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

degradations. As a result, the recorded picture suffers in quality. "In contrast with present kinescope recordings on film, the instantaneous recording of the actual television picture signals on tape would be more economical, would save time in processing, and would simplify cer- tain problems of distribution. AlsO; it would solve the national time-zone problem in telecasting. Any number of copies of such tapes could be made instantaneously, and copies could be preserved for historic reference or other use. The Videograph would be a new instrument that could reproduce television progrums from tape at any time, in the home or elsewhere, in much the same way as the present phonograph reproduces the music you want when you want it. Third, an electronic air-conditioner for the home that would operate with tubes, or possibly through the action of electrons in solids, and without moving parts. It should be small, noiseless and inexpensive and should fit into any size room. He named it "Electronair." General Sarnoff called attention of the scientists to the discovery and recent applications of electrons work- ing in cold solids instead of heated vacuum tubes. "Electrons in solids offer tremendous possibilities," said General Sarnoff, "and I bid you to harness them to work in 'solid comfort,' instead of subjecting them to red-hot heat. Indeed, cold electrons are a great challenge, the promise of which is already manifested in tiny transistors, now being developed for use as detectors and amplifiers in radio, wire and cable communications. You have succeeded in throwing away the spinning wheels in television, and 1 am sure vou will also succeed in discarding the wheels and noise in air-conditioners. "These are essential inventions for which there is a basic public need. They would expand existing industries and create new ones," said General Sarnoff. "I hope you will have them ready for service by the time I celebrate my 50th radio anniversary in 1956." While some work has been done along the lines indicated. General Sarnoff said, much work remains to be done before practical solutions are found to the prob- lems involved in these new developments "Naturally, I look to the scientists and engineers of RCA to be first in solving these problems," he continued. "But it is in the American spirit of competition under the private enterprise system that I call attention, pub- licly, to the need for these inventions. Whether it be the lone inventor in the attic, or the scientists in com- peting industrial laboratories who will produce these inventions, the results will spell new opportunities for service and progress for all. "1 realize the challenge to your ingenuity, but 1 know that you can solve the problems because you have an enviable record of accomplishment in science and invention. "RCA scientists and engineers have made marvelous contributions to the advance of science and industry, especially in the realms of radio, radar, television and electronics. "World-wide communications, radio broadcasting, talking pictures, microphones, phonographs and records, public address systems and industrial devices have been developed and advanced by RCA research and engi- neering. DR. C. B. JOLLIFFE GEORGE DE SOUSA ''We are all tery happy to have you recognize General Sarnofs interest in technical matters. It is a pleasure for us to work with him . . ." "General Samoa's outstanding achievements in the service of RCA have justly earned for him our highest admiration and devotion.''