The Exhibitor (1966)

M-C-M Changes Sound System Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer is beginning its heavy summer production schedule of motion pictures and television shows using a new sound recording device that is the most revo¬ lutionary change in film sound since the changeover from optical to magnetic record¬ ing sixteen years ago. The new equipment uses standard quarter inch, 7/2 inches per second, magnetic tape cartridges in a compact solid-state unit that is a mixer and recorder all in one. It replaces the 17 5/2 -mm wide magnetic film recording that required cumbersome sprocket-drive equipment remote from the mixer. Two time Oscar winner Franklin Milton, head of MGM’s sound department, who de¬ signed and developed the new recorder, says he has three already in use on the MGM-TV series “The Girl From U.N.C.L.E.,” “The Man From U.N.C.L.E.” and “The Rounders,” and will have twelve machines ready for use by the end of July. The new unit is compact, weighing about 100 pounds on its aluminum dolly, compared to about 300 pounds of equipment required in the old system. The tape cartridges are easily reloaded each time the camera is reloaded, giving a separate reel of taped sound for each reel of film ex¬ posed, and eliminating the need for a separate sound log, since everything written in the camera log applies to the sound as well. The economies of the new sound recordermixer are multiple. For example, the old 17/2 mm wide mag film reels cost about $15 com¬ pared to $1.50 for quarter inch tape. The plastic cartridges are reusable and of standard manufacture. Even the tape can be reused since in many cases, reused tape has a better frequency response than when new, accord¬ ing to Milton. The initial cost of each unit is about 5/3 the cost of the bulkier old system. Since the new recorder is transistorized, it not only uses less power, but requires less maintenance, and there is far less likelihood of lost-time in production because of equipment failure. Complete stand-by units will be available, but each unit can be quickly serviced with plug¬ in circuits. The recorder features four microphone in¬ puts for two-track recording. One track is for sound, and the other for 60 cycle synchronous tones that make it possible to eliminate sprocket-drive. The new sound system can be used with almost any power supply, 110 volt AC, 220 volt, three phase, or 24 volt battery with solid state converter. In addition to the economies, convenience, and technological improvements, the new recorder incorporates improved cir¬ cuitry for better quality control of the sounds recorded. Although Milton designed the new system, G.M. Sprague, a tranmission engineer in the MGM sound department, finalized the cir¬ cuitry and developed the breadboard model. Stancil-Hoffman, Inc. of Hollywood, which was awarded the contract to package and manufacture the new recorders, is authorized to sell the equipment throughout the industry. Two other studios are reported to have pur¬ chased the equipment. Royal Crown Moves NEW YORK — Offices of Royal Crown Cola International Ltd. were transferred from Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, to 545 Madison Avenue, New York City. Morgan J. Cramer, president, said the move would enable the company to provide better service to its foreign bottlers, canners, and dis¬ tributors than was possible in its former loca¬ tion. Additionally, it will permit company executives to spend less time in reaching Royal Crown International’s globe-girdling operations and will make the office more accessible to foreign visitors. NTS Installs Computer NEW JERSEY — National Theatre Supply Company is installing computer system tieing in branch offices with its new home at Paramus, N.J. Computerization is expected to save ship¬ ping time, reduce the amount of stock held at units throughout the country, and give branch representatives more opportunity to travel “on the road.” Ultimately, smaller of¬ fice-warehouse space will probably be the re¬ sult, outside big cities. Teletype machines will hook branch opera¬ tions witb the home headquarters, providing a daily, up-to-the-minute “count.” Boston Manager Robert Hare presided at a recent “computer meeting,” attended by rep¬ resentatives from the New Haven, Conn, and Albany, N.Y. offices. Where business is good, you'll find a theatre equipped by Ballantyne . Whether you're planning a new theatre, or updating an old oneindoor or outdoor— it'll pay to talk to Ballantyne. Ballantyne supplies all this— Ballantyne transistorized sound, projection, carpet, seating, draperies— everything, even financing— All-in-One. Ballantyne designs exclusively for quality in sound reproduction. Com¬ bine this with the work of your own architect and Ballantyne engineers, and you're assured of a theater of tomorrow. Ballantyne's job doesn't stop on installation. Our success depends on constant service and counsel from engineers experienced in manufac¬ ture as well as expert installation supervision. You can find no better. allantvne INSTRUMENTS AND ELECTRONICS, INC. A DIVISION OF ABC CONSOLIDATED CORPORATION 1712 JACKSON STREET OMAHA. NEBRASKA 68102 STAGE CURTAINS Tracks & Motors Screen Masking Fabric Wall Coverings Rock Wool Insulation Permanently Flame Resistant Fabrics Velour Rope-Stanchions NOVELTY SCENIC STUDIOS, INC. 432 E. 91 St., N. Y. 10028 • 212 TR-6-0800 • Inquiries Invited We Make Old Theatres Look Neiv August 17, 1966 PHYSICAL THEATRE • EXTRA PROFITS DEPARTMENT of MOTION PICTURE EXHIBITOR PE-19