Dick's Gadget Warehouse: Another viewer's video and how to submit yours!
December 9, 2013 Post a Comment 
Your Name: Alton Christensen
Subject: Photoplayer - Do you have one of these in The Gadget Warehouse?
Message: What an amazing device! Though not exactly a tiny gadget, I'm in filled with wonder and hysterical laughter as I watch this guy and the Goldbergian contraption.
More on The American Photoplayer:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_American_Fotoplayer
Enjoy! A
Before movies had sound, it was discovered that playing background music during a film could aid in developing a particular mood for a certain scene. Initially, small theatres would use player pianos to produce music automatically from piano rolls. After some time, some of these pianos were extended in size with pipe organs and sound effects inserted into large cabinets connected to the sides of the piano. The user of this new contraption, which became known as the photoplayer, could then create multiple sounds to match the actions on screen. Between 8,000 and 12,000 of these musical instruments were made between 1910 and 1928, with the American Fotoplayer Company's Fotoplayer being of the most popular brands. When sound films were first created in the late 1920s, the Fotoplayer became unnecessary. Therefore the American Fotoplayer Company ceased production of their product in 1925. Of the thousands of American Fotoplayers made, less than 50 survive today, and of those only 12 are known to still be playable. The appeal of the Fotoplayer to theatre owners was the fact that it took no musical skill to operate.
And now back to me: It may not have taken any musical skill to operate, but the guy in that video (Joe Rinaudo) sure is fast, clever and talented!
See or hear this show www.twit.tv/giz1446
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We'd love to include your personal video in an upcoming Giz Wiz Show. (Yes, the video above turns out to be from YouTube, but we liked it enough to use. But we want your personally shot video.)
Here's what we're looking for: Your home made Videos -- two to three minutes long - in the any of the following categories:
I bought a piece of crap! Did you buy something you ended up hating? We won't get you a refund, but we might be able to give a platform to vent your disappointment. Remember, "family friendly" language applies.
I Invented This! Did you invent something? (Or did a friend or relative invent something.) We can't market it for you, but we can help get the word out. Show us what it is, and how it works. Even if it's a prototype, you can get our (and the audience) reactions.
My Gadget Warehouse! Okay, so you don't have a warehouse. It doesn't matter. Just tell us about your favorite old gadget(s). When and where you bought it, and why you're still hanging on to it.
My favorite gadget of all time! Show us what it is, tell us what it does and why you love, or loved it! It can be something you just bought too.
Post them on YouTube and send our producer, Jason, the link! We'll do the rest. (Or possibly nothing, but that's unlikely.) Remember, videos should be just 2 to 3 minutes long! Low production value is fine, but we should be able to hear you and see you!
If we select and show your video on The Giz Wiz you will now be awarded with some sort of prize. Like an autographed MAD and some piece of crap. So that's one more (so-so) reason to send in your video!
All show submissions go to gizwiz@twit.tv
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