Philips BTS7000/10 Brochura

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 five-

electrode radio valve. This high-power electron tube minimized signal

distortion and was the first 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 first-of-its-kind transmitter was more effective 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 amplifiers 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.