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

The Wister, 21-inch swivel-based console model whose upper portion can be turned to face different positions. The new RCA television line announced subsequent to Mr. Elliott's speech was described by Mr. Baker as representing a positive course of action by RCA to maintain its television sales leadership in the changed market conditions of today. These four significant fac- tors were involved in planning the line, he said: 1. An analysis of the market situation indicated that added values were desirable to maintain volume sales. Engineering, styling and design developments which had been in the planning stages were therefore accelerated to become available for the new line. 2. The analysis also indicated the desirability of planning the strongest merchandising program in the history of the company. To carry this out, all operations connected with the manufacture and sale of television receivers were separated from those of the radio and phonograph business. The new organization, the RCA Victor Television Division, will now concentrate its efforts solely on the television receiver line. 3. The increased activity in color television antici- pated this fall called for greater consumer values in black-and-white sets to maintain a high level of sales. The new line reflects RCA's optimistic outlook for healthy black-and-white business ahead. 4. Consideration was also given the desirability of providing additional dealer incentive for selling up to higher priced models. As planned, the incorporation of special features, particularly the visible ones, makes pos- sible easy, logical step-up from model to model, or from group to group. If these features are utilized fully by the dealer, Mr. Baker predicted, it will result in increased dollar volume and profits. Features of the New Line Engineering highlights of the new line include newly designed chassis incorporating circuit improvements, and a new high-speed UHF (ultra-high frequency) continu- ously variable tuner resulting in pin-point station selec- tion and picture improvement in fringe areas. Describing development of the new vhf-uhf tuner as an important contribution to the extension of UHF broadcasting service, Mr. Baker said that RCA Victor will continue to manufacture UHF-equipped receivers in sufficient quantities to satisfy consumer requirements. He remarked that almost 28 per cent of TV receivers produced by RCA this year were equipped with UHF tuners at the factory. The new RCA Victor line consists of two series of models — the Super and the De Luxe — covering the 17-, 21- and 24-inch receivers. To re-enter the 17-inch field actively, Mr. Baker said, RCA Victor will offer for the first time a set at $159.95. Incorporating a newly designed chassis, this model (the Trent) is expected to find important application as a second set in TV homes. To promote this use, a "Roll-Around " stand with wheels will be available. RCA Victor's basic plan to offer greater values in its new line also is indicated in a new group of swivel con.solettes in the 21-inch Super series. This receiver is mounted on a matching swivel base so that the screen can be rotated to provide maximum convenience in set location and viewing angle. Named the Wister, it will be available in grained limed oak finish at $229.95. As a specialty, it will also be offered in decorator finishes of grained charcoal oak and grained natural walnut, both listed at $325. RAD/O AGE 73