Kinematograph year book (1927)

214 The Kinematograph Year Book, VENTILATION. The comfort of an audience depends largely on the efficiency of the ventilating system, and in this respect, despite the criticisms of Col. Levita, of the L.C.C., the kinema has made remarkable progress and is nowadays unapproached by any other house of amusement. The latest application of the almost universal Plenum system of ventilation directs the air movement on the faces of the audience, that is, fresh air is admitted at the foot of proscenium opening and extracted at the back of the balcony and pit. Another step forward has been introduced in the Carlton Theatre, Haymarket, by the Carrier Engineering Co., Ltd., this year, the principle of which is the introduction of the " down feed " system, conditioned air being brought in at the ceiling and drawn off at the floor, thus obviating any possibility of draught. CARBONS. The importance of the carbon in securing good screen illumination needs no emphasis. Operators in this country are fortunate in having a wide selection of brands and varieties, which as a result of the growing interest in high intensity arcs, have been considerably added to. One of the latest types is the Columbia white flame H.I. carbon. Another is the " Orotip " which, used as a metal-coated negative, has proved itself for heavy duty projection service. Early this year the Henrion carbon — a French product — became prominent, and has since won appreciation for fixity and volume of light, economy and clean burning. The only British kine-carbon is the well-known Kinarko, and it is gratifying to remark there appears to be a growing inclination to use this brand. The new Kinarko mirror arc carbons mark a decided advance in these types, and their quality and uniformity have won wide popularity. It is interesting to hear of the unanimous response to the " Ship " special mirror carbons packed in Red Seal cartons after twelve months of service and continued use. This type was initiated to meet the growing demand of mirror arc users and has won a large number of satisfied consumers. Announcements made last year of big physical improvements in Ship carbons have been fully realised Were any other proof needed of the ability of the Siemens carbons to meet any and all of the requirements of kine users of carbons, the fact that this firm manufacture no fewer than 56 different brands of carbons for all purposes shows the extent of their business. The famous S.A. brand has achieved wide popularity for use with mirror arcs. THE SCREEN. The third component of ideal projection, the screen, has received particular attention, and the number of already well-known varieties has been largely augmented. Two other new screens are sponsored by Bulmans. The Jupiter, a French product, is a metallic screen with a granulated surface .covered with precious and other laminated metal. Tests have proved its efficiency, even illumination and lack of distortion. Miss Bulman's company is also interested in the new patent fireproof rear projection screen, which, while conforming to all fire regulations, gives a brilliantly white illuminated picture. A Nottingham inventor scored a success with another screen that can be rolled without injury and is guaranteed against oxidisation. This, a directive type of screen, proved on test efficient and economical. The latest invention is associated with Claude Friese-Greene, who with the inventor has marketed 7242 Nottingham. SPECIALIST IN CINEMA DECORATING. FRED. A. FOSTER, Artistic Cinema Decorator and Contractor. 69, Arnold Road, Basford, NOTTINGHAM. Decorator of The ELITE, Nottingham, and principal Cinemas in Midlands.