On this day: stereo sound

On this day in 1933 Alan Blumlein patented stereo sound.

Electrical engineer Alan Blumlein was said to have told his wife in 1931 that he would solve the problem caused by only being able to play sound through a single set of speakers. Early films may have shown a character moving from one side of the screen to the other but until stereo sound was invented this movement could not be tracked.

While we Brits might take it for granted, this breakthrough has contributed to an immersive and much improved experience for millions of people the world over, all because a resolute and intelligent man felt the quality should be improved.

Thank you Alan! 

Image credit: flickr; cpgmattr