Kinematograph year book (1950)

Technical Developments. 487 than that of filament lamps (29). In the above demonstration, control of current was effected by ordinary resistance dimmers. G.E.C. are developing the use of saturable chokes for the same purpose, enabling an insignificant control current to dim considerable lighting loads (30). The Auditorium The possibility of dimming fluorescent tubes will of course render them suitable for auditorium lighting. A particularly attractive form of decorative lighting has been installed by Philips at the Metropole Palace, The Hague ; on either side wall is a motif in luminous tubing, which dims with the hall lighting (31j. A form of decoration which deserves closer attention is the design in fluorescing paints, which, illuminated from a source of ultra-violet rays or " black light ", seem to glow from an inner source ( 3 2) . An important advance in theatre seating is marked by the G.B.-Kalee Ambassador chair. This is less a piece of furniture than a job of engineering. Constructed from diecastings and stampings, its design permits it to be shipped to any kinema, where it can be installed on a floor of any make and in circles of any radius. Covering is replaced merely by slipping off the old cover and fitting the new one (33). Stereoscopy It is being increasingly recognised that stereoscopic projection may stimulate audience interest and revive kinema attendances. This argument has been used by Edwin Wright, whose process, employing polarised light, is in my view at a stage where a little expenditure would make it a commercial possibility (34) ; but few showman will agree with him that a system which demands that every patron shall be supplied with spectacles of Polaroid — even though they can be obtained quite cheaply— -can be successful except as a novelty. Entirely different is the principle upon which L. P. Dudley is working. His studio at Kensington is adorned with most attractive coloured stereoscopic transparencies, which would make admirable foyer displays. The principle employed is that known as the " parallax panoramagram ", in which a lenticular screen placed in front of a specially photographed image gives a very convincing effect of stereoscopy ( 3 5) . The objection to the adoption of this system on the kinema screen is that at certain viewing angles the picture becomes " scrambled," but Mr. Dudley claims to be developing a method that will overcome this problem, and make his system suitable for large-screen projection in any kinema, unlike the much -boosted Ivanoff system, which of course requires the seats to be very carefully adjusted in relation to the screen. Television To the exhibitor in the London or Birmingham district, television is simply a competitor — how serious he has not yet decided. It is very regrettable that, while large-screen television is making rapid strides in America, our own manufacturers are debarred from developing it, by reason of the inability of the Television Advisory Committee and the Film Industry to reach agreement on the terms under which 'vision programmes could be shown in kinemas. Notwithstanding this unfortunate situation, there is every indication that British equipment leads the world in picture quality. At the Milan Conference of the International Tele For PROMPT SERVICE GIROSICN LTD. 86/88, W ARDOUR STREET, W.I. Telephone: CERRARD 3526/27, 2336 for your POSTERS, etc.