Broadcasting Telecasting (Apr-Jun 1963)

Series 1100 tape transports and automated programming-logging systems which include both monaural ($13,000) and stereo ($14,000) versions. The systems also may be expanded to permit wide format flexibility, including incorporation of Alto Fonic tape programming service. Continental also displayed its new 5 kw and 10 kw am transmitters which will be available for delivery in about four to six months. Surrounding Sound Inc. displayed the new solid-state version ($3,750) of its monaural tape system and introduced also the firm's stereo equipment ($5,400). The device enables the broadcasters to synthesize the acoustic properties of all types of enclosures in which sounds are likely to be produced or listened to. Its time-delay feature permits previewing of live programs. Logging Gear ■ General Electronic Labs, exhibited the new ready-for-delivery model of its automatic transmitter logging system first displayed at NAB last year in conjunction with the Rust remote control systems. The GEL Autolog records all essential transmitter data on site or at remote locations with the 31 -day strip-chart rolls providing continuous 24-hour directly written logs which meet the new FCC regulations. GEL also introduced its new Model AC-8 stereo audio console ($3,000), a transistorized unit with 32 inputs. International Good Music Inc.'s display of its Simplimation system of program automation included Teletronix Engineering Co.'s new Telelog automatic transmitter logging equipment which can perform from remote location as well as at the transmitter site. The remote control will operate up to 24 different functions while the logger reads up to 12 different transmitter parameters with six sets of readings taken each hour as required by the new FCC rules. All functions are accomplished on two telephone lines. IGM's Simplimation system ranges from limited automation package ($3,725) to complete package ($14,055) with the latter including new time-announcer unit and both program and transmitter logging. New to the convention was Cummins Engine Co. which displayed a full-sized cutaway model of its NT-400-GS 125 kw standby power generator set ($10,500 with automatic start control). Cummins has a full line of generator sets from 50 to 400 kw. The firm has pioneered in the diesel engine field for more than 40 years. A junior-size 17-inch version of RCA's 21 -inch color picture tube caught attention at Conrac's booth where it was seen in Conrac's new rack-mount CYA17 color monitor ($2,450). The tube is made by Conrac by Hitatchi of Japan under cross-licensing with RCA. The monitor weighs only 85 pounds, uses 350 w power for its 21 tubes and 95 transistors. Conrac said it sold 50 to RCA for its monitor line as RCA TM-27. Conrac also featured its new CZA8 solid state 8-inch monochrome monitor ($675), two of which can be paired in the standard 19-inch rack mount. Also introduced: CWA10 kinescope recording monitor ($900) and CVA23 23inch display monitor ($400). Monitors ■ Miratel Electronics Inc. demonstrated its new line of solid state modular 8-inch tv monitors which also feature plug-in transistors. The single T8MP monitor (chassis $510) is also supplied as a twin 8-inch monitor ($995) which fits a standard rack. Miratel also claims the smallest portable 8-inch tv monitor ($264). The firm supplied monitors for ABC's alltransistorized news studio in Washington. 3M Co.'s Mincom Div. featured its new dropout compensator ($3,250) which restores signal dropouts in videotape playback. The equipment represents Mincom's entry into the broadcast field. The division has been competitive with other manufacturers in fields such as aerospace. The dropout compensator provides insurance against drop outs, for example, to advertisers seeking production savings through video-tape commercials even when reused video tape is employed. Drop out appears as random white flashes on the tv screen. The compensator restores signal lost by substituting the same portion of the previous line which has been stored in a 63.5 microsecond delay channel. How rapidly the technical field is changing is seen the case of Vital Industries. Just a year ago Vital began design of its new modular solid-state video distribution amplifier ($1,100 for pack of four) when the field had but three or four suppliers. By the time Vital hit the market last week its competitors had jumped to a dozen, indicating the keen interest in the potential of Appendectomy for Cross Former FCC Commissioner John S. Cross, 57, flew home to suburban Washington from the NAB convention Tuesday night, suffering what he thought was food poisoning. After his arrival and an examination by his family physician, however, his ailment was diagnosed as appendicitis. Within two hours, he was undergoing an appendectomy at Suburban Hospital, in Bethesda, Md. Mr. Cross is resting comfortably and expects to be discharged from the hospital this week. a market where 90% of today's tv outlets still use less efficient tube circuits. Vital soon will introduce its solid-state line of clamp and pulse distribution amplifiers. Among the other dozen firms in this fast growing field may be found a specialty company like Dynair Electronics Inc. which last week also introduced its new lines of solid-state modular amplifiers and signal processors. Others on the list include Visual Electronics, Sarkes Tarzian, EMI, Telechrome, Riker, CBS Labs, and International Nuclear, most described elsewhere, plus the diversified majors like RCA and GE. Although very small packages in physical size, the solid-state units represent comparatively high values economically and replace bulky, hot and less stable tube equipment. Camera Crane ■ MitchellVinten Inc. demonstrated the high mobility of its Heron hydraulic power-operated studio camera crane ($15,700), a one-ton rig marketed already in Europe but new to the U. S. Its design enables all functions to be performed by a two-man camera crew instead of three. The crane moves about with almost complete silence, its low skirts snubbing the smallest cables or cords. Mitchell-Vinten also introduced its new line of hydro-pneumatic studio pedestals for standard ($4,900) and vidicon cameras ($1,469). The firm's pan-tilt head ($895), has been in the U. S. for two years. Moseley Assoc. featured a test demonstration of fm stereo and SCA multiplex broadcasting to show how its direct fm subcarrier generator ($695), direct fm 10-w exciter unit ($1,850) and stereo generator ($1,200) comprise a system which enables the fm station to successfully air fm stereo and SCA multiplex at the same time. Moseley claims its direct fm technique overcomes non-linearities inherent in some phase modulation systems which have made combined stereo and SCA operations impractical. McMartin Industries Inc., which last year introduced its TBM-4000 fm modulation and SCA multiplex monitor for use by fm broadcasters, this year brought out a new fm stereo re-broadcast receiver which will enable certain fm transmitters to directly re-transmit fm stereo or SCA multiplex without de-modulating and regenerating these programs. McMartin also showed its new rf amplifier (88-108 mc) which is used in conjunction with the firm's TBM series fm station monitors when remote operation is necessary. Vitro Electronics, whose line of Nems-Clarke field test and monitoring equipment and related gear are well known to broadcasters, introduced two new specialized units of importance in 88 (SPECIAL REPORT: NAB CONVENTION) BROADCASTING, April 8, 1963