Memorex AKA Memorex Corp.
A manufacturer of pre-internet computer peripherals including computer tape, consumer tape, and, later, disk drives, used by Ma Bell, I.B.M., and other techno-conglomerates. Established in California's Santa Clara Valley in 1961, Memorex was initially based in what would become Silicon Valley and housed in the three nameless floors later occupied by Knight Ridder following its purchase of Dialog Information Services. In the 1980's, Memorex was purchased by RadioShack's parent company, the Tandy Corporation, and became widely known for its "shattered glass [1]" series of advertisements.
"Is it live, or is it Memorex? [Or is "everything" Memorex?]"
- ↑ Groundbreaking segments featuring a notable and scantily-clad female singer breaking glass with her voice while being recorded on a Memorex consumer tape, followed by playback from the tape with an identical result. Aural injuries were reported by those on set for the filming of these commercials due to the playback of inaudible high and low frequency sound waves required to cause substantial vibration in the glass, leading eventually to the narrowing of the recorded sonic spectrum in Memorex's consumer product line. Ironically, Memorex in fact used their equipment to artificially alter and enhance the recorded sound, including the heavy equalization boost of high and low frequencies. It is reported that in the commercial series the initial vocal-based glass shattering was staged while the shattering via Memorex playback was authentic.