Object Record
Images
Metadata
Title |
Ampex Portable Video Camera, 1966 |
Object Name |
Camera |
Description |
Ampex Portable Video Camera,1966. Ampex portable video recorder used for closed circuit television. Video camera features: a rectangular black and silver-colored metal recorder; camera with cork strip; a black metal detachable lens projecting from left bottom side; a black and white composite video (all elements of video are contained in one wire), and a power cord. Silver colored Ampex logo stamped on front at left. |
Date |
1966 |
Creator |
Ampex, Redwood City |
Role |
Manufacturer |
Catalog Number |
2005.004 |
Dimensions |
H-9 W-6.25 D-2.75 inches |
Dimension Details |
9 x 6.250 x 2.750 |
Collection |
3D - Photographic Tools & Equipment |
Inscription Text |
"Ampex" (silver-colored stylized logo stamped on front at left); "CAT NO 7016007 Serial 2544, 117 VAC, 60 cycles 0.15 amps"; Lens "SOM Berthot Paris, Pan-cinor; 1966" (on lens) [note historical data, not able to view as displayed under glass] |
Notes |
"Ampex Electric and Manufacturing Company was one of the first Silicon Valley companies and was formed by Alexander M. Poniatoff in San Carlos, California in 1944. The name AMPEX consists of Poniatoff’s initials, with "EX" for "excellent" to form the unique brand. "The company’s initial, national success came when Bing Crosby grew tired of his radio show interrupting his golf game. Crosby inked a deal with Ampex to record the show on an Ampex "Model 200 reel-to-reel tape machine so it could be broadcast via tape delay. This served as the catalyst for Ampex’s unrivaled success in the Hollywood and entertainment recording industries for the next several decades. Notable milestones included an unknown truck driver named Elvis Presley recording his historic first single, "That’s All Right" using an Ampex 521 reel to reel in 1954, and, in 1956, the introduction of the Ampex VRX-1000 (later renamed the Mark IV), hailed as the first practical videotape recorder. "Ampex would go on to win several Emmy’s, an Oscar, and a Grammy for its groundbreaking innovations. The company’s culture of innovation would also foster revolutionary innovators like Ray Dolby, of Dolby Digital. Ray’s first job as a teenager was at Ampex, and later he would help build the VRX-1000. Also, Larry Ellison, co-founder of Oracle, helped develop the technology behind Oracle while working for Ampex in the ‘70s. "Today, Ampex stands on the same foundation of superior innovation with its industry leading line of ruggedized data management systems for aerospace and ground vehicles and supporting laboratories, a technology which began in 1950 when Ampex built the first "dedicated" instrumentation recorder, the Model 500, for the U.S. Navy." [https://www.ampex.com/ampex-history/] |
Search Terms |
Ampex Audio Technology Camera Electronics Technology Entrepreneurs Poniatoff, Alexander M. Recorders Recorders Redwood City Video Technology |
Subjects |
Audiovisual materials Cameras Electronic apparatus & appliances Electronics industry Recorders Video recording |
People |
Poniatoff, Alexander M. |