Television digest with electronics reports (Jan-Dec 1953)

2 white pictures on color sets are degraded. Furthermore, it found the system to be more susceptible to interference than black-&-white. On top of all that, it said, system definitely requires very expensive receivers and transmission equipment that will require more expert and more frequent attention than monochrome. Notwithstanding the drawbacks, FCC concluded that the following factors impelled approval: (1) There's "overwhelming" industry support for system. (2) "History has demonstrated that American industry is capable of devising practical and economical equipment on a mass production basis." (3) Standards "are broad enough to permit considerable latitude to competing companies in the future development of more economical and efficient equipment without obsoleting equipment in the hands of the public." (4) System is compatible, giving public choice of buying or not buying a color set and assuring public its present sets will receive all programs in black-&white — regardless whether they're transmitted in black-&-white or color. * * * * Decision was approved by all commissioners except Hennock after long Dec. 16-17 discussions. She declined to vote. Comrs. Webster, Sterling and Lee issued separate concurring statements. Comr. Webster reiterated concern about disadvantages FCC found in system, but concluded that problems are temporary "equipment limitations" rather than permanent "system limitations." Comr. Sterling expressed confidence standards will provide a "fine compatible system" and cited automobile as example of an initially expensive and complex product now in mass use. He said he's certain good, inexpensive color sets will be out in 2-5 years. "In the meantime," he added, "the public can buy black-&-white TV receivers now on the market, and which will continue for the next 3 or 4 years to represent the greatest percent of production of TV receivers, confident that when programs are broadcast in color they may view them in black-fc-white. " He laid great stress on need for proper suppression of interference. Newest commissioner, Robert E. Lee, said: "I concur completely with the Commission's decision. .. The defects and imperfections [are] carefully pointed out and this is as it should be. [It is apparent] that color TV will not be available to most of us for some time to come but 'this was also true in the early days of blacky-white TV... The defects and shortcomings that may now exist will evaporate in the coming months as industry takes on mass production. " The ever-erratic Miss Hennock didn't disclose why she chose not to vote. * * * * FCCs decision was distinguished by its final and complete recognition of the basic importance of compatibility, and the air of finality with which it buried the field-sequential system. In press release accompanying decision, the Commission pointedly noted that it will take time to produce receivers and equip stations; that "meanwhile, existing TV sets, in addition to continuing to receive monochrome transmissions, will be able to receive color programs in black-&-white without change or other adjustment to the receivers." Decision was also a milestone in restoration of good relations with industry. The whole calm, efficient deliberation was in striking contrast to Commission's outright hostility and distrust when it tried unsuccessfully to cram the incompatible system down throat of industry in 1950. Whole affair was handled on paper, i.e., through written comments, and it ivoided the delays and exhibitionism usually produced by oral hearings. Major credit for staff work should go to Arthur Scheiner, chief of rules & standards div. , and his very small group of assistants, under general supervision of Curtis Plummer, chief of broadcast bureau. * * * * Reaction from all segments of industry is yet to come. RCA was jubilant, of course, chairman David Sarnoff viewing decision as final vindication of his consistent and adamant stand on compatibility. CBS pres. Frank Stanton hailed decision as