Philips N1500 Video Recorder
From Object Wiki
| Philips N1500 video recorder | |
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| Manufacturer | (unknown) |
| Production years | (unknown) |
| Production location | (unknown) |
Although not purchased in large numbers, the Philips type N1500 introduced the concept of the video cassette recorder (VCR) to Britain in 1972. This machine was designed in the Netherlands but manufactured in Britain.
[edit] How it works
A video recorder saves the electronic signal of a television in the same way that a tape recorder saves audio signals.
The tape is covered in ferrous oxide, which is magnetic. When a signal is fed to the recording head, the tiny magnetic particles are left in a pattern on the tape as it goes past. When the tape is played back, the playback head can read the patterns and recreate the television signal, which it sends to the television.
[edit] Memories
I spent many happy(?) hours maintaining the Philips N1500 recorders at a magnetic tape factory.
The lacing mechanism, with its cord and springs was always a joy to work on... particularly the "improved" version with the nylon thread to stop the springs shorting out the mains input when the cord broke.
Electrically they were very reliable, mechanically they required a lot of work, not surprising since they were used more or less 24 hours a day.
The 1 hour cassette (the longest available for the N1500) cost £16 or so when my weekly wage was about £35... the machine itself was over £400, while a new Mini was about £650.
It contained very few integrated circuits, mostly using discrete transistors and diodes.
Sadly enough, I actually have one, which I bought for £10 in a junk shop.
— Anon
Anon,that sounds like you had quite the indepth experience with working on these machines.What a experience to be sure.That is great that you were able to pick up one at a junk shop for such a cheap price. After seeing what the tapes and machines went for new in 1972-73 is great that prices have dropped there somewhat.A great deal to be sure, on a classic video machine.I am curently attending university and have been researcghing various video and film recording formats,with particular interest to recorded tv off air/professional material.Was curious if you or someone may have some tapes about? As they would be of great assistance for my research.If not fully understand. Any assistance here would be much appreciated whenever you can spare the time.Can reach me at my e-mail address: stereofreak01@hotmail.com Cheers,
— Lance
I certainly remember this machine. I was the Audio Visual and Science Technician in The Toynbee School, Eastleigh Hants. It was one of the first VCR's that we used in the school, probably in the mid seventies. It was my responsibility to record the BBC & ITV Schools programmes. We thought we were quite 'modern' and cutting edge to own one! However funds only allowed one VCR and so whenever a teacher wished to view one of the recordings, it meant that I had to physically move the machine, by trolley if possible, if not I had to lift and carry up a flight of stairs to the relevant classroom! It was a very bulky and quite heavy piece of kit! Lucky for me we had 2 TV's in the school - one upstairs and one downstairs. Then of course I had to connect the VCR to the TV, ensure the thing played back properly and leave the teacher to it. After the lesson it was another trip in reverse! Thankfully as time went by we moved premises and began updating the technology, until eventually PC's took over most of the AV tasks.
— Chrism
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Do you remember this video recorder? Add your memories. |
[edit] In the Science Museum
Source: D. Dean. Inv: No: E2005.354.1.
This object is currently on display in the Dan Dare & the Birth of Hi-Tech Britain exhibition at the Science Museum, London.