Television digest with AM-FM reports (Jan 1951-Jan 1952)

2 remains to be seen — along with impact of its promised consumer ads in the slick magazines. Aug. 15 full-page ad in Retailing Daily read; "Get ready for color with the new CBS-Columbia compatible receiver. Internally adapted to receive color broadcasts in black and white." Most noteworthy is use of word "compatible." Only "floor and home demonstration samples" are offered. CBS got accolade for first baseball colorcast, which was viewable on only few receivers but on which it obviously plans big merchandising peg. Red Smith, Herald Tribune sports columnist, commenting on Dodgers-Braves game, said the "reproduction was excellent, striking and only faintly phony. " He noted a few technical flaws such as "slight running of colors" and "rainbow of bats in varying colors." But he thought the colors were "about as good as in Technicolor. " Between baseball and football, CBS obviously intends to pitch hard to plug its color system and receivers — though unless there’s huge demand for color sets and/or adapters, it's hard to see how it can afford to devote very much of its nowincreasingly commercial afternoon schedules to small audiences in prospects. Don't be surprised if CBS, now deep in the struggling manufacturing field, undertakes to buy more plants — seeking not only production facilities but a badlyneeded bolster to its distribution setup. It ought to be able to find sellers among the 90-odd set makers, some of whom obviously can't stand current economic gaff. ♦ * * * Resumption of compatible color field tests is announced by RCA, to begin Sept. 10 with receivers in NBC's Center and Johnny Victor theatres. First 2 weeks' showings will be primarily for industry — NBC affiliates, RCA distributors, etc., then they'll be opened to general public. Plans include network feeds to Washington, Philadelphia, Boston, Chicago, perhaps other cities. Decision on reapproaching FCC hasn't been made, said chairman David Sarnoff (just back from Europe), at Aug. 15 press conference. He doubted whether petition would come before year's end, said he didn't know whether it would be offered by RCA, NTSC or both. He pointed out that RCA is cooperating with NTSC. "Dual standards" — FCC approval of both CBS and compatible systems — are eminently satisfactory to Gen. Sarnoff. In fact, he prefers them to substitution of compatible system for CBS's. "Let the public choose," he said. Compatible color theatre TV will be demonstrated before year's end, he disclosed, saying that it's compatible with existing theatre TV equipment. NTSC is avoiding expression "color standards" for present, says it's seeking to set up "provisional specifications for field testing." Says Chairman Baker; "When we've field-tested it to everyone's satisfaction, then we can talk about 'color standards.' We're making better time than I thought we would." NTSC met Aug. 15, hashed over Panel 13 recommendations (Vol. 7:32), sent slightly revised version back to panel for approval. Everyone anticipates final agreement, preliminary to field tests, at Sept. 18 New York meeting. Among specifications to be field tested, it's expected following will be included; 3.89-mc color carrier, oscillating color sequence, constant luminance. Dr. Baker was heartened by Commission's attitude in sending 4 engineering observers to NTSC demonstration last week (Vol. 7:32). He says Chairman Coy has also promised observers for field tests. Target date of Jan. 1, for presenting completed standards to FCC, is still a good one. Dr. Baker believes. AT FCC-COOPERATION & SWEET REASON: At the moment, things appear calm at FCC, with time and good faith on part of both Commission and industry beginning to heal even the color-decision wounds, particularly those caused by the clumsy bracket-standards meat-ax (Vol. 6:35 et seq). Maybe it's true peace. May it's mere armed truce while FCC and industry , pursue urgent common goal — the too-long-delayed expansion of TV. There's no question that "end-the-f reeze" is by far most important factor conducing to cooperation.