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W2XAB/W2XAX/WCBW - CBS, New York

 

W2XAB began transmission in 1931 using equipment furnished by RCA. Their inaugural broadcast was on July 21, 1931. The camera was a 60 line flying spot scanner, and the receivers operated in the 2-3 mHz band, where reception was possible over long distances. In 1937 the station began broadcasting electronic TV on channel 3 as W2XAX.. In 1941 the call sign was changed to WCBW, and after the war, it became WCBS. Click for program schedules or for an article in the AWA Journal by Richard Brewster.

 

The transmitter and the Supervisor's desk.

The W2XAB studio, showing the photocells and a microphone. The scanner is in a separate room behind the hole in the middle of the photocells.

 

The camera, with Natalie Towers in front of it.

Everyday Science and Mechanics, November 1931

 

In 1937, W2XAB/W2XAX switched from mechanical to electronic broadcasting. A transmitter and antenna were put on the Chrysler Building in Manhattan, while the studios were located in the Grand Central building.

Communications, November 1938

 

 

 

 

 

 

Worthington Miner, left, directing. Notice the huge number of fluorescent lights directly over the set

(Courtesy of Steve Dichter) 

 

 

 

 

 

The control room in 1941 control room, with pioneer CBS director Worthington Miner, center, at the microphone

(Courtesy of Steve Dichter)

 

 

 

CBS studio, 1944

 

CBS studio, 1944

 

First U.S. broadcast of a jazz group on W2XAB (1939)

 

From Radio & Television Magazine, April, 1940

 

From Radio & Television Magazine, April, 1940

 

 

 

Program schedule for Jan. 29, 1942

 

From Radio & Television, July 1941

 

 

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