Showmen's Trade Review (Apr-Jun 1939)

Page 28 SHOWMEN'S TRADE REVIEW May 27, 1939 NEW W. E. EQUIPMENT — Bitroduce New Sound System ANEW sound system, embodying many advanced features, has been developed by Western Electric for distribution in foreign markets. The new system, adaptable to theatres of any size, is designed to anticipate future advances in sound recording, such as the high volume prints, according to the company. The so-called high volume prints are soon to make their appearance, according to present plans in Hollywood studios. The new equipment, introduced at simultaneous showings in New York and 12 foreign cities, will be sold by ERPI in the foreign field only — the company scmie time ago ceased manufacture of theatre sound equipment for the U. S. by licensing International Projector Corp., and Motiograph to manufacture systems under the Western Electric patents. Many Perfected Features In addition to many refinements, the designers have perfected features which they believe will influence the future course of sound system engineering. For example, by replacing the ordinary machine oil which is commonly used in film stabilizing mechanisms with a unique and recently developed dampening fluid, the chemical composition of which is not disclosed, "flutter" has been reduced to an imperceptible amount, sponsors of the new system declare. Through the application of new circuit principles, the system's power has been stepped up to more than double the requirements of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. The loudspeakers employ advanced acoustic ideas. Technically, the new system begins with a compact film pulling mechanism, or reproducer set, in which every shaft turns in a ball bearing, and in which only one precision-machined sprocket engages the film. "Single sprocket threading" in addition to its obvious simplicity of operation reduces the length of the film path, thus avoiding excessive vibration induced by a more complex gear train. In adapting the principle of single sprocket threading to reproducer set design the engineers called to their service a tried and proved principle of film propulsion which has been standard in cameras and other precision recording equipment for many years. Another departure designed to reduce vibration is a unique device for supporting the motor. The arrangement enabled the designers to locate the constant speed drive motor in a central position on one side of the reproducer set where, regardless of the projection angle, the motor-armature and its associated drive shaft operate horizontally. Because the motor fits snugiy against the side of the reproducer set and near its natural center of gravity, the entire assembly is stable, proper lubrication without leakage is assured, and no thrust bearings are required. Permits Direct Coupling The mount also permits direct coupling through helical gears between the motor and its load. A silent link-chain of hardened steel affords flexible coupling between the reproducer set and the projector mechanism. Once the projector mechanism has been bolted to its mounting plate, the linkchain enables projectionists to interchange projector mechanisms between reels. So perfectly is the mounting plate machined to its seat in the sound reproducer that projector mechanisms may be removed and returned to their respective positions without disturbing the picture alignment on the screen. The reproducer set is designed to operate with all standard makes of projector mechanisms. Protection against excessive motor current occasioned by subnormal line voltage, or other contingency, is afforded by an "overload sentry" which automatically functions as an instantaneous circuit breaker when needed. ^''Thermo-proof^ Kinetic Scanner Equally important to sound quality is the development of the "thermo-proof" kinetic scanner. Recently the scientists of Bell Telephone Laboratories succeeded in compounding a scanner fluid which, within temperature extremes extending from below freezing to above 100 degrees Fahrenheit, demonstrates a stability said to be ten times more effective in suppressing flutter than an\f previous damping fluid. Although the new liquid costs $200 per gallon to prepare, it does not materially add to the price of the equipment because only a thin film is required in each mechanism and once sealed within the kinetic scanner it lasts indefinitely. The amplifiers are capable of delivering considerably more sound energy than is de manded by today's product. In addition to anticipating future reproduction requirements, this reserve of power enables the amplifiers to impart a rich fullness to every tone recorded on current sound tracks. Concentric feed lines carry the sound in a protecting metal sheath during its critical transit from the photoelectric cells to the individual pre-amplifiers, thus shielding it from exterior electrical influence and assuring dramatic silences between the production's sound passages. Acoustic compensators built into the electrical circuits enable the installation engineer to "tailor" each system to its particular auditorium. James Frank, Jr., Is Appointed Mgr. of NTS New York Branch James Frank, Jr., succeeds C. H. Secor, who recently resigned as manager of the New York Branch of National Theatre Supply Company. Frank has been with NTS in various execulive capacities since 1937. Lately he has functioned in the Sales Promotion DepartV ment of National's gen eral offices. V^^^H Previously, F r a n k p J^^^H was assistant sales mani^^^^H ager of International Projector Corporation for a year and before that was for eight years at the RCA plant in Camden, N. J. Frank is Secretary of the Society of Motion Picture Engineers and well known for his articles on sound engineering. James Frank, Jr. Unusual Features Boasted By Coast Cinema Theatre Several unusual features are said to be embodied in the new Cinema Theatre, which was scheduled to open this month on No. Western Avenue near Santa Monica, California. The house was designed for Louis Berkoff, former owner of the Esquire Theatre, by S. Charles Lee, who utilized a nautical motif. It is an art theatre featuring first-run foreign films. Constructed of brick and concrete, the building has a seating capacity of 800, with 130 loge chairs. Parking facilities are available for 200 cars. An informal lounge where cigarettes and coffee are served, as well as a reading room just off the foyer, are two of the Cinema's unusual features. With the ceiling covered with a huge map of the world, the interior is finished along modern Continental lines. The new neon lighting with the white fluroescent tubing has been used in the lighting scheme. A unique feature of the marquee sign, triangular in shape, is that it features a 40x60 ft. picture of the star of the current attraction. Left — the reproducer tvith single, sprocket threading. Above, Mirrophonic Master amplifier. Keep Uniforms Tidy In all probability' your doormen and ushers are wearing cool, light-colored uniforms, which should always have a crisp, clean appearance. Failure to clean and press them often will result in shoddy, unkempt uniforms. Since neatness counts for so much in the appearance of your house staff, we'd advise 3'ou to make it a point to see that all uniforms are renovated regularlv.