Television digest and FM reports (Feb-Dec 1947)

evidence which had been stricken Irob ieJul'U. till Morgan case (Dept, of Agriculture) and with its own. WORL and other decisions as precedents on the point (voting without hearing argument), FCC stumbled while tangling with a tough opponent — Patterson-MoCormick press. With Denny gone, Comr. Jones and possibly Wayne Coy (definitely slated for chairmanship) voting, new decision may well have different flavor. FM-TV SET OUTPUT CONTINUES UP: November radio production (1,615,541) was down con siderably from October's all-time record (Vol. 3, No. 47), yet FM and TV set output reached new peaks — 153,114 FMs, 24,135 TVs. As reported by RMA, total radios turned out during first 11 months of 1947 numbered 15,989,759 (adjusted figure). 1 November FM output of 155,114 was slightly above October's previous record, bringing 11-month figure to 983,130. Breakdown by types : 41,205 table models (1,007 with phono), 106,249 consoles (1,892 without phono), 5,660 FM-only and convertertuners. Note : Converter-tuner figure seems low, in light of reported heavy sales of such units, particularly Pilotuners. "Adjusted figures" will probably come later. TV production of 24,155, was also slightly above October, making 11-month total 149,226. November breakdown; 14,674 table models, 4,178 TV-only consoles (1,396 of them projection), 5,283 consoles with phono (58 projection). Note : It's our guess one or more of the big companies are withholding full reports, later will supply them as "adjustments." For one company alone claims to have made and sold better than 100,000 sets so far this year — and it's hard to believe all the rest, big and small, did only around 50,000. Also, RMA figures do not include kits. GM SAYS HO TY, BUT WATCH GE: Giant General Motors denies trade rumors it's enter ing low-priced TV receiving set field through its subsidiary Delco Radio Division — at same time equally big General Electric announces new table Model 805, 13-channel 10-in. job with AM and FM, to sell at §465 plus $75 installat ion-warranty. It's GE's successor to No. 801 TV-AM console, first offered at $625, then cut to lossprice of $495 when public simply wouldn't buy. Some 15,000 of the 801s, excellent for sensitivity and receptivity, were produced before GE came around to necessity of producing for what is becoming a highly competitive market. Samples of new 803 went out to dealers this week, will be shipped in quantities right after Jan. 1. V/hat 's more significant, GE is seriously considering going to bigger tubes — 12 and 15 in. (see The Bigger The Better, Vol. 3, No. 47). Don't be surprised to see GE break from RMA 10-in. standard during 1948 — and other big boys, too. As for reports about GM in TV, its Delco general manager B. VV. Cooper, reached by phone at Kokomo plant, told us company is watching TV developments closely, has laboratory studies under way, but has no 1948 TV plans. Other TV manufacturer announcements: Brunswick to produce 15-in. direct view console with AM-FM-phono , price unstated. Crosley ready with Model 348-CP, 10-in. with AM-FM-SW-phono , featuring swivel or "swing-view" angling like Cleer-Vue’s (Vol. 3, No. 46), to retail around $800. Another new-name firm, in custom field. New England Television Co., 544 E. Sixth St., New York City. FM SWEATS OUT UPS AND DOWNS: Eight FM grantees called it quits this week, had CPs and CGs cancelled by FCC (Supp. 55-L herewith). Though FM is going great guns in Continental Network and perking in other areas, notably West Coast and Chicago (Vol. 3, No. 50), though new stations go on air at accelerating clip (8 this week, including ABC's 3), there's an unblinkable incidence of cold-f eetism. Continental, by the way, had a honey of a lineup ready to carry 'Gator Bowl game from Jacksonville, Fla., contingent on getting 8,000 cps lines. But CN got go-ahead from AT&T too late for some stations to avoid other commitments. Nevertheless, in a week or two, Dixie FM Network (10 to 15 stations) should have Stromberg show, boosting CN affiliates to 45-50. We plan to publish new CN map soon as situation stabilizes. FMA met informally with FCC staffers this week in its search for 50 uv/m protection of Class Bs in Area II (Vol. 3, No. 43). Alternatives seem to boil down to (1) no new station grants in some areas, (2) lower-powered stations, or (3) more