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

Credits

Director

Nigel Maslin

Producer

Elizabeth Queenan

Writer

Tim Hunkin

Cast

Rex Garrod
Tim Hunkin

Sections

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

Production Company

Name

Artifax Productions

Sponsor

Name

Channel Four Television

Phone

071-396 4444

Address

LONDON
SW1P 2TX

Distributor

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.