Radio age research, manufacturing, communications, broadcasting, television (1941)

AN EXHIBITION HALL VISITOR EXAMINES A HUGE REPLICA OF THE TELEVISION KINESCOPE PICTURE TUBE. training schools for radio engi- neers, is told in a photographic panorama, showing scenes from classrooms and laboratories. Models of the RCA Laboratories at Princeton, N. J., together with examples of some of the products that have resulted from the com- pany's research activities, such as the image orthicon, antennas, and microphones, are shown on an illuminated mural. Two large display platforms in the center of the main floor contain the newest in home instruments and electronic engineering prod- ucts. Television receivers, console combinations and personal radios are present in a variety of cabinet models and finishes. Full-sized elec- tronic devices which are set up for demonstration include an electronic sealer, an oscilloscope, and a metal- detector. Progress of Radio Portrayed One of the most spectacular dis- plays in the Exhibition Hall is a Theme Mast, lighted and constantly revolving, which rises for nearly three floors from the concourse level of the Hall. On this mast the history of the Radio Corporation of America is depicted in terms of miniature models on a spiral run- way extending the entire 50-foot height of the column. At the foot of the ramp leading down to the concourse level a public lounge furnished with comfortable chairs and conveniently located television and radio receivers, is available to visitors. Part of the lounge is devoted to an ultra-violet mural showing RCA's world-wide facilities and services. Next to the mural an electron microscope en- ables visitors to examine specimens of chemicals, bacilli, and other sub- microscopic matter. Beyond the electron microscope is the entrance to a small studio, seating 84 persons, where daily showings of current film subjects serve to demonstrate RCA sound and projection equipment. The stu- dio also is wired for the transmis- sion of live talent radio and televi- sion shows. The remainder of the concourse space is occupied by the adminis- tration offices and executive quar- ters. The RCA Exhibition Hall is to be a permanent feature, open daily to the public without charge. AMERICAN TELEVISION SHOWN IN ITALY THE first demonstration of an American television system on the Continent of Europe was con- ducted by the Radio Corporation of America at the Milan International Fair, which opened on June 14 at Milan, Italy, during the celebration there of the 50th anniversary of Marconi's invention of radio. The latest RCA mobile television pickup units, studio equipment and receivers were dispatched to Italy for the event. Other modern radio- electronic services and products, including the RCA electron micro- scope, sound and theater equip- ment, FM (frequency moduation) transmitters, police FM equipment, shipboard communication units, air navigation aids and marine radar apparatus also were exhibited. In announcing the company's participation in the tribute to the inventor whose genius inspired sci- entists and laymen of all nations, Meade Brunet, Vice President of RCA and Managing Director of the RCA International Division, said: "Striking evidence of the great- ness of Marconi can be found in the significant steps of progress which have emanated from his initial suc- cess in spanning the Atlantic with radio signals. Television offers par- ticular proof of his inspirational genius. It was an immense satis- faction, therefore, to demonstrate the magic of RCA sight-and-sound broadcasting for the first time in Europe in his native Italy." The Milan International Fair, a century-old event, is generally re- garded as the most important fair in Western Europe. Its visitors in years past have numbered hundreds of thousands. Arrangements for the RCA ex- hibit, Mr. Brunet said, were made by G. A. Biondo, President of the Telonda International Corporation, RCA distributor in Italy. Michael J. Ranalli, Television Sales Man- ager of the RCA International Division, was in charge of the tele- vision demonstration, which in- cluded pickups of major events at the fair and the showing of Ameri- can films. In connection with the announce- ment of the RCA television demon- stration, it was disclosed that Dr. V. K. Zworykin, Vice President and Technical Consultant of the RCA Laboratories Division, Princeton, N. J., will deliver a paper on the progress of television before the Academy of Science in Rome, as a later phase of Italy's celebration of Marconi's genius. An important feature of the RCA exhibit at Milan was the first European demonstration of Amer- ican FM broadcasting apparatus. Relatively inexpensive in cost and operating on low-power, the FM transmitter was designed to be par- ticularly suitable for continental operations. 8 RADIO AGE]