The Film Daily (1931)

THE Sunday, June 14, 1931 -am DAILV 27 Highlights of S.M. P. E. Report on Theater Practices Important Excerpts From Data Compiled by Progress Committee Excerpts from the Theater Practices section of the Report of the Progress Committee of the Society of M. P. Engineers, presented at the recent spring convention of the organization in Hollywood, are quoted herewith because of the interesting and valuable information they contain for exhibitors and others. Complete personnel of the progress committee includes: G. E. Matthews, chairman; M. Abribat, L. X. Busch, VV. Clark. A. A. Cook, C. Dreher, R. E. Farnham, H. B. Franklin. I. ('.. Frayne, E. R. Geib, A. C. Hardy, F. S. Irby, R. C. Hubbard, M. W. Palmer, G. F. Rackett, M. Knot. P. von Schrou, H. Sintzenich, S. K. Wolf. The excerpts follow: General Projection Equipment and Practice Practically an instantaneous change of lenses was staled to be possible with a new front plate assembly for the Powers projector. Other modifications arc a lens centering device. a micrometer focussing pinion, a framing lamp, and an aperture change assembly. The shutter on the German Bauer M-7 projector is now arranged in front of the condenser lens in accordance with recent projector construction practice. The use of separate projectors for reproducing the sound was initiated in a London theater, the Pavilion, ui November, 1930. For preview service, in Hollywood, one company has provided two portable dummy sound projectors. These are ininstalled in the theater and coupled to the regular projector before the preview. This permits the studio to have a preview of any production using the assembled intercut prints of both picture and sound track and it eliminates the necessity of making a sound print which usually requires cutting after the preview. _ Sound reproducing equipment is being manufactured by a British firm which use a magnetic coupling between the projector and the turntable. A single photoelectric cell i? placed centrally between two projectors. On the Frie- sound projector, the starting of the proji and fading is accomplished automatically by means of the film -trip itself. The film is inserted in the projector for a change-over without regard to synchronization. Metallic contacts on the film then actuate relays successively which lower the -lie into the proper groove, close Sound Best in Small Houses Theaters with a capacity of not more than 2.000 seats generally have better sound reproduction than larger houses, according to the semi-annual report of the S. M. P. E. progress committee. In houses of larger size the sound quality suffers considerably when the auditorium is only partly filled, whereas in the smaller houses this condition is not as serious. Historic House Wired Probably the oldest theater in the world to have a sound installation is the Opera of Malta. The house has remained practically unchanged since its erection, 200 years ago. the fader circuit, and extinguish the light in the first projector. In the Projectophone devised by Mihaly the sound track image is projected by a suitable optical system onto a caesium photocell located .'it some distance from the projector. If the detector is located at one side of the main projection screen, it obviates the need of wiring between the projection booth and the screen. A shallow type horn has been introduced by the Western Electric Company, which is provided with twin air columns meeting in a common mouthpiece. The equipment is 26 inches deep, 107 inches wide, and 62 inches high. Changes in sound reproduction caused by varying slit width have been considered by von Hartel. Besides presenting mathematical formulas concerning the sound intensity variations as the slit is gradually widened, the paper gives data showing that halation causes overtones which consist especially of octaves. Frediani avoids the use of photocells in sound reproduction of sariable density records by passing them between electric contacts connected with the grid circuit of a thermiomc amplifier. For such reproduction, paper prints may be used. Projector Lenses, Shutters, and Light Sources The recent use of screen pictures of large size has led to the development of lens turrets on projectors with objectives of the desired foca' length ready to be moved into position to suit the requirements of the program. The demand for higher powered light sources in the theaters using low intensity reflecting arc lamps has been met by the production of a higher amperage trim. It is designed for 32 to 42 amperes at the arc. Previously. M amperes at the arc w is the highest attainable. The introduction of a pre-rratered high intensity projector carbon was noted. Special Projection Equipment Two new types of portable continuous projectors "nave been marketed, one for 35 mm. film and the other for 16 mm. film. Approximately 400 feel of sound film can be accommodated on the 35 mm. projector. Considerable research has been conducted by Ives to devise cameras and projectors for the production of pictures showing relief. I he method consists, essentially, of mak if pictures from juxtaposed points around an object and ting the prints from these onto I -i.-il screen. Two tj pes ol screens having these properties have been developed, one made of vertical solid celluloid rods, and the other of strips ,,l" mirror. More recently a stationary camera requiring only a single exposure has been devised but Ives considers that much research is considered necessary to perfect the process. Three new types of screens have been described in the literature as being available commercially. A noninflammable screen of rubber composition perforated with small holes was demonstrated in November in London. Another type of screen incorporates a cooling system for the theater. Behind the metal screen surface is located a refrigerating plant which causes the screen to become entirely coated with white frost, fn the third type, a non-glare and pseudo relief principle is introduced. Theater Acoustics and Construction From exeperience to date, it would appear that the most satisfactory results from the standpoint of sound reproduction are obtained in theaters having a maximum seating capacity of not over 2,000 seats. In theati of much larger seating capacity, the -omul quality suffers considerably when the auditorium is only partially filled, whereas in the smaller theatei s this condition is not as A chain of midget motion picture houses is being planned for operation through,, ut the United The seating capacity will about 200 and the shows will b< varying length from 15 mione hour. About 55 per cenl of the 22.731 theaters ,,f the United States are now wired for sound. According to a U rnment Bureau report, acoustic problems ln Brazilian theaters are very difficult of solution. Walls are made of concrete or stucco and seats of pi"? wood. It is extremely difficult use drapes as the insects attack i materials used. Simple Simon Plans 24 Eighteen onc-rcclers and six twnreclers are planned by Simple Simon edie for the 1931-32 season, it is announced by Mack Stark. Two of the two-reelers, "Hot Shivers" and "A Shocking Affair," are set for release in the next three months. , Wll RICA'S FIRST lid iv COM iim MM HOT! i tiii: St. OY Till: PARK 50 Central Park Soulh .\nc York City Old world hospitality in the spirit of the new world: old world Ben ice with th<% newesl of the new world's comforts. A cuisine thai is the essence of Europe's finest, under the inspired direction ol ' of Porta, London <"•,/ thm Riwimrtm. Rooms singl " write, feeing Cental Per* end bul •> moment t,.,,, i the <iis men. ead buaii Personal Direction of S. GRI i OR1 I iYLOB — '