International projectionist (Jan-Dec 1940)

New Warner-RCA 'Vitasound' System Ready V ITASOUND is the name of the of the Warner studio sound departnew Warner Brothers sound re ment, "is advantageous in that it re NBC will continue to spend approximately $500,000 annually in television. National defense requirements is one of the major factors in determining the future of television as an industry. The panel reports by the NTSC are now not ex cording and reproducing system which, quires no additional equipment or pected to be completed before the end of January, and at least one report will be delayed until Feb. 15. following the general pattern of the change in technique in the shooting "Fantasound" system developed for of pictures. Even the difficult dubbing Disney's "Fantasia", has been de process is unchanged because the sound veloped with the cooperation of RCA control track is printed directly on reengineers and is even now being in lease prints as they are run through stalled in three Warner Coasthouses, the sound printers, the Hollywood and the Downtown in "This control track does not affect Los Angeles, and the Strand in N. Y. the reproduction of sound in theatres City. The Warner film, "Sante Fe," not equipped with Vitasound, and, conis the first feature to be recorded via versely, ordinary prints will play normthe Vitasound system. ally through new equipment in the thea Vitasound equipment will be made tre without actuating the control track NTSC; 6. hours were devoted to programs, available subsequently to all theatres mechanism." This interchangeability and the balance were concerned with FM that desire to use it, thus following feature permits the gradual introduction and sound transmissions, closely the merchandising plan used of the new system without occasioning Color television is also being tested, but by Warners for its Vitaphone appara any disruption in the theatre field. is still in the experimental stage, with all * ■ m« m» « j . . the various processes being given full Ask M. P. Academy Approval consideration by RCA engineers. However, In order to make Vitasound available color tele still is a vague problem, as soon as possible to all producers The practicability of television on a Technical Problems Major Concern At present technical problems are being given preference over programming. The major problems being studied include synchronization, sound, etc., and full cooperation is being given, and will continue to be given, to 'the NTSC. Of the 34 hours of technical tests held during the past week, 20 hours were held for the tus when sound pictures were intro duced generally 13 years ago. Vitasound, it is asserted by interested experts, offers completely faith ful reproduction of original sounds and exhibitors desiring to take advan syndicated basis remains one of the major tage of it, RCA has requested the Re issues confronting NBC. The first step search Council of the Academy of M. P. in linking together a network will in all Arts and Sciences to establish stand probability be taken as soon as the ards of manufacture at the earliest Washington and Philadelphia stations are fit of every shade of tone and volume iWe date> Thig tagk fa u completed, with programs being sent to lT\™„ thir^ =*• Ife-S -quire much time, because the Vita New York and then to Phil y through without requiring extensive and expensive changes in theatre or studio equipment, and gives an audience the bene tem will not upset long established theatre practices nor antiquate all the sound system is not wholly dissimilar coaxial cables. Because of the indefinite state of the costs involved, the problem theatre 'and studio equipment in the ^! jr^ll^Jf JZJZ -t be determined until the practical industry. It is said to be neither too complicated nor too expensive for gen Overall eral use, stereophonic demonstrations within the New Control Track Method Overall, Vitasound provides a greater volume range with what might be called hairline control, thus making for greater A second sound track on the re realism and therefore enhanced dramatic lease print regulates sound control and effect, makes possible startling improvement NBC Theatre Television Test in N. Y. Early in Jan. tests are begun, but it is believed that an effort will be made for the 3-way tie-up as soon as possible. Union Negotiations Up Soon While there are some 4500 sets now in use in the N. Y. Metropolitan area, programming will continue to emphasize special events and outdoor programs. While television is still in a strictly experimental stage, and there is no income THEATRE television will be given its from that source at all, unions to date f in results in the theatre. The only added expense involved is a $40 attachment on printing machines and a probable $1,500 investment for additional amplifiers and horns in the thea i nrst real extended test by National have not made an attempt to set up a tre. Added horn equipment includes Broadcasting Co. shortly after the turn special rate structure. As a result future two h.-f. stage units, plus smaller of tne year at tne 380"seat New Yorker meetings with all the unions involved, in speakers for the procenium and Theatre' -??\ E[?hth Ave' "Vi,N' «' Ci,ty/ cludinS talent' musicians, and stagehands Image will be blown up to fill a 9 x 12 (I A)> must take place# foot screen. Television's immediate future _. , , ,.. . , is a bit uncertain at the moment due to °Pemnf u/ of new advertlser^ >s also the lack of any report by the National seen' wth department stores and fashion Television Systems Committee, now pon centers among those most likely to pay dering the whys and wherefores of this the initial bills for localized advertising via the new media. throughout the theatre. "The new control track method," according to Major Nathan Levinson, ISAAC WINS DOUBLE HONORS Two honors were accorded Lester Isaac, Da°y art director of Projection for Loew's Theatres, Inc., during the past month. First was a dinner tendered him at the Astor Hotel, N."Y., Prudence Lodge, F. & A. M., of which organization Isaac is a former master. Highlight of this affair, attended by more than 800 business, I. A. fraternal, and personal friends of Isaac, was the presentation to the Loew chief of a gold "Fantasia" Projection Procedure Data PROJECTIONISTS everywhere will holidays), with the daily advance ticket be interested in knowing some of sales averaging $8,500, and an overall the details relative to the preparation advance sale of more than $65,000. Six for and presentation of Walt Disney's box-offices are now in operation, while terrifically successful "Fantasia" in its immediately following the opening honorary life membership card in Wash world-premiere theatre showing at the 'phone service was increased from 4 ington, D. C. Local 224, (the first such Broadway Theatre in New York City, to 12 trunk lines and the theatre presentation by this I. A. unit) in recog That the phrase "terrifically success nition of his services as business agent fui» is no exaggeration is evident from almost 25 years ago. . , the appended few details of the busi Subsequently Isaac attended a special , • , . , ■ tj pv _..,,.. meeting of Local 224 to express his thanks "fSS bemg £? "e by , UlSney . master: for this signal recognition by the Union. Piece combining color, music and He was accompanied on this trip by P. A. sound: McGuire, advertising manager of Inter "Fantasia" is a complete sell-out at national Projector Corp., who also has every performance (normally two-a-day, many friends in this I. A. Unit. but with extra shows on weekends and staff was tripled. Major domo pi all visual and sound projection facilities for "Fantasia" is Cecil Wood, for 40 years a top-flight projectionist craftsman with a fine record of accomplishment at home and abroad. All the old-timers know Cecil, (Continued on page 38) NOVEMBER 194 0 25