International projectionist (Jan-Dec 1949)

FIGURE 1 Typical two-city television relay system. Boston, from Toledo to Detroit, and from Chicago to Milwaukee. A. T. and T. has a radio relay under construction between New York and Chicago, and has applied for FCC consent to construct other radio relays between San Francisco and Los Angeles. In addition, Western Union has a radio-relay system available for use between New York and Philadelphia, and contemplates an extension of its system to the Midwest and South. These radio relays are operated on a "common-carrier" basis and are open to use by Tv broadcasters under tariff schedules filed with the FCC. A. T. and T. rates are the same as those in effect for coaxial-cable inter-city service The Western Union rates are somewhat different. Other privately-ownedand-operated radio relays are in operation in various localities. A. T. and T. intercity radio relays operate on the frequency band 3700 to 4200 megacycles, and the Western Union relays operate on 5925 to 6425 megacycles. Both these bands are allocated by the FCC to "Common-Carrier Fixed Circuits." The A. T. and T. relays can provide a bandwidth of 4 megacycles; while the Western Union New York-toPhiladelphia relay is equipped to provide a 5-megacycle bandwith. 'Balanced' Wire Transmission Intercity Tv relays are based on lineof-sight transmissions from station to station, with intermediate stations separated by about 30 miles between cities. The problems involved in theater Tv use of intercity relays are substantially the same as the problems stated previously as to use of the coaxial cable. The third available system for trans mission of Tv programs is the use of so-called "balanced" telephone wires. A network of such wires extends across the continent operated by the Bell System. Over moderate distances of from one to two miles, these telephone wires may be adapted to the purpose of Tv transmission. They thus are useful for intracity transmission, including remote pickup, STL, and possibly as the basis for a multiple-addressee system. The telephone wires may also prove to be the most economical method for distribution of theater Tv sound. Use of Radio Frequencies As we have seen, radio frequencies may be expected to constitute an integral part of a theater Tv system under present conditions. Remote pickups of sports and news events are dependent upon microwave frequencies, since only by use of radio relay can theater Tv pickup units get the necessary mobility and flexibility. Multiple-addressee systems for simultaneous distribution of programs to numerous theaters could use coaxial cables or even paired telephone wires; but there is no assurance that the telephone company will be in a position to furnish these services, or that the rates for the service would be within reach of potential theater Tv systems. It is also possible that theater Tv will consider the establishment of an intercity relay system using radio. Under the Communications Act. the use of radio frequencies by theater Tv or by any other non-governmental service must be preceded first by the allocation by the FCC of a frequency band or bands for the use of theater Tv ; second, by the promulgation by the FCC of rules and regulations governing the assignment and use of the allocated frequencies by individuals or organizations within the service; and third, by the assignment by the FCC of the frequencies within the general band allocated to theater Tv licensees upon proper application. First Hurdle Not Surmounted Theater Tv has never jumped the first hurdle. It has never obtained an allocation of frequencies by the FCC for other than experimental use. At the present time, no frequencies are even available under the FCC allocation table and rules for experimentation by theater Tv, except the 475 to 890-megacycle band (ultrahigh-frequency) , which is earmarked for Tv broadcasting, and the frequency bands 16,000 to 18,000 megacycles and 26,000 to 30,000 megacycles, for which no equipment is available for the purpose of theater Tv relays. The five theater Tv authorizations now in existence (four of which are held by Paramount and one by 20th CenturyFox) are solely experimental, special (Continued on page 37) A Novel All-Purpose Pocket Marker For Film Use By ALEX WEISS IA Local Union 160, Cleveland Since multiple-reel pictures came into general use, the careful projectionist found it helpful to mark his films with proper titles, reel numbers, start marks, reel end, etc. For lack of anything better, the China or wax pencil was generally used for this purpose. However, due to its characteristic messiness and habit of smearing over the film, the projectionist's hands, and even over the projector parts the wax pencil soon lost favor, although many projectionists are even now using it. During the past several years paints of various kind, lacquers, and even nail polish have been used for marking films. While this method proved far better than the wax pencil, it left a lot to be desired and definitely pointed to the need for a simple, efficient and inexpensive marking device. FELT TIP NOSE BARREL WASHES . PH-9 nw, PK^ BARREL , PK-1 FILM POCKET MARKER Can't leak, sweat or flood. Patented valve action feeds ink to felt tip when pressed downward. Diligent search revealed a number of such markers in wide use by various industries. While the markers themselves were acceptable, the regular inks and colors as used by the other industries were not suitable for use on films. Special Ink Solves Problem This problem has been overcome by the development of a special ink for use on film, making possible an ideal marker that is always ready for instant use. Films may be marked quickly and neatly. The marks dry very fast, will not buckle either nitrate or acetate film stock, and are permanent. The marker, shown here, will not smear, fade or peel during ordinary use. Yet, whenever necessary, the marks can be readily wiped off with a few drops of film cement. The marker is made of solid aluminum in the shape of a conventional fountain pen with a felt tip and should last for many years. It holds ^ ounce of the special ink, enough for weeks of use before refilling. Ink is supplied in either red or bright yellow. The unit is fully guaranteed. The user is strongly cautioned never to use paint, lacquer, or other inks except that furnished with the marker, as, foreign compounds will prevent proper functioning of the unit. Address the writer at 2781 Hampshire Road, Cleveland 6, Ohio. INTERNATIONAL PROJECTIONIST DECEMBER 1949 21