U. S. Radio (Jan-Dec 1961)

The Crosby Fm Developer of one of six stereo broadcast systems being considered by the FCC, presents his views Murray G. Crosby Broadcasters and equipment manufacturers are still awaiting the decision of the Federal Communications Commission on which compatible stereo broadcasting system will be accepted as the standard for the fm industry. As previously reported in u.s. fm (see Fm Stereo Put to Test, October 1 960) , six systems have been field tested and the results turned over to the FCC. The systems being considered are those proposed by Crosby Telectronics, Calbest, Multiplex Services Inc., Electric and Musical Industries Ltd. (Percival) , Zenith and General Electric. The chief differences between the systems are found in these areas: Composition of the main channel (monophonic) and sub carrier signals, which differ in sub carrier frequency, bandwidth, deviation and type of modulation. The sponsors of the various systems each feel that there are inherent advantages to be found in their approach to fm stereo broadcasting. One of the more vocal members of this group is Murray G. Crosby, president of Crosby-Telectronks Corp. The Crosby compatible fm multiplex system, Mr. Crosby says, woidd allow the owner of an fm radio to either convert to stereo reception through the addition of an inexpensive adapter, or, if he chose not to add the adapter, he would continue to receive a complete, full-range monophonic fm program. Addressing his remarks to the FCC, Mr. Crosby offered what he describes as "three essentials" to be considered by the government agency: 1. "Will the approved system provide a range of stereophonic reception which is as close as possible to the present range of monophonic transmission? 2. "Will the owners of the more than 15 million existing fm receivers be able to convert to stereophonic reception with the least amount of difficulty, and with the most satisfactory, highest quality results? 3. "Finally, will the resultant stereophonic reception be equal to or better than the best stereophonic source material now available or likely to be available in the foreseeable future?" Mr. Crosby believes that these conditions are "imperatives for the type of quality stereophonic transmission which will put fm on its feet and revitalize the broadcasting industry to a degree undreamed of a few years ago." He asks for the adoption of a system that "allows the conversion of the approximately 15 million fm receivers now in the hands of the public to the use of stereo operation with an inexpensive adapter." He points out that most fm receivers now being sold are provided with a multiplex jack ready for the use of an adapter. The head of the electronics firm states that there is a definite economic relationship between the sys tem adopted and the likelihood of early benefit accruing to the fm broadcaster. "The ability to use an adapter has an important effect on the stimulation of fm broadcasting," he says. "Since the listener can convert to stereo by the mere addition of an adapter, there will be a large ready group of listeners — considerably larger than if the listener were required to buy a complete receiver with built-in adapter." Getting to one of his major points, Mr. Crosby states that the increase in the sale of fm receivers and the growing number of fm stations on the air (according to the FCC, there were 821 fm stations in operation at the end of December) , "represents a further upturn in the economic situation of the fm station. . . In view of this, we feel that the Commission should carefully choose the fm stereo system with a view toward providing the best broadcasting service without impairment due to the existence of a storecast or background music channel." He feels that the FCC should allow the broadcaster to "choose between an all-stereo operalion of his station, or an all background music operation. "With such a choice being available," he continues, "the broadcaster can select the service which he feels will give him the best economic position. Natural laws will take effect such that if the public acceptance of stereo by fm is not great, the broadcaster may decide to go to background music or storecasts." • • • ,1 U. S. FM • January 1961 5