The Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers marked the 90th anniversary of the founding of that organization with a celebration at the group's annual Engineering Conference and Exhibition held Oct. 18-21 in Hollywood, Calif.
In addition to the usual presentations on state-of-the-art television and film technologies, an entire day was set aside for "retro-technology" papers. These included a look at some of the earliest known motion picture footage that included sound; a history of television from its first stirrings in the 19th century; a history and demonstration of kinescope recording; early movie making; a history of the SMPTE organization; videotape recording history; and a special presentation on early videotape recorder development by Ray Dolby, one of the Ampex team members tasked with the creation of the world's first practical video recorder.
SMPTE President Ed Hobson was on hand to welcome attendees and also to introduce Kimberly Maki, the organization's new executive director, at an industry luncheon.
Twelve SMPTE members were elevated to the grade of Fellow and 28 others were honored for their contributions to the industry in a special Friday evening ceremony.
As part of the anniversary celebration, a special museum of antique motion picture and television apparatus was set up for the occasion.
Other activities included a visit to the Warner Bros. Studios for a reception and special screening of a new feature film.
