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Demonstration of the wireless telephone
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Demonstration of the wireless telephone
Demonstration of the wireless telephone, June 1920. In the 1920s, broadcasting was still in its infancy, with radio transmitters and receivers owned only by amateur enthusiasts. To demonstrate the potential and efficiency of the wireless telephone as a means of broadcasting, Dame Nellie Melba, the Australian soprano shown here, gave a concert of operatic arias that was transmitted across Europe from Essex, England. People gathered at receiving stations were impressed by the clarity of tone. This portrait is from the Bain News Service, one of Americas oldest news picture agencies, which holds images dating from the 1890s to the 1930s
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Media ID 1700485
© LIBRARY OF CONGRESS/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
1900s Australian Bain News Service Broadcast Broadcasting Communication Communications Demonstrating Electronics Engineering Essex Fifties History Of Science Machine Marconi Pioneering Radio Singer Singing Surname M Telecommunication Telecommunications Telegraph Telegraphy Transmission Transmitting Wireless Chelmsford Concert Dame Nellie Melba Mono Chrome Opera Singer Operatic Soprano Transmitted
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print captures a momentous event in the history of communication. In June 1920, Dame Nellie Melba, the renowned Australian soprano, took center stage to demonstrate the incredible potential of wireless telephone technology. As broadcasting was still in its infancy during this era, radio transmitters and receivers were primarily owned by amateur enthusiasts. From Essex, England, Melba's operatic concert was transmitted across Europe using this groundbreaking technology. The clarity of her tone astounded those who gathered at receiving stations throughout the continent. This portrait from the Bain News Service showcases Dame Nellie Melba as she pioneers an entirely new form of transmission. The significance of this demonstration cannot be understated; it marked a pivotal moment in technological advancement and human connection. With each note sung by Melba that day, a new chapter unfolded for telegraphy and telecommunications. Captured by one of America's oldest news picture agencies, this image holds historical value dating back to the 1890s through the 1930s. It serves as a testament to both engineering ingenuity and artistic expression. As we gaze upon this photograph today, we are reminded of how far we have come since that fateful day in Essex. It is a tribute to all those visionaries who paved the way for our modern world - where instantaneous global communication has become an integral part of our daily lives.
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