Journal of the Society of Motion Picture Engineers (1930-1949)

designer, where critical interchangeabilities are not involved. Let the Society specify standard test methods, including test films, so that the customer may determine matters of relative product quality in a reliable manner; but let us avoid labeling any particular product as substandard except where critical interchangeability is involved, or complete unanimity achieved. A final example of this kind is the effort made in 1948 to revise an earlier American Standard for 16mm sprocket design, including features intended to insure better quality rather than simply interchangeability. Sprockets of a design different from that of the proposed standard were stated by a major manufacturer to be in wide successful use, and his engineers did not agree that the design proposed as standard was any better than this. Further, to quote E. W. Kellogg17 ". . . if a manufacturer puts out a machine which performs well with a standard film, and the film is not subjected to undue wear, and his customers are happy . . . it is no one else's business what shape tooth he uses." Thus the difficulties first experienced by Mr. Jenkins returned to trouble us once more. In the sprocket case, the Committee on Standards adopted a form of recommendation, which would permit competent technical material of this sort to be published in an authoritative manner for the general education of the industry, while at the same time avoiding the application of a nonstandard label to all other designs. This form of publication18 is reserved for standards proposals which fail to secure the unanimity necessary for standardization, but which do embody much good technical material, thought to be of general trade interest. Henry Hood of Eastman Kodak has just concluded a very capable 4-year term as Chairman of the 16mm and 8mm Motion Pictures Committee and has now been succeeded by Malcolm Towns ley of Bell & Howell. The large membership of 23 persons reflects the wide range of interests represented. Sound When talking motion pictures arrived with startling suddenness in the late 1920's, they brought many technical problems, and with them, the creation in 1930 of the SMPE Committee on Sound. This is presently the largest of all the Engineering Committees, including 27 persons with the Chairman (West Coast) and Vice-Chairman (East Coast). Representatives of the 35mm studios, the 16mm and 8mm industries, and television combine with the sound equipment, film and magnetic tape suppliers to give a very complete coverage of the field. Lloyd T. Goldsmith of Warner Bros, has just completed four very competent years as Chairman, and he has now been succeeded by John Hilliard of Altec-Lansing — also of Hollywood. Glenn Dimmick of RCA continues as Vice-Chairman in the East, and in his Chairmanship of the very important Magnetic Subcommittee. Major problems in this group have to do with standardization, particularly respecting magnetic sound. A very important symposium respecting magnetic film standards was sponsored during the Hollywood convention last October19 giving opportunity for a very frank and open presentation of the opposing viewpoints. Here is a case where the need for a single standard was recognized by all concerned, although each conflicting system had been chosen by its sponsor for reasons thought to be valid. The invaluable opportunity offered by the Society as an impartial meeting ground for active competitors is well illustrated here, and 1 there is every reason to anticipate the early determination of the single standard needed. In addition to active work on many standards, the Sound Committee does 170 September 1952 Journal of the SMPTE Vol.59