Early Electronic Television
RCA TRK-12/120
(click on picture for high resolution image)
| Screen Size | 12 inch | |
| Year Made | 1939-40 | |
| Quantity Manufactured | 1779 | |
| Original Cost | $600 | |
| Number Still in Existence | See Pre-1945 Database | |
| Cabinet | Reinished | |
| Chassis | Restored |
The TRK-12 was introduced, along with 3 other less expensive sets, at the 1939 World's Fair in New York. The TRK-12 cost $600, more than the cost of a modest car at the time. The picture tube was mounted vertically, with a mirror in the cabinet lid, because it was so long that, if mounted horizontally, the cabinet would have been almost three feet deep.
The set had four chassis: one for the television circuits, one for the television power supply, one for the radio and one for the radio power supply.
RCA's service manual for this set described how the set should be viewed:
The location of the receiver should take into consideration the viewing by the whole family group plus a party of friends. A minimum viewing distance from the screen to the first row of chairs might be on the average two to four feet...Seating might be arranged as follows: first row 3 chairs; second row 4 chairs; third row 5 chairs |
The TRK-12 has a socket on the rear to allow connection of an external phonograph, such as the RCA model R-100.
