Gerald Clode
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Rediffusion achieved one million cable subscribers worldwide.

Many networks were rewired to take account of 625 line programmes on BBC2

The first VHF coaxial cable networks were introduced

Dial-a Programme was unveiled. The worlds first mult-channel system based on the 'Multi-pair' system could deliver over 100 channels.

Colour was introduced on all channels.

Community Cable TV was licenced in a number of British towns.

An experimental Fibre Optic link was introduced to the network in Hastings - the first application of fibre optics in cable TV in the world..

The UK issued 13 subscription channels, five of which are operated by Rediffusion under the name of Starview.The service shows mainly feature films for a monthly
rental of  8-10  pounds. 

It was realised that many other programmes would shortly be available and a new transmission system was designed. This was known as System 8, it used 5 coaxial cables each carrying 6 TV channels at VHF, this was converted back to UHF at the subscriber connection.

Rediffusion set up a trial of their new System 8 in Guildford. Robert Maxwell had by now bought the company. It was decided that System 8 would not be viable so it ceased to operate and all UK networks were sold.
Broadcast Relay - later to become Rediffusion - set up one of the world's first cable distribution systems

200 Subscribers were now paying three shillings a week, and Broadcast Relay expanded to Braintree, Ramsgate and Hull. It soon flourished, because the depression meant many people could not afford radios, and many houses did not have electricity

The first overseas network - a two programme system in Malta - was set up.

The war bought a further boom, as demand for news and entertainment boomed, and batteries often used to power radios were in short supply.

Rediffusion manufactured it's first TV set.

The group started work on the first cable network in the Far East, in Singapore. Further systems were installed soon after in Hong Kong, Malaya and Trinidad. Cable Research and Development Department started.

The worlds first cable TV network began operations in the South East. Called the 'HF' System, it was based on a 'multi-pair' cable.  

The first large scale cable TV system in North America was set up. It reached 58,000 houses in Montreal.

Rediffusion cable television started programming in Hong Kong.

The UK's first 'community service' television was introduced by Rediffusion in Houghton Regis, near Luton.
 
1927
1928
1935
1940
1945
1947
1950
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1960
The Cable Story
1963
1967
1968
1969
1969
1972
1976
1980
1980
1986
Some of the important dates pioneered by Rediffusion in the development of cable distribution
Branches
Group
REDIFFUSION LIMITED
Carlton House,  Lower Regent Street
London SW1Y 4LS
Tel. 01-930-0221
Associated Companies in over 175 towns in Great Britain and in Barbados, Bermuda. Canada, Ceylon, Guyana,
             Hong Kong, Jamaica, Malaya, Malta, Singapore, South Africa, Trinidad and West Africa etc.
Read: Ullswater Report 1935