TV Test Broadcasts Today Or Tomorrow

Press, Volume C, Issue 29487, 13 April 1961, Page 14

TV Test Broadcasts Today Or Tomorrow

Television broadcasting in the South Island will start today or tomorrow when test signals are radiated for the first time from the aerial on top of the Station 3YA building in Christchurch.

The five-kilowatt transmitter has been under test load on closed circuit during the last few days. Although the signals have not been radiated through the aerial mast, test patterns have been seen on TV sets in New Brighton and Cashmere.

“The radiation of a test signal from the aerial will enable dealers in Christchurch to test their receiving sets and give persons who own TV sets an opportunity to receive our test cards and patterns, thus giving them some idea of the strength of signal in their own particular areas.” the Regional Engineer of the New Zealand Broadcasting Service (Mr R. G. Tulloch) said yesterday. Technical testing of all equipment would be continued for some time, Mr Tulloch said, and viewers could expect to see only test patterns during this period. “Television viewers within at least five miles of the transmitting aerial will get a first-class picture provided their receiving sets are within line of sight of the mast,” Mr Tulloch said. “The five-kilowatt transmitter will give, through the mast, a signal strength sufficient for sets within at least that range provided the sets

are not situated where the image is shadowed or screened by hills, or tall buildings such as office blocks or churches, or where the image is distorted by local electrical noises.

“Equipment for the transmitter is almost complete. That is all I can say at present, and that is the best way to put it,” Mr Tulloch said. “It is not possible to define the exact field or range of the transmitter until test signals have been radiated. The first signals will comprise test patterns.”

Mr Tulloch said that it was possible that the transmitter would give a primary service to some areas beyond the five-mile radius, and a secondary service to areas even more remote. But regular reception without distortion could not be guaranteed.

“People who live on or near hills, in factory areas, and beyond a five-mile radius should study their situation carefully. Until testing begins, locations disadvantageous to viewers cannot be named.”

"Reception problems can in many cases be overcome. By erecting an aerial at the top of a 'mast, by using more complicated and costly types of aerials, by suppressing electrical interference in and about the home, a better picture can be obtained. The strength of signal being received is the major factor in obtaining a satisfactory service.” said Mr Tulloch. He said that engineers and technicians had been working steadily during the last six months to install the necessary equipment for the beginning of television in Christchurch.