Broadcasting (Apr - June 1950)

National Press BIdg. Washington 4, D. C. MAY 1, 1950 BROADCASTING, Telecasting $7 annually, 25c weekly CBS SHOWING FCC Views New Color Receiver and Camera Chain ALL-ELECTRONIC color television receiver and a new compact color TV camera chain were revealed by CBS last Wednesday in New York as it demonstrated to FCC its technique of adding horizontal dot interlacing to its field sequential color system to improve resolution and definition. Using a single-gun, three-image, projection-type kinescope similar to that employed by Color Television Inc., the all-electronic CBS receiver was termed still in the experimental stage and not ready for commercial use. The new camera chain, being prepared for testing, consists of two units — a camera one-sixth the size and one-third the weight of present monochrome cameras, plus a small control unit. The chain would be used for both broadcasting and closed circuit work, it was said. At FCC's color TV hearing in Washington Tuesday, the only regular session held last week, Dr. Allen B. DuMont, head of Allen B. DuMont Labs., told the Commission his firm, "according to tradition," would seek to be the first out with a color receiving set, regardless of which system FCC might approve. He reaffirmed his earlier position it was too soon to pick any color system but indicated he preferred a compatible "dot sequential" system if a choice must be made now. A Few Sets Produced However, during Dr. DuMont's testimony it was brought out that his firm produced a small number of CBS disc-type console receivers to pick up CBS color signals from New York in early February. It was indicated these sets, based on a 10,000-unit "consumers item" production, would each cost $439.18 plus $30 labor cost. "These figures indicate a recommended selling price of $1,125," an exhibit said. These sets optionally could operate on either VHF or UHF channels, or be able to pick up both, FCC was told. Similar sets, for closed-circuit reception only, are to be offered commercially by DuMont in conjunction with its new high-definition 18-mc field sequential color TV system for industrial uses. Meanwhile, Color Television Inc. advised FCC that it "has effected a significant improvement in the performance of its system of color and black-and-white reception." CTI suggested the week of May 15 as suitable for the Commission to go to San Francisco to witness further demonstration of the firm's line sequential technique. Webster Not Present All Commissioners excepting Comr. E. M. Webster attended the CBS demonstration in New York last Wednesday. The horizontal interlace principle was demonstrated on a CBS color receiver having a 12 V£" picture tube (without magnifying lens) and simultaneously on a similar set from which the color wheel had been removed to present a black-and-white picture. The network showed 4-mc field sequential color without horizontal interlace, then switched to 4-mc color with interlace added and then to color on a 9.6-mc bandwidth which Adrian Murphy, CBS vice president and general executive, told the Commission gave an equivalent geometric resolution of a 525-line black-and-white picture. Dr. Peter C. Goldmark, CBS director of engineering and research development, pointed out addition of the interlace principle to reception on the 4 mc bandwidth improved geometrical resolution. He had previously advised FCC the technique would almost double the potential ceiling of performance for the CBS system. CBS proposes the interlace technique could be optional (at higher cost) on its color sets for those who wanted to pay for extra picture detail. Admitting varying degrees of geometrical resolution were appar ent when a test pattern was shown on the 4 mc band, with and without interlace, and on the 9.6 mc band, Mr. Murphy pointed out they were not apparent in pictures of other subjects. Patty Painter, the model who has been featured throughout the CBS color demonstrations, was shown holding a colorful box of cereal during the three different presentations. Variations in resolution in those sequences were difficult if not impossible to discern, some observers said. Geometrical resolution is important, said Mr. Murphy, if "all you want to look at is a test pattern." The electronic color receiver shown by CBS used a standard (Continued on Telecasting 17) SARNOFF ON TV Sees $5 Bi"ion |ndustry by <55 TELEVISION will be a $3 billion to $5 billion per year industry within five years, and will reach almost 80 million viewers within two and a half years, Brig. Gen. David Sarnoff, chairman of the board of RCA, predicted in Chicago last Monday. He was there to dedicate RCA Victor Division's new all-electronic television exhibit in the city's Museum of Science and Industry. Although commercial TV is less than three years old, it is the "fastest growing new industry in American History," Gen. Sarnoff said. He anticipates more than 9 million home receivers by the end of this year, with "at least 20 million sets and about 80 million viewers by the end of 1952." Terming television "a great new force for industry and commerce, which makes every home a potential theatre," the RCA board chairman said the medium is "unparalleled as a means of entertainment, even though it is still a very young infant." Gen. Sarnoff, dubbed the "Father of Television" by the Television Broadcasters Assn., envisions video as a new art form, a combination of all others calling for the creation and development of new methods of entertainment and exposition. "The greatest opportunity it holds is for young people in the rising generation, an opportunity as broad as all outdoors," he said. Television, like radio, is a force rather than an instrument — a sys tem of communication rather than the instrument making such communication possible, he believes. "We can now deliver a message to the brain via both ear and eye, multiplying many times the force and impact." The exhibit which he dedicated "demonstrates not yesterday, which is considered typical subject matter of museum exhibits, but events of today and tomorrow," he said. Maj. Lenox R. Lohr, president of the Museum of Science and Industry and former president of NBC, acknowledged the dedication. Gen. Sarnoff and Maj. Lohr were introduced by John K. West, vice president in charge of public rela(Continued on Telecasting 13) AT RCA's new TV exhibit at Chicago's Museum of Science and Industry were: Left photo: Brig. Gen. David Sarnoff, RCA board chairman (center), who made the presentation to Major Lenox R. Lohr (r), president of the museum and former president of NBC. At the left in Gen. Charles G. Dawes. Right photo — Dinner speakers at the dedication included (I to r) John K. West, toastmaster, vice president in charge of public relations, RCA Victor Division; J. Roscoe Miller, president. Northwestern U., and Frank M. Folsom, RCA president, who introduced Mr. Miller, guest speaker. 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