If you're interested in the history of film sound production and post-production, an interesting news group thread has been started by Ron Scelza. Ron describes it as:

Time Track -- "The History of Hollywood Production Sound recording equipments & workflows" from the 35MM Variable density track recorders in trucks to the Zaxcom Deva on location: As Hollywood changes technology the world of production adapts to its changes.

You can read it HERE.

If you live in California or planning a trip to LA later this year, you may be interested in what seems to be a fascinating exhibition run by the Science and Technology Council. As they say on their website:

The Council’s exhibition entitled “In Synch: The Birth of Vitaphone” tells the remarkable story of the Vitaphone Corporation by showcasing the people, the inventions and the impact of this revolutionary technology. It features an original lathe used for cutting Vitaphone wax records; a projector turntable; original wax, metal and plastic discs; and a special keepsake of Jack Warner’s – the original sound-mixing panel from The Jazz Singer.

It runs until December 2006. If anyone visits the exhibit and is allowed to take a picture of the mixing desk that George Groves used in 1927, I'd really appreciate a copy for this web site.