International projectionist (Jan-Dec 1935)

January 1935 INTERNATIONAL PROJECTIONIST 17 smith, is expected to become to electrical, physical and mechanical research and development what the X-ray is to diagnosis in medicine. Originally designed for radio service men and engineers, it is finding seemingly limitless applications in many other fields, including certain phases of the aviation, automotive, and public utility industries. Other new devices described by Dr. Goldsmith were a new type of radio tube, resembling an acorn in size and shape, for use by radio amateurs and experimenters in exploring the possibilities of the ultra-short micro radio waves; an amateur sound camera which makes it possible for anyone to make his own sound movies as easily as silent movies; a small chest, resembling a cigar humidor which when connected to any electrically operated radio receiver converts it into a phonograph combination instrument. It can be played from a convenient chair at a distance from the receiver to which it is connected. Also, a "Caruso record which Caruso never heard", a phonograph record which ingenious engineers have been able to literally recreate from the original one made by Enrico Caruso so that now many years after his death Caruso's immortal voice may be heard with a new brilliance to the accompaniment of a large modern orchestra. Studios Finally Move to Correct Varying Print Densities Evil STUDIO laboratory and camera department heads met recently at United Artists Studios to witness a screen illumination demonstration prepared by the Academy Research Council consisting of sample prints from each studio, projected at various high and low-intensity illuminations, and designed to demonstrate the difference between the illuminations on the screens in the Hollywood studio viewing rooms as compared with theatre screen illumination throughout the country. The demonstration is part of the in. vestigation which has been going on for some months on the feasibility of bringing studio projection room screen illumination characteristics closer to the conditions prevailing on the theatre screens, and is important because of the fact that pictures made in the studios are judged, insofar as camera and laboratory work is concerned, on screens which in many cases are considerably brighter or duller than the theatre screens upon which the public will later view the same picture. Studio Questionnaire At the conclusion of the meeting, each technician present was given a questionnaire and asked to write up his ideas and opinions of the demonstration, for use by the subcommittee in preparing their final report for presentation to the Research Council and the producing companies. Print density has long been a problem of major importance in the projection field. The Projection Practice Committee of the S. M. P. E. has repeatedly urged that an investigation of West Coast print procedure be made with a view to effecting improvements in exhibition. Following is an excerpt from the Committee report for 1932: "It has been definitely established that the intensity of screen illumination in most studio projection rooms is greatly in excess of the intensity that can be obtained in theatres. The great disparity existing was pointed out in a report of the Theatre Lighting Committee published in the February, 1931, issue of the S. M. P. E. Journal. "Complaints regarding dense prints persist, however, indicating the need for additional emphasis in the matter. "The Projection Practice Committee has conducted a partial survey of typical theatres for the purpose of determining the values of screen illumination obtaining in practice, and it is significant that its findings, in a widely separated territory and after a lapse of two years, check closely with the findings of the Theatre Lighting Committee previously referred to. "The results of these two independent surveys indicate that the average intensity of the projected light at the surface of theatre and screens lies between 8 and 12 foot candles, and that the average coefficient of reflection is about forty per cent, corresponding to intensities between 3.2 and 4.8 foot-candles, these figures being based on the use of diffusive screens. "In tests made by the Committee, each projector was equipped with a two-blade 90-degree shutter which caused a reduction of approximately 50 per cent of the screen illumination, as compared with measurements made when the projector was at rest. In each test the auditorium illumination approximated that obtaining during the presentation of pictures. Studios vs. Theatre Practice "Invariably much smaller pictures are projected in the studio projection rooms than in the average theatre, resulting in excessive screen illumination. In addi7 tion, reflective screens are sometimes used in studio rooms, adding further to the brightness of the picture. In the great majority of theatres, however, not only are much larger pictures projected than are shown in the studio rooms, but diffusive screens are used. "Obviously, under such circumstances it is extremely difficult to reconcile studio 'screen values' with theatre 'screen values', unless some compensating adjustment is made in the studio room. It seems highly desirable that no reflective screens be used in studio rooms in which print density is to be judged. "On the basis of these facts, therefore, and in view of the easy and inexpensive manner in which the requisite change can be made, the Committee suggests that in each studio projection room where the screen illumination is excessive, each projector be provided with a diaphragm or iris in front of the lens to reduce the flux of projected light while measurements of screen illumination are made. "The iris can be so adjusted that the screen reading approximates the average value obtaining in theatres, after which a diaphragm mask having a fixed aperture of the proper size can be substituted at will for the iris." S. M. P. E. Now Official Standards Body The S. M. P. E. has been named sponsor of a sectional committee now being organized by the American Standards Assoc, to work on standards for motion picture apparatus. Regarding this work, the Association commented : "A sectional committee is now being organized to work on standards for motion picture apparatus, the S. M. P. E. having been named sponsor of the committee. The scope of the work has been defined as 'Terminology, Dimensional Standards, Methods of Test and Rating, and Performance characteristics of the materials and devices used in sound motion picture photography, and in sound recording, processing, and reproduction in connection therewith.' Representative Group "The organizations invited to name representatives on the committee include technical or engineering societies interested in motion pictures, electricity, radio, acoustics, fire protection, lighting, and optical science, manufacturers and distributors of kodaks, films and other equipment, theatre owners, exhibitors, producers and distributors, and U. S. Government departments." Propose Senate Inquiry of A. T. & T. and Affiliates Investigation of the American Telephone & Telegraph Co. was proposed in a joint resolution introduced on Jan 24 by Senator Wheeler and Representative Rayburn, chairmen of the respective Interstate Commerce Committees, according to an Associated Press dispatch from Washington. The resolution calls for an appropriation of $750,000 and would enable an extensive inquiry into the communications field, including an investigation into so-called propaganda issued by A. T. & T. and also into the workings of its various subsidiaries.