Sony 5 5-303W portable television receiver and carrying case, 1962

Sony 5 5-303W portable television receiver and carrying case, 1962. This completely transistorised TV set was the world's smallest and lightest in 1962. Frank Sinatra was so impressed with it during a visit to Sony, that he asked for one to take back to the United States. Since channels differ in Japan and the US, Sony promised to deliver Sinatra one as soon as they were made to US specifications. Six months later in October, the micro-television went on sale in the US. On the day after the sets went on sale, Sony's chairman went to Paramount Pictures where Sinatra was filming to deliver the set as promised. The 5-303W was also tested on the road to see how it would stand up against vibrations. These tests were run secretly on a 600km stretch of motorway. Sony staff were caught for speeding while testing image deterioration at high speeds. The test results, however, were acceptable. Photographie. ©SSPL/National Media Museum