Welcome! On this page, we’ll walk though TV history with the help of hundreds of new pictures of cameras and studios, and more…
The photos you will see in The Gallery are not duplicated in the Camera sections of the site, but there are well over two hundred new images that have been added there in the RCA, Norelco, GE, Marconi and Dumont camera sections, so be sure and take a new look!
Below are over twenty new articles I’ve written that touch on a lot of aspects of Television as it was then and is now, but the one thing they all have in common is lots of unique pictures. There are several large photo albums from historic TV stations, program histories and the visits with and to some very interesting people and broadcast centers. There’s also a primer on today’s state of the art cameras, a secret RCA back-story, one that will have you not believing your own eyes, and more. I hope you enjoy!
Bobby Ellerbee
State of the Art: A Primer on the Latest Innovations
Please read this first – it’ll prepare you for some of the things you’ll not only read below, but for some of the things that bring you the television programs you enjoy.
Six Decades of “Tonight”
A look back at 56 years of the cameras that brought us everyone from Allen, Parr and Carson to Leno, O’Brien and Leno. It’s all about the show, the personalities and the cameras that have brought so much fun for so long. From the RCA TK10s, TK11s, TK41s, TK44s, TK47s to the Sony HD 1000s and Sony HD 1500s and 1550s, you’ll see them all in a unique presentation of advancements.
Conan and TBS: Behind the Scenes
This is an exclusive look behind the scenes at Conan O’Brien’s show on TBS. Thanks to cameraman Bruce Oldham, you get to see the cameras, sets and prop innovations from Stage 15 of the Warner Brothers Studios.
WKY-TV: First in Local Live Color
A huge photo album with more than 100 images, this tells a unique story that stretches from 1949 to today. WKY had the first TK40s delivered to a local station. Both cameras are still with us, and I have the story on where and how they were saved.
WGAL-TV: More than Sixty Years of Television History in Pictures
Another huge photo album shows how a “little” station in Pennsylvania became a legend and a market leader.
Three Generations in Television: The Merklein Family Story
James, Frank, Joan, Jay…and Howdy Doody. You’ll love this story about Frank and his family of TV pioneers…and I do mean pioneers! First hand TV history from the Colonial Theatre, early color and the NTSC, through Howdy Doody, Today and beyond.
The Kennedy-Nixon Debates
Some interesting stories, career-making moves and innovations from the historic series of debates that changed TV and politics forever.
WCNY-TV: A very special Marconi Mark IV story
I can’t tell you more, because there’s a surprise!
“Kid-Made” Cameras
If you’re like some of us, you drew cameras when you were a kid. Have a look at the work of others just like you.
You won’t believe what you’re about to see!
I’d love to see your face as you read this story. It’ll soon dawn on you what’s so special about Jim Wickey’s collection of RCA TK11s.
WDAF-TV in Kansas City
Enjoy a dozen great photos from a station that’s more than 60 years old now!
Today and Yesterday
A look back at the history of NBC’s pioneering morning show – and a visit from our friend Dennis Degan, one of the people who helps bring you Today.
Behind the Scenes at Wheel of Fortune
Our friend Lora sent us some photos from behind the scenes. This is history, in more than one way!
WSB-TV in Atlanta: The Early Years
Here’s a collection from Georgia’s first TV station showing its RCA TK30s at work from the late ’40s through the early ’60s. WSB’s next cameras were the RCA TK60s and then the TK42s. WSB has been on the air more than 60 years and is a favorite of mine as I grew up watching it, but it amazes me how few photos there are to document those years. Unfortunately, this is a common story with many legendary broadcasters.
WAGA-TV in Atlanta: The Early Years
Here’s a look at the history of Atlanta’s second television station – a CBS affiliate until the late 1980s, and now a Fox affiliate.
Ed Sullivan and CBS Studio 50
A history of the show and the building – and special, iconic images from one of America’s most historic programs that show you the stage, control room and a mix of RCA TK30 and TK31 cameras on the set.
A 1959 Colorcast from the Ballpark with WLW
Thanks to a 1959 RCA Broadcast News feature, let’s see how the WLW-TV crew brings viewers a game from Crosley Field.
WAVE-TV’s New Color Studios
Louisville’s WAVE-TV shows off its new studios, and its TK41s, in a 1963 RCA Broadcast News article. I have a soft spot for WAVE, because my TK11 came from there.
The Secret History of the RCA TK44
Secrets, disappointment and egos all played a part in the stealth development of the TK44. It’s a very interesting story and I’ve pieced together the events that surround an “off the books” engineering program that was born when the TK42 was in big trouble. The Norelco PC60 had arrived, and there was panic in Camden.
History for Hire: The Grand Tour
Hollywood’s top prop house is an amazing site to see, especially its camera section. For your pleasure, here are nearly fifty images from over 100 sent to me by our friend John Bolin, who got a grand tour from owner Jim Elyea.
CBS Television City: A Primer
Although there are close to 100 images on this site taken AT Television City, I thought it would be nice if we could go IN to that hallowed structure. The only way I know how is to introduce you to a web site that does the best job I’ve seen at showing us around, so come on in!
Studio 8H and the Chapman Crane
See the classic Chapman Electra crane like you never have seen it before…in detail! As a resident of NBC’s famous Studio 8H for 40 years, this crane and this studio have seen real television history, and we’ll take a good look at both.