Old Recordings Discs Tapes Wires Dictation Belts Other Media
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These were introduced in 1930 as a means by which amateurs could record broadcast fragments and capture the sound of home events on the new RCA radio phonograph combinations, Even the press of that time accurately cautioned that the fidelity of these discs was limited. By 1934 or so they had pretty well disappeared.
 Instead of recording within the pre-cut groove walls, the stylus vibrated along their tops, spreading them apart and embossing a signal partway down. Loud sounds are usually retrievable but the softer ones can be problematic. Still, some important events may survive only in this format and be worth the extensive work. They came in sizes up to 12", about 4 minutes long, but the up-to-two minute 6" ones are most common. COSTS: They cost $ 100 to 300 per side to get back limited, reasonably satisfactory results. Making your copy from the restored signal including assembling the selections into playing sequence, 14 to 36 discs per side is $ 40 for the first CD, $ 20 each thereafter.
This site ©2001 Steven Smolian. rev 1 |