Radio annual (1938)

Record Details:

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at various points within their corresponding territory. Facsimile transmission from such a transmitter is not difficult and may add to the interest and ultimate commercial value of the experiment. In this way, the new audience available to ultra-high-frequency transmissions may be built up, and the advertising aspects of such transmissions can be explored. TELEVISION STUDIOS Studio equipment for television is both extensive and expensive. The establishment of studio facilities at this time may not be warranted in most cases, but the location of a suitable studio for future television purposes may merit study. Such a studio should preferably be placed close to the transmitter location to reduce interconnection costs. On the other hand, since television studios will be fairly large and since they do not fit readily or economically into office-building surroundings, it may be more practical to locate them in the suburbs. In that case, they may be connected to the transmitter either by a radio-relay link (for example, of the micro-wave type) or by means of a coaxial-cable connection. Adequate power supply for studio lighting, transportation facilities for actors, and the like must be provided when the time comes. Experimental work on a small scale on micro-wave telephone relaying may prove to be useful. PERSONNEL The personnel required for television will in considerable measure overlap with those now used for sound broadcasting (just as the present souod motion picture actors include many who were successful in the "silent movie" days). However, there are undoubtedly some who will fall by the wayside when television comes. It is desirable to study available radio talent so as to have a list of artists who, when television comes, may still be suitable for that field. It might also be worth while occasionally to rehearse such actors in costume on a simple conventional set, so as to accustom them to television conditions (using a few spot lights and swinging microphones for that purpose). This will also accustom the actors to memorize their lines and "business." TELEVISION PROGRAMS Program production for television requires a different technique from that for present sound programs. Accordingly script writers, directors, and announcers should be carefully scrutinized as to their future suitability in that field. New contacts with persons who may be useful in the television field along such lines should be established by the prospective television broadcaster. SPONSORS It would also be well for the television broadcaster to study the availability and needs of advertising clients for television programs. It may be found that clients not now available would be particularly attracted by the television type of program as showing their product in a particularly favorable and attractive light. Wherever appearance and motion add to the appeal of a product, this may particularly be the case. PRODUCTION The economics of television program production require careful consideration. It appears certain that television programs will be more costly to produce and to transmit than present sound programs. Accordingly the entire rate structure will require revision. Thought must be devoted to such questions as the most desirable program duration. A one-hour television program may prove far too long as a general rule, and even 5-minute or 10 -minute programs may become more common than is now the case. Program construction will take careful planning on the part of the prospective television broadcasters. The present broadcasters should be able to place themselves in readiness for television, without excessive confusion during the transition stage, by devoting some thought at this time to the suggested subjects and by carrying out modest experimentation along allied lines as presented in the preceding. In this way the broadcasting industry can prepare for an expanded (and presumably useful and profitable) career when television broadcasting becomes feasible as a service to the general public and for commercial use. (For complete television information please turn to page 443) 63