Viewing 1950s Color
Over 50 Years Later
Was “Never Twice the Same Color”
Ever Once the Right Color?
by Wayne E. Bretl
Copyright 2008
The over-all quality of the color rendition of early NTSC color TV was affected by many non-ideal factors. Nevertheless, amateurs, and experts alike, sometimes wax nostalgic about the impression received from early color shows.
This paper shows carefully calculated simulations of early color TV camera performance based on actual measurements
of early cameras, including a dramatic improvement made by RCA between October and November of 1949. The results
are adjusted to show properly, on a modern ("sRGB") computer monitor, what the color rendition would
have looked like at the original developmental studios.
The first file is in document format with full explanatory text and compact illustrations; the second has full-size
illustratioins for easy viewing.
