Cinephone

/ˈsɪnəfoʊn/ noun

Definition

An early device for synchronized sound recording with motion pictures; a precursor to modern sound film technology.

Etymology

From cinema + phone (Greek phone meaning 'sound' or 'voice'). Created in the early 20th century during the race to add sound to silent films.

Kelly Says

The cinephone was one of dozens of failed technologies competing to bring 'talkies' to life—inventors tried everything before synchronizing recorded sound to film became practical around 1927, revolutionizing cinema forever.

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