iconoscope
Noun: A type of early television camera tube that was the first practical device for converting an optical image into an electrical signal. It operated by scanning an electron beam across a mosaic of photosensitive elements to produce a video signal.
The word "iconoscope" is a technical, historical term. It is used almost exclusively in contexts discussing the history of television technology, early broadcasting, or the evolution of electronic imaging. * The iconoscope was a groundbreaking invention that made electronic television possible. * Early television broadcasts relied on cameras equipped with an iconoscope. * The museum's exhibit on communication history features a disassembled iconoscope.
- Historical Significance: The term is often used to mark a specific era or technological milestone, frequently contrasted with later, improved tubes like the orthicon and vidicon.
- The transition from the iconoscope to more sensitive camera tubes revolutionized live television production.
- Image Iconoscope: A later, improved version of the original iconoscope design.
- Orthicon: A successor to the iconoscope, offering greater sensitivity.
- Vidicon: A later, widely used type of camera tube.
- Camera Tube: The general category of vacuum tubes to which the iconoscope belongs.
- Early television camera tube
- Image dissector (a different, contemporaneous technology)
The word "iconoscope" has only one primary meaning related to television technology. It is not commonly used in other contexts.
- the first practical television-camera for picture pickup; invented in 1923 by Vladimir Kosma Zworykin