27-08-2023, 08:54 AM
(27-08-2023, 12:43 AM)LENINGRAD T2 Wrote: I wonder what happened to the millions of 405 line receivers in the UK when the 625 standard became widespread. Has a national recycling program for old receivers been established?
The 4th UK channel didn't start till November 1982.
The 5th UK channel was in 1997 and coverage was such an issue that it was FTA on Analogue Satellite with a "fake" flag claiming encryption.
The BBC 2 launched in 1964, the first channel not on 405. It was part-time and niche, so the 405 sets often used as 2nd sets for BBC1 and ITV, still the most popular channels even in 1985 when the 405 System closed down.
There was no recycling scheme for any electronics from 1960s to 1980s.
Unwanted TVs were dumped.
The average life of a 405 set might have been 10 years, or maybe less. In 1971 and 1972 most of the sets I repaired with 405 were dual-standard and often the standard switch link to knob would be removed. Some would be soldered in 625 position due to switch failure.
Most of the 405 only sets had smaller screens (more than 17" rare) and getting dim. Few would have been operational by 1985. I don't remember seeing any 1975 to February 1983 when I left the UK.
Ireland also turned off 405 in 1985, but it had never been nationwide. Cable TV (later Analogue Satellite) as well as pick up of UK BBC 2 and C4 would have resulted in quicker demise of 405 only sets in the Irish areas that used it. In areas that couldn't get BBC with an aerial there had only ever been 625 (started 1962, though officially December 1961).
