"Telstar" - Radio and Television Executive Society Luncheon
Mr. Jean Felker of Bell Labs discusses communication by satellite and other aspects of the future of communication in space, followed by questions from the floor.
The high-profile attendees of the event are announced.
The speaker, Assistant Chief Engineer of AT&T Mr. Jean Howard Felker is introduced.
He discusses the technical innovations involving microwaves that led to broadcast television. Because microwaves travel in straight lines, the curvature of the Earth prevents broadcasting worldwide.
He talks about the new techniques developed by Bell Labs, including those surrounding Telstar, a model of which is in on display at the luncheon and which he describes at length.
He discusses the capabilities of satellite technologies for broadcasters.
He talks about the ground stations that are being built internationally.
He predicts that by 1965 there will be an commercial satellite system for industries that will use satellite technology - telephone, television, all kinds of electronic communications.
He discusses again some of the mechanics of Telstar.
He talks about the next steps in satellite technology. Telstar will be launched by NASA at Bell Labs' expense in the coming months.
Mr. Felker opens the floor to questions from the audience.
Will the satellite be brought back to Earth? Probably not.
What sort of picture quality expected? It is design to meet FCC requirements for television pictures.
Color television? It is not necessarily designed for it, but it should be as capable as terrestrial.
He is asked about microwave frequencies.
(inaudible)
Does Mr. (Newton) Minow (of the FCC) have jurisdiction over this (asked facetiously)? Yes.
A question about rates and costs is asked. Felker argues it is a better system and far more economical.
(Inaudible). Newton answers about the possibilities of it hit.
What percentage of a 24hr. day will transcontinental broadcasts be possible. The further out and the more satellites there are would greatly improve the amount of time such broadcasts could be available.
What about jamming? It can only be purposefully jammed, unlike terrestrial radio.
Audio courtesy of the NYC Municipal Archives WNYC Collection
WNYC archives id: 150276
Municipal archives id: LT9551
