Kinematograph year book (1944)

200 The Kinematograph Year Book. which will run on mains voltage, and is air-cooled ; and the tubular fluorescent lamp, which is a low brightness " daylight " lamp, 5 ft. in length, consuming 80 watts only, and also running on mains voltage. For projection, either the water-cooled or the compact source type has the advantage, as compared with a filament lamp, of increased screen illumination, a leduction in heat, and a pleasant colour for monochrome films. The projection of coloured films is not satisfactory, due to the fact that films are processed for projection with the H.T. arc. Various photographic applications of these lamps are fully discussed* Possibly, the most novel is in flash photography ; it is claimed that a 400watt medium high-pressure type can be operated for brief periods at 20 times its normal wattage, giving a light output of 35,000 lumens for l-10th second. The Ministry of Aircraft Production has announced that, in view of the shortage of projector lamps — that is, lamps with concentrated filaments for use with optical projection apparatus or floodlight reflectors — it has been found necessary to impose a restriction on their sales. All would-be purchasers of projector lamps are now required to state with their order the purpose for which the lamp -is required and the use to which it is to be put. While this restriction will not largely affect standard picture production, it will no doubt be anxiously regarded by educational authorities who use 16-mm. instructional films. The theatre will have to look to its spots, and the smaller studio spotlights will also be affected. Meanwhile, the early post-war period may be expected to produce a series of new projectors and lamp units. Most of the British and American manufacturers are already experimenting with the prototype of their new product, which, if not altogether revolutionary in principle, it is understood, embrace several important technical advances, assuring greater economy of current with more efficient performance and simplicity of control. During the year the Industry suffered the loss of two pioneers of the technical side— R. W. Paul (April), who from the very earliest days was associated with the equipment and production side, and latterly identified with the Cambridge Instrument Co., and F. H. Richardson (September), probably the greatest world authority on motion picture projection, who was for many years associated with the American trade journal, the " Motion Picture Herald." AvoMeter Electrical Measuring Apparatus.— With shortage of service staffs, the exhibitor who possesses a qualified technician who can do his own electrical and sound testing is fortunate in these days. An indispensable measuring instrument for all such forms of testing is the 46-range Universal AvoMeter, which should be in the possession of every projectionist or service engineer. Manufactured by the Automatic Coil Winder and Electrical Equipment Co., Ltd., it is an entirely self-contained instrument which provides for every essential test of electrical and sound equipment. It possesses 45 ranges of direct readings, all taken without external shunts or multipliers. An automatic cut-out protects the instrument from damage in the event of a severe overload. With its ranges for measuring A.C. and D.C. current, A.C. and D.C. voltage resistance, capacity, audio-frequency power output and decibel ranges, it is an all-embracing test instrument. THE FIRE HAZARD THE adoption, throughout the country, of the official fire plan has resulted in various modifications of the procedure to be followed in dealing with outbreaks of fires, but it has not affected the basic equipment requirements of the exhibitor. Indeed, during the war, it is more than ever necessary that all fire protection equipment should be properly maintained. This point has not been overlooked by local N.F.S. headquarters, a service which above all else demands almost a pre-war efficiency as regards kinema firemen and fireguards.