Motion Picture News (Oct-Dec 1930)

62 Motion Picture News December 6 , 193 0 Wall Treatment Alone Not Sufficient to Stop Sound Distortion in Theatres? SPECIAL INEXPENSIVE WIRING INSTALLATION WITH BUZZER FOR GUIDE IS RECOMMENDED BY A THEATRE OWNER FOR BETTER SOUND RESULTS By ROBERT P. WITT Manager, Capitol Theatre, Publix, Oklahoma City T ■REATMENT OF WALLS and other stationary parts of the auditorium is generally accepted as beingthe initial remedy in correcting imperfect acoustical conditions in sound theatres. With this accomplished, a large percentage of theatre owners sit back and rest, without giving further thought to one of the greatest problems in theatre operation : one hundred per cent elimination of sound distortion. Mechanical variances in sound prints and on discs have taken the place of silent-day distortion or out-o'f-focus prints as the all-important problem in proper projection. In the silent days we were able to reduce to a minimum, with but little effort, signs of imperfection in the screened image. Today's great sound problem, however, is not so easily overcome. Double-Checking Sound Quality Despite the fact that perfect sound prints may emanate from either studio or laboratory, a thousand-and-one acoustical problems in as many theatres turn the spotlight on an entirely different aspect, each in need of a particular style of "doctoring." A close study of variations in the sound print or disc, following acoustical treatment of walls and other places, revealed an all too imperfect condition. These imperfections, while not nearly as bad as before treatment, loomed over the box-office as a possible influence in lowering receipts. A plan was then adapted to bring into use at our house a weekly-checkup system which has proven successful even beyond expectations. Before any film is shown at its regular run it is previewed by staff executives and the various qualities of sound are studied. We have rigged-up a buzzer system throughout the auditorium, with buttons placed at stragetically located points of the house. These buzzers find a terminal in the booth. During this check-up, the buzzer system is used to formulate a guide sheet, and through the latter we either muffle or tone up the sound as needed during the regular performances. An Aid to Operators The observers, from the points where buttons are located, note needed corrections each of which is transmitted to the booth during the rehearsal. One buzz denotes lower sound control ; two are used to indicate ' a raise. These notations are made on a cue sheet placed directly opposite the control. This sheet is then used in all future runs of the attraction at our house. Here the operator has an opportunity to keep an accurate check on the tone and to keep it at all times to the point where it will procure the best audience reaction. As a variation, the test is made at the first public showing, using audience reaction as further help in devising the proper guide record. We find that variances on the setting seldom reach higher than two points on the normal setting. But even these two points can have a decided unfavorable reaction on theatregoers. All Sections Must Be Checked We know from actual experience in observing reaction of audiences before and after the system was installed that it pays. Our house has, and certainly not through promotion advertising, a reputation of having as perfect and pleasing sound quality as can be procured. On innumerable occasions patrons have told us that their reasons for visiting our house was because of the fact that our rendition of sound was better than at other houses. It is not sufficient to confine the checkup to only one sector of the auditorium. Checks should be made from the back end of the house as well as at the front. The man in the most out-of-the-way seat must have as complete satisfaction as the man in the choice localities of our theatre. Not only features, but newsreels and shorts are checked. It can be easily understood that no matter how perfect the acoustics of sound features, a poorly transmitted voice from any other part of the program would be a detriment to the entire program. Getting the Most Out of Sound These simple little corrections which adapt sound to each house will immediately iron out any of the irregularities that may exist because of the variance of a particular theatre, acoustically, from the projection or production rooms of the studios. This factor of pleasing the customers' ears as well as their eyes is something that is sometimes overlooked, but, nevertheless, is equally as important. After all, emphasis has been placed on sound in recent months, and that is the merchandising item controlling the major attention of the theatre patron rather than the printed image on the screen itself. An understanding that the sound they hear is the first thing they consider and the first thing that prompts fan reactions in passing judgment on a picture's quality, entertainment or otherwise, was one of the greatest incentives used by 'our theatre in developing this new system.