Why did 405 look so good?

[colly0410]

Been reading BBC R&D report 1964-27: Visit to Telefis Eireann, 5'th & 6'th March 1964.... It says "most people who have dual standard 405/625 lines TV's prefer to watch RTE in 405 lines!" Back then RTE converted their 625 pictures by optical converters where they pointed a 405 camera at a 625 TV screen. The 405 lines RTE transmissions were for people living near the NI border & the east coast who had bought 405 lines or dual standard TV's to pick up overspill transmissions of BBC1 & ITV from Northern Ireland & Wales...

[ppppenguin]

We're going to be in Ireland soon but I don't think we'll be watching any 405 line TV

Except that we'll be calling in on Frank Cuffe, the Hedghog man, so we'll see some there.

[colly0410]

Enjoy your trip to Ireland.... Also states in that report that RTE used crystal controlled sync (unlike BBC/ITV who synced the to the mains back then) as Irish viewers were used to asynchronous working while watching British TV that wasn't synced to the Irish mains frequency. I've read somewhere that the Irish mains frequency varies very rapidly, it was described as "lively."

[ppppenguin]

The island of Ireland has a fairly modest grid system, in keeping with its size and population. There are interconnects between Eire and Ulster which I think are AC, so the 2 countries' grids are synchronous to each other.

AFAIK, there have only been interconnects with mainland GB in the last 20 years or so. In common with most undesea electrity cables these are high voltage DC. Hence the GB and Ireland grids are not synchronised.

I'm not sure about the history of BBC and ITV locking their 405 networks to mains frequency. By 1964 and the start of BBC2 I'm pretty sure everything was crystal controlled. By 1967 and the start of colour there was no possibility of mains lock.

[colly0410]

I'm not sure about the history of BBC and ITV locking their 405 networks to mains frequency. By 1964 and the start of BBC2 I'm pretty sure everything was crystal controlled. By 1967 and the start of colour there was no possibility of mains lock.

 
They were saying RTE used crystal controlled sync from the start as Irish viewers were used to BBC/ITV being unsynced to their mains. I'm wondering if people went across the border to buy cheap 405 lines TV's? Did the Irish government try (or even succeed) to stop import's?

[Murphyv310]

We're going to be in Ireland soon but I don't think we'll be watching any 405 line TV

Except that we'll be calling in on Frank Cuffe, the Hedghog man, so we'll see some there.

Hi Jeffrey.
When are you going to see Frank? I am going this year too and I might come at the same time and we could meet up at Franks.

[ppppenguin]

This Monday. About to take off at Stansted.

[Murphyv310]

Thanks Jeffrey.
I doubt that I'd get a ferry organised in time as I'd be driving. Perhaps some other time.

[ppppenguin]

Also seeing Mike Watterson and the Listowel wireless museum

[Murphyv310]

Ireland is great, if you are hiring a car then watch out their driving antics are pretty grim though.
How is Mike, not seen him around at all?