Fifty years ago this month, the November, 1964, issue of Radio-Electronics magazine
announced the debut of a “new educational toy in the spirit of TV,” the General Electric Show ‘n Tell Phono Viewer. It consisted of a phonograph, capable of playing all speeds of records (16, 33, 45, and 78). It also conntained of a slide viewer which displayed special film strips that were available synchronized with the accompanying record. The slides advanced mechanically, timed by the rotation of the turntable. According to the article, a 3-year-old child would be able to load both the record and slide. (This was back in the day when parents weren’t overly paranoid when it came to entrusting 120 volt devices to their three year olds.)

The original selling price was $29.95. I vaguely recall seeing these, but they didn’t offer much fascination. This is probably because real TV’s started at $59.95. No matter the retailer, the least expensive television was invariably $59.95. This amount was never attainable, but it always seemed to be within reach. If I had ever come into possession of $29.95, I doubt if I would have considered squandering it on a toy TV, no matter how ingenious, knowing that I was halfway to being able to purchase a real one.

The device can be seen in action at this YouTube video.