The Exhibitor (Nov 1939-May 1940)

BETTER MANAGEMENT BM-25 Smart, Modern Upholstering Work Good looking upholstery materials, coupled with long-wearing qualities, are exhibitors’ ideals. Here in this auditorium view of the Newton, Newton, Massachusetts, its a modern upholstery job, done in L. C. Chase and Company’s Velmo, a mohair velvet, for the backs and Redo, a leather-like material, for the seats. Both fabrics are known for their ability to “take it.” Television to Airplane New York City — One of the most farreaching developments in television occurred here in mid-October as the 20th anniversary of the Radio Corporation of America was celebrated with a special telecast, which was received in a plane circling over Washington. 225 miles from the program’s point of origin (W2XBS) . One of the longest successful telecasts on record, the special television show started at 10.30 A. M., when David Sarnoff, president of RCA, and W. A. Patterson, president of United Airlines, met in an NBC television studio to wish the plane bon voyage via television. The plane, equipped with an RCA set, then started for Washington. It was reported that the television image, as received in Washington, was excellent at 21,600 feet. However, disturbances were reported due to a faulty magneto in the plane, and the two-way radio also caused electrical disturbances. Television, which is usually silent on Tuesdays, had special motion-picture showings in the afternoon for members of the plane who were traveling back to New York. Included were several issues of The March of Time, a travelogue, and a football short. As the plane flew over the North Beach Airport, motion pictures were cut, and a live pick-up was made from the airport, with the persons in the plane able to watch the plane land. It was believed that the plane was able to receive a clear picture from 16,000 feet and up at the Washington Airport, but below 16,000 feet there was no reception. Picture waves, which travel up, therefore, are expected to make television possible in airplanes in the future. However, there was no indication as to what steps in that direction were planned for the future. Scophony Exec in U. S. New York City — Arthur Levey, director of Scophony, Ltd., and Monogram’s London representative, arrived here late last month to negogiate for the introduction of Scophony in the U. S. Levey stated that television has ceased in England, except for the work the television companies are doing in connection with the army, which is using sets in field operations. Boxing Being Televised New York City — Television received its first recognition from the New York Boxing Commission late last month, when permission was given to the National Broadcasting Company to fix a band of white cloth to the top of the trunks of one contestant in bouts to be telecast. The new tele-trunks will be used in all future telecasts, it was stated. Gift Offers Arrive in Tele New York City — The National Broadcasting Company made the first gift offer via television in late October, when miniature airplanes were offered. There were 45 requests. Baird Television Receiver London — A receiver was appointed last fortnight for Baird Television, Ltd., on petition of debenture holders. RMA Reports on Progress New York City — The Radio Manufacturers Association has presented to the Federal Communications Commission a report of engineering aspects of the television progress to date as prepared by the RMA engineering committee. Bond Geddes, executive vice-president, RMA, made the presentation, which was decided upon at a meeting of the board of directors held in mid-October here. The board at that time decided to renew its fight against the five percent manufacturers excise tax on radio sets. It was also decided to employ a special attorney to represent the RMA in hearings before the Treasury and congressional committees. Should the fight prove successful, it will save the radio manufacturers approximately $4,650,000 annually. The fight is to be based on the premise that radio sets no longer should be listed as a luxury, but as a necessity. The board also set up a special committee-composed of David Sarnoff, president of the Radio Corporation of America; Commander E. F. McDonald, Jr., of the Zenith Radio Corporation; and James T. Buckley, of the Philadelphia Storage Battery Company — who will consult with the FCC on policy matters. It was decided to continue the joint RMA-National Association of Broadcasters promotional campaign through the Christmas holidays. A resolution, proposed by Commander McDonald, was adopted which recommended the trade-practice rules. Color Television System New York City — Lorenzen Natural Color Television System employs a photo-electric cell system at the transmitter and a cathode-ray system at the receiver, George H. Callaghan, joint owner, has revealed. It will be possible, he stated, to utilize, with slight changes, the present cathode-ray non-color systems. V E L M 0 ★ ★ ★ ★ . . . for fine theatre seat upholstery Chase Velmo's a four star smash hit! Greater comfort, easier maintenance,fewer upholstery replacements, more for your upholstery dollar . . . ask about Velmo the The Velmo-upholstered Avon, at Stamford, Conn., is one of the most outstanding firstrun houses in the east. next time you buy seats. 0ASE L. C. CHASE AND COMPANY, 295 Fifth Avenue, New York City November 15, 1939 THE EXHIBITOR