Motion Picture Herald (Apr-Jun 1931)

50 MOTION PICTURE HERALD June 2 7, 1 9 3 1 RADIO PICKUP BY HORNS Gordon V. Weeks, Victoria theatre, Brooksville, Fla., says: "Dear Mr. Richardson: May I express my appreciation of our Projection department in the Motion Picture Herald? I have derived a great deal of pleasure from it, not to mention the help it has given me. I am projectionist in the Victory theatre here and the proud possessor of a complete set of your books which, Mr. Richardson, money could not induce me to part with. They are an invaluable aid in my work. "I noticed in a recent issue you gave an instance, out in California, I believe it was, where the horns picked up a radio program. I have not had this happen to me, but have heard of instances where furnaces, kettles, steam radiators, etc., have picked up radio broadcasting. I have read in Radio News that an imperfect metallic contact of high resistance may have unilateral conductive properties, hence may act as a detector. In addition to this, in steel building construction a muUiplicity of resonant circuits must occur, as well as in pipe systems, wiring systems, etc. " 'The flow of a slight, perhaps not measurable, R. F. current in any of these circuits would escape observation under ordinary conditions, but it is sufficient to prevent the use of certain and costly antenna systems in large cities for broadcast transmitter of certain wavelengths. Not only that, but when a group of buildings absorbs, partly or entirely, the signals broadcast in their direction from a nearby powerful transmitter, it is evident that in their metal parts there must be certain minute "eddy currents" capable of being detected. A systematic survey of a modern steel building with a delicate wave meter might produce some interesting results. So also when we find that power lines, steel rails, etc., are absorbing a large part of a station's power in one direction, we know that they are carrying the signals. We find also that metallic objects not intended for the purpose may serve as audio frequency reproducers.' "I trust this information will be of some use. If I were called upon for an opinion of the case you mention, I would say it is one or more of the conditions mentioned in the foregoing paragraph. Here in the Victory theatre we have Powers projectors, equipped with Peerless automatic low intensity lamps, supplied current by a Hertner Transverter. The sound is DeForest Phonofilm. The projection distance is 85 feet and I get a clear, steady picture. The sound is excellent. Though my rating as compared with city men, would probably be 'ham,' I am nevertheless proud of the picture I am able to give the public." I do not feel competent to pass judgment upon the application of the things set forth in the quotation by the editor of Radio News to cases such as the one in California, still I believe it is quite true that there is a connection, and a very direct one, too. However, the principal point is, as I see it, that since these conditions do obtain, and may obtain in any steel building, the best safeguard is the thorough and complete insulation of all theatre sound systems. Many thanks, friend Weeks, for your excellent letter. I might remark that, in so far as "hams" are concerned, there are quite a number of them in the cities. It is well that you are proud of the results you put forth. That means that you take a real interest in your work, and the man who takes an interest in his work, usually produces pretty good results. I might add to that by saying that the small town projectionist's job is in many ways more difficult than that of the city man, in that he doesn't have help available when trouble comes. He usually has to meet it by himself. I am indeed glad to know that through the medium of the Bluebook and Motion Picture Herald I have been able to help you. Form German Company A new company has been formed in Berlin, Germany, called "Deutsche TonfilmGesellschaft m. b. h. Erich Engels, German producer, and E. E. Hermann Schmidt, publicity man, head the company. First feature is under way. White Star Takes RCA Sound White Star Line has contracted for installation of RCA Photophone equipment aboard the Majestic, Homeric and Olympic. Two equipments will be on the Majestic, and portables on the Homeric and Olympic. Tube Prices Reduced Arcturus Radio Tube Company of Newark, N. J., has reduced prices on types 127, 551 variable mu and PZ Pentode tubes. Squally Pet Names It all started when Erich von Stroheim showed up on the RKO-Radio Pictures lot in Hollywood to play a role In "The Sphinx Has Spoken." The news announcement referred to him as "the stormy petrel of the films." Somebody liked the idea and started naming the feminine players after windy weather, just as a matter of equal suffrage. Here's the latest list of squally pet names: Lily Damlta — RKO's "tempting tempest." Dolores Del Rio — RKO's "torrid tornado." Rita La Roy— RKO's "Hollywood hurricane." Roberta Gale— RKO's "baby cyclone." Arline Judge — RKO's "Broadway breeze." Claudia Dell — RKO's "winsome whirlwind-" Noel Francis — RKO's "bubbling beauty." LIta Chevret— RKO's "burst of flame." Rochelle Hudson— RKO's "Oklahoma prairie fire." It is rumored that the official christening will take place at the next earthquake. EVERY KNOWN IMPROVEMENT WILL BE FOUND IN ALL A. C. OPERATED SOUND ON FILM EQUIPMENT SELLS TO YOU COMPLETE FOR $695^ NOTHING ELSE TO PURCHASE — NO BATTERIES — NO GENERATORINSTALLED IN A DAY'S TIME COMPLETE WITH SOUND HEADS, MAIN POWER AMPLIFIER, SPEAKE^RS FOR STAGE AND BOOTH, METERS, VOLUME CONTROL, TUBES AND ALL NECESSARY CONNECTIONS. A COMPLETE PERFECT MATCHED OUTFIT SUITABLE FOR THEATRES SEATING AS MANY AS 2000 PERSONS. IF WE CHARGED YOU $3000.00 WE COULD NOT SUPPLY YOU WITH A BETTER OUTFIT. FOR ATTACHMENT POWERS — SIMPLEX — KAPLAN PROJECTORS DO NOT CONFUSE OUR AMPLIFICATION WITH THE SMALL AMPLIFIER USING 245 TUBES. PHOTOTONE AMPLIFICATION CONSISTS OF 4 STAGE, USING 2-227 TUBES, 2-2S0 TUBES, 1-224 TUBE, 2-281 TUBES. PHOTOTONE SOUND FILM HEADS SOUND HEADS COMPLETE WITH DRIVES — PHOTO CELLS — OPTICAL SYSTEMS— EXCITER LAMPS AND ALL WORKING PARTS $295= 00 PER PAIR PHOTOTONE EQUIPMENTS USE ONLY THE VERY BEST MATERIALS — G. M. VISITRON PHOTO CELLS — G. E. EXCITER LAMPS — RADIOTRON OR CUNNINGHAM TUBESPERFECT SLIT LENS SYSTEMS — LINK BELT SILENT DRIVES — SPECIAL CONSTRUCTED SPEIAKERS AND AMPLIFICATION PERFECTLY MATCHED. FOR USE WITH 110-120 VOLT ALTERNATING CURRENT SO-60 CYCLES TERMS CASH— ORDERS FILLED IN THE ORDER RECEIVED PRICES INCLUDE CAREFUL PACKING F.O.B. INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA WRITE— WIRE— PHONE THE PHOTOTONE EQUIPMENT CORPORATION OF AMERICA 309 N. ILLINOIS STREET TELEPHONE RILEY 4428 INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA