British Kinematography (1949)

25 TECHNICAL ABSTRACTS Most of the periodicals here abstracted may be seen in the Society's Library. HOLLYWOOD REPLACES / BY * NUMBERS. R. H. Cricks, Kine. Weekly, December 16, 1948, p. 93. The transmission system of lens calibration is briefly described, also an alternative suggestion by M. F. Cooper, based on the specifying of unit aperture as that at which the foot-candles falling upon the film are equal to the foot-lamberts reflected from the subject. MOBILE CAMERA LAB. Author's Abstract. W. M. Cline, Amer. Cine., Dec, 1948, p. 410. A laboratory, with accommodation for processing of motion picture and still negatives, and for the transport of cameras and accessories, is constructed in a field trailer. IMPROVED OPTICAL REDUCTION SOUND PRINTER. R H C J. L. Pettus, J. Soc. Mot. Pic. Eng., Dec, 1948, p. 586. The RCA Type PB-177 35 mm. to 16 mm. sound reduction printer operates at a speed of 180 or 150ft. per minute of 35 mm. negative. A flutter content not exceeding 0.1% is claimed. R. H. C. DUPLICATION OF CONCERTS. R. Vermeulen, Philips Tech. Review, Dec, 1948, p. 169. Successful experiments are reported in the reproduction of concerts in a second hall. Stereophonic reproduction was provided, the equipment comprising two treble channels and a single bass channel, each of 60 watts ; the frequency range covered extended to 8,000 c/s. The quality of reproduction was held to be equal or even superior to that of the original. R. H. C. THE MEN WHO MADE " SCOTT." Kine. Weekly, Dec, 16, 1948, p. 71. Much of the filming of " Scott of the Antarctic " was achieved actually in the Antarctic, in Switzerland and Norway. Problems encountered were the delay in receiving processed Mcncpack negative, and in the studio, in the peifecting of artificial snow, and the effect of the material used (foamed urea fcimaldehyde) upon personnel and equipment. TELEVISION IN THE STUDIO. R H c W. H. Norris, Kine. Weekly, Dec 16, 1948, p. 78. An account of the experimental use of a television monitoring channel in the Nettlefold Studios. R. H. C. THE GAS ARC— A NEW LIGHT SOURCE. Kine. Weekly, Dec. 23, 1948, p. 28 ; Ideal Kinema, Jan. 1949, p. 39. While at low current densities a discharge through any of the inert gases produces light having a discontinuous spectrum, as the current density is increased, so the continuum predominates. The " gas arc " consists of a discharge through xenon, producing light of sunlight quality. Experimental lamps have been demonstiated having a linear light source (both water and air-cooled) or a compact source suitable for projection. R. H. C. •PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS. L. H. Bedford, /. Brit. Inst. Radio Eng., Jan., 1949, p. 2. A valuable survey of the development of electronics, from the Maxwell theory to radar and television. R. H. C. THE COUNCIL Meeting of June I, 1949 Present : Messrs. A. W. Watkins (President), L. Knopp (Vice-President), W. M. Harcourt (Past President), I. D. Wratten, F. G. Gunn, R. B. Hartley, R. E. Pulman, H. S. Hind, T. Howard, R. H. Cricks (Technical Consultant) and W. L. Bevir (Secretary). Deputy Vice-President. — The President suggested, and it was agreed, that the appointment should be deferred until the next meeting. Committees — B-siness Committees were re-appointed (see inside back cover). Standing Orders. — The Standing Orders for 1948-49 were examined and adopted for 1950, with the omission of the clause on the organisation of the Library. Finances. — Mr. Harcourt reported that the Finance Committee had prepared a budget for the current year, allowing for a deficit, calculated on an increase in expenditure and fall in income.