The Exhibitor (1956)

Experimental RCA Screen Combats Stray Light Los Angeles — Experimental develop¬ ment by the Radio Corporation of Amer¬ ica of a radically new type of picture screen that makes possible the viewing of television and motion pictures in artifi¬ cially or naturally lighted rooms, theatres, and auditoriums was disclosed here recently. Dr. George L. Beers, an RCA engineer¬ ing executive who developed the screen, described and demonstrated the develop¬ ment before the convention of the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers. “This experimental RCA screen,” he told the engineers, “makes possible in¬ creases of up to 20-to-l in picture contrast under adverse ambient light conditions, and has produced, in tests, startling re¬ sults in the reproduction of both television and motion pictures.” Although RCA has not as yet estab¬ lished any commercial plans for the ex¬ perimental screen, Dr. Beers said that numerous tests conducted in various locations under a variety of ambient light conditions indicate the screen’s potential for presentation of TV and motion pic¬ tures in lighted schoolrooms, homes, showrooms, and theatres, and for special applications, such as observation of air¬ borne and ground-based radarscopes. The RCA development, known as a directional viewing device, is similar in structure to a honeycomb, consisting of a network of tiny, interconnecting cells. The device is fabricated with aluminum foil, .001 -inch thin, and cell width, length, and depth can be varied to produce a range of viewing angles. For motion picture use, Dr. Beers ex¬ plained, the directional viewing device can be mounted directly in front of the theatre or home-movie screen, or can be fabricated complete with a backing screen. For television use, with both direct-view and projection-type TV receivers, the de¬ vice would be positioned directly in front of the receiver. “The RCA honeycomb screen,” Dr. Beers said, “gives promise of a relatively simple and economical solution to the problem of reproducing television and motion pictures under conditions of ad¬ verse ambient light — the light, direct or reflected, from sources other than the picture-prcducing equipment.” Planning The Drive-In (Continued from page PT11) heln to minimize the problem. We have been having bad speaker mechanisms reconed for two or three years now. The cost is about half that of a new replacement. The life of a reconed speaker may be equal to that of a new — however, our experience has not been over a long enough period of time to prove that point. We have not experienced any serious loss of speakers by theft in anv of our operations. We do advertise a $50 reward for information leading to the apprehen¬ sion of any person taking speakers. The offer is posted through a screen trailer and decals affixed to every speaker. This practice may well be very effective in preventing theft. About the only other maintenance problem that I know to concern many ex¬ hibitors is that of projection lamp re¬ flector breakage. This item has cost some drive-ins a lot of money — probably quite unnecessarily. It now seems apparent that the major cause of constant mirror break¬ age — other than rough handling — is in¬ adequate lamp house ventilation. Many of us installed the new high-amperage lamps without making any change in the exhaust system. The drive-in business has grown into maturity; the theatres are here to stay as an integral part of community life, we owe it to ourselves, to our patrons, and to the community to maintain our driveins to the best of our ability. If a drive-in theatre has been designed with care and foresight, it will not be hard or unnecessarily expensive to main¬ tain. It can then command the respect of the community and be a credit to our industry. This article is based upon an address made by the author at the recent Theatre Owners of America convention in Neic York during a Drive-In Forum. SPECIAL OFFER HAYCO THEATRE SEAT (OVERS *1.50 PER COVER These are our first quality covers made with the finest fabrics. Covers for most all makes of theatre chairs, colors limited. OFFER EXPIRES DECEMBER 31, 1956 JACK HAYES SEATING SERVICE One Monica Place Baldwinsville, N. Y. Novel Sales Promofion By American Mat Toledo— Slotted cards which hold silver dollars and tell about the silver anniver¬ sary of American Mat Corporation will be used during 1957 by that company’s salesmen when making personal pur¬ chases from any business which might be a prospect for matting. On a specified day, there will be re¬ leased by each American Mat salesman a homing pigeon to which will be attached a bona fide order written that day. The order, carried by pigeon to the Toledo sales headquarters from the farthest point will be filled at no cost to the customer. D. W. Moor, president, in announcing the promotion which will include maga¬ zine, newspaper, trade paper, radio and television schedules, has bulletined sales¬ men about several bonuses and prize contests. To re-open doors of former customers, American Mat will replace free the oldest mat in service. They will do this for each of the many types they sell. Getting An SBA Loan (Continued from page PT-6) in capital improvements while shorter terms are stipulated for other reasons. It can be repaid in less than the specified term. Question: How long does it take to pro¬ cess an application? Answer: Two to three weeks depending on the number of applications and on the nature of the loan. Question: How many applications do you have on hand? Answer: None, probably, because the directive to include theatres is so recent. There have been loans made to theatres in a special disaster loan program such as the recent floods in New England. Question: Can one loan be applied to several theatres? Answer: Yes. Question: I have a closed theatre and would like a loan to convert the building to some other form of enterprise. Can I get a loan? Answer: We will not make a loan to a real estate operation. Question: Can a theatre that has closed down receive funds to reopen again? Answer: Yes. Question: Can a loan be secured on a second mortgage basis? Answer: Yes, if qualifications are met. Question: Can a theatre owner borrow to acquire another theatre? Answer: Yes. This is an expanding operation. Question: What type of information must be submitted? Answer: Earnings of the past five years and present financial condition. Question: If a bank approves 25 per cent of the loan on a limited loan basis, will the SBA rely on the bank’s survey or must they make their own? Answer: The SBA will rely on bank information for the most part. Question: What is the rate of interest on an SBA loan? Answer: Regular interest rates at pres¬ ent are six per cent, and this would apply to SBA loans as well. PT-14 PHYSICAL THEATRE DEPARTMENT of MOTION PICTURE EXHIBITOR December 5, 1956