I was talking to my brother yesterday, and he asked me if I would give him one of my spare sets (I have a few reasonably new--late 1990's--that I really don't use). I asked him if he would trade me for a more vintage set (a early-mid eighties Emerson 19" portable) that he had and wasn't using. He immediately got on me asking what the heck I would want with such an obsolete set (non digital tuning, no remote, etc). I started to tell him about the fact that I always found the non digital sets to be better for distant signals, especially with being able to adjust the fine tuning, etc. He just looked at me as though I had three heads, so I let the subject drop.
Sorry for a rant, but has anyone else ever had the problem of trying to explain our hobby to outsiders?


Eric
Tweed, ON

Although it can be frustrating I find that people not understanding our hobbies is great, that's how you find bargains!! When I buy vintage stereo receivers or speakers I often hear the line "What do you want with this piece of $HIT????????" Use it as a bargaining chip!!! :)

I for sure don't understand the old TV thing you fellas got going on but more power to ya ;)

Eric,

Right you are! Gimme an old fashioned mechanical analog tuner any day of the week to do TV DX'ing. You just can't even watch TV for normal viewing in a fringe area with that damned audio squelch built into modrn sets!

If you guys have read my previous rants & raves, you'll know what I'm talking about- I see a roundie, or a set from the '40s or '50s, & I wonder what all its shown in its life. "I Love Lucy"-B4 it was rerun umpteen zillion times? Army-McCarthy hearings ? Suez crisis? "Twilight Zone"? JFK assasination? The coming of color in late '65? "See the USA in Your Chevrolet !!"? The moon landings? The Berlin Wall coming down? And a new set-well, you turn 'em on & they play-mostly commercials. No drama. A tube TV-any old tube device really- comes alive. They hum softly. They pop, crack, a bit staticky, & then the sound & picture come up. They feel nice & warm & comforting after they've been playing awhile. Usually, there's a nice homey smell associated w/'em too. Old TVs & radios ? If you grew up in the late part of the 20th century, they are one of the touchstones of your life. Guess I never have gotten over being fascinated by that magick box that displays pictures....-Sandy G.

I really don't have a problem getting people to understand this hobby. My biggest problem was my mother bitching about the basement being a mess.

The old sets, in a way, remind me of better times. I was not around when JFK was assassinated, or even when Chet Huntley retired (I was around a few months later). I have always been interested in the TV coverage of JFK's assassination, and have seen uncut NBC coverage on the internet. What I really want is to see the same coverage on the Andrea or my other restored sets, as opposed to on a real player.

What were supposed to be my better times weren't. We had disco, Watergate and its aftermath, bad economies, energy crisis, Iranian Hostage crisis, reaganomics, Challenger explosion, and others. I choose 50's and 60's era sets, not because they have tubes, but the programming they originally reproduced was that much better, and a good part of it still runs today.

I had reletives who owned round screen sets (color), and couldn't figure out why the screen was round (I was a dumb 4 year old). Being at their houses was wonderful and there was something about the roundies that adds intrigue. Unfortunately, most of them are gone and the roundies eventually retired, before I got into this, otherwise I would have inherited sets.

There will always be people who don't understand why we do this. Then again, TV collecting is different than collecting fine China. Our stuff comes in bigger packages, and will outlive their modern counterparts. If a set dies, it can be fixed and not lose value, unlike China, which if broken, is worthless.

I have concluded I was born in the wrong time. I like 50's-60's music, tube equipment, black and white programming and other things of the era. Even though most programs the networks give us is total shit, there is something about letting the set warm up and adjusting the tuner, and vertical hold. I can't put my finger on it.

When all stations are required to go digital and our present system is obsolete, I think our sets will end up being static displays. TV makers will not have to make converters. As long as we have VCR's and DVD players (If anyone puts out more classic TV),then, we will have something to show properly.

These old sets, like radios and audio gear, are part of our history, and some just don't get it. That's a shame.

End of rant.

Big Dave said:
<<snip>> I choose 50's and 60's era sets, not because they have tubes, but the programming they originally reproduced was that much better, and a good part of it still runs today.

What an interesting concept, Dave. Got me thinking.

Paul

This talk about being able to fine tun the old sets and DXing reminds me of something that I hate about my daily watcher modern Sony......if the signal fades or a car drives by the picture flops to snow and the sound makes this big Shoooooosh! before is mutes.

On the weaker stations, once the signal is sees this sort of interference it loses the lock and I have to actually flip to another channel and come back to the one I had been watching. Bad design to say the least.

Anthony

I agree totally with the comment about the older shows (b&w) being better--yesterday, I went out and purchased a box set of videos (DVD's), and I haven't laughed so hard in months when I started watching them--if anyone is into vintage sixties comedy that doesn't get shown on tv much anymore, I highly recommend the box set "The Best of Mr. Ed--Volume 1. A classic!
Getting slightly off topic, has anybody else noticed that on shows that were set in the past but made recently (I'm specifically thinking "That 70's Show") how they screw up in terms of authenticity? I was watching a re-run yesterday afternoon, and in a supposedly 70's appliance store, they had a 1990's vintage radio antenna (for any AM dx'ers out there, it was a Select-A-Tenna) supposedly being used on a TV set. Do they take all viewers for idiots?
I will get off my soapbox now!

Eric
Tweed, ON

P.S. all together now "A horse is a horse, of course, of course...)

Mr. Ed (now deceased, really!) was sponsored by Studebaker. As some of you know by now, I'm sick in the head from them cars. Actually, to put a finer point on it, the Stude dealers themselves were "asked" (forced) by the corporation to pay into a slush fund that went towards this program. If you watch enough episodes you'll see a preponderance of these cars.

Having worked in the movie and TV biz I can comment on incorrect vintage items that seem to pop up......one of the problems is that the set decorators are often too young to know any better, not an excuse but an explanation. This being their livelihood they really should be knowledgeable about what's correct.

Another problem is sometimes they just can't obtain a correct item within the time frame that it's needed. How often have you seen a car that's a couple years too new for a scene? It's a combination of not being able to locate the proper year car and the "no one's gonna know anyway" syndrome.

How many of you have seen Benny Hill's goof on continuity problems? This is SO damn funny for those in the know. He'll show in one shot a glass that's almost empty and then cut to another angle in which the glass is full! Same thing with cigarettes, clothing, etc. One of the funniest things he ever did and also probably the most unappreciated too.

Anthony

Eric C,

Where did you buy that Mr. Ed box set? I'd love to have that. Last time I saw a Mr. Ed episode I laughed so hard I literally had to go to the hospital with severe chest pain that I started. I'm not kidding! That was back in 1986 or so when they had Mr. Ed on Nick at Night on clear C-band satellite.

I just got the "Lost In Space" DVD box set, 8 discs, the full first season plus an unaired pilot, and a CBS promo to sell the sponsors on the show!

I have been enjoying the heck out of this! Memories abound in these shows, some of which I probably haven't seen since the first run.

Dr Smith is really an evil villian, he wasn't a comic figure yet in the first season. The eerie narrator adds to the fun.

the special effects may look a bit dated now but this show was clearly well produced and expensive looking for the era.

It was an Irwin Allen production, you may remember him from such films as: "Poseidon Adventure" "Towering Inferno" and "Earthquake". :D


Eric

I've seen the pilot for LIS and as you noted, most people don't realize that Smith was a real POS in the first season. I heard once that supposedly his character was supposed to be a commie spy, remember this show was made in the 60's!

They had a much higher budget than Star Trek for some reason and it's been said that their sets were quite sturdy whereas the Star Trek sets could be knocked over if you leaned on them!

Anthony

Firstly, Rob, I believe you are in Canada too. I got my copy of the box set (2 DVD's, both 2 sided) at Sam the Record Man, but any decent record store/dvd outlet should carry it. I had read in the Toronto Star last week-end about it being released this past week. The guy at the sales desk had never heard of it, and was looking in the movie section before someone set him straight! What do you expect from a guy about 20? As for the Studebaker sponsorship of the show, I hadn't known that, but am not surprised as I am almost positive the vehicle that Wilbur drives. and is seen in his driveway in some shots, is a Studebaker Lark.
By the way, I also read, for anyone interested, that the first season of Green Acres is now out on DVD.
As for the worst piece of historical continuity in a tv show or movie, my vote would go to the Renault Dauphine (I think)...in the background of one of the chariot race scenes of the 1959 version of Ben Hur!

Eric C
Tweed

I am an amateur (ham) radio operator, and I too have the darnedest time explaining the hobby to anyone outside it (that's most people I know). My fascination with electronics, old radios/TVs, audio/video/stereo/computers, etc. is the same way. Can't find anyone much to talk to about the stuff (outside of here on AK and an amateur radio club of which I am a member). I guess these hobbies we all are "into" here are special-interest things; "you have to be there" to really understand our passions for them. That's the main reason I became a member of AK. You guys (and the members of my ham radio club) understand my interests in these technical hobbies better than anyone else I know, because you are involved in them as well. Thanks for being here.


Kind regards,

Originally posted by Eric C
Firstly, Rob, I believe you are in Canada too. I got my copy of the box set (2 DVD's, both 2 sided) at Sam the Record Man, but any decent record store/dvd outlet should carry it. I had read in the Toronto Star last week-end about it being released this past week. The guy at the sales desk had never heard of it, and was looking in the movie section before someone set him straight! What do you expect from a guy about 20? As for the Studebaker sponsorship of the show, I hadn't known that, but am not surprised as I am almost positive the vehicle that Wilbur drives. and is seen in his driveway in some shots, is a Studebaker Lark.
By the way, I also read, for anyone interested, that the first season of Green Acres is now out on DVD.
As for the worst piece of historical continuity in a tv show or movie, my vote would go to the Renault Dauphine (I think)...in the background of one of the chariot race scenes of the 1959 version of Ben Hur!

Eric C
Tweed

Your mention of the Renault Dauphine commercials reminded me of a TV screen shot I saw in an old TV repair book years ago. The picture was of a football field; superimposed on it were the words, in bright white and I swear three inches high (you couldn't miss them), "FUN: Renault Dauphine." I think the football game this picture came from must have been sponsored by Renault.

I'm too young to have any nostalgia for the TVs, or the shows of the 50's and 60's, but I still get a kick out of making these old sets work properly again. I think for me it's a fascination with seeing some of the most complex consumer electronics available at the time working again. I'm interested in a lot of old high tech items like TVs, audio equipment, test equipment and early electronic calculators. I even have a Sony CDP-101 that I'm trying to resurrect. I'm particularly interested in tube color sets because they really are about the most complex consumer device to use tubes. One key factor in my interest is that it must still be capable of performing a useful function. I like things I can actually use if I want to. I guess this is why I'm much less interested in things like mechanical TV and radios (the radio isn't even worth turning on in my area).

I also enjoy the unusual. Anyone can go out and buy a new TV from best buy, but it's not that often you see a 40 year old set working like it did when it was new. As an EE I like to experience first hand the history of where we've come from and how far in only a few decades.

Eric C,

Yes I'm near Shelburne. Thanx for that info. No way I'm going to drive to downtown Toronto to go to Sam's for this but we have Future Shops and Block Busters close by.

I had a real fascination with the original Outer Limits series which aired when I was about 9 years old. I remember watching them whenever I could on my parent's 17" 1954 Majestic TV. Some of them were scarry. I've now got all four box sets on Laserdisc but I remember seeing a few episodes when first aired in '63 and '64 that weren't put on the laser set. Does anyone know if they are putting the Limits on DVD and if they have added more classis episodes? There was one called "Moonstone" I believe that didn't make it to laser, also one about a nuclear reactor gone berzerk, and one about an alien visitor named Mr. Zeno posing as a private tutor that 'd love to see again. Gosh I can think of more too!

Rob,
yes, seasons 1&2 are available in DVD box sets.

Check amazon.com or half.com for a good deal on them.

Eric H


Originally posted by Rob
Eric C,

Does anyone know if they are putting the Limits on DVD and if they have added more classis episodes?

Oh man !! "Outer Limits"!!! NOW you're talkin' !! "There is nothing wrong w/your Television Set....." Never saw it much when it originally aired-it came on too late for a 7-year-old, we couldn't really get the station-this was WAY B4 cable- but man, oh man, do I remember the "bears"..."Zanti Misfits", the "Luminoids"...STILL scares the P*$$ outta me. <grin> "Lost In Space"...Was Dr Smith a pompous ass or what ?!? Always wanted Don or Dr Robinson to let loose & JUST ONCE keelhaul the sumbitch. Really hurt last year when Jonathan Harris passed on. Would liked to have known what he was really like. Any of you guys remember "The Time Tunnel"? Think it was an Irwin Allen production, too.-Sandy G.

Time Tunnel was an Irwin Allen production.
Another old series that I would love them to bring out on DVD (it was before my time, and I have only seen a few episodes on late night tv), is "December Bride" with Spring Byington. Another, if any taped episodes exist (I only saw a few episodes a few years ago on PBS down here), is "The Goldbergs" from the very early fifties.
I'd bet that if any station were gutsy enough to get the rights to these types of shows and put them on in Prime Time, they would smoke most of the new crud in terms of viewership.

Eric
Tweed, ON

Eric- Seems like I remember that one of the actors in "The Goldbergs" ran afoul of the McCarthy witchunts in the early Fifties, had his career ruined, & maybe shot himself. It was probably way too good for TV nowadays-as was a lot of what was on back then-"Playhouse 90", "Texaco Star Theater", etc, etc. That's another thing-even the commercials were better back then. At least they weren't hawking some drug that they won't even tell you what it's for, & then have 2 minutes telling why you shouldn't take it... Arrrrgh !! -Sandy G.

Sandy, the actor you are thinking of was Phillip Loeb, who played the male lead in the show. He was dropped from the show, and the role was recast (a couple of times, from what I've read.) He did end up committing suicide in 1955, after being unable to get any work because of the McCarthy witch hunts.
The only episodes of the "Goldbergs" I have ever seen were from the last season, where the male lead was played by Robert Parker (I think). It was run on our local PBS outlet (out of Watertown, NY) on Saturday nights for a few months back in the late '90's.

The best site in the universe for settling bar bets concerning movies--tv shows--and the stars is http://www.imdb.com

There you can research your ass off. They have short bios on many of the stars and you can also check who else they worked with. Make sure you take a potty break first as you'll be there for quite awhile!

Anthony

Anthony, I am very familiar with that site. I have spent hours at a time on it. Mind you, I have been referred to many times as a "triviot"

Eric
Tweed, ON

Phillip Loeb- Yep, that was the guy. Remembered it when you said his name. What a shame. Anthony- Dammittall, why did you tell me about that site ?!? Now I'll get less work done than usual !!! Not that I ever labored mightily anyway...HehHehHeh....-Sandy G.

I'm too young to have any nostalgia for the TVs, or the shows of the 50's and 60's, but I still get a kick out of making these old sets work properly again..

man,tell me about it...i'm 22 and half the stuff i own is from the 40s/50s!even my family members who LIVED threw that time think i'm crazy!

You wanna make a oldster nuts? Start singing "Chickery Chick, cha-lot cha-lot....."

Anthony

I've found that it's pointless to get other people to understand my or my hobby. Hell, sometimes I don't even understand myself. But the one thing I get the most from people when I tell them about/show them my collection is "What do you do with them?". Now, my main hobby has been collecting obsolete computers. Nobody understands _why_ I enjoy working on outdated hardware, and it's a hard concept for people to grasp that I actually collect it. Now, with the televisions, I get the same thing. I'll tell one of my friends about my latest find, and they'll say - "But what are you going to do with it?". "Fix it up." I'll say. "But then what are you going to do with it when you fix it?" - "Watch it. That's what most people do with televisions." "Yeah, but it's old..."

People will never understand why... but at least they'll remember that you're the crazy one that likes this old junk, and will refer people to you that are getting rid of old hardware. Now if I could only find someone with a DEC Vax in the basement. And a color roundie. That they don't want. Heh - fat chance.

-Ian

I'll find you a color roundie if you want to drive to Buffalo to get it :)

They seem to be somewhat plentiful around here......at least I've found the proper methods for looking :)

I'll find you a color roundie if you want to drive to Buffalo to get it
Buffalo? No problem. That's not really all that far from here. I've drivin further to pick up hardware, and I'd _love_ a color roundie :) :D :D

-Ian

I get the "what do you do with them" question a lot, most recently from a tv repairman who I was showing the collection off to. Some fun the other day, my wife had one of these parties where all her friends come over and buy stuff. One had to bring her 2 young sons-I was left to entertain them. What could I do? I pulled out the CED player & popped in a Disney cartoon compilation. I played it via the CTC-12. A great way to show off the tv! The kids just stared until the disc was over. One told his mother "he has an OLD tv...and it WORKS!" The CED player really puzzled them, and hard for me to explain to them since they don't even know what record is. Funny, when the disc was over I hunted for something else appropriate for them and chose "The Apple Dumpling Gang". They have been well trained by their parents-they wouldn't watch it because it was too violent! (Don Knotts having his pistol self destruct?)

I've found that it's pointless to get other people to understand my or my hobby. Hell, sometimes I don't even understand myself. But the one thing I get the most from people when I tell them about/show them my collection is "What do you do with them?". Now, my main hobby has been collecting obsolete computers. Nobody understands _why_ I enjoy working on outdated hardware, and it's a hard concept for people to grasp that I actually collect it. Now, with the televisions, I get the same thing. I'll tell one of my friends about my latest find, and they'll say - "But what are you going to do with it?". "Fix it up." I'll say. "But then what are you going to do with it when you fix it?" - "Watch it. That's what most people do with televisions." "Yeah, but it's old..."

People will never understand why... but at least they'll remember that you're the crazy one that likes this old junk, and will refer people to you that are getting rid of old hardware. Now if I could only find someone with a DEC Vax in the basement. And a color roundie. That they don't want. Heh - fat chance.

-Ian

I'm promised monochrome AND color Truetones (as soon as he gets around to delivery)--both round...he was a Motorola and Sony plus Hitachi dealer and he's retiring--slowly. I've been cleaning out the basement, so to speak. I'm dying to get that EICO battery eliminator to go with my early Heathkit VOM...

I'll find you a color roundie if you want to drive to Buffalo to get it :)

They seem to be somewhat plentiful around here......at least I've found the proper methods for looking :)


Hey,Kam-- could you find me a color RCA roundie,say a CTC-4,5,or early 7 ?, I have NOT been able to latch oto one of those, that was not WAY too expensive. I have 9 roundies now, but most are mid-60's, the oldest being a '62 model. I PROBABLY could make it to NY, to get it.

As for Old TV shows, that should be on-- WHERE is Mission Impossible? it has NOT ran in this area, since the Summer of '87. I can't believe it is not on tvland, or sci-fi, or hallmark, or SOMETHING. I am SURE I am not the only fan of this great show. It is my FAVORITE show of all time. Period.

RCA, buffalow is a loong drive from us.