Motion Picture News (Oct-Dec 1929)

O c I o b e r 1 > 1231 New and Improved Equipment -Continued Waxing Process to Protect Sound Film Positives PROCESSING methods to give motion picture prints longer life and greater flexibility have come into much wider use since the introduction of sound, with its requirements for well conditioned positives. I )ne of the methods now in use in laboratories and exchanges of a great number of the bigger production and distribution organizations is the Liquefied Film Waxing Process, manufactured by the Rex Film Renovator Manufacturing Co., of Columbus, Ohio. The process is designed to reduce to a minimum difficulties and added expense arising from cracked sprockets, buckling of the prints and oil stains. It consists of applying to the print a coating of wax. which gives greater flexibility to new prints and equips them better to stand the strain of the projector than prints not so protected. Older prints that crack and break in the projector can be given new strength and toughness by the processing, it is claimed by the sponsors of this longestablished method. The protective coating prevents oil from permeating the base, and a special absorbent paper has been developed with which it is possible to blot the oil that finds its way to the processed print in its passage through the machine. Electric Radiators Supply Heat to Ticket Booths A VARIETY of designs suited to different types of architectures and interior decoration is a feature of the new lines of stock models of electric portable radiators now offered by manufacturers. In the theatre field, the portable electric radiator has been used extensively for heating outside ticket booths, and now are coming into more general use for emergencies arising from extreme weather conditions or temporary disorder of the main heating plant in supplying warmth in rooms or corner adequately radiated or supplied. nwm mvmwm «i: "• I ililtr ,' r i III!' If m ' Prometheus, Electric Radiator Simplimus Turntable and Pick-up Simplicity Aim of Designer of Disc Reproducer MECHANICAL design that makes use of "natural forces — gravity, inertia, momentum — in preference to complicated mechanisms" to overcome common difficulties encountered in talking picture installations, it is claimed by A. Des Biens, president of Simplimus. Inc., of Boston. Mass., and designer of the Simplimus synchronous disc reproducer, is the principle upon which he has produced a machine that is simple in construction and makes for the greatest simplicity of operation. "Among the most common difficulties that it is most desirable to overcome in talking picture reproducer design," Mr. Des Biens says, "are the following : "i. Most projection booths are shaky, due to vibrations from motors, generators, etc. This difficulty has been overcome by putting a lot of weight in Simplimus equipment. Weight is the enemy of vibration. "2. Most projectors have considerable gear back lash, causing flutter in the tone. This we correct by momentum, the turntable is not only heavy but the weight is at the outside, on the flywheel principle. "3. Reproducers that render musical sounds with good tonal quality often produce muffled qualities in human voice reproduction. Clear diction is the result of distinct rendition of the consonants, ,or lip sounds, like "s" and "th," which are in the region of high frequencies. Here is a problem to be taken care of by good engineering practice in the design of the electrical end of the system. Simplimus uses the Audak Pick-up, which renders the high frequencies, in connection with a Fader of correct impedance to match the pick-up to the input of a Pam [9 Samson six tube amplifier, which in turn is designed to work into the input of the Wright De Coster Speakers, with Voice Coil, used in the Simplimus system." Quartz Lens Feature of New kinoplay Sound Head K[N( IPLAY is the name of the new sound-on-film reproducer attachment that has been developed by the organization that introduced the Biophone disc machine, and is offered for installation in combination with the disc unit, an improved design and marketed under the name of Multiphone, or individually. It is also available as added equipment to Biophone disc machines now installed at a special price, as well as to disc reproducers of other makes. The Kinoplay equipment is distinguished by a sound head that differs from the usual design in that there is a cromium nickel and steel aperture plate, and a special Bioconoc quartz lens for focusing the exciting lamp. The latter eliminates the process of focusing when a new exciting bulb is inserted. A shielding device against vibration noises coming through from the photo-electric cell, and arrangement enabling the operator to cut out the threading of the film through the sound compartment when silent, or discrecorded film, is used, are other features. The head amplifier is contained in a cabinet shielded against electrical interference, and mounted on rubber cushions to absorb vibrations. The Multifone, disc, equipment consists of two turntables adjustable as to height ; two pick-ups equipped with ball bearing tone-arm action to allow flee movement ; a Fader provided with an arrow marked knob and containing a surface scratch filter ; booth monitor ; amplifier made by the Samson Electric Company; directional air column exponential bonis with dynamic units ; rectifier for the dynamic unit of the horn where the house has A. C. current. Kinoplay Fi Reproducer