Journal of the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers (1950-1954)

Pertaining to 2-D and Wide-Screen Processes 19. Exhibitors recommended change of aspect ratio for 2-D pictures to give panorama effect with present equipment, shorter lenses and wider screens. What are possibilities of achieving this in the near future? The exhibitors were advised that these questions would be submitted to the Society's appropriate engineering committees and the MPRC and that the answers would be forwarded to the exhibitors as soon as they became available. (Several answers have since been made known and are listed at the end of this report.) At this point, the Society's committee structure was outlined and invitations were extended to the exhibitors to join and be represented through their technically qualified people. In addition to asking questions, the exhibitors proposed that several of their recommendations be submitted to those concerned in the new developments : 1. Any 3-D screen to be designed as an all-purpose screen capable of also being used for normal and wide-screen motion pictures. 2. Immediate consideration be given to increasing the present 4 : 3 aspect ratio to a picture width to height ratio more closely approximating 2:1. Here, it was felt that with a minimum of expense, panoramic projection could be immediately achieved to supply renewed interest to large numbers of patrons. 3. Immediate standardization of technical terms to eliminate misunderstanding. Specific example was made of the term "3-D" which has been sorely misused. One of the questions posed previously was isolated far direct reply : What can an exhibitor safely do now to prepare for scheduled 3-D showings? Mr. Nemec stated that in his opinion 3-D is here to stay. The prospects are such as to insure relatively long term use of two-strip stereo equipment installed at this time. In connection with this, type of screen and reel size were discussed at some length. The reel size is dependent on the number of intermissions which are considered acceptable and upon mechanical limitations of present-day projection equipment. In a two or three-projector theater, a minimum of one intermission will be unavoidable and a 24-in. magazine and 23-in. reel will cover all such cases. (The SMPTE was subsequently informed that the MPRC had agreed on 25-in. magazines and 24-in. reels.) If two or more intermissions are acceptable then of course smaller magazines and reels can be used. Metallized screens will be required and will work equally well for all 3-D polarizing filter systems. They can also be used for regular 2-D projection, although a certain loss of brightness from side seats would result. Answers to several of the other questions listed have now become known: Q 2. Painting of existing screens may be satisfactory if carefully done so that perforations are not filled. Q 5, 6. Polarizing filters for projection and viewing have been standardized. Vtype filters, i.e., having planes of polarization of 45 ° with the vertical, must be used. Q 10. In order to allow a show of 10,000 ft with only one intermission, 25-in. magazines to accommodate 24-in. reels are recommended. These reels will hold up to 5000 ft of color positive film or approximately 5500 ft of black-and-white. Because of their size and weight, such reels must have free-wheeling flanges to minimize strain on the film when the machine is started. Otherwise perforations will be pulled and the pictures will be out of synchronism. The MPRG believes that the spindle diameter may have to be increased. Q 13. The MPRC is preparing written instructions for theater projectionists which include splicing instructions. Q 14. The rewinds will have to be raised so that the larger reels will clear the rewind table, and the theaters will now require synchronizers. Q 18. Answered above. In addition to activities and reports forecast above, plans now are made to publish an excellent background and review article in the March Journal. It is John Norling's "The Stereoscopic Art," reprinted from the PSA Journal for November and December 1951, and January and February 1952. — Henry Kogel, Staff Engineer. 192