Fifty Years Ago .... from the pages of Computer Weekly
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9th May 1974 computing, compiled by TNMOC volunteer archivist, Brian Aldous.
A selection of stories from Computer Weekly from 9th May 1974. The full archive of Computer Weekly can be seen at TNMOC, where there are special rolling displays of front pages from 25 and 40 years ago.
Plans for test runs of TV data transmission: A unified national system of data transmission using domestic television receivers has now been agreed between the BBC and the IBA and experimental transmissions are planned for the autumn. The system incorporates features of both the BBC’s Ceefax, announced in October 1972, and the IBA’s Oracle, which came out a few months later. The principle of both systems is to make use of suppressed lines in the video transmission to carry data which can be displayed on the television screen by means of a special adaptor. The sponsors of the experiment envisage that the service could eventually be used for broadcasting such items as stock market prices, sports results and weather forecasts, which could be frequently updated. Since it would be a low cost medium, it could also carry classified advertisements and entertainment guides. (CW 392 9/5/1974 p23)
Argus aids Nottingham traffic flow: More details have been released of the dual Ferranti Argus computer system to be used for controlling traffic flow in Nottingham. Supplied as part of a £250,000 contract with Ferranti that includes traffic light controllers and Pelican crossing equipment, the two Argus 700E computers, to be located at a traffic control room in the city centre, will each have a 41K memory and 10 million words of backing store on disc. Peripheral equipment will include alphanumeric VDUs for use by control room staff and thermal printers for producing permanent records. The Argus 700Es will also be linked to an auxiliary control room at the Nottinghamshire Combined Constabulary communications centre at Egglestone and to the local fire service headquarters. (CW 392 9/5/1974 p23)
MOS-memory minis launched: Continuity is the theme of new announcements this year, with the emphasis being placed on preserving the customer’s peace of mind by designing new systems to be completely compatible with the manufacturer’s existing product line. Announcing the first two of its new 21 MX series of computers, Hewlett-Packard made it clear that it does not intend to stray from this trend, stating categorically that the two machines, the 21-M/10 and the 21-M/20 are fully compatible with all existing Hewlett-Packard minicomputers. Seen for the first time anywhere at Hanover last week, and scheduled to make their UK debut at Eurocomp, the new minis will not be seen in the US until next month. The 21 MX series does not impact at all on the 3000 series, but will eventually supersede the 2100, which will nevertheless remain in production for at least 18 months. The new machines are aimed primarily at the OEM market, where Hewlett-Packard does more than half its business, and orders for delivery from August will at first be taken only from customers wanting five or more machines. End-user deliveries should start in January, 1975. The two new user-programmable 16-bit minicomputers have a newly-designed central processor, memory unit, power module and mainframe, the input-output channels being the only feature unchanged from the 2100. (CW 392 9/5/1974 p29)
