Television digest with electronics reports (Jan-Dec 1953)

12 for any week since March 27. Production was 138,705 corresponding week last year. Radio production also went up, totaling 254,353 (103,908 private), increase from 226,608 week ended Aug. 14 and 225,432 week before. Week’s radios: 78,327 home, 41,586 portable, 43,791 clock, 90,649 auto. ElONGMIC CONCENSUS — MILD DIP IN VIEW: Some recession in general business activity toward end of year seems to be indicated by the business surveys — but how TV-radio trade will fare this fall and winter is anybody's guess. But as TV-radio-appliance business is subject to economic fluctuations, no less than other industries, it may be well to review what the economic soothsayers are saying. It's interesting to note they don't all agree - but economists seldom do. For example: UNITED BUSINESS SERVICE: "The recession will be of moderate proportions and many companies will be able to take it in stride. Business will continue to be good this fall. While the high for 1953 has probably been seen, no more than a moderate dip is indicated. Prices will show considerable irregularity." ALEXANDER HAMILTON INSTITUTE: "No severe business recession is in prospect this year in view of outlook for continued high Federal spending. Letdown may not come before late 1954. With volume holding above a year ago, full-year retail sales seem certain to set a new record." BABSQN'S REPORTS: "Overproduction and mounting inventories will plague business over rest of 1953. No major slump is expected, but trend in most lines will be down. Retail demand will continue relatively good. BROOKMIRE SERVICE: "Business should hold near the high plateau of earlier months with few signs of faltering demand for goods and services during the rest of 1953. Sales gains will be more modest due to expected flattening of consumer income [and] prices may tend to drift lower. " INTERNATIONAL STATISTICAL BUREAU: "Production trend will be moderately downward this fall, and decline will continue into 1954." STANDARD & POOR'S: "Despite some exceptions, increasing competition and ample supplies foreshadow lower prices." Concludes U.S. News & World Report, Aug. 22: "Consumer buying is one of the imponderables, of course. Many people are saving a big share of income. They could spend more and so arrest any decline. But why should they? Some economists answer that business will find ways to cut prices substantially. This could improve sales. Or it might incline the consumer to wait for still better bargains. At any rate, there are no signs of sizable price cutting immediately ahead." Govt, itself gave official imprimatur to general reports of good business conditions during summer. Commerce Dept., in its July Survey of Current Business, said Korean truce has "made little immediate impression" on nation's economy, that business this summer has been the best ever. Nation's payroll continued to rise at moderate rate and was accompanied by corresponding increase in consumer buying. Commerce report noted. Price level has shown "unusual" steadiness since first of year. As for future, high rate of defense spending is expected to continue for some time but private spending by individuals and business firms will assume increasing importance in months to come. RCA Victor distributors reportedly got letter over week end advising them of plans to increase list prices of dozen or more TV sets out of current 32-model line. Increases would range from $10 to $30 and would take in both low and high-end models. RCA is thus joining Admiral, which recently raised list prices of 21 models by $20 to $40, and Philco, which hiked four 21-in. models by $10 each (Vol. 9:30-31). Crosley also announced raising of prices of 11 TV models by $10 to $20 but reductions from $10 to $30 on 20 others; of those increased 10 are vhf-only, one is all-channel, and of those reduced 4 are vhf-only and 16 all-channel. Crosley also introduced 2 new table models this week — a 17-in. at $230 and 21-in. at $270. Penetration of deep valleys with two huge rhombic receiving antennas appears to be having considerable success in mountainous Colorado, according to an article in Retailing Daily. Developed by Dr. Richard C. Webb, of Denver U’s Research Institute, antenna comprises two rhombics, each about 146 ft. wide and 80 ft. on each leg Rhombics are placed at right angles to each other on nearest peak, directed toward home in valley; once receives and other re-radiates. Institute reports some 6000 inquiries about setup, has prepared bulletin describing it. Though cost of materials is slight, about $25, Dr. Webb says it’s “an engineering feat” to install rhombics properly. Rocky Mountain Electrical League is promoting idea vigorously, looking for widening and “deepening” of markets.