Choosing a Receiver

In the table the second column indicates the maker's model number; the third indicates whether the model is a Console or Table set; the next column indicates whether the set is designed for AC or DC or AC/DC operation; the next column gives the tube size; the next number of valves; next the type of time-base oscillator - i.e. Thyratron or Hard valve; the type of focussing is indicated by the next column, EM denoting an electromagnetic focusing coil and PM a permanent magnet; next is the total EHT applied to the tube, followed by the method of obtaining this voltage. FB indicates the use of a fly-back voltage generator, M that the EHT is derived from the normal 50 cycle mains supply and RF that the voltage is generated in a special RF oscillator circuit. Finally the last two columns show the rated sound output and the price. It should be remembered that some of the receivers incorporate normal broadcast tuning in addition to the television circuits."

By far the cheapest little set is the Bush TV22 for only £36, a set that today commands a significant premium as a highly saught after piece of bakelite. Of course, with the benefit of hindsight this would have been the one I'd choose but maybe not at the time.
The most popular sets were still the console sets. The RGD 2351T, illustrated above, would have probably tempted me. Manufacturers had started to try and simplify both the operation and appearence of their sets and RGD clearly succeeded with this well proportioned and uncluttered design. Though, technically, the thyratron timebase and RF generated E.H.T. were a little dated.

But at £136 ... four times the cost of the Bush TV22 ... I guess it would have to be the set I'd have bought if (when?) I won the football pools.

HMV seem to be the duffers of the group with either weenie little 5.5kV E.H.T.'s or dangerous mains derived E.H.T.'s. According to the great book "Historic Televisions and Video Recorders" the HMV 4811 was basically the 1806 model (listed above for £128) made for the Birmingham area. Overpriced or what ?