Television digest with electronic reports (Jan-Dec 1952)

RCA GEARS FOR ALL UHF CONTINGENCIES: Full-scale disclosure of uhf receiver plans, first by major manufacturer, came from RCA this week during TV seminar for Washington engineers and attorneys. Since virtually every manufacturer of consequence has demonstrated uhf receivers and/or converters, it may be expected more will indicate production schedules — now that freeze-end appears "imminent". We hope to have comprehensive all-industry uhf outlook report for you shortly. With its NBC subsidiary hell-bent to build uhf stations (as are ABC, DuMont, presumably CBS, among the networks) — if FCC relaxes its limit of 5 stations per entity — RCA accompanied receiver announcement with description of its transmitting equipment, covering performance, prices and availabilities (see p. 2). "Well in advance of any expected uhf transmissions" — late August or early September, according to Allen Mills, merchandise mgr., home instrument dept. — RCA will have available the following; prices are "targets" only, too early to be final: (1) One-channel converter, attachable to back of any set, feeding signal through unused vhf channel. Cost $10, to be installed by serviceman, "probably at his minimum charge for a call." (2) Two-channel converter to be placed on or near set, feeding through unused vhf channel. Self-powered, attachable by any layman in home. Price: $25-$30. (3) All-channel converter, continuous tuning, covering all 70 uhf channels. Self-powered, attachable by set owner, at $50. (4) Combination vhf -uhf sets, containing new 16-position turret tuner giving any desired combination of vhf & uhf stations through the use of strips. Prices: "slightly more than vhf-only. " Sets to be "tailored" by dealer to local vhf & uhf stations. All RCA sets built since August 1951 contain vhf tuners electrically and mechanically replaceable by new vhf-uhf tuner. If uhf antenna and transmission line are needed — likely in most cases, at least until high powered stations get going — cost of the complete installation is increased. Simple uhf antennas will run less than vhf, others about same as vhf. 2nd QUARTER METALS CUTS— ROCK BOTTOM? Rations of controlled materials to makers of civilian goods should reach lowest ebb next quarter. That's the new theme song of mobilization chiefs — notably NPA boss Henry Fowler and Munitions Board chairman John D. Small — since decisions at Presidential level stretched military target dates 1-2 years beyond Pentagon's original plans. Recent statements by both officials have been cautiously worded, full of "ifs" and "buts". Nevertheless, they've helped clear the air and, barring worsening of international situation, the Govt, probably won't go back on its word during this national election year. Messrs. Fowler & Small have sketched materials prospects for rest of 1952, so that for first time it's possible to survey prospects for entire year. Based on these and other recent materials developments, here's how TV-radio picture looks: Second-quarter CMP allotments will soon be in mail, and TV-radio producers will find their copper and aluminum rations cut more than 10% from the first-quarter level, steel held at about same as first quarter (Vol. 8:3). Unlike auto makers, TV-radio makers won't get any additional windfall of second-quarter materials. Set makers might as well get used to living on such scanty dole ; it will be a fact of life for some time. It's now anticipated that third and fourth quarter allotments will be at about same rate, but with perhaps some loosening of aluminum toward the end of the year. In 1953, steel and aluminum should ease considerably as metals production capacity expands. But copper will continue to be very tight.