RCA Scanning Disk Set

This set was made by RCA in 1929-30, using the cabinet from a common phonograph of the time, the RE-45. It was used by RCA in their early TV tests, and was never sold to the public. Five of these sets survive.

Recently, we acquired a schematic diagram of the television camera and receivers sold by RCA to CBS Columbia in 1930. The receiver schematic is identical to that of this RCA set, so it is likely that RCA sold these sets to CBS for their inaugural TV broadcast of their New York station W2XAB. 

The set uses a 60 line disk and has a shortwave receiver which picked up TV broadcasts in the 2 - 3 mHz range.

This picture appeared in a 1945 magazine article about RCA's early television development. The camera shown next to the receiver is identical to the drawing in the CBS schematic mentioned above.

In 1931 RCA created its first test pattern, used to determine how much detail could be seen in a 60 line picture.

We have constructed a mechanical flying spot scanner camera to use with this set.

The cabinet before restoration. Notice that it is missing its doors and legs. The hole near the top is where a lens was located to view the picture. The three holes near the bottom are for the receiver controls.

These are photos taken of the lens of the RCA 60 line scanning disk set recently. The video was originally made in 525 line format, then converted to 60 lines.