Hi hi! Ann Parker here, zooming in late on my posting day. I watched a LOT of TV as a kid--Captain Satellite, Mighty Mouse, The Three Stooges, I Love Lucy, Have Gun Will Travel...
Yet, when I think of TV, I think of this:
Anyone here remember the test patterns? I found them fascinating as a kid (but didn't care for the high-pitched tone that accompanied them).
At the site "The Baby Boomer eMuseum," I found this post musing on the "sign-off" of TV stations in the San Francisco Bay Area, which is what I recall as well. It's strange to think there was actually a "quiet time" on the tube back-in-the-day.
Now, we live in a 24-hour e-world, whether cable, radio, or Internet (the destroyer of all timezones and diurnal rhythms!). Great for insomniacs, but for those who find it hard to push the "off" switch, it can be rather disconcerting and/or soul-sucking.
Anyhow, I find the subject of test patterns very intriguing. Do a quick Google image search and... wow...
The above is just a quick screen snap of a few. What do they mean? Who developed the first ones? Uh-oh. This is a topic that could quickly drag me in and under for the day.
Time to push the "off" button!
Ann, I remember those test patterns and that horrible, horrible noise. I was thinking not too long ago when I was up with one of the kids that it's pretty nice that there's always something to watch on TV now when you're awake in the middle of the night.
Posted by: Staci | December 15, 2012 at 10:30 AM
Hi Staci!
Yep, there's always something to do or watch... even at 3:30 in the morning. :-)
So, one of your kids is a nightowl, hm?
Posted by: Ann | December 15, 2012 at 10:34 AM
Where is the peacock? I remember one of the stations had a peacock as a test pattern. I think. Anyone else remember this, or is it in my dreams?
Posted by: Terry Shames | December 15, 2012 at 10:52 AM
Hi Terry! I remember the peacock too! I thought it was a "station mascot" or something, until I read on this blog (http://www.janegoodwin.net/2010/03/07/signing-off-signing-on-test-patterns-and-the-peacock/) that the peacock indicated the next show was in "living color!"
Whoa... strolling down memory lane is fascinating! :-)
Posted by: Ann | December 15, 2012 at 11:45 AM
Wow, that pattern would make a great crzy quilt. Wish someone would make it.
Maybe one of Camille's crafters could come up with it. It would sell like hotcakes.
Wasn't the peacock NBC?
Posted by: rita lakin | December 16, 2012 at 07:51 PM
Hi Rita!
You're right! It would make a GREAT quilt! And I know Camille knows a fair number of quilters... :-)
I'd go with your identification of the peacock. I'm guessing you are our TV expert in the group! :-)
Posted by: Ann | December 16, 2012 at 10:12 PM
about the peacock, don't bet money on it. I'm no expert on icons or any other TV animals.
Posted by: rita lakin | December 18, 2012 at 09:17 AM