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Cable-Tec Expo '99:
Celebrating the Present by Honoring the Past
By the CT Editorial Staff

In the mad rush to upgrade our systems, deploy new services and generally stay abreast of the rapid advances in cable technology, it's altogether too easy to lose sight of what got us here in the first place.

"History is important," said John Clark, president of the Society of Cable Telecommunications Engineers, in his opening remarks at Cable-Tec Expo's Annual Engineering Conference. Those words were put to action when the SCTE honored its charter members with a re-enactment of the original board meeting, which was held on June 22, 1969.

Following an audio-visual retrospective featuring what must certainly be the longest car commercial in TV history (for the "wide track" Pontiac line), three of the Society's charter members took center stage. In the spotlight were (from right) Charles Tepfer of Cablecasting magazine, Bill Karnes of National Trans-Video and Ron Cotten of Concord TV Cable.

As he did almost 30 years ago, Tepfer started the ball rolling with a motion to establish the Society for the purpose of uniting the industry, facilitating the exchange of information and increasing the level of competence in the field. Karnes seconded the motion, which was then put to a vote.

"I, Ron Cotten, of Concord TV Cable, call for a roll call vote. How do you vote?"

Six additional charter members in the front row of the audience then stood to vote on the motion they together passed in their first meeting. In attendance were (from left) Al Williams of Reeves Telecommunications, Herb Timberlake of Jerrold Electronics, Jake Landrum of Commco (not pictured), Rex Porter of Times Wire Cable, Wayne McKinney of Texas Community Antennas and Austin Coryell of Television Communications.

The re-enactment concluded with a bit of humor. "Ladies and gentleman," said the announcer, "that's how it all started 30 years ago, and how amazing is it they can still stand." How many of you were standing after Cable-Tec Expo wrapped up?

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