Early RTE:

[Linked Image from thetvroom.com]
Early 60s - this card had test grids for 405 and 625 line services. Broadcast originated in 625 lines but was converted to 405 lines in some areas as many people had UK-specified TVs (405 lines) from the 1950s early 60s and had been watching broadcasts from Britain or Northern Ireland (BBC and ITV) RTE didn't want to loose viewers so in areas that could pick up UK TV, they used 405 line simulcasts. In other areas 625 lines were used exclusively. The local 405 line simulcasts were only abandoned sometime in the 1980s!!

[Linked Image from pembers.freeserve.co.uk]
(A 405 line card)


[This message has been edited by djk (edited 06-05-2006).]