Showmen's Trade Review (Jan-Mar 1947)

£-26 SHOWMEN'S TRADE REVIEW, February 1, 1947 WHAT'S NEW IN SOUND (Continued from Page E-8) added to the variety of combination projector-soundheads available to the theatreman. Beginning January 1st, 1947, they have been making deliveries on their newly-designed Synchro-Dynamic unit, pictured on Page E-8. This unit features easy threading; an intermittent movement of standard design — parts for which are regularly carried in stock by theatre supply dealers; standard sprockets; rear shutter, equipped with cooling vanes, that is set close to the aperture for maximum efficiency; shockmounted photocell; and sound optical assembly with a frequency range extending above 10,000 cycles. The film path is readily visible through the glass operating-side door. Film gate is of the hinged type, removable for easy cleaning. Film shoe tension is readily adjustable. A dynamic filter controls the steadiness of the rotary film drum. Drive is by silent chain, from a slow-speed motor which is furnished with the projector. This combination unit takes the place of both projector mechanism and soundhead. It mounts directly on the projector pedestal. It can be adapted to any standard pedestal or used with the Synchrofilm Pedestal Base without any adaptation. Its installation reduces the number of equipment units needed in the projection room, and eliminates entirely the problem of proper alignment between projector and soundhead. The same company also manufactures separate soundheads, amplifiers and twoway loudspeakers, and supplies complete sound systems. Servicing Development of new devices to facilitate servicing sound equipment has been a continuous process. It is a far cry from the volt-ohmeter that was the only service gadget in the early days of sound to the intricate and effective equipment carried by service men today. Most such developments were planned to help the visiting service inspector — to enable him to do a faster job and a far more accurate one — and were not intended to be owned by the theatre or used by the projectionist. Reversing this tendency, however, is a highly ingenious little gadget designed to enable the projectionist to do one of the servicing jobs that are usually considered in the province of the sound man — adjusting the sound optical system. Known as the Opti-Focusser, this device, brought out by SOS Cinema Supply Corporation, makes possible accurate re-adjustment between reels, since its operation does not involve use of the system amplifier. The Opti-Focusser consists of a compact little three-stage amplifier and selfcontained batteries. A 7,000 cycle test loop is furnished with it. In use, the test loop is threaded into the sound head and the Opti-Focusser clipped to convenient points in the photocell circuit, without removing or disturbing the existing wiring in any way. The motor is started, the ■sound of the 7,000 cycle loop is heard in the headphones. The optical system is then adjusted for maximum volume and clarity of that sound. The manufacturer points out that this method of obtaining optimum adjustment has a number of advantages. It is a quick, easy, method. The man doing the work has his hands and eyes free, since there are no meters to watch; moreover the human ear can discriminate easily between the 7,000 cycle tone and any hum or noise that may also be present, while a meter ordinarily can not. Distracting external noises are shut out by the headphones. Because of these advantages, the Opti-Focusser is used in SOS Cinema Supply Corporation's factory and repair shop, where Lou Marks, chief engineer in charge of sound, developed it. (#4). New Cigarette Machine Sells 'Em Electrically Faster operating than conventional types of cigarette vending machines, according to its manufacturer, this new vending device known as "Electro" dispenses eight brands of cigarettes, regular and king size. Operation is instantaneous, requiring only that the patron, having inserted his coins, touch the button under his favorite brand. The machine is said to have comparatively few parts and to require a minimum of servicing. Available in eight colors — white, ivory, maroon, apple green, blue, light oak, walnut and mahogany — the Electro stands 44 inches high, 24 inches wide, 12 inches deep. It operates on AC or DC. (#15). MORE THEATRE AIR CONDITIONING IS BEING PLANNED TODAY . THAN EVER BEFORE! Air Conditioning for PROFIT! 9 Every theatre exhibitor will agree that he air conditions for a profit . . . More profits , in the form of more patrons to fill his house. But ... to make sure more patrons mean greater net box office profits, the air conditioning system must meet two requirements. First, low initial cost with an "A" rating for cooling performance. Second, provide minimum operating and maintenance budget. That's theatre air condition ing with real earning power for you! Engineered to meet requirements for profitable air conditioning, usAIRco theatre systems are the result of 20 years' experience in creating comfort for theatre audiences. Over 8,000usAIRco systems installed in theatres from coast to coast, testify to the earning power of usAIRco air conditioning equipment. Plan now to include usAIRco in your plans for more profits! RefrsgeMsteil Air Cooling and Heating Conditioning UMts Coils United States Air Conditioning Corporation Como Ave., at 33rd St., S.E. Minneapolis, Minn. Air Washers Blowers, Exhausters and Fans Makers of the most complete line:of air handling equipment