English: Early television/videophone concept, a forecast (almanac) for 1879, posted in the December 9th, 1878 issue of Punch.

Illustration description

Punch Magazine cartoon print: Edison's Telephonoscope (transmits light as well as sound). (Every evening, before going to bed, Pater- and Materfamilias set up an electric camera-obscura over their bedroom mantel-piece, and gladden their eyes with the sight of their children at the Antipodes, and converse gaily with them through the wire.).

Paterfamilias (in Wilton Place): 'Beatrice, come closer, I want to whisper.'

Beatrice (from Ceylon): 'Yes, Papa dear.'

Paterfamilias: 'Who is that charming young lady playing on Charlie's side?'

Beatrice: 'She's just come over from England, Papa. I'll introduce you to her as soon as the game's over?'

George du Maurier's cartoon of 'an electric camera-obscura' is often cited as an early prediction of television and also anticipated the videophone, in wide screen formats and flat screens. The screen is approximately 2 metres wide and appears to have an aspect ratio of 2.7:1, the same as Ultra Panavision.

Artist: George Du Maurier, Published: Almanack for 1879