Historical Note: Standardization and Independence: The Founding Objectives of the SMPTE

The founding, in 1916, of the SMPTE (SMPE then) not only benefited the young film industry but proved valuable for mass production and technological progress as well. Its formation as an independent organization was in response to the factional problems of the film industry, which had tried at least twice before to set up standardizing committees within what proved to be short-lived trade associations. The background of the Society's formation is presented here.