Why 78rpm, 45rpm, and 33.3rpm?



Does anyone know why these particular speeds were chosen for phono records? Early on there were 80rpm (one-sided) records, and 16 rpm was used for radio broadcast transcription and speech. I think that the CD sample rate 44.1 KHz has something to do with compatibility with movie frame rate. (The CD rpm varies as the disc plays so as to maintain a constant data rate).
eldartford

Showing 1 response by trelja

Great, informative posts, Shasta!

I own an Edison, wind - up, 80 rpm console phonograph and I thought the records were double sided. I guess it would be worth something if I didn't have it in my basement, with barbell plates piled high on it. It was bought at a garage sale, with a bunch of records inside it. Some are pretty cool tunes, including "Tramp, Tramp, Tramp". I may also have "Sunny Italy"(I'll take you back with me, back to sunny Italy...) in there, or is that on 78...