Sound motion pictures : from the laboratory to their presentation (1929)

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62 SOUND MOTION PICTURES such transitions are made gradually and without detection. It is extremely important, of course, that there be no interruption of the running of a story from one reel to another, so as to maintain the illusion of realism. In some theatres the change-over is made by stopping one projector and starting the other, both by hand; but in the best equipped projection rooms mechanical transferrals are used. The change-over is then made on a fade-out, or at the end of a scene. In projecting sound pictures, moreover, experience indicates that it is much better practice to make change-overs on titles, to avoid either repeating or omitting any of the scenes. The title provides a direct arc, and the change-over is made from one projector to another on the same wording. It requires about five seconds for the motor of a projector to attain the proper speed. The title change-over permits the projectionist to transfer at the precise moment of maximum advantage. If the change-over were made before the projector has attained the proper speed (a standard of 90 feet per minute has been fixed for sound pictures) the speed of the soundreproducing device would be too low. There would result a loss of tonal value and an effect similar to that which one gets from a phonograph which has not attained its appropriate tempo. The advent of sound has, therefore, had a very beneficial effect in developing projectionists of a higher type. These men now realize that there is a technique in the work, and that there is room only for those who take the new art seriously. Every mechanic who has had experience with any of the standard new devices understands the necessity for increasingly careful, accurate work. In order to comprehend the proper operation of sound-reproducing apparatus it is important that the operator have at least an elementary understanding of electricity. The projection room is the heart of the theatre. It is the quality of projection