Technology

For a detailed list, please look at our milestones pages

Summary
Looking back, it is amazing how the technology of broadcasting has changed over the last 80 years or so. Both the technologies of production and the technologies of delivery have changed dramatically.

During the 1930s the research work was mainly concerned with short-wave broadcasting, studio developments, development of the Simultaneous Broadcast system which enabled a number of transmitting stations to broadcast the same programme at the same time, and television, the 405-line system being broadcast for the first time in 1936.

During the 1940s, we saw the start of FM radio; colour television became an item on our horizon; and new magnetic recording techniques were just coming into operation.

In the 1950s, we saw the start of work on stereo radio; long distance communications were beginning to take place with the first transatlantic signals (and with it the need to consider standards conversion); and transistors were starting to be used in commercial equipment, paving the way for the communications revolution.

In the 1960s satellite communications were used for the first time in broadcasting; digital techniques came into their own for sound and picture communication.

In the 1970s the pace quickened, as the latest integrated circuits were used for signal processing. This led to NICAM, CEEFAX, Sound in Syncs, RDS and the first experiments with digital sound broadcasting.

The 1980s may be remembered for the great debate about how to exploit the satellite broadcasting spectrum. Should we use analogue systems, wait for digital, or something in between. Whilst this discussion was proceeding, "high definition" television and digital audio broadcasting both became items on the horizon.

The 1990s must be remembered for start of digital radio and television broadcasting and the launch of the BBC's internet. All these projects were made possible by the creative work of R&D engineers. At the same time, virtual production techniques were evolving to provide powerful production tools.