RE "I actually remember watching her coronation on TV via what I think was a live cable transmission. Incredibly grainy black & white, and (for an 8-9 year old) boring as all get out."
Back in 1952 there was no such thing as "live cable transmission". As I recall, the various North American news/TV outlets were anxiously waiting to receive the B&W film of the event being flown over as soon as the ceremonies concluded — so at least a half-day's delay for video (which was definitely grainy B&W).
I don't know from where I got it, but I've always thought there was a live transmission via undersea cable, but...
But there actually was some live transmission as explained
here along with other details.
