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

and thoroujrhly considered, Mr. Wilson stated: "RCA \'ict<ir is the only manu- facturer making both phonographs and records, and has the largest stake of any organization in both fields. Our confidence in the new system and the sound, constructive values inherent in our presentation of it to the industry at this time are implicit in our decision." Joseph B. Elliott, \'ice President in charge of the RCA Victor Home Instrument Department, revealed that the new record and instru- ments have been demonstrated ko phonograph and record manufac- turers, as well jLs phonograph equip- ment manufacturers. "Manufacturers who have wit- nessed these demonstrations have expressed extreme enthusiasm," he said, "and many are now planning to adopt the new system, manufac- turing rights to which are available to the entire industry in accordance with long-established RCA prac- tice." The new line of instruments and records, Mr. Elliott added, will be introduced in the early spring. J. W. Murray, Vice President in charge of the RCA Victor Record Department, also disdo.sed that a substantial catalogue of the new 7- inch 45-rpm records will be avail- able at that time. All new material, BECAUSE OF THEIR S.MALL SIZE, HUN- DREDS OF THE DISCS REQUIRE NO MORE STORACE SPACE THAN A FEW BOOKS. ::»■ - he declared, is now being recorded simultaneously at 78 rpm and 45 rpm. and new releases will be made available in both types of records. Although price schedules have not yet been determined, Mr. Elliott stated, instruments incorporating the new system will be at least com- petitive in price with comparable conventional record-playing instru- ments. He also pointed out that the small size and the non-breakable feature of the new vinyl plastic record are conducive to cost savings. It also effects savings in distributor warehousing facilities and dealer storage facilities. Background of Development III describing the background of the new development, Mr. Elliott pointed out that many of the major technical problems in the industry arose from lack of standardization, particularly in records, where differ- ences exist in thicknesses of records, diameters, and other dimensions and record characteristics. Adoption of the new system, he said, would con- tribute measurably to standardiza- tion in the industry and the elimina- tion of these former problems. "It is worth noting that for the first time in the history of the in- dustry," he explained, "a record and a record player have been specifically designed to complement each other." It was also pointed out that the small size of record and changer will permit the housing of a com- plete library of about 1,000 records in an average-size console. This new record virtually eliminates the prob- lem of record storage in the home. Because this system permits smaller-size instruments, he added, radio-phonograph combinations can be reduced in size by 25 per cent. "With the smaller, lightweight record," he said, " a customer can purchase several albums and carry them away in liis toix-oat pocket or under his arm like a book." In outlining other important fea- tures of the new record player and record, Mr. Elliott called attention to the fact that the playing surfaces of stacked records do not touch each other, thus eliminating surface scratches and damage to grooves. This is achieved by creating a "col- lar" around the label area which is 10 RADIO AGE] thicker than the playing area. Air space between records is thus pro- vided. He added that the seven-inch diameter and large center hole per- mit easy handling of records, elim- inating touching surfaces with fingers. Tremendous possibilities are fore- seen for the use of a second record- player in the children's room, with the small-size albums easily stored in present bookcases. In summing up his announcement. Mr. Elliott said: "RCA Victor is introducing not only a new phono- graph and record, but an entirely new .system of reproducing recorded music. We believe it has commer- cial advantages never before avail- j'.ble to the industry and to the industry's allied distributor-dealer organizations. We will incorporate it in all our forthcoming record- playing instruments and we know that many other manufacturers in the radio industry, to whom this new system is available, will also incor- porate it in their instruments. "The new 45-rpm instruments and records ofl^er advantages of un- doubted appeal to all types of con- sumers, and we believe its enthusi- astic reception by the American public is assured." 861 Veteran Employees Receive Gold Watches EIGHT hundred and sixty-one active and retired employees of the RCA Victor Division and its predecessor companies, who have completed 25 or more years of service, received gold watches and gold service pins in ceremonies held at the various plant locations, dur- ing December. The presentations inaugurated a new Service Award Program for members of the Divi- sion. Recipients of the award included employees in seven of the RCA Victor Division's ten plants and in the RCA Victor Distributing Cor- poration and the RCA Service Company, Inc. Distribution of service pins to 20-year, 15-year and 10-year mem- bers of the RCA Victor Division will take place in the early part of 1949.