Television demonstration unit displayed at the Technological Museum
Object No. B1124
The first public demonstrations of closed circuit television in Australia were made at the Technological Museum in April 1950. As the Museum lacked the funds to purchase a commercial system from Britain or America, Sir Edward Hallstrom funded a project to have the equipment built locally to demonstrate 'the wonders of television' to the people of Sydney. The camera was propped on the second floor of the Museum facing Harris Street and the black and white image of passing traffic was viewed on a 5 inch (12.7cm) receiver. This 250-line system was designed and built in Sydney by Colville Wireless Equipment Co. Pty. Ltd. and the demonstrations were hugely popular until withdrawn from display after the government's decision to adopt the 625-line system, "as it would give the public an erroneous impression of what television was to be like in Australia".
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Summary
Object Statement
Television demonstration unit, 250 line, complete with camera, made in Sydney, displayed at Technological Museum, Harris Street, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, from April 1950
Physical Description
Unit on an upright swivel panel, camera on a tri-wheeled stand.
PRODUCTION
Notes
Manufactured by Colville Wireless Equipment Co. Pty. Ltd., Sydney
HISTORY
Notes
From the 1949 Museum annual report "Gifts were sought for specific purposes and the Trustees acknowledge with grateful thanks gifts from the following:- Mr. E. J. Hallstrom, Sydney, 650 pounds (television). From the 1950 Museum annual report "Television.-The 250 lines demonstration unit presented by Mr. E.J. Hallstrom of Sydney, was officially opened by the Minister for Education, Mr. R.J. Heffron, MLA., on 3rd April 1950. The daily demonstrations have proved to be immensely popular with visitors."
SOURCE
Credit Line
Gift of E J Hallstrom, 1950
Acquisition Date
16 May 1950
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