User:Natsuzi/James Sidney Griffin

James Sidney Griffin Born 1933, James Sidney Griffin, known as 'Sid'. Naval sonar operator and instructor 1953-1956, graduated University of Florida in 1959 as an electrical engineer, then began his work as an engineer at RCA in Camden, NJ. Work included new audio and video recording technology during the Cold War, developed defense technology (expand information on sonar/radar installations in Spain, the BFR, SkyLab, etc.). Became program manager for the digital optical disk system in government communications business systems, engineering the technology later to be commonly known as 'CD' and 'DVD' technology. He was named chief engineer of broadcast video systems unit in 1982. (Broadcasting, 13 Sept 1982, p.118) (BME, November 1982, p. 24), and vice president of broadcasting (find citation), during merger with GE. Led engineering team in development of CCD-chip use in the first CCD-1 Camera, which fundamentally changed video camera optics, allowing for video and digital photography to be taken in low light situations without flash or lighting. ("CCD Camera–'Goodbye' for Deflection Designs", RCA Broadcast News, vol 175, December 1984, p. 22-27). Received two technical Emmy Awards, NY NY (citation needed) for CCD video camera development and CD/DVD technology. He donated the first two CCD-1 prototype cameras to the Smithsonian after the dissolution of RCA broadcast division by GE. (article written, locate for citation needed).

(THIS IS WRONG/NEEDS FIXING: (Under the leadership of Kazuo Iwama, Sony also started a large development effort on CCDs involving a significant investment. Eventually, Sony managed to mass-produce CCDs for their camcorders. Before this happened, Iwama died in August 1982; subsequently, a CCD chip was placed on his tombstone to acknowledge his contribution.) from Wikpedia CCD article, implies Sony was the first ccd video camera inventor. Not true, although they marketed the home recorder. CCD video Camera was intro'd at NAB by RCA; defective chips were given out as tie-tacks, which the reps from Sony scooped up to 'reverse engineer'. Not sure how to include this personal info in article?

(to be done: Include engineering team members? Include work with David Sarnoff institute? )


References

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Broadcasting, 13 Sept 1982, p.118 BME, November 1982, p. 24 "CCD Camera–'Goodbye' for Deflection Designs", RCA Broadcast News, vol. 175, December 1984, p. 22-27

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