The Exhibitor (Nov 1939-May 1940)

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CHICAGO NEW YORK DETROIT TORONTO NOVELTY SCENIC STUDIOS Interior Decoration • Curtains • Draperies Murals • Acoustic Wall Treatments 320 West 48th Street. New York City Frequency Modulation Discussed by FCC Washington — In view of the growing interest in frequency modulation and filing of applications to begin regular broadcast service as distinguished from experimental service on frequencies above 25,000 kilocycles, the Federal Communications Commission announced last month that it will inquire fully into the possibilities of this system of modulation, as well as amplitude modulations, for aural broadcasting. Accordingly an informal engineering hearing will be held before the full commission, beginning February 28. About 20 applications are pending action by the FCC for new stations desiring to use frequency modulation. There are now 34 amplitude modulated stations and 20 frequency modulated stations authorized by the FCC. Before a permanent policy can be established with respect to either or both systems of modulation on frequencies above 25,000 kilocycles for regular broadcasting service, studies and investigations must be made regarding the relative values of the two systems, the patent situation, the frequency needs of all radio services, and whether amplitude or frequency modulation, or both systems, should be recognized for other services as well as broadcasting. It is also necessary to consider the possible future effect that broadcasting on ultra high frequencies may ultimately have upon standard broadcasting in the band 550 to 1,600 kilocycles. The frequency bands above approximately 25,000 kilocycles are sometimes referred to as “very high frequencies,” “ultra ^high frequencies,” or “ultra short waves.” These frequencies possess relatively short distance characteristics, as compared with the lower bands. The signals are subject to rather wide diurnal and seasonal variations in signal strength at distances beyond the horizon; therefore, as a practical matter, these frequencies may be said to be useful for broadcast service up to about 100 miles only. The claimed chief advantages of the two methods are set forth, briefly, as follows: Amplitude Modulation— (1) It utilizes a much narrower band of frequencies (about one-fifth of the frequency band required for wide-band frequency modulated signals of equal fidelity). (2) It may be used on all frequencies throughout the radio spectrum, whereas frequency modulation has proved useful only on the very high frequency bands. (3) It is the only system which has been used successfully for television on the frequencies allocated by the FCC for television service. Frequency Modulation — (1) It possesses characteristics whereby it is possible to reduce the effects of all kinds of disturbances, including atmospheric static electrical noises, and background signal interference. (2) A frequency modulated station employing low power will provide greater service than a similar station using amplitude modulation. However, if the power of the two stations is substantially increased, the percentage increase in service area of the frequency modulated signal will be materially reduced. Briel Glances At TELEVISION HIGHLIGHTS (3) A frequency modulated receiver will accept only the strongest signal or noise as the case may be when the ratio of the desired to the undesired signal strength is approximately two to one. In the case of amplitude modulation, the ratio must be 20 to one for good broadcast service. Consequently, it is possible to operate frequency modulated stations at relatively close geographical locations without interference. (4) Frequency modulation has definite advantages over amplitude modulation in operating the low power services, such as forestry, police, aircraft, etc. "Wind” Brings Tele Premiere New York City — The electric eye of television was used for the first time to reproduce the events and personalities of a Broadway premiere, when “Gone With the Wind” opened. The show preceding the show was broadcast visually as well as orally from the lobby and foyer of the Capitol, where the Selznick-International Technicolor production opened simultaneously with the Astor, down the street. In turning another page in amusement, as well as radio, history, the NBC utilized its latest developments in the way of mobile relay units. A “field station,” consisting of two 26-foot motor trucks, were established directly across the street from the Capitol. The iconoscope cameras were placed on either side of the main entrance to the theatre; another camera was located on the sidewalk at the point where notables attending the opening descended from their motor cars. Cableattached television apparatus picked up the entry of prominent persons and followed them in their journey through the lobby and foyer, where they were interviewed for the benefit of the listening audiences. New RCA Screen Ready New York City — Engineering work on the Radio Corporation of America’s television for theatre-size screens has been completed and a demonstration was scheduled January 15. Latest improvements are said to furnish an image entirely suitable for theatre presentation. David Sarnoff, president, mentioned this in his annual report, stating confidently that these large-screen images are now entirely possible through projection improvements. One Big Union Advocated Los Angeles — Pointing out that, of the $1,000,000 budgeted by one company for television broadcasts, only $26,000 was allocated for story and acting, Kenneth Thompson, executive secretary of the Screen Actors Guild a month ago advised members that television’s development has emphasized the need for speed in organizing “one big union” of actors. THE EXHIBITOR January 17, 1940