Celebrating 80 Years of Excellence
Eighty years ago this November, Ampex embarked on a journey that would change the world of recording and data technology forever. We invented and commercialized the concept of capturing, storing, and replaying sound and images, creating an entirely new industry. Few companies can claim such a profound and lasting impact as Ampex. From revolutionizing broadcast technology to recording humanity’s first steps into space, Ampex has played a pivotal role in shaping entire industries and transforming everyday life. Every time you watch television or listen to the radio, you’re experiencing part of the legacy we created. By pioneering data recording technologies like the Ampex Model 200 audio recorder and the VR-1000 videotape recorder, we transformed both entertainment and communication, making what once seemed impossible a reality. From redefining audio, video, and data recording, our influence in media is undeniable. We have also spearheaded advancements in defense and aerospace, leaving an indelible mark on these industries. Today, as part of Delta Information Systems, we continue pushing boundaries with the same passion that has driven us since the beginning.
The Roots of Innovation
Ampex was founded by Alexander M. Poniatoff, an electrical engineer who aimed to do something unprecedented: create entirely new methods to capture, record, and preserve sound for future generations. Poniatoff’s belief in the transformative power of technology fueled his work, and during World War II, he led a team that worked on critical radar components for the Navy. This early experience provided the foundation for Ampex’s groundbreaking innovations. The name “Ampex” comes from Poniatoff’s initials (AMP), combined with his commitment to “EXcellence.” After the war, Poniatoff turned his focus to peacetime innovation, launching America’s first professional audio tape recorder in 1946. This innovation revolutionized media and the entertainment industry.
Bing Crosby’s $50,000 investment in Ampex was the critical catalyst for the following revolution. The Ampex Model 200 fundamentally transformed radio, music, and television, enabling pre-recorded broadcasts for the first time and reshaping the entire landscape of media.
A Legacy of Firsts
Ampex’s history is filled with groundbreaking innovations that reshaped industries, and this is only a glimpse of what we’ve accomplished:
- 1947: Bing Crosby adopts Ampex’s audio recorder, allowing his radio show to be prerecorded rather than performed twice live for the East and West Coasts. This innovation granted Crosby more freedom and forever changed the entertainment landscape.
- 1950: Ampex sold the first dedicated data recorder, the Model 500, to the U.S. Navy. This marked the beginning of Ampex’s expansion into military and aerospace data recording, laying the foundation for our later work in space missions and defense technologies.
- 1956: Ampex introduced the VR-1000, the first practical videotape recorder, which simplified video production and enabled delayed television broadcasts. Within a week of its debut, Ampex secured 45 orders at $45,000 each, revolutionizing the television industry.
- 1958: Ampex’s FR-900 magnetic tape recorder was selected by NASA. It was Ampex technology that captured the first images of Earth from the Moon as part of the Lunar Orbiter program, supporting virtually all U.S. space missions since.
- 1969: Ampex introduced Videofile, a pioneering system for electronic storage and retrieval of fingerprints. It became integral to Scotland Yard, storing over 25 million prints and helping make identity matches in seconds.
- 1982: Ampex developed Digital Storage Technology (DST), a high-performance data storage system capable of holding half the Library of Congress in just 21 square feet, a remarkable leap in data storage capabilities.
These innovations earned Ampex numerous accolades, including 12 Emmy Awards, an Academy Award for technical achievement, and recognition from NASA for our support of the Apollo missions. Ampex also won an Oscar for our groundbreaking contributions to film and recording technology.
Meeting the Challenges of Tomorrow
Today, as part of Delta Information Systems, Ampex continues to lead in rugged data management, data acquisition, and processing solutions tailored for defense and aerospace sectors. Our expertise lies in delivering high-performance systems that operate reliably in the harshest environments. We support real-time, mission-critical decisions by capturing, processing, and securing essential data at the edge. Ampex is known for developing edge computing capabilities that reduce latency and improve decision timelines, which is crucial for defense and aerospace operations.
Our commitment extends to advanced data encryption technologies, ensuring secure handling of sensitive information for mission-critical aerospace systems. Ampex’s contributions span all domains: land, air, sea, and space, solidifying our position as a leader in data management solutions for extreme environments where reliability and security cannot be compromised.
The Next 80 Years
As we honor our incredible journey, we keep our eyes on the future, where new frontiers in artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, and advanced data analytics are creating boundless opportunities for growth and innovation. Data rates continue to accelerate, and computer architectures are advancing, allowing us to capture more information faster while ensuring it remains secure. The future of data recording will be monumental in terms of how edge operations within the DoD and beyond will function, and Ampex will be leading the way. Ampex is dedicated to leveraging our rich history to pioneer new technologies and ensure our legacy not only persists but continues to inspire and drive progress for generations to come.
A Heartfelt Thank You
To all of our employees, partners, customers, past and present, and the ‘Ampex Old Timers,’ a group of our retired and former employees who continue to meet annually and share the story of Ampex, you are the heart and soul of this company. Your dedication, creativity, and belief in our vision have made every milestone possible. You are the reason we have thrived for 80 years and the energy that propels us forward. As we celebrate the past, we are filled with gratitude for each of you and excitement for what lies ahead. Together, we have made history, and together, we will shape the future.
Here’s to the next 80 years; may they be filled with continued innovation, boundless possibilities, and shared success. Thank you for being an essential part of the Ampex story.
