ABC and color (was Re: WMUR)

[Kevin Vahey]

We have to remember why ABC and CBS were late to the color conversion
game. In the case of ABC it was money as the network was not doing
well in the early 60's. They did buy an old NBC color truck to do NBA
games and they were still using the TK 41's as late as 1970.

Money wasn't an issue with CBS but Paley just did not want to deal
with RCA. CBS did buy RCA gear for WCAU in Philly only because they
were forced into it when KYW set us shop in full color.

Finally in 1965 Phillips (Norelco) developed color equipment that was
as good if not better than RCA and CBS became their biggest customer.
They also made the mistake of buying Marconi color gear for studios in
NY.

ABC then heavily bought both GE and Norelco gear also trying to avoid RCA.

The Boston stations were heavily RCA as Channels 5, 4 and 56 went with Camden.

7 and 38 went with GE and 2 with Marconi as did WXPO later.

Norelco did not hit Boston until WCVB arrived in 72.

9 went with IVC finally.