Showmen's Trade Review (Jan-Mar 1940)

Page 46 SHOWMEN'S TRADE REVIEW February 3, 1940 DC Intermediate Lamps from Strong and National Simplex High Intensify Above and at left, the new Simplex High Intensity Projection Arc Lamp now being marketed by National Theatre Supply Co. This lamp also operates on direct current; provides brighter light for smaller houses. Strong Utility High Operating on direct current and offering the moderate sized theatre a greatly improved light source, the unit illustrated is seen above with the interior exposed, and right with housing, in streamline style, closed. npHAT the new direct current interniediate capacity high intensity projection arc lamps, announced recently by National Theatre Supply Company and the independent theatre supply dealers representing the Strong Electric Corporation, provide the most important development in projection arc lighting since the advent of the low intensity arc is indicated by the quick acceptance by a large number of theatres for which this lamp was especially designed, say the sponsors of these new equipments. It is reported that sales of the new arc have already put the manufacturers week's behind in filling orders. More Illumination This new intermediate liigh arc, it is claimed, projects the characteristic snow white light of the high intensity in a volume about twice that of the low intensity and about half as much as is available with the conventional high, and at an overall operating cost in current and carbons hardly more than with the present low intensities. The small amount of power consumed by this direct current intermediate high intensity lamp generates so little heat that a simple burner mechanism and a small lamphouse are permitted, making possible the popular price of this equipment. One, Two and Three Phase The new arcs are available at no additional charge, for use with single, two or three phase a.c. line service, so that the medium sized theatres in neighborhoods where only single phase power is available, can have high intensity projection without being penalized for single phase equipment. The new direct current lamp with its associated rectifier equipment is offered as a coordinated lighting unit. Each rectifier uses 4 15 ampere tubes to supply a total lamp load of only 40 amperes at 27^ volts, which load so far below the rated capacity of the tubes as to assure exceptionally long life. The direct current intermediate high burns the regular 7 m.m. Suprex carbon at 40 amperes with 27j4 volts across the arc which is such a low current density for this diameter carbon that it consumes 5^ inches per hour,' permitting the showing of six of the new sized reels per single 12 inch positive carbon. /COMPLETING its second recent theatre ^ renovation in New York, the RKO circuit's 81st Street Theatre steps into line with the famous Palace Theatre on Broadway as one of Gotham's most modern picture houses. Like the Palace, the 81st Street's lobby and front have been completely overhauled and boasts of being the first neighborhood house in the city to feature the plate glass doors which proved so successful at the Palace that the RKO construction department later adopted them for the State in New Brunswick, N. J The architectural elements employed in the treatment of the RKO 81st Street lobby are skillfully blended to create an over-all effect of warmth and beauty. The display frames are deep and employ modern lighting methods which brilliantly emphasize the copy and color of the advertising. The outside frames have bronze and stainless steel trim matching the trim of box office and vestibule walls. An overhead frame in the lobby has an illuminated glass background with silhouette letters. The box office is constructed of bronze and plate glass with stainless steel trim, its design blending with the plate glass doors, wall trim and display frames. The lobby vestibule walls are of green marble with metal trim. The marquee soffit is brought The 6 m.m. x 9" negative carbon which burns at only 3.3 inches per hour, is a new type developed by National Carbon Co., and sold under the trade name of Orotip (C). No carbide is formed on the tip when operating at low voltage with the short arc gap length. The intermediate capacity lamp is a simple, direct current arc, and can be used on any standard projector equipment. back to the entrance doors; thereby, giving brilliant lighting effect to this outer area. A touch of color is added by colored rubber floor mats which extend into the lobby in semi-circle behind the glass entrance doors. In the lobby proper, the walls have been furnished with lace wood. The ceiling has a concealed strip light cove whose surface is scientifically shaped to properly diffuse the illumination from the fluorescent lights in the cove over the entire lobby area. There are no wall brackets and the illumination of the display frames cause them to be prominent and attractive. The color of the floor carpet blends with the other decorations and is largely responsible for the effect of warmth which is produced. The illumination level is gradually reduced from the lobby vestibule to the auditorium, conforming to the most modern practice in this respect. Admissions Control Temperatures Temperature and air conditioning in the State Lake Theatre, Chicago, is controlled by the box office, it is claimed, since installatior: of 4 Westinghouse condensing unii:s, which work independently or in unison as required by the number of persons in the auditorium at any one time. Circuit Continues Modernization