Experimental television in Britain began in 1926 using pictures created by John Logie Baird’s mechanical system. The BBC initially began experiments using Baird’s system.
Baird Television Presents ~ Television arrived in Britain in 1926 with Logie-Baird successfully demonstrating a method of transmitting pictures. Experimental BBC broadcasts followed within a few years, using Baird’s 30 line system. Baird continued to develop the system. A high definition BBC Television Service finally launched in November 1936, broadcasting on the Baird 240 line system. However, this was soon to be superceded by the Marconi-EMI 405 line system; the BBC switched to the superior 405 line technology in February the following year.B.B.C. Television Baird and Marconi Tests ~ BBC Baird and Marconi tests.B.B.C. Television Tuning Signal ~ 1937 also saw the introduction of the first BBC tuning signal. This was used to assist viewers in adjusting the numerous controls on their TV sets to obtain the optimum signal. There were no idents or clocks, in-vision continuity was very much the order of the day back then and for many years to follow. Television services were suspended from 1939 until 1946 due to the War. This image is one of the earliest and most basic BBC tuning signals – from c. 1937. With thanks to Andrew Emmerson for contributing the image.BBC Pre-War Marconi-EMI Tuning Signal ~ With thanks to Andrew Emmerson for contributing the image.John Logie BairdBairdEarly TV
Early Tuning Signal test cards used during experimental television transmissions.
BBC Television Service Post-War Clock ~ With thanks to Andrew Emmerson for contributing the image.BBC Television Service Post-War Tuning Signal ~ With thanks to Andrew Emmerson for contributing the image.TV Test cardBBC Television Service ~ Tuning Signal.BBC Television Service Tuning Signal (Pre-War) ~ With thanks to Andrew Emmerson for contributing the image.BBC Television Service Tuning Signal test cardBBC Television Service Tuning Signal (Pre-War) ~ With thanks to Andrew Emmerson for contributing the image.BBC TV Tuning SignalBBC Television “Blocks” Tuning Signal (Pre-War) ~ With thanks to Andrew Emmerson for contributing the image.BBC Television Service Test Transmission ~ With thanks to Andrew Emmerson for contributing the image.
BBC Television Service 1936 – 1953 Branding
The BBC later switched to the US developed Marconi system. This higher definition defined the BBC TV Service launch in 1936.
“The End” stills taken from the various BBC TV Service closedown sequences
“The End” BBC TV Service Closedown ~ Thanks to Andrew Emmerson for contributing the image.“The End” BBC TV Service Closedown ~ Thanks to Andrew Emmerson for contributing the image.BBC TV Service Closedown ~ An image taken from the Children’s Television transmission closedown sequence.
BBC TV ServiceHelen Mackay ~ Helen Mackay with the BBC Television Orchestra performing “Here’s Looking At You” for the audience at RadiOlympia in August 1936.BBC TV ServiceAdele Dixon ~ Adele Dixon in the BBC’s opening day variety show.BBC TV ServiceBBC TV ServiceJoan Miller ~ Joan Miller, an actress originally from Nelson, BC. The photo is from Picture Page, where she operated a “switchboard” to introduce the items for each programBBC TV ServiceLeslie Mitchell ~ Image taken from “Golfers in Action”.Silvia PetersBBC AnnouncerLeslie Mitchell
BBC Television Service Holding Slides
BBC Interval ~ With thanks to Andrew Emmerson for contributing the image.Interlude ~ With thanks to Andrew Emmerson for contributing the image.Copyright Pre-War Forbidden Notice ~ With thanks to Andrew Emmerson for contributing the image.BBC TV Service Breakdown Caption ~ “Normal Service will be resumed as soon as possible” this caption would be used in the event of a breakdown.
With thanks to Andrew Emmerson for contributing the image.
Radio Times – BBC Television Service Launch Edition
As the BBC TV Service is about to launch here’s some images from the first tv edition of the Radio Times.
Radio Times 1936Radio Times 1936Radio Times 1936
Television From France – 1952
In July 1952 there was a week of special tv programmes from Paris.
BBC / RTF Ident ~ Thanks to Andrew Emmerson for contributing the image.An Anglo-French Breakdown caption ~ Thanks to Andrew Emmerson for contributing the image.Anglo-French Breakdown Caption ~ Thanks to Andrew Emmerson for contributing the image.
