Subscription "Wired Radio" that became Muzak

[newtaste]

Didn't know the story of George Squier. But it makes for an
interesting read. In 1910, he invented carrier-current technology
"wire-wireless", where multiple radio signals could be sent over
telephone lines. Then after a patent battle with AT&T that he lost, he
invented another system to transmit multiple radio signals using power
lines. By 1930, his Wired Radio, using electric power lines "was
sending three channels to listeners in the Lakeland district of
Cleveland, Ohio, at a cost of $1.50 a month. And on Squier's
recommendation, programmed music began to flow into the dining rooms
of hotels and restaurants". It was subscription radio. However, "Wired
Radio was eventually forced to abandon the power lines, which suffered
from excessive interference, in favor of phone lines leased from
AT&T."

Shortly before his death, he came up with a new name for Wired Radio.
"Combining music with that most popular trade name Kodak, he arrived
at Muzak."

Full article in: Invention & Technology Magazine, Fall 1998, Volume
14, Issue 2.
http://www.americanheritage.com/articles/magazine/it/1998/2/1998_2_52.shtml

Article by George Squier in: Proceedings of the American Institute of
American Engineers, May, 1911
http://earlyradiohistory.us/1911squ.htm