FM Radio

FM - frequency modulation
 

AM radio had a problem - static

David Sarnoff at RCA wanted a solution
 
Edwin Howard Armstrong (American)

had already patented several key improvements in AM radio

Sarnoff asks Armstrong to come with a solution to static
 
1930-33 Armstrong works on the problem and comes up with a solution

Sarnoff gives Armstrong space in the Empire State Building to work further

Armstrong demonstrates FM to RCA engineers

FM is amazing!

but, Sarnoff is concerned

why?
 

1935 - Sarnoff (RCA) and Armstrong part ways

RCA commits to television

Armstrong commits to FM
 
1935-37 Armstrong gets experimental frequency allocations from the FCC
 
1937 Armstrong forms the Yankee network in the Northeast
 
1941 commercial FM is approved by the FCC

400,000 receivers sold

it looks like FM might very well replace AM radio
 
at this point, World War II interupts
 
 
 

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