International projectionist (Jan-Dec 1957)

EQUIPMENT IN ARMY AND AIR FORCE THEATRES {Continued from page 31) image size. Movable masking, while undoubtedly presenting the best appearance, leaves something to be desired unless experienced personnel are always at hand to keep it in proper trim, for any imperfection will be painfully apparent. For some years, this Service has been using gray instead of black masking. This does not contrast strongly with aluminum screen surfaces, which also have some advantage in that they do not reflect house lighting in the direction of the seating areas and they appear darker than white screens under diffuse lighting. Under these conditions unmasked screen areas are hardly noticeable and have no ill effects. Large unused areas, of course, are concealed by the screen curtains, which can be stopped just outside the picture area by means of stop-startreverse curtain controls. It will be recalled that for some years the subject of masking has been under discussion. Studies, made by agencies independent of the motion-picture industry, have shown that a bright working area surrounded by darkness leads to poor viewing or even eye fatigue. Aesthetically it has been argued with good reason that a greater feeling of participation in screen action exists if the attention is not diverted from the picture by extreme brightness contrasts at the edge, for any strong contrast will tend to force itself on the consciousness. Ideally, it would appear that the edges of the image should simply fade from view. The choice of gray masking (and screen surrounds of fairly neutral color) was made to minimize these contrasts. If the favorable reception accorded it in the theatres has validity, it has accomplished its purpose. About five years ago it was decided to institute 16-mm service for small military installations where 35-mm service was not feasible. New 16-mm Projectors At first, surplus 16-mm projectors were made available provided maintenance was taken care of by the AAFMPS. The machines were old and repair costs proved to be excessive. They have gradually been replaced by new projectors and at present only a few old ones remain in use. These will probably be replaced within the next year or so, for some parts are no longer in production. Following this, replacement will be relatively slow until aging and normal wear and tear begin to take effect. No attempt can be made to forecast this date until the repair experience begins to indicate its approach. Although 16-mm projectors cannot compare in durability with 35-mm machines, the life in other than portable service is expected to be a considerable number of years. About all that can be said on average life is that it is extremely variable, depending on conditions of use. Finally, there is the question of planning for the future. The replacement program is again approaching what might be called a condition of stability, for the requirements of the new processes have been largely met. But this does not mean that the program is at an end. Improvements are always being put into effect, and equipment continues to become obsolete. No industry can stand still if it is to remain healthy in the face of new forms of competition. While we may hope for a reasonable period of standardization, we must expect new developments at some future time. The Army and Air Force Motion Picture Service is prepared to keep abreast of the industry, but it will be the responsibility of private enterprise to pioneer the development. [THE END] RCA Distribution Program Effective January 1. 1958. a new product-distribution program to enable RCA theatre supply dealers to become distributors of a broader theatre sound equipment line will be instituted. Under the program. RCA will convert its theatre supply dealers organization to theatre sound equipment distributorships embracing RCA's theatre sound equipment line, and new types of packaged sound equipment. These are lines of microphones, loud speakers, and amplifiers for wide application. The new distributorships will be offered to RCA's twenty-seven theatre supply dealers located in key film centers throughout the country. •^'•:^-r,i. LaVezzi Machine Works 4635 WEST LAKE ST. CHICAGO 44, ILL. INTERNATIONAL PROJECTIONIST • DECEMBER 1957 35