The Secret Life of Machines
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About
The Secret Life of Machines is an educational television series presented by Tim Hunkin and Rex Garrod, in which the two explain the inner workings and history of common household and office machinery. According to Hunkin, the show's creator, the programme was developed from his comic strip The Rudiments of Wisdom, which he researched and drew for the Observer newspaper over a period of 14 years. Three separate groupings of the broadcast were produced and originally shown between 1988 and 1993 on Channel 4 in the United Kingdom, with the production subsequently airing on The Learning Channel and the Discovery Channel.
Cast
Episodes
Season 1
The Secret Life of the Vacuum Cleaner
Before the invention of the vacuum cleaner, carpets and upholstery were taken outside and beaten once a year to get the dust out (the 'Spring' clean). Fitted carpets were totally impractical. Episode Contents: Models: Three different kinds (cylinder, upright, hybrid) of cut away vacuums. Homemade solenoid. Plastic bag car jack. Machines: Tim's automated hair raising, eye rolling portrait. Tim's "Common Ground" collecting box which simulates different footprints using a vacuum and a sheet of rubber. Guests: An array of ineffective hand powered vaccuums. Films: Singin hoover ad from the 30's. Extro: Flying vacuums!
The Secret Life of the Washing Machine
The earliest form of automatic washing was the nautical practice of towing clothes behind the ship. The combination of agitation and a constant flow of clean water washes the clothes quite effectively. Episode Contents: Models: Solenoid valves and pressure switches explained. Various cut away washing machines and their ingredients: weighted base, heating element, pumps, timer. Machines: A thunder simulator by Tim. A stunt by Rex using a solenoid cannon to roll a car. One of the best of Tim's collecting boxes, the Chiropodist who nods, twiddles her thumbs and then dissapears and tickles your foot (automatic british mickey taking at it's best). Guests: Again, lots of antique specimins (including the canadian shocker!). Industrial washing machines and the way they deal with the eccentricities of a load of water. Extro: A mountain of washing machines.
The Secret Life of the Sewing Machine
The first patent for a sewing machine was taken out by an English cabinetmaker called Thomas Saint in 1790. It's doubtful whether he actually built his design, because, when one was made from his drawings 100 years later, it had to be extensively modified to work. Episode Contents: Models: A giant human powered lock stitcher demonstrates the basic idea. A cut away singer shows how a crank powers all the basic functions. A demonstration of cams and stepper motors. Machines: Three of Tim's famous collecting boxes: The head scratching curator the rubber-necked guard and the doctor that writes out illegible prescriptions. There are some brief close ups of the construction of these machines. Rex also shows his magical remote controlled suitcase. Guests: A thumb crushing Thimmonier (the 1st practical sewing machine) Many antique decorative sewing machines. Films: The old Singer advert from the 40's is probably the funniest clip in this series. Extro: Say it in thread.
The Secret Life of the Refrigerator
Commercial refrigeration equipment was first developed in Australia, where the winters weren't cold enough to produce much natural ice. A brewery was the first company to commission an artificial ice making plant (in 1865) so cooling Australian lager was the first use of artificial refrigeration. Episode Contents: Models: Disassembling a compressor. Demonstration of thermostat Machines: Rex's homemade air rifle. Tim's elaborate wall mounted water clock. Guests: Early ice box. A turn of the century ammonia refrigerent ice factory. Various early fridges. Archival: GE film from 1935 starring Bette Davis. Hilarious old promo from 1957 with a woman hugging her fridge! Goofy commercial involving an elephant and an old style fridge. Extro: Stop motion fridges.
The Secret Life of the Central Heating System
At first Roman houses simply had a fire in the middle of the room (the Latin for hearth is focus). But they probably had trouble with smoke as the Latin for living room is atrium (from ater meaning black). By about 400AD the Romans had perfected a form of central heating. The fire was lit outside in a furnace with hot air ducts under the floors and in the walls. Episode Contents: Models: Trying to start a fire with an electric drill. A Norman chimney vs a proper one. A life size 2 dimensional house model with radiators and boiler. A glass radiator. A balanced flue. Machines: Jacob's ladders by Rex. Guests: Solid fuel, oil and natural gas boilers. Films: Yet another silly 40's promotional film, this one for the Ascot gas boiler. Extro: The model house springs a leak.
The Secret Life of the Television Set
John Logie Baird, the Scottish inventor, developed an electromechanical TV system in the 1920s and gave frequent public demonstrations. The publicity encouraged EMI to develop a practical all-electronic system, similar to today's. In 1936 the BBC transmitted both systems, but EMI's was judged superior. Episode Contents: Models: TV scanning is demonstrated with a drawing made on many strands of string. A cutaway TV and cards that mimic the screening of a colour TV. Explanation of the simplest electronic components. Machines: Tim's displays at the National Film and Television Museum (UK) Guests: British TV sets from before and after WWII. Films: Zworykin interview. J.L. Baird cartoon. Extro: A mountain of live televisions set on fire.
Where does The Secret Life of Machines rank today?
The Secret Life of Machines is #10000 on the Bowood.TV Daily Streaming Charts today.
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Watch The Secret Life of Machines Online Free — All Episodes in HD
Stream The Secret Life of Machines online free in HD on Bowood.TV. A highly acclaimed documentary series originally produced in English and released in 1988, it's earned a solid 8.1/10 from 8 viewers worldwide.
About The Secret Life of Machines
The Secret Life of Machines is an educational television series presented by Tim Hunkin and Rex Garrod, in which the two explain the inner workings and history of common household and office machinery. According to Hunkin, the show's creator, the programme was developed from his comic strip The Rudiments of Wisdom, which he researched and drew for the Observer newspaper over a period of 14 years. Three separate groupings of the broadcast were produced and originally shown between 1988 and 1993 on Channel 4 in the United Kingdom, with the production subsequently airing on The Learning Channel and the Discovery Channel. Across 3 seasons and 18 episodes, originally airing on Channel 4.
The Secret Life of Machines Cast and Characters
The cast features Tim Hunkin (as Himself - Presenter) and Rex Garrod (as Himself - Co-Presenter). Their performances are a major reason The Secret Life of Machines has built such a passionate audience.
Where to Watch The Secret Life of Machines Online
On Bowood.TV you can watch The Secret Life of Machines free — no account, no credit card, no ads in the middle of the show. We stream the full series in 720p / 1080p HD, with subtitles when available, on any device: phone, tablet, laptop, or smart TV browser.
▶ Watch The Secret Life of Machines NowWhy People Are Watching The Secret Life of Machines
There's a reason The Secret Life of Machines keeps showing up on "must-watch" lists. What makes it work is a tone and style that's hard to find elsewhere. If you enjoy English storytelling that doesn't follow the same tired beats, this is the kind of show you'll end up recommending to friends.
Frequently Asked Questions about The Secret Life of Machines
Where can I watch The Secret Life of Machines online for free?
You can watch The Secret Life of Machines online free on Bowood.TV. Just open the page and hit play — no signup, no subscription, full HD streaming on phone, tablet, or desktop.
How many episodes does The Secret Life of Machines have?
The Secret Life of Machines has 18 episodes across 3 seasons. All episodes are available to stream right here on Bowood.TV.
Is The Secret Life of Machines good? What's the rating?
The Secret Life of Machines holds a 8.1/10 rating based on 8 reviews — genuinely excellent.
Who is in the cast of The Secret Life of Machines?
The main cast includes Tim Hunkin and Rex Garrod.
Is The Secret Life of Machines available in English?
Yes — The Secret Life of Machines was originally produced in English and that's the version you'll stream here on Bowood.TV.
When was The Secret Life of Machines released?
The Secret Life of Machines first aired in 1988.
Do I need an account to watch The Secret Life of Machines on Bowood.TV?
No. Bowood.TV is free and you can watch The Secret Life of Machines without creating an account. Sign-up is optional — only useful if you want a personal Watchlist or to comment on episodes.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I watch The Secret Life of Machines for free?
You can watch The Secret Life of Machines online for free on Bowood.TV. All 18 episodes across 3 seasons are available to stream in HD without a subscription, signup, or paywall. Just open the show page and press play.
How many seasons and episodes does The Secret Life of Machines have?
The Secret Life of Machines currently has 3 seasons and a total of 18 episodes. The series status is "Ended", so the episode count may grow as new seasons are released. You can browse the full episode list on Bowood.TV and continue watching from where you left off.
What is The Secret Life of Machines about?
The Secret Life of Machines is an educational television series presented by Tim Hunkin and Rex Garrod, in which the two explain the inner workings and history of common household and office machinery. According to Hunkin, the show's creator, the programme was developed from his comic strip The Rudiments of Wisdom,… It belongs to the Documentary genre.
In which language is The Secret Life of Machines originally available?
The Secret Life of Machines was originally produced in English. On Bowood.TV the show is available in its original English audio, which is the most authentic way to experience the dialogue, music, and performances. Check the player options on the watch page for available subtitle tracks.
When was The Secret Life of Machines first released?
The Secret Life of Machines first premiered on November 15, 1988 (1988). The series has since concluded its run.
All Seasons
Browse every season of The Secret Life of Machines — 3 seasons in total
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