International projectionist (Jan-Dec 1950)

their diminishing box-office returns. Theater Tv may be the answer. Distribution via Film A third source of programming for theater Tv is "live" acts. This term has reference to variety or vaudeville shows, concerts and plays. Theater Tv would enable all members of a co-operative group or theater chain in a city to furnish their patrons with vaudeville. Thus, a variety could be presented in a local neighborhood theater as well as in a "downtown showcase." Since programs for theater Tv can be distributed via film, the latter gives flexi bility to the program schedule of a motion picture house engaged in theater Tv. The financial resources of the theater Tv group on a national scale suggest that it could sponsor a repertory company which would produce different plays each week. An exhibitor could charge an increased admission fee for exhibiting such a play. The recording of such plays on film would enable the theaters to exhibit the play or plays at a time or times convenient to its patrons. Theater Tv is available to enlarge the concert audience. Thus, a concert by a distinguished Thtitty in WITH BALLANTYNE Never before in the history of the theatre has any one manufacturer anticipated and met the need of the industry for advanced design and better quality equipment at prices within the reach of everyone. Now with a complete line of sound and projection equipment, The Ballantyne Company offers several new, improved units that are without comparison in quality at such low prices. \ % 2 COMPLETE "PACKAGED" DRIVE-IN PLANS Recently the Ballantyne Company startled the theatre industry with their "Turn-Key" drive-in plan ... a plan so economical, so keyed to the needs of the industry that today "Turn-Key" drive-ins are going up all over the country. Now, Ballantyne offers, in addition to this plan, complete "package" equipment as low as S7188, for those who wish to build their own drive-in theatre. For details on both of these plans write today or see the nearest Ballantyne dealer. %ma BALLANTYNE MX40 IN-A-CAR SPEAKER Ballantyne leadership again shows the way in quality and economy. The MX-40 is identical to the Soundmaster speaker except for the case, which is heavy gauge, formed, high quality steel, bonderized and baked-painted in a beautiful hammer finish. 90-day guarantee. Priced LESS THAN ANY OTHER SPEAKER ON THE MARKET TODAY. TUoa IMPROVED SOUNDMASTER IN-A-CAR SPEAKER The popular Soundmaster speaker that sold over 100,000 in 1949 offers several important improvements: a new improved grill; a new reinforced back; new rubber-covered speaker hangers; and a new junction box. Yet, mass production enables us to further reduce the price, to you. Heu> MODEL BW PROJECTOR Incomparably smooth, steady operation. Modern rear shutter, oillite permanent bearings throughout, provision for new 4 inch lens mount. It is large, and easily accessible with more threading room than in ordinary projectors. Every part is standard simplex type. Priced S200 to $300 less than any projector of comparable performance and quality. 7U*» HYDRO-ARC PROJECTION LAMP 85-95 ampere . . . here's the answer for you who require more light than 70 ampere lamps can give, yet do not wish to invest in large, expensive, complicated lamps. 20,000 lumens of light at the screen (at 85 amps). Burns a full trim of 5/16 by 9 and 9 mm by 20 carbons with water cooling by patented one-piece water jacket. 1 5 !/2 inch diameter reflector. Projects a wide, brilliant, flat white light. The Hydro-Arc is not priced in the S1500-S2500, but is only slightly higher in cost than conventional jo ampere lamps. TOxcte l^dcuf fan (?<HHfitete 'Diwe-in @<xfal<Mfr Sold exclusively through authorized Ballantyne Dealers in the United States and Canada. THE BALLANTYNE CO. ,1707 DAVENPORT ST., OMAHA, NEBRASKA pianist could be made available in motion picture houses. Undoubtedly, financial arrangements could be effected among the promoter, the artist, and the exhibitor. Theater Tv likewise may be employed as a new means for the distribution of film. Thus, a feature-length attraction could be distributed on a national, regional, or local basis to exhibitors. The electronic method of distributing motion picture film could furnish the producer with an efficient method of "trade-showing" film; it could reduce the number of positive prints, and thus costs. Theater Tv may conceivably result in far-reaching changes in the trade practices of the motion picture industry and effect substantial economies in the distribution of film. Theater Tv is not limited to entertainment: it can render a public service to the community. Thus, in the forenoon, the theater Tv system in its entirety could be made available to the school system. The latter could install receivers in the schools; also, it could use the theaters as classrooms. Lectures and motion pictures could be made available to the entire student body of a community. Educational Tie-in It has been suggested that theater Tv might be the medium or means whereby the schools can use Tv without undertaking the costly job of constructing and operating a Tv broadcast station. This discussion indicates that theater Tv is technically and economically feasible, that there are adequate sources of program material which can and will be made available to the theater Tv group. Theater Tv will stimulate and help the bo-office returns of the motion picture exhibitor. Theater Tv, which is non-existent today, constitutes no economic threat to Tv broadcasting. But if theater Tv is organized on a local, regional, and national basis, it could become a challenge to Tv broadcasting. Whether theater Tv ever will achieve its potentialities as an entertainment and public-service medium depends on the willingness and determination of the motion picture industry to develop this new art. Failure to accept this opportunity may well spell the doom of theater Tv, since the motion picture industry has the resources and can adapt its technical knowledge to this new art. The time to act is now. mn PROJECTIONISTS' SERVICE MANUAL $300 28 INTERNATIONAL PROJECTIONIST January 1950