Television digest and FM reports (Feb-Dec 1947)

LOWER PRICED TVs EMERGING: First real sign yet of break in TV set prices comes in RCA1 s new lower-priced line, now in production, some models already in distributors' hands. They point up improving production know-how, may hasten cheaper models long promised by others, including Sears Roebuck (Vol. 3, No. 13). It begins to look like one of TV's major obstacles — high cost of sets — is at least being ameliorated; and with Regulation "W" ending Nov. 1, lifting all installment-buying restraints, further stimulus to set sales is seen. RCA's 5 new models are all built around 10-in. screen, for 7~in. table set (at $250) simply isn't moving according to expectations — picture too small. The new models and prices are: (1) Model No. 721TS, to sell for $325 plus $55 instal lation-warranty. It's TV-only table set with 19 tubes, 2 rectifiers, differs from 630TS ($375) mainly in that latter has 27 tubes, 3 rectifiers. (2) Model 750TV1, to sell for $595 plus $69. It's a TV-AM-FM-phono console with 27 tubes, or 10 less than 641TV ($795) which also has SW. (3) Model 730TV2, to sell for $675, plus $69. This is same as 730TV1 except for period cabinets, record storage space, etc. Old models are continued; now RCA has line of 8 sets, plus custom jobs (Vol. 3, No. 31). Other straws in the wind: GE will shortly deliver new Model 803, first table unit with 10in. screen plus AM-FM, to sell at around $400. Present GE line, not being promoted very strongly yet, comprises No. 801 console with 10-in. screen and AM at §625; No. 802, same as 801 plus FM and phono, $750; No. 901, with 18x24in. projection screen and AM-FM-phono , $2,250. Philco will shortly ship Model 1050, console version of its TV-only §395 table model, to sell at around §450. StroinbergCarlson has shipped TV-only console to sell for §495, is due before year's end to have new TV10P console with 10-in. screen, AM, 2-band FM, phono, to be priced around §1,100. Andrea and Crosley are now well into production. And Emerson advertises "sensational development" coming, hinting "mass production value." UPSURGING FM-TV PRODUCTION: FM and TV set production took predicted upturn in September, according to RMA's monthly report — and it looks now as though that's to be the picture henceforth, regardless how total radio production shows. September total radio units of all kinds: 1,339,980; first 9 months of 1947: 12,371,915. FM production was 90,546 sets, up some 18,500 from August (Vol. 3, No. 38), second best month ever (April was 112,256). Month's breakdown shows: 21,475 table models, 68,457 consoles with phonos, 614 straight consoles. Total FMs for 9 months : 678 , 772, of which 111,649 were table models, 549,316 consoles with phonos, 16,892 straight consoles. Note: RMA figures don't report tuners yet, which makers say (without telling figures) are moving like proverbial hot cakes. TV production was 15,728, highest yet, and total to date is further enhanced by extra 16,991 sets added this month but not previously reported because figures were temporarily held back from RMA auditors for competitive reasons. September TV breakdown: 8,717 table models, 2,758 direct view consoles, 2,308 projection con soles, 1965 direct view consoles with phonos. (Plus previously unreported 14,468 table models, 2,523 projection consoles.) So total TV production for 9 months was Copyright 1947 by Eadlo News Bureau