Episodes

6 episodes in this season

The Secret Life of the Vacuum Cleaner

The Secret Life of the Washing Machine

The Secret Life of the Sewing Machine

The Secret Life of the Refrigerator

The Secret Life of the Central Heating System

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The Secret Life of the Television Set

The Secret Life of Machines

TV Series

198830m8.1

Documentary

Now playing

The Secret Life of the Television Set

Season 1 · Episode 6 · Dec 20, 1988

John Logie Baird, the Scottish inventor, developed an electromechanical TV system in the 1920s and gave frequent public demonstrations. The publicity encouraged EMI to develop a practical all-electronic system, similar to today's. In 1936 the BBC transmitted both systems, but EMI's was judged superior. Episode Contents: Models: TV scanning is demonstrated with a drawing made on many strands of string. A cutaway TV and cards that mimic the screening of a colour TV. Explanation of the simplest electronic components. Machines: Tim's displays at the National Film and Television Museum (UK) Guests: British TV sets from before and after WWII. Films: Zworykin interview. J.L. Baird cartoon. Extro: A mountain of live televisions set on fire.

More details

The Secret Life of Machines

TV Series

198830m8.1

Documentary

Now playing

The Secret Life of the Television Set

Season 1 · Episode 6 · Dec 20, 1988

More details