New Television Field-Pickup Equipment Employing the Image Orthicon

A brief review of the characteristics of the more widely used types of electronic television pickup tubes traces the trend toward greater sensitivity, culminating in the image orthicon. This development results in the present-day ability to televise an unlimited variety of subject matter. Former restrictions imposed by requirements for large amounts of illumination have been almost entirely removed. An important by-product of higher sensitivity is the possible increase in depth of focus of the optical system. Field or portable equipment has been designed to take advantage of the improved characteristics of the image orthicon. It is a design which lends itself to a maximum of flexibility for various types of operation, including use in studios and in mobile units. Most of the units are shaped like a medium-sized suitcase. The camera includes a four-position lens turret and an electronic view finder. Camera cables may be as much as 1000 feet long. Electrical interconnections are simple and few in number. Each of the major units is described in some detail, along with its function in the system. Discussion of some of the unusual circuits is included in the Appendix.