Television digest and FM reports (Feb-Dec 1947)

would be even higher than the 35% figure — up to 54% of total sets if auto radios, portables, battery-operated sets, and receivers made for export were deducted from the overall total. Conservative-minded RMA put 1947 FM output at 1,800,000 to 2,100,000 — production difficulties, labor problems being what they are today. What impressed FMers most were manufacturers' troubles with components — condensers, mainly, and v/ood for cabinets. Seen as significant, also, were these factors: While total Set production is decreasing (1,564,171 for January, 1,379,966 for February, 1,358,399 for March) FM set production is increasing (51,318 for January, 53,594 for February, 67,364 for March.) Also, even though only some 2,000,000-plus FM sets would be produced in, 1947, they would naturally be shipped .into FM markets and thus amount to more per market than if they had to be Scattered over the whole country. Differences of opinion were expressed on these points: (1) Manufacturers Strongly objected to "If your set doesn't have FM, it's obviously obsolete" typeof FM promotion. They claimed it a dangerous trend, alienating dealers who still have AM sets to sell, unfair to sections of country with only AM service. FMA conferrees assured set-makers Association's official promotion was mora on positive side, was keyed to milder "Be sure your radio has FM" idea. (2) FMers strongly resented implications that low-power, interim operation of FM stations meant bad reception. RMA had implied that fewer sets meant ,fewer dissatisfied listeners for the present. FMA's Dillard (WASH, Washington), pointed out that some stations would Still be operating with 250 watts, 1 kw, or 3 kw even when they were on full power. (3) FMers very definitely objected to references to poor programming as excuse for lack of sets. Both sides agreed cheap iFM sets were not the answer. o. j. 4. T T *r T Total FM production for first 3 months of 1947 was 172,276 (out of overall set total of 4,302,536). Table models amounted to 21,401 — with 4,982 having record players. Consoles totaled 150,875, all of which included phonographs except 7,057. FM consoles with phonographs were about half the number of equivalent AM-only sets in that line. March FM output breaks down as follows: table models, 8,429 (half of them with phonographs) ; consoles, 58,935 (2,685 without phonographs). AVIATION INTERFERENCE, TV DIVISION: No sooner had problem of FM's interference with aviation landing system been adjusted (Vol. 3, No. 13), than TV becomes whipping boy of the airmen. Recent reports indicate airplane receivers (designed for high gain on weak signals) were being fouled up with interference from second harmonic of TV transmitters on Channels 2 and 3. TV engineers aren’t worrying too much about problem, feel stations can suppress harmonic pretty well; careful spotting of TV antennas should help too. Further, new air radio equipment will overcome problem. New York FM stations, reassigned because of interference with landing system at LaGuardia Airport, probably won't have to change over, now that new FM allocation plan is out. New channels for city were chosen to avoid interference with ILS. m POST-WAR m LICENSES YET: We've been waiting about a year and a half to see the first post-war FM licensee, but most grantees are still a long ways from being licensed , even though 200 (including pre-war) are on the air. Very few are anywhere near the powers specified in their CPs. Further, VHP-1 is still in existence and is still a major factor in delaying construction, although CPA did make an exception last week to KEEN, San Jose, and KXOB Sacramento. Thus, the very heavy influx of requests for, and grants of, extensions of completion dates will no doubt continue; 32 were granted in past two weeks alone. Nevertheless, 10 CP holders have filed applications for licenses. They are: KPFM, Portland, Ore. ; WFRO, Fremont, 0. ; KOCS-FM, Ontario, Cal. ; KRCS-FM, Seattle, Wash. ; WINC-FM, Winchester, Va. ; WIBW-FM, Topeka, Kan. ; WFAH, Alliance, 0. ; KRJM, Santa Maria, Cal. ; KWLK-FM, Longview, Wash. ; WFBL-FM, Syracuse, N.Y. Some of these have been before the FCC for months. Delay in licensing, says Commission, is partially due to allocation uncertainty, partially to huge FCC work load. Cbances are that ranks of applicants for licenses will grow pretty slowly in view