Television digest and FM reports (Jan-Dec 1946)

which means about 2,500,000 units (presuming prewar production rate) ; that by 1947 last quarter FM production will rise to 30% of all sets made. At another session, Stromberg-Carlson’s Dr. Ray H. Manson foresaw FM arriving at “adult stature” by spring 1947; said about 5,000 FMs had been produced third week in October out of current rate of about 350,000 radio sets per week. And at the convention RCA broke its silence on FM receivers by showing its deluxe FM-AM Victrola, to sell for $400, accompanying set with booklet pulling no punches in its attitude on superiority of FM. RCA, of course, had big exhibits of transmitters, tubes, meters. Pylon antenna, etc. Maj. Armsti'ong expects a “flood of FM receivers” if only because of AM saturation, evidenced by slow-moving table models. As for regarding FM as a luxury item, he recounted the history of his superhet, which mass production dropped from $250 in the early 30’s to less than $25 now. But RMA’s breakdown on FM-AM types built during 1946 (up to Sept. 13) shows manufacturers have regarded FM as a refinement of higherpriced sets: console-phonograph, 32,207; console, 37,016; table, 6,569; table-phonograph, 22. Zenith still seems most active of the low-price table model proponents, though others have outlined plans. RCA schedules a wood model (approx. $85) last quarter this year, plastic (approx. $70) first quarter 1947. Bendix, too, of the larger companies, plans mass production of low-priced sets. In matter of price decontrol, RMA set committee expects to have petition in OPA hands next week, hopes to have ceilings off shortly after Nov. 1, certainly by end of year at latest. IJST BATTLE, WM WAR: Tough fighters, hard losers, Maj. Armstrong and his dwindling retinue of low-band advocates were forced at Chicago to hear the unwelcome sound of the final nail being driven into the coffin of low band. FCC’s Acting Chairman Denny, replying to a panel question on low-band, reasserted that the 88-108 me band is final, and that manufacturers can go ahead without fear it will be changed. Denny was so emphatic, in fact, that suspicion arose FCC may contemplate early abandonment of low band despite fact that several companies are making two-band sets and some 400,000 low-bands were marketed pre-war. On the other hand, FM’s inventor was in mellow mood, first as honor guest at the FM panel luncheon, attended by more than 1,200, then in interview with press. “I haven’t changed my engineering opinion as to the error of the FCC move,” he said, “but we can put FM over on any band. We will put it over in the 100 me band.” Then he revealed that he had put out 100 kw at Alpine, • counting antenna gain; predicted 3 kw and 10 kw transmitters in next few months, also 300 stations by end of 1947; warned against low power FM stations, as he had warned FCC; said he still thinks FM needs more space in the spectrum, adding that FCC seems to be saving TV Channel No. 6 (82-88 me) for possible FM use since it indicated on recent report it was not putting other services on it; spoke of pre-war FM sets requiring a band converter that would cost at least $50; extended his accolade for unswerving faith in FM to Zenith, StrombergCarlson, Scott, Freed, GE and “numerous other small companies.” HOWARD HUGHES DROPS OUT: Hollywood’s unpredictable Howard Hughes, aircraft builder and movie producer, pulled out of both TV and FM in Los Angeles and San Francisco this week, even dropping his FM conditional in latter city. Not even Hughes’ top aides, let alone the attorneys and engineers who got handsome fees for handling his applications, seem to know what prompted the sudden decision to drop after long, elaborate planning for stations. Withdrawals leave exactly enough TV and FM cliannels in L.A. for all applicants — 7 for 7 and 14 for 14, respectively. TV hearing for L.A. has already been held (see list of applicants in Supplement No. 18A) and decision is awaited momentarily. Nov. 18 FM hearing probably will be called off now. If FCC considers Hollywood part of L.A., thus unqualified for Class A channels, Class A applicants may want to amend for Class B, upsetting 14 for 14 balance. While Hughes was pulling out of TV — leaving Paramount alone of the original movie interests still applying — Indianapolis’ WFBM showed renewed interest in TV. After having dropped its low-band application some months ago, it is now going to file for experimental black-and-white. TV RELAY, STL ARGUMENT SET: Deciding finally to unravel whole tangled subject of microwave TV relay and STL, FCC revised its July 19 proposal and set affair for oral argument Jan. 15, briefs to be filed by Jan. 5 (Vol. 2, No. 41). Revised proposal satisfies some people, partially satisfies others.' Common cax’riers are jxermitted to become relay and STL licensees, GE can continue its New York-Schenectady experiments, TV broadcasters who would rather use radio pickups instead of wires can do so “where wire service is not economically practicable.” But TBA still doesn’t get its desired inter-city relay services — FCC adducing spectrum scarcity. Oral argument may determine whether inter-city relay is practicable in some areas, and whether it’s economically comparable with, or preferable to, coaxial.