[78-L] Story of the LP (queries)

[Mark L. Bardenwerper, Sr.]

P G C wrote:
> Are LP always 12" or the 10" (8 melodies) aslo LP?
>   
No. I've seen them in most any size you can imagine, including square. 
Remember the recordings found in National Geographics? One of my 
favorites was on Winston Churchill's death and funeral.
> When the name Hi-Fi started?
> When Stereo Recordings Started
>  
>  
http://www.nutshellhifi.com/library/tinyhistory1.html

Nice history of recorded sound.
LP is basically a name given for making the grooves in a record closer 
together than what was traditionally used up to the point the term came 
into use. The problem with putting grooves closer together was solved to 
a degree when equalization curves were standardized in the mid 50's. 
This process made it possible to reduce the undulations to a point where 
they would not collide across the lands between grooves, and in a 
consistent agreed upon way.
I think it was RCA that came up with the term "microgroove" at a later date.
The first stereo records became commonly and affordably available in the 
later 50's, as I recall. I still have my father's Bogen system, which 
had selectable equalization curves, dual cast radios (AM and FM could be 
run into separate channels). And I still have his first tube-type stereo 
multiplexor, which was how a stereo signal could be extracted from the 
new stereo FM signals being generated by more and more stations. That 
made dual casting instantly obsolete. Nowadays, the multiplexor is a 
built-in circuit and nobody even gives it a second thought when the red 
light comes on.
And of course, the material that was broadcast had to be in stereo to 
begin with. So the 2 technologies developed together, and more and more 
material became available. You may be old enough to remember that stereo 
records were more expensive and most records were released in stereo and 
mono versions. Someone might know when this policy was discontinued. 
Even 45's were stereo at the end.

-- 
Mark L. Bardenwerper, Sr. #:?)
Technology, thoughtfully, responsibly.
Visit me at http://www.candokaraoke.com