The Evolution of Early Television Broadcasts: From Live Shows to Film Playbacks
From the late 1950s to the late 1980s, the world of television broadcasting underwent a significant transformation. Early television stations had to either physically run a recorded show or film from the production room to broadcast it, adding an interesting layer to the history of television. Understanding how this process evolved provides valuable insights into the technological advancements that shaped the industry.
Live Shows and Kinescopes in the 1950s
In the 1950s, network variety shows, game shows, and sitcoms were either broadcast live from New York or filmed in Hollywood. However, the live shows were not just live; they were simultaneously recorded on film and processed for delayed broadcasts for the West Coast time zone. These recordings were known as kinescopes and are the only way to watch those live shows today.
Early In-House Broadcast Operations
In the very early days of the 1950s, everything broadcast out of the station facilities was recorded or filmed within the station. Local programming was usually in-studio and always live, although some filmed commercials were occasionally aired. Syndicated and network shows were typically played back on film, while local news footage was filmed and later broadcast.
One of my interview subjects informed me that the broadcast of network shows locally could be delayed by at least a week, and in some cases, up to two weeks, depending on the delivery time of the films. This was especially true in large cities like New York, where the supply chain and logistics for film delivery were more complex.
Technological Advancements and Their Impact
Eventually, technological advancements led to the use of microwave transmission towers to deliver live network feeds. Later, as stations became capable, satellite dishes were installed to receive broadcasts. This shift to live feeds and satellite broadcasts greatly improved the quality and timeliness of the broadcasts.
When I started in the industry in 1980, it was still common to see film reels for syndication shows. Shows like The Waltons, Charlie's Angels, and older favorites such as The Andy Griffith Show would still be delivered in film form. While this method had its advantages, it also had its challenges as films and splices could often be broken, leading to interruptions in the broadcast.
The Late 1980s and Beyond: The End of Film Playbacks
By the late 1980s, a lot of the local TV stations had moved away from film playbacks for shows and movies. However, some stations continued to use this method, and one incident stands out as a stark example of its limitations. At my local station, one of the film projectors was old, leading to issues where the film would go off its sprockets. This resulted in 'Please Stand By' signs or even black screens during parts of the episode or movie.
These instances were extremely frustrating for both the staff and the audience. It got to the point where sometimes an entire episode or movie would not play, and the station would show nothing but a black screen or 'Please Stand By' until it was time for the next show or to sign off for the night.
Conclusion
The evolution from live shows to film playbacks and eventually to live feeds and satellite broadcasts marks a significant chapter in the history of television. The challenges faced in the early days highlight the technological and logistical hurdles that needed to be overcome to make television the reliable and accessible medium it is today. From kinescopes to film projectors to modern satellite technology, the journey has been fascinating and continues to shape the way we watch and consume television.