International projectionist (Jan 1963-June 1965)

New 8mm Problems from page 10 A Critical Study All the factors involved having heen defined, it was possible to proceed to a critical study of the problem both as regards film size and projector design. As regards the film size, the first question to be solved was that of the sound track to be adopted. In spite of its higher cost and the drawbacks encountered in operation, the Norelco projection equipmentAvailable from leading theatre supply dealers North American Philips Co., Inc. Motion Picture Equipment Division 100 E. 42nd St., New York 17, N.Y. A magnetic track seemed to prevail because it provided better quality of sound reproduction, similar to that obtained with a magnetic tape running at a speed of 9.5 mm/sec. Therefore, there remained the super 8mm film proposed by Kodak, the 8%mm film proposed by Bell & Howell in the United States and the French 8.75mm film providing a frame area of 25 sq. mm, i.e. twice the present area . . . notwithstanding the "tete-beche" 2 x 8mm formula which can also embody the above improvements by adapting it to the 4.75mm pitch with sprocket holes of reduced section. A substantial increase in frame area constitutes an essential factor in the design of projectors, as it has been stressed by the manufacturers of such apparatus, both in the U. S. and in France. The problem of projectors should therefore be approached from the viewpoint of performance requirements. Allowing for average classroom dimensions, it is essential that the picture — which has to be viewed from a distance equal to six times the frame width at the most — be projected on a 0.70 to 1 screen. Moreover, this picture must be sufficiently bright to be viewed in a room normally illuminated for schoolwork. These requirements should be met under rear-screen projection conditions so that the projector can be placed near the professor's chair; THE VERY FINEST PROJECTOR PARTS The ultimate in precision, long life and dependability— they keep projectors in top operating condition essential to good pictures, patron satisfaction and good business. Available through your Theatre Equipment Dealer. SINCE 1908 MACHINE WORKS 4635 W. LAKE ST., CHICAGO 44, ILL. TELEPHONE— AREA 312— ES 8-1636 ft" jiiil'l sssBfi moreover, film handling in projector operation should be limited to putting the magazine in place. Finally, reverse motion and still projection are desirable features. It was claimed that the American formulae (Technicolor and Fairchild ) did not meet the above requirements on account of the small size ci s^.eens, the fact that reverse motion is not possible with closed loop magazines, and, finally, of the high cost of a magazine adapted to sound film. Conversely, the automatic film loading projector seems to be more rational, provided it be combined with a simple magazine with automatic film rewinding, in the view of the Continental experts. In this connection, attention was drawn to the "Scopitone" system designed by the Societe CAMECA, while pointing out that constant film speed running with optical compensation projection was, at any rate, preferable to the claw system, to protect the film from damage due to faulty operation of driving mechanism or deterioration of sprocket holes. On the other hand, mention should be made of the advantages which could be derived from the use of embossed surfaces in the design of transmission type screens with a high photometric coefficient. The optimum characteristics of a projector intended for audio-visual education was defined as follows: — Automatic engagement of the film enclosed in a magazine; — Simple and inexpensive magazine; — Constant speed motion; ■ — Possibility of moving the film in reverse direction and still projection; — Transmission type screen with multicellular embossing; — Image brightness 500 to 1000 blondels. Comparison tests between Continental and U. S. solutions to the problem are being made at the present time. For this discussion of the European approach, IP is indebted to the Commission Superieuse Technique du Cinema, Paris. iP CARBON ARCS . . FOR FINEST PROJECTION jdowiaUte Ale Gasiko+U division • Brighter Light on Screen • Longer Burning per Carbon • More Economical . . . Compact Xenon Arcs division — Xrrsioss LAMPHOUSES • ^rrtzoAT POWER SUPPLIES L_. J CARBONS, INC. BOON TON, N.J. j' 12 International Projectionist April, 1965