BBC Television Service Launches from Alexandra Palace
November 2, 1936 · 20th Century
The BBC began regular public television broadcasting from a converted wing of Alexandra Palace in north London, transmitting to receivers within the greater London area. Two competing systems operated in adjacent studios: the Baird Company's 240-line intermediate film process and Marconi-EMI's 405-line electronic system. A coin toss gave Baird the opening broadcast. Opening-day programming included variety performances by Adele Dixon. After a trial period, the BBC adopted the Marconi-EMI system exclusively in February 1937.
Key Figures
John Logie BairdGerald Cock
Locations
Alexandra Palace
Topics
television broadcastingBBCAlexandra PalaceMarconi-EMIBaird televisionmedia technology
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