This  will be of interest:
 
The  eight-part series explores the art of music recording, and offers a  
behind-the-scenes look at the birth of brand new sounds. Featuring more than 
160  original interviews with some of the most celebrated recording artists 
of all  time, Soundbreaking explores the nexus of cutting-edge technology 
and human  artistry that has created the soundtrack of our lives. Airs 
weekdays, November  14-23 10/9c.In the final episode of  Soundbreaking, we discover 
that the music formats that are so familiar to us  now, the single and the 
LP, were actually born out of a 'format war' between  rival record companies 
RCA Victor and Columbia. With commentary from Steven Van  Zandt on new 
recording freedom for artists and the emergence of Rock and  Roll.

http://www.pbs.org/video/2365874477/
 
Note that the full series will be released on DVD AND BD (at same  price) 
by Acorn Video on November 29th.
 
I know the sharp-eyed folks will note that (in the last episode (the  link 
above) the introduction of the 45rpm disc by RCA Victor is documented by  
showing Rosemary Clooney's 45 on COLUMBIA! Oh well.
 
Steve Ramm