Yet More Classic Letterman…13 Cameras In The Studio
On May 15, 2014
- TV History
Yet More Classic Letterman…13 Cameras In The Studio
If you look closely, you’ll notice there are actually three different kinds of RCA TK47s on the set. The TK47 with multi core cable was introduced in 1978 and we see some of that cable along with triax cable that came with the TK47B in 1982. Like the photo from yesterday that showed the TK47 with extra controls on the rear, we surely have a couple of TK47EP, or Enhanced Performance models here too which debuted at the NAB in 1980. Enjoy and share!
This show presented some interesting technical challenges. Back in 1988 the engineering/wiring of the studios was very different than it is today. The way the studios were wired was that the Video switchers control panels were in the studio control rooms yet the actual “guts” or frames containing the electronics were all in a central equipment room on the 5th floor @ 30 Rock. In addition to this, there was a separate room on the 5th floor where all of the cross connections for the Talley (Red lights on each camera indicating that that camera was “On Air”) & the (PL “private line” headphone & microphone worn by each camera person to communicate with the control room) for all of our studios were located. The Video switcher generates the Talley signal for the cameras when they are in an “On Air” status. Studio 6A where Letterman was done could not accommodate all 13 cameras so we “borrowed” cameras along with Talley & PL from studios 8G & 8H by running the camera cables down 2 flights of stairs and making the appropriate cross connects on the 5th floor. Lots of extra work went into doing this show but we had fun doing it and the outcome was excellent.Dave was pleased.
I’m wondering if Late Night Thrill-Cam was derived from this moment.
This was when Letterman was at his most creative. He did some funny stuff back then. I would to see a highlights video of it all.
This clip demonstrates how much Hal Gurnee contributed to the show. I think he really helped Letterman define himself.
Letterman’s show used to be so much more creative.
Absolutely funny! Thanks!
This should have been the night he introduced the monkey cam.