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Much said about Philco and the Predictas is urban legend. I will share some history. Some supports the legend, some does not.
1. I am not aware that Philco was ever bankrupt. Philco had so many other businesses including appliances, computers, government, military, transistors, auto radios, mail sorting equipment, special test equipment and aero space so one model of one product could not have much impact on the bottom line.
2. The transition to Ford started quietly in the mid 50s, completed in '61. It was part of Ford's strategy to emulate GM and Chrysler by having broader consumer lines; Chrysler with Airtemp and GM with Fridigaire. The OEM auto radio business was also an attraction that was expanded under Ford.
3. The Predicta electronics were contemporary designs jammed into unconventional enclosures.
4. The picture tubes were following the trends toward lower wattage heaters to reduce heat and extend life. The same picture tubes were used in other cabinet designs including the "Seventeener 3", 17 inch briefcase portable. They sold at the rate of 5,000 per week and numerous ones survive today with good CRTs. Eventually most manufacturers followed to 450 ma heaters for series string TVs.
5. Predictas earned a reputation for poor quality. They were difficult to assemble, had poor factory yeilds and high on-arrival failure rates. They were the result of the stylists winning out over the engineers. Too much heat into too little space. Product Planning wanted something different to put in the dealer's showroom. They got that, but they were never intended for a 50 year product life.
6. I am surprised that so many Predictas survive, considering the number sold and the volume of other good products of the era that have been long since discarded.
7. Philco supplied hotels and motels through the Telesound Division. Many of the Predictas available today are former hotel TVs that got hard use and shoddy repair.
8. Philco President, Philip Caldwell, shifted the emphasis to quality after the official Ford takeover. By that time, the Predicta was long out of the product line.
9. In the 60s, investment went to color TV and appliances, like everyone else, so the B&W console chassis remained virtually unchanged until it was discontinued around 1970.
10. The Philadelphia TV plant closed in 1975, long after the Predicta so the Predicta did not put Philco out of business.
11. In the picture displayed in the opening comment, I am surprised that the same person can operate the keyboard and see the display at the same time.
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