Welcome to the world of

405 ALIVE !

Edited and published by Andy Emmerson

So you thought that 405 line television died out in 1985? Not at all! But read on ...

Remember that piercing but reassuring line whistle on 405 sets. Now think back to all those great programmes you used to watch in restful black and white in a cozy armchair, the room in subdued lighting to help improve the picture.

Those were the days, too, of ad mags and regular Trade Test Transmissions, when there was an epilogue followed by "The Queen", when every TV had a separate Contrast and Brightness control, and when every summer we were plagued with foreign interference on our screens (Please do not adjust your set!).

Still, it was high-definition television, at least it was when it came out in 1936, and the system served us faithfully until 1985.

A number of people (not all mad) still enjoy collecting, restoring and watching 405 line television: well maintained sets are capable of exceedingly good results. Programme material recorded on VHS tape gives very satisfactory viewing, too. Other enthusiasts are more interested in just reading about old television programming and technology, while others collect old TV programmes and commercials on film or video tape. A few are involved professionally in television but this is our hobby so we all tend to be fairly well motivated.

405 Alivers keep in touch with each other through a quarterly magazine called, not surprisingly, 405 Alive. Each 96-page issue has a lively advertisement section plus letters, servicing and restorations hints, articles on old programmes, reviews of new releases of vintage TV material and much more.

Subscriptions can start any time in the year and the subscription charge for the year is £16, which covers four 96-page issues (384 pages), as well as postage.

If you would like to subscribe please send a cheque for £16 made out to THE RADIOPHILE and send this to

The Radiophile
Larkhill
Newport Road, Woodseaves
STAFFORD
ST20 0NP

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