A series of five documentary programmes to mark the BBC's anniversary
Presented by René Cutforth 4:The Television Story
On 2 November 1936 at Alexandra Palace the BBC started the first public high-definition television service in the world. It closed for the war, but when it restarted in 1946 it was still the only regular TV service in operation.
It was always far more expensive than Radio, always more complicated technically. Few people in 1936 could have foreseen the enormous strides it would make in a comparatively few years into colour and Telstar communication.
In those early days telly was simple and homely: the BBC once invited the entire viewing audience to tea in one studio. Contents: The pioneer years-Picture Page - Gerald Cock -Euruvision - Telstar - Hancock - Steptoe - Alf Garnett - That Was The Week That Was Research by JEAN STROUD Written and produced by ALAN BURGESS