One thing I remain fascinated by is the field-sequential color system. Essentially, unlike composite video, which sacrifices color depth in space, field sequential sacrifices color depth in time. But the specifics matter, and we have the specifics: the United States adopted such a system, but didn’t stick with it. So this article describes a nonexistent, alternate-world computer– what would an early mass-market 8-bit computer have looked like in a world where the field-sequential color system was in place?
Point of Divergence
Let’s look at the timeline of field-sequential color in the United States.
January 12, 1950: CBS reveals their system to the public.
October 11, 1950: Formal authorization of the field-sequential system
October 17, 1950: RCA files a lawsuit against the FCC
October 18, 1950: New York Times condemns incompatible system’s adoption
November 1950: Public tests begin
May 28, 1951: Supreme Court rules against RCA
June 25, 1951: CBS begins full broadcasting in field-sequential color in NYC
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