The MTV-10 is a device used for recording and playing back sound and monochrome images on magnetic tape. It allows recording programmes in the ORIT standard for broadcasting in television programming, and preparing one’s own recordings using a special television camera. The MTV-10 is designed for semi-professional applications but, above all, for home use and for training and amateur science, etc. The device was designed by Zbigniew Orliński, Bohdan Ufnalewski, and Wojciech Wybieralski of the Artistic and Research Unit of the Fine Arts Academy. In 1972, Zakłady Radiowe im. Marcina Kasprzaka launched production of the MTV-10 video recorder, which makes this model the first Polish reel-to-reel video tape recorder. It is modelled on the basis of the Philips LDL-1001 recorder, which was used for recording and playback of monochrome images and sound on half-inch chrome tape. In the 1970s, a video tape recorder was luxury equipment in schools, cultural centres, clubs, and Communist Party committees. Launching the production of such devices aimed at fulfilling the internal market’s need for modern equipment for individual use, as well as for use in hospitals, educational and cultural institutions, special services, or the television. Due to the pioneering nature of the project and Polish engineers’ lack of experience in this area, the development of the tape recorder required a significant amount of research work in the domain of television and measurement technology. Short-series production of the MTV-10 recorder continued until 1978. A total of 6000 units were produced, which were mostly used in schools. In 1974, production began of the MTV-10s successor, the MTV-20 video cassette recorder operating in the VCR system, enabling recording of colour television signals.
The main panel of this device features a power switch with control light, two hubs for videotape reels, a covered record/playback mechanism (for recording black-and-white television images on half inch chrome tape), three potentiometers (phase, video, audio), six buttons (record, rewind, fast forward, play, still, stop), as well as two indicators (video, audio) and a tape length counter with a reset button. On the side of the recorder is a mains cord, two potentiometers, camera and microphone inputs, and a switch for two sockets (TV set, microphone).

Author: Piotr Turowski, Filip Wróblewski