Models: A band saw magnetic recorder. Recording a signal on scotch tape covered in rust (FeO^2) particles. A large model of a VCR type head and it's concentrative powers. Illustration of helical scanning.
Machines: Great intro scene by Tim and Rex (e.g. slanting cupboards, man eating garbage disposal, rabid mailman, dogfood eating kid, and the oblivious housewife). Rubber band powered beavers.
Guests: An early Paulson wire tape recorder. A really impressive German "tapedeck" (c.1930) that used razor sharp steel bands running at high speed under high tension. An airplane black box. A 1940's German tape machine the Tonstreiber (sp?). Ampex VTR's at the BBC. A range of major domestic video formats.
Films: The earliest video recordings. A dramatic illustration of generational loss in VHS (re)recordings. Sad adult cartoon characters trying to program their VCR.
Extro: Very odd living room scene with mechanically animated knick knacks, spinning stools, tippy stereo components etc.
Notes: There's a great moment during the rust-tape experiment where the tape falls off the roller. I love when they leave moments like this in. "Video recorders may not be perfect, but I do think it's a miracle they work at all." Tim seems to be in a constant state of flabbergastitude whenever anything manages to work. I guess that's what happens when you REALLY start to understand this technology stuff.
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Ready to Watch The Secret Life of Machines, Season 2, Episode 6?