International projectionist (Jan-Dec 1937)

JAN -5 1.93ft December 19, C1B 362776 INTERNATIONAL PROJECTIONIST rer/?i PROJECTIONISI With Which is Comhined PROJECTION ENGINEERING Edited by James J. Finn/ Volume 12 DECEMBER 1937 Number 12 Index and Monthly Chat 5 New Servicing Tools Needed for Visual Projection Equipment 7 A. C. SCHROEDER Television Problems — A Description for Laymen 11 Arthur Van Dyck Analyses of Modern Theatre Sound Reproducing Units . . 16 Aaron Nadell Some General Principles of Projection Optics 20 R. Howard Cricks Ex-Erpi Employees Organize Altec Corp. and Take Over all Service Contracts 21 Decision Rendered on Battle of Split Seconds Anent Frame Aperture Rest 22 S.M.P.E. Discussion on New Aperture Proposal 22 The Elements of Vision — The Basis of Projection 23 W. C. Kalb The Editorial Page 25 News of the Month 27 News Notes Technical Hints Miscellaneous Items Published Monthly by JAMES J. FINN PUBLISHING CORPORATION 580 FIFTH AVENUE, NEW YORK, N. Y. Circulation Manager, Ruth Entracht Subscription Representatives Australia: McGills, 183 Elizabeth St., Melbourne New Zealand: Te Aro Book Depot, Ltd., 64 Courtenay Place Wellington England and Dominions: Wm. Dawson & Sons, Ltd., Pilgrim St., London, E. C. 4. Yearly Subscription: United States and possessions, $2 (two years, $3) ; Canada and foreign countries, $2.50. Single copies, 25 cents. Changes of address should be submitted two weeks in advance of publication date to insure receipt of current issue. Entered as second-class matter February 8, 1932, at the Post Office at New York, N. Y. undej the act of March 3, 1879./ Contents copyrighted 1937 bv James J. Finn Publishing Corp. International Projectionist is not responsible for personal opinions appearing in signed articles in its columns. MONTHLY CHAT WITH the next issue I. P. will blossom out with a new cover and other changes of format which are intended to make the old journal more attractive, more convenient and, there-' fore, more useful to you, Mr. Reader. At least this is the goal we have set for ourselves, and we think we will reach it. If, however, I. P.'s new dress doesn't particularly appeal to you, or if you have any suggestions for improvement, just step up to the line and yell. MENTION of which reminds us (reminiscence being permissable at year-end) that I. P. is getting along in point of time, if in no other respect. Yep, now turning into its seventh year, which fact, while hardly suggestive of flowing whiskers, marks the longest span ever covered by a journal devoted exclusively to professional projection that has won international recognition. Please omit flowers. It might be interesting to compile a not-to-long digest of the happenings, technically and otherwise, of the past six-and-something years, as gleaned from the files of I. P. We'll see about this for the next issue. THE incredible has happened! I. P. is finally giving something away. We refer to the offer of worthwhile prizes for the best answers to the questions appended to Aaron Nadell's article in this issue. We figured that we would give those technical Goliaths something to shoot at. (Or be shot at when we announce the winners.) THE toughest projection problem at the moment (and for years past and a few more to come, too) is the establishment of a screen brightness standard that will be applicable to all types of theatres irrespective of physical proportions, type of equipment or operating conditions. Merely specifying that suchand-such type of theatre should maintain a certain screen brightness means nothing. Some of the best technical brains in the industry have been baffled by this problem. Just as an idea of the work involved, the Projection Practice Committee of the S.M.P.E. figures that its end of this job will require at least two years. REAMS of "promotion material" reciting the glories of television and its "many splendid opportunities" for the "far-seeing technician" pour into editorial offices in a never-ending stream. I. P. has repeatedly cautioned its readers against fake stock-selling plans and against enrolling in 25-easy-lesson courses. Buy no stock, no books and enroll in no "courses" until you are competently advised. I. P. will be glad to help you. I P.'s greeting to its friends throughout the world: During 1938 the best of everything that life has to offer.