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

RCA systems should be allowed to go ahead simultaneously, for “reasonable period of time,” with public making final choice. (3) Brackets proposal is “impossible and illegal.” (4) FCC doesn’t understand RCA system. (5) FCC favors CBS system “merely in order to do something about color now.” (6) Condon Committee recognized RCA system potential; FCC confused apparatus with systems. (7) Blackand-white has tolerances even more stringent than 1/11,000,000 of a second tolerances in RCA system. (8) RCA system improved greatly in a few months, “a thousand percent,” according to CBS’s Dr. Goldmark. (9) Non-RCA witnesses and commissioners said they’ve seen good RCA color fidelity. (10) FCC ignored post-hearing improvements. (11) RCA system adds color, subtracts nothing, while CBS system adds color but loses resolution. (12) Compatibility will insure quickest development of color. (13) Brackets proposal doesn’t comply with FCC rules on adopting new standards. (14) Brackets far more difficult than when TV standards were first being considered. “Triggered” synchronizing circuits, employed then, are now obsolete because of their susceptibility to interference. (15) Cost of brackets would be $61 automatic, $50 manual. (16) If change in standards is made later, “those who had bought the bracket standard receivers and paid the additional sums required would not receive an improved picture when the change was made.” (17) Brackets couldn’t be made before second quarter of 1951. (18) Brackets would produce inflationary effect because of greater set costs, contrary to policy set forth in Defense Production Act of 1950. They’d also mean “unnecessary use of critical materials.” (19) Bracket sets would intensify difficulties stemming from components shortages. (20) FCC is in error in its comparisons of CBS and RCA systems in respect to flicker, brightness, contrast, registration, fidelity, resolution, picture texture, susceptibility to interference; adaptability, convertibility, equipment considerations. STROMBERG-CARLSON CO.— Has devoted bulk of engineering time and laboratory facilities, since Sept. 1, to brackets. Number of problems remain with regard to 2position switch, “very many” with regard to brackets. Engineering for 2-position switch to take 1-2 more months, bi’ackets much longer. Then one month needed for field testing. Then additional 4-6 months required before actual production. Asserts that people who don’t need or want additional circuitry shouldn’t have to pay for it. Brackets idea “unsound economically and practically.” People will want to adapt to color, not merely to blackand-white. Present plans are to make “modest” changes in circuits so that people can purchase adapters optionally. WESTINGHOUSE ELECTRIC CORP.— Has adapted sets for 2-position switch only, concluded adaptation is feasible, but hasn’t adequately field tested sets. If brackets adopted, proposes: (1) To make sets with 2 positions. One position will give standard monochrome adjustable “within a reasonable range of present standards.” (2) To provide sets with plug receptacle. If proposed CBS standards are adopted, plug-in unit will be built to give monochrome from color transmissions. If CBS standards are changed at some later date, new plug-in units will be made to give monochrome, replacing old. States it cannot make desired sets within 30 days after “any decision which has been reached which requires important changes in either design or material content.” WTVR (HAVENS & MARTIN), RICHMOND, VA.— Formal brief requests permission to appear if hearing is held on bracket standards. 3