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

Since we met a year ayo, television service has been extended by use of radio relay stations and coaxial cables. Television networks now extend from the At- lantic to the Pacific, and from the Gulf to the Canadian border. "Today there are about 17 million television sets in the United States and by Election Day in November it is estimated that the total will be more than 18 million. In addition, there are 105 million radios in this country, including 25 million sets in automobiles. "Elaborate plans for radio .md television broadcasting have been made for the coming political conventions in (Chicago. Never in the history of the United States have political conventions been within the visual range of as many people as they will be this year. "When Marconi sent the first wireless signals in 1896 the total population of the United States was 70,000,000. We estimate that the potential TV audience for the convention telecasts from Chicago in July, 1952, will be 70,000,000 persons. By die time another presi- dential campaign year arrives, four years hence, prac- tically all the voters in the country will be within TV range." Declaring that the recent lifting of the television station "freeze" will give tremendous impetus to the expansion of television throughout the country, he said that, socially, economically and educationally, television can now attain its full stature as an industry in broad- casting service. Respecting international television, he reported that its possibilities present a stimulating challenge, and continued: "But there are technical, economic and political prob- lems that must be solved before international television can be established as a regular service. The pioneering work of RCA that led to the establishment of inter- national radiotelegraphy as well as international radio- telephony, radiophotos and radio broadcasting on a world-wide scale, has enabled our experts in the field of global communications to bring the day of international television nearer to realization. "Despite the formidable problems which still re- main to be solved in this field, it is my present belief that international television as a regular service will be realized within the next five years. "International television can become a powerful aid socially, educationally and politically. It will cultivate better understanding among nations, and help to reduce tensions born of misunderstanding. The Voice and Vision of America' can contribute substantially toward achieving the goal of universal peace." General Sarnotl said that the dramatic role of theatre television in 1951 brought it to the status of a mass- RADIO AGE 23 audience entertainment medium. Public response to a series of special sports telecasts in principal cities, he reported, resulted in a strong trade demand, with the result that approximately 60 of tlie Nation's key theatres are now equipped with RCA theatre television installa- tions. He revealed that RCA has underway an experi- ment.il program to provide for conversion of this equipment in the theatres to color television. He disclosed further that RCA scientists and engi- neers have continued to make improvements in the RCA compatible, all-electronic color television system, including the RCA tricolor picture tube. He declared: "We are convinced more than ever that the compatible, all-electronic system is scientifically correct and practical and that it will best serve the public interest." Recorded Music Reviewing business in the phonograph record field, he revealed that during the first quarter of 1952 sales of RCA Victor 45 and 33'i-rpm records substantially surpassed the sales of records using the older speed of 78-rpm. "We believe that the -iS-rpm system, introduced by RCA in 1949, will continue to lead in record sales," he affirmed. "Its popularity is attested to by the large (Continued on Page 30) A commentafor using RCA's new sound projector records voice to accompany o film on surgical training.