Television/Radio [National]
Maker and role
Panasonic Corporation, Manufacturer
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Object detail
Accession number
2013.286
Maker
Production period
Description
Small TV/Radio unit. Small screen with three dials (Radio Tuning, Volume, TV Tuning) to proper left and two small dial panels. Two switch levers to proper left front corner. Silver plastic handle on side. Silver-grey plastic casing. National model TR-5010A
Brief History
As electronic componentry became smaller, cheaper, and less power hungry during the 1970s and 1980s, the feasibility of creating devices that had multiple related functions and shared the same circuitry became a reality. Manufacturers began to make true hybrids, such as this radio and mini TV.
Electronic manufacturing in New Zealand had begun to decline by the time this radio/TV was made in the 1980s because larger overseas corporations were able to out-compete with their economies of scale and looser labour conditions. This example was made by the Panasonic Corporation in Japan, who sold their products under the National brand in New Zealand until 1988.
Novelty was one of the main selling points locally for these small, multiple devices. But the shrinking of devices that could pick up signals through the airwaves would become far more extreme in the coming decades.
Electronic manufacturing in New Zealand had begun to decline by the time this radio/TV was made in the 1980s because larger overseas corporations were able to out-compete with their economies of scale and looser labour conditions. This example was made by the Panasonic Corporation in Japan, who sold their products under the National brand in New Zealand until 1988.
Novelty was one of the main selling points locally for these small, multiple devices. But the shrinking of devices that could pick up signals through the airwaves would become far more extreme in the coming decades.
Marks
National / MODEL NO. TR-5010A Label
Media/Materials
Credit Line
Panasonic Corporation. Television/Radio [National], 2013.286. The Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT).
On display?
On display
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