Television digest and FM reports (Jan-Dec 1946)

only, 500; FM-TV only, 500; TV for Channels 1-6 only, 4,000; AM-TV for Channels 1-6 only, 10,000. And FM adapters are promised by 4 firms to the number of 47,000, FM converters by 3 firms to the number of 37,000. Names of the 4 unreporting companies are not disclosed (Zenith admits it was one) so if they include any other major set producers the figures and percentages might be thrown entirely out of line, might even present an utterly different picture. It is hard to believe that AM-FM combinations v/ill run less than 1 out of 10 sets produced, yet it is understandable that the set makers v/ill make a strenuous bid for the immediate market, mostly cheap little sets, until enough FM and TV stations are on the air to create a demand for adequate receivers. Moreover, production lines are subject to overnight changes, and the FCC's figures may reflect tentative estimates only. Obviously disappointed with its own findings, the FCC made this statement in releasing its survey: "In the light of the rapid progress being made for the development of FM on the station side, the Commission hopes that manufacturers may revise their production schedules to include a greater proportion of FM receivers." Then, on Friday, FCC sharply denied a UP story quoting an alleged FCC spokesman as saying that "in view of the very few FM sets to be produced this year, it is hardly worthv/hile for the broadcasters to continue with station construction plans." No one in any responsible position has made such a statement, said FCC, adding that it is "erroneous, gravely misleading, does not represent the views of the Commission." The statement went on to say, "Far from discouraging broadcasters from continuing with their station construction plans, the Commission urges all of them to proceed v/ith their plans with the greatest possible speed. " ❖ * ^ That the foregoing estimates probably represent the sum of guessv/ork on the part of the manufacturers • — OPA, labor and production problems being what they are — is further indicated by the confusion still prevailing in the trade as to v/hen FM and TV sets can be made available in quantity and at what prices. Fev/ manufacturers know as yet, and they freely say so. However, a handful have ventured when they hope to be able to make deliveries to their dealers. Here's what little data v/e can get up to now from trade sources: Probable FM deliveries and costs if determined: Stromberg-Carlson, March 15; Zenith, April, $54 to %295 ; Farnsworth, May, §200 to §1,375; Bendix, July, §60 up; Electronics Corp. of America, August; Sentinel, August, §70 to §300; General Electric, third quarter 1946, §60 up; V/ells-Gardner , third quarter 1946; Lear, fall 1946. Stromberg, Zenith, Lear and GE still say they will produce two-band FMs. Probable TV deliveries and costs if determined: Viewtone, May, §100; Belmont (Raytheon), July, §150; Farnsv/orth, August or September, §200 to §1,500; General Electric, third quarter 1946, §300 up; Emerson, September, §200; Lear, fall 1945; Electronics Corp. of America, latter 1946; Stromberg-Carlson, fall 1946 or Spring 1947 depending upon demand; Sentinel, end of 1946 or beginning of 1947, §150 up. Most TV production apparently v/ill be direct-viev/ing console models. TEIEVISIOH JUMKET: Mum seems to be the word among the big delegation of Commissioners and FCC staffmen v/ho journeyed to Princeton and New York last Monday for a first-hsind sizeup of the TV situation, particularly as respects the current color vs. black-and-v/hite controversy. To a man they maintain a discreet silence v/hen asked for comment on what they saw — RCA's laboratory-version color, CBS's color, DuMont's new Wanamaker setup. Equally discreet, CBS's latest publicity merely mentions their presence; quotes President Stanton's report on sponsor-agency comments in favor of color; quotes him also as having urged the FCC to "be prepared to give prompt approval to commercial standards for color television when recommendations are received within the next few months." So the next move seems to be up to CBS — a formal request for hearing on proposed uhf color standards. Meanv/hile, RMA's engineering standards committee has