happens when a quartz watch is heated in an oven.
2: Looks at the evolution of the telephone and explains the microphone, speaker and amplification of the telephone, answering such questions as, why telephones crackle; why the earpiece and microphone in most phones are identical; why people bought the first telephones; why the first automatic exchanges was invented by an undertaker; what are the clicks heard when dialling; why the transistor was invented. Shows how Bell’s simple invention evolved into day’s world-wide communication system and how electronics have improved the sound quality and reduced the size of the telephone.
Series: Secret Life of Machines, The
Language: English
Country: Great Britain
Medium: Video; Videocassette. VHS. col. 52 min.
Year of production: 1990
Availability: Sale; 1997 sale: £14.99 (+VAT +p&p)
Notes: Broadcast on C4 on 11/1/91 and 29/1/91.
Subjects: Technology
Keywords: telephones; wrist watches

Director

Nigel Maslin

Producer

Elizabeth Queenan

Writer

Tim Hunkin

Cast

Rex Garrod
Tim Hunkin

Title: Quartz watch, The
Synopsis: 1: How the quartz watch works and how it has evolved. Explains how the crystal moves; why cheap quartz watches are more accurate the Rolex; why wrist watches became popular during World War 1, what makes the hands move, why polarised sunglasses block out
Title: Telephone, The
Synopsis: 2: Looks at the evolution of the telephone and explains the microphone, speaker and amplification of the telephone, answering such questions as, why telephones crackle; why the earpiece and microphone in most phones are identical; why people bought the fi

Name: Team Video Productions
Email: admin@team-video.co.uk
Web: http://www.team-video.co.uk/ External site opens in new window
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Fax: 020 8960 9784
Address: PO Box 38194
London
W10 5WZ
Notes: Producer and distributor of DVD-based teaching packs for schools and colleges that aim to stimulate discussion on issues in areas including citizenship, religious education, critical thinking, energy and environment, and careers/work experience.

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