Television digest with electronic reports (Jan-Dec 1959)

— 9 — More about NEW STEREO SYSTEMS: RCA & Westinghouse came up with similar AM stereo systems on consecutive days this week (see p. 4), and they both feel strongly that it’s the system for single-channel AM stereo. The advantages: compatibility, good stereo effect, inexpensive for both broadcaster & listener. They both use a “sum-&-difference” technique: The sum of left & right channels is amplitude modulated and transmitted as any AM broadcast. Listeners without stereo gear receive a full monophonic broadcast (left & right channels combined) through one loudspeaker. The electronic “difference” between left & right channels is frequency modulated on the same channel. The stereophonic receiver in the home uses this FM signal to direct the proper portions of the AM signal to the left & right amplifier-speakers. Westinghouse demonstrated how its system could be used for stereo without any special equipment in the home — merely 2 AM radios. One radio is detuned about 2 kc below the station channel, the other 2 kc above. This system worked well in the non-broadcast demonstration, but Westinghouse officials concede that a special stereo receiver (costing about 1% times as much as an equivalent mono radio) would provide better stereo, and that they won’t know how practical the 2-radio method is until their system is tested on the air. The Westinghouse system produces stereo at the audio frequencies from 300 to 3000 cycles. RCA claims its system provides true stereo across the entire audible range which can be passed by an AM station. Its engineers say that a receiver for the system would require perhaps a couple of tubes more than a conventional AM set (in addition to the 2nd-channel amplifier-speaker combination required for any stereo reproduction). Station transmitter equipment, they figure, would cost “a few hundred dollars” and would consist of a small FM modulator (which could be carried in one hand) plus correction networks. For the WRCA tests, RCA is using the first 2 stages of a stock FM transmitter. NSRC’s first systems specifications panel meeting was harmonious — only note of controversy coming when Crosby Labs pres. Murray Crosby sought to define “true stereo” as a technique in which both channels reproduce the full range of audible frequencies up to 15 kc. These systems were formally thrown into the pot; Two undescribed systems — by CBS and Standard Coil. TV systems — by Motorola and Philco, both previously described (Vol. 15:7). AM systems — RCA; Westinghouse; Philco, whose system is somewhat similar to the first 2, but uses phase modulation instead of FM for stereo information (Vol. 14:49); Kahn Research Labs, a system using the AM sidebands for stereo information and requiring 2 AM radios in the home, similar to RCA’s earlier AM stereo system. FM systems — Crosby Labs; Philco; Zenith, similar but not identical to Philco’s; Multiplex Development Corp. (William Halstead); EMI Ltd. (Percival system); Electroplex Corp., which wants to use vacant TV channels in addition to FM band; Volpe system. Two-channel system — Bell Labs (Vol. 15: 9). Panel 1 is headed by Charles Hirsch, Hazeltine, with William Wintringham, Bell Labs, as vice chairman; Richard Faber, Hazeltine, secy. In another NSRC development, H. L. Towlson, GE, was named vice chairman of Panel 3 (broadcast transmitters) under Ralph Harmon, Westinghouse Bcstg. Co. Court Blocks WJAR-TV Solo: R.I. Superior Court granted a preliminary injunction on March 5 to block the sale of Providence department store Outlet Co. and its WJAR-TV & WJAR to 90165 Corp. The latter is equally owned by N.Y. real estate magnate William Zeckendorf & Denver telecaster John C. Mullins (Vol. 14:49-50, 15:4,8). The injunction was a victory for J. S. (Dody) Sinclair, gen. mgr. of the Providence stations, & grandson of Outlet cofounder Col. Joseph Samuels. During the course of the court hearing, he had indicated possession of financial backing to buy control of the store at a higher price. In granting the injunction, the court held that the Industrial National Bank of Providence, which holds the Outlet stock in trust for the Samuels’ heirs (including Sinclair), had “brought about such a conflict of interest between itself individually and a trustee [that] Sinclair and his children . . . will suffer some detriment.” The court also maintained that “the trustees did not perform their duty during the 20-day [option] period after the execution of the contract” with original buyer Roger L. Stevens, N.Y. realtor, “resulting in a probable failure to obtain a higher price for the Outlet stock.” An appeal is expected from 90165 Corp., which already has received tenders of 95% of Outlet stock at $120 a share (about $6,400,000). The deadline on 90165’s purchase offer is July 21. If the FCC doesn’t approve the sale by then, the offer to purchase the stock is terminated. ■ Boston Ch. 5 Resumption: Justice Dept, anti-trust chief Victor R. Hansen takes the stand March 9, as FCC resumes its hearing on charges of “influence” in the Boston Ch. 5 case won by the Herald-T7'aveler (Vol. 15:9). Purpose of Hansen’s appearance is to present his version of his discussions with former FCC chairman McConnaughey. The latter says Hansen gave him an opinion that there would be no monopolistic aspect to the grant of a TV facility to the newspaper. It’s understood that Hansen will offer conflicting testimony. Another high govt, official to appear will be former Commerce Secy. Sinclair Weeks, who had been contacted in the case. His appearance was requested by counsel for one of the Ch. 5 losers — Allen B. Du Mont Labs. Also due is former FCC general counsel Warren Baker, who will describe FCC-Justice Dept, liaison pi’ocedures during the time he was with the Commission. Maurice Simon, a Boston attorney, is being subpoenaed by Du Mont. The Hei'ald-Traveler is happy with its WHDH-TV, according to its reports to stockholders last week. Its 1958 TV-radio revenues were $5,269,145, up $2,688,961 from 1957. Despite lower newspaper & radio station earnings, the corporation’s net profit increased to $1,173,756 ($2.99 a share) from $813,335 ($2.16) — because of TV. In the Miami Ch. 10 “influence” case, FCC has denied the petition of North Dade Video Inc., which requested that the Commission make a final grant of Ch. 10 to one of the 4 parties at the same time it renders a decision on whether any party should be disqualified for attempted influence. The FCC said such a procedure would delay things. The Commission also turned down the petition of Elzey Roberts, who sought to file a new application and get it considered along with the other 4. It said the application was “premature.” The application of the Miami Church of Religious Science was returned by the FCC, as being unacceptable at this stage of the proceedings. Fifty Mexican feature films will be offered soon to U.S. TV by Azteca Films, Mexican movie producer.