Early Color Television
NTSC Prototypes and Field Test Sets
Prototypes
A prototype is defined as a set with a metal-cone CRT, or with screw socket mountings, or with no engraved stamping on the chassis, or which would have been made in very small quantities, or has characteristics/circuit additions that would indicate it is an experimental/prototype set.
CBS-Columbia RX-89 Courtesy of John Folsom |
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DuMont prototype Radio-Electronics, April 1954
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Courtesy of John Folsom |
Courtesy of John Folsom
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Philco 1955 Prototype with Apple CRT |
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Pye experimental 405 line NTSC set (Britain) |
Sears-Silvertone 4160
Courtesy of John Folsom |
Sparton (photo of rear and engineering manual) Courtesy of John Folsom |
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Zenith 21" rectangular (1954)
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Emerson 15" prototype. From November 1953 issue of Radio & TV Courtesy of John Folsom |
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1953 G.E. prototype with metal cone CRT Courtesy of Chuck Azzalina
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Field Test Sets
Most of the sets below were receivers used in "Field Testing" of the NTSC Standards from late 1951 until May 1953. The NTSC submitted its petition after this testing to the FCC in July 1953.
RCA Model 1 Converter (1950)
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RCA 16 inch prototype (1950) |
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RCA 16 inch prototype (1950) |
RCA Model 1 (1950)
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RCA Model 2 Converter (1951)
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RCA CPA Prototype (1951-52) |
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RCA Model 2 (1951)
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RCA Model 3 (1952)
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In March, 1950 RCA demonstrated its color sytem to the FCC. On the left is a set using a single gun color tube. In the center is a black and white set, and on the right is a set using a tricolor tube.
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1951 21 inch prototype
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RCA Trinoscope #1 (1950)
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Interior of Trinoscope #1
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RCA Trinoscope #2 (1950)
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Interior of Trinoscope #2 |
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RCA Trinoscope (1950) (Danny Gustafson Collection)
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RCA 1949 dot sequential prototype. Three 2 1/2 inch CRTs were used. |
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(RCA prototype photos courtesy of Dave Abramson)