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Zenith Space Phone Demonstrator

Started by paul-f, April 14, 2014, 12:34:24 AM

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paul-f

Does anyone have any info on this phone?

It was presumably used with an in-store demo of the Zenith System 3 televisions with the Space Phone feature.

Here is some background from internet searches:
  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xlgD2lv1fcc     (0:55)
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Mr. Bones

Wow, Paul. Wow!

I have never seen one before this night, but I am most certainly intrigued... thanks for posting this.

Best regards!
Sláinte!
   Mr. Bones
      Rubricollis Ferus

paul-f

#2
If you have to own one, there's a phone currently on ebay:
  http://www.ebay.com/itm/191064181848

and also a different TV remote:
  http://www.ebay.com/itm/131110765055
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TelePlay

Quote from: paul-f on April 14, 2014, 12:57:01 AM
If you have to own one, there's a phone currently on ebay:

That phone does not appear to have a standard ringer installed. What rings?

Mr. Bones

Quote from: TelePlay on April 14, 2014, 01:04:57 AM
That phone does not appear to have a standard ringer installed. What rings?
I'd have to venture a guess that something installed in the console does?

Best regards!
Sláinte!
   Mr. Bones
      Rubricollis Ferus

paul-f

Quote from: TelePlay on April 14, 2014, 01:04:57 AM
That phone does not appear to have a standard ringer installed. What rings?

I believe the red phone is not supplied to the TV user, but is only used to demonstrate the Space Phone feature in the showroom.  So there are two areas for research:

1. How does the set work when plugged in to a standard phone line?  (Need to find model numbers of sets and track down user manuals.)  From the info above, it seems that the initial version could only answer calls.  I believe the TV acted like a speakerphone -- muting the TV first, of course.  Later versions could initiate calls dialed using the remote control.

2. How is the red phone used when giving demos?  Where does it connect to the TV?
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davidbholcomb

Below is from a Zenith TV ad in 1981. Also a youtube video showing the system dialing http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xlgD2lv1fcc

Dave, who still needs a Transmitter Bracket for the Automatic Electric Type 38 Handset.

paul-f

And for you AE fans, there was an AE80-style set!

This one was on ebay in 2005 or before.
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