Live TV from the Moon (Apogee Books Space Series) [Paperback]

Dwight Steven-Boniecki (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 1926592166 | ISBN-13: 978-1926592169 | Publication Date: July 1, 2010 | Edition: Pap/DVD

Emphasizing the importance of preserving the legacy of the Apollo landings, this unique record documents the background of the event footage itself. Revealing the vital role the medium of television played during this integral period in space history, this investigation draws from in-depth research of the NASA archives as well as outside sources such as the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers. Demonstrating the skill and knowledge of the RCA and Westinghouse technicians of the 1960's, this study illustrates how their advancements not only revolutionized space exploration but electronic news as a whole. From the earliest known proposals of television coverage on lunar missions through the constant battle of internal politics, this survey also covers the processes of the slow scan conversion and the eventual transformation of the footage into color. Transforming a niche topic into an intriguing subject, this accessible reconstruction provides a fascinating glimpse into the history of space travel for both established fans and curious newcomers. Bonus DVD includes: The Making of Documentary, The NASA 2009 Webcast - Looking For The Tapes, 3 Slide Shows, and Audio Interviews with NASA TV Engineers.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Dwight Steven-Boniecki has worked in the television industry in several different countries for more than 20 years.

Product Details

• Paperback: 248 pages
• Publisher: Collector's Guide Publishing, Inc.; Pap/DVD edition (July 1, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1926592166
• ISBN-13: 978-1926592169
• Product Dimensions: 9.9 x 6.9 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #515,148 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of a kind, July 27, 2010

By 

Mr Colin A Mackellar - See all my reviews

This review is from: Live TV from the Moon (Apogee Books Space Series) (Paperback)

Anyone who lived through the Apollo years, and who had an interest in spaceflight, will remember the wonder of seeing live television from space - and from the surface of the Moon. The Apollo 7 roadshow from Earth orbit, the Apollo 8 Christmas Eve telecast from lunar orbit and Apollo 11's first steps on the Moon captivated millions of people. The TV spectaculars continued until the last lunar landing in 1972, and for the last three missions, remotely controlled cameras made viewers feel that they were there.

Few science fiction writers had imagined Earthlings would be able to watch the initial manned exploration of the Moon as it happened. It seemed inconceivable, yet it was done. But how?

The late Stan Lebar (Program Manager for the Westinghouse Apollo Lunar TV Camera) wrote in the foreword of this book: "Mr. Steven-Boniecki has done what no one else has attempted".

"Live TV from the Moon" is the the first book to tell the story of Apollo television. It recounts the technical challenges that had to be overcome and gives some insight into the battles within NASA to get carried TV at all. It also contains detailed descriptions of the television from each Apollo mission.

While the inside margins on the book could have been wider, anyone with an interest in Apollo television will find this book fascinating.

(Disclaimer: Dwight very kindly gave me a copy of his book, though not in exchange for a review. I would happily have bought my own.)

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The definitive resource for Apollo TV, October 16, 2010

By 

Obviousman - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Live TV from the Moon (Apogee Books Space Series) (Paperback)

When I first started reading this book, I thought it went into too much technical detail regarding the Apollo television cameras and television systems. Don't get me wrong - I wanted to know all the details and author Dwight provides - but I thought it was too much for the layman reader. As I read further, though, I came to realise that he had managed to weave a reasonable compromise for those who want to know the nuts and bolts, and those who just have a general interest. The text was skilfully arranged such that if you didn't want to know the in-depth details you could easily skip a paragraph and yet still understand the amazing story that led to the various television broadcasts.

A must-have resource for the Apollo enthusiast and a great read for those who want to know more about the fantastic achievement that was Apollo.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fascinating!, July 10, 2010

By 

Klexa (Londres) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Live TV from the Moon (Apogee Books Space Series) (Paperback)

This book is a true gem! An easy to read and fascinating story of probably the most famous TV pictures in the world. Pictures, which we take for granted today. It's great to have the DVD attached with the book too. It allows you to quickly satisfy the curiosity awakened by various chapters. I recommend this book to anyone who is interested in the history of human achievements.