Kinematograph year book (1944)

208 The Kinematograph Year Book. successful presentation of the rapidly developing colour feature, a very much higher standard of projection is going to be necessary than has been commonly tolerated in the past for black and white ; or even for colour, where dependance has been placed primarily on its novelty nature. Western Electric has planned to introduce after the war a range of complete picture projection equipment designed particularly to satisfy the exacting demands of colour. THE PROJECTION SCREEN T^O technical advances have emerged in this country as regards projection * ^ screens, although after the war we shall possibly have the benefit of some interesting developments which are reported from America. Among them are the " Snowhite " perforated screen recently introduced by RCA Photophone ; a variation of the metal screen principle is made of material similar to bakelite, which with its cleaner perforations with flared edges is said to improve sound distribution ; and a form of faceted or lenticular screen, the surface of which consists of an enormous number of tiny concave mirrors. This last-mentioned screen was originally designed to make the most efficient use of the limited light available in television projection, and its use for ordinary purposes would entail a specially designed screen for individual auditorium characteristics. Another type of screen is made of asbestos of special weave which is said to possess good efficiency especially for the large hall. Experiments have also been tried with concave screens of various materials in order to obtain a stereoscopic effect, but with little success owing to the resultant distortion. The beaded screen is coming into favour again and is being employed in many non-commercial establishments. A claim made that the directivity of such a screen can be controlled by varying the distribution of the beads is stated to be not commercially practicable. Andrew Smith and Harkness, Ltd.— This company, who are the sole manufacturers of the Westone matt, beaded and metal screens, have had a continued good year. Altogether over 12,000 theatres and government establishments all over the world have been using their products, and although a considerable proportion of their output continues they have been able to supply the requirements of their commercial customers. They have also found a large market among schools and institutions for their roll-up beaded and matt type screens, and there are indications that the demand in this direction will be greatly increased after the war. At one time it seemed that the popularity of the beaded screen would be jeopardised owing to lack of material, but Andrew, Smith and Harkness are now manufacturing the beads in this country and are now supplying to kinemas ; the firm's metal screen is also in demand, and with this and their other product a remunerative export business is still being carried on. An important field now covered is the manufacture and sale of screen materials in rolls for making up screens for 16 mm. projection. Stableford All-Metal Screens, Ltd. — This company reports a large volume of business. In addition to supplying and installing their rubber screen for two of the major circuits and their subsidiaries, they have put in screens of this and other suitable types in several hundred R.A.F. stations, garrison theatres, and also in a great number of U.S. Air Force and Army establishments. Many of these contracts have also included the installation of proscenium equipment — curtain tracks, winches, etc. Stablefords have also manufactured and supplied over 1,000 portable-type screens for the various services. They have also been able to maintain, in the face of extreme difficulties, their screen resurfacing service, and have been able during the past 12 months to maintain the biannual visit to well over 1,000 theatres. Projects for the coming year appear exceptionally promising.