U. S. Radio (Jan-Dec 1960)

Broadcast Electronics has just marketed its Spotmaster, a new playback device for tape recorded cartridges. The firm also produces a combination recorder playback unit with synchronized automatic pulse cueing. This unit can be moved from the master control room for recording or remote use. Standard Electronics emphasizes its line of fm radio equipment. The firm has a line of fm multiplex transmitters ranging in power from 250 watts to 10,000 watts. Also included are 5 kw and 10 kw fm amplifiers, a multiplex exciter, limiting amplifiers and multiplex subcarrier generators. Mohawk Business Machines Corp. has a line of tape recorders designed for broadcasters. The recorders are completely transistorized and battery-operated. The top of the line is a unit which includes a V.U. meter, and is said to produce tape of a qualiyt suitable for immediate rebroadcasting. Continental Manufacturing produces and sells fm multiplex receivers, fixed frequency receivers, custom designed receivers and monitors. In addition, the firm has a line of audio amplifiers, am and fm tuners, stereo amplifiers and radio intercom systems. Schafer Custom Engineering features automated devices including various pieces of remote control equipment and a tape cartridge recorder and playback unit. Jampro Antenna Company has a complete line of fm broadcasting antennas. These units range from two bay models to 16 bay models with omni-directional radiation pattern. RADIO RECEIVERS During the year of 1960, American consumers were offered radios in almost every conceivable shape, color, style and price. There were transistors that could fit into a shirt pocket, portable clock radios, am and fm auto sets, table models in sculptured wood cabinets, am-fm stereo units and so on. Although the final figures for the year are not yet available, the Electronic Industries Association has predicted that about 17 million radio sets of all types will have been produced in I960. The figures foi the first 10 months of the year show that 14,135,937 sets were produced. This included 5,420,279 auto radios and 766,006 fm units. It should be noted that, according to the ElA 5.6 million auto sets were produced during the 12 months of 1959. With the 10 month total of 5.4 million sets, it is obvious that the 1960 production will exceed that of the previous year. The statistics on fm radio production are even more impressive. The EIA figures show that 511,000 fmequipped sets were produced in all of 1959. As stated previously, the 10 month total lor 1960 was 766,006, and it is expected that the final production figure will be appioximately 800,000. This would establish a new fm production record, and exceed the most optimistic estimates of industry leaders. In addition to the radio production totals, which include table models, clock radios, portables and auto sets, it should be noted that many phonograph consoles come equipped with am, fm, or am-fra tuners as either standard or optional equipment. This would tend to add thousands of additional radio outlets. It is generally agreed that the higher priced stereo phonograph units would be more likely to have a radio included. For example, in the Zenith line of 20 stereo consoles, four have a provision for an am-fm tuner; 13 others are standard equipped with am-fm radio, and three others are am-fm-tv combinations. Therefore, it is significant to note that in the EIA figures for the first nine months of 1960, 2.3 million stereo phonographs were produced as compared to 738,671 monaural units. The EIA figures also show that the 2.3 million stereo units turned out in the first three quarters of 1960 compared with only 1.7 million stereo units produced during the entire year of 1959. Looking ahead, most set manufacturers expect the upward trend to continue in 1961. This is based on the growing demand and acceptance of transistor sets, the opening of a real market for fm and amfm auto radios, the adaptation by the fm broadcasters of a stereo multiplexing system, the tendency to install radios in the booming pleasure boat field, the wide spread of retail prices which appeal to all age and income groups. • • • ITA FM 1000 B ■ A FULL LINE OF EQUIPMENT transmitters from 10 W to 50 KW are available. ■ ON SITE INSTALLATION SERVICE on a "no charge" basis our project engineers supervise the Installation and tune-up of each ITA transmitter at the site of the Installation. ■ PROMPT DELIVERY shipment of any ITA-FM transmitter can be made in 30 days or less. OUTSTANDING VALUE while priced competitively ITA transmitters are made with the finest quality standard components and offer these "extras" — • Remote control • Self Neutralization • Multiplexing • Accessibility • Modern Ceramic Tubes • Simplicity • Reserve RF Drive • RF Power Cutback For detailed information on any of our FM transmitters call collect or write us. INDUSTRIAL TRANSMITTERS AND ANTENNAS. INC. LANSDOWNE, PA. PHONE: CL 9-8200 U. S. RADIO • AIRFAX 1961 105