Television digest with AM-FM reports (Jan-Dec 1950)

OUTLOOK TEMPERED BY WAR & SHORTAGES: Industrial mobilization for war would doubt less again mean freezing of TV-radio production and conversion to military needs. But even before electronics industry might be called upon, pinch may be felt as basic raw materials (steel, copper, tin, etc.) are diverted from peacetime use — either for actual armament production or for precautionary stockpiling. Aside from those prospects, TV production outlook continues so rosy that despite current hot-weather doldrums Sylvania executive v.p. Ward Zimmer is quoted by AP as forecasting year's production will reach 7,500,000 to 9,000,000 sets. He amended that flat statement, when we checked with him, to say he meant this was a "possibility rather than probability." But he does think 7,500,000 will be achieved, pointing out that first 5 months exceeded 2,500,000 (Vol. 6:25), first 6 months are pretty sure to bring this close to 3,000,000, and final 6 months embrace 4 of best producing-selling months of year. More than that, prices have come down to such an extent that nearly everybody can afford TV now — and we have assurances from networks and stations that this fall and winter will see some of the finest program fare yet. * ♦ * * You hear all kinds of reports about shortages — of capacitors, resistors, condensers, cabinets, small tubes. Supply chief of one of biggest manufacturers told us positively that shortage of electrolytic condensers alone renders it impossible for the industry to turn out more than 5,500,000 sets this year. Most forecasts have centered on 6,000,000, Mr. Zimmer's being highest of any we've heard. Yet Admiral and Philco alone have reasserted they'll make 1,000,000 each this year. RCA promises "twice as many" as last year, when it claims to have led the pack (with probable 400,000 to 500,000). Emerson says 750,000 for 12 months from July 1 (Vol. 6:26). Westinghouse also says twice as many as last year, though it hasn't been much of factor yet. So, if we could add up promised output of first dozen companies alone, they would easily exceed bearish 5,500,000 figure. Attitude of big companies is that shortages, always annoying, somehow have way of righting themselves when demand is there. "We always seem to find what we need," said Mr. Zimmer, adding that receiving tubes, while tight now, are fast increasing in supply. There's no shortage of picture tubes, what with glass blowers geared to new capacity and some 30 tubemakers producing in that highly competitive field (TV Directory No. 11). As for cabinets, the furniture makers have turned in droves to this lucrative field, and some are said to be bidding 19-20% above market for mahogany. Admiral v.p. Dick Graver, discussing components shortages, is quoted in New York Times as saying deliveries of resistors run to 39 weeks, electrolytic condensers 16 weeks, volume controls 12-16 weeks, panel stock (for wood cabinets) 90-120 days. "That means," he's quoted as telling distributors, "we must project our production 8 months ahead." KEEP YOUR EYE ON THAT 30-lN. TUBE: DuMont really has something in that much-publicized 30-in. picture tube — make no mistake about it. First shown to newsmen and to DuMont distributors Thursday, it proved to have everything claimed for it — excellent images, not too big for large rooms, indeed probably not too big even for medium-sized rooms, for you could view its pictures with comfort and enjoyment at only 6 to 8 feet. Certainly, it's vastly better than anything projections have yet shown, good enough for anybody's living room or library, splendid for public places. Resulting images are comparable to good home movies, which few of us ever project at less than 24-in. width. Dr. Allen B. DuMont frankly admits he surprised