The RCA TK31 Era: This third part features the RCA TK31 Studio Cameras that came out in May of 1952. These look like TK30s with chrome handles. Most of these images are dated 1958, but CBS was using the TK31s as early as 1953 at studio 50. NOTICE…the last 3 photos here show an update to the theater including new RCA big screen projection system for the audience and new audio system. (THE TOAST OF THE TOWN ran from 1948-1955 when the name changed to THE ED SULLIVAN SHOW).

These historical images are from the CBS Photo Archives available through Getty Images and are presented here to assist researchers and television historians in identifying the television equipment in use over the decades and is offered here in a purely educational/instructional forum.

NEW YORK – JANUARY 12: January 12, 1958 James Arness on set of THE ED SULLIVAN SHOW. (Photo by CBS via Getty Images)

NEW YORK – JANUARY 12: January 12, 1958 James Arness talks with Ed Sullivan on THE ED SULLIVAN SHOW. (Photo by CBS via Getty Images)

NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 21,1958: Ed Sullivan sits and interviews Edward R. Murrow on the “Toast of the Town” show hosted by Ed Sullivan at the Maxine Elliott Theater in New York, New York.(Photo by Steve Oroz/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)

American film actor Gregory Peck (1916 – 2003) sits on a stool with his hands clasped as he appears on Ed Sullivan’s CBS variety show ‘Toast of the Town,’ New York, August 17, 1958. (Photo by CBS Photo Archive/Getty Images)

NEW YORK – JULY 9: CBS Television Studio 50 (1697 Broadway at West 53rd Street, New York, NY.) Photo taken after recent installation of microphones, speakers and television equipment. This space is later known as The Ed Sullivan Theater. Image dated July 9, 1958. (Photo by CBS via Getty Images)

NEW YORK – JULY 9: CBS Television Studio 50 (1697 Broadway at West 53rd Street, New York, NY.) Photo taken after recent installation of microphones, speakers and television equipment. This space is later known as The Ed Sullivan Theater. Image dated July 9, 1958. (Photo by CBS via Getty Images)

NEW YORK – JULY 9: CBS Television Studio 50 (1697 Broadway at West 53rd Street, New York, NY.) Photo taken after recent installation of microphones, speakers and television equipment. This space is later known as The Ed Sullivan Theater. Image dated July 9, 1958. (Photo by CBS via Getty Images)