The Film Daily (1930)

ZJ^^a DAILV Sunday, August 31, l " cTHEATEB PYRENE FIRE EXTINGUISHER Engineer Cites Of Needle Pyrene Manufacturing Co. of New York is distributing an attachment for projectors which, it is claimed, serves as an automatic fire extinguisher and electric cut-off. The device consists of one quart capacity filled with Pyrene fire extinguishing fluid, a gas pressure cartridge chamber, electric switchbox, several feet of copper tubing, a lecharge holder containing extra gas cartridges, fuse bands and accelerating floss. At the first flash of a flame in the projector, the extinguisher automatically functions, the company states, delivering a deluge of the Pyrene liquid under pressure, through spray nozzles, into five different parts of the projector, extinguishing the burning film. At the same instant the fire extinguishing operation takes place, pressure is delivered through a tube to the electric cut-off switchbox automatically cutting off all current and stopping the motor. The two operations are simultaneous. 1 he liquid will not damage the projector or the unburned portion of the film, it is claimed, and operation can be resumed as soon as the burnt film is removed. It is said to have been approved by the Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. Install Rear Shutter Device San Francisco— Five coast theaters have been equipped with rear shutter attachments for cutting down heat at the aperture plate. The Paramount and St. Francis, San Francisco; Paramount, Seattle; United Artists, Los Angeles, and the Paramount, Portland, have installed the device. Cooler in Fort Atkinson House Fort Atkinson, Wis. — J. J. Craite, manager of the Fort, has announced installation of a new cooling system. Audiphones for Two More Houses Two more theaters have signed contracts with Western Electric for audiphone equipment for the hardof-hearing. The Liberty, Lewiston, Idaho and the Arkansan, Little Rock, Ark., are the two houses to have signed up for the apparatus. "Variety Scenic Gets More Space Variety Scenic Studios will enlarge its quarters when it moves to 254 West 54th St. on Sept. 1. The company will occupy the entire third floor of the New Yorker theater building. Importance in Reproduction By WILLI/H Practical methods of correcting projection troubles that take plenty of experience to learn, can usually, be told in a few very words, says R. H. McCullough, sound engineer for Fox West Coast theaters. The projectionist who makes use not of his own methods of procedure, but the accumulated practical experience of others, can accomplish more in less time, he states. "Troubles that occur to one projectionist may not happen to another, however, always be alert for anything to happen to sound reproducing equipment. It is quite evident that a certain amount of vertical needle pressure is necessary to provide proper tracking with recjrds; as a consequence, records must be made of hard material and ihey must be abrasive enough to stand this pressure. Never use soft tone needles because they have a very poor frequency response, and Jie characteristics indicate that the iiigher frequencies are eliminated. "Our experience relates ihat the most pronounced deformation of any needle occurs during the initial period of service. It s quite true that very few producers are •.sing disc recording — however, for those who are recording on disc, we must enleavor to make the reproduction as good as possible. Distortion, which usually occurs luring disc recording can many times be traced to the pick-up. A good s.iff needle is required for faithful reproduction — otherwise, movements at the armature end of the needle will not represent movements at the groove and on the record. "We desire to have the natural frequency of the system somewhat above the highest frequency to be reproduced. Many projectionists are using half-tone needles and many projectionists are still using the full-tone leedles and many have never given the sub ect much thought." he continues. "A magnetic pick-up requires damping in order to smooth out resonant points, and at the same time maintain the proper neutral position of the armature. The Wes.ern Electric 4-A reproducers have these qualities. Half-tone needles play a very important part and may be considered as a mechanical filter in disc reproduction. "The Western Electric 4-A reproducer consists of a stylus connected to an armature of high permeability, which is located within a small coil. In operation the stylus attached to the armature vibrates as a needle follows the grooves on the record. The movement of the armature between the poles of the magnet which surrounds the armature causes a variation in magnetic lines of flux and a voltage with corresponding variations is induced in the coil. "If too much stiffness exists in the stylus, the relative motion of the armature and field will be reduced. The stylus should never be struck or twisted in an effort to remove a needle that is jammed. Do not allow dust and dirt to accumulate around the stylus. Free movement of the armature within the unit is necessary. Distortion will result, if this part cannot move freely; on the other hand, if the armature moves too freely a sputtering will result. I have found, on a few occasions, that complaints about sputtering and frying sounds in disc recording was caused by a loose needle. "Always dust the record thoroughly before using. I have found that many projectionsts have neglected to do this with the result that the full amplitude of the recording was greatly reduced, because dust and dirt interferes greatly with the full motion of the stylus. Be positively sure that the tone arm is well balanced with uniform pressure, not too light and not too heavy. Uneven pressure of the tone arm will cause a flutter in disc recording. "Needles should only be used once and then discarded — in other words, they should be replaced at the same time when the record is changed. Worn needles will result in loss of high frequencies, because they cannot follow the high frequency grooves. "We are compelled to replace needles frequently in order that the needle point liameter may be small enougn to follow the high-frequency modulations. There are many types of magnetic pick-ups; however, the same theory in operation applies to all." New Reproducer Device Soon on British Market London — A new reproducer device, of the sound-on-film type, to market for about $2,250, is reported ready for delivery in Great Britain. The device will include two projectors complete with stands and lamphouses, 50-watt amplifier of standard manufacture, two sound heads complete with first stage amplifiers, two !oud speakers, tone and volume controls, and changeover switch. If it is ASBESTOS we have it BLUE SEAL ASBESTOS CORP. 264 Wyckoff St., near Nevins Brooklyn New York Distributors for Joln-ManviUe Corp. GOLD SEAL TICKET REGISTERS Protection — Speed — Efficiency GENERAL REGISTER CORP. Paramount Building Chirkcrinn 4065 New York J. C. Ensi.f.n, Gvn. Sales Mgr. NEW SPROCKET DEVICE PLACED IN COAST HOU: San Francisco — Five theaters installed a new sound invei known as a hold-back sprocket tachment for the elimination o sound flutter on talking picture jectors. Western Electric made installations. Houses equipped this device are the California, I mount, St. Francis, San Franc Paramount, Portland, and Parann Seattle. The apparatus is said to have invented by a sound engineer of of the major film studios. Luna Park Installs Macy Ho Ten huge horns have been ir led in Luna Park, Coney Islam engineers of the Macy Manufa ing Co. of Brooklyn. Ainplific equipment is used for reprodi broadcasts. Acous 1 Treat* j Acous 1 Banr New Yo "tf MOTION PICTUR ! APPARATUS j of Every Type Consult Us and Save Mom REPAIR SHOP with Expert* < Professional Cameras Right on Premises UIILCOaGHBYt .▼▼110 West S2«*St,NewM)rh.NLp Phone Penna. 0330 Motion Picture Departmen U. S. and Canada Agents for Del l NETSCHERT'J TRUE to NATURE Art Flowers and Shrub for Lobbies, Foyers, Stag< Orchestra Pit and Auditorium FRANK NETSCHERT,In 61 Barclay Street, New York, N. Write for Catalogue 3