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The Vivaphone
This page contains information about the Vivaphone, invented by Cecil Hepworth to combine sound with film in the early days of cinema.
In 1910 Hepworth invented the Vivaphone, an early synchronized sound system that utilized a phonograph - one of many competing systems to add sound to the silent film. The Vivaphone is the subject of British Patent No. 10417 of 26th April 1910. There were numerous competing systems on both sides of the Atlantic.
When making the film, the actors mimed to a ten inch record lasting some two minutes. The idea was to synchronise sound and film on replay.
The Cinephone and the Vitaphone are similar types of systems used for sound and film synchronization. In Barker's Cinephone, each scene was acted in front of a recording phonograph and then re-enacted in front of the camera to match the recording. A projector was adjusted so that it ran at the same fixed speed as the phonograph. Visual dials as indicators adjusted the speed.
Hepworth's Vivaphone was simpler than the Cinephone, where the synchronization of sound and visuals, was adjusted by using a single indicator in combination with coloured glass. The indicator, powered by an electro-magnet, showed either green or red lights to the operator for adjusting the speed.
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...To me the most remarkable thing about this union [of talking machines and cinematography] is the speed and completeness with which it has been accomplished. Until two or three years ago the high contracting parties were completely aloof from one another, and although from time to time there were rumours of an engagement, it was not until quite recently that the mating took place. Moreover, it would seem that although the marriage appears to have been arranged in America, there is not the remotest likelihood of a divorce... [Cecil M. Hepworth - British Cinema Pioneer in "The talkies", by "John Scotland"] |
If you have any diagrams, photos, or information about the vivaphone please contact us.
Reference - Stephen Herbert and others
