Did you ever wonder what all the stuff on a Test Pattern was for?

[Dennis Donovan]

The famous RCA Indian-head test pattern used mainly in North America from 1940 to the 1970s with its elements labelled, describing the use of each element in aligning a black & white analog TV receiver.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Test_card#History

[rurallib]

1. Now I can die happy - that was my last unresolved question

Seriously, thanks - fun to know

[hlthe2b]

2. LOL... I hadn't thought about it--given how many decades has passed, but that is interesting...

Last edited Thu Mar 27, 2025, 06:28 PM - Edit history (1)

I doubt that our youngsters can imagine that tv wasn't 24/7 waaaaay back when and thus the test patterns emerged "after hours." For anyone who ever woke up to a tv blasting that test pattern, you would not quickly forget.

[Harker]

3. No, I just trusted The Control Voice telling me that there was nothing wrong with my television set as a child.

That's interesting information. Thanks!

[rsdsharp]

6. This voice?

&pp=ygUSb3V0ZXIgbGltaXRzIGludHJv

[Harker]

7. That's the guy... Vic Perrin.

Little Harker would regularly plead to be allowed to stay up and watch, but when The Control Voice started, I'd get scared out of my wits.

[JoseBalow]

4. "What are you watching man?" " A movie about indians, but it's really boring."

(0:54)

[Onthefly]

5. My uncle was an engineer who adjusted the transmitter