John D'Alton Woodlock | |
|---|---|
| Born | 1916 Montréal, Québec, Canada |
| Died | October 1950 Montréal, Québec, Canada |
| Occupation(s) | Television Pioneer, Businessman |
John D'Alton Woodlock (1916 – October 1950) was a pioneering figure in the early development of television in Québec, Canada. Despite his short life, he made significant contributions to broadcasting technology and was instrumental in introducing television to the region.
Early Life and Education
editJohn D'Alton Woodlock was born in 1916 in Montréal, Québec. Details about his early life and education remain largely unknown, but his technical prowess and inventive spirit suggest he received some training in electronics or engineering.
Contributions to Television
editIn September 1950, Woodlock began broadcasting his own television shows using a transmitter he had designed and built himself. His station, with the callsign VE2HE, broadcasted silent television programs due to federal regulations that prohibited simultaneous sound and image transmission on amateur radio stations.[1]
Television Installations
editWoodlock played a significant role in bringing television technology to the Québec region. In September 1950, he supervised the installation of a television set at the Germain Johnson Incorporated furniture store in Saint-Jérôme, Québec. This set was capable of receiving broadcasts from Schenectady, Syracuse, and Rochester in New York State. Woodlock had a distribution and installation contract with Germain Johnson to bring television sets to the Saint-Jérôme area.[1][2]
Media Attention and Expansion Plans
editWoodlock's work garnered media attention across Canada, with reports appearing in newspapers from Montréal to Edmonton. He planned to expand his broadcasting capabilities, including the transmission of 16-millimetre silent films and local wrestling and boxing matches.[1][3] Unfortunately, these plans were cut short by his untimely death.
Legacy and Death
editJohn D'Alton Woodlock passed away in October 1950 at the age of 34, shortly after returning from a trip to New York City. At the time of his death, he was serving as vice-president of O’Sullivan Business College Incorporated in Montréal. His contributions to the early development of television in Québec remain significant, as they predated the official launch of Canadian television stations CBFT in Montréal and CBLT in Toronto in 1952.[1]
Personal Life
editWoodlock was married to Dorothy McPhee Woodlock and left behind three sons, Dalton, John, and Peter. His pioneering efforts in television broadcasting are remembered as a testament to his innovative spirit and technical skill.[1]
- ^ a b c d e Fortier, Rénald. "But sadly, like so many great minds, Québec television pioneer John D'Alton Woodlock was gone too soon – and quickly forgotten". Ingenium – Canada's Museums of Science and Innovation. Retrieved 2024-08-07.
- ^ "La télévision en marche à Saint-Jérôme". Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec. Retrieved 2024-08-08.
- ^ "La télévision en marche à Saint-Jérôme". Bibliothèque et Archives nationales du Québec. Retrieved 2024-08-08.