Home theater equipment finds a surprising place within our publication - a journey through time as we delve into the early days of audio-visual technology integration.
Revisiting the September 1980 Edition: A Nostalgic Journey Through Hi-Fi and Home Cinema
Step back in time with us as we delve into the September 1980 edition of our magazine, a treasure trove of audio history. This edition, filled with the hum of vintage equipment and the anticipation of future innovations, offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of hi-fi and home cinema.
The cover, adorned with loudspeakers from industry legends like Acoustic Research, Mission, Monitor Audio, Mordaunt-Short, and Wharfedale, was a testament to the vibrant audio scene of the time. Inside, a six-way test of standmount speakers, all priced around £200, showcased the diversity and competition in the market.
One of the highlights of the edition was a double-page spread on the second generation of a Mitsubishi VHS videocassette recorder. Reviewer Anthony Clair, in his introduction, noted how domestic video was once considered a miracle, reminding us of the rapid pace of technological advancement. The recorder came with a wired remote control, with the option of an infra-red remote control for an additional £40.
Caroline Osborn, a former colleague and the doyenne of the website's Buying Guide, graced the pages of the Philips domestic video camera review. Known for maintaining the database that kept the industry-standard list of products, specifications, and prices for over 30 years, Caroline became a highly respected figure in the industry. Interestingly, Caroline also modeled for magazine pictures, adding another layer to her multifaceted career.
The edition also featured a two-way comparison of cartridges costing around £15, a Thorens turntable test, a Panasonic music centre, and one or more amplifier reviews. Alvin Gold, a reviewing legend, conducted the cartridge comparison and was not particularly impressed with the Shure or Nagaoka offerings, preferring the £12 Grado FTE +1 cartridge.
In another comparison, a head-to-head battle between two hi-fi systems from Eagle and Akai was included. The September 1980 edition, with its focus on traditional two-channel audio equipment, provided ammunition to refute the mistaken historians who claim the website overlooked home cinema products.
Recently, we celebrated Home Cinema Week, rekindling memories of wonderful former colleagues and reminding us of our long-standing commitment to covering home cinema products. Despite the occasional disapproval from a small group of readers, our dedication to documenting the evolution of audio technology and culture remains unwavering.
As we look back at the September 1980 edition, we are reminded of the rich history of hi-fi and home cinema, from the early days of Sensurround in the 1970s to the rise of analog hi-fi audio equipment for home use. These sources collectively provide detailed insights into the technologies, culture, and products shaping home audio and cinema sound prior to the digital audio era that began in the 1980s.
[1]: Early Home Cinema Enhancements: Sensurround and Its Impact [3]: The Rise of Home Hi-Fi Culture: A Historical Perspective [4]: Hi-Fi as a Lifestyle Statement: Cultural Penetration of High-Fidelity Audio in Home Settings [5]: The Evolution of Home Audio Formats: From Analog to Digital
This article is a historical exploration, aiming to provide an accurate representation of the era and the technologies in question. Opinions and personal experiences, where present, are those of the original authors and reviewers.
- Uncovering the impact of Sensurround, the early home cinema enhancement technology, provides a glimpse into its role in shaping the landscape of home cinema.
- In the September 1980 edition, a review of the Panasonic music centre offered insights into the rise of home hi-fi culture, serving as an illustration of high-fidelity audio's penetration into home settings.
- The evolution of home audio formats is evident in the test of a Thorens turntable, showcasing the transition from analog to digital technology.
- News of Caroline Osborn, a former colleague, model, and database curator, reviewing Philips domestic video cameras highlighted the multifaceted careers often associated with the audio and technology industry.
- The six-way test of standmount speakers, all priced around £200, offered a preview of the fierce competition and diversity in the audio market at the time.
- The comparison of cartridges, including the £12 Grado FTE +1 cartridge, might lead us to reconsider some underrated gadgets of the era.
- The two-way comparison of Eagle and Akai hi-fi systems demonstrated the brand wars that set the stage for the historical home audio and cinema sound culture.
- The September 1980 edition, with its focus on traditional two-channel audio equipment, offers opportunities for smart-home-devices enthusiasts to look back and learn about the origins of home audio and cinema sound.
- The article serves as a buy Guide for those interested in lifestyle, home-and-garden, and technology, offering insights into the technologies, culture, and products that shaped the pre-digital audio era.
