71 Years of Metz - Chronicle of a family business

1938: 28 November: Paul Metz founds the company
1939: Manufacture of electronic devices for Carl Zeiss
Development of the product range through the manufacture of products with high-frequency technology
until 1945: Production of radio technology for short-wave transmitters and receivers
1947: Consumer electronics division established with the manufacture of the first Metz radios
1950: Complete range of radio devices from the smallest Super radio to the radio gramophone
In keeping with the motto, "Metz - always 1st class", everything was done to ensure “the highest quality of sound and reception”
Construction of an electro-acoustic laboratory and another special laboratory
1952: Another division is established: manufacture of flash units commissioned by Agfa and Carl-Braun begins
Amateur flash photography is revolutionised
Gold medal for sound, design and performance at an international exhibition in Luxembourg, certificate of honour and gold medal at an international exhibition in Thessaloniki
Manufacture of Metz “mecablitz” flash units begins
1953: Spectacular presentation of 8 table and stand units at the “Great German Radio, Phonograph and Television Exhibition” in Dusseldorf
1954: Worldwide sensation: production of the “Babyphon” (battery powered radio-phonograph combination), the first portable radio with a record player
1955: TV manufacture begins
Metz presents the first television set with 3D surround sound system at the radio and television exhibition in Dusseldorf
1957: The third division is established with the opening of a factory in Zirndorf making sound equipment storage units
Metz brings the first electron transistor flash unit in the world to the market “mecablitz 100”
1958: First hi-fi systems from Metz:
stereo hi-fi system "410" with 2 channel amplifier, stereo hi-fi music cabinet “705” with stereo auto-changer
1963: 25 years of Metz
1966: A new TV set factory opens in Zirndorf
Metz brings cassette players to the Hanover Trade Fair for the first time
1967: Manufacture of colour TVs begins
1972: Production of flash units reaches 2.5 million
1978: “markt intern” names Metz as “No. 1 retail partner” for the first time
1979: Inclusion of plastic in manufacturing
Development of the SCA adapter system for adapting cameras by different manufacturers for Metz flash units
1982: Production of flash units reaches 5 million
1987: Conversion to GmbH & Co KG (German limited company)
1989: Product range is extended with the addition of the VHS and S-VHS camcorder and S-VHS video recorder
1990: Start using our own 100 hertz technology
Metz receives performance index award for the first time: a survey by rf-Brief puts Metz at No. 1
1991: Construction of a development centre in Zirndorf
1993: Founder Paul Metz dies
The company continues under the leadership of his wife Helene Metz
1994: Flash unit mecablitz 50 MZ-5 is introduced; for the first time, a Metz flash unit is controlled by 3 micro computers
1995: Start of Metz’s module concept - modular chassis construction allows TV sets to be individually adapted
Implementation of a computer-like slot system for the TV chassis – making it possible for uncomplicated and individual upgrading, conversion and retrofitting to be carried out on-site by our technical partners in line with customer wishes
1997: 50 years of Metz – consumer electronics
The Paul and Helene Metz Foundation is established
Presentation of the “varioline” individual TV range – in 4:3 and 16:9 versions. A variable slot system and individual colouring (64,000 colour variations) allows maximum adaptation to customer requirements
1998: As part of the Photokina trade fair, Metz presents the world's smallest flash unit with high light output and the simplest 2-button operation
General conversion of TV manufacture to 100 hertz technology
1998: Anniversary: 60 years of Metz
1999: Construction of a new service centre and relocation of the whole company to Zirndorf
At the IFA in Berlin, Metz presents new TV sets from its premium range, featuring extremely thin cathode ray tubes (4:3 and 16:9) as well as integrated room lighting + 2 DVD players + a hi-fi CD receiver
2000: photokina: Metz also comes into its own in the digital sector - introducing the newest generation of flash units, with a simplified operating concept and exceptional special functions, as well as a generation of updateable SCA-3002 adapters. Start of Metz’s digital module concept: - presentation of the first fully integrated DVB-S module for the novel digital SAT-TV in Spring: all TV sets made after April 1997 can be digitally retrofitted
Presentation of high-quality TV sets in the Astral/Spectral design range. A combination of high-quality material, anodized aluminium and recyclable plastics create an impressive whole
2001: Extension of the plastics factory
IFA Berlin: Expansion of digital TV retrofit sets in the DVB-T and DVB-C section
Introduction of high-quality 42” plasma TV sets in 16:9 format
Extensive upgrading of the flash range in the digital camera division
2002: Beginning of a new generation of chassis with intuitive operation and new, comfortable remote control
Expansion of the DVB module to include DVB-S and DVB-T with CI interfaces.
10 millionth flash unit
2003: Fully integrated hard disk recorder with timeshift and background recording functions
2004: World first: adaptive 28 CS-2 digital flash unit with immediate correction button.
2005: Our own design of “made in Germany” LCD-TV sets (HDTV ready) are introduced for the first time, together with the new Slim TV product range with visibly reduced CRT housing depth
2006: Numerous awards for Metz LCD TVs; earns first place for both picture quality and user convenience.
Talio: best selling LCD TV in specialist retailers.
Introduction of the first flash unit with USB interface and innovative dual reflector technology.
2007: LCD TV range with HDTV reception. Globally unique retrofitting
2008: Anniversary: 70 years of Metz
Wide range of LCD TVs with high definition 42” full HD panels, 100 Hz DMC technology and integrated hard disk recorder.
An innovative world first – wireless macro flash with two individually controllable reflectors
2009: Expansion of the LCD TV range with the addition of a 55” LCD Metz Sirius 32 HDTV 100R, which stands out as a reference model in the 32” segment
All Metz LCDs are equipped with 100 Hz or 200 Hz DMC and full HD technology