10 Philco products that left their mark on the history of technology in Brazil

Some technology companies are so remarkable that they become part of the memory of different generations. this situation PhilcoIt will complete its 90-year presence in Brazil in 2024.

The brand’s various electronic products, such as radios, televisions, and stereos, were successful upon their introduction and remain popular today as collectibles or typical devices you find in elderly relatives’ homes.

To celebrate this special date, we have selected some of the Philco products that have most left their mark on Brazil’s technology history and tell you why they are so important.

1. Philco 89

THE Philco 89 It was released in 1934 and It was the first product the company sold in Brazil. Since the first national factory was only opened in the following decade, models were imported.

With its elegant wooden structure and valve operation, also known as the Cathedral With its design reminiscent of the front stained glass windows of a Gothic church. Around here, Brazilians affectionately “named” this formatchapel radio“.

2. Prediction

Some television models stand out with both their appearance and good functioning. this situation To guessIt was launched in Brazil in 1958 by Philco.

This The world’s first rotating televisionThe screen rotates on its own axis. This was possible thanks to an unprecedented structure: the main components of the TV were placed in the base, separated from a thinner and more flexible picture tube, making the device compact.

Predicta wasn’t just a model for the consumer, It is also used in businesses such as hotels and restaurants. Even today he widely adopted in science fiction production scenarios or with a retrofuturistic theme.

3. ColorScope 20

Philco was the manufacturer responsible for the launch of this product. The first color television in Brazil. The first ascent took place with the line Color Coverage 20It has been sold in the country since 1972.

Wood veneered, There were four variants of this TV: two of 26 inches differentiated by a short or long base; one 20 inch; and a portable version with a 17-inch screen.

4. Transspheric Radio

THE transglobe he was Philco’s most popular radio familywith several generations of devices. The most popular version to date among collectors B481It was released in 1973. In addition to receiving AM and FM radio stations, which is not very common on all models, it had a solid and durable design.

At the same time with 7 additional buy bands It was widely used for listening to radio and receiving distant shortwave stations. — and its ability to capture signals even from other parts of the planet inspired its name.

5. Teleplay

THE First video game console produced in Brazil It was released by Philco. And telegameIt was released in 1977.

The device came with two controls and three games fixed to the build: Paredão, Tennis and Football. At the time, it was a success, especially since the gaming industry in Brazil was in its infancy.

The first, domestic consoles, would only reach the country many years later, largely due to the reduced presence of foreign products in stores due to the market reserve in force at the time. The device was so successful that Philco In 1979, it released the device’s successor, Telejogo II. with more games and improved graphics.

6. B505 Clock Radio

Nowadays, smartphones fit into your pocket and function as alarm clocks and music players. But decades ago, a device combining these two functions was an innovation and was widely adopted in Brazilian homes.

Philco B505 is a clock radio from the 1970s that left its mark on generations. for orange color and durability. The model receives AM and FM stations, making it easy to set the time and alarm. waking up to music from a station or a traditional alarm sound.

Also he Worked on both battery and electricitySo, for example, when the power goes out in the middle of the night, it continues to show the time.

7.PCS-30

One of Philco’s most iconic models of the early 1980s PCS-30A spacious 3-in-1 audio system for music lovers of a wide variety of formats.

With Lauded sound quality and four outputsThe model had a wooden structure and metal front panel. served for him duplication of vinyl records and cassettesas well as having a built-in radio.

8. Duet TVs

THE Duet television line It is a classic in classrooms across Brazil. These are two-in-one devices. There was a VCR input built into the bottom of the TV. So you didn’t need to buy another electronic device just to watch your VHS tape collection.

This kind of television It was also called “kangaroo” These animals have a storage area for tapes compared to their bags. First launched in the 1990s and with updates made in the following years, Dueto had 14 and 20 inch versions.

9. Mini System Cheers

Some of the products introduced by Philco during the company’s 90 years in Brazil are as famous for their advertising as for their products. this situation ApplauseA mini system released in 1995.

This line was introduced to the public with the classic commercial “little ants“, also marked with the slogan “There are things only Philco can do for you“.

The device was 3 in 1: CD and cassette player as well as radiowith various custom settings. Some models even had a headphone jack and a function optimized for karaoke.

10. PH-60 Radio

In addition to more powerful audio systems, Philco has also introduced portable radios that can be taken to work or even to the football stadium. Perhaps the most remembered example of this category is PH60It has been produced by the brand over several years.

This analog model, with a maximum power of 1W RMS, has ten bands in total. 8 shortwave channels plus AM and FM tuning. The radio, which had a safety strap, was powered by two medium-sized (AA) batteries in addition to the headphone jack.

Philco continues to exist in Brazil after 90 years with its home appliances, air conditioning, personal care and audio and video product lines. Explore the brand’s digital store and browse the manufacturer’s current catalogue.