Television digest with electronics reports (Jan-Dec 1954)

TV TRADE'S 9-NOHTK REPORT WELL-BALANCED: The encouraging balance characteristic of TV industry this year, especially when compared to 1953, is sharply pointed up in an analysis of 9-month trade statistics showing sales keeping pace with output. TV production totaled 4,650,000 in first 9 months, including whopping 199,175 turned out week ended Oct. 1, final week of 9-month period by RETMA calculations. It was fourth highest weekly total in TV history. For 9 months last year, TV production was estimated at about 5,500,000. Factory sales are estimated at 4,700,000, actually slightly higher than output. Contrast that with factory sales of 5,100,000 — or 400,000 under output — in 1953. Distributor sales were 4,500,000, slightly under production, compared to 4,600,000 in 1953 — or 900,000 under production. Retail sales are estimated at 4,500,000, not far under production — or about same as 1953. But difference, of course, is that production last year was 850-900,000 ahead of this year at end of 9 months. Inventories totaled about 2,000,000 end of Sept., compared to 2,400,000 at end of Sept. 1953. Total now is regarded as comfortable by trade statisticians. Radio's position is somewhat improved over first part of year. Production, including auto, was 7,000,000 vs. 10,000,000 in first 9 months year ago. Factory sales are estimated at 6,900,000 vs. 9,700,000. Distributor sales were 6,500,000, compared to 8,900,000 year ago. Retail sales were 6,700,000 vs. 7,700,000. Radio inventories, excluding auto, were 2,900,000, compared to 3,400,000 end of Sept. 1953. Radio output week ended Oct. 1 totaled 207,673 (64,768 auto). *■=<:** Official 8-month TV production was placed this week by RETMA at 3,785,519. of which 787,698 were manufactured with uhf tuners. Total compares with 4,754,285 in same period of 1953 and 2,914,926 in 1952. Aug, production was 633,587, compared to 306,985 in July and 603,760 in Aug. 1953. Aug. uhf output of 93,404 was 14.2% of all sets turned out that month — lowest rate of year. Radio output in the first 8 months was 6,110,119, composed of 2,547,413 auto sets, 1,743,880 home, 957,199 portables, 861,627 clock. Output first 8 months of 1953 was 8,932,638. Aug. production was 785,499, compared to 438,061 in July and 991,637 in Aug. 1953. MORE PRICE HIKES; FIRST REACTION TO COLOR: Emerson , CBS-Columbia , Stromberg-Carlson , Sylvania & Ma.i estic increased TV prices this week — by $10 & S20 on selected models — and prospect still seems to be that more increases are on the way from others. RCA and Admiral are only ma.i or set makers which haven't announced any price increases so far — but some of the hikes haven't been billed as such. For example, DuMont ' s introduction last week of a "wide horizon" series of TVs will have effect of a price increase if, as reported, production of the lower-priced standard series is discontinued. Philco , in addition to increasing prices last week on 15 models, this week substituted a 21-in. maroon metal table model at |180, mahogany metal at |190 and mahogany masonite at $230 for 3 tables which were priced $10 lower. In addition, it introduced a 21-in. mahogany console at $330 using new chassis. It's significant that leader prices are being left intact, in most cases. The effort to obtain greater profits appears to be concentrated in middle and upper brackets of the line. CBS-Columbia, for example, increased price of its top 21-in. table model from $240 to $250 in its only hike this week — but pres. Seymour Mintz said he expects to increase price of several other middle-bracket sets within month. Emerson didn't disclose details of its price increases. But authoritative reports were that 5 basic models and their uhf counterparts were each raised by $10. The 17in. price leader at $130 remains intact. As other companies, Emerson merely said production costs necessitated hikes. Sylvania increased 5 consoles by $10 and $20, effective immediately (for details, see p. 11). Stromberg-Carlson increased Studio, a 21-in. open-face mahogany