Computer Originated World

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About this revolution in TV technology

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The COW stands for Computer Originated World. It was the method of creating the BBC1 symbol that was used between February 1985 & February 1991. It was created by the BBC graphics & BBC computer deparments. Work on it was started in 1983. It was originally going to be launched on 1st January 1985 but was defected until 18th February that year by the then controller of BBC1, Michael Grade, in order to make part of a new look for the channel as the ratings were starting to slide. From start-up untl 6:00pm that evening, the older NODD (mirror globe) was used. From 7:00 until closedown that night, the newer COW globe was used. The first ever programme to be introduced by this new globe was "Wogan", a chat show presented by Terry Wogan (obviously!)

more information about the COW globe

A full account of how the COW was brought to life can be found here: http://www.625.uk.com/tv_logos/bbc1_85.htm (warning, very comlicated, that is why this link is better to explain it!) You can view the first ever COW closedown here: http://www.tv-ark.org.uk/bbc1national/idents/bbc1closedown180285.rm You can also view the very last time that the COW span round here: http://www.tv-ark.org.uk/bbc1national/idents/bbc1cowlasttx1991.rm

links

http://www.tv-ark.org.uk/bbc1national/idents/ http://thetvroom.com/p-bbc-one-1985-a.shtml http://www.tvradiobits.co.uk/idents/bbc1i.htm http://www.625.uk.com/tv_logos/bbc1_85.htm

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