Video Recorder, The / The Radio Set

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: Follows the evolution of the video recorder from the first Ampex recorders of 1956 and the German military recorder that inspired Ampex’s work, to today’s domestic machines. Shows their mechanical and electronic ingenuity and some of their defects.
2: The story of the radio set, demonstrating early experiments around 100 years ago and explaining how early problems were overcome. Shows the BBC’s first transmitter, early crystal sets and how the crystals worked, and how modern radios still have germanium diodes, which are enclosed versions of crystals. Looks at the principles and advantages of FM radio transmission.
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 12/2/91 and 5/2/91.
Subjects: Technology
Keywords: radio; videotape recording systems

Director

Nigel Maslin

Producer

Elizabeth Queenan

Writer

Tim Hunkin

Cast

Rex Garrod
Tim Hunkin

Title: Video recorder, The
Synopsis: 1: Follows the evolution of the video recorder from the first Ampex recorders of 1956 and the German military recorder that inspired Ampex's work, to today's domestic machines. Shows their mechanical and electronic ingenuity and some of their defects.
Title: Radiio set, The
Synopsis: 2: The story of the radio set, demonstrating early experiments around 100 years ago and explaining how early problems were overcome. Shows the BBC's first transmitter, early crystal sets and how the crystals worked, and how modern radios still have german

Name: Team Video Productions
Email: admin@team-video.co.uk
Web: http://www.team-video.co.uk/ External site opens in new window
Phone: 020 8960 5536
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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