Brochure
6
With its long range, the ‘Voice’ of the Giant’ caused a tremendous stir.
Radio goes global
In 1927, Philips’ next major innovation was the ‘penthode’ – a ve-
electrode radio valve. This high-power electron tube minimized signal
distortion and was the rst step toward the sound purity Philips has
always strived for.
That year, the Dutch Queen and Princess addressed compatriots in
the East and West Indies using a Philips short-wave transmitter in a
laboratory setup, generating national acclaim. Encouraged, Philips set
up N.V. Philips Omroep Holland-Indie, a world broadcasting service,
which was greatly received.
This rst-of-its-kind transmitter was more eective than any short-wave
station and was heralded as the world’s most powerful short-wave
transmitter. To demonstrate the sensation of radio’s ‘Voice of the Giant’
to the masses, Philips set up ampliers with numerous loudspeakers at
public events, creating quite a stir.
Philips next developed a compact domestic radio set with a built-in
loudspeaker, which soon found its way into homes all around the world.
By 1932, we produced our one millionth radio set and our hundred
millionth radio valve in 1933. This secured our position as Europe’s
biggest radio valve manufacturer and the world leader in radio sets.
Anton Philips, co-founder of Royal Philips N.V., with the
one millionth radio set sold in 1932.
Speech by Dutch Queen Wihelmina and Princess Juliana
via a Philips short-wave transmitter, 1927.