The Exhibitor (Nov 1939-May 1940)

BETTER MANAGEMENT BM-19 Brief Summaries Of EQUIPMENT DEVELOPMENT NTS Announces New Line Of RDR Address Systems Radio Development and Research’s PA-121 Here is the complete PA-121 public-address system of the Radio Development and Research Corporation, distributed by the National Theatre Supply Company , developed exclusively for theatre use. This PA-121 system is rated at 12 watts and is complete with amplifier, microphone, floor stand, two 10-inch speakers, special baffles, cables, plugs, and complete assembly, including tubes. New York City — Extending its services to the field of public address equipment for theatres, National Theatre Supply Company announced last fortnight a new line of fully licensed public-address systems to be marketed under the name of RDR equipment. According to National, this new line will be the first line of licensed public-address sound to be sold with an unqualified one-year guarantee and installation supervision by Altec. A number of RDR public address installations have already been made in the Brandt circuit houses here and various Times Square theatres. RDR public-address equipment is exclusive with National in all of its 29 branches. The line has been developed for NTS by the Radio Development and Research Corporation, comprising a group of well-known engineers and sound technicians, specializing in the public address field. Units in the RDR line, as announced by National, range from a portable system rated at 8 watts and selling for $79.50 to a de luxe theatre type system with an undistorted output of 35 watts and listing at $875.00. Included in the line are two types of 12-watt systems, two types of 24watt units, special systems for both phonograph and microphone reproduction and various intermediate popular-priced units suitable for theatres of 700 to 5,000 seats. According to National, there is a wide market for a line of quality public-ad dress equipment which will give sound reproduction comparing favorably with the best types of theatre sound systems. National claims that its new RDR line, being fully licensed, guaranteed for one year and with installation supervised by Altec, will provide a quality of sound reproduction and service equalled only by the most costly and elaborate studio type units. Ideal for use in theatres for “Screeno” and other games, lobby displays, boxoffice ballyhoo, vaudeville performances, stage presentations either for one or two microphones, the RDR public-address units are also well adapted for night clubs, orchestras, dance halls, meeting rooms, chuches and many similar spots. A feature of RDR public-address equipment is that any part of the basic systems may be re-adapted and combined to take care of any special installations. This, states National Theatre Supply, makes possible virtually tailor-made units for theatre use. Plenty of eye appeal has been built into RDR public address systems. Amplifier cabinets are in a combination of black and gray crackle, smartened by plenty of chromium trim. Controls are simple, conveniently placed and easily operated. Wiring layouts are claimed to be superior to any comparable units. The speakers are of the permanent magnet type and the purchaser has his choice of different microphones, including crystal, dynamic and Western Electric mikes. National Theatre Supply Company is now preparing for its new RDR line a complete manual showing technical specifications and other data on the RDR public address equipment. NTS Branch Sets Record New York City — National Theatre Supply Company’s New York branch set a new high record in sound sales for Simplex Four-Star Sound last month, according to manager James Frank, Jr., who said the office was one of the leading branches in National’s successful countrywide campaign on Simplex Sound which closed December 15. Said Frank: “Circuits and independents alike are adopting Simplex sound. Typical examples of installations in the New York area are the famous Eighth Street Playhouse operated by Rugoff and Becker, and the Century Circuit’s Fantasy, Rockville Center, Long Island. Our branch also booked orders for the Ambassador, West 49th Street, New York City; the Fisk, Woodside, Long Island; the Liberty Bernardsville, New York; the Paramount, Peekskill; the Wagner, Brooklyn; the Bardavon, Poughkeepsie; the Paramount, Middletown; and the Academy, Wappinger Falls.” According to Frank, the features of Simplex Four-Star Sound which are meeting with the special approval of large and small exhibitors alike are the accessibility of parts, neatness of wiring and general good practice from an installation and maintenance standpoint. Another technical advantage of Simplex Sound is the permanent magnet fields in the Simplex speaker units. us: iiPsiii Radio Development and Research’s PA-12 Amplifier Shown here is one of the new amplifiers in the Radio Development and Research Corporation’s line of licensed public-address equipment for theatre use, and distributed by the National Theatre Supply Company. This model is the PA-12, rated at 12 watts, and is styled in black and silver-gray crackle, chromium trimmed, with all controls conveniently placed. January 17, 1940 THE EXHIBITOR QUAD.