Radio doings (Dec 1930-Jun1932)

February, 1931 RADIO DOINGS Page Twenty-nine WHAT 1931 tiCLEXT PCC RADIO HAT does 1931 hold for radio? A symposium of a score of the leading technicians, broadcasters, and industrial executives reveals a variety of opinions but a striking similarity of views regarding superpower stations, television, synchronisation, and international broadcasts. Likewisce, there is a virtual unanimity of beliefs that the year holds no startling inventions or revolutions in the field of radio. Despite the adverse action of the Federal Radio Commission regarding the recommendations of its Chief Examiner that all clear channels be opened to 50,000 watt broadcasting stations, optimism for super-power was prevalent in the answers to the question of whether stations of beyond 50,000 watts would "be found practical and be licensed" next year. C. W. Horn, chief engineer of the National Broadcasting Company, expressed the opinion that "what opposition there has been to the use of high power is gradually diminishing as the need for such powers is becoming recognized." Another noted radio engineer, who would not permit his name to be used, expressed a contrary view: "Broadcasting powers in excess of 50,000 watts are somewhat doubtful of value. It is possible that stations located on either coast have a greater excuse for increased power beyond 50,000 watts in order to get greater inland coverage." This achievement of super-power stations will not be effected in 1931 in the opinion of William S. Hedges, former president of the National Association of Broadcasters. Mr. Hedges, on the other hand, stands alone in his belief that television will be placed on a commercial scale in 1931. The general view of those answering the query was that progress would be made in visual broadcasting experiments, but that the stage of the art where it could provide public entertainment is at least more than a year away. Opinions on the value and the future of synchronized broadcasting were diverse. Dr. A. Hoyt Taylor, chief of the Naval Research Laboratories, said that sychronization will give "better service in certain areas and worse in other areas," but that on the whole it will be "a distinct gain." Said Mr. Horn: "I know that synchronization is practical, and I feel that during the next couple of years, it will be generally introduced, particularly in order to overcome specific conditions and difficulties that now exist." Another dissenting view is offered by the anonymous engineer: "The cost of synchronization, which is sufficiently precise to be satisfactory, is so high that I doubt very much whether the plan will have a marked effect during 1931. The experiments will be carried out by the larger broadcasters and will be of technical interest only." Former Radio Commissioner H. A. Bellows agrees by ?aying: "I do not believe that synchronization is out of the experimental stage." Morris Metcalf, president of the Radio Manufacturers' Association: W. J. Damm, president of the National Assoc'ation of Broadcasters, and Frank Russell, vice-president of the National Broadcasting Company, hold that synchronization "will prove feas'ble and be generally adopted." Others assert cither that its value will be limited or that it will not become popular. Interesting comments are offered on the moot problem of •static. Dr. Taylor emphatically answers "No" to the ques tion: "Are there any indications that static will be entirely conquered?" while Mr. Horn has this to say: "Static is no longer a big problem, except in the Southern States in the summertime, and even here the use of higher powers has greatly improved conditions. Static has been conquered, but in such a manner that it cannot be adapted to broadcasting." A general agreement, with a few reservations; was found that international broadcasts would increase in popularity during the new year. The "growth of international program service" will probably be "the most important development in broadcasting in 1931," Mr. Bellows believes. A. H. Kirchhofer, managing editor of the Buffalo Evening News, which operates WBEN, offers a reservation "when the quality improves," and Mr. Russell says, "to a limited extent." There are also divers views on what the greatest technical contribution to radio this year was. while a number recall nothing outstanding. The sychronization plan as developed by the National Broadcasting Company poles the majority of the scattered votes. Dr. Taylor, one of the world experts on short waves, designates the important contribution thus: "Increased frequency stability permitting (a) more stations to be operated, (b) synchronization, (c) better photoradio." "The greatest technical contribution to radio in 1930 was synchronization of stations," asserts Mr. Horn. "This development is of basic importance and will influence all future developments in radio." Martin P. Rice, manager of broadcasting for the General Electric Company, suggests: "Recognition of the principle that high power is necessary for reliable reception as evidenced by the large number of applicants for 50,000 watt transmitters. While there have been numerous refinements of existing methods, there is nothing outstanding." Regarding the best solution for the congestion of broadcasting stations, most of those interviewed would place the responsibility on the Radio Commission to thin out the undesirable stations, but no one suggested a standard for judging stations. Mr. Bellows, who knows what the Radio Commissioners are up against, frankly says: "I don't believe there is any." "A systematic plan of licensing about fifty stations to operate on cleared channels and high power," suggests Mr. Rice. "Other stations would be limited to low power and would serve as local stations." The age-old "survival of the fittest" is offered as the best solution by Mr. Horn. Concerning electrical transcriptions, there is also a divided opinion as to whether they will likely increase in use by broadcasters. Mr. Bellows says: "It looks to me as if electrical transcriptions have passed the peak of their popularity and are going down hill." The age is too insistent upon speed and first-hand entertainment to put up with transcriptions to any extent, Mr. Horn believes. Mr. Rice dissents, saying: "Electrical transcriptions, when perfected, offer the opportunity to select the best of many performances for reproduction in broadcasting and should therefore eventually furnish one of the highest types of programs."