DECCA 131

At the time, Decca were very much in the up-market television sctor and, of course, anyone affluent enough to afford such luxury would demand something a bit bigger than the 15 and 16 inch screens available using available cathode ray tubes. The only way to get the large pictures was via projection techniques, and during the early 50's Decca marketed a large number of projection models, including this model 131.

The main projection assembly

In common with projection sets intended for lesser mortals, the projection system is based on the standard Schmidt optical system in conjunction with the mullard MW6/2 projection C.R.T.

This particular example is equipped with the optional 3-band radio unit. basically a 4 valve + rectifier superhet, complete with its own A.C.-only power supply. However an additional valve (type L63) is added with the sole purpose of acting as an amplification stage for a gramophone pickup. Such extravigance1

The valve line-up of the television is an unusual mix of Mazda and Mullard, with a sprinkling of Brimar and Osram for good measure. Decca seemed to be biased towards Mazda, which maybe explains why a 1950's set is still using antiquated Mazda T41 thyratrons as timebase generators. The optional radio is a primarily Brimar affair.

The cabinet and, indeed, electronics are similar to the Decca model 121, the main external difference being the television controls being to the right of the screen in the model 121 whereas they are to the left on the model 131. (For the uber-anoraks, the handles on the doors that cover the screen are also different).