RCAs Last Broadcast Television Camera

[J Ballard]

Hello-

RCA's Broadcast division closed in October 1985. It's last broadcast camera was actually the TK-47, which was supposed to be retired in favor of the TK-48, introduced a year earlier. Only two prototypes were built of the 48.

I suppose you could still order a CCD-1, but only about 40+ were sold. 403 horizontal pixels might have been a bit too few for broadcast. At the time of closure, RCA was working on a CCD-2 design, a systemized camera, but manufacturing was unable to order parts. The handwriting was on the wall.

Shortly thereafter, Philips introduced the frame transfer design used by RCA and the larger Japanese companies rushed CCD cameras to the market. The early ones were pretty bad, but the CCD offred so many advantages over a portable tube camera that customers were willing to forgive certain shortcomings.

RCA remained open as a support function for a year and to satisfy contractual obligations. It was a very sad day for the U.S. and for our industry.

Regards,

JB