Debut of the First Picturephone (1970) - AT&T Archives
Dublin Core
Title
Debut of the First Picturephone (1970) - AT&T Archives
Subject
Videophone; Telecommunications History; AT&T; Bell System; Technology Innovation; 1970s Technology
Description
This video from the AT&T Archives showcases the debut of the first commercial Picturephone service in 1970, including footage from the inaugural call between Mayor Pete Flaherty of Pittsburgh and John Harper, Chairman of Alcoa. It provides historical context for the development and promotion of videophone technology by the Bell System, highlighting its initial presentation at the 1964 World's Fair, early commercial applications, and the challenges faced in widespread adoption due to high costs.
Creator
AT&T Tech Channel
Source
Footage Courtesy of AT&T Archives and History Center, Warren, NJ
Publisher
AT&T Tech Channel on YouTube
Date
Original footage from 1970; uploaded to YouTube on June 29, 2012
Contributor
Not specifically mentioned; contributions likely from various AT&T and Bell Labs personnel involved in the development and launch of the Picturephone service.
Rights
YouTube's standard license and copyrights held by AT&T.
Relation
Related to other archival materials and documents on the development, promotion, and deployment of the Picturephone, as well as broader histories of telecommunications innovations.
Format
Video (Digital)
Language
English
Type
Archival Footage; Documentary
Identifier
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BQMnlKMFD8M
Coverage
Pittsburgh, USA; 1970s; Context of commercial telecommunications and technological innovation.
Files
Citation
AT&T Tech Channel, “Debut of the First Picturephone (1970) - AT&T Archives,” Poly Archives, accessed March 3, 2026, https://www.polyarchives.hosting.nyu.edu/items/show/548.