Film & TV Database

Notes From 26 August until 5 September 1936, high definition Television programmes, specially arranged for reception at Radiolympia, were transmitted from the BBC Television Station at Alexandra Palace, London, on week days. The systems alternately used were the Baird System and the Marconi-E.M.I. System. Vision was transmitted at a frequency of 45 megacycles, and sound at a frequency of 41.5 megacycles. Test transmissions were given from 1 October to 28 October. On Monday 2nd November 1936 the inauguration of the BBC high definition Television Service from Alexandra Palace took place. Programmes were broadcast on week-days between 15.00 and 16.00 and between 21.00 and 22.00, each opening with a programme summary. The Baird System and the Marconi-E.M.I. System were used in alternate weeks, beginning with the Baird System after the official opening of the Service, when the two Systems were used in succession. This arrangement terminated on 6 February 1937, after which date the Marconi-E.M.I. System was used exclusively. Vision and Sound were transmitted on 45 and 41.5 megacycles respectively.