Television digest with electronic reports (Jan-Dec 1953)

2 control room to Waldorf. Most important part of this series was to show that color can be sent over ordinary 2.6-mc coaxial by converting 3.6-mc color subcarrier to 2.4-mc. Both coaxial and microwave were fed to Washington and back. Most observers sat at more than normal viewing distances — up to 15-25 ft. — couldn't tell a bit of difference. Even closer, differences were still negligible. CBS put on second part of show, remote pickup, employing its novel fieldsequential camera and "Chromacoder" setup (Vol.9:41). To everyone's relief, it was vast improvement over last week's press show, but it was still well below quality of other parts of demonstration. Some sets failed to pick up colors when remote began, had to be adjusted. CBS showed zoom shots of skyline and program of ballet, songs, etc. at Museum of Modern Art. At its best, quality was quite good. DuMont then transmitted standard NTSC test slides with uhf signal and flying spot scanner. These were exceptionally fine, gave FCC experts opportunity to look for nuances not apparent in live pickups. Commissioners returned after lunch, to adjust dials and tune sets to their hearts' content. They had no trouble, appeared satisfied. Then came a surprise sequel. NBC had set up a remote program, showed it to commissioners and few others remaining. Results compared very favorably with NBC's studio program — superior to CBS's remote — featured truck-borne carousel, several brightly-clothed children, fiery red Buick convertible. * * * * * FCC Chairman Hyde told reporters, when show was over, that he was "very much impressed" ; that Commission would move expeditiously; that no further proceedings were scheduled; that approval by Christmas "is not an unreasonable estimate." We asked Comr. Sterling what he considered next step. "Write the standards, I guess," he said. Comr. Doerfer considered demonstration excellent, said: "Offhand, I see no need for further proceedings, though I want to compare notes with the other members and the staff." Brand new Comr. Lee said: "I'd like the public to have it in a hurry, but I've got some studying to do." Comr. Webster's comment: "It was certainly an improvement. I've got to study the technical standards some more. I'd like to know, for example, whether the fuzziness of the CBS remote was due to the equipment or the standards. I doubt if more proceedings are needed." Comr. Hennock was all atwitter, and she seemed quite impressed. House Commerce Committee had a large delegation led by Chairman Wolverton (R-N.J.) who said: "Color is ready for the public. There is no reason for any more delay." Other members present : Reps. Heselton, Hoffman, Carrigg, Derounian, Klein, Granahan, Carlyle, Williams, Thornberry — plus staff members Elton Layton, Andrew Stevenson, Kurt Borchardt. No Senators were there, but Interstate Commerce Committee staff specialist Nick Zapple was present. Whole affair was something to see. Seldom if ever have more industry chairmen, presidents and v.p.'s been gathered in one spot. There were more than 400 people, including govt, representatives from Canada, Britain and Australia. We spotted ex-FCC chairman Paul Walker, ODM telecommunications director Wm. Porter, Commerce Dept, electronics expert Donald Parris, NARTB engineering chief Prose Walker and about 50 reporters, most of wrhom found little fault with demonstration. Several FCC staff members had been at Waldorf all week, watching receivers and cameras being aligned, observing innumerable rehearsals. Only problem on their minds — and it's minor — is interference . They would have preferred more data on interference, but they seem to feel that any problems involving interference can be solved by careful (if more expensive) receiver design and production. * * * * Though open competitive warfare won't break out until FCC gives the word, intensity of backstage struggle deepens. No Lawrence-type tubes were used, but we're told several almost were. Chromatic TV Labs pres. Richard Hodgson said time was just too short. Crosley has made set with the Lawrence tube, had it at Chromatic's Paramount Bldg. labs. Others remain impressed with tube, and one quite savvy engineer says his company has licked one of tube's major bugaboos - too much radiation.