TV Programmes Of Own Choice

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 31906, 6 February 1969, Page 2

TV Programmes Of Own Choice

Itty

CAROLE LYDERS)

LONDON

When Edison invented the gramophone, the pundits declared home entertainment could go no further. They said the same when John Logie Baird developed television, and Dr Peter Goldmark the long-playing record.

But science does not stand still and Dr Goldmark has invented a new system which allows television owners to play programmes of their choice through their sets.

The system called E.V.R. (electronic video recording and reproduction) is the audio-visual equivalent of the long-playing record. It is expected to revolutionise home entertainment and dramatically change the present methods of audio-visual education and training. Pictures and sound are recorded on special film enclosed in a telecartridge. This is placed on a teleplayer about the same size as a portable record player. The output of the player goes by coaxial cable to any 625-line television set and can be either plugged into the aerial socket or into a space channel on the set. SIMPLE CONTROLS

At the touch of a button, the picture and sound are played through the set, which requires no modifications and will still receive normal television programmes. E.V.R. produces highquality pictures and sound. Control is simple. Programmes can be put on at any time and the film in the teleplayer can be stopped at any point and individual pictures examined for as long as the user requires.

The film can also be speeded up or reversed. The cartridges hold one hour of playing time—two half-hour programmes or one half-hour colour film.

The system is being developed by the E.V.R. partnership formed last year by 1.C.1., C.B.S. of America, and Ciba of Switzerland and will go into mass production in Britain in the middle of 1970. The manufacturers feel itk initial impact will be in education and industrial training but that ultimately people will be able to buy or rent film for showing at home from libraries or retail shops. Final costs have not yet been worked out, but it Is thought the teleplayer will cost under £2OO and the film cartridge under £2O.