Radio age research, manufacturing, communications, broadcasting, television (1941)

Largest Volume of Business in RCA History With Sales Approximately $930 Million In Year-end Statement, General Sarnoff Tells of Growing Magnitude of TV and Electronics — Seven Major Developments in 1954 _l_Hii Radio Corporation of America in 1954 did the largest volume of business in its 35-year history, Brig. General David Sarnoff, Chairman of the Board, announced in a year-end statement in which he told of the growing magnitude of television and electronics in the national economy and listed seven developments of major importance. "Sales of products and services by RCA in 1954 amounted to approximately $930 million," said General Sarnoff. "Net profits before Federal income taxes were approximately $84 million and after taxes approximately $40 million. Total dividends to stockholders, declared during the year, amounted to $22,051,000. ($18,898,000 on Common Stock and $3,153,000 on Preferred Stock)." Major Developments He listed major developments in 1954 as follows: 1. Compatible Color Television: NBC's "Intro- ductory Year" during which it broadcast many types of programs in color and featured "Spec- tacular" shows, dramatically revealed the poten- tial scope of color TV. 2. Color TV Tube and New Set: The RCA 21- inch color tube and a new TV color receiver using this tube were placed on the market and production will be increased in 1955. 3. RCA's Magnetic TV Tape Recorder: Brought to commercial design stage. NBC will com- mence, early in 1955, field tests in both black- and-white and color television tape recording. 4. Electronic Light: This new development by RCA was advanced to a point where it promises important applications in many fields. It makes possible new forms of illumination and "cold light." 5. Electronic Light Amplifier: When further developed, this will have important applications in television, X-ray, radar and other fields. In television, for example, techniques used in the light amplifier will eventually make it possible to see a TV picture in black-and-white or in color on a thin and flat TV screen that can be framed and hung on the wall like a picture. 6. Transistors: Designs for commercial use were substantially advanced. Extended use of transis- tors in 1955 seems certain. 7. High Fidelity, or "Hi-Fi": Increased popular interest in record players and in records was stimulated by these new instruments. They will advance the growth of the phonograph industry in 1955. "During 1954, basic progress was made in carrying all rhese developments forward," declared General Sarnoff. "New knowledge was gained through research and experimentation in these fields at RCA Laboratories These efforts will have a profound effect on further progress during 1955." Television "Television in 1954—its eighth year as one of the country's fastest growing industries—established new records in retail sales of TV receivers and widened the scope of programming, especially in color," he said. "These accomplishments and advances in related fields once again mark the electronics industry as a leader in advancing the nation's economy and welfare. "Sales by the electronics industry as a whole for 1954 are estimated at more than 10 billion dollars, and the volume for 1955 is expected to be about 10"7 higher." Looking ahead, General Sarnoff said that industry production of television receivers in 1955 is currently estimated around 6,000,000 sets, which will lift the total number of TV sets in the United States to ap- proximately 38,000,000 by the end of the year. "Television is destined for new advances, both in RADIO AGE 3