From the collection of the
Prejinger h
Jjibrary
JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY OF
MOTION PICTURE ENGINEERS
Vol 44 JANUARY, 1945 No. 1
CONTENTS
PAGE
President's Address Before Fifty-Sixth Semi-Annual
Meeting H. GRIFFIN 1
Citation on the Work of John I. Crab tree, George T.
Eaton, and Lowell E. Muehler G. E. MATTHEWS 5
John George Capstaff C, E. K. MEES 10
Rerecording 35-Mm Entertainment Films for 16-Mm
Armed Forces Release P. E. BRIGANDI 18
Organization of Committees on Engineering of the
SMPE D. E. HYNDMAN 22
Application of Sound Recording Techniques to Airplane
Vibration Analysis
J. G. FRAYNE AND J. C. DAVIDSON 31
Airplane Vibration Recorder
J. C. DAVIDSON AND G. R. CRANE " 40
Airplane Vibration Reproducer G. R. CRANE 53
The Teaching of Basic English by Means of Feature
Films A. B. LLOYD- JOHNSTONS 65
Book Review 71
Current Literature 72
Society Announcements 74
(The Society is not responsible for statements of authors.)
Contents of previous issues of the JOURNAL are indexed in the
Industrial Arts Index available in public libraries.
JOURNAL
OF THE
SOCIETY of MOTION PICTURE ENGINEERS
HOTCL PENNSYLVANIA • NtW YORK I, N-Y- • TfL. PENN. 6 O62O
HARRY SMITH, JR., EDITOR
Board of Editors
ARTHUR C. DOWNES, Chairman
JOHN I. CRABTREE ALFRED N. GOLDSMITH EDWARD W. KELLOGG
CLYDE R. KEITH ALAN M. GUNDELFINGER CHARLES W. HANDLEY
ARTHUR C. HARDY
Officers of the Society
** President: DONALD E. HYNDMAN,
350 Madison Ave., New York 17.
** Past-President: HERBERT GRIFFIN,
133 E. Santa Anita Ave., Burbank, Calif.
** Executive Vice-President: LOREN L. RYDER,
5451 Marathon St., Hollywood 38.
* Engineering Vice- President: JOHN A. MAURER,
117 East 24th St., New York 10.
** Editorial Vice-P resident: ARTHUR C. DOWNES,
Box 6087, Cleveland 1, Ohio.
* Financial Vice-President: ARTHUR S. DICKINSON,
28 West 44th St., New York 18.
** Convention Vice-President: WILLIAM C. KUNZMANN,
Box 6087, Cleveland 1, Ohio.
*Secretary: E. ALLAN WILLIFORD,
230 Park Ave., New York 17.
* Treasurer: M. R. BOYER,
350 Fifth Ave., New York 1.
Governors
*FRANK E. CARLSON, Nela Park, Cleveland 12, Ohio.
**JOHN I. CRABTREE, Kodak Park, Rochester 4, N. Y.
**CHARLES R. DAILY, 5451 Marathon St., Hollywood 38.
*EDWARD M. HONAN, 6601 Romaine St., Hollywood 38.
"{CLYDE R. KEITH, 195 Broadway, New York 7.
**PETER MOLE, 941 N. Sycamore Ave., Hollywood.
*fHoLLis W. MOYSE, 6656 Santa Monica Blvd., Hollywood.
*EARL I. SPONABLE, 460 West 54th St., New York 19.
**REEVE O. STROCK, 111 Eighth Ave., New York 11.
*WALLACE V. WOLFE, 1016 N. Sycamore St., Hollywood.
*Term expires December 31, 1945. fChairman, Pacific Coast Section.
**Term expires December 31, 1946. {Chairman, Atlantic Coast Section.
Subscription to nonmembers, $8.00 per annum; to members, S5.00 per annum, included in
their annual membership dues; single copies, $1.00. A discount on subscription or single copies
of 15 per cent is allowed to accredited agencies. Order from the Society at address above.
Published monthly at Easton, Pa., by the Society of Motion Picture Engineers, Inc.
Publication Office, 20th & Northampton Sts., Easton, Pa.
General and Editorial Office, Hotel Pennsylvania, New York 1, N. Y.
Entered as second-class matter January 15, 1930, at the Post Office at Easton,
Pa., under the Act of March 3, 1879. Copyrighted, 1945, by the Society of Motion
Picture Engineers, Inc.
JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY OF
MOTION PICTURE ENGINEERS
Vol 44 JANUARY, 1945 No. 1
PRESIDENT'S ADDRESS BEFORE FIFTY-SIXTH SEMI-
ANNUAL MEETING*
HERBERT GRIFFIN**
It has been a great privilege and pleasure to me to serve our Society
as its President for the years 1943 and 1944, and I wish to thank the
other officers, the Board, and the membership for their full coopera-
tion which has made the period of my administration one of the most
successful in the history of the Society. With mingled feelings of
relief and regret, I shall pass the reins to my successor, and be happy
to give him all the assistance in my power.
When I took office I did so with some fear and trepidation believ-
ing, as I did at that time, that owing to the world conflagration we
would lose a large number of members and suffer financially from lack
of support from our Sustaining membership. I am happy to state
that my fears were entirely unfounded and that our general member-
ship has actually increased from 1250 on January 1, 1943, to 1614 at
the present time, and that our Sustaining members have increased in
number and have supported us well.
Our financial position and ability to serve the motion picture in-
dustry are now at an all-time high. The members' equity at January 1,
1943, was $26,053.45. As of today it is about $41,000. About $25,000
of this amount is invested in War and U. S. Treasury Bonds. During
this trying war period the ability of the Society has been further
tested and found thoroughly capable of functioning admirably and
promptly in cooperation with other technical bodies.
About the middle of 1943 representatives of several branches of
the armed services requested the Society's assistance and cooperation
in the preparation of specifications and standards for 16-mm equip-
ment and processes. This project was accepted by the Board of
* Presented at Dinner-Dance, Oct. 17, 1944, during the Technical Conference
in New York.
"* President, Society of Motion Picture Engineers.
1
2 H. GRIFFIN Vol 44, No. 1
Governors at its meeting on October 17, 1943, and has since been
carried out almost to completion under the capable direction of your
Engineering Vice-President, and next President, Don Hyndman. In
this we have had the cooperation of the personnel of the American
Standards Association, the War Production Board, the officers ap-
pointed by several branches of the armed services, and the members
of our Standards Committee, all under the official title "War Stand-
ards Committee on Photography and Cinematography-Z52."
Many sets of specifications have been prepared and approved as
American War Standards which may become industrial standards in
the post-war era. The thanks of the Society and mine personally go
to Mr. Hyndman and all his associates on the several committees for
the diligence and efficiency with which they carried out this splendid
assignment.
At the Spring 1942 Convention there were presented, in the form
of a symposium, many technical and tutorial papers dealing with mo-
tion picture production. These papers were so well written by well-
known authorities — members of our Society — that the Board of
Governors at its 1943 midsummer meeting voted to have these manu-
scripts published in book form. Under the title "The Technique of
Motion Picture Production," it was issued in 1944 and it is well worth
the purchase price of $2.80 to members, or $3.50 to nonmembers.
Members who have not purchased a copy are advised to do so without
delay as, in addition to its great technical value it will be found most
interesting reading.
Television is making great strides and the results of the research
and development now being carried on by all television organizations
will be manifest after the war. It is certain that motion pictures will
be a definite factor in television and the Society's interest is obvious.
Through our membership we are participating in, and keeping in
touch with, all developments. In addition, the Society at its July,
1944 meeting authorized a voting membership in the Radio
Technical Planning Board. This is the organization through which
all suggestions for the regulation and assignment of television chan-
nels are made to the Federal Communications Commission. The
Society's Representative is Paul J. Larsen who will, on behalf of the
Society of Motion Picture Engineers, present to the Federal Commu-
nications Commission the industry's position and requests for fre-
quency band allocations for immediate post-war initiation of com-
mercial television broadcasting.
Jan., 1945 PRESIDENT'S ADDRESS 3
Soon after I was elected to office it was necessary for me to transfer
to Burbank, Calif., and as a result the President, Executive Vice-
President, and Past-President of the Society were all located in Holly-
wood. To overcome any possible handicap in the handling of the
Society's operations, I appointed with the Board's approval an
Executive Committee with one of our Past-Presidents and able
Secretary, E. Allan Williford, as Chairman. This Committee has
handled with dispatch all matters needing executive attention be-
tween Board meetings, all of which I fortunately have been able to
attend. I want to thank Allan Williford for his splendid cooperation
as Chairman of the Executive Committee.
In order to avoid in the future such local concentration of top
executive Society personnel, the Board at its July, 1944 meeting
ruled that with the approval of the membership a change would be
made in By-Law VI, Section 3 (a) providing that should the President
or Executive Vice-President remove his residence from the Atlantic
Coast or the Pacific Coast, as the case may be, where he resided at the
time of his election, the office of Executive Vice-President shall im-
mediately become vacant and a new Executive Vice-President be
elected by the Board of Governors for the unexpired portion of the
term, the new Executive Vice-President to be a resident of that part
of the United States from which the President or Executive Vice-
President had just moved.
The amendment has been presented to, and approved by, a busi-
ness meeting of the Society during this Conference. Its approval
eliminates the possibility of recurrence of this unsatisfactory situa-
tion which has happened several times during the recent history of
our Society.
I want to take this opportunity to thank our Convention Vice-
President, W. C. Kunzmann, for his fine cooperation in connection
with our recent most successful Conferences. I do not know what the
Society would do without him. He really has a big job on his hands
at our Conferences; stand up and take a bow, Bill.
FELLOW MEMBERSHIP AWARDS
Now, I come to a particularly pleasant part of my duties, that of
presenting the Society's annual awards to worthy recipients. It is a
policy of the Society through its Fellow Membership Award Com-
mittee to select yearly from the Active membership of the Society
a number of individuals who, because of their conscientious activities
4 H. GRIFFIN
on behalf of the Society — either as committee members or otherwise —
should be rewarded by elevation to the grade of Fellow. This grade
is an honorary grade solely under the control of the Board of Gover-
nors and may not be applied for.
I am happy to announce that through selection by the Fellow
Membership Award Committee and unanimous approval of the
Board of Governors, the following members have been elevated to
the grade of Fellow in our Society :
Earl J. Arnold, Eastman Kodak Company
F. T. Bowditch, National Carbon Company
Peter C. Goldmark, Columbia Broadcasting System
Barton Kreuzer, RCA Victor Division of Radio Corporation of America
Wallace W. Lozier, National Carbon Company
C. J. Staud, Eastman Kodak Company
James R. Wilkinson, Paramount Pictures, Hollywood.
Will these gentlemen kindly step forward to the speakers' table and
receive their Fellow Membership Certificates?
[The newly elected Fellow members who were present stepped forward, and
with appropriate words of appreciation of their efforts, President Griffin presented
the Certificates. ]
JOURNAL AWARD
The Journal Award is made each year to the author or authors of
the most outstanding paper originally published in the JOURNAL of
the Society during the preceding calendar year. The selection is made
by the Journal Award Committee, approved by the Board of Gover-
nors and, as has happened this time, other papers may be cited for
honorable mention.
The paper to win the 1944 Journal Award was published in the
July, 1943 issue of the JOURNAL and is entitled "Removal of Hypo
and Silver Salts from Photographic Materials as Affected by the Com-
position of the Processing Solutions." It was presented during the
1942 fall meeting of the Society. The authors are three in number:
one of our past-presidents, J. I. Crabtree, and G. T. Eaton and L. E.
Muehler, all of the Eastman Kodak Company, Rochester. The cita-
tion on behalf of these 3 gentlemen will be presented by one of their
co-workers, Glenn E. Matthews.
CITATION ON THE WORK OF JOHN I. CRABTREE, GEORGE
T. EATON, AND LOWELL E. MUEHLER*
GLENN E. MATTHEWS**
The Journal Award is given annually for the most outstanding
paper originally published in the JOURNAL of this Society during the
preceding calendar year. It was established in 1933. It is my privi-
lege to announce tonight on behalf of the Journal Award Committee
that the Journal Award for 1944 has been made to John I. Crab tree,
George T. Eaton, and Lowell 1$. Muehler for their paper entitled
"The Removal of Hypo and Silver Salts from Photographic Materials
as Affected by the Composition of the Processing Solutions," pub-
lished in the July, 1943, issue.
The senior author of this paper, Mr. Crabtree, was born at Clay-
ton-le-Moors, Lancashire, England. He received his basic scientific
training at Victoria University, Manchester, England, where he was
granted a Bachelor of Science degree with honors in Chemistry in
1912, and a Master of Science degree in 1913. He also passed the
rigid requirements of the British Institute of Chemistry and was
made a Fellow of the Institute in 1913.
In August, 1913, he was employed by the Eastman Kodak Com-
pany at Rochester, New York, as a research chemist in the Kodak
Research Laboratory, under the directorship of Dr. C. E. K. Mees.
He founded the photographic chemistry department in 1913 and is
still the head of this department. From 1916 to 1938, he was also in
charge of the motion picture film developing department. As head
of these departments, he has conducted and supervised research in
many fields of photography, including methods of processing photo-
graphic materials, stains and markings, preparation and use of flash
powders, tropical development, silver recovery, storage of photo-
graphic records, and motion picture processing technique. On this
latter subject, to which he has devoted most of his attention, Mr.
* Recipients of 1944 Journal Award of the Society of Motion Picture Engi-
neers; presented Oct. 17, 1944, at the Dinner-Dance during the Technical Con-
ference in New York.
** Research Laboratories, Eastman Kodak Company, Rochester, N. Y.
6 G. E. MATTHEWS Vol 44, No. 1
Crabtree is credited with 54 papers. All told, he has been author and
coauthor of about 75 papers and has been granted 20 United States and
3 Canadian patents. His articles have been published in many coun-
tries and several have been reprinted as handbooks. He is also the
coauthor of a textbook on "Photographic Chemicals and Solutions."
The comprehensive paper on which this Award is based represents
one of a series of papers relating to the important problem of insuring
maximum permanency of photographic images, which has been inves-
tigated for many years under Mr. Crabtree's supervision. Much of
this work has been done in collaboration with The National Archives
and the Committee on Preservation of Film of this Society. The im-
portance of this work can be appreciated when we consider the mil-
lions of films, plates, and paper prints representing valuable records
that must be placed in storage each year throughout the world.
Mr. Crabtree has received numerous honors for his work, having
been elected to the fellowship of four international photographic and
technical societies. With Dr. M. L. Dundon in 1925, he received the
Progress Medal of the Societe frangaise de Photographic. He has
served tirelessly and efficiently on many committees of this Society
and has been on the Board of Editors of the JOURNAL of the Society
for many years, a portion of this time as Chairman. His wise council
was given on the governing Board of the Society for several years, and
he was entrusted with the highest office, that of President, in 1929
and 1930.
In private life, Mr. Crabtree describes himself as a farmer, and the
fame of his vineyard -on Canandaigua Lake near Middlesex, New
York, is widely known — especially to his more intimate friends. He
became a naturalized citizen in 1925 and takes an active interest in
the affairs of the township where he resides.
The second author of the Award paper, George T. Eaton, was born
in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. He attended Brandon College at
Brandon, Manitoba, from 1926-1932, and received the Bachelor and
Master of Arts degrees from that institution where he specialized in
geology, chemistry, and mineralogy. From 1932-1934 he continued
his studies at Acadia University, Wolfville, Nova Scotia, where he
completed the work for his Bachelor of Science degree. From there
he moved westward again to Toronto University to do graduate work
in analytical chemistry for 3 years. In 1937 he joined the staff of the
Kodak Research Laboratories and worked as a research chemist
in the department of photographic chemistry until 1942 when he
Jan., 1945 CITATION ON JOURNAL AWARD 7
moved to the administration staff as assistant to Dr. Walter Clark.
While in the photographic chemistry department, Mr. Eaton de-
voted the major portion of his time to investigation of 2 problems:
(1) the elimination of residual silver and hypo from processed photo-
graphic materials, and (2) selenium, gold, and dye coupler toning of
photographic papers. On the former subject, he has published 9 tech-
nical papers. Two United States patents have been granted to him.
Sinc£ he joined the administration staff, one of his responsibilities
has been the supervision of the production of reticles for instruments
used by the Armed Forces.
FIG. 1. Presentation of certificates to recipients of 1944 Journal
Award. Left to right, President Herbert Griffin, J. I. Crabtree, G. T.
Eaton, and L. E. Muehler.
Outside of his research work, Mr. Eaton's interests are his family,
tennis, and music. He is a member of the Photographic Society of
America. United States citizenship was granted to him in 1943.
Lowell E. Muehler, the third of this group of authors, was born in
Sullivan, Indiana, and received his university education at Rose
Polytechnic Institute, Terre Haute, Indiana, where he was granted
the Bachelor of Science degree in 1926 and the Chemical Engineer
degree in 1927. He has also done graduate work at the University of
Rochester in chemistry and optics.
8 G. E. MATTHEWS Vol 44, No. l
Mr. Muehler joined the Kodak Research Laboratories in June,
1927, to do research in the department of photographic chemistry.
Since that date he has carried out theoretical and practical research
on many problems, chief among which are the following: the per-
manency of photographic images, reducers and intensifiers, antihala-
tion backings, tropical processing, antifoggants, analysis of spots and
marks, hardeners for gelatin and other colloids, corrosion of materials
used for photographic apparatus. The results of some of these inves-
tigations have been published in 10 technical articles and 7 United
States patents have been granted to him.
For his hobbies, Mr. Muehler enjoys tennis, gardening, and pho-
tography. He is a member of the American Chemical Society and of
Alpha Chi Sigma, professional chemical fraternity.
It gives me real gratification now to present Mr. Crabtree, Mr.
Eaton, and Mr. Muehler to President Griffin, who will present the
Journal Award of the Society of Motion Picture Engineers to them.
[The President then presented the Journal Award Certificates, and Mr. Crab-
tree responded on behalf of himself and associates, as follows : ]
As senior member of the family, and speaking for Lowell Muehler
and George Eaton, we deeply appreciate this honor.
Receiving this certificate recalls to mind the great amount of time
and thought that Glenn Matthews put into getting the certificate de-
signed. After rejecting several unsatisfactory sketches from some of
the New York designers, he had the bright idea of establishing a com-
petition among the young art students at the then Rochester Me-
chanics Institute for the best submitted sketch. Well, here it is.
The youthful prize winner is now with one of the outstanding de-
signers here in New York City.
When officiating with Glenn at Kodak Park as judge of the sub-
mitted designs, I little dreamt that the chosen one would come home
to roost and in such bountiful numbers.
The problem of how to make photographs permanent has been with
us since the beginnings of photography. Herschel thought that he
had solved the problem when he fixed a photographic image in hypo,
but photographs still faded on keeping, as you all know who keep a
family album.
We have known for a long time that the main cause of instability
of silver images was the presence of traces of residual hypo which
were difficult to remove by washing. We now know how to eliminate
Jan., 1945 PROGRESS MEDAL A WARD 9
the hypo by oxidizing it in a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and am-
monia as developed by Lowell Muehler, and we have a more complete
knowledge of how to remove hypo quickly by washing because of
the painstaking efforts of George Eaton.
An investigation of this nature carried out over a period of many
years is, of course, the result of collaboration of many workers, and it
would be fitting to inscribe these Certificates with the words, "and
to their many co-workers who contributed so generously to this in-
vestigation."
[President Griffin continued:]
The paper receiving Honorable Mention was published in the
February, 1943 issue of our JOURNAL, entitled "The Effect of De-
veloper Agitation on Density Unifbrmity and Rate of Development,"
the authors being C. E. Ives and E. W. Jensen, also of Eastman Ko-
dak Company.
PROGRESS MEDAL AWARD
A gold medal is awarded by the Society to an individual in recog-
nition of any invention, research, or development which in the opinion
of the Progress Medal Award Committee shall have resulted in a sig-
nificant advance in the development of motion picture technology.
The nomination was unanimously ratified by the Board of Governors,
and I am happy to say that the citation will be read by a man who is,
himself, the holder of the 1936 award, and widely known throughout
the industry. He is Vice- President in charge of Research and Develop-
ment of the Eastman Kodak Company — Dr. C. E. K. Mees.
JOHN GEORGE CAPSTAFF*
C. E. K. MEES**
Since the invention of the motion picture, there have been many
improvements in the art, but possibly the most radical innovation
was the introduction about 20 years ago of films and apparatus es-
pecially designed for use by the amateur photographer. These sub-
standard films not only made amateur cinematography possible, but
they have made a substantial contribution to the professional side
of the motion picture art. The success of this introduction was due
primarily to our member who is tonight presented for the Progress
Award and Medal.
John George Capstaff was born at Gateshead-on-Tyne in England
on February 24, 1879. After an education in the Heaton Science and
Art School of Rutherford College, Newcastle, he studied at Arm-
strong College, specializing for the most part in subjects relating to
physics and engineering. His family was connected with the ship-
building industry, for which the Tyne is so famous, and he himself
intended to study engineering, but as the shipbuilding industry was
suffering from one of its periodical waves of depression, he started
work as a young man for a very famous photographer of Newcastle,
Mr. Lyddell-Sawyer. There he took an interest in all the work that
was being done and seized every opportunity to learn different
branches of the photographic art, and so got an excellent grounding
in photography, finally specializing in the handcoloring of prints.
His interests, however, were largely in mechanical devices, and after
he started his own studio, he spent much of his spare time with a
group of friends in the consideration of engineering problems, es-
pecially those relating to aeronautics, which was then beginning to
appear as a fascinating field for the engineer.
* Recipient of 1944 Progress Medal Award of the Society of Motion Picture
Engineers; presented Oct. 17, 1944, at the Dinner-Dance during the Technical
Conference in New York.
* Vice-President in charge of Research and Development, Eastman Kodak
Company, Rochester, N. Y.
10
JOHN GEORGE CAPSTAFF 11
While he studied these mechanical problems, Mr. Capstaff was also
working on experimental photography and invented several modifi-
cations of photographic processes, some of which were later of use to
him. One of these was a process of the same type as the now well-
known Carbro process, by which prints in carbon tissue could be pro-
duced from bromide prints. Another was the production of photo-
graphs which were invisible until the paper had been exposed to
light, this forming an advertising novelty.
FIG. 2. John G. Capstaff, recipient of 1944 Progress
Medal Award.
In 1912, a friend of Mr. Capstaff was talking to Professor F. G.
Donnan about some of the inventions he had made, and Professor
Donnan asked what Mr. Capstaff was doing. On learning that he
was a portrait photographer, he said that he should instead be doing
some technical work. He mentioned that Mr. Eastman had asked
me to organize a research laboratory for the Eastman Kodak Com-
pany and that I was planning to come to America to become "director
of research for the Eastman Kodak Company. He suggested that
Mr. Capstaff should see me and ask whether he could join me.
12 C. E. K. MEES Vol 44, No. l
This was my first meeting with Mr. Capstaff, and as I was anxious
to get someone to come with me who could transfer the work we had
done on color filters, it was arranged that Mr. Capstaff should come
to Wratten and Wainwright and learn our technique, and then come
to Rochester in charge of our production of filters and the experi-
mental work related to it.
Mr. Capstaff had not been long in the new research laboratory at
Rochester before he began experimental work in several fields of pho-
tography. By 1914 he was working on processes of color photog-
raphy, and a 2-color portrait process, to which we gave the name
Kodachrome, was worked out by him and exhibited at the World's
Fair in San Francisco in 1915. Soon after this, experiments were
started to adapt the process to motion picture photography, duplicate
negative images being printed from a master positive onto opposite
sides of double-coated film by means of an optical printer, these being
transformed into dye images by a process related to that on which Mr.
Capstaff had worked many years before for the production of carbon
prints from bromides.
In 1914, Mr. Capstaff conceived the idea of applying a reversal
process to the production of amateur motion pictures. Work on this
progressed rapidly, and I have a letter from him dated April 17, 1917-
in which he laid down the conditions which he believed necessary for
the development of practicable home motion pictures. There had al-
ready been work done in this field by others, and much had been done
from the standpoint of the design of apparatus, but what was neces-
sary to make the whole thing a success was a simple and inexpensive
method of producing the finished pictures, and this was supplied by
Mr. Capstaff 's invention of a practical reversal process.
The reversal process which was eventually used was based on that
proposed by Namias in 1909, in which Namias developed the original
negative, bleached the developed image with acid permanganate, and
then, exposing the bleached image to white light, redeveloped a posi-
tive from the residual silver halide. The difficulty with this process
is its great sensitivity to the exact thickness of the emulsion coat-
ing. If the emulsion coating is too dense, there is too much silver
halide for the second image. If it is too thin, there is too little. Its
use requires the adoption of a very thin emulsion having little latitude
and necessitates very even coating, any streaks producing serious
difficulty. The pictures are dependent upon the original exposure
given; there is no means of correcting for errors in exposure. These
Jan., 1945 JOHN GEORGE CAPSTAFF 13
difficulties were overcome by Mr. Capstaff by the use of a controlled
second exposure, the exposure given after the bleaching of the ori-
ginal image being determined by the density of the silver halide re-
maining, so that lack of silver halide was compensated for, to some
degree, by an increased second exposure, and, similarly, an excess of
silver halide resulting from heavy coating or underexposure was com-
pensated for by decreased re-exposure.
The results obtained by this improved reversal process were star-
tlingly better than those which could be made without the control of
the second exposure, and it was this which made the process a suc-
cess. With this as the base of his work, Mr. Capstaff worked on the
design of the film itself, the camera loading method, the camera, the
projector, and the processing equipment. A great deal of work on the
subject was done, of course, by his associates in the Eastman Kodak
Company — both the staff of the laboratory and the engineers and
chemists of the production departments — but considerably more than
half of all the development work involved in the introduction of 16-
mm film by the Eastman Kodak Company in 1923 was done by our
medalist.
The process was first announced and demonstrated publicly in
January, 1923, in lectures at Rochester and at the Franklin Institute
in Philadelphia. Pictures were taken at the beginning of the lecture,
processed in the building while the lecture was in progress, and shown
at the conclusion.
The product was introduced in June, 1923, and in addition to the
apparatus made by the Kodak Company itself, competitive equip-
ment— cameras and projectors — were marketed before the close of
the year.
Many improvements in the equipment used for exposing, process-
ing, and projecting the film were devised by Mr. Capstaff. For ex-
ample, the claw pull-down and curved gate used in the Model B
Cine-Kodak represented useful refinements which improved the steadi-
ness and uniformity of the picture. A daylight loading film maga-
zine was designed. Much basic optical work was done on the pro-
jector and a friction-type panoramic tripod head was designed which
has displaced the gear type in professional as well as amateur
tripods.
Several continuous types of 16-mm film developing machines were
designed and built, incorporating his inventions. One of the improve-
ments used in these machines was the portable-type rack, permitting
14 C. E. K. MEES Vol 44, No. 1
sections of the machine to be removed easily for threading, changes,
and inspection.
Extensive investigations were conducted to improve the quality of
duplicate prints from 16-mm positives. Mr. Capstaff's suggestions
resulted in a steady improvement until it was possible to make dupli-
cates that were almost indistinguishable from the original. Printing
equipment used for this work was designed in part by him. Improve-
ments in the film emulsions used for duplicating purposes were also
effected at his suggestion.
A new industry is usually the result of the integrated ideas of a
large number of individuals, and while this is true in the case of the
16-mm substandard film system, it can be stated fairly that Mr. Cap-
staff contributed the major portion of the fundamental elements.
During the past 20 years, many competitive cameras and projec-
tors have been marketed. As a general rule, the cameras are driven
by spring motors which are wound up between exposures, and cam-
eras for amateur use are made much more compact than the earlier
ones. Projectors for 16-mm sound films were introduced in 1932 and
' cameras in 1935.
In 1932, the "Cine*-8" film and apparatus were introduced, the
pictures being one-quarter of the size of the 16-mm picture.
During recent years, there has been a great increase in the use of
16-mm film for educational and industrial purposes. The most strik-
ing example of this development is the wide use of 16-mm sound films
for training members of the Armed Forces in the present war. Ex-
tensive use has also been made of 16-mm sound films for instructing
industrial workers. Libraries of films have been established in many
parts of the world, where films are loaned for entertainment and in-
structional purposes. In the field of scientific investigation, 16-mm
films are being used to an increasing extent.
Between 1908 and 1925, a 3-color additive process of color pho-
tography on 35-mm film was worked out in principle by R. Berthon
and A. Keller-Dorian of France. In 1925 this process was demon-
strated to the Eastman Kodak Company, and it appeared so promis-
ing that they arranged to purchase the rights for its development,
particularly as an amateur process of color cinematography. In that
year, Mr. Capstaff began work on the adaptation of this process for
use with existing 16-mm cameras and projectors. This process,
in which a lenticulated film is used, the lenticles forming images
of filters fitted in the lens, was introduced commercially in 1928
Jan., 1945 JOHN GEORGE CAPSTAFF 15
and was used successfully for several years by amateur motion
picture enthusiasts.
Research work on a 35-mm process of the same type was carried on
under Mr. Capstan's direction for several years. A number of im-
provements in the process resulted in pictures of high quality, a
demonstration of which was given before the Society of Motion Pic-
ture Engineers in 1936.
While working on his 2-color process, Mr. Capstaff found that the
addition of a yellow dye to each emulsion of the double-coated film
used in making the duplicate negatives represented a useful method of
controlling the depth of the exposure and therefore preventing pene-
tration of the light through the film. The addition of the dye also
had the effect of increasing the resolving ^power of the emulsion by
reducing irradiation or scattering, greatly extending the latitude and
lowering the maximum contrast. The dye was water soluble and
could be washed out during the developing process. Mr Capstaff
realized that the use of a yellow dye would improve the films em-
ployed for the making of duplicate negatives and carried out much
experimental work, which resulted in the introduction of special films
for this purpose. In consequence, motion picture producers estab-
lished the present practice of duplicating their original negatives, a
notable improvement in motion picture technique.
In 1927, Mr. Capstaff established the formula of a developer es-
pecially suitable for the production of fine-grained images on negative
film. This formula (D-76) met with ready acceptance and is used
very widely by amateur and professional photographers for all classes
of work.
Mr. Capstaff is essentially an experimenter and loves to carry out
his work with his own hands, but no account of that work would be
complete without some mention of the training which he has given
through the years to his associates and assistants. Many men in the
organization of the Eastman Kodak Company are proud to acknowl-
edge with gratitude their obligation to him. This feeling is, I am sure,
shared by motion picture engineers throughout the industry, many
of whom have been helped by his wide knowledge and ready inven-
tion.
This statement of his work and recitation of his principal inventions
show that motion picture technique owes very much to Mr. Capstaff.
In the whole art of photography, he has been a pioneer, and his work
has always been distinguished by its accuracy and completeness.
16 C. E. K. MEES Vol 44, No. l
It is with the greatest satisfaction, Sir, that I present to you John
George Capstan7 for the Progress Medal of the Society.
[The President then presented the Society's gold medal to Mr. Capstaff, who
acknowledged the honor bestowed upon him with the following words : ]
Mr. President, Dr. Mees, Fellow Members, and Friends :
I have no long, prepared speech to give, but I should like to say a
few words in accepting the extraordinary honor being conferred on
me tonight by the Society.
When a small boy at school, I learned a story which made a lasting
impression upon me. It was the one about the youngster who was in-
vited by his uncle to attend a Christmas party where, so he was told,
he could partake of a cake made by his aunt with the help of over a
thousand persons. The boy was greatly disappointed when he found
that the cake was just the regular family size and not, as he had
expected, at least as large as a house.
His uncle explained that while his aunt had baked this very fine
cake, she could not have done so without 'the help of a very large
number of other persons: for example, the farmers who tilled the
earth, sowed the seeds, reaped the wheat ; the millers who ground the
flour; the trucksters who carried the flour from the millers to the
storekeeper who had sold the flour to his aunt. And many other
people supplied items that went into the making of this cake: the
persons who tended the raisins grown abroad, gathered them, dried
them, and shipped them to our ports ; and so he went on to show that
many more than a thousand persons were concerned in the baking of
that cake.
As Dr. Mees has indicated, I, from time to time, had the idea that I
should like to bake cakes, different perhaps in some degree from cakes
made hitherto, but, like the aunt in the story, I could have made very
little headway had it not been for the help of a great many persons,
both within my department and outside of it. For example, Dr.
Mees has spoken tonight of the men who left the photographic de-
partment to assume other responsible positions in the company. It
surely seems clear that these men who are now doing such splendid
work elsewhere contributed much while members of my department.
I am happy and proud to acknowledge the great help given me by
them and by those still with me.
The working out of ideas, advice, and practical help were contrib-
uted also by many in other departments of the research laboratories;
Jan., 1945 JOHN GEORGE CAPSTAFF 17
I am thinking of members of the physics and chemistry departments.
Of those outside the research laboratories, I remember the immense
help received from the emulsion department, the engineering and
mechanical staff, and others in Kodak Park. Going farther afield,
I am thinking of Hawk-Eye Works opticians, the instrument makers,
and others who gave generously of their knowledge and skill. I
count myself as singularly fortunate in the friendly manner in which
these experts have always collaborated with me in the development of
ideas.
I wish, then, if I may, to accept this high Award on behalf of all
past and present members of the "Cappy" gang and their friends.
Thank you.
RERECORDING 35-MM ENTERTAINMENT FILMS FOR
16-MM ARMED FORCES RELEASE*
P. E. BRIGANDI**
Summary. — In preparing 35-mm entertainment films for 16-mm release to the
Armed Forces, a rerecorded 16-mm negative is used for contact release printing.
Restricted frequency and volume ranges are applied in the rerecording to meet the limi-
tations of reproduction in the field.
Prior to the war, the few 16-mm sound prints RKO needed were
made by optical reduction from the original release negative. This
provided a convenient and inexpensive way to make single prints,
and the quality was considered adequate for projection to small
groups. When RKO began releasing the majority of their 35-mm en-
tertainment films on 16-mm to the Armed Forces, optical printing
could not suffice as it was too slow to provide the large number of
prints required. While 16-mm contact printing was more rapid it
necessitated making a 16-mm negative, the first of which was opti-
cally reduced from a fine-grain 35-mm print. .
When prints of these negatives were projected on an average 16-
mm reproducer the sound was not uniformly intelligible or pleasant
to hear. The 3 main causes for this deficiency were (1) the overload-
ing and resonant peaks of the projector speaker when reproducing low
frequencies, (2) the resultant surface noise and the noise of the pro-
jector running in the room prevented the low passages of dialogue
from being heard, and (3) the relative lack of resolution in the film
and variations in printer contact were causing the extreme high fre-
quencies present on the track to intermodulate.
The only solution was to restrict the frequency and volume ranges
by rerecording. The simplest procedure was to rerecord from a 35-mm
release print directly to a 1 6-mm negative. The alternative of rerecord-
ing a second time to 35-mm and making a 16-mm negative by optical
reduction was discarded as it was wasteful of 35-mm raw stock and
* Presented Apr. 19, 1944, at the Technical Conference in New York.
** RKO Radio Pictures, Inc., Hollywood.
18
RERECORDING FOR ARMED FORCES RELEASE 19
increased the cost. Using the original units as prepared for rerecord-
ing the 35-mm release negative was not necessary as the distortion
introduced in rerecording from this rerecorded 35-mm release track
was not sufficient to reduce intelligibility.
RCA Recording Studios, having a high-quality 16-mm recorder
and considerable experience in recording this type of negative partic-
ularly for "Soundie" 16-mm releases, were glad to cooperate in meeting
the emergency. However, the "Soundie" recordings involved only
orchestral and small vocal groups and were designed to be reproduced
on a standardized projector unit. On the other hand, the 35-mm
entertainment films consisted of wide-range dialogue, music and ef-
fects. Besides, the 16-mm versions were to be reproduced on various
types of projection equipment under p©ssible adverse conditions.
In view of this and the objections mentioned earlier, it was decided to
attenuate the low frequencies, increase the mid-range frequencies,
sharply attenuate the high frequencies, while drastically limiting the
volume range.
To produce a 16-mm sound negative having these characteristics
a rerecording channel was set up. This is similar to a standard 35-
mm channel except for 4 special units of equipment and changes in
one existing unit. The special units consisted of a 16-mm pre-equal-
izer, a 4500-cycle low-pass filter, a 16-mm monitor decompensator,
and an RCA 16-mm recorder equipped with a standard bilateral
variable-area modulator and shutter-type noise reduction system.
The 16-mm pre-equalizer is used for the purpose of overcoming
the high-frequency loss inherent in 16-mm sound track. This does
not equalize for the total losses at the high frequencies in 16-mm re-
cordings, but is a compromise to simulate some apparent high fre-
quencies.
The 4500-cycle low-pass filter sharply attenuates the high-fre-
quency response above 4500 cps. This attenuation is necessary for
satisfactory 16-mm release prints and limits the amount of intermodu-
lation produced in the reproducing system and laboratory processing.
The 16-mm monitor decompensator is inserted before the regular
2- way monitor system and the neon volume indicator. The purpose
of this attenuation is to give a monitor characteristic similar to that
which may be expected in the field.
The electronic compressor used in the 35-mm channel is adjusted
to operate as an electronic limiter. This limiting action is variable
but usually compresses 17 db of modulation range on the 35-mm
20 P. E. BRIGANDI Vol 44, No. 1
track into 3 db of modulation on the 16-mm track, expressed as "17
into 3." By increasing or decreasing the attenuation ("ceiling con-
trol") following the limiter this compressing action may be started at
any desired level ("breakaway point") with respect to 100 per cent
modulation on the 16-mm track. For the majority of this work the
attenuator is set so the breakaway point is about 5 db below 100 per
cent modulation. This automatically raises the low-level dialogue to
a higher level while maintaining protection against overload from the
louder dialogue and music passages.
Sixteen-millimeter operation of the rerecording channel is similar to
35-mm work, but is simplified by using the release prints as the effects,
dialogue, and music are already combined. The average volume
range and frequency characteristic of the 35-mm track is observed by
projecting one or 2 reels of the picture to be rerecorded. A compres-
sion ratio is then determined which keeps the normal dialogue level
some 3 db below the loud music level. The very low-level dialogue
will then be kept to a level not lower than 5 db below the normal. It
is necessary with this amount of compression to change the ceiling
control on loud music and effects to prevent "squeezing."
The negative stock used has been EK 5357 exposed with ultra-
violet light. Recently, tests on the new EK 5372 exposed with in-
candescent light have shown excellent results. Either stock is de-
veloped to a high contrast (near gamma infinity) and exposed with
sufficient light to give a track density of about 2.00. Contact prints
on EK 5302 are then developed to normal picture contrast with a
track print density of about 1.50. Low negative and positive fog
coupled with good printer contact and the elimination of extreme
high frequencies during rerecording provide rather broad processing
tolerances.
The method outlined in this paper must be considered a war emer-
gency expedient, as it is realized that the dramatic values of certain
pictures may suffer with this treatment and that the total distortion
introduced is higher than desired. However, the main purpose is to
provide our Armed Forces with 16-mm releases, having high intelli-
gibility under all conditions of projection.
Acknowledgment is gratefully given to W. M. Dalglish of RCA
Victor Division for his pioneering in this field and for assisting in the
preparation of this paper, and to Sid Kramer of RKO Radio Pic-
tures, for his cooperation in the program.
Jan., 1945 RERECORDING FOR ARMED FORCES RELEASE
21
DISCUSSION
DR. HONAN: Supplementing Mr. Brigandi's excellent paper, I would like to
have an opportunity to present to the meeting a rerecording of the Academy test
reel, to show further what is proposed in the way of transferring 35-mm sound
track and picture to 16-mm for the Armed Forces release. The film which I am
about to run is the standard Academy test reel with which most of you may be
familiar. It is the film which we use in Hollywood for checking sound quality,
as well as other features of motion picture work. The Academy film is made up
of excerpts provided by the various studios. The film itself is not rerecorded, each
section from each studio being printed from the negative which that studio has
upplied. Therefore, the equalization and sound qualities of each section are in
ccordance with the standard practice of the studio supplying the section.
FREQUENCY
FIG. 1. Dubbing equalization applied to a 35-mm release print used
to produce a 35-mm negative for reduction printing to 16-mm.
In the preparation of the film I am going to show you, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer,
in cooperation with the Academy, made a special 35-mm dubbing. In this dubbing
the channel equalization is also shown by the curve in Fig. 1. This specially
dubbed print was then optically reduced to 16-mm by the Consolidated Film
Laboratory. The optical reduction was done with a white light printer.
I wish to point out that this is the first attempt in this line of work, and the
Academy, together with the studios, is actively pursuing the work so that the
final answer as to the techniques employed is not yet available.
ORGANIZATION OF COMMITTEES ON ENGINEERING OF
THE SMPE*
D. E. HYNDMAN**
There have been numerous occasions in the past few years when
chairmen and members of committees on engineering of the Society of
Motion Picture Engineers explained that they did not understand
their responsibilities, duties, and authority. Each emphasized that
this lack of knowledge about organization procedure literally pre-
vented him from contributing to the work of committees and to the
progress and prestige of the SMPE. The purpose of the following ex-
planation of the organization, policy, procedure, and operation of
committees on engineering is to clarify this situation.
There always has been, there is, and there always will be a job for
everyone to do in the SMPE. All that is necessary is a sincere inter-
est and a willingness to work actively on problems confronting the
motion picture industry. If a job is to be accomplished, all must un-
derstand and appreciate the organization of the SMPE.
A business organization may be roughly denned as a group of one
or more individuals associated in ownership or conduct of a business
for profit. There are many types of business organizations — general
partnerships, limited partnerships, joint stock companies, syndicates,
joint ventures, pools, corporations (producing, distributing, trading,
and marketing), trusts, nonprofit organizations, human organizations
(family, welfare, noncommercial), etc. Likewise, there are many
types of profit — monetary (income from investments and salaries),
knowledge and experience given and received, association with recog-
nized authorities in their fields of endeavor, accomplishment in guid-
ing industry, etc.
The SMPE is an engineering organization of a group of individuals
associated in a general partnership to conduct a business paying no
salaries to officers or members, but operating on a nonmonetary
profit principle to recommend procedures, to guide to some extent
* Presented Oct. 16, 1944, at the Technical Conference in New York.
** Engineering Vice-President, Society of Motion Picture Engineers.
22
COMMITTEES ON ENGINEERING 23
research and development, to encourage improvement, and to lead
standardization within the motion picture industry. Organization re-
acts upon operation and the success of our enterprise. This is largely
determined by the character and strength to do business. The char-
acter of our organization is of great importance to all officers and the
Board of Governors responsible for organizing, guiding, and directing
the business affairs. The committees on engineering have much to do
with determining this character and strength of the SMPE, because
theirs is the engineering job in its truest scientific and business sense.
The Engineering Vice-President of the Society has the responsi-
bility, duty, and authority to make decisions on all engineering mat-
ters and problems representing transactions within, through, or by
the Society. Naturally, it is understood that all such matters will be
discussed with the President, or the Executive Vice-President, or the
Board of Governors, or, if of sufficient importance, with the entire
organization. He appoints, organizes, and coordinates the member-
ship and work of all committees on engineering. All these commit-
tees have fundamentally the same authority, responsibility, and
duty.
Each chairman of each committee has authority of action and de-
cision on all matters representing transactions within, through, or by
his committee. He can select the membership, organize and coordi-
nate the projects in the specific field assigned to the committee, ap-
prove reports in conjunction with committee members, and transact
the general business of the committee.
Each chairman is responsible to the appointing officer for all trans-
actions conducted by his committee, and for surveying the field to
which his committee specifically applies, with an endeavor to search
out projects that warrant consideration, and to be constantly alert
for possibilities of standardization of any specific and tried procedure,
method, construction, or device that will add accomplishment to the
motion picture industry. For committees on engineering, this di-
rectly implies that the chairmen will regularly consult or correspond
with the Engineering Vice-President on these subjects so that ade-
quate reports of the work and progress can be prepared and pub-
lished for the benefit of the industry.
Each chairman and member should execute the general business
and work of his committee aggressively but tactfully. It is the chair-
man's duty to facilitate and expedite work efficiently by appointing
subcommittees to which specific tasks may be assigned whenever
24 D. E. HYNDMAN Vol 44, No. l
such a method is deemed desirable. Subcommittees generally func-
tion best with not more than 5 members because large membership
requires too many adjustments. The chairman should continually
check the progress of the work of such subcommittees to assist in
expediting the work. All inter- and intracommittee general corre-
spondence should be handled promptly to encourage interest and
confidence in the sincerity of the effort. Whenever a report is pre-
pared, it must have a majority affirmative vote consisting of three-
quarters of the committee membership to constitute approval for
submission to the appointing officer (Engineering Vice-President) , or
for submission for publication in the JOURNAL of the SMPE. While
engineers or authorities on motion pictures may serve on committees,
only members of the SMPE may vote on any project.
All discussions and transactions either inter- or intracommittee are
to be treated as the confidential property of the SMPE and the com-
mittee. No publicity about the work of any committee may be re-
leased by the chairman or any member of it without the approval of
the President and the appointing officer.
There are 13 regular major committees on engineering:
Cinematography
Color
Exchange Practice
Laboratory Practice
Nontheatrical Equipment
Preservation of Film
Process Photography
Sound
Standards
Studio Lighting
Television
Test Film Quality
Theater Engineering
(1} Film Projection Practice
(2) Screen Brightness
(5) Television Projection Practice
(4} Theater Engineering, Construction, and Operation
Each of these committees is directly responsible to the Engineering
Vice-President (as mentioned earlier), to the Executive Vice-Presi-
dent, the President, the Past-President, the Board of Governors, and
finally the members of the Society. It is obvious, therefore, that cop-
ies of all correspondence emanating from either the Engineering Vice-
President or the chairman of any committee should be sent to the
Jan., 1945 COMMITTEES ON ENGINEERING 25
Executive Vice- President, the President, the Past-President, and the
Executive Secretary of the Society. This procedure serves to keep
the proper officers informed and also keeps a record of all engineering
activity in the office of the Society for reference of future incumbents.
With knowledge of the organization and functioning of these com-
mittees, it becomes necessary to have an idea of their scope of activity
in the respective fields of the motion picture industry to which each
committee is classified and assigned. Prescribed details cannot be
given here, but perhaps a broad outline will prove of assistance.
The Committee on Cinematography should make recommenda-
tions and prepare specifications for the operation, maintenance, and
servicing of motion picture cameras, accessory equipment, studio and
outdoor set lighting arrangements, camera technique, and the varied
uses of motion picture negative films for general photography.
The Committee on Color should make recommendations and pre-
pare specifications for the operation, maintenance, and servicing of
color motion picture processes, accessory equipment, studio lighting,
selection of studio set colors, color cameras, color motion picture
films, and general color photography.
The Committee on Exchange Practice should make recommenda-
tions and prepare specifications on the engineering or technical meth-
ods and equipment that contribute to efficiency in handling and stor-
age of motion picture prints, as far as can be obtained by proper de-
sign, construction, and operation of film handling equipment, air-
conditioning systems, and exchange office buildings.
The Committee on Laboratory Practice should make recommenda-
tions and prepare specifications for the operation, maintenance, and
servicing of motion picture printers, processing machines, inspection
projectors, splicing machines, film cleaning and treating equipment,
rewinding equipment, any type of film handling accessories, methods,
and processes which offer increased efficiency and improvement in the
photographic quality of the final print.
The Committee on Nontheatrical Equipment should make recom-
mendations and prepare specifications for the operation, maintenance,
and servicing of 16-mm motion picture projectors, splicing machines,
screen dimensions and placement, loudspeaker output and place-
ment, preview or theater arrangements, and the like, which will im-
prove the reproduced sound and picture quality of 16-mm prints.
The Committee on Preservation of Film should recommend and
prepare specifications on methods of treating and storage of motion
26 D. E. HYNDMAN Vol 44, No. 1
picture film for active, archival, and permanent record purposes, so
far as can be prepared within both the economic and historical value
of the films.
The Committee on Process Photography should make recommenda-
tions and prepare specifications on motion picture optical printers,
process projectors (background process), matte processes, special
process lighting technique, special processing machines, miniature
set requirements, special effect devices, and the like, that will lead to
improvement in this phase of the production art.
The Committee on Sound should make recommendations and pre-
pare specifications for the operation, maintenance, and servicing of
motion picture film, sound recorders, rerecorders, and reproducing
equipment, methods of recording sound, sound film processing, and
the like, to obtain means of standardizing procedures that will result
in the production of better uniform quality sound in the theater.
The Committee on Standards should constantly survey all engi-
neering phases of motion picture production, distribution, and exhibi-
tion to make recommendations and prepare specifications that may
become proposals for SMPE Recommended Practices and/or Ameri-
can Standards. This Committee should carefully follow the work of
all other committees on engineering and may request any committee
to investigate and prepare a report on the phase of motion picture en-
gineering to which it is assigned.
The Committee on Studio Lighting should make recommendations
and prepare specifications for the operation, maintenance, and serv-
icing of all types of studio and outdoor auxiliary lighting equipment,
tungsten light and carbon arc sources, lighting effect devices, diffus-
ers, special light screens, etc., to increase the general engineering
knowledge of the art.
The Committee on Television should make recommendations and
prepare specifications for the operation, maintenance, and servicing
of motion picture theater television equipment giving full considera-
tion to the engineering phases of television which effect origination,
transmission, distribution, and reproduction of television in the the-
ater.
The Committee on Test Film Quality should supervise, inspect,
and approve all print quality control of sound and picture test films
prepared by any committee on engineering before the prints are re-
leased by the SMPE for general practical use.
The Committee on Theater Engineering comprises the membership
Jan., 1945 COMMITTEES ON ENGINEERING 27
of 4 subcommittees under a single general chairman, but each sub-
committee has a distinct and separate scope of activity. The Sub-
committee on Film Projection Practice should make recommenda-
tions and prepare specifications for the operation, maintenance, and
servicing of motion picture projection equipment, projection rooms,
film storage facilities, stage arrangements, screen dimensions and
placement, and maintenance of loudspeakers to improve the quality
of reproduced sound and the quality of the projected picture in the
theater.
The Subcommittee on Screen Brightness should make recommenda-
tions, prepare specifications, and test methods for determining and
standardizing the brightness of the motion picture screen image
at various parts of the screen, and for specific means or devices in the
projection room adapted to the control or improvement of screen
brightness.
The Subcommittee on Television Projection Practice should make
recommendations and prepare specifications for the construction, in-
stallation, operation, maintenance, and servicing of equipment for
projecting television pictures in the motion picture theater, as well
as projection room arrangements necessary for such equipment, and
such picture-dimensional and screen-characteristic matters as may be
involved in high-quality theater television presentation.
The Subcommittee on Theater Engineering, Construction, and
Operation should make recommendations and prepare specifications
on engineering methods and equipment of motion picture theaters in
relation to their contribution to the physical comfort and safety of
patrons, so far as can be enhanced by correct theater design, con-
struction, and operation of equipment.
All of these committees have in the past year had many of their
members doing work on various subcommittees of the American
Standards Association War Committee on Photography and Cine-
matography-Z52. Twenty-five standards have been completed
representing projects urgently needed by the Armed Forces of the
United States, and more than 25 additional standards in the fields of
both still and motion picture photography are on the way.
16-MM MOTION PICTURES
* Service Model Projection Equipment, Z52. 1-1944 (JAN-P-49)
* Release Prints, Z52.3-1944 (JAN-P-55)
Sound Records and Scanning Area for Prints, Z52. 16-1944
28 D. E. HYNDMAN Voi 44, No. i
Leaders, Cues, and Trailers for Reduction Prints, Z52. 19-1944
Positive and Negative Splices for Processed Films, Z52.20-1944
Test Methods
Determining Freedom from Projector Travel Ghost, Z52. 4-1944
Determining Resolving Power of Projector Lenses, Z52. 5-1944
Determining Projector Picture Unsteadiness, Z52.6-1944
Determining Uniformity of Projector Scanning Beam Illumination, Z52. 7-1944
Test Films
Multi-Frequency Test Film, Z52.8-1944
3000-Cycle Flutter Test Film, Z52.9-1944
Buzz-Track Test Film, Z52. 10-1944
Sound-Focusing Test Films, Z52. 11-1944
400-Cycle Signal Level Test Film, Z52. 17-1944
Printer Aperture Dimensions
Positive Aperture for Reduction Printing, Z52.24-1944
Negative Aperture. for Reduction Printing, Z52. 25-1944
Positive Aperture for Contact Printing, Z52.26-1944
Aperture for Reversal Prints, Z52.27-1944
35-MM MOTION PICTURES
Picture Projection Aperture, Z52.27-1944
Camera, Photographing Aperture, Z52.35-1944
EXPOSURE METERS
* Service Model Exposure Meter, Z52. 12-1944 (JAN-M-58)
Acceptance of Reflected Light Meters, Z52.21-1944
Calibration of Reflected Light Meters, Z52.21-1944
Abuse Testing Mechanism, Z52.30-1944
* JAN Specifications and American War Standards listed together are techni-
cally identical.
The procedure necessary for the formulation of these American
War Standards for motion picture equipment and processes, and the
relationship to this project of members of the committees on engi-
neering and the SMPE, were described in two earlier papers, "War
Standards for Motion Picture Equipment and Processes," and "Re-
port of the Engineering Vice- President on Standardization," which
appeared in the April, 1944, issue of the JOURNAL of the Society,
pages 211-229, and in the July, 1944, issue, pages 1-4, respectively.
The planning, initiation, and prosecution of the major project of the
preparation, study, and issuance of the various specifications have
Jan., 1945 COMMITTEES ON ENGINEERING 29
afforded the Society of Motion Picture Engineers an opportunity to
collaborate with the Armed Forces, the War Production Board, the
American Standards Association, and the motion picture industry
along lines which, it is believed, have been of constructive assistance
to the war effort.
Several of the committees have definite projects in work on which
reports will be presented to the SMPE within the coming year. The
Committee on Laboratory Practice expects to prepare a report to
present to the next convention on "Current Motion Picture Labora-
tory Practice" which will describe in detail both 35-mm and 16-mm
procedures for handling motion picture film. This committee also has
in progress a report on "The Design, Construction, and Operation of
a Modern Motion Picture Laboratory." In addition, work is being
done toward the standardization of the notching technique used both
in the timing and printing of motion picture film.
The Committee on Nontheatrical Equipment is preparing a repbrt
containing recommendations and specifications for the use of 16-mm
sound-on-film projectors in specified preview rooms for both indus-
trial and educational purposes. This report will contain very defi-
nite recommendations which will incorporate much of the work that
has been accomplished by the American Standards Association in the
preparation of American War Standards.
The Committee on Preservation of Film has in preparation a re-
port on "The Storage of Valuable Motion Picture Film for Perma-
nent Record Purposes" which will give specific recommendations and
specifications about the proper procedure to follow. This report will
be presented at the next convention of the SMPE.
The Committee on Sound is studying the current recommenda-
tions for 35-mm and 16-mm sound track positioning and scanning
which will, within the next few months, result in an American Stand-
ard.
The Committee on Standards has a number of projects under con-
sideration : Glossary of Terms for the Motion Picture Industry, 35-
mm and 16-mm Sound Track Standardization, studies on the 35-mm
Dimensional Specifications for Intermittent Sprockets which it is
believed will lengthen the life of 35-mm prints, Specifications for the
Cutting and Perforation of 16-mm Raw Stock Motion Picture Film,
etc. These projects will be discussed in future reports from this Com-
mittee, and it is believed some of them will be completed before the
next convention.
30 D. E. HYNDMAN
The Committee on Television has, through the SMPE, designated
Paul J. Larsen as its Representative and E. I. Sponable as Alternate
at the hearings of the Federal Communications Commission begin-
ning on October 28, 1944, specifying that the Representative shall
present the frequency allocation needs of theater television and its
allied services in the foreseeable future to the Commission at that
time. The full details of the resolutions on frequency allocation for
theater television will be published in report form as soon as the ma-
terial has been presented to the Federal Communications Commis-
sion. This work has entailed a great deal of effort and organization,
and it would appear to be one of the most important steps ever under-
taken by the SMPE. This Committee has additional work in prog-
ress which will undoubtedly be prepared and ready for presentation
at the next convention.
The Subcommittee on Film Projection Practice of the Committee
on Theater Engineering is now preparing recommendations and spe-
cifications for the design and construction of a 35-mm sound-on-film
projector which will offer considerable improvement over present
equipment.
The Subcommittee on Screen Brightness will again resume active
work upon the problem -of providing adequate methods of measuring
screen brightness by means of devices in the projection room which
will be suited to a better control of projection quality in the theater.
The Subcommittee on Television Projection Practice is formulating
an active program to coordinate with the work of the Committee
on Television.
The Subcommittee on Theater Engineering, Construction, and
Operation is in the process of organizing further details about the
work of this Committee which will undoubtedly be presented at the
next convention.
These projects are being completed as rapidly as possible because
of the very cooperative effort of the members of the SMPE, and it is
believed that as a result of this intensive work many new procedures
will appear which will eventually result in the production of a num-
ber of American Standards. Only by a unified effort of each and
every member of each and every committee on engineering can we, as
a Society, expect to progress and accomplish the tasks that are self-
evident to us.
APPLICATION OF SOUND RECORDING TECHNIQUES TO
AIRPLANE VIBRATION ANALYSIS*
J. G. FRAYNE AND J. C. DAVIDSON**
Summary. — This paper describes methods which have been developed for analysis
of the various vibration components present in airplane structures. The complex
wave forms are recorded on standard motion picture sound negatives during flight.
These films later, after proper development, are analyzed electrically, making possible
a complete analysis on the ground and thereby reducing materially the time devoted
to flight test, and also simplifying the process of analysis of complex waveforms.
In the fall of 1940 a conference of aircraft engineers and government
representatives was held to consider ways and means for obtaining
adequate apparatus for use in aircraft vibration testing. At that
time, one method of vibration analysis consisted of flying all of the
analyzing equipment, and the various vibration rates were deter-
mined one by one during the flight test. There were several objec-
tions to this method of operation. In the first place, it could be used
only in planes sufficiently large to carry the test equipment and test
personnel. Also, the conditions being studied frequently changed, or
could not be maintained sufficiently long for the purposes of the test.
Last but not least, it consumed many hours of very expensive flight
time.
Another method of test widely in use provided means for recording
approximately 12 galvanometer traces on a large roll of sensitized
paper which was subsequently developed on the ground. After this,
it required many man-hours of work, over a period of months in some
cases, before a Fourier analysis of the fundamental frequencies and a
few of their higher orders (or harmonics) could be made available for
the aircraft designer's information.
It was apparent that the ideal test equipment was one that would
make a record of the output of possibly 12 vibration pickups and at
* Presented Oct. 17, 1944, at the Technical Conference in New York.
:* Electrical Research Products Division of Western Electric Company, Holly-
wood.
31
32 J. G. FRAYNE AND J. C. DAVIDSON Vol 44, No. 1
any desired later time reproduce them in a manner that would permit
electrical analysis of the component frequencies contained in the re-
corded complex vibration signal. After due consideration, we under-
took to accept the output of 13 amplifier channels, record the informa-
tion onto 13 sound tracks in line on film, and deliver the reproduced
sound track outputs at a sufficient level to a suitable electrical ana-
lyzer.
A study of the problem disclosed that the aircraft industry was con-
cerned with three different types of vibration problems, each in gen-
eral covering a different range of frequencies, but otherwise having
about the same equipment requirements. These were:
(1) Tests of airplane structures which were in general concerned
with low-frequency vibrations of the aircraft structure arising from
aerodynamic causes.
(2) Propeller tests which were concerned with forced vibrations in
the lower audio range.
(3) Aircraft engine tests, the problems of which closely paralleled
both of the above classes, that is, the higher frequency forced vibra-
tions in the engine itself and the low frequencies in connection with
engine mounts.
Considering the divergence of application of the desired test equip-
ment, a remarkably close agreement was obtained regarding the spe-
cific requirements to be met. The greatest divergence in requirements
was with respect to frequency response. It was found that the test
equipment should cover a frequency range from 5 to 3000 cps. It also
developed that the speed at which the record must be run ranged from
3 to 12 in. per sec.
The specifications that were finally formulated are too lengthy for
enumeration and covered many pages. It is interesting, however, to
note a few of the requirements. The total harmonic distortion be-
tween the input to the light valve and reproduced signal should not
exceed 4 per cent. A total frequency range from 5 to 3000 cps should
be flat within 5 per cent. Also, the level difference or sensitivity
among any of the 13 channels should not deviate from a mean by
more than 5 per cent.
The scope of this paper will confine itself to an analysis of the prob-
lem and a review of the considerations that led to the decisions as to
what type of equipment would be used. The actual embodiment of
these considerations into the vibration recorder, reproducer, and am-
plifier channels is described in two other related papers.1- 2
Jan., 1945 SOUND RECORDING AND AIRPLANE VIBRATION 33
At first glance everything seemed quite straightforward. The out-
put of 13 amplifier channels would be recorded as 13 separate sound
tracks across 35-mm film. The film would subsequently be devel-
oped and reproduced in a machine that was capable of simultaneously
scanning 13 sound tracks across the film in line, and at the same time
the 13 modulated light beams would be led to 13 photocells by an ap-
propriate optical system. The output of the 13 photocells would be
suitably amplified with 13 amplifiers, and the 13 signals would be
passed through a multichannel analyzer. With a 4-channel analyzer
any four of the tracks could be simultaneously explored for a funda-
mental and any higher order of vibration disturbance. The output
of the analyzers could be read on a meter, viewed on an oscilloscope,
or recorded as- a calibrated graph. It is obvious that the measuring
equipment should not introduce any significant frequency or ampli-
tude modulation, or phase distortion of its own, else the resulting
analysis would give false information.
The most difficult distortion to eliminate in this type of equipment
is the introduction of frequency modulation of the recorded signal by
speed variations or flutter in the recording and reproducing mecha-
nisms. The effect of flutter on the quality of sound records is well
known, but its effect on quantitative measurements of single frequen-
cies as transmitted through narrow-band pass filters is not so well un-
derstood.
A very comprehensive analysis of the effect of flutter on sound re-
cordings has been made by Shea, MacNair, and Subrizi.3 They
found that the presence of flutter produces what is in effect a fre-
quency modulation of the signal. In accordance with the well-known
characteristics of FM radio transmission,4 there results in addition to
the fundamental or carrier frequency, a series of side bands, the num-
ber and amplitudes of which depend on what is known as the modu-
lation index. The latter is defined as the ratio of the frequency de-
viation from the normal produced by the presence of flutter to the
cyclic frequency, or what is generally known as the flutter frequency
rate. The amplitudes of the carrier or normal frequency and the
various side-band frequencies introduced by flutter are given by the
Bessel coefficients Jo («), Ji (a), Jz (<*), etc.
If we assume a 2000-cycle carrier being modulated ± one per cent
by flutter in the recording mechanism, the flutter rate being 20 cycles
per sec, the frequency will vary from 1980 to 2020, 20 times a sec.
Then a = A/0//m = 20/20 or 1.0. From a chart of Bessel's functions
34 J. G. FRAYNE AND J. C. DAVIDSON Vol 44, No. 1
shown in Fig. 1, we then find the following values may be assigned to
the carrier and side-band frequencies :
2000 J0 = 0.76
2020 Ji = 0.43
2040 J2 = 0.11
2060 J3 = 0.02
Similar values exist for the lower side-band frequencies.
It would appear, therefore, that in a recorder having a one per cent
flutter amplitude at a 20-cycle rate, the amplitude of the carrier or
normal tone will be reduced by 24 per cent, while spurious side-band
frequencies of considerable amplitude will be introduced which might
be erroneously attributed to the mechanism under test. As the car-
rier frequency is reduced, the effect of flutter is correspondingly low-
ered, while reducing flutter rate results in an increase in the number
and amplitude of the spurious components.
The design of modern sound recording equipment usually results
in flutter values that do not exceed ±0.1 per cent at any particular
rate, while the lowest flutter rate is usually of the order of one cycle
per second. If we arbitrarily set a value for the modulation index of
0.5 as the maximum that can be tolerated, we thus obtain a maximum
frequency deviation or/0 = 0.5. Since this is 0.1 per cent of 500 cy-
cles, the latter is the top frequency which can be analyzed and meet
the specified limit on a with the flutter amplitude and rate listed
above. It follows that much greater flutter amplitudes can be per-
mitted at higher flutter frequencies ; hence the emphasis that must be
placed on reducing the amplitude of low-frequency flutter components
to the minimum.
The frequency band width of the analyzer plays an important role
in the analysis of vibrations. It must be narrow enough to permit
resolution of the lower vibration components and yet wide enough to
permit readings of the higher frequencies without introducing varia-
tions attributable to drift or low-frequency flutter disturbances.
For vibration frequencies below 10 cycles per sec, a band width of
possibly one cycle per second would be ideal, while above this value a
band width of 4 cycles has proved to be quite satisfactory. A filter
with a band width proportional to the frequency being analyzed would
appear to be ideal, but since such filters usually have a sharply peaked
response, their use in many ways is not as ideal as the flat-top, con-
stant band width type.
Jan., 1945 SOUND RECORDING AND AIRPLANE VIBRATION
35
It is obvious that a filter with a 4-cycle band width will discard the
side bands introduced by flutter, provided the flutter rate exceeds the
4-cycle per sec value. At the same time, it will permit the evaluation
of these side-band components which the observer would have to dis-
tinguish from true vibration components present in the structure
under test. For flutter frequencies below the band width frequency,
it is apparent that some of the side-band frequencies will be included
RELATIVE AMPLITUDES OF CARRIER AND SIDE FREQUENCIES
ooooo ooopooopo-
u> °J> °o» K> — O — rjw^cncn-JO)<oc
N
\ CARRIER
\
\
\
>
^T
^
NUMBERS REFER TO SUCCESSIVE
SIDE FREQUENCIES
/
\
/
s
z "^
V
3
~~.
4
/
V
\
/
\
v
V
?>
/
/\
/
\
/
A
/
A
\^
/
V
s
/\
, S
/
V
^
&
/
/
^
s'
^
^
\-
^s
^
-t-
i
•
\
y
\
\
/
\
\
/
\
/
** —
*/
0 0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0 2.5
INDEX
FIG. 1. Chart of Bessel's functions showing relation between carrier and side-
band frequencies.
with the carrier that is being measured. According to FM principles,
the resultant vector sum of the carrier and all side bands remains con-
stant and equal to the unmodulated carrier amplitude. Thus, if a
sufficient number of side bands are incorporated within the filter
band width, and if the response of the analyzer is linear and also
shows no phase or frequency discrimination within this band, the
resultant output should give the true value of the carrier that would
be found if no flutter were present. Obviously this condition can only
36 J. G. FRAYNE AND J. C. DAVIDSON Vol 44, No. 1
exist for extremely low flutter frequency rates in an analyzer with a
4-cycle band width.
Recorder Drive. — The problems of the film propulsion for the
recorder were analyzed on the basis of the foregoing. The type of
film drive was selected after due consideration of the probable ef-
fects of the yawing and pitching of an airplane on the recorder
mechanism. It consisted of 2 stages of speed reduction using the
series cord belt type of drive. This appeared to eliminate any pre-
ceding gear disturbance without introducing any disturbance of its
own.
Motor. — After investigating various types of drive motors, it
was found that with a d-c motor operating from storage batteries,
satisfactory performance might be expected. Sufficient studies
were carried on with this motor to indicate that all rates of flutter
below 22 cps might be expected to be less than ±0.1 per cent. At
the lowest rate of disturbance to be found in the recorder, this would
produce a sufficiently small modulation index to assure the deter-
mination of the amplitude pf a component frequency up to approxi-
mately 750 cycles.
Modulator and Optical System for the Recorder. — A study of the
requirements indicated that a single light source and optical system
interrupted by 13 vibrating elements in line would be required.
This automatically eliminated consideration of variable-density
recording, since no obvious way of recording 13 variable-density
tracks in line occurred to us. The use of variable-area type tracks
also offered the opportunity for visual inspection of the tracks by
means of a slide projector or a tool maker's microscope, should the
occasion for this type of inspection arise. It was accordingly de-
cided to concentrate on a multiple Einthoven type of modulator,
containing 13 tuned ribbons in a single permanent magnet field,
the whole assembly to be hermetically sealed for protection against
dust. One of the requirements was that light valves be inter-
changeable without affecting track positions and without requiring
a change of focus or the relocation of the exciter lamp. Inasmuch
as the equipment was to be used by personnel not skilled in handling
sound recording apparatus, it was essential that the light-valve
ribbons be capable of maintaining their tuning and spacing to a
high degree of accuracy over a period of a year or longer without
attention.
The space available on the film for 13 sound tracks permitted a
jau., 1945 SOUND RECORDING AND AIRPLANE VIBRATION 37
maximum useful width for each sound track of approximately 32 mils.
Fig. 2 is a photograph of actual vibration recordings showing the 13
tracks. Since the ribbons are 6 mils wide, this called for an optical
magnification of approximately 5.3. This in turn placed very stringent
mechanical requirements on the spacing and locating of the ribbons in
the light valve, as a one-mil displacement of a sound track represented
less than 0.2 of a mil error in the location of the ribbon in the light
valve. A number of valves of this type have subsequently been built.
They have proved highly satisfactory and have maintained their
alignment and tuning over long periods of time.
FIG. 2. Typical 12-channel vibration recording with control frequency on
thirteenth channel.
Film Analysis. — There seemed little likelihood that commercial
printers could be counted on to hold flutter within the required
limits so that means had to be considered for using the original
negative record for playback. An investigation in 1942 of available
film emulsions showed that none was satisfactory for direct repro-
duction from variable-area negatives. While it was possible to
secure reproduction that was relatively free of distortion, the opti-
mum film density fell at about 0.6, a point at which considerable
amplitude variation exists if the density varies about this point
because of changes in lamp exposure or development conditions.
Consequently, with the aid of the Eastman Kodak Company, a
special emulsion, later coded EK 1371, was developed for this
specific type of work. This is an exceedingly fine-grain film
38 J, G. FRAYNE AND J. C. DAVIDSON Vol 44, No. 1
mounted on a nonhalation base. Optimum operating density values
lie between 1.0 and 1.2, and in this range only slight amplitude
changes result from changes in density from any cause. This
film is inherently high contrast, and while it may be developed satis-
factorily in an ordinary motion picture bath, best results are ob-
tained in a solution specifically designed for the development of
high contrast variable-area negatives.
Reproducer. — The problems encountered in considering the de-
sign of the film reproducer were considerably different from those
met in the recorder. Since the unit was to operate on the ground
only, weight and mechanical filters were no limitation. In the case
of the recorder, the recording image could be located on a solid ro-
tating drum or sprocket. However, in reproducing it was neces-
sary that the light beam cover nearly an inch in width of the film
containing the sound tracks, and then be projected on 13 photoelec-
tric cells. This automatically eliminated a rotating type of scanner
assembly, and required the use of a fixed gate which is inherently a
source of flutter trouble.
A system was evolved whereby a belt drive to a heavy flywheel
mounted on the film drive sprocket shaft was used with a curved
gate located adjacent to the drive sprocket. In order to obtain uni-
form tension on the film as it passed over the curved gate, an eddy cur-
rent type of drag was devised. The nature of this film propulsion de-
vice was such that it introduced very little flutter in the low-fre-
quency bands, which is the requirement that must be met for the
analysis of relatively high frequencies through a narrow band pass
filter.
One of the problems that required a good deal of thought was the
providing of means for maintaining the same frequency response
within 5 per cent over the 13 channels between the frequency range
of 5 and 3000 cps. An optical system operating over so wide a field
both in the recorder and reproducer introduced variations in output
level at the higher frequencies among the tracks considerably greater
than the requirements permitted. Electrical equalization in the re-
producing amplifiers appeared totally impractical, since it completely
disrupted the phase relations among the various tracks. Phase cor-
rection networks appeared impractical, for as time went on it was
conceivable that the frequency characteristics might shift for one
reason or another, and this would require a redesign of the phase cor-
recting networks. The problem was finally solved by the introduc-
Jan., 1945 SOUND RECORDING AND AIRPLANE VIBRATION 39
tion of an optical method of correcting the frequency characteristic
and adjusting the phase relation among the tracks.
Conclusion. — In conclusion, many thousands of tests have been
recorded with 'this type of equipment. We have been advised that
the flight test time has been reduced to approximately one-fiftieth
of that required by other methods of test, and in addition the final
analysis of the information is available for consideration a day or
two after the flight test has been made.
REFERENCES
1 DAVIDSON, J. C., AND CRANE, G. R. : "Airplane Vibration Recorder," /. Soc.
Mot. Pict. Eng., 44, 1 (Jan., 1945), p. 40.
2 CRANE, G. R.: "Airplane Vibration Reproducer," /. Soc. Mot. Pict. Eng.,
44, 1 (Jan., 1945), p. 53.
3 SHEA, T. E., MACNAIR, W. A., AND SUBRIZI, A.: "Flutter in Sound Records,"
/. Soc. Mot. Pict. Eng., XXV, 5 (Nov., 1935), p. 403.
4 EVERITT, W L.: "Frequency Modulation," Trans. Am. Inst. Elec. Eng.,
59 (Nov., 1940), p. 613.
AIRPLANE VIBRATION RECORDER*
J. C. DAVIDSON AND G. R. CRANE**
Summary. — This paper describes a portable film recorder capable of simultane-
ously recording 13 variable-area tracks on 35-mm film. It is intended for use in the
analysis of airplane vibration or similar studies in which it is desirable to record dis-
turbances (mechanical, acoustical, or electrical] from a number of sources in such a
manner that the resultant record can be analyzed for frequency, amplitude, and phase
relation. Film speeds of 12, 6, or 3 in. per sec are available.
In the first paper of this series,1 the basic problems involved in the
application of film recording technique to the recording of test data
for airplane vibration work were discussed in some detail. The theo-
retical considerations were developed, and the requirements of
equipment were outlined. These items may be briefly summarized
as follows :
(1} The over-all equipment must be as small as possible, reasonably light in
weight and sufficiently rugged to withstand handling and installation in air-
planes for flight test work.
(2) The optical system must provide 13 variable-area records on standard 35-
mm film, utilizing all of the space between sprocket holes, and give sufficiently
good definition to allow all records to exhibit approximately the same quality and
definition of image. The optical efficiency must be such that the recording lamp
may be operated at a point low enough to insure a long and dependable life.
Provision must be made for monitoring all 13 tracks simultaneously before and
during the take.
(5) As previously discussed,1 the film motion must be very good with respect
to the lower flutter rates, and the film path must be so designed as to permit simple
threading and easy removal of film magazines. Movement of the film must be
independent of accelerations in any direction, which are frequently experienced in
the course of airplane flight.
(4) Interchangeable film magazines are required to contain 200 ft of film.
They must be simple to thread, as small as possible, and contain a device to insure
that the threaded film loop on the take-up spindle cannot be pulled off while
handling.
* Presented Oct. 17, 1944, at the Technical Conference in New York.
** Electrical Research Products Division of Western Electric Company, Holly-
wood.
40
AIRPLANE VIBRATION RECORDER 41
(5) The light valve shall be of sealed construction for protection against dirt,
and the 13 ribbons shall have uniform characteristics with respect to dimensions,
placement, sensitivity, and frequency characteristics. The light valves shall be
interchangeable in the recorder without requiring adjustments.
(6) Equipment shall operate satisfactorily over a temperature range from — 40
F to +120 F.
(7) The motor driving this equipment shall operate from a nominal 24 v,
d-c, and shall provide adequate speed regulation to meet the requirements. It
shall attain stable speed as rapidly as possible and be provided with dynamic
braking to insure fast stops, and thereby conserve film.
(8) Three recording speeds shall be provided: namely, 12 in., 6 in., and 3 in.
per sec, with corresponding facilities for lamp current control.
FIG. 1. Front view of recorder and mounting base.
(9) Several accessories are required which include a photographic slater to
photograph automatically a slate number on each "take," a footage counter, a
sequence switch for automatic operation, a film speed indicator, a continuous
monitoring device, a remote control unit, and the usual miscellaneous operating
controls.
It is obvious from the foregoing list of requirements that consider-
able equipment must be contained in a relatively small space, so it is
not surprising that the assembly is somewhat crowded. However,
most of the items have been designed on a unit subassembly basis,
and the parts requiring inspection or adjustment have removable
covers, or are otherwise made readily available.
42
J. C. DAVIDSON AND G. R. CRANE Voi 44, No. 1
The main recorder case, magazine, and the mounting base are
shown by Fig. 1. They are magnesium alloy castings and all compo-
nents within the case are designed to be as light in weight as possible.
The over-all weight of the recorder, including a magazine and film,
is 96 Ib. The recorder is mounted on a base which contains shock
mountings to protect it from severe vibrations. The base has handles
for carrying or strapping in an airplane. Where space is at a premium
RECORDING SPROCKET
LIGHT VALVE RIBBONS
RELAY LENS
CONDENSER LENS
CYLINDRICAL LENS
EXCITER LAMP
RECORDING SPROCKET
FIG. 2. Optical schematic.
the mounting base may be removed and shock protection provided
for the recorder by other means. All electrical connections to the re-
corder are made through Cannon plugs located on the lower front
surface of the main case.
The optical system is shown by Fig. 2. Light from the lamp is fo-
cused by the condenser lens located in the rear of the light valve to
form an image of the filament at the ribbon plane. The filament
image is diffused in the horizontal direction to avoid filament coil
striations. This is accomplished by a cylindrical lens element
mounted in the modulator and adjacent to the condenser lens when
Jan., 1945
AIRPLANE VIBRATION RECORDER
43
the light valve is in place. A relay lens mounted in the light- valve
pole piece serves to collect light and focus the condenser lens aperture
into that of the objective lens. The objective is a high-quality lens
which focuses an image of the light- valve ribbons on the film. A
mask, which is placed directly in front of the objective lens, has a cen-
tral rectangular opening, the horizontal edges of which are focused by
a small cylindrical lens near the film to form the recording light beam
on the film. This beam then appears as a line of light one mil high,
extending across the width of the film and broken by the shadow
images of the light-valve ribbons. The mask in front of the objective
lens has a second opening, the light from which is collected by a mirror
and used for monitoring purposes as explained later.
FIG. 3. Placement of 13 sound tracks on 35-mm film.
The resultant unmodulated sound tracks are shown by Fig. 3.
This record is a negative in which the ribbons appear as clear traces
approximately 32 mils wide and spaced approximately 40 mils apart.
As the ribbons in the valve move, 13 variable-area tracks are thereby
produced.
The multiple cord drive was adopted as the most satisfactory for
the requirements imposed on this equipment. The motor speed is
reduced in 2 stages of approximately 4.3 : 1 to drive a 40-tooth sprocket
on which the recording is done. The cord drive has 7 parallel strands
of approximately 0.040-in. braided cotton cord which run in half-
round grooves in each small pulley and lie on a flat surface of each
large one. One continuous piece of cord is used and an idler pulley
44
J. C. DAVIDSON AND G. R. CRANE Vol 44, No. 1
provides for the crossover strand from the inside edge of one pulley
to the outside edge of the other. The large pulleys have relatively
low mass, and the belts are sufficiently tight so that they exhibit
very little compliance. Consequently, there is little tendency to gen-
erate troublesome flutter. This flutter is measurable, but it is of
relatively low magnitude and sufficiently high rate to make it negli-
gible in this application. The relatively low rotating masses also
FIG. 4. Front view with recorder and magazine doors open.
provide a maximum of freedom from flutter produced by external
accelerations of the equipment in flight.
The splicing of these belts presented an interesting problem, and
we were unable to find a supplier who would undertake to splice
them in a manner in which the splice would be equal in flexibility and
diameter to the rest of the belt. A technique was finally developed
for braiding the ends of the cord strands in a manner in which the
laps are staggered, and the splice is essentially identical in diameter,
flexibility, and strength to the remainder of the cord. These belts
are prestretched before splicing, so that tightening after installation
Jan., 1945 AIRPLANE VIBRATION RECORDER 45
is rarely necessary, because the multiple strands give sufficient fric-
tion without requiring excessive tension.
The 3-speed requirement was met by using change gears between
the motor and a counter shaft. The flutter caused by gear disturb-
ances is relatively high in frequency, and the amplitude is such that
no trouble is experienced from this source. This, of course, partly re-
sults from the fact that more flutter may be tolerated at higher rates,
as previously explained.
The film path is shown by Fig. 4. The film is held on the recording
sprocket by 2 ball-bearing pad rollers, which are the only operating
controls in threading. The upper roller has flanges which guide the
film onto the sprocket and control film weave to within =*= one mil. The
lower roller has a central section of rubber which causes the film to
be pressed against the sprocket just ahead of the point where the
film leaves the sprocket. This serves 2 purposes: It holds the film
against the sprocket with sufficient friction so that displacements of
the film owing to sprocket-tooth action tend to be attenuated by
frictional damping. This action, combined with the proper choice of
sprocket diameter relative to film pitch, keeps the generation of
sprocket-hole flutter to a minimum.
A second advantage of this roller is that it makes a critical adjust-
ment of the film take-up tension unnecessary even though this sprocket
normally operates as a holdback sprocket. Each magazine provides
a light tension on the feed roll, and it was found that as the diameters
of the feed and take-up rolls interchange, a condition may arise where
the film tension on either side of the sprocket may become approxi-
mately equal. Under this condition, it is obvious that considerable
instability would be possible since the sprocket teeth are somewhat
smaller than the sprocket holes. The action of the rubber roller is
such that the film remains at all times in the position on the sprocket
corresponding to normal operation as a holdback sprocket.
This film movement has the additional advantage of being ex-
tremely simple for threading in conjunction with the removable
magazines. This film pulling arrangement has been found to be quite
reliable and has operated satisfactorily in this application.
The flutter measured on this equipment has been found to be of
the order of =*=0.1 per cent at rates below one cycle per second range,
but in this range it is largely a function of the constancy of the supply
voltage. From one to 10 cycles per sec, flutter is generally less than
±0.1 per cent and gradually climbs at higher rates to a maximum of
46
J. C. DAVIDSON AND G. R. CRANE Vol 44, No. 1
about 0.25 per cent at the sprocket-hole rate, which is 64 per sec
at a film speed of 12 in. per sec.
The film magazines have been designed to be as rugged as possible
and are interchangeable on the recorder without affecting flutter or
the film position on the sprocket. They contain 2 light-traps as the
film goes in and out, and the reel centers are spaced as close together as
possible to take advantage of the fact that the diameter of one roll in-
*
FIG. 5. Sealed assembly and views of 13-ribbon, permanent magnet light valve.
creases as the other decreases. They provide for slightly over 200
ft of film, and a manually operated dial on the door may be set as an
indication of the unexposed film footage within the magazine. One
unique feature of this magazine is a ball-and-wedge type of ratchet
contained in the take-up assembly. Since these magazines are loaded
in a darkroom, it is essential that the return film loop anchored on the
take-up spool shall not be accidentally unrolled or loosened, which
would thereby cause take-up failure.
The light valve developed for this application is shown by Fig. 5.
It consists of a permanent magnet in the form of a hollow square and
Jan., 1945 AIRPLANE VIBRATION RECORDER 47
2 end plates containing pole pieces between which the 13 light-valve
ribbons are strung. These ribbons are the standard Western Electric
light-valve ribbons, made of duralumin, which are 0.5 mil thick by
6 mils wide. These ribbons lie in precise grooves cut in 2 ivory
bridges which determine the ribbon positions. The ribbon ends are
clamped in a manner similar to that used in sound recording light
valves, and the ribbons are tuned to approximately 6000 =*= 100 cycles.
The valve is used sufficiently below resonance that it becomes es-
sentially a stiffness controlled device. The variations in individual
ribbon sensitivity are held to ±0.8 db, and frequency characteris-
tics up to 3000 cycles are held within ±0.4 db.
FIG. 6. Recorder equipped with insulat-
ing cover for low temperature operation.
These valves are assembled and then magnetized by means of spe-
cial equipment and are not intended to be opened for any reason
except by the manufacturer. Experience has shown that these
valves are extremely stable and since they are well sealed, they re-
quire no attention whatever unless a ribbon is burned out. The am-
plifier equipment used to feed the valve is usually provided with a
limiting device so that the ribbons cannot be accidentally damaged.
As previously described, the side of the valve toward the lamp con-
tains a condenser lens assembly. A wedge-shaped section of a spher-
ical lens is mounted in the rear pole piece. The other end plate of
the valve, which faces the objective lens, is provided with a cover
48
J. C. DAVIDSON AND G. R. CRANE Vol 44, No. 1
glass. All glass surfaces are coated to provide for maximum trans-
mission and minimum reflection.
Operation at low ambient temperatures requires that the recorder
be supplied with a source of heat. Therefore, several feet of a flexible,
spun glass insulated heating element are mounted in the rear of the
recorder to distribute the heat. A thermostat automatically ener-
gizes this heating element when the temperature falls below 40 F,
but it is fed through relay contacts designed to prevent the heater
a
FIG. 7. Rear view of recorder showing drive mechanism and the
modulator with its door open for access to the light valve.
from being energized during a recording period. This is done to pre-
vent a change in motor speed which might be caused by the added
load of the heater coming on the battery. As shown in Fig. 6, a
heavy blanket type of cover is furnished to conserve heat, and it con-
tains hinged flaps to give access to operating controls and indicating
devices.
The motor and gear drive are shown by Fig. 7. The d-c driving
motor is shunt wound, with manual speed control, and operates
normally at 1800 rpm from a 24- to 28l/2-v source. The field is de-
signed so that it may be left continuously across the 24-v line without
Jan., 1945 AIRPLANE VIBRATION RECORDER 49
excessive heating. This is done to facilitate switching circuits which
provide for dynamic braking when the motor is stopped, thereby re-
ducing wasted film to a minimum at each operation of the recorder.
The acceleration and deceleration are such that the total film loss per
take is approximately 1.5 ft at 12 in. per sec, and proportionately less
at the lower speeds.
The motor has ball bearings and silver-carbon alloy brushes to re-
FIG. 8. Top view of recorder showing control panel and indicating
devices.
duce possible variations in brush contact drop at the commutator.
An eddy current drag disk is mounted on the rear of the motor for
the purpose of providing a well-damped, constant load which is
large compared with that of the recorder. This tends to attenuate
minor speed changes which would otherwise result from slight load
changes in the recorder caused by the various mechanical operations
that occur during the recording cycle. The motor is mounted on a
sub-base to form a subassembly with the countershaft. This provides
fixed centers for the 3 sets of change gears previously referred to.
These gears are bronze running against phenol linen and are ac-
50 J. C. DAVIDSON AND G. R. CRANE Vol 44, No. l
curately cut with respect to center distances and concentricity. The
3 sets of gears are interchangeable without readjusting the mesh, and
each is mounted by 3 screws to a hub. A small door is provided in
the rear cover of the recorder to permit accessibility for changing
these gears without removing the cover.
The various accessories will be described briefly. Some of these have
been added to more recent equipment manufactured as a result of
operating experience. In order to identify various takes, a pair of
Veeder counters were used. As shown by Fig. 8, one of these is vis-
ible from the top of the recorder, and the other is contained within
the slater which is automatically photographed on the film at the end
of each take. The circuits are arranged to provide a time delay so
that the recorder is stopped before the slater operates. A 12-v fluo-
rescent lamp is used, and the filament is heated during the recording
period and flashed by means of a relay which connects a charged con-
denser to the anode of the lamp. This produces a flash of short dura-
tion as the condenser discharges.
A footage counter, also visible on top of the recorder, is the same
type as used in the slater. It is driven by a cam mechanism and in-
dicates feet of film.
A sequence switch is provided which performs the function of stop-
ping the recorder after a predetermined footage of film has been run.
The sequence of operation is started by a momentary operation of
the start switch, after which the sequence switch controls several re-
lays which, in turn, control the motor, recording lamp, and the slating
operation. The sequence switch, consisting of 3 cams operating
microswitches, is driven by small change gears so that standard take
lengths of approximately 3.5, 5, 7, or 10 ft may be obtained. A long
take consisting of any multiple of the standard take may be obtained
by holding the start switch closed.
A small remote control unit is provided which contains a mo-
mentary start switch, an extension take counter, and signal lights for
slate and operation. It also provides for an additional extension of
the start switch which may be a small, simple momentary switch that
may be attached to the control stick. It is sometimes necessary for
the pilot of a small plane to control the recorder also. This control
unit may operate with any desired length of cable since it contains
only relay control circuits.
The visual monitoring device consists basically of a small screen
located at the top of the recorder, on which is focused an image of the
Jan., 1945 AIRPLANE VIBRATION RECORDER 51
light-valve ribbons. This image is swept across the screen by means
of a rotating, 6-sided mirror. With this facility, any steady, repeti-
tive signal impressed on the ribbons may be made to appear as a
standing wave pattern on the screen for viewing. This facility is not
intended to provide a high order of accuracy, but primarily as an in-
dication of the nature and amplitude of the signal being impressed on
the ribbon. Two guide lines are provided on the monitor screen to
assure the operator that the valve is in its proper position and that all
ribbons are intact.
The rotating mirror is driven by a d-c shunt motor, and the mirror
speed may be adjusted by a control knob over a very wide range.
This speed adjustment makes use of a right-angle friction drive ,in
which the driving disk may be moved relative to the driven disk on
the prism shaft. The lower limit of observation for a standing wave
pattern is of the order of 25 cycles. This is determined primarily by
the number of wave lengths desired and flicker which results from the
lack of persistence of vision at slow rotational speeds. The screen
may be slid to one side and replaced by a viewing eyepiece which
gives greater magnification of a smaller field, but may be moved to
view any track.
The film speed is indicated by a vibrating reed type of meter having
5 reeds with the central reed indicating proper speed and tuned to 60
cycles. A commutator on the motor shaft provides 60-cycle, inter-
rupted d-c to the meter when the motor is running at 1800 rpm.
This meter permits the motor speed to be adjusted with an accuracy
of at least one-half per cent.
The control panel of the recorder contains the usual operating con-
trols, such as a line switch, line voltmeter, pilot lamp, recording
lamp meter, lamp rheostat, and "Operate" signal lamps. The
."Slate" signal lamp, frequency meter, monitor control switch, and
start switch previously referred to also appear on this panel.
This recorder is intended to use Eastman Kodak 1371 film, the
characteristics of which are described elsewhere.1 The negative is
used for all purposes of analysis, and no prints are ordinarily made.
The density for the black portions between the tracks is chosen on the
basis of minimum cross-modulation in accordance with established
techniques used for variable-area sound recording. It has been
found that for the requirements of this application, the visual, diffuse
density should be approximately 1.1 but it is not critical. The lamp
current required to produce this density is, of course, determined bv
52 J. C. DAVIDSON AND G. R. CRANE
lamp tests under the particular processing conditions available, but
the lamp current is usually of the order of 3.7 to 3.9 amp, which is
sufficiently under the normal lamp rating of 4 amp that a long lamp
life may be realized. A development gamma of 3.75 is recom-
mended, which is not critical but is included in the determination of
optimum density for minimum cross-modulation.
This recorder has been in service by several users and is reported to
have materially reduced the time required for flight tests. In addi-
tion, the record produced is a permanent one, and has the significant
advantage of being available for rapid and accurate electrical analysis
which results in additional information and savings in time. The
equipment for the reproduction of the film made on this recorder is
described in another paper.2
REFERENCES
1 FRAYNE, J. G., AND DAVIDSON, J. C. : "Application of Sound Recording
Techniques to Airplane Vibration Analysis," /. Soc. Mot. Pict. Eng., 44, 1 (Jan.,
1945), p. 31.
2 CRANE, G. R.: "Airplane Vibration Reproducer," /. Soc. Mot. Pict. Eng.,
44, 1 (Jan., 1945), p. 53.
AIRPLANE VIBRATION REPRODUCER5
G. R. CRANE**
Summary. — This paper describes a reproducer set designed for use in the repro-
duction for analysis of multiple track film recordings. It is capable of reproducing
simultaneously 13 variable-area tracks recorded side by side on standard 35-mmfilm.
Recorded signals between 5 and 3000 cps are accurately reproduced and may be
analyzed for frequency components, amplitude, and phase relation.
•,
The reproduction of the multitrack film made on the airplane vi-
bration recorder1 represents a significant advance as compared to
other types of oscillographic records commonly used to record air-
plane vibration data and similar phenomena. This advance lies in
the provision for accurate electrical reproduction of the original per-
manent record which may be analyzed by the use of accurate analyz-
ing equipment already available. Some of the aspects of such analy-
sis, with special reference to performance of the reproducing device,
have been described in the first paper of this series.2 It is, of course,
also possible to listen to the audible reproduction in case that is of
interest. The sound tracks on the film may be analyzed visually if
desirable, but for other than check purposes, the electrical analysis is
generally of far greater value.
Basic considerations for both the recording and reproducing equip-
ment have been discussed in the first paper of this series,2 and the
general requirements for the performance of the reproducer are out-
lined. These requirements, together with the accessory devices, may
be summarized as follows :
(1) The optical system and film moving devices shall be such that all 13 of the
sound tracks may be scanned in line, and the light from each track conducted to a
separate photocell whose output is, in turn, connected to a suitable PEC amplifier.
(2) The reproduced signal from each sound track, taking into account both
the optical and electrical elements, must have a high order of uniformity with re-
* Presented Oct. 17, 1944, at the Technical Conference in New York.
c* Electrical Research Products Division of Western Electric Company, Holly-
wood,
54
G. R. CRANE
Vol 44, No. 1
spect to linearity, frequency characteristic, phase relationship, and output level
relative to the original input signal to the recorder light valve.
(5) The film motion must be such that excellent performance can be main-
tained at low nutter rates with somewhat greater amounts of nutter being per-
missible at higher rates. It is also required that this performance be held for
film speed of either 12 in. per sec or 6 in. per sec.
(4} It is required that adequate power supplies be provided to supply the
power requirements of the reproducer and associated PEC amplifiers so that varia-
tions in load and line voltage will not affect the fifm analysis. Means must also
be provided for switching any one of 5 output circuits to any one of the 13 PEC
amplifier outputs with freedom from crosstalk or other electrical interference.
FIG. 1. Front view of reproducer show-
ing film and lamp compartments.
(5) For convenience in operation, several accessories are required. A switch is
required for supplying a-c to the exciter lamp as a means for quickly lining up
channels. A small roller contact assembly is required at the scanning point so
that when a film loop is notched at the splice, a relay circuit will provide a con-
tact to prevent transient disturbances in the analyzing equipment. The same
contact assembly must also provide a facility whereby a recording analyzer may
automatically be started at one passage of the splice, record for one trip around the
loop, and be automatically shut off by the second passage of the splice.
Since this equipment is intended for use on the ground only, weight
and bulk are no particular disadvantage. The reproducing equip-
Jan., 1945 AIRPLANE VIBRATION REPRODUCER 55
merit is designed in 3 major units : the reproducer assembly which con-
tains all of the elements for film pulling and scanning, an amplifier
cabinet containing 14 amplifiers, and a relay rack containing regulated
power units to supply the reproducer and amplifiers.
As shown by Fig. 1, the reproducer consists of a cast housing con-
taining the film moving parts. Considering the requirements for
film movement and scanning, it was determined that a constant
speed sprocket pulling the film across a fixed, curved gate would meet
these requirements, provided that the film tension is held very con-
stant. The latter is accomplished by passing the film over a roller
located just above the gate, the film being held in contact with the
roller by means of a second pressure roller. To this roller is attached
an eddy current drag disk of copper, approximately 6 in. in diameter
and rotating in a space between 2 sets of permanent magnets. The
relative positions of these magnets may be altered in order to change
the total magnetic flux and thereby the film tension. A 2-position con-
trol is provided with this assembly so that the flux may be altered to
give the same effective film tension at either 6 in. or 12 in. per sec,
since the drag is proportional to speed for a given flux.
The curved gate is constructed of hardened steel, highly polished
on the film contacting surfaces. The abrasive action of the film base
serves to maintain a high polish. The contacting surface is relieved
over most of the central area and supports the film only in 4 small
areas between the sprocket holes where abrasion of the film base will
not be in areas useful for scanning. The film is also supported at the
edges, permitting a slot to be cut across the gate at its center between
the sprocket holes to pass light for scanning.
Film guiding is accomplished by adjustable flanges on the eddy cur-
rent drag roller. The bearing design is such that end play in the
roller shaft may be virtually eliminated. A small roller arm assembly
presses the outer race of a ball bearing lightly against the edge of the
film at the scanning point, but exerts sufficient pressure to cause the
film to run against one guide flange. This minimizes weave even
though the film is narrower than standard owing to shrinkage. Feed
and holdback sprockets are provided so that there will be free loops of
film into the drag roller and out of the sound sprocket. These sprock-
ets are driven by a silent chain which also drives the take-up. The
main case contains an opening with guide rollers for passing the film
in and out of the case so that long film loops may be run on suitable
loop racks.
56 G. R. CRANE Vol 44, No. 1
The sound sprocket just below the curved gate is rigidly connected
to a shaft carrying a massive flywheel which is driven by a thin, flat
linen belt directly from the motor and pulley assembly. This is
shown by Fig. 2. The relatively large mass of the flywheel and ex-
tremely low compliance of the belt prevent any natural period of me-
chanical oscillation which would be troublesome from the flutter
standpoint.
The driving motor is a 3-phase, 6-pole synchronous motor running
at 1200 rpm. A stepped pulley and belt grooves on the flywheel pro-
FIG. 2. Rear view showing drive mecha-
nism.
vide for a film speed of either 6 in. or 12 in. per sec. Provision is made
for mounting special 250-f t reels within the reproducer, and the take-up
reel is driven through a felt friction clutch. The large mass of the fly-
wheel effectively prevents any minor disturbances, such as take-up
troubles, from disturbing film motion within measurable limits.
As shown by Fig. 3, the main operating controls are located on a
control panel in the base of the machine and consists of the 3-position
switch for the lamp for operating it either on a-c or d-c. A lamp rheo-
stat and meter are provided and also a lamp "Hold" switch similar to
current practice in certain motion picture apparatus. This reduces
Jan., 1945
AIRPLANE VIBRATION REPRODUCER
57
the lamp voltage when the machine is not running so that heat from
the lamp will not constitute a fire hazard.
The relays which perform the one trip around the loop sequence
previously mentioned are energized from a 12-v source through the
right-hand switch marked "Auxiliary." Two push buttons are pro-
vided on the panel for this automatic cycle, and are marked "Start"
and ' 'Stop." The start button may be pushed at any time. The relay
sequence is such that the next passage of an edge notch locks up a
mechanical latching relay and starts the recording oscillograph when
FIG. 3. Front view of reproducer.
it is properly connected to a receptacle in the rear of the machine.
A time delay relay then transfers the function of the small roller
switch at the film gate so that upon the next passage of the notch the
unlatching coil of the mechanical latch relay is energized, the system
returns to normal, and the recording oscillograph is stopped. If
it is desired to stop the cycle at any immediate position, this may be
done by pushing the button marked "Stop." The film notch is that
produced by the Bell and Ho well Film Notcher commonly used in
film laboratories.
The optical design of this reproducer presented an interesting
58
G. R. CRANE
Vol 44, No. 1
Jan., 1945
AIRPLANE VIBRATION REPRODUCER
59
problem, considering the requirements placed on the multiplicity of
tracks covering the entire width of the film between sprocket holes.
The optical system adopted for this design is shown schematically by
Fig. 4.
The light source is a 120-v, 150-w projection lamp normally oper-
ated on voltage regulated direct current, but it may be switched to
120-v alternating current for quick line-up tests of the various chan-
nels. The light from the lamp passes through a condenser lens as-
sembly having a horizontal stop, and the filament image is focused in
the objective lens. A reflector behind the lamp increases efficiency in
the manner common to most projection optical systems. The film is
as close to the condenser lens as possible and is illuminated across the
full usable width of the film. The objective lens forms an image of
the film on a scanning slit assembly, the lateral position of the entire
image being readily adjustable by the operator. The objective lens is
used at an aperture of / 3.5.
To obtain mechanical compactness and permit short loop opera-
tion, the light beam is deflected by 3 sets of mirrors. The first mirror
following the objective lens reflects the light beam toward the rear of
the machine. The second mirror throws the beam up, and the third
reflection is again toward the rear of the machine and onto the scan-
ning assembly, which is mounted in the photocell assembly on top of
the main housing. A screwdriver adjustment is provided on the first
mirror which is used to displace the track images at the slit to left or
right for over-all alignment in scanning.
H Light" from each track, after passing through the scanning slit, is
collected by a small collector lens just behind the slit and applied to
the photocells in such manner that the photocell cathodes receive an
image of the objective lens. The image varies in intensity and not in
area as the sound track image passes the slit. The assembly contain-
ing the scanning slits and associated optics, together with the photo-
cells, is shown by Fig. 5. To conserve space the photocells are
mounted in 3 banks, and in order for the light to reach two of these
banks, it is necessary to reflect the light via small prisms. The photo-
cells are wired to plugs on the back of the assembly where connections
are made to 13 concentric cables from the PEC amplifier cabinet.
Considerable care is exercised in the wiring to maintain identical
electrical characteristics in each photocell circuit.
The photocell assembly is mounted by means of 4 threaded bush-
ings which are used to adjust the over-all length of the optical path
60
G. R. CRANE
Vol 44, No. 1
between the objective lens and the scanning slits. This determines the
magnification of the film image at the scanning slits. These bushings
are also used to adjust the over-all azimuth of the slit assembly.
The RCA 929 vacuum photocell is used, and was chosen primarily
because of its high order of linearity and relatively good sensitivity.
Each cell is capable of being moved laterally to permit the spot of
light falling on the cathode to be placed so that the anode rod will not
intercept the light and thereby reduce output or introduce micro-
phonic noise.
FIG. 5. Scanning and photocell assembly.
A high-quality photographic lens is used as the objective, but in
this system it is at a disadvantage, being used at a magnification of 5
to 1, and does not have equal resolution over the required field. Like-
wise, the recorder objective lens used to record the tracks does not
resolve all track edges equally. To meet the requirement of uniform
over-all frequency response from all tracks, some compensation is
obviously necessary. Equalization of the amplifiers brought up the
problem of phase displacement as a function of frequency and would
have introduced considerable complexity in design, bulk of equip-
ment, and a lack of flexibility in the event the optical elements were
Jan., 1945 AIRPLANE VIBRATION REPRODUCER 61
readjusted or altered. Therefore, it was decided to adjust the scan-
ning slit height as a means of compensation, since the frequency
characteristic curves vary with slit height in a similar manner to
changes in effective lens definition. Therefore, one edge of the 13
scanning slits was made common and determines over-all azimuth,
but the other edge of each slit is variable and is adjusted to give the
same frequency characteristic for each track, including both repro-
ducer and recorder optical systems. It is obvious that as one slit edge
is moved, the effective center for scanning is shifted by one-half the
amount so that phase compensation is necessary. Therefore, the
third and last reflection before the light reaches the slits is provided
by 13 separate mirrors, each of which corresponds to one of the 13
FIG. 6. Scanning slit assembly.
tracks. By adjusting the angle of each mirror, the phase relation of
each track may be accurately adjusted. This adjustment is made by
small screws which bend the mirrors very slightly. This meets the
unusual requirement that the reproduced signal from any 2 tracks
must be capable of adjustment for phase relationship to within =*= 10
electrical degrees at a frequency of 3000 cycles.
The scanning slit and mask assembly, shown by Fig. 6, is readily
visible and accessible on the front of the PEC compartment, and may
be removed as a unit and replaced without disturbing line-up adjust-
ments. Either end of each slit may be masked for proper scanning
by means of wedge-shaped masks, top and bottom, which can be
pushed in or out of the slit area. The slit width is adjusted by a cap-
stan screw opposed by a spring and provided with lock screws to
insure against accidental change of adjustment.
The scanning masks are usually adjusted by reproducing a test film
62
G. R. CRANE
Vol 44, No. 1
made with all tracks modulated with a sine wave signal between 95
and 100 per cent, or an amplitude of approximately 32 mils. The
masks are then set to be just clear of clipping as the wave form is
viewed on an oscilloscope. It is recommended that the recording
levels be controlled so that the ribbons are never modulated over 80
per cent, or approximately 26 mils. This leaves a margin of about 6
mils, or ^ 3 mils for combined weave in the recorder and reproducer.
The phase adjustment may also be made by means of a cathode ray
ff
i
«
T'
i".,*
*
i jn i mi
i
i
i
i ^™
1 0 ;
i 0
^i
i
FIG. 7. Amplifier cabinet.
oscilloscope. Film having all tracks modulated in phase by the same
sine wave frequency is reproduced. The oscilloscope has one set of
plates connected to one track output, and the other plates to each
one of the other track outputs in succession. Each phase adjusting
mirror is then set for a line pattern indicating precise in-phase rela-
tionship.
By means of these facilities it is possible to adjust the equipment so
that the over-all frequency characteristic obtained at the output of
each PEC amplifier is flat within ±0.5 db for constant voltage input
to each light-valve ribbon. An over-all signal-to-noise ratio of
Jan., 1945 AIRPLANE VIBRATION REPRODUCER 63
approximately 32 db is available at the output of the PEC amplifier,
this figure being based on 80 per cent modulation of the recorded
tracks.
The amplifier cabinet is shown by Fig. 7. It contains 13 PEC am-
plifiers, each of which makes all connections through small plugs and
jacks when it is pushed into any compartment in the cabinet. The
output of each of these PEC amplifiers is connected to one point on
each of the 5 selector switches located in the base of the amplifier cab-
inet. By means of these 5 switches, any one of 5 output channels may
FIG. 8. Interchangeable PEC amplifier
unit.
be quickly switched to any amplifier output. Special care has been
taken in the design of these switches to prevent electrical crosstalk
and other sources of noise.
Fig. 8 shows one of the PEC amplifiers which has 2 stages with
feedback and a nominal output of 100,000 ohms which is the normal
input impedance of the analyzing equipment. It is provided with
facilities for adjustment to identical frequency characteristics as re-
quired to compensate for optical and film losses in the recorder and
reproducer as previously described. All amplifiers are mechanically
and electrically interchangeable and each may be used in any of the
13 positions. Each amplifier has a gain control which permits the
signal output from each track to be equalized. This may be quickly
64 G. R. CRANE
done without film by throwing the reproducer lamp to a-c and using
the 120-cycle signal resulting from lamp modulation. For more pre-
cise measurements, test films made with constant input to each light-
valve ribbon should be used for the adjustment. A fourteenth am-
plifier is provided to reduce the 100,000-ohm output impedance to 600
ohms. It may be patched to any PEC amplifier through jacks at the
rear of the amplifier cabinets.
The various power supply units will not be discussed in detail ex-
cept to point out that they are the self -regulating type so that their
output voltages, which supply this equipment, will not vary more than
one per cent for line voltage variations of 105 to 125 v. This insures
that line voltage fluctuations will not produce errors in measurements
during the use of this equipment.
This reproducer has been found to operate very reliably under field
conditions with a minimum of adjustment or maintenance. At the
same time, it offers sufficient facilities for adjustment to meet inad-
vertent departures from standard test conditions. When used in
conjunction with a suitable analyzer, it permits rapid determination
of the vibration conditions being tested.
REFERENCES
1 DAVIDSON, J. C., AND CRANE, G. R. : "Airplane Vibration Recorder," J. Soc.
Mot. Pict. Eng.r 44, 1 (Jan., 1945), p. 40.
8 FRAYNE, J. G., AND DAVIDSON, J. C. : "Application of Sound Recording Tech-
niques to Airplane Vibration Analysis," /. Soc. Mot. Pict. Eng,t 44, 1 (Jan., 1945),
p. 31.
THE TEACHING OF BASIC ENGLISH BY MEANS OF
FEATURE FILMS*
A. BETTY LLOYD-JOHNSTONE**
Summary. — The theme of this paper is the translation of foreign language super-
imposed, motion picture titles into Basic English. Interest in learning to speak Basic
English by the peoples of the world can be aroused by distributing the regular Holly-
wood feature films with their original sound tracks, and with superimposed titles in the
language of the people who will view them. A translation of the foreign superim-
posed title into Basic English would also be printed under the foreign title. Such a
method of transmitting the dialogue of motion pictures to foreign-speaking audiences
would unconsciously arouse an interest in learning English.
The main theme of my paper is : the translation of foreign language
superimposed titles into Basic English.
I believe that we have a great opportunity for the teaching of Basic
English by the use of our regular feature films. The motion picture
is entertainment, and any feature picture that does not entertain de-
feats its purpose.
Foreign peoples want to see our films because they want enter-
tainment. The vast majority of people, of whatever nationality, do
not want to be educated in the sense that they want to go to school.
They do not mind learning if the operation is painless. We would
like the peoples of the world to learn Basic English. But we cannot
insist that they do. The ideal situation would be that they would
desire to learn English. How are we, then, to arouse their interest in
English?
I believe that we can arouse this interest by sending our regular
feature films to them just as they were produced in Hollywood, with
the sound track carrying the dialogue in English, and with super-
imposed titles in the language of the people who are viewing the
picture, just as we have been doing, but with a translation of the
foreign title into Basic just below, or rather, just under the foreign
title.
* Presented Apr. 19, 1944, at the Technical Conference in New York,
** Office of Strategic SeryiQes, Washington, D. C,
65
66 A. B. LLOYD-JOHNSTONE Vol 44, No. 1
You may be among those who do not approve of Basic English.
Neither do I, if it is to supplant the English of the great novelists and
poets. But Basic as an auxiliary language for other peoples, yes.
Time Magazine of Oct. 4, 1943, carried a story entitled "Whose
Basic?" Dr. Lin Mou-Sheng, Chinese scholar, author and editor,
asked two pertinent questions: "Why Basic English?" and "Why
not Basic Chinese?" Time says: "Dr. Lin tempered his proposal
with a compromise suggestion; let each of the world's most widely
used languages be reduced to Basic and universally taught."
It is already evident that other peoples will attempt to teach,
or have their language taught as an auxiliary language. English-
speaking peoples, as well as many foreigners, suggest that English
become, if not the universal, at least one of the global languages.
We are all agreed that we must have an international language if the
peoples of the world are to learn to know one another. Winston
Churchill favors Basic English. He told us in his Harvard speech on
September 6, and I quote: "I do not see why we should not try to
spread our common language even more widely throughout the globe,
and without seeking selfish advantage over any, possess ourselves of
this invaluable amenity and birthright." He went on to say, and
again I quote: "Some months ago I persuaded the British Cabinet
to set up a committee of ministers to study and report upon Basic
English." A bit farther on in his speech he stated : "What was my
delight when the other evening quite unexpectedly I heard the Presi-
dent of the United States suddenly speak of the merits of Basic
English."
We are but one nation out of many that would like to hear our
language spoken as an auxiliary, of course, the world over. The
United Press carried a story dated from London, July 24, 1943, tell-
ing of a committee representing the Ministries of Education of Bel-
gium, Czechoslovakia, Greece, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland,
Yugoslavia, and the Fighting French, who, and I quote/'today recom-
mended the establishment of English or French as a world language
after the war — with a slight leaning in favor of English." The com-
mittee suggested that (1) English or French be compulsory subjects in
higher forms of elementary schools of the European Allies; (2) that
the teaching of English be strengthened as far as possible in all schools
in view of the important part it will play in international intercourse;
(3) that all publications intended for international reading be pub-
lished either in English or French, or be accompanied by English or
Jan., 1945 TEACHING ENGLISH BY FILMS 67
French summaries; and (4) that only English or French be used at
international meetings.
English will be widely taught throughout the world, but let us facili-
tate the teaching of it by sending out motion pictures with their
original sound track, with the dialogue in English, and with the sub-
title or superimposed titles in the language of the audience which is to
view the picture, and directly under the subtitle a literal translation
into Basic English.
Nearly all foreign films are shown with the original sound track
and with the superimposed titles in English. Do we mind the
French, Russian, or Spanish language if we do not understand it?
Not at all. It is merely incidental sound and fits into the musical
pattern. If a film is well produced and edited, the action is natural,
and one scene leads into another, and if the superimposed title de-
scribes the action and it is well written, we know exactly what is
going on. If English sound track is dubbed in, we are conscious, re-
gardless of how well done it may be, that the lip movement is not syn-
chronized with what we are hearing.
Let us try to analyze our reactions when we see and hear a foreign
motion picture. How does dialogue spoken in a language with which
we are unfamiliar strike us? The speech becomes mere sound and
loses all literary value. As soon as speech is unintelligible it becomes
incidental sound, thus leaving us free to follow the action.
This implies that we are on the road back to the days of silent films.
But are we not deliberately reverting to the days of the silent film?
The pendulum has swung away from the mad babel of sound that first
met our ears when sound pictures were new. Silent films had reached
a high artistic level, and would have gone still farther if sound had not
arrived just when it did.
The true field of the motion picture lies in the word motion, not
sound, although sound can further impressions we receive. But
dialogue should be kept at a minimum, especially when films are de-
signed for foreign audiences. The action in a motion picture can do
almost anything that words can, and for the telling of a story, sound
as speech is superfluous.
Speech in a film is purely a national medium. When dialogue is
exploited the idiomatic speech employed is purely nationalistic.
Only the nation for which a picture is made understands and appre-
ciates the subtle quips and innuendoes. Such dialogue cannot be
adequately translated, even though it is reproduced in the idiomatic
68 A. B. LLOYD- JOHNSTONE Vol 44, No. 1
language of the country to which it is being sent. We do not all
laugh at the same jokes, nor do we, that is, all the peoples of the world,
have the same reactions.
The great development of the motion picture will be in its inter-
national implications, and such films will have a minimum of dialogue,
or they will perhaps be silent. If dialogue is to be heard, it must be
simple. Clear, simple dialogue will be effective when combined
with music and incidental sound.
Dialogue for films intended for international purposes must be
confined to words of few syllables, international words, words that
are self-evident and, by their corresponding actions, speak for them-
selves. The sentences in the dialogue which will be translated in
superimposed titles will carry a Basic English translation.
At present we have a backlog of pictures which can be sent abroad.
Dubbing in foreign sound track is an added expense, and such dubbing
defeats the teaching of English. Post-synchronized speech in a
foreign language does little to gain us friends throughout the world.
There is no gainsaying the fact that through our motion pictures
we have given the world, in many cases, an entirely false impression
of America and Americans. We have certainly had it made clear to
us that other nations live by other ideologies than our own. The
peoples of other countries have been conditioned to entirely different
beliefs.
We Americans, citizens of the United States, call us anything you
will, are as nearly international in our mode of life as any nation in the
world. Our people have their family roots in practically every
country in the world. But these contacts are so weakened that our
ideas are utterly foreign to other lands and other peoples.
There is always suspicion of the exotic, suspicion of anything
strange, especially is there suspicion of peoples speaking other lan-
guages than our own. By sending our films abroad with their original
sound tracks the peoples of the world familiarize themselves with the
sound of spoken English. With the superimposed title in their own
language, and with its translation into English just below it, they be-
come familiar with the symbols of the English alphabet.
We produce many films that are purely national in character.
Many of these do not lend themselves to translation. We receive
foreign films, Carnival in Flanders, for instance. Had a literal trans-
lation into English been dubbed in, this film would have been cen-
sored out of existence, But by preserving the original sound track,
Jan., 1945 TEACHING ENGLISH BY FILMS 69
millions of people laughed and enjoyed themselves, reading the super-
imposed titles, and thus getting a more complete knowledge of what
the action meant. Had there been French translations under the
English titles, language students would have been still further aided.
It works both ways. We can help to teach English to foreigners with
the double title, as well as help ourselves to learn the language of
foreign pictures.
All films, if they are well produced and directed, are entertainment.
All films are propaganda for their place of origin. If we view a film
with its original sound track, we are not as conscious of the differences
in our modes of life and thinking, and we come away with a more
kindly feeling. The same thing is true with our films reaching for-
eign lands. Speech stresses our differences, but pictures do not antag-
onize. With a translation dubbed in, people who look at life through
differently colored spectacles get an entirely distorted view, as they
have done in the past, of life as it is lived in these United States.
As far back as 1928 and 1929, the League of Nations was already
concerned with the effect English and American films were having
on the peoples of the Far East. The white race was losing prestige
among the Indians and other Orientals, and according to the League
reports, this resulted primarily from the sort of thing that was shown
in our films.
Many people still do not comprehend the movies. To them the
popularity of the neighborhood movie has no relation to the funda-
mental human need it serves. A few farsighted men, men like Morti-
mer Adler, Allardyce Nicoll, and others, realize that the film is the
greatest of all cultural mediums and must be scientifically observed
and evaluated, and that it is a powerful educational weapon. Many
of us have failed to recognize that what the philosophers of all time
have been searching for is at hand — a means of communication with
all races, all nationalities, young and old. An international, universal
basic language arrived with the motion picture. Here is a medium,
call it cultural if you will, that can have a theater filled with people —
no one of which speaks the language of any other — completely under-
standing the story which unfolds on the screen.
The beauty of teaching Basic English by the use of translated sub-
or superimposed titles is that it is not obvious in intention. Such a
method will arouse an interest in English. It will bring about the
forming of adult classes in English, particularly in countries where
English is taught in schools, And above all, it will prove an invalu-
70 A. B. LLOYD- JOHNSTON E
able aid to the language teacher. It will add entertainment to the
teaching of the auxiliary language. And Basic English is just that,
an auxiliary language. It is said that there is no royal road to knowl-
edge, but this will prove an entertaining road.
BOOK REVIEW
Correct Exposure in Photography. By WILLARD D. MORGAN AND HENRY
M. LESTER. Morgan & Lester (New York), 1944, 124 pp. 9V4 X 6 in.
The subject of Morgan and Lester's most recent publication is the Weston
Exposure Meter. The authors have assembled into one volume most of the
material which is contained in the various pamphlets prepared by the manu-
facturer of the Weston Meter and have supplemented this information with
practical suggestions for using the meter in various specialized applications.
In general, the procedures outlined by the authors for obtaining correct ex-
posure with the Weston Meter are sound and should be of considerable assistance
to the conscientious photographer. The principal weakness of the book is in the
authors' efforts to explain why it is advisable to use the meter as specified. At
best their treatment of the problems of photographic tone reproduction is inade-
quate. Their conception of the relationship between scene brightnesses and
film latitude is confused by their failure to appreciate the limitations imposed by
the printing medium or the reversal process. Much of their concern over the
importance of precisely correct negative exposure is of little consequence in view
of the fact that it is the positive and not the negative which normally determines
the subject brightness range which can be satisfactorily reproduced photographi-
cally.
Messrs. Morgan and Lester are at times ingenious, if not correct, in their analy-
sis of the factors which determine exposure latitude. The mathematical pro-
cedure by which they demonstrate that the shorter latitude of color films may be at-
tributed to the presence of 3 emulsion layers is unique, but without support in fact.
They come to the conclusion that the range through wfcich color processes,
such as Kodachrome, will handle colors of varying brightness is only 1 to 4, and
that, therefore, any scene having a brightness scale greater than this exceeds the
"film range." If this were true, even the shortest scale scenes, which normally
have a brightness range appreciably greater than 1 to 4, could not be reproduced
satisfactorily in both highlights and shadows by a 3-emulsion layer color film.
Experience has shown that scenes of this type are admirably reproduced in Koda-
chrome.
Where the authors have held more rigidly to the text of the manufacturer's
booklet on the use of the Weston Meter and to the standard treatments of the ex-
posure problem, there is little to criticize. The description of the various models
of Weston Exposure Meters is complete, and the discussion of the theory and
construction of the meters is good. The chapter devoted to the measurement of
film speed describes the original Weston system which, contrary to the authors'
statements, has not "become almost universally adopted in photography."
The chapter on film development and various statements throughout the book
concerning the influence of development are perhaps the authors' most valuable
71
72
CURRENT LITERATURE
Vol 44, No. 1
contribution. The amateur photographer may also profit from their sugges-
tions for using the meter for special applications, such as high and low key por-
traiture, table-top photography, copying, and title making.
J. L. TUPPER
December 2, 1944
CURRENT LITERATURE OF INTEREST TO THE MOTION PICTURE
ENGINEER
The editors present for convenient reference a list of articles dealing with subjects
cognate to motion picture engineering published in a number of selected journals.
Photostatic or microfilm copies of articles in magazines that are available may be
obtained from The Library of Congress, Washington, D. C.t or from the New York
Public Library, New York, N. Y., at prevailing rates.
American Cinematographer
25 (Sept., 1944), No. 9
A New Portable Processing Printing and Editing Kit (p.
295)
Art and Technique in Set Designing (p. 298) E. CARRICK
Lighting Republican and Democratic Conventions (p. 306)
25 (Oct., 1944), No. 10
High-Efficiency Stereopticon Projector for Color Back-
ground Shots (p. 332) F. EDOUART
Francis Doublier, Cameraman Fifty Years Ago (p. 334) I. BROWNING
Filming a Motion Picture in One Set (p. 336) R. JOSEPH
British Kinematograph Society, Journal
7 (July-Sept., 1944), No. 3
High-Speed Cameras (p. 84) E. D. EYLES
Heating and Ventilating of Kinemas (p. 92) L. W. J. HENTON
Educational Screen
23 (Sept., 1944), No. 7
The Challenge of Television (p. 284) J. FLORY
23 (Oct., 1944), No. 8
Post- War Planning for the Audio- Visual Program in St.
Louis (p. 344) D. BLACKWELL
Who Will Make Visual Aids in the Post-War Period? (p.
346) D. C. ROGERS
Electronic Industries
3 (Nov., 1944), No. 11
Sound Amplification by Air Modulation (p, 84)
Electronic Color Television (p. 101)
Jan., 1945
CURRENT LITERATURE
73
International Projectionist
19 (Sept., 1944), No. 9
The Design of Sub-Standard Sound Projectors (p. 7) H. CRICKS
Orthoscope Lenses New Projection Aid (p. 10)
Projectionists' Course on Basic Radio and Television (p.
12) M. BERINSKY
Television Today, Pt. XII— Color Television (p. 20) J. FRANK, JR.
19 (Oct., 1944), No. 10
Thomascolor: Four-Color Process for Motion Pictures
(P- 70)
Projectionists' Course on Basic Radio and Television (p.
10) M. BERINSKY
The Duplex Loudspeaker (p. 14) J. B. LANSING
Television Today, Pt. XIV (p. 22) J. FRANK, JR.
SOCIETY ANNOUNCEMENTS
ATLANTIC COAST SECTION MEETING
Paul Terry, originator and producer of Terry toons, discussed "Animated Car-
toons— Past, Present, and Future" before 150 members and guests of the Atlantic
Coast Section of the SMPE at a meeting held on November 15. Mr. Terry is one
of the pioneer producers of motion picture cartoons, having been in the field for
over 30 years. He told of his early experiences as a newspaper cartoonist, and
how an animated cartoon produced by Winsor McCay in 1914 inspired him and
crystallized his decision to enter this field.
The animated cartoon has since come to occupy an important place in the
motion picture industry. While consuming only about 7 min of screen time in
the commercial theater, or approximately one per cent, these cartoons receive
about 50 per cent of screen time in private homes. In conjunction with comic
magazines and comic strips in newspapers, the animated cartoon in the home is
developing children to follow progressive action, to study and appreciate drawings
and color, and is building an audience for general motion picture entertainment.
Mr. Terry believes that the animated cartoon will predominate in the choice
of entertainment utilized in television. Its brief running time and low cost com-
pared with full-length feature pictures make it easily adaptable to the new
medium.
The meeting, held in the Roof Garden of the Hotel Pennsylvania, New York,
was opened with a showing of the motion picture, "The Birth of the B-29."
EMPLOYMENT SERVICE
POSITION OPEN
The following position of interest to SMPE members was available at JOUR-
NAL press time. Applicants should apply direct to company at address given.
Young man with several years' experience in
Motion Picture Camera and Projector de-
sign. Must have mechanical background
with a knowledge of motion picture industry
requirements. Write or telephone for inter-
view. Akeley Camera Inc., 175 Varick St.,
New York 14, N. Y. Walker 5-7954
Notices from business organizations for technical personnel, and from mem-
bers of the Society desiring technical positions, received before the 15th of the
month will appear in the JOURNAL of the following month. Notices should be
brief and must give an address for direct reply. The Society reserves the right
both to edit or reject any notice submitted for publication.
74
JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY OF
MOTION PICTURE ENGINEERS
Vol44 FEBRUARY, 1945 No. 2
CONTENTS
PAGE
The PH-346A Recording Equipment W. C. MILLER 75
Some Turbulation Characteristics of the New Twen-
tieth Century-Fox Developing Machine
M. S. LESHING AND T. M. INGMAN 97
Statement of the SMPE on Allocation of Frequencies in
the Radio Spectrum from 10 Kilocycles to 30,000,000
Kilocycles for Theater Television Service 105
Statement Presented before the Federal Communica-
tions Commission Relating to Television Broadcast-
ing P. J. LARSEN 123
Excerpts from Report by Federal Communications
Commission on Proposed Allocations from 25,000
Kilocycles to 30,000,000 Kilocycles 128
Some Factors in Drive-in Theater Design
L. H. WALTERS 138
Fifth-Seventh Semi-Annual Technical Conference 143
Society Announcements 148
(The Society is not responsible for statements of authors.)
Contents of previous issues of the JOURNAL are indexed in the
Industrial Arts Index available in public libraries.
JOURNAL
OF THE
SOCItTY of MOTION PICTURE CNGINCERS
MOTCl P6NNSYLVANIA • NtW YOP.KI, N-Y- • TfiL. PCNN. 6 O62O
HARRY SMITH, JR., EDITOR
Board of Editors
ARTHUR C. DOWNES, Chairman
JOHN I. CRABTREE ALFRED N. GOLDSMITH EDWARD W. KELLOGG
CLYDE R. KEITH ALAN M. GUNDELFINGER CHARLES W. HANDLEY
ARTHUR C. HARDY
Officers of the Society
** President: DONALD E. HYNDMAN,
350 Madison Ave., New York 17.
** 'Past-President: HERBERT GRIFFIN,
133 E. Santa Anita Ave., Burbank, Calif.
** Executive Vice-President: LOREN L. RYDER,
5451 Marathon St., Hollywood 38.
* Engineering Vice-President: JOHN A. MAURER,
37-01 31st St., Long Island City 1, N. Y.
** Editorial Vice-President : ARTHUR C. DOWNES,
Box 6087, Cleveland 1, Ohio.
^Financial Vice-President: ARTHUR S. DICKINSON,
28 West 44th St., New York 18.
** Convention V ice-President: WILLIAM C. KUNZMANN,
Box 6087, Cleveland 1, Ohio.
^Secretary: E. ALLAN WILLIFORD,
230 Park Ave., New York 17.
*Treasurer: M. R. BOYER,
350 Fifth Ave., New York 1.
Governors
*FRANK E. CARLSON, Nela Park, Cleveland 12, Ohio.
**JOHN I. CRABTREE, Kodak Park, Rochester 4, N. Y.
**CHARLES R. DAILY, 5451 Marathon St., Hollywood 38.
*EDWARD M. HONAN, 6601 Romaine St., Hollywood 38.
* {CLYDE R. KEITH, 233 Broadway, New York 7.
*G. T. LORANCE, 92 Gold St., New York 7.
**PETER MOLE, 941 N. Sycamore Ave., Hollywood.
*fHoLLis W. MOYSE, 6656 Santa Monica Blvd., Hollywood.
**WILLIAM A. MUELLER, 4000 W. Olive Ave., Burbank, Calif.
*EARL I. SPONABLE, 460 West 54th St., New York 19.
**REEVE O. STROCK, 111 Eighth Ave., New York 11.
*WALLACE V. WOLFE, 1016 N. Sycamore St., Hollywood.
*Term expires December 31, 1945. fChairman, Pacific Coast Section.
**Term expires December 31, 1946. ^Chairman, Atlantic Coast Section.
Subscription to nonmembers, $8.00 per annum; to members, $5.00 per annum, included in
their annual membership dues; single copies, $1.00. A discount on subscription or single copies
of 15 per cent is allowed to accredited agencies. Order from the Society at address above.
Published monthly at Easton, Pa., by the Society of Motion Picture Engineers, Inc.
Publication Office, 20th & Northampton Sts., Easton, Pa.
General and Editorial Office, Hotel Pennsylvania, New York 1, N. Y.
Entered as second-class matter January 15, 1930, at the Post Office at Easton,
Pa., under the Act of March 3, 1879. Copyrighted, 1945, by the Society of Motion
Picture Engineers, Inc.
JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY OF
MOTION PICTURE ENGINEERS
Vol 44 FEBRUARY, 1945 No. 2
THE PH-346A RECORDING EQUIPMENT*
WESLEY C. MILLER**
Summary. — Superportable double film recording equipment designed under
the auspices of the Research Council of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and
Sciences, at the request of the Army Pictorial Service, to provide equipment not avail-
able to the Armed Forces through the normal supply channels, is described in the fol-
lowing paper.
The equipment fills the immediate need for wartime purposes for completely portable,
relatively high-quality field or studio work . Moreover, the practicability of extensions
and adaptations to post-war requirements have been kept in mind so that its flexibility
and value may later be enhanced by arranging it to handle more refined work if de-
sired. It also will probably find a place in studio work when supply conditions are
such as to make it commercially available.
The greatly increased motion picture production demands occa-
sioned by the war found the armed services in the position of being
unable to secure a completely portable 35-mm double film sound
recording system from the usual supply sources. In July, 1942, the
United States Army Pictorial Service of the Signal Corps, wishing
to take advantage of the operating and design experience of the
motion picture studios, requested the Research Council of the
Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences to undertake the de-
sign and construction of such equipment. A committee was set
up under the Research Council organization with the writer as Chair-
man. However, as it subsequently turned out, virtually the entire
conception and responsibility for the project remained with the
writer as an individual. Fortunately, it was possible to undertake
the work in the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Sound Department so that
the advice and experience of many interested individuals became
available.
* Presented Apr. 18, 1944, at the Technical Conference in New York.
** Sound Department, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios, Culver City, Calif.
75
76
W. C. MILLER
Vol 44, No. 2
The project was undertaken by the Research Council on its usual
nonprofit basis, and the only engineering costs directly charged to
the work were those relating to actual drafting and physical work.
~-JX%mtf-
FIG. 1. Field use of equipment.
FIG. 2. Equipment units.
The contractual relationships were subsequently modified so that
the Stephens Manufacturing Company of Los Angeles became the
prime manufacturing contractor, with the Research Council and the
Feb., 1945 THE PH-346A RECORDING EQUIPMENT 77
FIG. 3. Front of recorder unit.
EjjMHHBB^^HMpMK pp
^B
FIG. 4. Back of recorder unit.
78
W. C. MILLER
Vol 44, No. 2
FIG. 5. Film compartment and movement — 35-mm.
FIG. 6. Back of recorder unit opened for inspection.
Feb., 1945 m THE PH-346A RECORDING EQUIPMENT 79
writer continuing in their responsibility for the design and for engi-
neering supervision of the manufacture.
The primary need was for a limited number of units for immediate
service by the Signal Corps. In the meantime, other branches of
the Armed Forces have shown an interest in the potentialities of the
equipment. Keeping in mind the wartime demand, every attempt
has also been made to have the equipment capable of permanent
use by planning later modification for even greater flexibility. At
relatively slight cost and complication it can be adapted to record
nearly any of the conventional types of sound track; it can be
arranged for synchronous or interlock operation for stationary use,
and at the same time retain its desirable portability features. Its
FIG. 7. Control panels.
post-war possibilities for commercial studio use have been apparent
to studio technicians who have examined it.
The first 4 units are now in service and have been approved by
the Army Pictorial Service. An example of its use in the field is
shown in Fig. 1.
Portability and Quality Requirements. — The requirement was a
film recording channel which would operate with or without a
camera and which would be as small, compact, and light as practic-
able, and be capable of relatively high-quality work. Mechanical
construction to withstand field operation, ease and reliability of
operation by relatively inexperienced personnel, and provision for
simple and adequate maintenance were also of importance.
The equipment was to be capable of use wherever the double
system, that is, sound and picture made on separate machines, was
W. C. MILLER
Vol 44, No. 2
required. The first models were to be designed for use with the
Mitchell NC type of 35-mm camera with, however, the expectation
that later adaptations would be made to accommodate other types
of cameras, either 16-mm or 35-mm. Thirty-five millimeter stand-
ards were specified for the sound recording with the added provision
that 16-mm film should be accommodated if possible with, however,
the provision that the 16-mm film and its sound track should con-
form to 35-mm, 90-ft per min standards so far as film travel and
sound track width and location were concerned.
FIG. 8. Film threading guide.
For purposes of portability and film economy, this use of 16 mm
can be of advantage without sacrificing the benefits of the 35-mm
sound quality. However, the original requirement has since been
changed, and the Army Pictorial Service requires only the 35-mm
adaptation, although the 16-mm use may fill a need elsewhere.
Fig. 2 shows the complete equipment which consists of the fol-
lowing units :
(V) Recorder unit, containing all of the operating parts of the complete record-
ing channel, such as film drive, amplifier system, controls, etc.; weight 93 Ib.
(2) Accessory unit, which carries the various accessories required, such as
Feb., 1945
THE PH-346A RECORDING EQUIPMENT
81
microphone, headphones, cables, spare parts, etc.; weight 60 Ib with normal
spares and accessories.
(5) Film unit, which carries the film supply and all accessories relating directly
to the use and handling of film. It carries a maximum of 6000 ft of 35-mm film,
or a somewhat greater amount of 16-mm film; weight, 40 Ib complete with all usual
accessories, but without film.
(4) Two storage battery units, which are the entire battery supply for the
complete equipment, including the camera motor. Each is a 24-v, 45-amp hr
battery, and weighs 87 Ib. The units may be used separately or together.
(5) Camera motor unit, which consists of a carrying case and camera motor
FIG. 9. Sixteen-millimeter and 35-mm adapter parts.
for the Mitchell NC-type camera. Total weight of motor and carrying case is
243/4 Ib.
Thus, the complete equipment weighs approximately 392 Ib
without film. For particular uses where weight must be further
reduced, less film may be carried and certain of the accessory equip-
ment temporarily eliminated. The bare minimum weight for sound
recording only, using one 1000-ft roll of film, is slightly under 200 Ib.
The recorder unit, accessory unit, and film unit are all of the
same outside dimensions, namely, 10 X 26 X 13 in., and the storage
batteries are considerably smaller. Each unit can quite readily be
carried by one man, or a small crew can manually transport the
82
W. C. MILLER Vol 44, No. 2
FIG. 10. Film reel loading, step 1.
FIG. 11. Film reel loading, step 2.
Feb., 1945 THE PH-346A RECORDING EQUIPMENT 83
FIG. 12. Film reel loading, step 3.
FIG. 13. Film reel loading, step 4.
84 W. C, MILLER Vol 44, No. 2
entire equipment over considerable distances. For use on ship-
board, airplanes, or where space is at a premium and handling is
difficult the package sizes are very useful.
In spite of these reductions in weight and size, the sound quality
obtainable with the equipment very closely approximates the gen-
eral average of commercial sound recording. The potential use for
the equipment was primarily in the recording of dialogue and sound
effects. However, a music equalizer is supplied to augment the low-
frequency end although the speed control when operating from a
battery source will not maintain the flutter at the low value normally
required for very high-grade musical recordings, a compromise
which was deliberate because of the portability requirements. . Pic-
ture quality and results are entirely dependent upon the camera and
its operation, as the only purpose which the recording equipment
serves in this connection is to provide a means of driving the camera
in synchronism with the recorder. In this respect the drive is iden-
tical with that provided for studio location purposes.
Recorder Unit. — The recorder unit is the heart of the equipment.
It contains the entire recording channel except for microphones,
headphones, and battery.
The film compartment in the front houses the film movement and
the galvanometer, and also serves as a film magazine during opera-
tion. A rear compartment, readily accessible by opening the rear
cover, houses the driving motor, amplifier, and all of the miscel-
laneous equipment required to complete the recording channel.
Control panels are located in the top of the box with all of the voice
controls, such as the mixer, volume indicator, meter switches, etc.,
sit the operator's left, and a power panel controlling the motor sys-
tems at the right. The case is constructed in such a manner as to
make all of the various elements quickly and easily accessible while
at the same time being of sufficiently sturdy construction to with-
stand the kind of treatment which it is apt to get under field condi-
tions. The outer housing is made of weather-proof plywood with a
sheet metal outer layer. This is braced internally with angle sec-
tions which also form the mounting for various parts of the equip-
ment. Figs. 3, 4, 5, and 6 show various views of the recorder unit.
Fig. 7 shows the control panels in the top of the recorder unit box.
When not in use these control panels are covered by doors which
swing out of the way to make the control panels available for opera-
tion. A panel separates the film compartment from the rear com-
Feb., 1945 THE PH-346A RECORDING EQUIPMENT
85
FIG. 14. Loaded film reel ready for use.
FIG. 15. Loading bag in use.
partment and also serves as a
backbone to stiffen the box
construction. The various
elements which make up the
film drive are mounted on
this panel.
Film Drive.— Thefilm drive,
as shown in Figs. 5 and 8, em-
ploys a single sprocket which
acts as a combined pull-down
and holdback sprocket and a
recording drum, which is con-
trolled by a flywheel system
of the rotary stabilizer type.
The take-up clutch is mounted
on the sprocket shaft and has
provision for adjustment from
the film compartment. The
clutch drives the take-up
spindle through a silent chain.
All of the various rollers
associated with the film drive
are mounted on a removable
plate as seen in Fig. 9. To
use either 35-mm or 16-mm
film the proper plate is in-
stalled and the correspond-
ing sprocket is placed on the
sprocket shaft.
Film Handling. — The con-
ventional external magazine
is eliminated in this design
and a form of daylight load-
ing technique has been
adopted. Referring to Figs.
10, 11, 12, 13, and 14, film as
received from the supplier is
loaded in the darkroom onto
a reel which is composed of 2
flanges screwed on either end
86 W. C. MILLER Vol 44, No. 2
of a hub. A cover is then placed over the loaded reel with 3 or 4
ft of threading leader brought out through a slot in the cover. In
this condition the reel of film may be exposed indefinitely to day-
light. To load a reel of film into the recorder, a film reel with its
cover in position is placed on the feed spindle and all of the thread-
ing operations are carried on with the reel cover in position. When
the threading is complete the reel cover is removed and the film
compartment door is closed. Unloading is done in the reverse
fashion, that is, the film compartment door is opened and a reel
cover placed in position on the take-up reel. A loading bag,
FIG. 16. Film carrying unit.
Fig. 15, is supplied which covers the entire recorder during the reel
cover removal to prevent light striking the film.
It was the original intention that gray antihalation film stock
should be used. In this case, the use of the loading bag was unnec-
essary except under extreme light conditions. However, clear base
film is now a standard in the services so that the use of the loading
bag is specified for all loading and unloading operations.
The film reel parts, loaded reels, film covers, film supply, and
loading bag are carried in the film unit, Fig. 16. The use of this
form of film reel and the elimination of the conventional magazine
make quite a saving in weight and size of equipment and offer no
Feb., 1945
THE PH-346A RECORDING EQUIPMENT
87
FIG. 17. Camera motor in housing for
Mitchell NC camera.
more difficulty in operation than in the use of 16-mm or Eyemo
camera equipment.
Motor Drive System. — Both recorder and camera driving motors
are a special design of the conventional d-c interlock type, operating
from 24-v d-c derived from
the storage battery unit, with
a 3-phase, 24-cycle, 110-v
interlock supply derived from
auxiliary windings in each
motor. The 4-pole recorder
motor, which is an integral
part of the recorder unit,
operates at 1440 rpm. The
2-pole camera motor operates
at 2880 rpm. Field rheostats
controlling the speeds of the
2 motors are on the power
panel in the recorder unit.
Correct motor speed is indi-
cated by a vibrating reed
type of tachometer mounted
close to the volume indicator
meter for the operator's ease
in referring to it. Both
motors are designed to oper-
ate satisfactorily over a volt-
age range from 18 to 25 v to
take care of variations in
storage battery conditions.
The camera motor for the
Mitchell NC camera is shown
in Figs. 17 and 18. In ap-
pearance the motor housing
is similar to that of the
conventional motor adapter
for this type of camera.
Arrangements to interlock this equipment with any auxiliary
equipment, or to operate it synchronously from an alternating cur-
rent source, are quite practicable through the medium of auxiliary
distributors or a synchronously driven 24-cycle frequency changer.
m
FIG. 18. Camera motor.
88
W. C. MILLER
Vol 44, No. 2
This could be of value in a semipermanent stationary application.
Sound Track. — The equipment as supplied records unilateral
variable-area sound track conforming to the nominal 35-mm stand-
ards with respect to track dimensions and location on the film. As
previously suggested later adaptations can be made to produce
other types of track as desired. When 35-mm film is used the track
is the same as any 35-mm recording using track of this kind. When
16-mm film is used (see Fig. 19) the track dimensions and location
with respect to the adja-
cent film edge remain the
same as for 35-mm film.
This choice for the 16-mm
film was made to permit
the use of 16-mm film on
35-mm reproducing equip-
ment without changing film
location, optical systems,
etc. It is relatively simple
to replace sprockets and
rollers in most 35-mm re-
producing heads with 16-
mm sprockets and rollers
having the same approxi-
mate diameter dimen-
sions, thus permitting the
machine to run the 16-mm
film at 90 ft a min very
satisfactorily.
It is the expectation that
practically all material re-
corded with this equipment will normally be rerecorded. In view of
this it makes little difference whether the original film is wide or
narrow, except for possible editorial difficulties, if the original
sound quality is that obtainable with wide film standards.
Modulator. — The modulator now used in the equipment is the
E. M. Berndt Corporation Auricon-type galvanometer mounted in
a special housing as shown in Fig. 20. Noise reduction amounting
to 6 db is attained by a d-c bias of the galvanometer movement.
This galvanometer was adopted because of its generally rugged con-
struction and simplicity of operation. Arrangements are made for
FIG. 19.
Sound track dimensions — 16-
and 35-mm film.
Feb., 1945
THE PH-346A RECORDING EQUIPMENT
89
focusing and lateral adjust-
ment of the light beam with-
out requiring special and com-
plicated optical test equip-
ment. These adjustments
may be very readily made in
the field in case galvanometer
replacement is required.
Space provision is made for
the use of other modulator
types as future applications
of the equipment would
probably require studio-type
modulators. The general
design is sufficiently flexible
to permit such adaptations to
be made.
Amplifier System. — The
amplifier system is completely
contained in one unit which is
shown in Figs. 21 and 22.
This unit is mounted in the
recorder unit in such a man-
ner that it may be readily re-
moved by removing 4 thumb-
screws and disconnecting a
plug and jack. The unit is
suspended on rubber shock
absorbers which form a part
of the slide mounts which are
released when the thumb-
screws are removed. - This
removable feature is very im-
portant for field maintenance
purposes. The amplifier is
necessarily complex in its
operation, but normally the
man in the field is not sup-
posed to go beyond changing
tubes if trouble develops. If
FIG. 20. Auricon galvanometer unit.
FIG. 21. Front of amplifier.
90
W. C. MILLER
Vol 44, No. 2
this method of correction is insufficient, he can remove the entire
amplifier unit and replace it with another.
The amplifier assembly contains a mixer position for one micro-
phone, auxiliary gain controls, and a meter which is used inter-
changeably for checking the various circuit conditions, the recording
exciting lamp current, and as a volume indicator or as a limiter in-
FIG. 22. Back of amplifier.
dicator. Switches to connect the meter into the various parts of the
circuit for its several uses are on the panel and on a subpanel acces-
sible through a rear door. The normal maximum gain for the ampli-
fier is 110 db with an additional 15 db of gain which may be used if
necessary, but with a corresponding increase in noise level. This
additional 15 db is used without the increase in noise when the
music equalizer is connected for use. The equalizer switch is also
mounted on the rear subpanel.
eb., 1945
THE PH-346A RECORDING EQUIPMENT
91
Limiting action is provided in the amplifier corresponding to the
type of limiting in normal use in studio recording. The limiting
operation is a change in gain which occurs very rapidly (of the order
of Vio ooo sec or faster) on excessive peaks and restores much more
slowly (about 2/io sec). It is set to operate very slightly above 100
per cent galvanometer modulation level, and its general character-
istics are shown in Fig. 23. The limiting feature is very valuable
for consistent operation, as it controls maximum level, protects the
FIG. 23. Limiter operating characteristics.
52 •+ 5« -t- 60
modulator and, in general, assures the highest practicable recording
level on the film. The meter is arranged to indicate limiting action
or, if desired, it may be used as the conventional volume indicator.
The amplifier circuit is shown schematically in Fig. 24, and the
connection of the amplifier to the remaining equipment in the re-
cording unit is shown in Fig. 25. The over-all recording character-
istics of the equipment are indicated in Fig. 26.
Microphones. — Provision is made for the normal use of one
microphone only. If, however, 2 microphones are required, an ex-
tension mixer (see Fig. 27) is connected in place of the single micro-
92
W. C. MILLER
Vol 44, No. 2
Feb., 1945 THE PH-346A RECORDING EQUIPMENT
93
bO
.3
94
W. C. MILLER
Vol 44, No. 2
phone, and 2 microphones may be connected through and controlled
by the extension mixer.
The equipment was originally designed for use with the Western
Electric 618-type. microphone, and this is specified for use when
available. Owing to wartime production conditions, neither this
microphone nor the 630 type was obtainable, and the Western
Electric 633 microphone was substituted. Because of the excessive
high-frequency response of the latter microphone, a low-pass filter
became necessary. In order to leave the amplifier circuit normal so
CURVE
PRINT.
MEASURED SIGNAL AMPLITUDE ON PM J46A RECORDER FI
RECORDED AT ISO Vo VOLUME INDICATOR METER.
CURVE B. REPRODUCED AMPLITUDE OF FILM IN CURVE A ON STANDARD
REPRODUCING SYSTEM.
CURVE C. REPRODUCED ACADEMY TEST REEL ASFD2 ON SYSTEM IN CURVE B
FREQUENCY C. P S.
FIG. 26. Operating frequency characteristics.
that other types of microphones could later be used, the low-pass
filter for the 633-type microphone was mounted as an extension to
the normal microphone housing. The resulting combination micro-
phone and filter is shown in Fig. 28.
Training Manual. — The equipment is such that with the barest
operating knowledge of sound recording reasonably consistent re-
sults should be attainable. Basic instruction and meter readings
to check the operating conditions are given on an instruction plate
on the cover of the mixer panel.
In addition a very detailed instruction booklet was prepared from
which a complete working knowledge can be obtained.
Feb., 1945 THE PH-346A RECORDING EQUIPMENT 95
The equipment as now in service appears to fill a definite need.
It is not to be thought of as competing with the heavier truck-
mounted or stationary equipment although, as a matter of fact, its
FIG. 27. Recorder unit with extension mixer in place for using 2 microphones.
performance will compare very well with it, and because of its
portability it can often do a job which could not otherwise be accom-
plished. As previously suggested, it lends itself to adaptations
which will permit its usefulness in more highly refined work during
FIG. 28. Western Electric 633 microphone with low-pass filter attached.
post-war applications, a fact which is of distinct economic impor-
tance. It also appears probable that it will find a use in studio work
when supply conditions once more become more nearly normal.
96 W. C. MILLER
Acknowledgment. — The Research Council, the writer, and those
who have helped him are very happy to have been able to con-
tribute this design to the Armed Forces and to know that it has
been of some value in the war effort. Sincere appreciation for their
interest and contributions is due to Douglas Shearer, G. M. Sprague,
Carlos Rivas, O. L. Dupy; Wm. S. Haddock, Elmer Woods, and
B. B. Korn of the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Sound Department, to
Robert L. Stephens of the Stephens Manufacturing Company, and
to William F. Kelley, Manager of the Research Council, Academy
of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Appreciation is also due to
Lieutenant Howard T. Souther, Signal Corps, who very graciously
offered to present this paper at the Society of Motion Picture
Engineers' Convention. This is of particular value because of
Lieutenant Souther's complete familiarity with the equipment
acquired during the approval tests by the Pictorial Engineering and
Research Laboratory Division of the Army Pictorial Service.
SOME TURBULATION CHARACTERISTICS OF THE NEW
TWENTIETH CENTURY-FOX DEVELOPING MACHINE*
M. S. LESHING AND T. M. INGMAN**
Summary. — // was necessary to have a clear idea about a simple and practical
means of measuring developing solution turbulation as an aid to the design and
construction of a new developing machine at the Twentieth Century- Fox laboratory.
Such a means was evolved by engineers at this laboratory, and it is the purpose of
this paper to describe the method of turbulation measurement, and the results of some
preliminary tests made with both the new and old developing machines.
The authors of this presentation hesitate to dignify it with the
name "paper." It is much closer to being notes from the notebook
of a practical laboratory man. It is intended only to call the atten-
tion of laboratory personnel to the necessity of a study of processing
of film, and if the presented curves and thoughts will be in any way
helpful, it is all the authors can hope for.
There were 2 reasons why we kept thinking about the necessity
of acquiring new developing machines. The main reason was that
our old Spoor-Thompsons were of an inflexible type. The speed of
this developing machine effects the turbulation of the developing
solution, and there are very definite limits beyond which we could
not go in prolonging the time of development. We could not properly
handle extra fast stocks, because they demanded longer development
and by slowing up the machines to prolong the development, we also
slowed up the rate of flow of our developing solution. As you can
readily see, we "robbed Peter to pay Paul."
Besides this main reason, there was another, not less important.
Our machines have been in continuous usage for the last 14 years,
and we had no chance for any overhauling job, which the machines
demanded.
* Presented Apr. 17, 1944, at the Technical Conference in Hollywood.
** Twentieth Century-Fox Film Corp., Beverly Hills, Calif.
97
98 M. S. LESHING AND T. M. INGMAN Vol 44, No. 2
In looking over the market for developing machines, we found
there were not any to answer our requirements. The only machine
which we thought was worth while looking at, was the developing
machine at the Eastman Kodak Research Laboratory in Rochester,
New York. Some tests were made on that machine, and as a result
of the tests we decided to build the machines on the same principle
as the so-called "Capstaff" machine in Rochester.
The main requisite in a developing machine, from our point of view,
was the turbulation which would allow the processing of film, espe-
cially the making of dupes, without any appreciable amount of
directional effect. We would like to show a small reel of 35-mm
film to demonstrate in a visual way the effects of turbulation on
directional effect. This demonstration is fully in agreement with
the statement made by Dr. E. M. Honan, Engineering Manager of
FIG. 1.
Electrical Research Products (who investigated the 96-cycle effect
on film processed by us), that "the 96-cycle modulation is several db
lower in Machine No. 6 than in Machine No. 2." Machine No. 6 is
our new machine, and No. 2 is one of the old ones.
In the design and construction of the new Twentieth Century-Fox
developing machine it was necessary to obtain a simple and prac-
tical means of measuring developing solution turbulation. Such a
means was evolved by engineers at this laboratory.
During the process of actual development of motion picture photo-
graphic emulsions the by-products of the development reaction, espe-
cially the released bromide ions, accumulate at or near the film
surface and exert a retarding action on the rate of development.
Since the quantity of the by-products which accumulate at the film
surface is a function of the area of the photographic exposure being
developed, it follows that the retardation effect is also a function of
the area exposure being developed. This phenomenon is demon-
strated in the accompanying figures. It will be noted in Fig. 1 that
Feb., 1945
NEW DEVELOPING MACHINE
99
a regular H and D lib sensitometric exposure has been developed
in the center of the gamma strip. Each of the 21 exposure steps has
an area of 0.16 sq in. Situated opposite each of the 21 steps near
the perforations is a circular spot density which is the result of de-
velopment of exactly the same exposure which was given the regular
lib sensitometric exposed areas. The area of this spot is 0.008 sq in.,
which is one-twentieth of the area of the adjacent square step ex-
posures.
It is possible to obtain density measurements from the developed
spot areas from which sensitometric curves can be derived in the
STILL DEVELOPMENT
PICTURE NEGATIVE
30 MINUTES
2.0
1.0
0.5
0.0
FIG. 2.
conventional manner. In Fig. 2 the H and D sensitometric curves
are shown which were derived from both the regular lib sensito-
metric exposures and the spot exposures on picture negative film
with no developer agitation. The 2 plotted curves will be observed
to differ vastly in both densities for any given exposure step as well
as gamma. It will be noted that the higher densities and gamma
value are obtained from the spot exposures.
, The development rate of the regular square step exposure areas
has been retarded owing to the accumulation of by-products of the
development reaction. At the smaller spot exposure areas where
only one-twentieth of the by-products of development was released
from each step and where the distance between steps was relatively
100
M. S. LESHING AND T. M. INGMAN
Vol 44, No. 2
great, very little retardation of development occurred even though
there was no agitation during development.
The picture negative developer at the Twentieth Century-Fox
Laboratory is a comparatively weak developer. The actual chemical
concentrations which were derived from a chemical analysis of the
developer are as follows :
Elon
Hydroquinone
Sodium Sulfite
Potassium Bromide
Water to make
pu
0.4 gm
0.3 gm
75.0 gm
0.33 gm
1.0 liter
8.90
NEW MACHINE WITHOUT TURBUL'ATION
PICTURE NEGATIVE
17'2-f
,0°
.0.5
20
fo
FIG. 3.
In the new machine under high turbulation it is necessary to use a
developer with low chemical concentrations in order to maintain a de-
sired time of development.
When this formula is used in combination with high turbulation
conditions where the bromide ions and other by-products of the de-
veloper reaction cannot accumulate, a normal time of development of
approximately 10 min and 30 sec is encountered. However, this de-
veloper is inherently sensitive to the retarding effect of bromide ions
and other developer reaction by-products. In Fig. 2 it was necessary
to develop 30 min in order to obtain a regular gamma of 0.51 without
developer agitation.
Feb., 1945
NEW DEVELOPING MACHINE
101
If agitation is applied at or near the film surface so that a condition
of turbulence is produced during the development of a photographic
emulsion, the accumulation of the by-products of development is dis-
rupted and fresh developer is continuously brought to that area on
the film to replace exhausted developer. The simple movement of the
motion picture negative film through a developing machine at a nor-
mal speed of 100 ft per min will produce a small amount of solution
agitation at the surface of the film. The effect of this agitation is
shown in Fig. 3 where sensitometric curves derived from the regular
and spot sensitometric exposures are recorded. The time of develop-
ment was 17 min and 25 sec.
OLD MACHINE
PICTURE NEGATIVE
10' 30"
FIG. 4.
The difference between the densities of the spot exposures and the
regular sensitometric exposures was considerably diminished by the
agitation resulting from the simple movement of the film through the
developing machine. Actually the difference between the llth step
exposures was 0.18, which is considerably less than the 0.34 value
existing between the llth step under conditions of still development.
In this manner it is possible to evaluate quantitatively the. photo-
graphic effect of turbulation applied to a motion picture photographic
film during development by measuring the density differences between
the spot exposures and the regular lib sensitometric exposures.
In Fig. 4 sensitometric curves are shown which were derived from
plotting the regular and spot densities obtained on picture negative
102
M. S. LESHING AND T. M. INGMAN
Vol 44, No. 2
film after development in the old-type machine previously in use.
This machine utilized the cascade system of turbulation whereby the
developer flows from headers at the top of each rack. It will be ob-
served that the difference between the 2 curves at the llth step was
0.07; thus there is still some retardation of development of the regular
lib sensitometric exposures with this type of agitation. It was the
aim of the Twentieth Century-Fox Laboratory engineers, in designing
the new machine, to improve the degree of turbulation so that these
2 curves would approach as nearly as possible the same density values
on all 21 of the regular lib sensitometric steps.
NEW MACHINE WITH TURBULATION
PICTURE NEGATIVE
10' 30"
FIG. 5.
In Fig. 5 the sensitometric curves are shown which were derived
from development in the new machine. It will be observed that the
gamma obtained from both curves was 0.67. However, there was a
small density difference of 0.04 at the 1 1th step. This would indicate
that even the high degree of turbulation present in the new machine is
not sufficient to prevent some retardation effect owing to the released
by-products of development during the developing process of a regular
H and D sensitometric exposure, but conditions of turbulation in the
new machine do produce an improvement of approximately 50 per
cent over the old machine.
In Fig. 6 the results of a special test conducted in this laboratory
with the new machine are presented in graphical form. This test was
made to determine the directional effect which would result from ap-
Feb., 1945
NEW DEVELOPING MACHINE
103
plication of turbulation in the new machine for varied times of tur-
bulation, developing time being kept constant. This test was per-
formed by making sensitometric exposures through the special
Twentieth Century-Fox sensitometer template and spliced in at care-
fully measured intervals on a 1100-ft roll of leader. The footage in-
tervals between gamma strips were equal to the footage capacity of a
rack in the developing machine.
As a result, when the strips were developed in a normal manner
in the new developing machine with regular turbulation, at the time
that the first sensitometric strip emerged from the last rack of the
DIRECTIONAL EFFECT vs QUANTITY OF TURBULATION
PICTURE NEGATIVE
NEW MACHINE
100 F* PERM IN
10' 30"
0.16
0.14
0.12
0.10
.08
"8 °6
i^04
0*_ J02
.00
PERCENT OF TIME OF
JRBULATIC
II 10 98765432
RACKS WITH TURBULATION
_00
FIG. 6.
developer, the turbulation system was completely shut off, so that the
last exposure on the roll, which at that same moment entered the
first rack of the developer tank, received no turbulation during sub-
sequent development. Each preceding sensitometric exposure re-
ceived turbulation for a percentage of time of development depending
upon its position in the machine at the time the turbulation was
turned off. The resulting photographic sensitometric densities were
plotted in the usual manner, and the difference between the spot and
the regular 1 1th step densities was plotted as a function of percentage
of time of development with turbulation.
It will be noted that the last strip to go through the developing
machine, which received no turbulation whatsoever, yielded a den-
sity difference of 0.14. The next to the last strip also gave a density
104 M. S. LESHING AND T. M. INGMAN
difference of 0.14 even though it received turbulation while on the
first rack which amounted to 10 per cent of the total developing time.
Thus the effect of turbulation for the first 10 per cent of the time of
development is negligible because apparently that much time is re-
quired for the reaction by-products to begin to accumulate. Beginning
with the third strip from the end of the test each succeeding strip was
found to possess smaller increments of density differences between the
spot and regular llth step exposures owing to the added percentage
of time of development during which the turbulation jets were in
action. The effect was linear, so that a 10 per cent increase in tur-
bulation time resulted in a decrease of approximately 0.01 in the den-
sity difference between the spot and regular densities of the llth step.
With the turbulation jets turned on for 100 per cent of the time of de-
velopment, a density difference of as low as only 0.03 was obtained on
this test
From the above test it is concluded that the current conditions of
turbulation in use in the new developing machine are a decided im-
provement over the old-type machine and, from a practical stand-
point, approach closely the optimum conditions of agitation.
The authors wish to express their gratitude to members of the
Hollywood technical service staff of the Eastman Kodak Company for
their assistance in preparation of this paper, and also to Dr. J. G.
Frayne of the Electrical Research Products for assistance given in
producing measurements.
REFERENCE
LESHING, M., INGMAN, T. M., AND PIER, K.: "Reduction of Development
Sprocket-Hole Modulation," J. Soc. Mot. Pict. Eng., XXXVI (May, 1941), p. 480.
STATEMENT OF THE SMPE ON ALLOCATION OF
FREQUENCIES IN THE RADIO SPECTRUM
FROM 10 KILOCYCLES TO 30,000,000
KILOCYCLES FOR THEATER
TELEVISION SERVICE*
Ed. Note. — When the Television Committee of the Society of Motion Picutre
Engineers, at its meeting on Sept. 18, 1944, studied the recommendations of the Radio
Technical Planning Board on frequency allocations for experimental television, it
was considered that these recommendations did not explicitly incorporate the needs
of the motion picture industry. Thus it was decided that the Committee should
take steps to insure adequate protection of the future requirements of theater television by
making specific requests for the necessary channels at the. Federal Communications
Commission hearings in October, 1944.
Accordingly Paul J. Larsen, with Earl I. Sponable as Alternate, was delegated by
the Committee to present the frequency allocation needs of theater television before the
Commission. The text of the statement, with exhibits and figures accepted by the
FCC, is reprinted here.
Mr. Chairman, Members of the Commission:
My name is Paul J. Larsen. I am a radio engineer associated with
The Johns Hopkins University, Applied Physics Laboratory in war
activities for the Office of Scientific Research and Development. I
appear before the Commission today as the representative of the
vSociety of Motion Picture Engineers to present their recommenda-
tions for frequency allocation requirements for Theater Television
in behalf of the engineers of the Motion Picture Industry.
The Society of Motion Picture Engineers is composed of engineers
of every group interested and active in the furtherance of the en-
gineering perfection of motion pictures as presented to the public.
This art of motion pictures encompasses all engineering phases relat-
ing to visual and aural presentations, whether on film or by other
means such as television. The Motion Picture Industry relies upon
the engineering guidance of the Society of Motion Picture Engineers
in standardization of their products, equipment, and certain of their
operating practices.
* Presented before the Federal Communications Commission (Docket No. 6651)
by Paul J. Larsen, SMPE Representative, on Oct. 27, 1944. (Statement, exhibits,
and figures bear FCC Exhibit No. 431.)
105
106 ALLOCATION OF FREQUENCIES Vol 44, No. 2
The duty of the American Motion Picture Industry is to serve the
nation both in war and in peace, by a continued flow of high-quality
entertainment and news, both visual and aural, to the theaters of the
United States and to our military personnel in this country and in the
field. Such a flow of entertainment entails all of the branches of the
industry: production, distribution, and exhibition.
The production branch is comprised of approximately 172 produc-
ing companies with 22 major studios, of which the recognized majors
are:
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer
Twentieth Century-Fox Film Corporation
Paramount Pictures, Inc.
RKO Radio Pictures, Inc.
Warner Bros. Pictures-, Inc.
Universal Pictures Company, Inc.
Columbia Pictures Corporation
Republic Pictures Corporation
Monogram Pictures
United Artists Corporation
Producers Releasing Corporation
The distributing branch consists of approximately 11 companies
with 341 distributing offices in the United States.
The exhibiting branch, the theater, consists of over 5000 circuit
or independent managements. Over 20,281 theaters are spread
throughout the nation in over 8488 towns and cities. These theaters
comprise a total of 11,719,101 seats. The estimated average weekly
attendance exceeds 85,000,000.
The Motion Picture Industry employs regularly 193,600 persons in
these three branches of the industry. Directly and indirectly it
stimulates and promotes many other industries where post-war em-
ployment increases are needed and possible.
In respect to the income of the Motion Picture Industry, a com-
parison between the yearly gross income and taxes of the Motion
Picture Industry and that of the Broadcast Industry is of interest.
This comparison in round figures is based upon information obtained
from the Department of Commerce, the Statistical Branch of the
Federal Communications Commission, and the Broadcasting Year-
book, and are as follows :
Feb., 1945 ALLOCATION OF FREQUENCIES 107
Motion Picture Industry Broadcast Industry
Estimated Gross Income: $1,600,000,000 $280,000,000
Amusement Taxes Direct to U. S.
Treasury: 260,000,000
Estimated State and Local Taxes: 300,000,000 20,000,000
The above figures of taxation do not include Federal Corporate and
Private, Income and Excess Profit taxes.
The American Motion Picture Industry, in less than fifty years,
has grown to be one of the major industries in the United States and is
recognized throughout the world as the leader in the initiation and
carrying out of all new means to present to the public improved visual
and aural presentations. It is the eyes and ears of the world, bring-
ing to every corner of the world a new understanding, a new concept
and a new drive, that a better way of living may constantly be
achieved. It aids public morale, relieves the strain of fatigue, and
brings a vast store of enjoyment to untold millions.
The industry has at all times kept pace with developments, con-
stantly utilizing and improving them with energetic and devoted
effort to produce better and better motion pictures. During its early
history presentations to the public were only visual in black and
white, then in the late '20's sound was added and for the first time in
the history of mankind there came into being a medium of expression
both aural and visual. During the early '30's perfected color was
added to this new medium of expression, increasing naturalness of the
presentation and making it possible to present visual and aural ex-
pressions in all their splendor. During the present war motion pic-
tures have proved to be indispensable for training by our services, and
to the morale, the comfort, and the contentment of our fighting boys.
The Motion Picture Industry, being conscious of its responsibility
to the public, realized in the pre-war days that television was an-
other, and possibly companion, development for presenting visual
and aural actions in theaters. Experimentation in the pre-war years
with Theater Television had proved that it was feasible both in
England and here in the United States of America. Large-screen
Theater Television on 15 X 18-foot screens made its debut in London,
England, in February of 1939, and by the end of 1939 five theaters
were equipped. Large-screen Theater Television made its debut
in New York City during 1940 and was demonstrated experimentally
on 15 X 20-foot screens in two New York theaters in 1941. Plans to
108 ALLOCATION OF FREQUENCIES Vol 44, No. 2
offer Theater Television on a commercial basis were interrupted by
our entry into the war.
The Motion Picture Industry has a definite and legitimate in-
terest and stake in television since this industry is in the business
of producing popular entertainment and presenting news through
visual and aural means. Obviously, television can bring that form of
entertainment and news into the theater. Numerous reasons exist
why the Motion Picture Industry must maintain a position in tele-
vision. Some of these are:
(1) Leadership: The American Motion Picture Industry has, during the past
fifty years, been the leader of the world in that industry. The industry has built
a great record of accomplishments, and through its devoted and successful effort
entertains over a hundred million persons weekly, including our armed forces.
(2) Competition: Television is another means to bring the visual and aural
presentations into the theater. If Television Broadcasting comes into the home,
the industry, through the theater, must be prepared to present some material
related to that given in the home, and certain additional material, both on a
larger scale. It must do a better job by adapting the medium to the theater.
The producing branch or the showmen of the industry can be trusted to improve
the medium as energetically and with as attractive inspiration as in the past.
By such competition all phases of the television art, both in theaters and in the
home, will benefit, as the industry will undoubtedly make important engineering
contributions, and its exploitations into the artistic and entertainment phase
should be of benefit and stimulation to all.
(3) News Service: The industry's presentation of news to the public in the
theaters is one of its great contributions. Very extensive organizations are
established to gather and arrange such visual and aural news and to distribute
by the most rapid means of transportation, such news to the theaters promptly
for visual and aural presentation. Television being able to record news events
only as they occur (unless they are first recorded on film) is therefore an essential
theatrical news presentation. Because of the fact that television does record
the visual and aural news as they occur, the theater cannot afford to ignore it
and has every reason to utilize it.
(4) Insurance: Acceptance of Theater Television by the public of such
initial events as news, operas, or other events as they occur, and the obvious
technical improvements in quality, brightness, contrast, detail, and possibly
addition of color by the industry during the experimental and early commercial
periods may be of such character that television as a medium may accompany
or supplement film as a medium for presentation of visual and aural entertain-
ment and news in the theater, and perhaps even supersede film presentations in
part. This may prove to be farfetched. Nevertheless, the Motion Picture
Industry cannot afford to be totally unprepared for such a change to Theater
Television in the event that in addition to the instantaneous factor, Theater
Television in some remote future also gives improved quality over film and is
economically sound.
Feb., 1945 ALLOCATION OF FREQUENCIES 109
(5) Broadcasting: The Television Broadcasting Industry has in the past
relied upon the Motion Picture Industry to supply motion picture films as a
medium for them to use for program material in public Television Broadcasts.
This need by the television broadcasters obviously will continue, and certain
companies in the Motion Picture Industry have prepared plans for producing
and supplying the television broadcasters with such motion picture productions
which meet the television broadcaster's requirements. The technique of con-
structing a program with all of its ramifications of script writing, direction, and
artistry with its associated scenery and lighting techniques is not only the back-
bone but also an outstanding accomplishment of the Motion Picture Industry.
The television broadcasters are therefore at present reliant upon the Motion
Picture Industry to produce film programs of the greatest entertainment or
educational value to the public. The Motion Picture Industry therefore has
been, and is now, television-minded, and its activities in this new art of tele-
vision will presumably expand to -meet the needs of the television broadcasters
and of their own, theatrical- tele vision requirements for economical film programs
of quality comparable to other media of entertainment.
(6} Parity with Broadcasting: Television Broadcasting and Theater Tele-
vision, as industries, are closely linked. Both are methods of producing, dis-
tributing, and exhibiting pictures in motion with related sound. Both industries
are public servants in the sense that both, through this new medium of television,
transmit entertainment and information to the public for its amusement, educa-
tion, and benefit. The Television Broadcasting Industry presents this enter-
tainment to the home through commercial sponsorship of the program. The
Theater Television Industry will present such entertainment to the public in
theaters to which an admission is charged. This similarity in service to the
public between these two industries is reasonable justification for requesting that
allocation of frequencies in the radio spectrum used for transmission by these
two industries be on a parity of opportunity basis to encourage development and
expansion of both industries on a sound and healthy formula. Both industries
have a public place in the television art and both industries should be alike en-
couraged to progress.
By a "parity basis" is not necessarily meant a mathematical equality in channel
widths, number of channels, and places in the frequency spectrum between
Theater Television and Television Broadcasting.
By q, "parity basis" is rather meant an equality of opportunity to develop
both arts, and an equality of conditions under which their commercialized serv-
ices may be carried on. All circumstances of allocation and system standards
of the two arts should be carefully selected and given governmental sanction in
such fashion that each art, within its domain, shall have equal opportunity to
experiment, to commercialize, to improve, and to expand to its proper and
demonstrable limits. •
This may lead to one or the other art receiving wider channels or more channels,
or channels in a different frequency range from the other art. No inequity
would thus result. For instance, Theater Television may require wider channels
for its wide-screen color-television pictures, may require more such channels for
operating and intra-industry competitive reasons, and may desire such channels
on higher frequencies than those for Television Broadcasting in order fully to
110 ALLOCATION OF FREQUENCIES Vol 44, No. 2
utilize certain directional possibilities. It is not meant to assert that Theater
Television will need such facilities, but it is meant that a parity of opportunity
between Theater Television and Television Broadcasting might conceivably
lead to such requirements.
The Society of Motion Picture Engineers has for the past six years
been actively engaged in engineering study of the requirements for
Theater Television and has participated vigorously in the engineer-
ing considerations of the National Television Systems Committee
and the Radio Technical Planning Board. After extended considera-
tions, the Society of Motion Picture Engineers submitted resolution
dated September 18, 1944 (P6-571-A) and resolution dated September
27, 1944 (SMPE-595-A) (attached hereto as Exhibits 1 and 2, re-
spectively), to the Federal Communications Commission, requesting
specific frequency allocations for immediate post-war Theater Tele-
vision and additional frequency allocations for the anticipated
ultimate growth of this new Theater Television Industry.
Major companies in the Motion Picture Industry have indicated
that at the end of the war, or as soon as wartime requirements per-
mit, they will enter into experimentation with the production and ex-
hibition of Theater Television programs in specific local theaters
with transmission of such programs to other specific theaters located
in distant cities. The Society of Motion Picture Engineers has stud-
ied from an engineering aspect the technical requirements for such
an initial Theater Television Industry and the ultimately expanded
requirements of this new industry to place it on as complete and com-
petitive a basis as is the present Motion Picture Industry.
Theater Television, in the immediate post-war period, will un-
doubtedly be experimentally presented to the theatrical public in
monochrome, possibly using present standard of 525-line definition.
Improved picture quality in monochrome comparable to 35-mm mo-
tion picture film, and later addition of color, will undoubtedly be re-
quired eventually if Theatrical Television presentations are to meet
the public needs on a comparable basis with motion picture film
presentations. The Motion Picture Industry, therefore, to present
Theater Television to the public with somewhat the same picture
quality as present film presentations, is required to contribute tech-
nically to the perfection of television in general and may be expected
to do so. The frequency channel widths required for the transmission
or relaying of such programs are as follows :
Feb., 1945 ALLOCATION OF FREQUENCIES 111
(1) Monochrome Transmission: 20-mc channel widths suitable for 525- to
800-line definition.
(2} Monochrome Higher Definition and Color Transmission: 40-mc channel
widths suitable for higher definition monochrome comparable to present 35-mm
film definition and for 3-color transmission of approximately 750-line definition.
The channel widths recommended are based upon having ade-
quate channel widths for initial post-war experimentation and may
later be decreased or increased in width dependent upon results of
field tests.
Theater Television, as an industry, is expected to grow rapidly in
years to come and it is believed that eventually 25 independent pro-
ducing and exhibiting agencies may compete in an area such as New
York City. For the initial post-war period experimentation of Theater
Television it is recommended that frequency allocation requirements
be provided for 15 producing or exhibiting agencies in an area such
as New York City. Each agency, to produce and distribute one
Theater Television program to specific local theaters and to relay this
program to specific distant theaters, as diagrammatically shown on
Plan Layout (Fig. 1, attached hereto), will require frequency alloca-
tions for the following stations or services :
(1) Intra-City Studio Transmitter Station:
(a) 1 fixed studio to transmitter channel (point-to-point).
(&) 1 cleared mobile transmitter channel (remote pickup).
(2} Intra-City Multiple Addressee Station:
(a) 1 cleared transmitter channel for private multiple-directive trans-
mission from single transmitter to a group of specific addressee
theaters within the service area of the transmitter.
(3} Inter- City Relay:
(a) 1 channel for interconnecting cities, for transmission of Theater
Television programs simultaneously from a number of specific
multiple addressee stations and/or directly to a specific theater or
theaters in interconnecting cities.
This immediately necessary post-war Theater Television service,
as distinguished from the ultimate service, will require a frequency
band allocation of 1500 megacycles in channels of 20 megacycle widths
preferably wholly contiguous or contiguous in substantial groups,
in the radio spectrum between 300 and 6300 megacycles.
Additional requirements for the ultimate fully expanded industry
on a large national competitive scale are as follows :
(1) Improved definition or addition of color, both requiring wider channels.
(2) Additional station requirements per agency for multiple and diversified
112
ALLOCATION OF FREQUENCIES
Vol 44, No. 2
programming of Theater Television, respectively, to large central theaters and
to neighborhood theaters.
(5) Extra mobile transmitter channel per agency, thus increasing flexibility
of programming.
(4) Extra relay channel per agency for dual-program or two-way relaying.
MAIN RELAY TO OTHER CITIES
O BEAMED RELAY (ONE-WAY)
0 BEAMED RELAY CTWO-WAY)
D THEATERS
• STUDIO-STATION TRANSMITTER
• MOBILE PICK-UP TRANSMITTER
FIG. 1. Plan layout of proposed theater television distribution per agency.
(Appendix 1, Society of Motion Picture Engineers.)
This additional expanded service will undoubtedly require addi-
tional frequency band allocations in the radio spectrum above 6300
megacycles and up into the tens of thousands of megacycles.
The complete picture for this ultimate fully expanded industry is
naturally remote at this time and it is subject to revision in kind and
Feb., 1945 ALLOCATION OF FREQUENCIES 113
extent, based upon field tests, the results of the immediate post-war
experimentation in Theater, Television transmission and, last but
not least, upon public acceptance. However, the belief that addi-
tional requirements will be needed is presented at this time so that
the Federal Communications Commission may be cognizant of the
fact that additional frequency allocation requirements will be needed
for a fully expanded Theater Television Industry.
The Society of Motion Picture Engineers submits the following
information in respect to the evaluation of the service from the stand-
point of public need and benefit as requested by the Federal Communi-
cations Commission in Public Notice No. 77289:
(1) Radio Versus Wire Lines: Theater Television involves the transmission
of visual and aural actions from a suitable central transmitting station in a given
urban area and sending therefrom highly directional beams of radiation to direc-
tional antennas and associated receivers located at the theaters. Such trans-
mission could be classified as a multiple-addressee point-to-point communication
system of private nature. The transmission would be high-fidelity television,
perhaps using channels between 20 and 60 megacycles wide. Radio communi-
cation is preferred in practice whenever a number of points must be simultane-
ously reached from a single transmitting station and also when the type of com-
munication uses such wide frequency bands as television. Present wire line
facilities, including coaxial transmission lines, are not suitable, according to the
best information available, for transmission of channel widths greater than 4
megacycles. Wire methods remain to be proved economically as to their feasi-
bility and from an operating standpoint, including the factors of flexibility and
convenience.
Mobile pick-up necessary for the transmission of news events to the central
transmitter of necessity requires radio transmission. It is obvious that as a
general rule, wire facilities would not be available nor, in some instances even
possible (pick-up from moving vehicles) . The relaying of Theater Television
programs from the central station to remote cities seems at present to be feasible
only by use of radio linkage systems.
The Society of Motion Picture Engineers feels that it is justified in urging that
facilities be provided to determine the degree of utility of radio transmission for
Theater Television, both on its own merits and in performance and economic
comparison with alternative wire methods. To insure early post-war initiation
of Theater Television, frequency allocations in the radio spectrum for this service
are essential. Theater Television should not be handicapped in its initial experi-
mental operations by being limited to a specific method of transmission. The
Motion Picture Industry will obviously, when suitable wire line facilities are
available, consider employing this method of transmission for Theater Television
whenever such facilities are technically and economically practical.
(2} Public Benefit: On the assumption that 50 theaters are served from a
single multiple-addressee transmitting station, and if the average seating capacity
per theater is 1200 or a total seating capacity of 60,000, it can be assumed that
1 14 ALLOCATION OF FREQUENCIES Vol 44, No. 2
between one-quarter and one-half million persons will be served weekly by such
a group of theaters. The Motion Picture Industry has over 85,000,000 attend-
ance per week according to the best available figures, or approximately four and
a half billion individual presentations or attendances per year. Ultimately a
substantial fraction of this number may receive the benefits of Theater Television.
(3) Public Support: The support which Theater Television is likely to receive
will of course depend upon its feasible quality and the audience response to it.
It is believed, however, that the leaders in the Motion Picture Industry, being
excellent showmen, will not fail to develop methods for utilizing the entertainment
and educational values inherent in Theater Television.
Motion pictures are well known as a major means of entertainment and in-
struction. They have brought interest into urban and rural life on a large scale.
They have relieved the tension of many people and have been a marked stimulant
to personal and national morale. It is believed that Theater Television will in
time be a great factor in the advancement of understanding, education, and
entertainment.
(4) United States Leadership: The United States is the world leader in the
field of motion pictures. With the advent of Theater Television, the United
States should maintain that leadership in this new field as well. Theater Tele-
vision is commercially contemplated in other countries in the post-war period.
The Motion Picture Industry, proud of its world leadership in the art of visual
and aural presentations to the theatrical public, intends to maintain that world
leadership, and therefore its engineers propose that frequency allocations be made
available to initiate this new industry as soon as manpower and facilities are
available. The initiation and expansion of this new Theater Television Industry,
as visioned, will also add substantially to employment possibilities, a very de-
sirable post-war measure. The necessary capital and enterprise both exist in
the Motion Picture Industry.
(5) Establishment of Service: The frequency allocation requirements of 1500
megacycles recommended for the immediate initial post-war period should be
made available on an experimental basis to agencies in a group of cities at the
earliest date to permit experimental field tests to be carried out. The frequency
allocations should be adequate to permit the establishment of mobile pick-up,
studio to transmitter, central multiple-addressee transmitter and relay facilities,
so that methods and scope of Theater Television can be carried forward expedi-
tiously. After this experimental development of the field, Theater Television
should be commercialized along the methods found most practical and economical.
SUMMATION
The Society of Motion Picture Engineers, in behalf of the engineers
of the Motion Picture Industry, recommends that the Federal Com-
munications Commission consider the need for providing adequate
frequency band allocations for a national Theater Television Serv-
ice, such frequency band allocations to be on a parity of opportunity
with the frequency band allocations allotted to Television Broad-
casting, above 300 megacycles.
Feb., 1945
ALLOCATION OF FREQUENCIES
115
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116 ALLOCATION OF FREQUENCIES Vol 44, No. 2
For the immediately necessary post-war initiation of this new
Theater Television Service it is recommended that a frequency band
of 1500 megacycles in groups of contiguous 20-megacycle channels be
allotted to this Service as follows :
(1) 8 contiguous 20 me cleared channels or a band of 160 me from 600 to
760 me.
(2) 7 contiguous 20 me cleared channels or a band of 140 me from 860 to
1000 me.
(5) 15 contiguous 20 me cleared channels or a band of 300 me from 1900 to
2200 me.
(4) 15 contiguous 20 me cleared channels or a band of 300 me from 3900 to
4200 me.
(5) 30 contiguous 20 me cleared channels or a band of 600 me from 5700 to
6300 me.
The frequency allocation chart (Fig. 2, attached hereto) graphi-
cally indicates these frequency band allocations compared with fre-
quency band allocations for television recommended by IRAC,
and frequency band allocations for television and relay, requested by
Panels 6 and 9, respectively, of the Radio Technical Planning Board.
The frequency band allocations requested by Panel 6 for Tele-
vision included the request that experimentation be permitted in the
frequency bands requested above 300 megacycles and that such ex-
perimentation included Theater Television. The frequency band
allocations requested by Panel 9 for relaying includes requests
made by the Society of Motion Picture Engineers to that Panel for
frequency band allocations for Theater Television. On the basis of
these requests to Panels 6 and 9, for Theater Television Services,
the specific frequency bands now recommended by the Society of
Motion Picture Engineers for Theater Television are reasonable and
on a parity of opportunity basis with Television Broadcasting above
300 megacycles.
The Society of Motion Picture Engineers earnestly and respect-
fully recommends that the frequency band allocations requested in
the group C channels between 300 to 1000 megacycles for Theater
Television be made immediately available to Theater Television by
the Federal Communications Commission, whenever the Com-
mission grants an allocation in this group C channel for Television
Broadcasting or Relay Service. This request is made to insure that
Theater Television will not be handicapped in its initial experi-
mentation. Equipment capable of operation at frequencies within
Feb., 1945 ALLOCATION OF FREQUENCIES 117
group C channels has been developed and undoubtedly will be com-
mercially available immediately upon release of the present war-
time governmental regulations. Equipment for operation on fre-
quencies above 1000 megacycles is not commercially developed and
therefore will not be available upon such release. The Motion
Picture Industry should not be handicapped in its desire to initiate
this new industry promptly after release of wartime regulations.
The Society of Motion Picture Engineers also wishes to direct
the attention of the Federal Communications Commission to ad-
ditional frequency band allocations which may eventually be re-
quired for the ultimate fully expanded Theater Television Service.
The extent of such additional frequency band allocation require-
ments to be determined after the initial experimental field tests of
Theater Television.
The Society of Motion Picture Engineers also directs the attention
of the Federal Communications Commission to the fact that Theater
Television involves communications of a private nature and there-
fore should be accordingly classified to differentiate it from Television
Broadcasting.
The Society of Motion Picture Engineers, in behalf of the engineers
of the Motion Picture Industry, respectfully requests the Federal
Communications Commission to grant the frequency band alloca-
tions recommended for initiating this immediate post-war industry
of Theater Television so as to permit the American Motion Picture
Industry to maintain its world leadership in the visual and aural
entertainment field.
118 ALLOCATION OF FREQUENCIES Vol 44, No. 2
EXHIBIT 1*
RESOLUTION UNANIMOUSLY PASSED BY THE
TELEVISION COMMITTEE OF THE
SOCIETY OF MOTION PICTURE ENGINEERS
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 1944
Whereas, The Society of Motion Picture Engineers has been apprised of the
hearing on frequency allocation for non-governmental services in the
range of 10 kilocycles to 30,000,000 kilocycles, on September 28, 1944, before the
Federal Communications Commission; and
Whereas, There is evidence that the motion picture industry will at the end of
the war or as soon as wartime requirements permit, enter into presenta-
tion of Theatrical Television performances on a local and national scale; and
Whereas, The Society of Motion Picture Engineers views this evidence of such
nature that specific recommendations for frequency allocations for
immediate post-war activities and anticipated growth of this new industry of
Theater Television seems proper at this time, to insure that this new industry
will be on a parity with other visual services such as Television Broadcasting in
respect to frequency band allocations for the services required ; and
Whereas, This new industry of Theater Television desires to present to the
Theatrical public locally and nationally Television of high definition
in monochrome and in color when such color presentations are commercially
feasible; the degree of definition being greater than that now contemplated for
Television Broadcasting; and
Whereas, To insure the development of Theater Television on a national scale
adequate provisions for frequency spectrum allocations should be pro-
vided for a probable twenty-five producing or exhibiting agencies in an area
such as New York City, each such producing or exhibiting agency requiring the
following stations or services in an area, per single program, for originating pro-
gram, and for transmission of the program to local theaters and relaying to distant
theaters:
(1) Intra-City Studio Transmitter Station
(a) 1 Fixed Studio to Transmitter Channel (Point to Point)
(&) 2 Cleared Mobile Transmitter Channels (Remote Pick-up)
(2) Intra-City Multiple Addressee Station
(a) 1 Cleared Transmitter Channel for multiple directive transmission
from single transmitter to group of specific theaters within service
area of transmitter.
(3) Inter- City Relay
(a) 2 Channels for interconnecting cities for transmission of Theater
Television programs, simultaneously from a number of specific
multiple addressee stations and/or direct to specific theater or
theaters in interconnecting cities; and
* P6-571-A.
Feb., 1945 ALLOCATION OF FREQUENCIES 119
Whereas, The extension of Theater Television as a national service will expedite
and expand technical developments to provide a higher degree of
definition than now required for Television Broadcasting owing to visual com-
parison of Theater Television presentations with 35-mm Film presentations.
This visual comparison will demand a higher definition picture and on the basis
of present 35-mm Film presentations being of the order of 1200 lines the following
channel widths for specific presentations are recommended :
(J) Monochrome Transmission
20 me Channel width suitable for approximately 800 line definition,
(2} Monochrome Transmission
40 me Channel width suitable for approximately 1200 line definition,
(5) Color Transmission
60 me Channel width suitable for 3 color system of approximately 750 line
definition; and
Whereas, On the basis of the establishment of this new Art of Theater Television,
on the basis outlined above, a total frequency band width of 18,000 me
will be needed; and
Whereas, The Society of Motion Picture Engineers realized that the motion
picture industry could not establish such a complete Theater Television
Service immediately, they wish however to present the above frequency alloca-
tion requirements for this service. However, for initiating the development of
Theater Television as a new industry as soon as manpower and equipment are
available it is recommended that the initial post-war frequency allocation re-
quirements be based upon providing for 15 producing or exhibiting agencies in
an area each capable of producing, transmitting, and exhibiting one program
being a monochrome picture of 525 to 800 lines requiring a 20 me channel width.
For this initial programming the following stations or services are at least essen-
tial for each agency in an area :
(1} Intra-City Studio Transmitter Station
(a) 1 Fixed Studio to Transmitter Channel
(Point to Point)
(&) 1 Cleared Mobile Transmitter Channel
(Remote Pick-up)
(2) Intra-City Multiple Addressee Station
(a} 1 Cleared Transmitter Channel for multiple directive transmission
from single transmitter to group of specific theaters within service
area of transmitter.
(3) ' Inter-City Relay
(a) 1 Channel for interconnecting cities for transmission of Theater
Television programs, simultaneously from a number of specific
Multiple Addressee Stations and/or direct to specific theater or
theaters in interconnecting cities.
This immediately necessary post-war Theater Television Service (as distinguished
from the foreseen later requirements) therefore require a frequency band alloca-
120 ALLOCATION OF FREQUENCIES Vol 44, No. 2
tion of 1200 me in channels of 20 me width preferably wholly contiguous; or
contiguous in substantial groups; now therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Society of Motion Picture Engineers directs the attention to
the Federal Communications Commission and industry representatives
(RTPB) to the need for providing adequate frequency band allocations for a
national Theater Television Service on a parity with the frequency band alloca-
tions allotted to Television Broadcasting; and
Be it Further Resolved, That for immediate post-war initiation of this new Theater
Television Service a frequency band of 1200 me be made
available in contiguous channels of 20 me width as follows:
(1) 30 contiguous channels 20 me wide or a band of 600 me in the radio
spectrum between 1000 and 3000 me.
(2} 30 contiguous channels 20 me wide or a band of 600 me in the radio
spectrum between 3000 and 6000 me; and
Be it Further Resolved, That for future expansion of this Theater Television
Service another frequency band of 10,000 to 20,000 me in
groups of contiguous 20 me channels (obviously in the radio spectrum above
6000 me and up in the tens of thousands of me) be set aside for expanded and
improved services such as more agency transmitters, multiple programming of
Theater Television to large and neighborhood theaters, extra channel per agency
for mobile Pick-up, extra channel per agency for relay and expanded band width
required for higher definition monochrome picture or color picture; this addi-
tional frequency band or fractions thereof to be preferably set aside on a parity
basis with Broadcast Television frequency allocations in the radio spectrum
above 6000 me whenever this frequency range is allocated for experimentation
or commercial comparable services ; and
Be it Further Resolved, That the Society of Motion Picture Engineers assure the
Federal Communications Commission of its desire to co-
operate with it in behalf of the Motion Picture Industry and itself to the end
that a fair and equitable allocation of frequencies be provided for all services
using the radio spectrum.
Feb., 1945 ALLOCATION OF FREQUENCIES 121
EXHIBIT 2*
RESOLUTION PASSED UNANIMOUSLY BY THE
TELEVISION COMMITTEE OF THE
SOCIETY OF MOTION PICTURE ENGINEERS
SEPTEMBER 27, 1944
Whereas, The Society of Motion Picture Engineers has been apprised of the
hearing on frequency allocation for nongovernmental services in the
range of 10 kilocycles to 30,000,000 kilocycles, on September 28, 1944, before the
Federal Communications Commission; and
Whereas, On September 18, 1944, the Television Committee of the Society of
Motion Picture Engineers passed unanimously a Resolution of same
date outlining specific frequency allocations for Theatrical Television, which
Resolution has been directed to the attention of the Federal Communications
Commission and industry representatives (Panels 1, 2, 6, 8, and 9 of the Radio
Technical Planning Board) ; and
Whereas, Since submitting the aforesaid Resolution, the Society of Motion
Picture Engineers has been apprised of the availability of frequency
allocations in the frequency spectrum in Channel Group C (300 to 1000 me) for
Television Services, and in view thereof, by this Resolution, desires to modify
its original frequency allocations outlined in the aforesaid Resolution as in the
opinion of the Society of Motion Picture Engineers, allocation of frequencies
within this Channel Group C for Television Services should be allocated on a
parity basis between the different types of Television Services, namely, Television
Broadcasting and Theater Television ; and
Whereas, For an immediately necessary post-war Theater Television Service,
Equipment will be more readily obtainable and adaptable for trans-
mission and reception in this lower frequency Channel C than for the higher
frequency Channel D and it is the desire of the Motion Picture Industry to initiate
this new Theater Television Industry at the earliest possible post-war date and
therefore does not wish to be handicapped in this endeavor or to be penalized
more than other Television Services; and
Whereas, On the basis of this availability of frequency allocations in Channel
Group C (300 to 1000 me) the Society of Motion Picture Engineers
desires to modify the frequency band allocations requested in Resolution dated
September 18, 1944, to the following specific frequency band allocations, totaling
1500 me, for immediately necessary post-war Theater Television (as distinguished
from the foreseen later requirements outlined in aforesaid Resolution) :
(1} 8 contiguous 20 me cleared channels or a band of 160 me from 600 to
760 me,
(2) 7 contiguous 20 me cleared channels or a band of 140 me from 860 to
1000 me,
* SMPE-595-A.
122 ALLOCATION OF FREQUENCIES
(5) 15 contiguous 20 me cleared channels or a band of 300 me from 1900 to
2200 me,
(4) 15 contiguous 20 me cleared channels or a band of 300 me from 3900 to
4200 me,
(5) 30 contiguous 20 me cleared channels or a band of 600 me from 5700 to
6300 me; and
Whereas, The Society of Motion Picture Engineers wishes to clarify that the
transmission of Theater Television is a private point-to-point service
and therefore may be classified as a communication point-to-point service as
differentiated from Television Broadcasting, the Multiple Addressee Stations
referred to in the aforesaid Resolution is a transmitter having multiple beamed
antenna array for beaming to specific theaters or points within the service area
of the transmitter for private pick-up of transmission ; now therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Society of Motion Picture Engineers directs the attention to
the Federal Communications Commission and industry representatives
(RTPB) to the need for providing adequate frequency band allocations for a
national Theater Television Service on a parity with the frequency band alloca-
tions allotted to Television Broadcasting; and
Be it Further Resolved, That for immediate post-war initiation of Theater Tele-
vision, the frequency band allocations requested in Reso-
lution dated September 18, 1944, be modified to a total frequency band of 1500
me in groups of contiguous 20 me channels as follows :
(1} 8 contiguous 20 me cleared channels or a band of 160 me from 600 to
760 me,
(2) 7 contiguous 20 me cleared channels or a band of 140 me from 860 to
1000 me,
(5) 15 contiguous 20 me cleared channels or a band of 300 me from 1900 to
2200 me,
(4) . 15 contiguous 20 me cleared channels or a band of 300 me from 3900 to
4200 me,
(5) 30 contiguous 20 me cleared channels or a band of 600 me from 5700 to
6300 me; and
Be it Further Resolved, That in view of the essentially private nature of such
Theater Television Service, namely, communication of
multiple messages under private auspices for ultimate viewing by the public in
specific theaters, the Society of Motion Picture Engineers respectfully requests
the desirability that these communications be correspondingly classified.
STATEMENT PRESENTED BEFORE FEDERAL COMMUNI-
CATIONS COMMISSION RELATING TO TELEVISION
BROADCASTING *
PAUL J. LARSEN**
Ed. Note. — In addition to the statement on allocation of frequencies in the radio
spectrum for theater television service, presented before the FCC by Paul J. Larsen
as Representative of the SMPE, Mr. Larsen also submitted a personal statement re-
lating to recommendations made by various interests for commercial television broad-
casting. This statement, accepted by the FCC as Exhibit No. 432, presents historic
facts of the motion picture industry for the benefit of the FCC in arriving at a conclu-
sion on the frequency band allocations required for a commercial television broadcast
service, and is reprinted here.
Mr. Chairman and Members of the Commission :
During this hearing on Television Broadcasting various recom-
mendations for immediate post-war frequency band allocations have
been submitted by different interests. The Commission is con-
fronted with determining the frequency band allocations to be granted
for immediate post-war initiation of Commercial Television Broad-
casting, based upon the following recommendations:
(1) By the Radio Technical Planning Board: Frequency band allocations
between 60 and 260 megacycles, using the standards recommended by them for
525-line monochrome transmission.
(2) By Other Interests: An indefinite experimental period for the purpose of
developing and field testing higher definite monochrome and color television,
both requiring wider frequency band widths, necessitating allocations in the radio
spectrum around and above 450 megacycles.
To assist the Commission in their determinations, I submit for
their consideration certain historic and economic facts of the Motion
Picture Industry. These facts should be of assistance in ascertaining
whether or not color is essential and economically sound for im-
mediate post-war Television Broadcasting.
The following tabulation presents chronologically the dates on
* Presented before the Federal Communications Commission (Docket No.
6651) on Oct. 27, 1944; FCC Exhibit No. 432.
** Washington, D. C.
123
124 P. J. LARSEN Vol 44, No. 2
which improvements in the art of motion pictures were demonstrated
and commercialized. It is of interest to compare the date of the
demonstration with the actual acceptance of the improvement by
the Industry, as represented by the first public commercial perform-
ance.
MONOCHROME PICTURES
April 14, 1894: First public performance, monochrome, 16 frames, 60 feet per
minute.
February, 1926: First public performance, monochrome, 24 frames per second,
90 feet per minute.
SOUND-ON-FILM
1921: First demonstration of sound-on-film on monochrome film.
April 15, 1923: First public theater performance in New York City of sound-
on-film on monochrome film.
May 29, 1927: First commercial sound-on-film theater performance on mono-
chrome film.
COLOR
March, 1909: First demonstration of 2 color (rotary filter disk separate films).
Process known as "Kinemacolor."
Sept. 12, 1918: First public theater performance of 2-color subtractive process
known as "Kestacolor." Presentation of "The American Flag."
1923: First demonstration in Paris of 3-color additive process known as
"Keller-Dorian." Later known as "Kodacolor."
1926: First public theater performance in U.S.A. of 2-color subtractive process
known as "Technicolor."
1933: First commercial theater performance in New York City of 3-color
subtractive process known as "Technicolor" with sound-on-film.
During 1943, the following feature* short, and newsreel motion
pictures were produced for theater consumption by the Motion
Picture Industry. It is of interest to note that of the total features
produced only 13 per cent were in color, and of the shorts produced
only 37 per cent were in color.
In Monochrome In Color Total
Feature Pictures 368 50 418
Shorts 329 120 449
Newsreels 502 0 502
The following approximate quantity of positive film stock was used
for the print release to the theaters for the above motion pictures :
Positive Stock Monochrome 1,660,000,000 feet
Positive Stock Color 140,000,000 feet
The studio production costs for color features are approximately
20 to 35 per cent higher than comparable productions in monochrome,
Feb., 1945 STATEMENT ON TELEVISION BROADCASTING 125
based upon the best available information. The average cost of a
grade A feature production in monochrome is in the neighborhood
of $700,000, varying between $400,000 and $2,000,000. The average
cost of single-reel shorts or a grade B or C feature, per reel in mono-
chrome, is approximately $30,000, varying between $10,000 and
$80,000. This 20 to 35 per cent higher cost for color is therefore a sub-
stantial increase in the cost of such productions.
In addition to the initial higher cost of production of color pictures,
the cost of the release prints is also a major economic factor. The
average cost per foot of a monochrome film is approximately !J/2
cents, whereas the cost per foot of a color film is approximately
6 cents. On the basis of an average of 250 positive prints per feature
and short, and 725 prints per newsreel being required, this increased
film cost is a major item.
The above facts and figures are submitted to assist the Commission
in its determination of factors involved between monochrome and
color Television Broadcasting. From the above it will be noted that
the Motion Picture Industry was established and became a large
industry even though up to and including the year 1932, all of its
presentations were in monochrome. In 1932 their gross income
amounted to $1,100,000,000. Color was commercially accepted in
1933 and it is of interest to note that even as late as 1943, only 13
per cent of the total feature pictures produced were in color. Public
acceptance of theatrical motion pictures prove, by the above facts,
that it is not based upon whether such pictures are in monochrome
or in color, but are based upon the entertainment value of the contents
of the pictures. The majority of the features which have won ac-
claim by the public and received the Academy of Motion Picture Arts
Award, have been in monochrome.
My personal opinion is that the Television Broadcasting Industry
has more major problems to solve than whether their transmission
should be in monochrome or in color. One of the first and most
important problems confronting the Television Broadcasters is
the economic factor, and the addition of color will only make this
factor worse. The second most important is to develop the tech-
nique to produce, whether by live talent or by film subject, the
proper type of program material which will meet public acceptance
from an entertainment value and meet the advertisers' require-
ments, warranting them to sponsor the program.
The Television Industry, whether it is Television Broadcasting or
126 P. J. LARSEN Vol 44, No. 2
Theater Television, has also many technical problems to solve and
improve before considering the addition of color. Major improve-
ments are required to increase the contrast range of the over-all
system. This factor of contrast range has a great bearing upon the
definition attained. Motion picture productions have an average
contrast range of 30 to 1, whereas the best contrast range attain-
able in present television is of the order of 15 to 1 on monitors em-
ployed at the transmitting station, and approximately 10 or 12 to 1
on a home receiver.
A second technical problem requiring improvement is the utiliza-
tion of the ultimate line definition which can be obtained using the
present standard of 525 lines. On a home television receiver it
should be possible to obtain definition in the order of 480 lines, allow-
ing for blanking. In the writer's opinion, the average definition now
attainable on post-war home television receivers, modified and im-
proved during the past few years, is about 260 lines. The above
required improvements are not easy to accomplish and by them-
selves will undoubtedly require many years of continued develop-
ment to attain the ultimate desired performance indicated. Their
solution must be attained before color is even considered experi-
mentally.
Commercialization of Television Broadcasting, by the allocation
of the frequencies, and employing the standards recommended by
the Radio Technical Planning Board when Governmental regulations
permit such commercialization, will spur the Radio Industry into a
frenzy of activity heretofore unseen. Many newcomers, both manu-
facturers and radio engineers, will appear in the Television Industry
and their concerted industrious effort on a competitive basis will re-
sult in the ultimate performance characteristics of television capable
under these standards being expeditiously attained.
I submit that the frequency band allocations and standards rec-
ommended for immediate post-war commercial Television Broad-
casting by the Radio Technical Planning Board are commercially
satisfactory for a Television Broadcasting Service and that the al-
location of frequencies in the group C channels recommended for
experimental television, by the Radio Technical Planning Board, of
new high-definition and color television, is a reasonable and sound
recommendation and I concur therewith. The frequency band allo-
cations recommended in the group C channel are recommended so as
to permit experimentation of improved methods and systems over a
Feb., 1945 STATEMENT ON TELEVISION BROADCASTING 127
sufficient period of time to ascertain whether such improved method
or system is desirable and practical technically, economically, and
commercially.
The experience of the Motion Picture Industry and the previous
experience of the Television Industry proves that the adoption com-
mercially of new methods, systems, and improvements such as, for
example, the addition of sound and color by the Motion Picture In-
dustry, and the standardization of synchronization, line frequency,
and type of modulation by the Television Industry does not happen
overnight. All such recommended or proposed methods, systems,
or improvements require extensive study, extended laboratory de-
velopments, and extended field trials to ascertain whether such rec-
ommendation or proposal is practical, economical, and commercially
sound. In the writer's opinion, the increase in definition or the addi-
tion of color to the present standardized and field tested Television
Broadcasting system, will require many years of laboratory develop-
ment, and, beyond that stage, additional years of field testing under
all types of field conditions to insure that the improvements are
technically, economically, and commercially practicable and not
just laboratory dreams. The experimental channels recommended
by the Radio Technical Planning Board insure proponents of new
methods, systems, or improvements, that development and field
testing of such proposals can be carried out orderly by the Industry,
and the Television Industry will determine after adequate field tests
whether or not the proposed method, system, or improvement is
technically sound and commercially practical, and last but not least,
that the service, the picture quality, and the entertainment value
are enhanced to the public.
EXCERPTS FROM REPORT BY FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COM-
MISSION ON PROPOSED ALLOCATIONS FROM 25,000
KILOCYCLES TO 30,000,000 KILOCYCLES *
(DOCKET NO. 6651)
Ed. Note. — The SMPE applied to the Federal Communications Commission for
specific frequency allocations for experimental television channels to make possible
the direct pickup of programs from motion picture film studios and elsewhere for trans-
mission to theaters within a given city or to relay programs to theaters in distant
cities. (See pp. 105-122 of this issue.}
Excerpts taken from the report issued by the FCC on proposed allocations indicate
that ample opportunity is provided for experimentation on pickup and intra- and
inter-city television transmission. The motion picture industry therefore is now
privileged to submit applications to the Commission for experimental authorization
in the frequency bands specified for these purposes.
PART I
DESCRIPTION OF THE COMMISSION'S PROCEEDINGS AND
STATEMENT OF ITS PROPOSED ALLOCATIONS
SECTION 4— GENERAL PRINCIPLES FOLLOWED BY COMMISSION IN
MAKING PROPOSED ALLOCATIONS
"As appears from the preceding section, in most cases the request for frequen-
cies by the various non -governmental radio services far exceeded the supply and
in some of these cases the evidence showed little or no correlation between the
number of channels requested and the number and locations of the units or sta-
tions proposed to be installed. Hence, the Commission could not in all cases pro-
pose an allocation based strictly upon the number of channels requested. Further-
more, the engineering standards or basis upon which channel widths were esti-
mated appeared somewhat conflicting, thereby necessitating a detailed examina-
tion of all the engineering facts presented in order that a proper adjustment of
these conflicts could be made. As has been pointed out, some of these requests
were completely unsupported by adequate engineering studies or satisfactory tech-
nical data, and therefore had to be rigidly discounted. Even after this was done,
the demand for frequencies still far exceeded the supply. This was true through-
out the entire spectrum. It was therefore obvious that all of the requests based
upon statements as to the number of channels required could not be met, and in
most instances, the Commission has had to allocate fewer or narrower channels
than were requested or assign the service to a different portion of the spectrum
from that sought, or both.
"There were six general principles that guided the Commission in making this
determination. In the first place, the Commission examined each request to
determine whether the service in question really required the use of radio or
* No. 79776, dated Jan. 15, 1945.
128
EXCERPTS FROM FCC REPORT 129
whether wire lines were a practicable substitute. Obviously, with the severe
shortage of frequencies, it would not be in the public interest to assign a portion
of the spectrum to a service which could utilize wire lines instead. The Commis-
sion's determination was not limited to technical considerations but also took into
account economic and social factors and considerations of national policy. For
example, while fixed point-to-point service between countries could be carried on
by cable as well as by radio, the great disparity in costs between the two types of
service and considerations of national policy clearly required the assignment at
least at this time of frequencies for such fixed point-to-point service.
"As a second principle, the Commission determined that not all radio services
should be evaluated alike. Radio services which are necessary for safety of life
and property obviously deserved more consideration than those services which are
more in the nature of conveniences or luxuries.
"Thirdly, the Commission was concerned with the total number of people who
would probably receive benefits from the particular service. Where other factors
were equal, the Commission attempted to meet the requests of those services
which proposed to render benefits to large groups of the population rather than
of those services which aid relatively small groups.
"Fourth, and this applied particularly to proposed new services, the Commission
undertook to determine whether such newer services met a substantial public need
and what the likelihood was, if frequencies were granted, that the service could
be established on a practical working basis. With the shortage of frequencies
available, the Commission did not believe that it would be in the public interest
to assign frequencies to a new service unless it could be shown that there would
be public acceptability and use of the service.
"The fifth principle related principally to consideration of the proper place in
the spectrum for the service in question. There was much evidence introduced
in the record — some of it available for the first time — concerning the radio wave
propagation characteristics of the various portions of the spectrum. This evi-
dence showed that operation on frequencies within certain regions of the radio
spectrum was more suitable for some types of services than others. Certain
frequencies could be more effectively used by those services where long range
communication was necessary. Other frequencies were better suited for short
range communication. In the case of some frequencies, the principal source of
interference to a station on these frequencies would be from stations located
nearby, while in the case of other frequencies the principal source of interference
would be caused by distant stations. All of these factors had to be evaluated so
that the service could be assigned to that portion of the spectrum where it could
render its best service.
"The sixth principle also pertained to assignment of each service to the proper
place in the spectrum. In determining the competing requests of two or more
services for the same portion of the spectrum, when one or more of the services
was already operating in that portion of the spectrum, the Commission gave care-
ful consideration to the number of transmitters and receivers already in use, the
investment of the industry and the public in equipment, and the cost and feasi-
bility of converting the equipment for operation on different frequencies, as well
as to the time required for an orderly change to the new frequencies.
"The limited available spectrum space makes it mandatory that many services
130 EXCERPTS FROM FCC REPORT Vol 44, No. 2
prepare to employ much stricter engineering standards in future operations, such
as improved frequency tolerances, reduced harmonic and other spurious emissions,
better receiving equipment, etc. Most efficient use of the available spectrum
space can only be realized by each station in all services employing the most im-
proved techniques for the conservation of frequency space and by complete co-
operation among the various services. Improvement in receiver performance is
particularly important. For example, if the advantages of frequency modulation
are to be obtained such as to warrant the required spectrum space, it is essential
that well-designed frequency modulation receivers be provided. Such receivers
must have proper selectivity, limiter and discriminator characteristics. Further,
it is urged that no receivers for any service be manufactured which radiates an
appreciable signal. A radiating receiver is in effect a low power transmitter
often capable of causing serious interference to other receivers in the same or other
services. The slight difference in cost between a well-designed receiver and one
of poor design is more than offset by the gain to all services. It is expected that
post-war receivers will be designed and manufactured so as to minimize the effects
of image frequency response, radiation from beat frequency oscillators and other
effects that may be directly attributed to equipments of inferior design and per-
formance.
"The allocations which the Commission is proposing, and which are set out in
section 5 of this Part for frequencies above 25,000 kilocycles, were arrived at by
the application of the foregoing general principles."
PART II
DISCUSSION OF PROPOSED ALLOCATION BY SERVICES
SECTION 1 —INTRODUCTORY
"The succeeding eighteen sections of this Part contain a discussion of the allo-
cations which the Commission is proposing to make to the various non-govern-
mental radio services from 25 megacycles to 30,000 megacycles. There is a sepa-
rate section for each of the radio services or groups of related services which were
made the matter of individual consideration at the hearing, and for convenience
in referring to the transcript, each section bears the same number as does the
appropriate volume or volumes of the transcript containing the testimony for the
service in question.
"Each of the sections starts out with introductory material concerning the his-
tory and present status of the service in question. Then comes a table containing
the names of the witnesses who testified concerning the particular service, the
company or organization they represented, and the transcript pages where their
testimony may be found. This is followed by a discussion of the various pro-
posals which were made at the hearing and the allocation which the Commission
proposes to make and the reasons therefor. In each case there is a full discussion
of every proposal that was made at the hearing concerning the appropriate place
in the spectrum, width of channel, and total number of channels. The sections
indicate whether the requests were granted or denied and if denied the reasons for
the denial are given.
"A word of caution should be added. Most, if not all, of the allocations which
we propose at this time cannot be placed into effect until after transmitter,
receiver and other materials, facilities and manpower again become available for
Feb., 1945 EXCERPTS FROM FCC REPORT 131
civilian use. The recent trend of events indicates that it will be necessary for the
Commission to continue indefinitely, and perhaps strengthen its present policies
restricting the use of critical materials and manpower for civilian radio purposes.
The Commission, however, does believe that it is in the public interest to an-
nounce its proposed allocations at this time so that broadcasters, manufacturers
of radio equipment and persons desirous of entering the radio field may be in a
position to make whatever advance planning is necessary as soon as possible and
so that adequate preparation may be made for future international conferences.
In the meantime, the full efforts of the radio industry and the Commission must
continue to be devoted to the prosecution of the war."
SECTION 17— NEW RADIO SERVICES
IV— THEATER TELEVISION
"The proposed use of radio for theater television is intended to provide facilities
whereby news, sporting events, operas, and other events can be televised and
shown to the general public on large-size screens such as are normally used in
motion picture theaters. It was claimed at the hearing that the motion picture
industry has a definite and legitimate interest in television, since the industry is
in the business of producing popular entertainment and presenting news through
visual and aural means. It was estimated that over 85 million persons attended
motion picture theaters weekly, and that the industry has a gross annual income
of approximately $1,600,000,000 (Tr. 3713-3716).
"It was stated that the major companies in the motion picture industry have
indicated that, at the end of the war, or as soon as wartime requirements permit,
they will begin experimentation with the production and exhibition of theater
television programs in specific local theaters, and with the transmission of such
programs, to theaters in distant cities. Certain experiments were conducted prior
to the war which indicated that theater television might be feasible. Large
screen theater television on 15' X 18' screens were shown in London during the
year 1939, and were subsequently demonstrated experimentally in two theaters in
New York City in 1941 on screens 15' X 20'. Further experimentation with
theater television was discontinued after the entry of the United States into the
war (Tr. 3715).
"The witness for theater television was Mr. Paul J. Larsen (Tr. 3711-3755),
who appeared on behalf of the Society of Motion Picture Engineers.
"The number of channels requested was predicated on the possible demand for
service in New York City. It was claimed that there were 42 competitive
theatrical agencies in operation; however, it was believed that because of eco-
nomic factors, only 25 of the 42 agencies could afford to enter the theater televi-
sion field. For the initial post-war period experiments in theater television, it
was recommended that frequency allocation be made for 15 producing or exhibit-
ing agencies in an area such as New York City, each agency to produce and distrib-
ute one theater television program to specific local theaters and to relay this
program to specific distant theaters. This would require three classes of stations
or services, as follows:
(1) Intra City Studio Transmitter Station:
(a) 1 fixed studio to transmitter channel (point-to-point).
(&) 1 clear mobile channel (remote pickup).
132 EXCERPTS FROM FCC REPORT Vol 44, No. 2
(2) Intra City Multiple Addressee Station:
1 clear channel for private multiple-directive transmission from a single
transmitter to a group of specific addressees within the service area of the
transmitter.
(5) Inter City Relay:
1 channel to interconnect cities, for transmission of theater television pro-
grams simultaneously from a number of specific multiple address stations
to a specific theater or theaters in different cities.
"The requests for frequencies for theater television service include a total of
1500 megacycles in 75 20 megacycle channels as follows:
(1) 8 contiguous 20 me. clear channels or a band of 160 me. from 600 to
760 me.
(2) 7 contiguous 20 me. clear channels or a band of 140 me. from 860 to
1000 me.
(3) 15 contiguous 20 me. clear channels or a band of 300 me. from 1900 to
2200 me.
(4) 15 contiguous 20 me. clear channels or a band of 300 me. from 3900 to
4200 me.
(5) 30 contiguous 20 me. clear channels or a band of 600 me. from 5700 to
6300 me.
"It was stated that theater television in the immediate post-war period would
undoubtedly be presented to the public in monochrome, possibly using the present
television standard of 525 line definition. It was also claimed that improved pic-
ture quality in monochrome comparable to 35-millimeter motion picture film, and
also the addition of color will undoubtedly be required if theatrical television pres-
entations are to meet with public acceptance on a basis comparable with present
motion picture film presentations. It was claimed that for a transmission of
monochrome television, a band width of 20 megacycles would be required which
would be suitable for 525 to 800 line definition. For monochrome of higher defi-
nition and for color transmission, a channel width of 40 megacycles would be re-
quired. This would permit a definition in monochrome comparable to the present
35-millimeter film definition and for three-color transmission of approximately 750
line definition. It was stated that ultimately the theater television industry
would employ highly directive antennas and then would not require any frequen-
cies below 10,000 me. except in very rare cases where the terrain, for instance,
would make it impossible to use frequencies above 10,000 me. However, since it
was questionable whether such transmitting and receiving equipment would be
available immediately in the post-war period, requests were made for frequencies
below 10,000 me. in order to permit immediate experimental operation of the pro-
posed service (Tr. 3725-3732).
"Since theater television is still in the experimental stage of development, the
Commission does not propose to allocate any specific frequencies at this time.
However, the Commission will give consideration to applications for experimental
authorization involving intracity transmissions, including studio to transmitter,
remote pickup, and intracity multiple address stations, on the frequencies between
480 and 920 megacycles allocated to broadcasting on the basis that the use of these
frequencies will be discontinued when needed for the broadcast service. In addi-
Feb., 1945 EXCERPTS FROM FCC REPORT 133
tion, experimentation with intra- and inter-city relay of theater television pro-
grams may be authorized in the following bands of frequencies, namely, 1900-2300,
3900-4550, 5750-7050, 10,500-13,000, 16,000-18,000, and 26,000-30,000 mega-
cycles, as discussed in section 19 of this part."
SECTION 19— RELAY SYSTEMS
INTRODUCTORY
"The allocation of frequencies for use by relays presently operated as links in
fixed public point-to-point services and in connection with such radio services as
police, forestry, and the like have already been considered and dealt with under
the respective services. The types of stations here considered in connection with
the allocation of specific frequencies for relay operations are the following:
(1) those which are designed to be operated as common carrier systems;
(2} those which are used for relaying programs in connection with individual
broadcast services and in connection with certain point-to-point radio
services not open to public correspondence.
"The Commission has promulgated no specific rules and regulations governing
the operation of relay systems such as those dealt with in this section and no fre-
quencies are now specifically allocated for that purpose. Authorizations for the
stations now operating as relay stations of the types here considered have been
granted on an experimental basis only. Proposals made at the hearing involve
setting aside substantial portions of the radio spectrum for the exclusive use of
relay systems. They are discussed more fully below.
"All the relay stations now authorized, with the possible exception of a few
common carrier radio links and radio control and keying circuits, are operating,
or have been authorized to operate within the frequency bands which the Com-
mission now proposes to allocate for such purposes. Due to the fact that much
experimental and developmental work remains to be done, any conclusions at this
time with respect to the most desirable position in the spectrum for relay opera-
tions would appear to be premature. It is for this reason that the Commission
is of the opinion that it is essential that all radio relay operations be presently
authorized on an experimental basis only.
WITNESSES
"The witnesses who testified in connection with the proposed allocation of fre-
quencies for relay systems were as follows:
Name of Witness Representing Tr. Pages
GLEN E. NIELSEN F.C.C. 4140A-4142
ELMER W. ENGSTROM Chairman, Panel 9 RTPB, also associated 4142-4158
with RCA Laboratories, Princeton, New
Jersey
WALTER S. LEMMON Executive, International Business Ma- 4158-4163
chines Corporation, New York, N. Y.
H. B. FANCHER Engineer, General Electric Company, Sche- 4163-4168
nectady, N. Y.
134
EXCERPTS FROM FCC REPORT
Vol 44, No. 2
RALPH BOWN
F. M. BRAMHALL
JOSEPH PIERSON
JOHN A. DOREMUS
Director of Radio and Television Research, 4168-4179
Bell Telephone Laboratories, New York,
N. Y.
Transmission Research Engineer, the West- 4179-4185
ern Union Telegraph Company, New
York, N. Y.
Manager, Communications Division, Ray- 4186-4195
theon Manufacturing Company, Walt-
ham, Massachusetts
Engineer, Communications Division, Ray- 4196-4200
theon Manufacturing Company, Walt-
ham, Massachusetts
"Included in the membership of Panel 9 of RTPB were representatives of the
following companies and organizations:
RCA Laboratories, Inc.
Bell Telephone Laboratories, Inc.
Philco Corporation
Federal Telephone and Radio Laboratories
Sperry Gyroscope Company, Inc.
Westinghouse Electric and Manufacturing Company
General Electric Company
A. B. DuMont Company
International Business Machines Corporation
U. S. Independent Telephone Association
The Western Union Telegraph Company
Society of Motion Picture Engineers
Radio Corporation of America
National Association of Broadcasters
Hughes Productions
Blue Network Company, Inc.
National Broadcasting Company, Inc.
Columbia Broadcasting System, Inc.
Mutual Broadcasting System, Inc.
POSITION IN THE SPECTRUM, CHANNEL WIDTH, AND NUMBER OF CHANNELS
"Television and FM broadcast interests, as well as the recognized common car-
riers and many of the larger corporations, have submitted plans for the establish-
ment of extensive radio relay systems. These organizations visualize nation-
wide networks of radio relay systems for the distribution of television programs,
FM broadcast programs, standard broadcast material, multiplex telephony, high-
speed telegraphy, facsimile, radio photo, business machine data and many other
forms of modern communications.
"The testimony concerning radio relay systems was of a very general and in-
definite nature for two reasons : (1) because most of the information concerning re-
search work, tubes, and operating experience in the ultra-high and super-high fre-
quencies was of a classified nature, and (2) such information as was available was
Feb., 1945 EXCERPTS FROM FCC REPORT 135
purely the result of experimental work in laboratories, there being no substantial
practical experience under actual operating conditions. All witnesses, however,
were in agreement that radio relay systems are both possible and practicable, and
that available information indicated that use of the higher frequencies (above
1000 mcs) is preferable from both the technical and economic points of view. All
witnesses proposed the development of radio relay systems as common carrier
systems to provide facilities for radio transmission of all types of communications
traffic, i. e., including program and public and private communications.
"The witnesses generally agreed that a channel width of approximately 20 mcs
was desirable — that these should generally be allocated in large blocks of from
250 to 400 mcs in order to permit the most economical design of equipment, that
these blocks should be located near 2000 mcs, 4000 mcs, and a larger block 1000
mcs wide at approximately 12,000 mcs, with about one-third of all frequencies
above 13,000 mcs allocated for relay use as they become available.
"The testimony indicated generally that relay stations would be spaced at
intervals ranging from 20 to 40 miles, that the use of highly directive and narrow
beams would permit the use of the same channel at alternate relay points, thereby
requiring no more than two or three channels for the establishment of a one-way
relay circuit, with double the number of channels necessary for simultaneous
two-way transmission.
"All witnesses concurred generally in the recommendations of RTPB Panels
2 and 9.
"The proposals of the various witnesses are listed below:
"A— TELEVISION AND OTHER RELAY SYSTEMS:
(1) RTPB Recommendations as Revised November 1, 1944:
While RTPB Panels 2, 4, 5, 6, and 9 proposed several different groups of
frequencies for the various relay services, representatives from these panels
met November 1, 1944, and agreed upon the following bands as being
satisfactory:
700- 900 mcs. Temporary television relay
1225- 1325 mcs. Portable and mobile relay
1900- 2300 mcs. Relay
3900- 4450 mcs. Relay
4450- 4550 mcs. Intra-city relay (television)
5750- 6800 mcs. Experimental relay — non-exclusive
6800- 7200 mcs. Experimental intra-city relay (television)
10500-13000 mcs. Experimental relay — non-exclusive
16000-18000 mcs. Experimental relay — non-exclusive
26000-30000 mcs. Experimental relay — non-exclusive
(2) Theater Television Relays; Recommendation of Society of Motion Picture
Engineers:
600- 760 mcs.
860-1000 mcs.
1900-2200 mcs.
3900-4200 mcs.
5700-6300 mcs.
75 channels, 20 mcs. wide
136 EXCERPTS FROM FCC REPORT Vol 44, No. 2
"B— COMMON CARRIERS:
(1) American Telephone and Telegraph Company:
The A. T. & T. Company has requested the following frequencies for
wide-band transmission of television, facsimile, sound programs, and
multiplex telephony, using unattended repeater stations with highly direc-
tional antennas:
1900- 2300 mcs. 20 channels 20 mcs. wide
4000- 4400 mcs. 20 channels 20 mcs. wide
11500-12500 mcs. ? channels ? mcs. wide
Above 13000 mcs. 10 to 15 per cent of frequency space
(2} United States Independent Telephone Association :
This group requested the same frequency bands as those designated by
the A. T & T. Company.
(3} The Western Union Telegraph Company:
The Western Union Telegraph Company has requested the following
frequencies for the purpose of relaying all forms of record communications
on a common carrier basis, using unattended repeater stations with low
power transmitters and directional antennas:
1900- 2300 mcs. 8 bands 25. 3 mcs. wide
3900- 4550 mcs. 8 bands 26.4 mcs. wide
5700- 6900 mcs. 8 bands 27. 6 mcs. wide
10500-13000 mcs. 8 bands 30. 6 mcs. wide
(4) Raytheon Manufacturing Company:
Raytheon proposes to construct and operate a transcontinental micro-
wave relay communication system on a common carrier basis for a wide
variety of services. The frequency bands requested are as follows:
1900-2000 mcs.
3900-4172 mcs.
5760-6022 mcs.
i
(5) International Business Machines Corporation and General Electric Com-
pany:
The I.B.M. and G.E. companies have indicated that they wish to de-
velop radio relay systems involving the commonly known types of emission
and special emission for the transmission of modern business machine data.
These companies are presently authorized to use six bands of frequencies
60 mcs. wide between 1900 and 2300 mcs. for the experimental operation
of radio relay systems. It has been indicated that frequencies recom-
mended for relay purposes by RTPB will be satisfactory to both I.B.M.
and G.E.
THE COMMISSION'S PROPOSAL
"The Commission's proposed allocation of bands which will be available for
assignment to fixed and mobile services, including radio relay systems, conforms
almost exactly with the RTPB proposal:
I
Feb., 1945 EXCERPTS FROM FCC REPORT 137
1225- 1325 mcs.
1900- 2300 mcs.
3900- 4550 mcs.
5750- 7050 mcs.
10 500-13 000 mcs.
16 000-18 000 mcs.
26 000-30 000 mcs.
The allocation is accompanied by the following note:
"Services will be established in these bands on an experimental basis pend-
ing adequate showing as to need and technical requirements."
"The 5750-7050 mcs. band represents an attempt to reconcile a conflict between
the IRAC proposal embracing 5750-6900 mcs. and the final RTPB proposal of two
bands, 5750-6800 and 6800-7200 mcs.
"It should be understood that no commitment is being made to the effect that
these particular frequencies will be assigned for relay purposes on a permanent
or commercial basis. The usefulness and adaptability of these frequencies for
relay purposes can be proved only by experimentation under practical operating
conditions.
"Until such time as the channels are required for television broadcast service,
channels 9, 10, 11, and 12 (192 to 216 mcs) as well as channels in the band 480 to
920 mcs may be used for television relay."
SOME FACTORS IN DRIVE-IN THEATER DESIGN*
L. H. WALTERS**
Summary. — There appears to be every indication that in the immediate post-war
years at least one drive-in theater will be constructed in every good-size town and city
in the country. A brief discussion of the many factors which must be carefully con-
sidered by the builder of such a theater is given in the. following paper.
The first drive-in theater of modern type was opened in 1933. In
the 11 years which have elapsed since that time, activity and con-
struction of drive-in theaters have gained considerable momentum.
This type of theater — which yesterday was in the experimental stage
and looked upon as something of a "freak" — is beginning to prove it-
self an important part of our industry.
The most recent issue of the Film Daily Yearbook indicates that in
January 1943 there were 99 drive-in theaters in existence and a
majority of them were located in Ohio, Texas, Massachusetts,
Georgia, and Florida. The rest of them were spread out among a
total of 29 other states.
It seems apparent that if it had not been for the restrictions to
construction arising from the war effort, many more theaters would
be in operation today. There is already considerable evidence of
interest among a number of groups for building drive-in theaters
after the war and in many localities sites have been selected and plans
drawn.
In considering the design and construction of a drive-in theater,
there are a number of problems which must be kept in mind. In
this paper I will not attempt to cover the entire story but will merely
mention some of the most outstanding factors in drive-in theater de-
sign which I have noted in my experience in this field.
Since the first theater was opened, a considerable amount of in-
formation and experience has been gathered which should, in the
post-war period, result in much more effective and efficiently oper-
* Presented Apr. 17, 1944, at the Technical Conference in New York.
** National Theater Supply Company, Cleveland, Ohio.
138
DRIVE-IN THEATER DESIGN 139
ated theaters. It has been interesting to note that the original theory
that there would be more "spooners" than anybody else at these
theaters has not proved to be correct; the majority of patrons seem
to be housewives who do not want to take the time to tidy and dress
up after dinner, preferring to go directly from the kitchen to the thea-
ter via their auto. It has also been surprising to learn that outside
noise distractions — such as street noises and automobiles on nearby
highways — are not as much a factor as had been anticipated origi-
nally.
What factors should be considered in selecting the site?
In the design of a drive-in theater, the selection of the site is, of
course, the first step and is of utmost importance as the success or
failure of the project hinges upon the theater being properly located.
Accessibility to highways must be placed at the head of the list for
the same reason that an indoor theater should be located where the
traffic is heaviest.
The ground selected for the site should be approximately the same
level as the highway which it adjoins. If this is not true, the cost of
properly grading the site would make the venture uneconomical.
In any event, if the level is not satisfactory, there must be sufficient
ground in the rear of the site to use as filling to assure perfect drain-
age.
If it is possible, it is very important that connecting water and
sewage systems be located on the site. This reduces the initial in-
vestment for the theater. If they are not available, a well would have
to be drilled to supply water and a cesspool would have to be con-
structed for sewage disposal.
The number of ramps for the drive-in theater is determined by the
architect after the size of the site has been determined. The num-
ber of ramps will depend on the size of the site and the radius of the
ramp. Obviously, the total capacity of automobiles which the
theater will accommodate depends on the size and number of the
ramps.
What factors govern the location and design of the screen tower?
Once the site of the drive-in theater has been selected, the location
of the screen tower is important. The screen surface should not face
the west because in certain localities the sun sets at such a late hour
that it would necessarily affect the time at which the motion picture
performance could commence and, of course, thereby affect the finan-
cial success of the venture.
140 L. H. WALTERS Vol 44, No. 2
The design of the screen tower is significant in that its height is de-
termined by the size of the picture image, keeping in mind that good
sight lines have to exist for each ramp and a fair margin of black
must be allowed for masking the screen. Furthermore, the tower
itself is subject to considerable wind pressure and weather conditions
and the larger it is, the more important its construction becomes.
At the same time, the screen tower is located, if possible, near the
highway and advertising is displayed on the rear of the tower. This
is desirable if practicable. In fact, the general design of the theater
is governed to a large extent by the design of the screen.
Most of the drive-in theaters built in the past have used a mo-
tion picture screen 30 X 40 ft in size, and have had about 10 ramps.
This size screen has proved to be quite satisfactory for this number of
ramps. If additional ramps are required, the width of the picture
image should be increased 5 ft for each additional ramp.
What are the factors to be considered in obtaining best projection re-
sults?
Best projection results may be obtained by utilizing the latest
type of projection lenses which are treated lenses of /.2 speed. In
view of the fact that up to the present time projector mechanisms
have not accommodated lenses of this type with the focal length in
excess of 5 in., it is desirable to lay out the theater in such a way that
the projection room shall be within the range of the screen which will
permit the use of the treated /.2 lenses for the particular picture image
size selected.
As a result of experience to date for drive-in theaters with a car
capacity up to 600, projection equipment consisting of double-shutter
projector mechanisms, treated /.2 lenses, high-intensity positive con-
denser-type arc lamps operating at 125 amp, or simplified high-in-
tensity arc lamps using metal mirrors and operating at approximately
70 amp, are recommended. For larger theaters, the use of the high-
' intensity lamp houses with quartz condensers is more desirable.
What about the handling of electrical wiring?
In drive-in theaters, electrical wiring requires special treatment
not necessary in enclosed theaters. It is quite important that all
electrical wiring be mounted on the ceiling and walls above the ground
level of the projection room so as to eliminate the possibility of water
getting into the conduit and causing short circuits. Amplifiers,
sound change-overs, etc., should be mounted on special insulated
backing to eliminate the possibility of short circuits and grounds from
Feb., 1945 DRIVE-lN THEATER DESIGN 141
moisture prevalent in most drive-in theaters. All underground
wiring should be Parkway Cable or lead covered and all joints should
be insulated with tar. In fact, we recommend the use of conduit
wherever possible with the same treatment.
Motor generator sets or rectifiers should be mounted in a room on a
level above the ground to guard against damage from poor drainage.
What types of sound systems are most suitable for drive-in theaters?
The success of the drive-in obviously stands or falls on the quality
of its sound. A great deal has been learned about the type of sound
systems most satisfactory for this type of theater. In certain lo-
calities it has been found that the use of large loudspeakers at the
screen was not satisfactory owing to the proximity of houses whose
occupants were disturbed by the "spill-over" of reproduced sound.
Where the site for a drive-in theater has been selected and this con-
dition exists, the only satisfactory alternative is the use of individual
loudspeakers. Up to the present time, 2 general types of individual
loudspeakers have been used; one of which is permanently mounted
so that occupants of cars can listen to them through open windows,
and the other is hung on the door of the car.
In the selection of either the large loudspeaker or the individual
loudspeaker, it is of course important that a type be utilized that will
reproduce not only sound of sufficiently good quality, which is quite
a problem in the case of the individual speakers, but also properly
distribute the sound over the area required. It is anticipated that
immediately after the war new and improved types of loudspeakers
will be introduced for drive-in theaters which will assure the patrons
perfect enjoyment of the show and eliminate the possibility of spill-
over sound annoyance in communities where houses closely adjoin
the theater.
What type of screen is most practical for drive-in theaters?
Up to the present time most drive-in theaters have utilized motion
picture screens consisting of flat white paint on a wooden surface.
The use of this type of screen has resulted from the fact that it is
exposed to varying weather conditions. It is relatively simple after
the screen has become streaked from rain storms to repaint it during
the season. It is hoped that in the post-war period a plastic screen,
which will permit a higher quality of projection, will be made avail-
able, and one which will be impervious to weather conditions to which
drive-in theaters are subjected. This screen will be of a type which
can be easily restored by the use of a chemical cleaner.
142 L. H. WALTERS
I have given you a brief outline of the many factors which must be
given careful consideration by the planner of a drive-in theater if his
venture is to be a successful one.
There appears to be every indication that in the years immediately
following the war at least one drive-in theater will be constructed in
every good-size town and city in the country.
Proof that the drive-in theater idea has come of age is evidenced by
the attitude of the major film exchanges. Until approximately a
year ago, a drive-in theater had to accept whatever pictures it could
secure. Now we find that the exchanges have acknowledged their
success and are supplying these theaters with films of greater enter-
tainment value. The fact that they can secure these pictures in-
sures, to a considerable degree, the continued success of the drive-in
theater.
57th SEMI-ANNUAL TECHNICAL CONFERENCE
OF THE
SOCIETY OF MOTION PICTURE ENGINEERS
HOLLYWOOD-ROOSEVELT HOTEL
HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA
MAY 14-18, 1945
Officers in Charge
D. E. HYNDMAN, President
HERBERT GRIFFIN, Past-President
L.*L. RYDER, Executive V ice-President
J. A. MAURER, Engineering Vice-President
A. C. DOWNES, Editorial Vice-President
W. C. KUNZMANN, Convention Vice-P resident
E. A. WILLIFORD, Secretary
H. W. MOYSE, Chairman, Pacific Coast Section
Directory of Committee Chairmen
Pacific Coast Section H..W. MOYSE, Chairman
Papers Committee C. R. DAILY, Chairman
BARTON KREUZER, Vice- Chairman
Publicity Committee E. O. BLACKBURN, West Coast
JULIUS HABER, East Coast
Registration and Information W. C. KUNZMANN
Reception and Local Arrangements EMERY HUSE
Luncheon and Dinner- Dance L. L. RYDER
Hotel and Transportation C. W. HANDLEY
Projection Programs — 35-mm R. H. McCuLLOUGH, Chairman, assisted
by Officers and Members of I.A.T.S.E.,
Locals 150 and 165
16-mm H. W. REMERSHIED, Chairman
144 57xH SEMI-ANNUAL CONFERENCE Vol 44, No. 2
HOTEL RESERVATIONS AND RATES
The Hollywood-Roosevelt Hotel management extends the following per diem
room rates, European Plan, to SMPE members and guests attending the Fifty-
Seventh Technical Conference:
Room with bath, one person $4.40
Room with bath, two persons, double bed 5.50
Room with bath, two persons, twin beds 6.60-7.70
Note: There will be no parlor suites available at the hotel during the conference
dates.
Special Notice
Owing to the acute housing situation in Hollywood, the hotel management can
assign the conference only a limited number of rooms for Eastern and Midwestern
members attending this Conference. Therefore no room reservation cards will be
mailed to the membership as heretofore. Accordingly, you are requested to
make room reservations direct with Stewart H. Hathaway, Manager of the
Hollywood-Roosevelt Hotel, Hollywood, California, not later than April 10.
No rooms -will be assured or guaranteed at this hotel unless confirmed by Mr. Hathaway
which are subject to cancellation prior to May 10.
Your Conference Chairman has arranged with the Mark Hopkins Hotel man-
agement in San Francisco, California, to provide accommodations for members
who will visit this city while on the West Coast. Accordingly, reservations should
be made direct with R. E. Goldsworthy, Manager of this hotel, at least 2 weeks
in advance of your arrival in San Francisco. When making reservations, advise
the management that you are a member of the SMPE.
RAILROAD AND PULLMAN ACCOMMODATIONS
Eastern and Midwestern members of the Society who are contemplating
attending the Conference in Hollywood should consult their local railroad
passenger agent regarding train schedules, rates, stopover privileges, and Pullman
accommodations at least 30 days prior to leaving, otherwise no accommodations
may be available.
REGISTRATION
The Conference registration headquarters will be located on the mezzanine
floor of the hotel near the Studio Lounge where all business and technical sessions
will be held during the Conference. Members and guests are expected to register.
The fee is used to help defray Conference expenses.
TECHNICAL PAPERS
Members and others who are contemplating the presentation of papers can
greatly assist the Papers Committee in their early program assembly, and sched-
uling in the final program, by mailing in the title of paper, name of author, and
a complete manuscript not later than April 20 to the West or East Coast chairman
of the Papers Committee, or to the Society's New York office. Only by having
Feb., .1945 5?TH SEMI-ANNUAL CONFERENCE 145
your cooperation can the 1945 Spring Conference program be released for publica-
tion and distribution to members in Hollywood and vicinity prior to the Confer-
ence.
SOCIAL FUNCTIONS
The usual Conference Get-Together Luncheon will be held in the Terrace Room
of the hotel on Monday, May 14, at 12:30 p.m. The luncheon program will
be announced later.
Members in Hollywood and vicinity will be solicited by a letter from S. P.
Solow, Secretary of the Pacific Coast Section, to send remittances to him for
Conference registration fee and luncheon tickets. Checks or money orders
should be made payable to W. C. Kunzmann, Convention Vice-President, and
not to the Society.
INFORMAL DINNER-DANCE
The Fifty-Seventh Semi-Annual Dinner-Dance and social get-together of the
conference will be held in the California Room of the hotel on Wednesday evening,
May 16, at 8:30 p.m.
A social hour with your Board of Governors will precede the Dinner-Dance
between 7:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. in the Terrace Room. (Refreshments)
Table reservations may be made and tickets procured for the Dinner-Dance
during the week of May 6 from W. C. Kunzmann, Convention Vice-President,
Hollywood-Roosevelt Hotel, or at the registration headquarters not later than
noon on May 15. All checks or money orders should be made payable to W. C.
Kunzmann, Convention Vice-President, and not to the Society.
Because of strict food rationing and a shortage of hotel labor, your committee
must know in advance of the Luncheon and Dinner-Dance the number of persons
attending these functions in order to make the necessary hotel arrangements.
Therefore your cooperation is solicited.
LADIES' REGISTRATION
There will be no ladies' reception committee or hostess during the Fifty-
Seventh Technical Conference. However, all ladies are requested to register
at the registration desk to receive identification cards for admittance to the
deluxe motion picture theaters on Hollywood Boulevard in the vicinity of the
hotel. Ladies are welcome to attend the Luncheon on May 14 and the Dinner-
Dance on May 16.
MOTION PICTURES AND RECREATIONAL PROGRAM
The Fifty-Seventh Technical Conference recreational program will be an-
nounced later when arrangements have been completed by the local committee.
Conference identification cards issued only to registered members and guests
will be honored through the courtesy of the following deluxe motion picture
theaters on Hollywood Boulevard:
Fox WEST COAST GRAUMAN'S CHINESE AND EGYPTIAN
HOLLYWOOD PARAMOUNT
HOLLYWOOD PANTAGES
WARNER'S HOLLYWOOD THEATRE
146 57TH SEMI- ANNUAL CONFERENCE Vol 44, .No. 2
^e+itcdive, Pi&piatn
Monday, May 14, 1945
Open Morning
10: 00 a.m. Hotel Mezzanine Floor: Registration.
Advance sale of Luncheon tickets.
12: 30 p.m. Terrace Room: SMPE Get-Together Luncheon. (Speakers)
2 : 00 p.m. Studio Lounge: Opening Conference.
Business and Technical Session.
8:00 p.m. Studio Lounge: Evening Session.
Tuesday, May 15, 1945
Open Morning
10: 00 a.m. Hotel Mezzanine Floor: Registration.
Advance sale of Dinner-Dance tickets.
2:00 p.m. Studio Lounge: Afternoon Session.
8: 00 p.m. Studio Lounge: Evening Session.
Wednesday, May 16, 1945
9 : 00 a.m. Hotel Mezzanine Floor: Registration.
Advance sale of Dinner-Dance tickets.
9: 30 a.m. Studio Lounge: Morning Session.
Open Afternoon.
Note: Registration headquarters will be open on the afternoon of this date for
those desiring to make final arrangements for Dinner- Dance tables
and accommodations.
7:30 p.m. Terrace Room: A social hour with your Board of Governors pre-
ceding the Dinner-Dance. (Refreshments)
8: 30 p.m. California Room: The Fifty-Seventh Semi-Annual Dinner-Dance
and social get-together. Dancing and entertainment.
Thursday, May 17, 1945
Open Morning.
2 : 00 p.m. Studio Lounge: Afternoon Session.
8:00 p.m. Studio Lounge: Evening Session.
Friday, May 18, 1945
Open Morning
2:00 p.m. Studio Lounge: Afternoon Session.
8: 00 p.m. Studio Lounge: Evening Session.
Adjournment of the Fifty-Seventh Semi-Annual Technical Con-
ference.
Feb., 1945 5?TH SEMI-ANNUAL CONFERENCE 147
IMPORTANT
This semi-annual meeting of the Society was planned several months ago, and
the Convention Vice-President and various committees on arrangements had
formulated the program outlined on these pages prior to the issuance of the recent
order by the Office of Defense Transportation requiring formal governmental
approval. Likewise, the pages of this issue of the Journal were prepared in
advance.
Inasmuch as the War Committee on Conventions may not act on our applica-
tion for some time, the original plans for the 57th Semi-Annual Technical Con-
ference are being followed, subject to subsequent cancellation if necessary.
W. C. Kunzmann
Convention Vice-President
SOCIETY ANNOUNCEMENTS
ATLANTIC COAST SECTION MEETING
The subject of sound quality measurement was discussed at the meeting of
the Atlantic Coast Section on December 13, 1944, at the Hotel Pennsylvania.
Dr. E. Meschter, research physicist, Photo Products Department, E. I. du Pont
de Nemours, Parlin, N. J., spoke on practical aspects of intermodulation tests.
Dr. Meschter reviewed the theoretical basis for such tests and explained some
of the practical precautions necessary in both recording and reproducing the test
tracks. He pointed out that intermodulation tests may be used not only to de-
termine the best processing conditions for a particular combination of negative
and positive film emulsions, but that they may also be used to determine the best
characteristic curve from a variety of emulsions similar in other respects but
differing in the shape of the H and D curve.
Fred G. Albin of RCA, formerly of Samuel Goldwyn Studios, Hollywood, gave
a resume of some work which he had done in investigating the cause of erratic
results in intermodulation tests. He pointed out that the conventional test may
be affected by negative development in which the "directional effect" or lack of
sufficient agitation of the developer is appreciable. In such cases Mr. Albin
found that a more representative test was obtained by using a low frequency
between zero and 200 cycles, depending upon the developing conditions.
The meeting was opened with a showing of the 16-mm motion picture, "The
Diode."
EMPLOYMENT SERVICE
POSITIONS OPEN
The following positions of interest to SMPE members were available at JOUR-
NAL press time. Applicants should apply direct to company at address given.
Young man with several years' experience in Motion Picture Camera
and Projector design. Must have mechanical background with a.
knowledge of motion picture industry requirements. Write or telephone
for interview. Akeley Camera, Inc., 175 Varick St., New York 14, N. Y.
WAlker 5-7954.
Optical engineer's assistant. Acquainted with optical laboratory routine,
ray tracing and similar problems in related scientific fields. Reply to
Optical Engineering Department, DeVry Corporation, 1111 Armitage
Ave., Chicago 14, 111.
148
SOCIETY ANNOUNCEMENTS 149
Notices from business organizations for technical personnel and from members
of the Society desiring technical positions which are received before the 15th of
the month will appear in the JOURNAL of the following month. Notices should
be brief and must give an address for direct reply. The Society reserves the right
both to edit or reject any notice submitted for publication.
We are grieved to announce the deaths of George P. Bourgeois, Asso-
ciate member of the Society, on October 9, 1944, Raymond B. Murray,
Active member, on January 3, 1945, and A. J. Seeley, Active member.
MEMBERS OF THE SOCIETY
LOST IN THE SERVICE OF
THEIR COUNTRY
FRANKLIN C. GILBERT
ISRAEL H. TILLES
JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY OF
MOTION PICTURE ENGINEERS
Vol44 MARCH, 1945 No. 3
CONTENTS
PAGE
The ABC of Photographic Sound Recording
E. W. KELLOGG 151
The Photo -Template Process
F. DAVIS AND C. F. HARRIS 195
A New 35-Mm Projector with a New Light Source
T. SCHAFFERS 203
Problems in 16-Mm Classroom Film Distribution
O. E. SAMS, JR. 214
Technical News 220
Current Literature 222
Fifty-Seventh Semi-Annual Technical Conference 224
Society Announcements 229
(The Society is not responsible for statements of authors.)
Contents of previous issues of the JOUKNAL are indexed in the
Industrial Arts Index available in public libraries.
JOURNAL
OF THE
SOCIETY of MOTION PICTURE ENGINEERS
WOTSL PSNNSYIVANIA • NtW YORK I. N-Y- • TCI. »CNN. 6 O62O
HARRY SMITH, JR., EDITOR
Board of Editors
ARTHUR C. DOWNES, Chairman
JOHN I. CRABTREE ALFRED N. GOLDSMITH EDWARD W. KELLOGG
CLYDE R. KEITH ALAN M. GUNDELFINGER CHARLES W. HANDLEY
ARTHUR C. HARDY
Officers of the Society
*" 'President: DONALD E. HYNDMAN,
350 Madison Ave., New York 17.
** 'Past-President: HERBERT GRIFFIN,
133 E. Santa Anita Ave., Burbank, Calif.
** Executive Vice-President: LORBN L. RYDER,
5451 Marathon St., Hollywood 38.
* Engineering Vice-President: JOHN A. MAURER,
37-01 31st St., Long Island City 1, N. Y.
** Editorial Vice-President: ARTHUR C. DOWNES,
Box 6087, Cleveland 1, Ohio.
*Financial Vice-President: ARTHUR S. DICKINSON,
28 West 44th St., New York 18.
** Convention Vice-President: WILLIAM C. KUNZMANN,
Box 6087, Cleveland 1, Ohio.
"Secretary: E. ALLAN WILLIFORD,
230 Park Ave., New York 17.
*Treasurer: M. R. BOYER,
350 Fifth Ave., New York 1.
Governors
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JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY OF
MOTION PICTURE ENGINEERS
•^^^^^^•^^^•••^ •• I II I ••••^^^^•••^••^••••••••^•.^••••••••••^^••••^••••••^••^•••^••^•^••^••••i
Vol 44 MARCH, 1945 No. 3
••^ ^^^••••1 II !•• •^••^^^•••••••^•^•^^^•^••^^^^•^^••^^^^^^^^^^
THE ABC OF PHOTOGRAPHIC SOUND RECORDING1
EDWARD W. KELLOGG**
Summary. — Suggestion has been made that a paper be prepared outlining the
broad principles of photographic sound recording as practiced for motion pictures.
If it is attempted to make such a paper deal with anything like adequacy with the
many phases of this complex art, if would be nothing short of a book. However, it
appears possible to present in reasonably brief space the essential principles of photo-
graphic sound recording systems and to supplement this with a bibliography which
will at least give the reader a start in studying any special phases of the question,
It is hoped that a paper of this type may serve a useful purpose in helping those
who are suddenly confronted with the necessity of working in this field to gain a
preliminary picture of what is involved in photographic sound recording, so that
they can with less difficulty read the papers which discuss the various special problems.
Description of a Sound Track. — A photographic sound record is
designed to be used with a lamp and a photocell,1 which has the
property of passing electric current in proportion to the intensity of
the light which strikes its cathode plate. The sound track must pro-
vide the means for producing fluctuations in the light transmitted to
the photocell, which correspond with adequate fidelity to the varia-
tions in sound pressure which originally reached the microphone.
In the case of 35-mm motion picture film a space has been provided
for the sound track by narrowing the picture, while in the case of 16-
mm film the space has been provided by omitting one row of sprocket
holes.
For reproduction, the film is carried past an optical system such as
shown in Fig. 1. Light from the lamp is restricted by a narrow slit
at S, an image of which is produced on the film at F by the objective
lens 0. The condensing lens C, which is of such focal length as to
produce an image of the lamp filament within the aperture of lens 0,
* Presented Apr. 19, 1944, at the Technical Conference in New York.
"* RCA Victor Division of Radio Corporation of America, Indianapolis, Ind.
151
152
E. W. KELLOGG
Vol 44, No. 3
causes the slit to appear illuminated throughout its length.2 The
photocell is placed back of the film so as to receive as much of the light
reaching the film at / as is not obstructed by the developed silver in
the track.
We may speak of the image of the slit on the film as "a line of
light," and ideally it should be a line for perfect reproduction, but in
order to pass a reasonable quantity of light to the photocell it is given
a width of the order of 0.001 in. while its length is normally about 0.084
in. for 35-mm systems, and 0.071 in.* for 16-mm systems.3 The
mechanical requirements are that the film shall move at the correct
uniform rate through this light beam, in a direction at right angles to
Condenser
C S~ Lens
Image I
of slit
Plate with Slit
FIG. 1. Reproducing optical system.
the slit image, that it be maintained in the plane of sharp focus, and
shall not have any sidewise motion or weaving beyond certain small
limits or ''tolerances."
A part of the light which strikes the film at F is absorbed by the
silver in the emulsion at that point, and the remainder passes through
to the photocell, the electrical output of which is amplified and ap-
plied to loudspeakers. As the film carrying the sound track passes
through this light beam, it absorbs varying amounts of the incident
light. The light modulated in this manner determines the sound
waves radiated from the loudspeakers.
The photocell current depends on the total quantity of light reaching
the cathode. If the correct fraction of the light is absorbed by the
* Supersedes previous standard of 0.074 in.
Mar., 1945
PHOTOGRAPHIC SOUND RECORDING
153
silver image, the desired result is achieved whether it is absorbed by a
uniform gray deposit across the entire track width, or by rendering
certain portions of the track completely black. We thus have 2 types
of track, as shown in Figs. 2 and 3, one of which is known as the
"variable-density" system, and is composed of various shades of
gray, the density of the silver deposit being uniform across the track ;
the second type is known as the "variable- width" or "variable-area"
system, the track being divided into 'essentially black-and-white
areas. The boundary between these areas is a picture of the sound
wave.4-5
FIG. 2. Variable-density sound track.
FIG. 3. Variable-area sound track.
It is obvious that the recording of a variable-area track requires
that the length of the illuminated portion of the slit shall be varied
from instant to instant in accordance with the sound pressures in
the original sound, while the variable-density recording requires that
means be provided for varying the intensity of the exposing light,
the illumination at any instant being uniform throughout the slit
length.
Sound consists in variations of air pressure above and below the
average atmospheric pressure. The electric currents which are pro-
duced by the microphone and are used for transmission of the sound,
154 E. W. KELLOGG Vol 44, No. 3
may be alternating, but the exposing light cannot reverse sign but
must consist of a certain mean value of light on which the fluctuations
are superimposed. Similarly the light which reaches the photocell
consists in a steady value on which fluctuations are superimposed,
and the same is true of the current from the photocell. The maximum
light which can reach the photocell is that which would pass through
clear film. The sound track must cut the average light to 50 per cent
or less of this maximum, thus permitting upward and downward
variations between zero and 100 per cent.
Recording Variable-Density Tracks. — Making a variable-density
record calls for either employing a lamp whose brightness can be
varied at audio frequency, or employing some optical device by which
various fractions of the lamp output can be absorbed or diverted.
Even under optimum conditions it has not been found possible to
FIG. 4. General optical arrangement for light-valve recording.
change the brightness of incandescent filaments with the required
rapidity for sound recording ; hence all variable-intensity light source
recording has been done with lamps of the gas-discharge type.
Mercury lamps were among the first to be used,6a but under the
conditions which give the extreme high brilliancy7 of which mercury
arcs are capable, the luminosity does not fall rapidly enough when the
current decreases for satisfactory modulation, while at low pressures
or intensities the advantage of mercury vapor over other gases is not
great.
The most successful glow lamp is known as the "Aeolight" and was
developed by the Theodore Case Laboratories at Auburn, N. Y.6
It has been widely used in Fox Movietone newsreel equipment, and
employs a hot cathode and a mixture of permanent gases, thus is
much less affected by external temperature than any mercury vapor
lamp.
Nitrobenzol has the property of rotating the plane of polarization
Mar., 1945
PHOTOGRAPHIC SOUND RECORDING
155
of light through an angle which increases with the strength of a trans-
verse electric field. If a cell of nitrobenzol is placed between crossed
polarizing prisms, no light is transmitted until an electric field is
applied to the nitrobenzol, and the amount of light increases with the
sine of the angle of rotation up to the point of 90 degrees rotation.
The Carojus Cell, or Kerr Cell,8 as this device is called, is one of the
fastest known means of modulating light, so there is no question about
getting adequate high-frequency response. However, the high voltage
required, the discoloration of the liquid, geometrical limitations which
restrict the amount of transmitted light and, most of all, the non-
To Objective
Lens A Film
FIG. 5.
Light-valve ribbon and pole piece arrangement-
angles to ribbons.
section at right
linearity of the characteristic, have contributed to the abandonment
of the Kerr Cell as a sound recording device.
Starting with a constant source of light such as an incandescent
lamp, the exposure of the film may be modulated by either varying
the size of an opening through which the light must pass, or by em-
ploying a reflecting galvanometer. The manner of employing a re-
flecting galvanometer for making variable-density records can best be
explained after description of the variable-area recording system.
The variable-sized aperture method is represented by the Western
Electric "Light Valve."9 Fig. 4 shows the general optical arrange-
ments, with the valve or variable-width slit indicated at V. The
condensing lens system concentrates light on the valve, and the light
which passes through the opening is focused on the film at / by ob-
156
E. W. KELLOGG
Vol 44, No. 3
jective lens 0. The variable-sized slit is a narrow opening between
the edges of 2 stretched metal ribbons which carry the recording cur-
rent in one direction through the upper ribbon and back through the
lower ribbon. A strong magnetic field is provided, parallel to the
optical axis, and the audio currents cause the ribbons to approach and
recede from each other, thus widening and narrowing the slit between.
Fig. 5 illustrates the arrangement of ribbons and magnet pole pieces.
In order that the ribbons may not actually hit they are slightly dis-
placed axially, so that they are in different planes.
The slit is sharply focused on the film. It will be noted that the
image on the film varies in width in accordance with the movements
of the ribbons. Thus the variations in exposure are produced by
Film Drum
Cylindrical
Lens
Suspension
Ribbons
Mirror
FIG. 6. Optical system of Duddell oscillograph.
changes in the time during which the film is passing through the illu-
minated spot, and not by variations in the intensity within the spot.
The difference between varying the intensity and varying the time of
exposure must be taken into account in any complete analysis of the
performance of variable-density systems.10
Modulation for Variable-Area Recording — Variable-area recording
systems may be considered to be an outgrowth of the Duddell oscillo-
graph,11 in which a tiny galvanometer swings a spot of light back and
forth across a moving film and traces a picture of the wave shapes of
the electric currents sent through the galvanometer. Fig. 6 shows the
essential optical arrangements of the oscillograph. The cylindrical
lens near the film serves to make the light spot smaller and more in-
tense, and serves to confine the light reaching the film to a narrow line,
so that a mask with a very narrow slit is not necesary. In the oscillo-
Mar., 1945
PHOTOGRAPHIC SOUND RECORDING
157
graph, pains are taken to make the light spot small in both directions
so as to trace a sharp line as shown at A in Fig. 7. This is done by
making the light source itself small.
By using a larger light source, we can elongate the light spot on the
film until its length exceeds its total amplitude of travel. The os-
cillograph would then make a record like that shown at B in Fig. 7,
in which the wave shape trace has been broadened to a black stripe,
B
FIG. 7. Evolution of variable-area sound track from oscillograph.
A — Standard oscillograph recording; B — Recording by oscillograph
with wide light spot; L, L — Light spots; R — Light spot by which
sound would be reproduced from track B; S, S — Slits close to film or
equivalent effect produced by short focus cylindrical lenses.
whose edges are pictures of the wave shape. Such an oscillogram can
be used as a variable-width sound record by simply scanning either
edge by itself.
The optical system used in variable-area sound recording, illus-
trated in Fig. 8, is essentially the same as that of the oscillograph
except that instead of throwing the light spot from the galvanometer
directly on the film, it is projected on a slit-plate of mask M, in which
there is a narrow slit S, and the slit is imaged on the film in reduced
158
E. W. KELLOGG
Vol 44, No. 3
Mar., 1945 PHOTOGRAPHIC SOUND RECORDING 159
dimensions by an objective lens 0. If a film were pulled through
the device, directly behind the slit, as shown dotted at F't we would
obtain a large record of the wave shape. Since the purpose of the
recording optical system shown in Fig. 8 is to produce a track like
that shown at Fig. 10A, only one end of the light spot falls within the
slit length, the other end being masked off.
The ordinary oscillograph has been developed to produce rather
large-scale traces of wave shapes. The sound track requires that the
wave trace be of microscopic dimensions. The system in which the
modulated light is thrown on a slit of convenient size and then a re-
duced image of the slit formed on the film, lends itself to production of
small-scale images of finer quality than could readily be obtained by
the direct system, particularly since lenses of extraordinarily high
resolving power have been developed for microscope objectives.120
About 1932 the arrangement in which the light spot moves parallel
to the slit was abandoned in favor of one in which it moves trans-
versely to the slit.4a This is illustrated in Fig. 9. The present ar-
rangement offers advantages on the score of sensitivity, since by
throwing on the plane of the slit a triangle whose edge makes an acute
angle of intersection with the slit, a smaller movement of the galvanom-
eter suffices to change the length of the illuminated portion of the
slit from zero to 100 per cent.
Another important advantage is that the system becomes readily
adaptable to making various types of track. 4b This is illustrated in
Fig. 10. With a single sloping edge intersecting the slit, we can get the
original unilateral track (Fig. 10B). If the light spot is a triangle
with the vertex normally at the middle of the slit, we get a symmetrical
track (Fig. IOC). Two triangles, one on each side, with vertices
pointed in opposite directions, produce a push-pull track (Figs. 10D
or 10E). If the triangles are so positioned that their vertices cross the
slit simultaneously, we can produce a Class B push-pull track (Fig.
10F). Push-pull and Class % tracks are discussed in the next section.
In all cases the triangular opening does not stop at the base of the
triangle, but an additional rectangular area is provided, adjacent to
the base of the triangle. This prevents a very objectionable distortion
which would otherwise occur whenever, because of overload, the base
of the triangle crosses the slit. By putting in a mask which produces
a black triangle on a white background we can make a direct positive
ready to play back without resorting to a printing operation.13 This
is illustrated at G, Fig. 10, as applied to a Class B track.
160
E. W. KELLOGG
Vol 44, No. 3
Mar., 1945 PHOTOGRAPHIC SOUND RECORDING 161
If the light source (in this case a single horizontal helix) is uniform
in brightness from top to bottom, a horizontal edge suitably located
between the condenser and the galvanometer casts a shadow on the
plane of the slit which varies at uniform rate from zero to 100 per cent
brightness. The movements of the galvanometer move this graded
shadow or penumbra up and down, and the intensity of the slit image
on the film varies in accordance with the galvanometer deflection.
This provides for making variable-density records.14
Push-Pull Tracks. — If the track is divided into 2 equal strips and
the light is modulated oppositely on the 2 sides of the middle, it may
be reproduced by a system in which the light that passes through the
film is picked up by 2 photocells, which are oppositely connected as
shown in Fig. 11. Several types of distortion are substantially re-
duced by applying a push-pull system, especially those which pro-
duce even harmonics and rectification effects.15
Push-pull systems have been widely used for making original re-
cordings where the utmost in quality is justified even at the cost of
greater complication in the recording and reproducing equipment.
Many*of the push-pull systems which have been used in recording
studios employ double-width track. This results in an improvement
in the ratio of useful sound to ground noise.
Mention has already been made of the Class B track,16 illustrated
in Fig. 10. The left side of the track carries only the negative
halves of the waves, and the right-hand side the positive halves.
Careful adjustments are required in which the characteristics of the
film emulsion and developer have to be taken into account in order
to balance and adjust the system so that no distortion occurs at the
point of transition between positive and negative half -cycles. A
hairline extension of the vertex of the triangle makes the adjustment
for transition less critical.
The Class B track is inherently the freest from ground noise of
any of the known types of photographic sound record. For this
reason it is finding much use for making original recordings (for sub-
sequent rerecording to standard track). The ground noise advantage
of the Class B track is carried still farther if it is recorded as a direct
positive.13
A modification known as the "A-B" variable-area track 16d has been
used to a limited extent, in which the masks are so shaped that very
low amplitudes are recorded Class A while higher amplitudes are
recorded Class B. The A-B system is somewhat less critical to ad-
162
E. W. KELLOGG
Vol 44, No. 3
-JQ O
00-
•03N
INIWd
00
DO
0-
r., 1945 PHOTOGRAPHIC SOUND RECORDING 163
justment, but does not go as far in the reduction of ground noise as
the Class B system.
Ground Noise Reduction.17 — While there are various sources of
background noise (such as photocell hiss, fluctuations in the bright-
ness of the reproducing lamp, and hum resulting from circuit causes)
which are not caused by the film itself, these can, in a well-designed
system, be made very small compared with the noise which is caused
by the moving film. It is obviously important that fluctuations in
the sources of illumination used for recording and printing shall be
prevented, and that all causes of nonuniformity in development be
minimized.18 However, when all these are done there are still varia-
tions in the opacity of exposed film. These variations are usually
referred to as "graininess."
DOUBLE CATHODE PUSH-PULL
PHOTOCELL TRANSFORMER
CONDENSER
SEPARATION
OPTICS
FIG. 11. Arrangements for reproducing push-pull track, simplified circuit.
(Commercial circuits are adapted to switching between push-pull and standard,
and to adjusting photocell voltages to give balance.)
The subject of film graininess and the factors which affect it has
received a great deal of theoretical and experimental study, and the
excellent papers listed in the bibliography are commended to the
reader's attention.19 Graininess gives rise in the sound reproducing
system, to a soft hiss. Although graininess is caused by imperfect
distribution of the film grains rather than a matter of light obstruc-
tion by the individual grains, it is generally true that whatever results
in fine grains also gives reduced graininess, as shown in Fig. 12,
which is reproduced from the paper by Sandvik, Hall, and Grim-
wood. 19d The absolute level of noise resulting from graininess in-
creases at first with the silver deposit and reaches a maximum when
approximately half of the light is absorbed. Thereafter it falls con-
tinuously because there is less light to modulate. Hence in variable-
164
E. W. KELLOGG
Vol 44, No. 3
density systems graininess noise is reduced by making the sound
track as dark as is compatible with providing the required useful light
modulation.
The remainder of the film ground noise results from dirt and
abrasions on the film surface. Dust particles which settle on the
film while it is wet cause specks that are yery difficult to remove.
For this reason, well-run laboratories do all of their film handling
in an atmosphere which is as nearly dust-free as modern air condi-
tioning can make it.20 Developing, fixing, and washing baths are
continuously filtered and checked for condition.21 In properly de-
signed cameras, sound record-
ers, printers, and projectors,
all possible precautions are
taken to avoid danger of
scratching the film, especially
within the area of the sound
track and picture, but release
prints in their circulation from
one theater to another in-
evitably receive some damage.
Probably the greatest cause
. of ground noise (of the type
caused by film abrasion) is
slippage between layers of film
in take-up magazines. Since
projection booths are rarely
dust-free, particles of dirt col-
0.5 1.0 1.5 2.0
DIFFUSE DENSITY
FIG. 12. Relation between density and
noise owing to graininess. Positive film
developed (A) in D-16 and (B) in D-89.
lect on the film and are then
rolled in, and cause scratches
when there is any slippage.
It is practically impossible to scratch a clear spot in a dark film,
but the least scratch in a clear area has the effect of a black spot.
There is therefore, in variable-area recording, much to gain by
avoiding any unnecessary clear area in the prints. This is accom-
plished by providing a maximum of clear area in the negative. Specks
in the clear areas of negatives print out as holes in the dark areas of
the prints, but since the sound negatives can usually be fairly well
guarded from abuse, the noise attributable to the negative is, in
general, much less than that which results from scratches and dirt in
the release prints after some use. Moreover, if the specks on the
Mar., 1945
PHOTOGRAPHIC SOUND RECORDING
165
negative are very small they will not print through as perfectly clear
spots in the print, but will be partly fogged in.
In variable-density recordings, the noise from scratches and dirt is
minimized by the same measure as was just described as helpful with
respect to graininess noise, namely, by reducing the average exposure
of the negative during periods of low modulation, which results in a
thin negative and a correspondingly dark print.
It is obvious that at full modulation, a variable-area track should
transmit on the average approximately 50 per cent of the maximum
light, but when the amplitude of the recorded waves falls, a narrower
clear area will suffice. It is
during times of low modula-
tion that ground noise is most
objectionable.
Ground-noise reduction sys-
tems used for variable-area
recording provide for masking
off the unused portion of a
sound track area. This may
Sound tracks with
noise reduction.
be done by biasing the galva-
nometer, giving a track such
as shown in Fig. 13A, or by
use of a shutter22 whose vanes
cut off a portion of the record-
ing beam- during periods pf
low modulation, as shown in
Fig. 13B. It will be seen in
the figure, that the shutter
vanes move relatively slowly in and out, following the envelope of
the waves recorded by the galvanometer.
Current for actuating the shutter for biasing the galvanometer
(i. e., shifting the mean position about which it vibrates) is obtained
by applying the audio-frequency voltages to a rectifier and then
filtering the rectified current so that at no time does it change rapidly
enough to contribute audible noise in the reproduced sound. 'The
design of the filtering system involves a compromise between clipping
the tops of the waves in the case of a quick increase in sound ampli-
tude and moving the shutter fast enough so that the motion itself
becomes audible. It is likewise essential that the shutter return to
the low modulation position with reasonable rapidity upon the
166 E. W. KELLOGG Vol 44, No. 3
cessation of audio sound; otherwise a certain amount of ground
noise becomes audible at the ends of the sounds. It is inevitable in
designs of this kind that some differences of opinion would exist as
to the optimum, and that considerable variations in design constants
will be found in commercial use.
In variable-density systems ground-noise reduction takes the form
of making the print darker at times of low modulation. In light-
valve systems this is accomplished by bringing the ribbons of the
light valves closer together by means of a biasing current, 17C>e while
in the penumbra system of variable-density recording, using the
galvanometer, a separate electromagnetic device similar to the
shutter used for variable-area recording moves the vane, the shadow
of whose edge constitutes the penumbra.14
Monitoring.23 — Provision must be made to inform the recordist
quickly and continuously of the amplitude of the recording as related
to the overload point of the sound track. In variable-area systems
this is usually accomplished by throwing a light spot on a screen,
the motion of the light spot produced by the vibrations of the gal-
vanometer being a direct indication of the amplitude.413 The system
is arranged so that the monitoring card will show bias as well as
vibration amplitudes, or else will show the combination or over-all
excursions in both directions from the mid-track position. Marks
on the card indicate tne correct position of the edge of the light spot
for zero modulation and maximum permissible modulation.
Card monitoring can be used with tha penumbra system of variable-
density recording, but in general variable-density monitoring is done
by photocell. A portion of the modulated light passing through the
recording slit is reflected to a photocell, the output of which is ampli-
fied, rectified, and indicated by meter. In order to adjust bias, it is
also necessary to be able to measure the continuous or average photo-
cell current; separate provision is made for indicating this.
Inasmuch as the diversion for monitoring purposes of any material
fraction of the useful modulated light increases the difficulties of
providing adequate exposure, a special reflector was developed for
use in the RCA variable-density system, which is practically 100 per
cent transparent for blue and violet light, but reflects over 60 per cent
of the red light, to which cesium photocells are sensitive, but which
plays no part in exposing the recording film.232
Film Characteristics. — Up to this point our discussion has been
practically confined to the optical devices essential to photographic
Mar., 1945
PHOTOGRAPHIC SOUND RECORDING
167
recording, but a successful final result demands the control of many
factors, the most important of which have to do with the behavior
of photographic materials.
Everyone who has taken as much interest in pictures, as must be
true of all members of the SMPE, knows what is meant by "soft"
and by "contrasty" pictures. The soft picture can show many fine
gradations of gray, while the contrasty picture may even approach
portrayal of the subject in only black-and-white areas. It is obvious
that since a variable-width track should ideally consist of clear and
100
012345
NEGATIVE EXPOSURE
FIG. 14. Relation between negative exposure and print trans-
mission shown on linear scale diagram. The 2 curves correspond to
different printing lights with the same negative.
black areas, it is appropriate that choices of film emulsions and
development technique be such as to produce high contrast. The
high contrast makes it easier to avoid fog in the clear areas and
makes the dark areas so black that practically no light gets through.
The high contrast also tends to sharpen the borderline.
On the other hand, the variable-density track depends on main-
taining all of the intermediate values of gray.24 The characteristics
of a photographic operation can be shown in a curve such as shown
in Fig. 14, in which the ordinates represent the fraction of the inci-
dent light which is transmitted through the print, while the hori-
zontal measurements represent the exposure of the negative, which
may be expressed in such units as meter-candle-seconds. Recording
168
E. W. KELLOGG
Vol 44, No. 3
systems for variable-density are, in general, designed to provide an
exposure which varies from instant to instant in accordance with
the sound pressures to be recorded.
Avoidance of distortion in reproduction requires that there be
likewise a linear relation between the light transmitted through the
print and the exposure of the negative, or in other words, conditions
are sought such as will give a relatively long, straight portion to the
characteristic. The negative exposure should be confined to the
FIG. 15. Method of predicting the relation between print transmission and
negative exposure. The several curves are for various negative developments,
the appropriate printing light being chosen for each negative. (From a
paper by R. F. Nicholson. 24«)
range for which the characteristic, if plotted as in Fig. 14, is sub-
stantially straight.95' 24g Even though some curvature is tolerated
this limits the possible range between maximum and minimum
transmission, with the result that for equal amplification it is not
possible to get quite as high sound levels from a variable-density
film as can be obtained from a fully modulated variable-area film.
The reader will be interested in the method of calculating over-all
characteristics illustrated in papers by Nicholson, Jones, MacKenzie,
and Mees.24 Fig. 15 is taken from the paper by Nicholson.
H and D Curves and Gamma. 12b>c>d — Figs. 14 and 15 showed the
transmissions of the prints as functions of the exposures of the
Mar., 1945
PHOTOGRAPHIC SOUND RECORDING
169
negative. It is desirable to express the characteristics of the nega-
tives and prints separately, and logarithmic scales are desirable for
covering large ranges. A method of showing film and development
characteristics introduced in 1890 by Hurter and Driffield has be-
come almost universal. The density of the silver image is plotted
vertically, against the logarithm of the exposure, plotted horizontally,
as shown in Fig. 16. Zero density means 100 per cent transmission.
A density of one means 10 per cent transmission, and a density of 2
means that one per cent of the incident light is transmitted. In
other words, density D is defined as logio 1/T, where T is the trans-
mission, or fraction of the incident light transmitted through the
film. The Hurter and Driffield or "H and D" curve gives certain
important information about the film and its development.
Fig. 16 shows the H and D
curves for a given film emul-
sion and several development
times. There is usually a sub-
stantially straight portion of J
the curve, between the "toe" \
and the "shoulder," which
covers a major portion of the
density range, and the slope
of this portion is a measure
of the contrast properties of FlG 16 H and D curves
the film, a steep slope corre-
sponding to high contrast. The Greek letter 7 ("gamma") has been
almost universally employed to designate the slope of this curve.
If the vertical and horizontal log scales are the same, a slooe of
45 degrees means a gamma of unity, in which case an increase of one
in log exposure produces an increase of one in density, or reduces
transmission by a factor of 10, or in other words, 10 times the exposure
produces one-tenth the transmission, 4 times the exposure will reduce
the transmission to one-quarter, etc. If gamma is 0.5, the trans-
mission varies inversely as the square root of the exposure, or in this
case 4 times the exposure will result in only a two-to-one reduction
in transmission, while if gamma is 2.0, four times the exposure will
cut transmission to one-sixteenth. In short, if E stands for the
exposure, T varies as (l/E)y.
If we carry the calculation all the way through from negative ex-
posure to print transmission, we get that Tp varies as EnyiJ*.
.001
1
.. 2
1.0
LOG EXPOSURE
170 E. W. KELLOGG Vol 44, No. 3
This indicates a linear relationship or direct proportionality, provided
the product of the negative gamma 71 and print gamma 72 is unity.
Thus for obtaining the linear relationship which is necessary for
avoidance of distortion, it is not necessary that both gammas be
equal to unity, but a higher print gamma (for example, 2) can be
offset by a correspondingly low negative gamma (0.5 in this case),
the low contrast in the negative compensating for the high contrast
in the print.
The determination of the characteristics of films when subjected
to various developments is called "sensitometry." The literature
devoted to this subject in the SMPE JOURNALS alone is so extensive
that only a fraction is listed here.25
The characteristics of various commercial emulsions are held
within quite small variations by the manufacturers,26 but the con-
trast is strongly affected by the developer formula,39 the time and
FIG. 17. Example of a sensitometry strip or step tablet.
temperature of development, the agitation of the developer18 and,
in minor degree, by other factors such as drying.27 Satisfactory re-
sults with sound recordings cannot be consistently obtained unless
the exposures and developments are closely controlled.2511
In the 35-mm film laboratories it is general practice to include a
test strip with every recording before it is processed. In order to
take account of possible variations in the film itself, the test strip is
made from film of the same emulsion batch (indicated by the manu-
facturer) as the recording which it accompanies. A device known as
a "sensitometer"25 subjects a series of small film areas to various
exposures covering a wide range, the most commonly used system
of gradation being that each block is exposed \/2 more than the
adjacent one, or the exposure doubles every 2 steps. Fig. 17
shows a sensitometry strip or "step-tablet." One or more test prints
are made, and the densities of the several steps measured and plotted
as in Fig. 16. The curve should fall within specified limits or toler-
ances, and the correct printing light and print development are
Mar., 1945 PHOTOGRAPHIC SOUND RECORDING 171
determined on the basis of these tests. The H and D curve for the
negative shows whether the negative processing has been normal,
but generally the negative must be accepted as it is and the print
processing adapted to it.
The relation between density and exposure is not the same for
conditions of sound recording as it is for pictures, for it has long
been known that the response of a photographic emulsion to ex-
posures is not exactly the same for extreme conditions of high in-
tensity and short duration as it is for lower intensities and longer
exposures.10 Whereas a picture exposure may be commonly l/& sec,
a sound track receives its exposure in a period ranging from l/n,om sec
to 1/i8,ooo sec, depending on the width of the recording slit image.
In any exact analysis of sound recording, therefore, it is appropriate
to determine the sound track gamma by means of a series of exposures
similar to those which the sound track actually receives. 10-25b>f On
the other hand, the conditions of exposure in the taking of pictures
and in the printing of sound track and picture are much alike, ordinary
exposure times being in the range 2 to 50 milliseconds.
For measuring the densities of the test strips, numerous forms of
"densitometer" have been designed.28 Some, of these take into
account only the light which passes through the film in substantially
straight lines. These measure what is termed "specular density."
Others measure all of the transmitted light, or else illuminate the
film with light from all possible directions. These measure ' 'diffuse
density." It is necessary in specifying the density of a film to state
whether specular or diffuse density is meant.28
In picture projection systems and also in sound reproducing
systems, most of the transmitted light which is utilized goes straight
through the film from one lens system into another, and most of
such light as is scattered by the emulsion fails to enter the second
lens and is thrown away. On the other hand, in making a contact
print, practically all of the light that gets through, whether scattered
or not, serves to expose the adjacent print film emulsion. Thus it is
appropriate to use diffuse density when calculating conditions for
contact printing, while specular density, which takes account of only
light which passes straight through the film (plus a small fraction
of the scattered light) is used in calculating results which are to be
expected in picture projection, sound projection, and in projection
printing.
The densities as measured the 2 ways bear fairly consistent rela-
172 E. W. KELLOGG Vol 44, No. 3
tionships, and for some purposes it suffices to make the measurements
on either type of densitometer and apply correction factors where
necessary. The holding of exposures and developments in produc-
tion within previously determined limits requires only that the in-
struments be capable of giving consistent results. On the other
hand, exact analyses require that the sensitometer and densitometer
both be of the type appropriate to the sound track conditions.
Film Resolution, Fine-Grain Films, Ultraviolet Recording.— It
was found early that the highly sensitive films used for picture
negatives do not make the best material for sound recording. The
kind of film used for prints has a much finer grain and higher resolu-
tion. The difference between making a sound record with the de-
sired minuteness and perfection of form with a coarse and a fine-
grain film might be compared to drawing a picture on a surface on
which some coarse sand had been dusted as compared with using a
smooth paper with a fine pencil. The price for using the finer grain
films is that more exposing light must be used. Fortunately this has
been possible while still adhering to the highly satisfactory incan-
descent type of lamp, progress having been greatly helped by im-
provements in lamps,7 and by new film emulsions which in increasing
measure combined fine grain and speed.26
One of the most important steps in the direction of producing finer
and more accurate images in the sound track was the resort to ultra-
violet light.29 Much of the imperfection in photographic resolution
is caused by the scattering of light within the emulsion,30 so that the
exposure spreads sidewise as well as through the emulsion. Ultra-
violet light is rapidly absorbed in the material of the emulsion, with
the result that it does not diffuse as far into regions outside the
boundaries of the areas actually exposed. The low penetration also
prevents any impairment of the image by reflections from the back
of the film. The lack of penetration must be compensated by in-
creased intensity of the incident light. The result is an image in
which the developed silver is concentrated close to the exposed surface
and is likewise more nearly limited to the area of direct exposure.
There is a further advantage in that lenses of greater resolving power
are possible with the light of shorter wave length. In "single-film"
systems, in which the sound is necessarily recorded on the same film
as the picture negative, the use of ultraviolet light has contributed
in a major way to improvement in the quality of the recorded sound.
Within recent years new fine-grain films have been made available
Mar., 1945
PHOTOGRAPHIC SOUND RECORDING
173
D
WLL.5302 *
UM 5302
FIG. 18. Enlargements of 7000-cycle 16-mm tracks made by optical
reduction. A — White light print on EK-5301 (standard 16-mm positive) ;
B— Ultraviolet print on EK-5301; C— White light print on EK-5302
(fine-grain) ; D— Ultraviolet print on EK-5302.
174
E. W. KELLOGG
Vol 44, No. 3
giving much finer resolution than the previous recording stocks.31
The results are reduced distortions and better reproduction of high
frequencies. Ultraviolet light may also be employed to advantage
when recording or printing on fine-grain films. High-intensity mer-
cury lamps7 have contributed in an important way to the solution
of the problem of obtaining adequate exposure for printing on slow
films, especially if ultraviolet light is wanted.
The treatment of lens surfaces in optical systems to reduce reflec-
Frequency
FIG. 19. Improvement in high-frequency response obtained by the use of
ultraviolet light and fine-grain film. Ordinates are measured outputs of
16-mm optical reduction prints, all made from the same 35-mm negative.
A — White light on EK-5301 (standard recording film) ; B — Ultraviolet on
EK-5301; C— Ultraviolet on EK-5302 (fine-grain).
tions has also contributed to improved resolution, by reducing stray
light and increasing the amount of available useful light.32
Fig. 18 shows enlargements of several recordings of high-frequency
waves, illustrating the improved sharpness and cleanness of the out-
lines of the waves, resulting from use of UV light and fine-grain
films.296 Fig. 19 shows the improvement in high-frequency output.
Differences between Density and Area Recordings.5 — Since the
sound track print is on the same film as the picture, it must receive
the same development as the picture, and picture development has
been practically standardized at a gamma of about 2. Hence the
Mar., 1945 PHOTOGRAPHIC SOUND RECORDING
175
A LOW DENSITY PRINT
B CORRECT DENSITY
C HIGH DENSITY PRINT
FIG. 20. Cross-modulation tests, showing rectification effect when the
print density is too low (.4), or too high (C).
176 E. W. KELLOGG Vol 44, No. 3
desired difference in contrast (or gamma product) for the 2 systems
must be provided by the difference in negative development.9'24-25
In general both systems use the same types of film for the original
recordings or negatives, the density recordings being developed in
low contrast, negative-type developers to gammas ranging for the
most part from 0.4 to 0.7, while area recordings are developed to
gammas of 2, 3, or even more, in many cases stopping, just short of
the production of developer fog.33
Film-grain noise is more of a problem in density recording, and for
that^ reason the timing of ground-noise reduction systems is made
fastf.5-17
Both systems are subject to losses in high-frequency response,
resulting from finite slit size, and imperfect resolution in the film
image.34 The area system imposes more severe requirements with
respect to narrow recording beams,40 and freedom from printer
slippage,35 but owing to the higher development, the required densi-
ties are obtained with less exposure, making it practical to record
with narrower slits.
The principal cause of distortion in the density system is lack of
linear relationship between print transmission and negative ex-
posure.24-36 This affects all frequencies in the audio spectrum, the
distortion increasing with the amplitude. The objective of much of
the sensitometric studies applied to density recording is to provide
as large a range of substantially linear characteristic as possible.
At best a density track cannot modulate quite as much light as an
areaStrack without sjerious distortion. To partly offset this disad-
van$||k the variable-density system overloads more gradually than
the va||pble-area.37a This results in a less objectionable effect from
overlfed, and overloading is permitted more freely than in the area
system^.
Dis^feion in the area system is caused principally by spreading of
the *mHg£ beyond the theoretical boundary, owing to the finite width
of tM recording slit,34a and to scattering of the light within the emul-
(It is possible with low exposures, and high contrast, for the
&si to be less than the exposed area, but with the high ex-
s employed in area recording, the black area always steals
something from the clear.) The distortion resulting from image
spread is most serious with high frequencies, and is practically negli-
gible at low frequencies. By proper printing exposure, the image
spread in the print can be made to largely cancel the effect of that
Mar., 1945 PHOTOGRAPHIC SOUND RECORDING 177
in the negative,30-38 and control of this factor largely dictates the
printing and development of variable-area tracks.
Where operations are carefully controlled, the selection of the
proper printing exposure for an area recording is based on a routine
" cross-modulation" test. A 9000-cycle wave is modulated from zero
to about 80 per cent amplitude at a rate of 400 times per sec. The
negative if reproduced may show considerable 400-cycle output
(although there was none in the input), but a print of optimum
density will show practically no 400-cycle output.38 Fig. 20 shows
enlargements from a cross-modulation test. At A the image spread
in the print does not compensate for that in the negative. At B the
printing is correct and practically no 400-cycle output is produced.
At C the print is too dark for the amount of image spread in the
negative and again 400 cycles appear in the output.
Distortion in either system can be measured by recording sine
waves, and measuring the harmonics364'0 in the output with a "wave
analyzer." A test which is widely used in studying variable-density
recordings has been called the "intermodulation" test.36b A low
amplitude wave of medium or high frequency (for example, 1000
cycles) is recorded superimposed on a high amplitude wave of low
frequency (say, 60 cycles). The fluctuations in amplitude of the
output of the higher frequency wave are measured and constitute
an index of the variations in slope of the print transmission versus
negative exposure (linear scale) characteristic. Quite large fluctua-
tions (in percentage) of the higher frequency output may correspond
to relatively small values of harmonic distortion, thus making the
intermodulation test a sensitive one.
Development.39 — The problems of the processing laboratories2 li39C
constitute a whole field of engineering science, quite beyond the
scope of this paper, but they are the subject of a large number of .the
papers appearing in the JOURNALS of the Society, as well as in numer-
ous books on photography. Only one or two items will be mentioned
here. .•: .....
From the recordist's point of view it is important that he be able
to judge whether his recordings are being properly processed. He
will normally judge this from his sensitometry tests, although these
will not in general give any indication of printer imperfections,
which may result in wrong track location or excessive loss of high
frequencies.
Commercial processing of motion picture film is, for the* most part,
178 E. W. KELLOGG Voi 44, No. 3
done in continuous developing machines in which the film passes
successively through developer, rinse, fixing bath, wash, and drying
compartments. 12d>g Abundant agitation of the developer must be
provided18 to avoid distortions such as underdevelopment of light
areas adjacent to dark areas (Mackie line), often noticed in pictures,
"directional effect,"216 and influence of sprocket holes on develop-
ment of adjacent areas. 18C'd Machine development makes it possible
to obtain better uniformity than is possible in general with develop-
ment by the rack and tank method, but eternal vigilance on the part
of the operators is necessary in order that the developer may be
maintained within appropriate limits of activity, and that bath
temperatures and drying conditions be held within proper limits.2ld-25b
Mention has already been made of the importance of cleanliness
of solutions and air.
Developer formulas are said to be as numerous as the commercial
laboratories where they are used, but they fall in general into 2
classes.
Negative-type developers are used for picture negatives, and for
variable-density sound negatives, and are distinguished from positive
developers by giving lower contrast, requiring more development
time and, in general, by the use of borax to provide the required
alkalinity.395 Negative developers are rated as giving finer grain
than positive developers. The difference is decided in the case of
picture negative films, but much less pronounced in the case of in-
herently finer grain films such as cinepositive, sound recording emul-
sions, and the extra fine-grain films.
Positive- type developers are used for release prints and for variable-
area sound negatives. The alkalinity is provided by sodium car-
bonate. Positive developers act more rapidly and give higher con-
trast or gamma.39
Rerecording40 and Duplicating.41 — In the major picture produc-
tions most of the original sound recordings are rerecorded after
editing. This permits mixing in sound effects, adjustment of levels,
and altering, if necessary, the tonal balance by means of electrical
compensating circuits as, for example, reducing the low-frequency
components of abnormally heavy voices.
The only way to obtain new picture negatives is by printing to a
positive and back to a negative. The same process is sometimes
applied to sound records as, for example, to make films for printing
elsewhere as in case of export. Special duplicating film emulsions
Mar., 1945 PHOTOGRAPHIC SOUND RECORDING 179
are employ ed,26>4ia and the processing for best results has been the
subject of much study. 15d>4lb Good results can be obtained from good
originals, provided the printer does its part well.
High-Frequency Losses. — Mention has already been made of the
principal causes of loss of high-frequency response. Much of the
progress toward better sound quality has been in the removal of some
of the limiting factors that so restricted the frequency range in the
earlier sound records, making them muffled and hard to understand.
Better optical systems, 4i9d narrower recording slits,40 finer grain
films,31 ultraviolet light recording and printing,29 lens surface treat-
ment to reduce reflection,32 and better knowledge and control of
processing34-38 have made most of the improvement possible. One
does not find as much literature on the subject of processing for
improved high-frequency response in density recording as in the case
of area recording, for other factors largely dictate exposures and
developments for both negatives and prints. Some indication of
expected high-frequency recording and printing loss, under commer-
cial conditions^ is given in Fig. 8, curve No. 8 of "Sound Picture
Recording and Reproducing Characteristics" by Loye and Morgan34*1
in the July 1939 issue of the JOURNAL of the Society. In area sys-
tems, satisfying the cross-modulation tests,38 while not guaranteeing
good high-frequency response, never conflicts.
Compensation of High-Frequency Losses. — The practice was
adopted early of compensating for the expected high-frequency loss
by exaggerating the amplitudes of the high-frequency components of
speech and music at the time of recording. Fortunately for much
of our sound recording the components of very high frequency — say,
5000 cycles and above — are not encountered in amplitudes as great
as those of the lower frequency components.42 Hence it has been
found possible to "tip up" the recording characteristic without
seriously increasing the tendency to overload. Such exaggeration of
the high frequencies in recording is obviously a poor substitute for
improving the technique of making the records, or in other words,
eliminating the causes of the high-frequency loss. Moreover, the
same factors which produce the high-frequency loss produce other
types of distortion34**38 which are rendered worse in proportion to
the magnitude of the high-frequency recording.
Such progress has been made in improving the quality of recording
that it is not now necessary to make excessively large allowance for
expected high-frequency loss. However, the practice of some tip-up
180 E. W. KELLOGG Vol 44, No. 3
has persisted for the following reasons: the simple expedient of
widening the reproducing slit causes a relative loss of reproduced
high frequency without necessarily introducing any other distortion.43
It has been fcund desirable, especially with variable-density systems,
to permit some of this high-frequency loss in reproduction and com-
pensate for it in the recording, for the net result is a reduction of the
loudness of the high-frequency components of ground noise.44 It is
important that the characteristics of reproducing systems with re-
spect to response at various frequencies shall be brought close to
some standard, and the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences
has proposed a standard characteristic for theater reproducing sys-
tems.44 The proposed standard reproducing characteristic contem-
plates a tip-up in the recording amounting to about 5 db between
1000 and 5000 cycles.
Printing.35 — Most printing is done with sprocket-type contact
printers, the negative and the print film being carried on a large
diameter sprocket with the negative inside and the illumination
coming from within. By choice of sprocket diameter a certain
allowance is made for the fact that the negative which has been
processed, will have shrunk to slightly smaller dimensions than the
fresh print film. This compensation is set for average conditions
and when the machines are operating well in other respects, prints
made on this type of printer are considered satisfactory. Results
with a negative which departs much from average are likely to be
poor.356
The requirement that negative and print of unequal lengths shall
pass the identical number of sprocket holes in a unit time, and that
there shall be no slippage at any time, involves a contradiction.
Only by stretching the shorter of the 2 films can true nonslip action
be obtained. A nonslip printer invented by A. V. Bedford solves
this problem, not by bodily stretching either film, but by flexing one
or both films automatically to the point where the curvature pro-
duces the required amount of stretching or compression of the sur-
face of the film which is in contact with the other film. A number
of nonslip printers are in commercial use.
Projection sound printing has not found wide application except
for making 16-mm prints from 35-mm negatives.296 In some projec-
tion printers the negative and print are carried on sprockets on the
same shaft. 45a This leaves the same possibilities of blurring owing
to tooth action as in a sprocket-type contact printer. If independent
Mar., 1945 PHOTOGRAPHIC SOUND RECORDING 181
filtered drives are provided for negative and print, the blurring
which slippage causes in sprocket-type printers will not occur, but
the filtering systems must be excellently designed or. objectionable
speed fluctuation effects may result.45'46
Compression.37 — The principle of automatic volume control has
been of great help in sound recording. The audio-frequency circuit
is divided into 2 channels and the voltage from one of the channels
is rectified, and the rectified voltage used to reduce the gain in a
variable-gain amplifier stage in the other channel, whose output is
to be recorded. This has the effect of reducing the disparity between
the stronger and the weaker sounds and improves intelligibility, par-
ticularly if the sound is to be reproduced under adverse conditions.47
Slit Dimensions and Angle.— It has already been indicated that
the ideal recording light beam would be infinitely sharp at the film,
but this is incompatible with adequate exposure. The obvious harm
of too wide a recording light beam is that it will fail to register the
waves of very high frequencies. It can also result in serious wave
form distortions, especially at the higher frequencies.34* In the RCA
recording system the slit image is 0.00025 in. wide at the film.40
Variable-density recording systems have used a somewhat wider
image. It is difficult to state in simple terms the width of the image
used in light- valve recording, for this varies in accordance with the
ground-noise reduction bias. Without any bias the valve is usually
set to give an image 0.0005 in. wide.9
It is obvious that the recording and reproducing light beams
should both be set perpendicular to the direction of motion of the
film, for unless their angles are identical, distortion will result.48
Methods have been worked out for setting the angle of the recording
slits and also the positions of the triangular masks used in variable-
area recording systems, with the required accuracy. In reproducing
systems the correct adjustment is made with the help of a film which
has been recorded for this special purpose.49 Analyses of the effect
of the finite reproducing slit width indicate that this causes no dis-
tortion except the loss of high-frequency response.43
Uniformity of Slit Illumination. — Lack of uniformity of the repro-
ducing beam throughout its length is the cause of some distortion
when reproducing variable-area tracks, and much study has been
given to the problem of improving the uniformity .7a Analyses have
also been made which show that the magnitude of the distortion is
182 E. W. KELLOGG Vol 44, No. 3
much less than might be inferred from a casual examination of a
curve of light distribution.60
Constant Speed.46-51 — All who have had experience with recorded
sound recognize the importance of minimizing speed fluctuations
both in recording and in reproducing. 46a>b Propelling the film through
the recording or reproducing light beam on a sprocket is almost sure
to give rise to measurable disturbance at the tooth frequency or 96
cycles per sec.460 However, a number of recorders operating in
this manner have given creditable results. Conditions for direct
sprocket drive are more favorable in the case of a recorder because it
is always working with new film,46g whereas printers356 and repro-
ducers must work with film of various degrees of age and shrinkage.52
A preferable arrangement for both recording and reproduction
employs a smooth drum on which the film is carried past the optical
system. Flywheels are used to resist changes in speed. The serious
problem in this construction is that the flywheel tends to oscillate
above and below its correct speed. A number of damping systems
have been employed to prevent such oscillations. The reader is
referred to some of the numerous papers on this subject46 for explana-
tions and descriptions of methods of measuring the speed fluctua-
tions,46^1 and descriptions of damped mechanical filtering systems for
providing uniform motion of the film.
Weaving and Track Placement. — In machines of the drum type
dependence is placed on flanged rollers for guiding the film to the
correct position on the drum. A rubber-tired pressure roller is usu-
ally employed to prevent slipping on the drum. The pressure roller
not infrequently causes instability in the film position resulting in
sidewise ''weaving." With proper design this does not need to
occur.460
A standardized "buzz track" test film is employed to check re-
producers for track placement and weaving.53 The area normally
scanned by a correctly located reproducing beam of standard size is
clear, while on either side, tones are recorded. If adjustment is cor-
rect these tones are not heard in reproduction. If there is weaving
they are heard intermittently. Test -films for checking reproducers
in other ways have been made available.49
Sprocket Hole Modulation.61 — Mention has already been made of
speed fluctuations resulting from sprocket tooth action. Aside
from the speed effect, the misfortune that the sound track is close
to the sprocket holes gives rise to 96-cycle hum owing to the fact
Mar., 1945 PHOTOGRAPHIC SOUND RECORDING 183
that there is freer circulation of the developer opposite the sprocket
holes than between, and consequently the film receives more develop-
ment and is darker.
Much effort has been devoted to minimizing the 96-cycle hum
caused by the proximity of the sprocket holes.180
Sixteen-Millimeter Recording.54 — Only painstaking developments
have made it possible to satisfactorily record the high frequencies
on 35-mm film. Sixteen-millimeter film travels only 40 per cent
of the speed of 35-mm film. This means that the waves must be
compressed longitudinally and only with utmost refinement can
reasonably good high-frequency response be obtained from 16-mm
film. Actually we are forced to be satisfied with considerably lower
standards than we expect from 35-mm film. Packing the waves
into a shorter, length of track increases the tendency to cross-modula-
tion. The methods of control of cross-modulation are (or should be)
essentially the same as in the case of 35-mm tracks, except that the
modulated high-frequency wave has usually been taken as 4000 or
6000 cycles instead of 9000 cycles.38
The problem of constant speed is also rendered much more dif-
ficult by the low average speed of the 16-mm film.
In the most successful large-scale production of 16-mm prints,
it is common to employ some compression when making the nega-
tive, to improve intelligibility, and low-pass filters are employed to
eliminate some of the higher frequency components which could
scarcely be successfully recorded if present.
Contact printing is at present the general method, but excellent
results have been obtained with optical reduction printing. 29e-45 (See
Figs. 18 and 19.)
REFERENCES*
1. PHOTOCELLS
a JAMIESON, M. F., SHEA, T. E., AND PIERCE, P. H. : "The Photoelectric Cell
and Its Method of Operation," XXVII, 4 (Oct., 1936), p. 365.
b HOLLANDS, L. C., AND GLOVER, A. M.: "Vacuum-Tube Engineering for
Motion Pictures," XXX, 1 (Jan., 1938), p. 38.
0 Dow, W. G.: "Fundamentals of Engineering Electronics," J. Wiley (Lon-
don), 1937.
See also 12a, c, and e.
* All references are to /. Soc. Mot. Pict. Eng. except as otherwise noted.
Papers are not listed in order of importance as sources of information on the
topic indicated. In many cases the principal and preferred reference will be
found among the cross references listed.
184 E. W. KELLOGG Vol 44, No. 3
2. REPRODUCING SYSTEMS
See 37a, 43, 48, and 50.
3. DIMENSIONAL STANDARDS
"Revision of SMPE Standards, Proposed for Adoption by the Society of Mo-
tion Picture Engineers," XXX, 3 (Mar., 1938), p. 249.
See also 49 and 53.
4. VARIABLE-AREA RECORDING
& DIMMICK, G. L., AND BELAR, H.: "Extension of the Frequency Range of
Film Recording and Reproduction," XIX, 5 (Nov., 1932), p. 401.
b DIMMICK, G. L.: "The RCA Recording System and Its Adaptation to
Various Types of Sound Track," XXIX, 3 (Sept., 1937), p. 258.
0 SACHTLEBEN, L. T.: "Characteristics of Photophone Light-Modulating
System," XXV, 2 (Aug., 1935), p. 175.
d BATSEL, M. C., AND KELLOGG, E. W.: "The RCA Sound Recording Sys-
tem," XXVIII, 5 (May, 1937), p. 507.
5. COMPARISON OF DENSITY AND AREA
a KELLOGG, E. W.: "A Comparison of Variable-Density and Variable- Width
Systems," XXV, 3 (Sept., 1935), p. 203.
6. GLOW LAMP RECORDING
a TYKOCINSKI-TYKOCINER, J.: "Photographic Recording and Photo-Electric
Reproduction of Sound," Trans. Soc. Mot. Pict. Eng., 16 (May, 1923), p.
90.
b DE FOREST, L.: "Pioneering in Talking Pictures," XXXVI, 1 (Jan., 1941),
p. 41.
See also 12a.
7. LIGHT SOURCES
a CARLSON, F. E. : "Properties of Lamps and Optical Systems for Sound
Reproduction," XXXIII, 1 (July, 1939), p. 80.
b BUTTOLPH, L. J. : "Mercury Arcs of Increased Brightness and Efficiency,"
XXVIII, 1 (Jan., 1937), p. 43.
0 NOEL, E. B., AND FARNHAM, R. E.: "A Water-Cooled Quartz Mercury
Arc," XXXI, 3 (Sept., 1938), p. 221.
See also 4b and 9d.
8. KERR CELL RECORDING
a ZWORYKIN, V., LYNN, L. B., AND HANNA, C. R.: "Kerr Cell Method of
Recording Sound," Trans. Soc. Mot. Pict. Eng., XII, 35 (Sept., 1928), p. 748.
9. LIGHT VALVE (Western Electric)
8 MACKENZIE, D.: "Sound Recording with the Light Valve," Trans. Soc.
Mot. Pict. Eng., XII, 35 (Sept., 1928), p. 730.
b SHEA, T. E., HERRJOTT, W., AND GOEHNER, W. R.: "The Principles of the
Light-Valve," XVIII, 6 (June, 1932), p. 697.
0 CECCARINI, O. O. : "Recent Contributions to Light- Valve Technic," XVII, 3
(Sept., 1931), p. 305.
d HERRIOTT, W., AND FOSTER, L. V.: "Recent Optical Improvements in
Sound-Film Recording Equipment," XXIII, 3 (Sept., 1934), p. 167.
See also 24f.
Mar., 1945 PHOTOGRAPHIC SOUND RECORDING 185
10. RECIPROCITY
* JONES, L. A., AND WEBB, J. H.: "Reciprocity Law Failure in Photographic
Exposures," XXIII, 3 (Sept., 1934), p. 142.
b KUSTER, A., AND SCHMIDT, R.: "The Sensitometric Control of Sound
Records on Film," XIX, 6 (Dec., 1932), p. 539.
See also 9b and 12b.
11. OSCILLOGRAPH
a HARDY, A. C. : ' 'The Optical System of the Oscillograph and Similar Record-
ing Instruments," J. Opt. Soc. Am. and Rev. Scien. Instruments, 14 (June,
1927), p. 505.
b DIMMICK, G. L.: "Galvanometers for Variable-Area Recording," XV, 4
(Oct., 1930), p. 428.
12. BOOKS AND GENERAL REFERENCE
a ACADEMY OF MOTION PICTURE ARTS AND SCIENCES: "Motion Picture
Sound Engineering," D. Van Nostrand & Co. (New York), 1938.
b MEES, C. E. K.: "The Theory of the Photographic Process," Macmillan
(New York), 1942.
0 HARDY AND PERRIN: "The Principles of Optics," McGraw-Hill Book Co.
( New York and London) , 1932 .
\ d EASTMAN KODAK COMPANY: "Motion Picture Laboratory Practice and
Characteristics of Eastman Motion Picture Films" (Rochester, N. Y.),
1936.
6 ACADEMY OF MOTION PICTURE ARTS AND SCIENCES: "Recording Sound for
Motion Pictures," McGraw-Hill Book Co. (New York and London), 1931.
f SOCIETY OF MOTION PICTURE ENGINEERS: "The Technique of Motion Pic-
ture Production," Interscience Publishers, Inc. (New York), 1944.
g CRABTREE, J. I., AND MATTHEWS, G. E. : "Photographic Chemicals and
Solutions," American Photographic Publishing Co. (Boston), 1939.
h "Glossary of Technical Terms Used in the Motion Picture Industry," XVII, 5
(Nov., 1931), p. 819.
1 TASKER, H. G. : "The Technique of Production Sound Recording," XXXIX,
4 (Oct., 1942), p. 213. (Republished in 12f.)
13. DIRECT POSITIVES
a DIMMICK, G. L., AND BLANEY, A. C.: "A Direct Positive System of Sound
Recording," XXXIII, 5 (Nov., 1939), p. 479.
b BLANEY, A. C. : "Notes on Operating Experience Using the Direct Positive
Push-Pull Method of Recording," 42, 5 (May, 1944), p. 279.
"14. PENUMBRA VARIABLE-INTENSITY SYSTEM
a DIMMICK, G. L.: "Optical Control of Wave-Shape and Amplitude Charac-
teristics in Variable-Density Recording," XXXIII, 6 (Dec., 1939), p. 650.
b FAULKNER, C. W., AND BATSEL, C. N. : "Operation of the Variable-Intensity
Recording System," XXXVI, 2 (Feb., 1941), p. 125.
See also 4b.
15. PUSH-PULL SYSTEMS
a FRAYNE, J. G., AND SILENT, H. C.: "Push-Pull Recording with the Light-
Valve," XXXI, 1 (July, 1938), p. 46.
b HILLIARD, J. K. : "Push-Pull Recording," XXX, 2 (Feb., 1938), p. 156.
186 E. W. KELLOGG .Vol 44, No. 3
0 CECCARINI, O. O. : "Theoretical Notes on the Push-Pull Method of Record-
ing Sound," XXX, 2 (Feb., 1938), p. 162.
d BLANEY, A. C., AND BEST, G. M.: "Latest Developments in Variable-Area
Processing," XXXII, 3 (Mar., 1939), p. 237.
See also 4b and 16.
16. CLASS B RECORDING
* DIMMICK, G. L., AND BELAR, H.: "An Improved System for Noiseless Re-
cording," XXIII, 1 (July, 1934), p. 48.
b BRADSHAW, D. Y.: "Production-Quality Sound with Single-System Port-
able Equipment," XXXVI, 2 (Feb., 1941), p. 180.
0 BLOOMBERG, D. J., AND LOOTENS, C. L. : "Class B Push-Pull Recording for
Original Negatives," XXXIII, 6 (Dec., 1939), p. 664.
d CARTWRIGHT, C. H., AND THOMPSON, W. S.: "The Class A-B Push-Pull
Recording System," XXXIII, 3 (Sept., 1939), p. 289.
17. GROUND-NOISE REDUCTION
* TOWNSEND, R. H., MCDOWELL, H., JR., AND CLARK, L. E. : "Ground- Noise
Reduction," Reprint No. 26, Academy of Motion Picture Arts and
Sciences (Hollywood).
b KELLOGG, E. W.: "Ground- Noise Reduction System," XXXVI, 2 (Feb.,
1941), p. 137.
0 SILENT, H. C., AND FRAYNE, J. G. : "Western Electric Noiseless Recording,"
XVIII, 5 (May, 1932), p. 551.
d KREUZER, B.: "Noise Reduction with Variable-Area Recording," XVI, 6
(June, 1931), p. 671.
* SCOVILLE, R. R., AND BELL, W. L. : "Design and Use of Noise-Reduction
Bias Systems," XXXVIII, 2 (Feb., 1942), p. 125.
HANSEN, E. H., AND FAULKNER, C. W.: "Mechanical Reversed-Bias Light-
Valve Recording," XXVI, 2 (Feb., 1936), p. 117.
" FRAYNE, J. G. : "Noise-Reduction Anticipation Circuits," 43 5 (Nov.,
1944), p. 313.
18. IRREGULARITIES IN DENSITY
* IVES, C. E., AND JENSEN, E. W.: "The Effect of Developer Agitation on
Density Uniformity and Rate of Development," XL, 2 (Feb., 1943), p. 107.
b IVES, C. E., AND KJJNZ, C. J. : "Solution Agitation by Means of Compressed
Air," XXXIV, 4 (April, 1940), p. 364.
0 LESHING, M., INGMAN, T., AND PIER, K.: "Reduction of Development
Sprocket-Hole Modulation," XXXVI, 5 (May, 1941), p. 475.
d FRAYNE, J. G., AND PAGLIARULO, V.: "The Influence of Sprocket Holes
upon the Development of Adjacent Sound-Track Areas," XXVIII, 3 (Mar.,
1937), p. 235.
e GRIGNON, L. D.: "Flicker in Motion Pictures," XXXIII, 3 (Sept., 1939), p.
235.
See also 12b and d, 21d and e, and 51.
19. GRA1NINESS
* CRABTREE, J. I.: "Graininess of Motion Picture Film/'' Trans. Soc. Mot.
Pict. Eng., XI, 29 (July, 1927) p. 77.
b SANDVIK, O. : "A Study of Ground Noise in the Reproduction of Sound
Mar., 1945 PHOTOGRAPHIC SOUND RECORDING 187
by Photographic Methods," Trans. Soc. Mot. Pict. Eng., XII, 35 (Sept.,
1928), p. 790.
0 JONES, L. A., AND HARDY, A. C. : "Graininess in Motion Picture Negatives
and Positives," Trans. Soc. Mot. Pict. Eng., 14 (May, 1922), p. 107.
d SANDVIK, O., HALL, V. C., AND GRIMWOOD, W. K.: "Further Investigation
of Ground- Noise in Photographic Sound Records," XXII, 2 (Feb., 1934),
p. 83,
6 GOETZ, A., AND GOULD, W. O. : "The Objective Quantitative Determination
of the "Graininess of Photographic Emulsions," XXIX, 5 (Nov., 1937), p.
510.
f GOETZ, A., GOULD, W. O., AND DEMBER, A.: "The Objective Measurement
of the Graininess of Photographic Emulsions," XXXIV, 3 (Mar., 1940), p.
279.
* ALBERSHEIM, W. J.: "Mathematical Relations between Grain, Background
Noise, and Characteristic Curve of Sound-Film Emulsions," XXIX, 4
(Oct., 1937), p. 417.
h SANDVIK, O., AND GRIMWOOD, W. K. : "An Investigation of the Influence of
the Negative and Positive Materials on Ground Noise," XXXV, 2 (Aug.,
1940), p. 126.
See also 5 and 12b.
20. AIR CONDITIONING
a LINDSAY, D. C.: "Air Conditioning as Applied in Theaters and Film
Laboratories," Trans. Soc. Mot. Pict. Eng., XI, 30 (Aug., 1927), p. 334.
b SIMONDS, A. H., AND PoLDERMAN, L. H. : "Air Conditioning in Film Labora-
tories," XVII, 4 (Oct., 1931), p. 604.
0 HOLDEN, E. C.: "Silica Gel Air Conditioning for Film Processing," XVIII,
4 (April, 1932), p. 471.
d MURPHY, H. C.: "Air Filtration in the Production of Motion Pictures,"
XXVI, 6 (June, 1936), p. 637.
e PATTERSON, J. C. : "Use of Silica Gel in Air Conditioning," XXVII, 5 (Nov.,
1936), p. 545.
£ GITTERMAN, H.: "A New Electrostatic Air Cleaner and Its Application to the
Motion Picture Industry," XXXIX, 1 (July, 1942), p. 70.
21. CLEANLINESS AND CONTROL OF SOLUTIONS
* HICKMAN, K. C. D.: "Washing Motion Picture Film," Trans. Soc. Mot.
Pict. Eng., 23 (Oct., 1925), p. 62.
b CRABTREE, J. I., AND Ross, J. F.: "A Method of Testing for the Presence of
Sodium Thiosulfate in Motion Picture Films," XIV, 4 (April, 1930), p. 419.
0 CRABTREE, J. I., AND MATTHEWS, G. E.: "Effect of the Water Supply in
Processing Motion Picture Film," XVI, 4 (April, 1931), p. 437.
d CRABTREE, J. I.: "Uniformity in Photographic Development," XXV, 6
(Dec., 1935), p. 512.
e CRABTREE, J. I.: "Directional Effects in Continuous Film Processing,"
XVIII, 2 (Feb., 1932), p. 207; and CRABTREE, J. I., AND WADDELL, J. H.:
"Directional Effects in Sound-Film Processing— II," XXI, 5 (Nov., 1933),
p. 351.
f CRABTREE, J. I., AND IVES, C. E.: "A Replenishing Solution for a Motion
Picture Positive Film Developer," XV, 5 (Nov., 1930), p. 627.
188 E. W. KELLOGG Vol 44, No. 3
g DUNDON, M. L., BROWN, G. H., AND CAPSTAFF, J. G. : "A Quick Test for
Determining the Degree of Exhaustion of Developers," XIV, 4 (April,
1930), p. 389.
b CRABTREE, J. I., AND HENN, R. W.: "Calcium Scums and Sludges in
Photography," 43, 6 (Dec., 1944), p. 426.
See also 18, 25b,39c.
22. SHUTTERS
a KELLOGG, E. W., AND BATSEL, C. N.: "A Shutter for Use in Reduction of
Ground- Noise," XVII, 2 (Aug., 1931), p. 203.
b BAKER, J. O., HASBROUCK, H. J., AND BATSEL, C. N.: "Improved Noise-
Reduction System for High-Fidelity Recording,-" XXIX, 3 (Sept., 1937),
p. 310.
See also 17a.
23. MONITORING AND VOLUME INDICATORS
a DIMMICK, G. L.: "A New Dichroic Reflector and Its Application to Photo-
cell Monitoring Systems," XXXVIII, 1 (Jan., 1942), p. 36.
b READ, S., JR.: "RCA Victor High-Fidelity Film Recording Equipment,"
XX, 5 (May, 1933), p. 396.
c READ, S., JR.: "A Neon Type Volume Indicator," XXVIII, 6 (June, 1937),
p. 633.
d KREUZER, B.: "Recent Improvements in the Variable- Width Recording Sys-
tem," XXVII, 5 (Nov., 1936), p. 562.
See also 4b, 9d, and 14b.
24. PHOTOGRAPHIC TONE VALUES
a HARDY, A. C. : "The Rendering of Tone Values in the Photographic Record-
ing of Sound," Trans. Soc. Mot. Pict. Eng., XI, 31 (Sept., 1927), p. 475.
b JONES, L. A.: "On the Theory of Tone Reproduction, with a Graphic
Method for the Solution of Problems," XVI, 5 (May, 1931), p. 568.
(Abridged.)
0 JONES, L. A.: "On the Theory of Tone Reproduction, with a Graphic
Method for the Solution of Problems," 7. Opt. Soc. Am., 4 (1920), p. 420;
also in /. Franklin Inst., 190 (1920), p. 39. (Unabridged.)
d MEES, C. E. K. : "Some Photographic Aspects of Sound Recording," XXIV,
4 (April, 1935), p. 285.
e SCHMIDT, R., AND KUSTER, A.: "Analysis of Sound Quality with the Vari-
able-Density Recording Method from Sensitometric Data," XXI, 5 (Nov.,
1933), p. 374.
f MACKENZIE, D.: "Straight-Line and Toe Records with the Light- Valve,"
XVII, 2 (Aug., 1931), p. 172.
8 NICHOLSON, R. F.: "The Processing of Variable- Density Sound Records "
XV, 3 (Sept., 1930), p. 374.
See also 9, 14a, and 25.
25. SENS1TOMETRY
ft JONES, L. A.: "Photographic Sensitometry— Pt. I," XVII, 4 (Oct., 1931), p.
491;— Pt. II, XVII, 5 (Nov., 1931), p. 695;— Pt. Ill, XVIII, 1 (Jan., 1932),
p. 54;— Pt. IV, XVIII, 3 (Mar., 1932), p. 324.
b HUSE, E. : "Sensitometric Control in the Processing of Motion Picture Film
in Hollywood," XXI, 1 (July, 1933), p. 54.
Mar., 1945
PHOTOGRAPHIC SOUND RECORDING
189
0 SHANER, V. C. : "A Note on the Processing of Eastman 1302 Fine-Grain
Release Positive in Hollywood," XXXVIII, 1 (Jan., 1942), p. 66.
d JONES, L. A., AND SANDVIK, O.: "Photographic Characteristics of Sound
Recording Film," XIV, 2 (Feb., 1930), p. 180.
6 CHAMBERS, G. A., AND WRATTEN, I. D.: "The Eastman Type lib Sensitom-
eter as a Control Instrument in the Processing of Motion Picture Film,"
XXI, 3 (Sept., 1933), p. 218.
f WHITE, D. R.: "Two Special Sensitometers," XVIII, 3 (Mar., 1932), p. 279.
See also 9, 10, 12b, c, and d, and 27.
26. FILM CHARACTERISTICS
EASTMAN KODAK COMPANY : "Motion Picture Films for Professional Use,"
(Rochester, N. Y.), 1942.
See also 12d, 25c and d, 31, and 41a.
27.
DRYING
WHITE, D. R.:
"Drying Conditions and Photographic Density," XIX, 4
(Oct., 1932), p. 340.
28. DENS1TOMETERS
a TUTTLE, C., AND KoERNER, A. M. : "Standardization of Photographic
Densitometry," XXIX, 6 (Dec., 1937), p. 622.
b FRAYNE, J. G.: "The Measurement of Photographic Printing Density,"
XXXVI, 6 (June, 1941), p. 622.
0 TUTTLE, C., AND MCFARLANE, J. W.: "The Measurement of Density in
Variable- Density Sound-Film," XV, 3 (Sept., 1930), p. 345.
d WHITE, D. R.: "A Direct-Reading Photoelectric Densitometer," XXXIII, 4
(Oct., 1939), p. 403.
6 LINDSAY, W. W., JR., AND WOLFE, W. V.: "A Wide-Range, Linear-Scale
Photoelectric Cell Densitometer," XXVIII, 6 (June, 1937), p. 622.
f TUTTLE, C.: "The Relation between Diffuse and Specular Density," XX, 3
(Mar., 1933), p. 228.
8 EGGERT, J., AND KUESTER, A.: "Grain-Size Determination and Other
Applications of the Callier Effect," XXX, 2 (Feb., 1938), p. 181.
29. ULTRAVIOLET RECORDING
a DIMMICK, G. L.: "Improved Resolution in Sound Recording and Printing
by the Use of Ultraviolet Light," XXVII, 2 (Aug., 1936), p. 168.
b FRAYNE, J. G., AND PAGLIARULO, V.: "The Effects of Ultraviolet Light on
Variable-Density Recording and Printing," XXXIV, 6 (June, 1940), p. 614.
0 BAKER, J. O. : "Processing of Ultraviolet Recordings on Panchromatic
Films," XXXI, 1 (July, 1938), p. 28.
d DIMMICK, G. L., AND SACHTLEBEN, L. T.: "An Ultraviolet Push-Pull Re-
cording Optical System for Newsreel Cameras," XXXI, 1 (July, 1938), p. 87.
6 DREW, R. O., AND SACHTLEBEN, L. T.: "Recent Laboratory Studies of
Optical Reduction Printing," XLI, 6 (Dec., 1943), p. 505.
See also 16b.
30. LIGHT SCATTERING IN EMULSION AND IMAGE SPREAD
See 12b, 25d, 29a, 34b, 36c, and 38.
190 E. W. KELLOGG Vol 44, No. 3
31. FINE-GRAIN FILMS
a DAILY, C. R. : "Improvement in Sound and Picture Release through the
Use of Fine-Grain Film," XXXIV, 1 (Jan., 1940) p. 12.
b "Report on the Adaptation of Fine-Grain Films to Variable- Density Sound
Technics," XXXTV, 1 (Jan., 1940), p. 3.
0 DAILY, C. R., AND CHAMBERS, I. M. : "Production and Release Applications
of Fine-Grain Films for Variable- Density Sound-Recording," XXXVIII, 1
(Jan., 1942), p. 45.
d WILKINSON, J. R., AND EICH, F. L.: "Laboratory Modification and Pro-
cedure in Connection with Fine-Grain Release Printing," XXXVIII, 1
(Jan., 1942), p. 56.
* EASTMAN KODAK COMPANY: "Motion Picture Films for Professional Use,"
(Rochester, N. Y.), 1942.
See also 25c and 29e.
32. LENS COATING
a BLODGETT, K.: "Use of Interference to Extinguish Reflection of Light from
Glass," Phys. Rev., 55, Second Series (Feb. 15, 1939), p. 391.
b DIMMICK, G. L.: "A New Dichroic Reflector and Its Application to Photo-
cell Monitoring Systems," XXXVIII, 1 (Jan., 1942), p. 36.
0 STRONG, J. : "On a Method of Decreasing the Reflection from Non-Metallic
Substances," /. Opt. Soc. Am., XXVI, 1 (Jan., 1936), p. 73.
d CARTWRIGHT, C. H., AND TURNER, A. F. : "Multiple Films of High Reflect-
ing Power," Phys. Rev., 55 (June, 1939), p. 1128. (Abstract.)
e MILLER, W. C.: "Recent Improvements in Non-Reflective Lens Coating,"
XXXVII, 3 (Sept., 1941), p. 265.
See also 23a.
33. FOG
* DUNDON, M. L., AND CRABTREE, J. I.: "The Fogging Properties of De-
velopers," Trans. Soc. Mot. Pict. Eng., XII, 36 (Sept., 1928), p. 1096.
34. HIGH-FREQUENCY LOSSBS
a COOK, E. D. : "The Aperture Effect," XIV, 6 (June, 1930), p. 650.
b DIMMICK, G. L.: "High-Frequency Response from Variable- Width Records
as Affected by Exposure and Development," XVII, 5 (Nov., 1931), p. 766.
0 FOSTER, D.: "The Effect of Exposure and Development on the Quality of
Variable- Width Photographic Sound Recording," XVII, 5 (Nov., 1931), p.
749.
d LOYE, D. P., AND MORGAN, K. F. : "Sound Picture Recording and Repro-
ducing Characteristics," XXXII, 6 (June, 1939) p. 631; XXXIII, 1 (July,
1939), p. 107.
See also 29, 31, 33 and 43.
35. PRINTERS (Contact— See 45 for Optical Reduction Printers)
a WOOD, R. V.: "Shrinkage- Compensating Sound Printer," XVIII, 6 (June,
1932), p. 788.
b BATSEL, C. N.: "A Non-Slip Sound Printer," XXIII, 2 (Aug., 1934), p. 100.
0 DEPUE, O. B.: "A Combination Picture and Ultraviolet Non-Slip Printer,"
XXX, 1 (Jan., 1968), p. 107.
Mar., 1945 PHOTOGRAPHIC SOUND RECORDING 191
d HOWELL, A. S., AND MITCHELL, R. F. : "Recent Improvements in the Bell
and Howell Fully Automatic Printer," XXII, 2 (Feb., 1934), p. 115.
6 CRABTREE, J. I.: "Sound-Film Printing— I," XXI, 4 (Oct., 1933), p. 294; —II,
XXII, 2 (Feb., 1934), p. 98.
See also 4d.
36. MEASUREMENTS OF DISTORTION
a SANDVIK, O., AND HALL, V. C.: "Wave-Form Analysis of Variable- Density
Sound Recording," XIX, 4 (Oct., 1932), p. 346.
b FRAYNE, J. G., AND SCOVILLE, R. R.: "Analysis and Measurement of Dis-
tortion in Variable- Density Recording," XXXII, 6 (June, 1939), p. 648.
0 SANDVIK, O., HALL, V. C., AND STREIFFERT, J. G. : "Wave-Form Analysis of
Variable- Width Sound Records," XXI, 4 (Oct., 1933), p. 323.
See also 38.
37. COMPRESSION
a AALBERG, J. O., AND STEWART, J. G.: "Application of Non-Linear Volume
Characteristics to Dialog Recording," XXXI, 3 (Sept., 1938), p. 248.
b MILLER, B. F. : "Elimination of Relative Spectral Energy Distortion in
Electronic Compressors," XXXIX, 5 (Nov., 1942), p. 317.
See also 44a.
38. CROSS-MODULATION
a BAKER, J. O., AND ROBINSON, D. H.: "Modulated High-Frequency Re-
cording as a Means of Determining Conditions for Optimal Processing,"
XXX, 1 (Jan., 1938), p. 3.
See also 34a and b.
For intermodulation test used in density system see 36b.
39. DEVELOPERS
.a CRABTREE, J. I., AND MATTHEWS, G. E.: "Photographic Chemicals and
Solutions," American Photographic Publishing Co. (Boston), 1939.
b MOYSE, H. W., AND WHITE, D. R.: "Borax Developer Characteristics,'*
Trans. Soc. Mot. Pict. Eng., XIII, 38 (May, 1929), p. 445.
c WILKINSON, J. R.: "Motion Picture Laboratory Practices," XXXIX, 3
(Sept., 1942), p. 166. (Republished in 12f.)
See also 12b, d and g, 18, 21, and 33.
40. RERECORD1NG
a GOLDSMITH, L. T.: "Rerecording Sound Motion Pictures," XXXIX, 5
(Nov., 1942), p. 277. (Republished in 12f.)
b HOPPER, F. L. : "Electrical Networks for Sound Recording," XXXI, 5 (Nov.,
1938), p. 443.
0 MILLER, W. C., AND KIMBALL, H. R.: "A Rerecording Console, Associated
Circuits, and Constant B Equalizers," 43, 3 (Sept., 1944), p. 187.
41. DUPLICATING
a CRABTREE, J. I., AND IVES, C. E. : "Two New Films for Duplicating Work,"
XXIX, 3 (Sept., 1937), p. 317.
b ROBERTS, F. W., AND TAENZER, E.: "Photographic Duping of Variable-
Area Sound," XXXIV, 1 (Jan., 1940), p. 26.
See also 15d.
192 E. W. KELLOGG Vol 44, No. 3
42. ACOUSTIC SPECTRUM
a SIVIAN, L. J., DUNN, H. K., AND WHITE, S. D.: "Absolute Amplitudes and
Spectra of Certain Musical Instruments," /. Acous. Soc. Am., 2 (1931), p.
330; abstract, 1 (1930), p. 172.
43. SCANNING LOSSES
a STRYKER, N. R.: "Scanning Losses in Reproduction," XV, 5 (Nov., 1930),
p. 610.
See also 34d.
44. PRE- AND POST-EQUALIZATION
a STEINBERG, J. C.: "The Stereophonic Sound-Film System— Pre- and Post-
Equalization of Compandor Systems," XXXVII, 4 (Oct., 1941), p. 366.
b HILLIARD, J. K. : "Projects of the Committee on Standardization of
Theater Sound Projection Equipment Characteristics," XXX, 1 (Jan.,
1938), p. 81.
0 "Revised Standard Electrical Characteristics for Two- Way Reproducing
Systems in Theaters," Tech. Bull., Research Council of the Academy of
Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (Oct. 10, 1938).
d HILLIARD, J. K. : "Report on Recent Activities of the Research Council
Committee on Standardization of Theater Sound Projection Equipment
Characteristics," XXXII, 6 (June, 1939), p. 610.
See also 34d.
45. PRINTERS (Optical Reduction— See 35 for Contact Printers)
a SANDVIK, O., AND STREIFFERT, J. G., "A Continuous Optical Reduction
Sound Printer," XXV, 2 (Aug., 1935), p. 117.
b BATSEL, C. N., AND SACHTLEBEN, L. T.: "Some Characteristics of 16-Mm
Sound by Optical Reduction and Rerecording," XXIV, 2 (Feb., 1935), p.
95.
c DIMMICK, G. L., BATSEL, C. N., AND SACHTLEBEN, L. T.: "Optical Reduc-
tion Sound Printing," XXIII, 2 (Aug., 1934), p. 108.
d COLLINS, M. E.: "Optical Reduction Sound Printer," XXVII, 1 (July,
1936), p. 105.
* TOWNSLEY, M. G., AND ZuBER, J. G. i "A Continuous Optical Reduction
Sound Printer," XXXI, 4 (Oct., 1938), p. 405.
See also 29e.
46. CONSTANT SPEED
a KELLOGG, E. W.: "A Review of the Quest for Constant Speed," XXVIII, 4
(April, 1937), p. 337.
b SHEA, T. E., MACNAIR, W. A., AND SUBRIZI, A.: "Flutter in Sound Rec-
ords," XXV, 5 (Nov., 1935), p. 403.
0 KELLOGG, E. W.: "A New Recorder for Variable- Area Recording," XV, 5
(Nov., 1930), p. 653.
d COOK, E. D.: "The Technical Aspects of the High-Fidelity Reproducer,"
XXV, 4 (Oct., 1935), p. 289.
* LOOMIS, F. J., AND REYNOLDS, E. W.: "New Apparatus — a New High-
Fidelity Sound Head," XXV, 5 (Nov., 1935), p. 449.
f DREW, R. O., AND KELLOGG, E. W.: "Filtering Factors of the Magnetic
Drive," XXXV, 2 (Aug., 1940), p. 138.
Mar., 1945 PHOTOGRAPHIC SOUND RECORDING 193
* CHANDLER, J. S.: "Some Theoretical Considerations in the Design of
Sprockets for Continuous Film Movement," XXXVII, 2 (Aug., 1941), p.
164.
h ALBERSHEIM, W. J., AND MACKENZIE, D.: "Analysis of Sound- Film
Drives," XXXVII, 5 (Nov., 1941), p. 452.
1 WENTE, E. C., AND MULLER, A. H. : "Internally Damped Rollers," XXXVII,
4 (Oct., 1941), p. 406.
' HOPPER, F. L., MANDERFELD, E. C., AND SCOVILLE, R. R. : "A Light- Weight
Sound Recording System," XXXIII, 4 (Oct., 1939), p. 449.
k KELLOGG, E. W., AND MORGAN, A. R.: "Measurement of Speed Fluctu-
ations in Sound Recording and Reproducing Equipment," /. Acous. Soc.
Am., 7, 4 (April, 1936), p. 271.
1 SCOVILLE, R. R.: "A Portable Flutter-Measuring Instrument," XXV, 5
(Nov., 1935), p. 416.
See also 35e and 51.
47. DESIRED VOLUME RANGE
a MUELLER, W. A.: "Audience Noise as a Limitation to the Permissible
Volume Range of Dialog in Sound Motion Pictures," XXXV, 1 (July, 1940),
p. 48.
48. SLIT ANGLE
a COOK, E. D.: "The Aperture Alignment Effect," XXI, 5 (Nov., 1933), p.
390.
b FOSTER, D. : "Effect of Orientation of the Scanning Image on the Quality of
Sound Reproduced from Variable- Width Records," XXXIII, 5 (Nov.,
1939), p. 502.
49. TEST FILMS
a "Standard SMPE Visual and Sound Test-Reels," XXII, 3 (Mar., 1934), p.
173.
b "American War Standard Specification— Test Films, Z52.7-1944," Ameri-
can Standards Association (70 East 45th St., New York 17, N. Y.).
c TOWNSLEY, M. G.: "A Film for Measuring Projector Steadiness," 43, 1
(July, 1944), p. 30.
See also 53.
50. UNEVEN SLIT ILLUMINATION
a BATSEL, C. N., AND CARTWRIGHT, C. H.: "Effect of Uneven Slit Illumina-
tion upon Distortion in Several Types of Variable- Width Records," XXIX,.
5 (Nov., 1937), p. 476.
See also 7a.
51. SPROCKET HOLE MODULATION
a CRABTREE, J. I., AND HERRIOTT, W.: "Film Perforation and 96-Cycle Fre-
quency Modulation in Sound-Film Records," XXX, 1 (Jan., 1938), p. 25.
b KELLOGG, E. W., AND BELAR, H.: "Analysis of the Distortion Resulting
from Sprocket-Hole Modulation," XXV, 6 (Dec., 1935), p. 492.
0 BAKER, J. O., AND DREW, R. O. : "New and Old Aspects of the Origins of 96-
Cycle Distortion," XXXVII, 3 (Sept., 1941), p. 227.
See also 18c and d, 35e, 46c and g.
194 E. W. KELLOGG
52. FILM SHRINKAGE
a MAURER, J. A., AND BACH, W.: "The Shrinkage of Acetate-Base Motion
Picture Films," XXXI, 1 (July, 1938), p. 15.
b CALHOUN, J. M.: "The Physical Properties and Dimensional Behavior of
Motion Picture Film," 43, 4 (Oct., 1944), p. 227.
53. BUZZ TRACK
a KELLOGG, E. W.: "A Recorder for Making Buzz-Track," XXX, 2 (Feb.,
1938), p. 150.
See also 49.
54. 16-MM RECORDING
a MAURER, J. A.: "The Present Technical Status of 16-Mm Sound-Film,"
XXXIII, 3 (Sept., 1939), p. 315.
b BATSEL, C. N., AND BAKER, J. O.: "Sound Recording and Reproducing
Using 16-Mm Film," XXI, 2 (Aug., 1933), p. 161.
0 KELLOGG, E. W.: "The Development of 16-Mm Sound Motion Pictures,"
XXIV, 1 (Jan., 1935), p. 63.
d MAURER, J. A.: "Commercial Motion Picture Production with 16-Mm
Equipment," XXXV, 5 (Nov., 1940), p. 437.
* THOMPSON, L.: "The Practical Side of Direct 16-Mm Laboratory Work,"
XLI, 1 (July, 1943), p. 101; and "Some Suggested Standards for Direct
16-Mm Production," XLI, 4 (Oct., 1943), p. 340.
f OFFENHAUSER, W. H., JR.: "The 16-Mm Commercial Film Laboratory,"
XLI, 2 (Aug., 1943), p. 157; and "Notes on the Application of Fine-Grain
Film to 16-Mm Motion Pictures," XLI, 5 (Nov., 1943), p. 374.
8 SHAPIRO, A.: "Present Aspects in the Development of 16-Mm Sound,"
XXIX, 3 (Sept., 1937), p. 303.
h McKiE, R. V.: "Commercial Processing of 16-Mm Variable Area," 43, 6
(Dec., 1944), p. 414.
1 THOMPSON, L.: "What to Expect of Direct 16-Mm," 43, 3 (Sept., 1944),
p. 178.
j BOYER, M. R.: "Report of Subcommittee C on 16-Mm Laboratory Prac-
tice," 43, 1 (July, 1944), p. 21.
k MAURER, J. A.: "Report of Subcommittee B on 16-Mm Sound," 43, 1
(July, 1944), p. 19.
See also 29e and 45.
THE PHOTO-TEMPLATE PROCESS*
FAUREST DAVIS** AND CYRIL F. HARRIS f
Summary. — Any post-war planning concerning engineering and tooling is certain
to include the photo-template process. This process is one of the many engineering
short cuts developed as a result of the pressure of war production. It is concerned
with the accurate, rapid, and economical reproduction of dimensionally stable engi-
neering drawings, whether on a mass-production or single-piece basis; it completely
eliminates the tedious layout step in the shop with its attendant cost in man-hours
and liability to error, and cuts costs appreciably in other phases of production opera-
tions.
At present it is largely used in aircraft manufacture, but its extreme flexibility
and high accuracy, as shown by numerous examples, point to its use elsewhere. The
method and materials used at the Lockheed Aircraft Corporation are described.
Warnings are given, however, concerning certain hazards and difficulties; means of
ever coming them are also given. Applications of this important engineering tool to
ether than aircraft fields are indicated.
While the photo-template process owes its rapid development to
the need for mass production of aircraft, its field is limited neither to
aircraft nor to mass production. It has been developed as a very
rapid means of transferring engineering data from the drafting room
to the shop, and should be of interest to most engineers.
In industries where templates or patterns are made, it is common
practice for a designer to furnish rough data to a draftsman, who
prepares upon paper or cloth a detailed drawing of a projected con-
struction giving over-all and other necessary dimensions. The shop
receives its engineering data on one of these media, and a duplicate is
then laboriously made by hand from the dimensions given, or scaled
off, which is equally troublesome. Whether a template or a finished
article is desired, this layout procedure must be gone through. It
not only takes considerable time but requires skill, frequent accurate
inspection, and is highly subject to human error. One aircraft com-
* Presented Apr. 17, 1944, at the Technical Conference in New York.
18 * Ansco, a Division of General Aniline and Film Corp., Binghamton, N. Y.
t Photographic Dept., Lockheed Aircraft Corp., Burbank, Calif.
195
196 F. DAVIS AND C. F. HARRIS Vol 44, No. 3
pany places a cost figure of $22.75 per sq ft on templates produced by
this method, and it is proposed to show how a new method effects a
tremendous saving in time and money.
Because of lofting practice in the aircraft industry, original draw-
ings are ordinarily made on sheet metal instead of dimensionally un-
stable materials such as paper or cloth. In the new method, particu-
larly as applied to the aircraft field, actual dimensions are rarely
shown on the original metal drawings, which are usually made full
scale. These drawings logically start at the loft floor where the skin
contours are developed, and proceed from there to other engineering
departments which fill in the contour envelope with the framework
required to support it and the machinery needed to operate it. All
tridimensional structural parts appertaining to this envelope are
shown in the drawing plane in solid lines to show the final position of
the part and in flat pattern lines to show the actual shape of this part
laid out in the flat.
In general, a large number of individual parts to be fabricated from
duraluminum sheet or other material are shown on a single master
drawing known as a "Detailed Assembly Template," which to an
unaccustomed eye is a hopelessly complicated drawing; actually how-
ever, it simplifies the manufacture and accurate assembly of complex
structures, and assures easy and rapid interchangeability of all parts
in the finished product. This is particularly important in wartime
when composite airplanes are made from parts of salvaged planes
which have been only partially damaged. Clearly, for the type of
drawing described, a high grade of engineer-draftsmanship is required,
particularly since each designer has only a relatively small section of
an airplane to work upon, and therefore great accuracy is needed at the
beginning to ensure close coordination of all parts of the finished
product. It can be seen that the making of full-scale original draw-
ings simplifies the work of these men considerably.
From this point on, the description of method is as developed at the
Lockheed Aircraft Corporation, where the use of the camera method
was indicated for their particular requirements. There are alternate
methods, such as reflex and X-ray, which have been developed in
other airframe plants to meet their special requirements. An evalua-
tion of the merits of these various methods is not within the scope of
this paper.
The original drawing is, of course, kept in engineering files for refer-
ence but is sent out for a brief period to be photographed. Actual
Mar., 1945 THE PHOTO-TEMPLATE PROCESS 197
drawing is done with a 6H graphite or silver-solder pencil onto a box-
coat of lacquer covering primed sheet metal. Lacquers have been
especially made for template work with a view to providing a proper
tooth for the drawing medium, sufficient hardness so that this medium
will not dig in, and with enough plasticity to prevent chipping in draw-
ing. Colors should give as much visual contrast as practicable be-
tween the medium and the background without producing eyestrain
for the engineer-draftsmen, and at the same time provide a spectral
reflectance lying well within the sensitivity range of the copying ma-
terials, preferably at the peak. The yellow- and blue-green colors
found to satisfy most requirements give low visual and photographic
contrast, and in photographing the drawing this contrast must be
considerably enhanced by the use of an inherently contrasty litho-
type plate and a highly energetic developer.
A common size for an engineering drawing on metal is 4 X 12 ft;
it is usually galvanized iron sheet and in this size weighs about 100
Ib. The optical method of making reproductions is ordinarily used,
and a large copy camera of very rugged construction is required to
support the metal sheet for copying. One such camera has a finely
machined double rack and pinion, the pinion being geared to an
electrical drive so that both lens- and copy-planes can be moved and
set to =*= 0.0005 in., the maximum allowable to satisfy the demands of
the method. This entire camera is hung from a monorail slung in a
cradle of vibration-damping coil springs, certainly a desirable fea-
ture in cases where heavy stamping and forming machines are oper-
ated nearby.
Negatives are made to any convenient reduction, usually 5:1.
Copy is crosslighted by any of a number of suitable sources: high-
intensity carbon arcs, air-cooled high-intensity quartz mercury tubes,
large banks of fluorescent tubes, incandescent lamps, and so forth,
care being taken to minimize specular reflections from the discrete
graphite or silver particles making up the line image. Full-scale
reproductions from these negatives are allowed a tolerance of =±=0.001
in. per ft, and if during negative making the copy is excessively heated,
by arcs for example, a reproduction from the negative onto cold metal
at the same track settings will result in a rejection for oversize; if
during projection a cool light source is not used, expansion of the
plate will again result in oversize images — particularly if a large
number of parts are being made from the same negative. Thus rigid
temperature control throughout all phases of the copying cycle is
19S F. DAVIS AND C. F. HARRIS Vol 44, No. 3
indicated. In the absence of such control, offsize images are the rule
unless a test strip or other means to check size is used. This is a
wasteful procedure adding about 50 per cent in camera crew time to a
job. Negatives are on call 24 hr per day throughout the year, and it
has been found that without adequate control, temperature differ-
ences owing to diurnal as well as seasonal changes give extra-tolerance
images which affect the accuracy of the product, and therefore seri-
ously hamper the smooth flow of production. In the long run, capital
outlay for temperature-control equipment pays. Incidentally, in
case high-intensity carbon arcs are used, a health hazard similar to
that presented by projection booths must be taken care of; the re-
flector for each arc bank should be individually vented to carry of?
toxic nitrogen dioxide to safeguard the health of the workmen.
Perhaps the most interesting feature of the entire process is the
method used in sensitizing various materials for reproduction.
Simply stated, the method consists of spraying a gelatino-silver halide
emulsion onto the materials to be sensitized. For most purposes a
color-blind process-type chlorobromide emulsion is satisfactory, and
can be either made up or obtained from at least 2 manufacturers of
photographic materials.
The emulsion as supplied arrives in cooled, well-insulated cases,
in the form of lumps or noodles, and is stored at 45 F. For use it is
usually extended with distilled water in varying amounts up to 1:1
depending on the richness of the emulsion and the working conditions.
The emulsion and extender should be gently warmed in a steam-heated
water jacket to 95 F, during which time any finals are added. Ordi-
narily about 20 cc per liter of 10 per cent chrome alum hardener is all
that is required in the way of finals, but occasionally substances are
introduced to minimize foaming or to give better wetting action.
The spraying equipment is standard as used in paint-spraying
operations with the exception that any metal parts which come into
contact with the emulsion should be of stainless steel. In cases where
the emulsion is fed through a rubber hose from a pressure pot to the
spray gun, the hose should be of the sulfur-free type. The pressure
pot is itself a water jacket to maintain the emulsion at proper working
temperature and is kept under just sufficient air pressure, about 8
Ib, to feed the emulsion through the flexible line to the gun, where a
second compressed-air line blows the emulsion into a fine spray.
The pressure on the second line can be adjusted at the spray-head and
will depend on the volume of emulsion delivered to the head, the type
Mar., 1945 THE PHOTO-TEMPLATE PROCESS 199
of spray desired, and the speed of coating. A low-intensity filtered
light can be attached to the spray-head to inspect the coating opera-
tion as it proceeds. Large metal sheets are usually coated at an arigle
of 75 degrees, small pieces in a horizontal position.
An adequate spray booth with input and exhaust should be pro-
vided, not only to meet ordinary industrial hygiene requirements
but to safeguard workmen against a hazard present wherever free
silver or its compounds are present and can be taken into the body.
This hazard can result in an ailment known as argyria, the only ef-
fects of which according to data gathered in the medical field are cos-
metic; the extent to which it is disfiguring is dependent on the amount
of silver the body has accumulated after a certain critical level has
been exceeded — about 0.91 gm of metallic silver, and shows up as a
darkening of the skin, especially on exposure to light. A careful check
of the spray-room atmosphere revealed an average silver concentra-
tion of 0.01 milligram per cubic meter during spraying. In the ab-
sence of official safe limits for this new method a cumulative level of
0.18 gm, about one-fifth of the minimum found to result in pigmen-
tation, was arbitrarily established. Average inhalation is about one
cubic meter per hr, and since the actual spraying operation takes only
one hr per day, it would take a workman 60 years to arrive at the
arbitrary safe level, or 300 years to accumulate a known disfiguring
amount of silver. This arbitrary level assumes that the entire
amount of available silver halide is inhaled and deposited in body
tissues.
The input to the spray booth supplies 15,000 cu ft per min, and the
exhaust removes 12,000 cu ft per min, so that a plenum is provided
during spraying to ensure silver-laden particles passing into the ex-
haust. Although it is thought that the face velocities thus provided
are adequate to remove the hazard, workmen are required to wear
positive pressure masks pending results of further studies along these
lines. The input on this spray booth draws on the outside atmosphere
for air, which passes only through dust filters, this particular setup
having the good fortune to be located in a fairly clean atmosphere in
an isolated spot. In heavily industrialized sections where sulfur and
other substances known to cause photographic fog are present in the
atmosphere, a filtering system to remove them would have to be
provided. However, even under fairly clean working conditions great
care must be taken to minimize the dangers of fog and all steps of the
coating procedure must be carefully watched.
200 F. DAVIS AND C. F. HARRIS Vol 44, No. 3
The emulsion is not chilled to set it up as in the case of commercial
production of sensitive materials, where a perfectly uniform coat of
considerable thickness is required. The fresh sprayed stock is placed
in a drying cabinet containing moisture-absorbing pads, thermo-
statically controlled heating coils, and a blower to keep 95 F air
circulating. Sensitized stock is ready for use or storage in 20 to 25
min.
The same top lacquer that is furnished engineering loft for original
drawings is used without substratum of any kind in the gelatin -
emulsion-spraying operation, bond being effected mechanically by
the same material that provides tooth for the drawing medium. This
lacquer, in addition to the several requirements specified for original
drawings, should be photographically inert, dry to handle in less than
5 min, and stay put if the relative humidity drops to 15 per cent and
the temperature of the metal gets to 125 F, when the gelatin exerts a
tremendous pull on its anchorage. These conditions, which occur
during transfer and in exposed storage areas in semidesert regions, are
the most severe yet encountered.
It was stated previously that original engineering drawings were
filed for reference, and under the old method when minor modifications
were made to effect design changes — even when alterations or addi-
tions affected only a small part of an assembly — it was necessary to
make an entire new original. However, with the technique described
the old original is still retained as a record of manufacture up to the
date of the change, but instead of making a complete new drawing
by hand, a new photographic "drawing" is made in the Photo De-
partment omitting the parts to be changed by either opaquing the
negative or by removing the obsolete lines from the positive with a
damp eraser. Thus a notable economy is effected, and the engineer
now merely draws in the new parts and the same process is followed as
with the first drawing.
The great bulk of the work, however, is for tool material, which
requires a special lacquer with greater plasticity under the top lac-
quer to withstand the shocks of punching, shearing, and other tooling
operations necessary to template making. This lacquer can be of the
nitrocellulose type, but can equally be of other types as long as re-
quirements concerning plasticity, adhesion, and photographic inert-
ness are met. Emulsion is not sprayed direct to this particular plas-
ticizer lacquer for 2 reasons: a substratum is required to provide a
bond with the emulsion, thus interfering with production and increas-
Mar., 1945 THE PHOTO-TEMPLATE PROCESS 201
ing costs; and more important, because of its plasticity this lacquer
will not hold the shrinking gelatin in place during exceedingly dry
summer conditions, and allows it to break when the resulting tension
gets too great. Thus the fine-line image can be distorted unless the
less plastic top lacquer is used to provide firm anchorage for the
gelatin.
The foregoing description of the photo-template process has dealt
only with sheet metal templates used for patterns, inspection guides,
jigs, etc., or aluminum to be fabricated and used as actual parts for
prototype airplanes. However, many other materials are used such
as heavy plate often weighing several hundred pounds for drill jigs,
Masonite for form blocks, various plastics for dials, charts, scales, and
the like, and plywood, which is well suited to electrical layouts mark-
ing the position of each component and all connecting wires, for
duplication of cable-form layout panels, or for mockup work. These
indicate just a few of the uses of this new tool in one plant, which by
using the procedure outlined, brought its costs for completed tem-
plates from $22.75 per sq ft to $3.05 — effecting a saving of over
$7,000,000 in 3 years!
All of the cameras now in use for this type of work were adapted
from the photoengraving field and have certain shortcomings. They
are all inadequate from the standpoint of supporting heavy loads fre-
quently put on the copyboard — usually heavy plate for drill jigs and
the like. This particular inadequacy results from the fact that present
cameras have movable copyboards, but when time and materials
permit, a camera will be built especially for the process in which the
copyboard will be rigidly fixed and capable of supporting a ton of
material if necessary without putting undue stress on the mechanism
or altering the relationship between the copy-, negative-, and lens-
planes. In addition to this, some cameras are not satisfactory be-
cause they have inadequate means for accurate positioning of two of
the working planes. New design fundamentals are being laid down for
the construction of cameras to meet special photo-template require-
ments.
The photo-template field is wide open for development and ap-
plication, and the near future will provide many interesting variations
on the fundamental method as outlined here. . Its extreme flexibility
and accuracy have resulted in a rapidly growing demand for its use in
aircraft production alone, and the post-war life of this youngster cer-
202 F. DAVIS AND C. F. HARRIS
tainly looks promising in fields such as electrical and automotive
engineering, die-stamping, and shipbuilding, to name but a few.
Under peacetime conditions the time- and money-saving features
of the photo-template procedure certainly make it desirable; but
under wartime conditions the value of the time-saving factor alone
cannot be reckoned hi terms of money.
A NEW 35-MM PROJECTOR WITH A NEW
LIGHT SOURCE*
THEODORE SCHAFFERS**
Summary. — The following paper discusses the use of a water-cooled high-pres-
sure mercury lamp in a motion picture projector of new design. The factors in-
volved in the construction of an illumination objective for the lamp, light flux and
color, cooling system, and safety factors are described.
Since the early days of the film projector, pioneers in this field have
tried in many ways to increase the intensity of the light source. The
carbon arc was a definite improvement over the existing light sources
of its time, and it has been perfected considerably during the last
decades. Most successful was the so-called high-intensity carbon arc
which today is standard equipment in every modern motion picture
theater.
Electric filament lamps have never been able to compete with car-
bon arcs in intensity. It is understandable, therefore, that another
light source, which would not only match but in some cases surpass
the intensity of the carbon arc, has long been sought. After years of
research, such a light source has been developed by the Philips Re-
search Laboratories. It is the water-cooled high-pressure mercury
lamp. This lamp has the great intensity so necessary for film pro-
jection, and has none of the disadvantages of the carbon arc. In
addition, it has the added advantage of less heat development.
Because of the small dimension of the mercury lamp, it has been
possible to simplify the new projector to a great degree. Its appear-
ance, therefore, differs from that of existing projectors since it is
possible, where the mercury lamp is used, to build 2 projectors, one
above the other. This construction makes the projector particularly
useful for television, since the distance between lens housings is very
short. Of course, certain modifications must be made in the projector
mechanism before it is adaptable to television projection.
* Presented Apr. 17, 1944, at the Technical Conference in New York.
** North American Philips Company, Inc., New York.
203
204
T. SCHAFFERS
Vol 44, No. 3
For the projection of noninflammable film, this projector has the
advantage of producing less heat and so the film is not heavily loaded
FIG. 1. High-pressure mercury lamp mounted in semicylindrical housing.
thermically. About 90 per cent of the heat rays are absorbed by the
cooling water and never reach the picture gate.
Light Source. — Structure
of the water-cooled high-
pressure mercury lamp, its
quality of radiation, bright-
ness, and source-size limi-
tations have already been
dealt with in this JOUR-
NAL.1
The tube is of quartz
and is water-cooled. Two
tungsten wires, led in through
the ends of the tube, serve
as electrodes. In addition
to a small amount of mer-
cury, the tube contains some
argon gas to facilitate igni-
tion. The mercury vapor
pressure is over 100 atmos-
pheres and the light flux
is 60,000 lumens. (The d-c
voltage is obtained by means
of a special rectifier — igni-
tion voltage is 800 and
working voltage is 500 — current is 2 amp.
Optical System. — The quartz tube is mounted in a semicylindri-
cal housing, shown in Fig. 1. In projectors, it is desirable to con-
FIG. 2. Drawing of cross section of
mirror and lamp showing 4-image re-
flection.
Mar., 1945 A NEW 35-MM PROJECTOR 205
centrate as much light as possible in the neighborhood of the light
source. However, a certain lateral deviation is necessary since the
strong refraction of quartz makes it impossible to send light through
the free space between the constricted discharge and the inner wall
of the mercury tube.
Light emitted backward by the lamp is directed forward by a
special mirror, shown in Fig. 2. If the ray paths are examined in a
transverse cross section, 4 images can be seen in addition to the dis-
charge. Together, they form a lighted surface about 0.316 in. in
FIG. 3. Twin lampholder showing condenser lens.
width. In the longitudinal section, there is no focusing — this is un-
necessary because of the oblong form of the light source giving the
rays sufficient angle of divergence.
Fig. 3 shows the special lampholder in which 2 mercury lamps are
mounted. Figs. 4 and 5 show the cross section of the design. The
semicylindrical housing is closed by a flat piece of glass. A plano-
convex lens receives light from the mercury lamp at a divergence
angle of about 90 degrees. Refraction of this lens is relatively small
because one surface is bounded by water instead of air — therefore, a
second condenser lens must be used. The shutter rotates in the space
between the lenses. Reflector design is very important since it makes
206
T. SCHAFFERS
Vol 44, No. 3
possible the use of direct and reflected light from the mercury lamp to
provide uniform illumination of the film.
FIG. 4. Cross section of optical system, top view.
FIG. 5. Cross section of optical system, side view.
Light Flux and Color. — Light flux directed on the screen from the
high-pressure mercury lamp is very similar to that of the 45-amp
high-intensity carbon arc. With the shutter rotating without film,
the mercury lamp intensity is about 2500 lumens and is blue- white
Mar., 1945
A NEW 35-MM PROJECTOR
207
in color. At low mercury vapor pressures the spectrum is not con-
tinuous but consists of a number of lines, namely, a green one, a
yellow one, and several blue. However, when the mercury vapor
lamp is subject to high pressure, there appears a continuous back-
ground between these lines. The more the vapor pressure is in-
creased, the more the spectrum approaches that of an incandescent
body. This spectral composition is of particular importance when
color films are shown. In that case, the light must be white and
must have about the same m^^.m^ ^^^^
relative distribution of wave
lengths as daylight. By in-
creasing the specific loading
of the mercury lamp, very
satisfactory color reproduc-
tion is possible.
Cooling System. — Circulat-
ing water is used to cool the
lamps and is supplied through
a hollow-tapered shaft on
which the lampholder is
mounted — only the lamp in
operation is cooled. Con-
nections can be made to the
normal water supply if pres-
sure is sufficient to deliver 2
gal per min during change-
over. Delivery of only one
gal per min is required for
operation of one lamp. A
pressure tank, connected to
the water supply line, takes care of slight fluctuations in water
pressure — in this way, the water flow is made practically constant.
Construction of Complete Projector. — Twin projector construc-
tion is made possible by use of the mercury lamp. Fig. 6 shows the
operating side of the projector. Film magazines are mounted in
the space ordinarily occupied by the carbon arc an<| the monitor
speaker is mounted on the base.
Control panel, from left to right, carries 2 switches for controlling
treble and bass notes, and 2 plug-in switches for regulating volume
from projection booth or auditorium. Below the volume-control
Operating side of complete pro-
jector.
FIG. 7. Single execution of the projector.
PHILIPS
FIG 8. Inside of projector showing operating parts.
A NEW 35-Mn PROJECTOR
209
arrangement is a switch that connects monitor speaker to either am-
plifier. To the right are the volume control and 3 plug-in switches
for film, phonograph, and microphone reproduction. There is also a
lever switch, connected by a flexible cable to 2 shutters, for instan-
taneous sound and picture change-over.
A single execution of the mercury lamp projector is shown in Fig. 7.
Fig. 8 shows an inside view of the operating side of the projector.
The 2 upper compartments are
identical in layout. They con-
tain, from left to right, a pre-
amplifier, a projector housing,
a driving motor, a take-up clutch,
and a controller drum which
provides necessary connections
for projector motor, mercury
lamp, and safety switches. In
the base are the amplifiers and
power supply systems mounted
on pivot points so they can be
turned to facilitate servicing.
Fig. 9 shows the 2 projector
mechanisms — each unit can be
rotated to provide an inclination
angle of 20 degrees downward
and 10 degrees upward. Projec-
tor mechanism is mounted on
a cast iron disk. The sound-
head is incorporated in the pro-
jector and the rotary sound drum
shaft is coupled to a dynami-
cally balanced flywheel. This is accomplished through a special
friction coupling which holds film tension below a specified maximum
value. When the projector is started, a pressure roll permits the film
to slip with respect to the rotary sound drum. Framing device, con-
trol lamps, film rupture switch, and ammeter are also mounted on the
operating side of the projector. On the top sprocket is a knob which
allows the projector to be turned for checking film threading.
Fig. 10 shows the controller drum and simplified diagram that
operates the motor and mercury lamp. The drum has 4 positions
which initiate the following actions:
FIG. 9. Detail of projector mechanism.
210
T. SCHAFFERS
Vol 44, No. 3
SIMPLIFIED DIAGRAM OF THE FP2 PROJECTOR
WITH WATER COOUO MICH PRESSURE MERCURY LAMP
CONTROLLER DRUM
CIRCUIT CONTACT
CH»N6E OVER. SWITCH
FOR FILM OR SLIDE
PROJECTION
-•-DOOR CONWCt
FIG. 10. Simplified schematic of rectifier mercury lamp motor
connections.
(1) Motor is switched on — it has an auxiliary winding to insure smooth start-
ing. In this position, main and auxiliary windings are connected in parallel.
(2} Auxiliary winding is switched off — motor runs at normal speed.
(5) Mercury lamp is ignited at 800 v.
(4} Mercury lamp is switched to working voltage of 500 v.
Many safety features are incorporated in the new projector. If
the twin lampholder is turned while projector is operating, the com-
plete installation is automatically shut off. If a mercury lamp breaks
Mar., 1945
A NEW 35-MM PROJECTOR
211
FIG. 11. Gear mechanism, intermittent housing and fly-
wheel of rotary sound drum.
FIG. 12. Diagram showing location of magnetic oil niters.
212
T. SCHAFFERS
Vol 44, No. 3
down during operation, the operator turns the controller drum back to
position 2 and revolves the twin lampholder 180 degrees. The
spare lamp goes into operation after he turns the drum back to posi-
i """
ti
icwiffii
HllliilS
iillllilt
liiiiiii'iiHHi
FIG. 13. Lantern slide projector which also utilizes mercury lamps.
^ggMS^Mg^^ggfl^g^M^graHBWMH^JIJ^^^
I .
FIG. 14. Cover removed to expose condenser system and lamps to view.
tions 3 and 4. When this happens, the picture is interrupted
for a few seconds but sound is not affected. To replace the mercury
lamp, the twin lampholder is rotated a quarter turn. In this posi-
tion, water flow and electrical connections are automatically shut off.
Fig. 11 shows the inside of the gear mechanism. Number of gears
Mar., 1945 A NEW 35-MM PROJECTOR 213
has been kept to a minimum and silent operation has been obtained
through use of special materials and a very efficient lubricating sys-
tem. No pump or oil supply lines are needed since the oil is carried
along by the gears themselves.
A magnetic oil filter system is an exclusive feature of the projector
design. It consists of a pair of strong permanent magnets, shown in
Fig. 12, placed on top of the intermittent mechanism. Steel particles
in the oil passing these magnets are attracted and trapped at this
point. The magnets can be removed easily for cleaning and thus the
life of the mechanism is greatly extended.
Normally, the projector is provided with a lantern slide arrange-
ment, as shown in Figs. 13 and 14. Here again, mercury lamps are
used, but the optical system is different than the one used for film
projection — this distinction can be seen in Fig. 14.
While this mercury lamp projector has not been very well known in
the U.S.A. up to the present, it received wide acceptance in many
European countries prior to the war.
REFERENCE
1 NOEL, E. B., AND FARNHAM, R. E. : "A Water-Cooled Quartz Mercury Arc,"
/. Soc. Mot. Pict. Eng., XXXI, 3 (Sept., 1938), p. 221.
PROBLEMS IN 16-MM CLASSROOM FILM
DISTRIBUTION*
OSCAR E. SAMS, JR.**
Summary. — Some of the problems in distribution of classroom films are dis-
cussed, such as subsidies to school film libraries for efficient operation, educating
teachers how to use films effectively, and damage to films from faulty inspection and
projection. The selection and acquisition of film material to be distributed is a
major problem of educational fiim librarians. The paper also discusses subjects
treated in educational films and their part in promoting better international
relations.
It must be admitted at the outset that the classroom motion pic-
ture, produced primarily for use in schools, receives almost all of its
distribution from the so-called school film library. Of course, a few
commercial distributors do make classroom films available to their
exhibitors, but this is not the general practice. This discussion, then,
shall confine itself to problems usually met by school film libraries in
distributing classroom films.
There are 2 major types of school film libraries: (1) that which is
usually organized as a part of a college, university, or state depart-
ment of education and which distributes films over a relatively large
territory, and (2) that which is established as a part of a local school
system or public library and which distributes films locally only to
units of its own system.
A study of the field will show that the film library acting as a de-
partment of an organized educational system has a variety of different
types of organization. Many of these libraries are subsidized, either
in whole or in part, by the college, university or school system under
which they operate. This does not mean that the subsidy allows
them to operate without financial worries. In public school film li-
* Presented Apr. 19, 1944, at the Technical Conference in New York.
** Director of Domestic Distribution, Motion Picture Division, Office of the
Coordinator of Inter-American Affairs, New York.
214
16-Mn CLASSROOM FILM DISTRIBUTION 215
5, for instance, the subsidies are usually the only sources of in-
)me, and if the subsidy is small, the resulting activity of the dis-
mting department will be small in proportion.
A study of the school systems offering educational film distribution
service is most enlightening. Some of the most complete and effective
distribution is being done in a few of the relatively smaller cities and
counties. On the other hand, it is a lamentable fact that in some of
our so-called most progressive school systems in the nation we find
little or no film distribution facilities. In these cases much depends
on just how much the boards of education have been "sold" on the
power of the film in teaching. It can be expected that one of the most
fertile fields for projector and film sales after the war will lie in the
various city and county school systems.
The college and university film distribution organizations are also
organized in a variety of different ways. Most of them are only par-
tially subsidized and, of necessity, must make service charges on all
films booked. These charges vary according to the amount of sub-
sidization and the original cost of film prints. Attempts have been
made by these organizations in conferences and conventions to stand-
ardize booking charges, but such has been impossible up to this time
because of the wide variety of organization plans. One library may
be subsidized to the extent that it can book a $45 film for $1 ; another
will have to charge as much as $2 for the same film before it can render
its service. This lack of standardization in booking charges is one of
the main problems in the field.
The effective distribution by some of the agencies is rather amazing
when we consider the small amount of money used in the operation.
There is one such organization which operates wholly on a subsidy
of less than $6000 a year. Out of this must come the salary of the
director and his 2 assistants, to say nothing of the funds that are
necessary for film purchases and operational equipment. And yet,
this particular library is doing well and is recognized nationally as a
major distribution agency. Another well-known university film
library must pay completely for its operation from booking fees re-
ceived.
On the other hand, in some of the more progressive states the film
libraries have comparatively few financial problems. Subsidies, to-
gether with rental fees, are large enough to permit them to operate ef-
ficiently and render the service that should be expected. Two or three
state departments of education are subsidized completely and are
216 O. E. SAMS, JR. Vol 44, No. 3
doing outstanding work in the distribution of classroom films free of
charge in their respective states. Notable in this group is the Ohio
Slide and Film Exchange in Columbus.
One of the important extra duties of the educational, noncommer-
cial film distributor is that of the promotion in his area of correct and
effective film use in the teaching situation. We hear much these days
of the educational film librarian who publishes his catalogue once a
year and then sits back to wait for the bookings to come in. This is
not true in the majority of cases. Most of the visual education men
and women in the field recognize that they have a much larger duty
to perform than that of merely making films available. Most of them
know that part of their work must, of necessity, be that of educating
teachers how to use the film effectively and successfully in the class-
room. As a result, many conferences, conventions, and the like are
being held throughout the country, and a great many of them are
being promoted and sponsored by the educational film distributors
themselves.
College classes in visual education are becoming increasingly
popular. A great many colleges and universities are offering credit
courses in this subject, especially in their summer schools where pub-
lic school teachers come to continue their studies. Also general visual
education conferences are being held in conjunction with summer
school activities so that teachers can have a chance to learn more
about correct film utilization.
Some educational film distributors, aside from their annual cata-
logue listing of films, are finding the regularly published bulletin ef-
fective in publicizing their services and in educating their exhibitors
in the proper utilization of the teaching film. The bulletins usually
take the form of a periodic newsletter, each edition dealing with a
specific problem such as that of using the film effectively, caring for
the projector, and elimination of film damage. .
This brings us to the consideration of film damage. Most dis-
tributors admit that this is one of the most provoking of all problems
connected with film library work. Carelessness on the part of the
projectionist is the underlying reason for the majority of cases of film
mutilation. A great many schools are in the habit of training students
to operate the motion picture projectors. This practice, for the most
part, has proved successful, but there are times when the students,
and even the faculty members who operate projectors, become care-
less, possibly not realizing the value of the film that is being threaded
Mar., 1945 16-MM CLASSROOM FlLM DISTRIBUTION 217
improperly. Now and then the projectionist, to protect himself,
will claim that the film was damaged when he received it. Cases of
this kind are individual problems in themselves, and sometimes the
distributor will be obliged to make good the damage himself, knowing
that he cannot afford to incur the ill will of the exhibitor.
There are many cases, however, when the school or organization
damaging the film is ready and willing to pay for the replacement.
Actually, there are probably more cases of this kind than of the other.
Despite this willingness on the part of the one who damages the film,
it is still an unpleasant task when the distributor is forced to submit a
statement of replacement costs to the exhibitor.
Now and then damage is caused when the film is projected by in-
experienced operators. There is, of course, no excuse for a situation
of this kind. If enough organizations are required to pay, and pay
the full costs, for film damage caused by careless or inexperienced
operators, the future question of film mutilation may take care of it-
self.
Another reason for film damage, especially during the war years
when projectors are difficult to acquire and when servicing facilities
are taxed, is the defective projector. Too many projector owners are
failing to have periodic projector check-ups, and too many of them
are continuing the use of their projectors knowing full well that the
machines are defective. Once again the distributor in the field can
render a service by keeping the film users projector-conscious.
Nor can we assume that film damage is always the fault of the ex-
hibitor himself. Careless inspection on the part of the distributor
many times causes film damage which would not have otherwise hap-
pened. One damaged sprocket hole left unrepaired by an inspector
can be the cause of extended damage the next time the film is pro-
jected, and in cases of this kind the next exhibitor is held responsible
sometimes without reason. All of which proves that the distributor
himself should always maintain the highest standards of film inspec-
tion.
The selection and acquisition of film material to be distributed is
another major problem of the educational film librarian. It can safely
be said that all educational film distribution up to the present time
has had to be considered somewhat of a pioneering effort since the
use of films in classroom teaching is a comparatively new technique for
most teachers. The instructors themselves, not knowing much about
the technique, have not been able to formulate in their own minds
218 O. E. SAMS, JR. Voi 44, No. 3
the type of material they really need. As a result, the film producers
have had to determine the material that would be of most value. It
must be admitted, however, that the producers of educational films
have, considering the lack of research material, done a good job, es-
pecially in some fields. Their major problem has been one of supply-
ing material for a demand which, in itself, has not yet been too clearly
defined. The few studies that have been made have been a help, but
the whole field has been too new to expect the producers to accom-
plish much more than has been done.
During the pioneering stages of any development, materials are
naturally costly. Such has been true in the educational film field,
and this one fact has held back the advance of the use of classroom
films to some extent. Because of the high cost of individual class-
room film subjects, the demand for them has, in many cases, exceeded
the ability to pay for them. The producer of the future who honestly
wants to make the best contribution to the advancement of visual
education will consider seriously the question of original print costs.
He will do well to consider the possibility of operating successfully
through mass production of low-cost material rather than that of
keeping the cost of individual film subjects high because of a limited
number of sales. If, after the war, visual materials and equipment
are made available at a cost within the range of the average edu-
cational organization, we may well expect some revolutionary
trends.
For obvious reasons educational film producers have produced
much better films in some fields of teaching than they have in others.
Good films in the physical sciences, for instance, have been much
more plentiful than in some other fields. The reason for this is clear:
biology, chemistry, physics, and the other related subjects have
proved more easily adaptable to logical film treatment. This does not
mean, however, that we do not need more and more films in the
physical sciences. But it does mean that there is a striking dearth of
material in most of the other teaching fields.
Mathematics, for example, should come in for much interesting
future film production. There are almost no films in this subject at
the present. The same is true of literature and the languages. Films
are also needed in the social sciences, and these should not offer pro-
duction problems too difficult for many producers to handle well.
Films in history, sociology, and economics will easily lend them-
Mar., 1945 16-MM CLASSROOM FlLM DISTRIBUTION 219
selves to classroom projects and discussion. There is also a great fu-
ture for the documentary film on international relations and political
science. Even we, who already believe so much in the power of the
film as a teaching tool, will be amazed at what the film can do in the
future to dispel the chaotic conditions that now exist simply because
man does not know and understand his next-door neighbor.
TECHNICAL NEWS
The items appearing in this section were submitted February 16, 1945, by
members of the Technical News Committee, who welcome and will consider items
of current technical interest from any member of the Society.
Additional information concerning these items, or the equipment and processes
discussed, may be obtained by communicating with the General Office of the
Society, Hotel Pennsylvania, New York 1, N. Y.
COLOR
Technicolor Motion Picture Corp. — Technicolor is now making
16-mm prints of current studio feature length Technicolor pictures
for distribution to the armed forces through the War Activities
Committee. These prints are made both by the Kodachrome pro-
cedure and by the Technicolor imbibition procedure, the latter being
a relatively new development for 16 mm which yields prints ap-
proaching the high Technicolor 35-mm quality.
SOUND
E. I. duPont de Nemours & Co. — The Photo Products Dept. of
the duPont Company has recently introduced 2 new fine-grain
sound films, types 232 and 236. Both are designed to fit specific
needs which have arisen in connection with the change-over from
UV to white-light printing of variable-density sound negatives in
some of the studios.
Type 232 is a low contrast, fine-grain positive which, white-light
printed and processed in standard positive developing solutions,
gives very closely the same effective contrast as obtained with fine-
grain release stock, UV printed and similarly developed. Current
studio practice is to keep production sound negatives at high
gamma levels and to employ type 232 for daily and dubbing prints.
In comparison with UV prints on fine-grain release positive, type
232 (white-light printed) shows improved signal-to-noise ratio, equal
latitude, and the same or less intermodulation distortion.
Type 236 is a fine-grain recording film with speed sufficiently in-
creased over that of type 226 to meet the exposure requirements for
low gamma release negatives.
220
TECHNICAL NEWS 221
Intel-modulation and listening tests comparing type 236, white-
light printed, and type 226, UV printed, with fine-grain release
positive, indicate that both combinations are closely equivalent in
signal-to-noise ratio, distortion, latitude, and frequency response.
White Light vs. Ultraviolet. — Two changes have recently taken
place in the handling of most density sound recording products,
namely: New fine-grain recording films have been made available
by the film manufacturers for white-light printing and the ultra-
violet licenses, previously available to most density recording
studios, have been canceled.
During the period when sound recording activity was confined to
the old "coarse grain" film recording stocks, a slight improvement
was effected through the use of ultraviolet light in the printing of
the sound record. This quality improvement was later gained
through the use of fine-grain films, although ultraviolet light was
continued in use in order to gain a lower effective gamma for a given
time of film development. The newly developed fine-grain sound
recording stocks give this result without the use of ultraviolet light
and thus give the laboratories greater exposure latitude in their
printing process.
STUDIO LIGHTING
The use of the relay condenser system for projecting process
plates is rapidly gaining ground in the Hollywood studios. Previ-
ously, one of the bottlenecks in background projection was the in-
ability to obtain sufficient screen light to fill a screen 20 ft wide or
larger. Screen light was limited to approximately 12,000 lumens
with the straight condenser-type system. At present the relay con-
denser system, with carbons operating at 225 amp, is capable of
delivering as much as 35,000 lumens for straight production from
one unit.
Experimentally it has been proved that increases in screen light
can be effected by increases in the power of the light source and the
limiting factor at present is a suitable means of cooling the aperture.
CURRENT LITERATURE OF INTEREST TO THE MOTION PICTURE
ENGINEER
The editors present for convenient reference a list of articles dealing with subjects
cognate to motion picture engineering published in a number of selected journals.
Photostatic or microfilm copies of articles in magazines that are available may be
obtained from The Library of Congress, Washington, D. C., or from the New York
Public Library, New York, N. Y.t at prevailing rates.
American Cinematographer
25 (Nov., 1944), No. 11
The New Auricon Automatic-Parallax View-Range
Camera Finder (p. 368)
Reproduction of Color Sound Records (p. 370)
High-Speed Cameras (p. 373)
25 (Dec., 1944), No. 12
16-Mm Color to 35-Mm Black-and- White (p. 407)
New Place for Aerial Camera (p. 425)
Electronic Engineering
17 (Dec., 1944) No. 202
Swiss Television Large Screen Projector (p. 294)
International Photographer
16 (Dec., 1944) No. 11
Shift of Television Standards Creates Proble .n (p. 11)
Television Topics (p. 14)
International Projectionist
19 (Nov., 1944), No. 11
Projectionists' Course on Basic Radio and Television —
Pt. 5 (p. 20)
19 (Dec., 1944), No. 12
Making Wiring and Schematic Diagrams: Advanced
Steps (p. 7)
Importance of 16-Mm Film in Television (p. 11)
Projectionists' Course on Basic Radio and Television —
Pt.6(p. 14)
The Effect of Lamp Filament Position on Projection
Screen Brightness Uniformity (p. 20)
Standards for Theater Television (p. 29)
222
W. G. C. Bosco
R. G6RISCH AND
P. G6RLICH
E. D. EYLES
C. H. DUNNING
T. M. C. LANCE
T. ALLAN
W. S. STEWART
M. BERINSKY
L* CHADBOURNE
J. FLORY
M. BERINSKY
M. G. TOWNSLEY
H. GOLDIN
CURRENT LITERATURE 223
Motion Picture Herald (Better Theaters Section)
157 (Dec. 9, 1944), No. 10
Historical Correction (p. 12) T. RAMSAYE
A Device to Prevent the Crushing of Film Edge (p. 22) T. KULKA
Radio News
33 (Jan., 1945), No. 1
Television Is Coming to the Smaller Cities (p. 29) A. C. LESCARBOURA
Television in Great Britain (p. 32) L. LADEN
Television— for Industry and Home (p. 53) W. BALTIN
57th SEMI-ANNUAL TECHNICAL CONFERENCE
OF THE
SOCIETY OF MOTION PICTURE ENGINEERS
HOLLYWOOD-ROOSEVELT HOTEL
HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA
MAY 14-18, 1945
Officers in Charge
D. E. HYNDMAN, President
HERBERT GRIFFIN, Past-President
L. L. RYDER, Executive V ice-President,
J. A. MAURER, Engineering Vice-President
A. C. DOWNES, Editorial Vice-President
W. C. KUNZMANN, Convention Vice-President
E. A. WILLIFORD, Secretary
H. W. MOYSE, Chairman, Pacific Coast Section
Directory of Committee Chairmen
Pacific Coast Section H. W. MOYSE, Chairman
Papers Committee C. R. DAILY, Chairman
BARTON KREUZER, Vice- Chair man
Publicity Committee E. O. BLACKBURN, West Coast
JULIUS HABER, East Coast
Registration and Information W. C. KUNZMANN
Reception and Local Arrangements EMERY HUSE
Luncheon and Dinner-Dance L. L. RYDER
Hotel and Transportation C. W. HANDLEY
Projection Programs — 35-mm R. H. McCuLLOUGH, Chairman, assisted
by Officers and Members of I.A.T.S.E.,
Locals 150 and 165
16-mm H. W. REMERSHIED, Chairman
224
57xH SEMI- ANNUAL CONFERENCE 225
HOTEL RESERVATIONS AND RATES
The Hollywood-Roosevelt Hotel management extends the following per diem
room rates, European Plan, to SMPE members and guests attending the Fifty-
Seventh Technical Conference :
Room with bath, one person $4.40
Room with bath, two persons, double bed 5.50
Room with bath, two persons, twin beds 6.60-7.70
Note: There will be no parlor suites available at the hotel during the conference
dates.
Special Notice
Owing to the acute housing situation in Hollywood, the hotel management can
assign the conference only a limited number of rooms for Eastern and Midwestern
members attending this Conference. Therefore no room reservation cards will be
mailed to the membership as heretofore. Accordingly, you are requested to
make room reservations direct with Stewart H. Hathaway, Manager of the
Hollywood-Roosevelt Hotel, Hollywood, California, not later than April 10.
No rooms will be assured or guaranteed at this hotel unless confirmed by Mr. Hathaway,
which are subject to cancellation prior to May 10.
Your Conference Chairman has arranged with the Mark Hopkins Hotel man-
agement in San Francisco, California, to provide accommodations for members
who will visit this city while on the West Coast. Accordingly, reservations should
be made direct with R. E. Goldsworthy, Manager of this hotel, at least 2 weeks
in advance of your arrival in San Francisco. When making reservations, advise
the management that you are a member of the SMPE.
RAILROAD AND PULLMAN ACCOMMODATIONS
Eastern and Midwestern members of the Society who are contemplating
attending the Conference in Hollywood should consult their local railroad
passenger agent regarding train schedules, rates, stopover privileges, and Pullman
accommodations at least 30 days prior to leaving, otherwise no accommodations
may be available.
REGISTRATION
The Conference registration headquarters will be located on the mezzanine
floor of the hotel near the Studio Lounge where all business and technical sessions
will be held during the Conference. Members and guests are expected to register.
The fee is used to help defray Conference expenses.
TECHNICAL PAPERS
Members and others who are contemplating the presentation of papers can
greatly assist the Papers Committee in their early program assembly, and sched-
uling in the final program, by mailing in the title of paper, name of author, and
a complete manuscript not later than April 20 to the West or East Coast chairman
of the Papers Committee, or to the Society's New York office.
226 57TH SEMI-ANNUAL CONFERENCE Vol 44, No. 3
CONFERENCE LUNCHEON
The usual Conference Get-Together Luncheon will be held in the Terrace Room
of the hotel on Monday, May 14, at 12:30 p.m. The luncheon program will
be announced later.
Members in Hollywood and vicinity will be solicited by a letter from S. P.
Solow, Secretary of the Pacific Coast Section, to send remittances to him for
Conference registration fee and luncheon tickets. Checks or money orders
should be made payable to W. C. Kunzmann, Convention Vice-President, and
not to the Society.
INFORMAL DINNER-DANCE
The Fifty-Seventh Semi- Annual Dinner- Dance and social get-together of the
conference will be held in the California Room of the hotel on Wednesday evening,
May 16, at 8: 30 p.m.
A social hour with your Board of Governors will precede the Dinner-Dance
between 7:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. in the Terrace Room. (Refreshments)
Table reservations may be made and tickets procured for the Dinner-Dance
during the week of May 6 from W. C. Kunzmann, Convention Vice-President,
Hollywood-Roosevelt Hotel, or at the registration headquarters not later than
noon on May 15. All checks or money orders should be made payable to W. C.
Kunzmann, Convention Vice-President, and not to the Society.
Because of strict food rationing and a shortage of hotel labor, your committee
must know in advance of the Luncheon and Dinner-Dance the number of persons
attending these functions in order to make the necessary hotel arrangements.
Therefore your cooperation is solicited.
LADIES' REGISTRATION
There will be no ladies' reception committee or hostess during the Fifty-
Seventh Technical Conference. However, all ladies are requested to register
at the registration desk to receive identification cards for admittance to the
deluxe motion picture theaters on Hollywood Boulevard in the vicinity of the
hotel. Ladies are welcome to attend the Luncheon on May 14 and the Dinner-
Dance on May 16.
MOTION PICTURES
The Fifty-Seventh Technical Conference recreational program will be an-
nounced later when arrangements have been completed by the local committee.
Conference identification cards issued only to registered members and guests
will be honored through the courtesy of the following deluxe motion picture
theaters on Hollywood Boulevard :
Fox WEST COAST GRAUMAN'S CHINESE AND EGYPTIAN
HOLLYWOOD PARAMOUNT
HOLLYWOOD PANTAGES
WARNER'S HOLLYWOOD THEATRE
Mar., 1945 5?TH SEMI-ANNUAL CONFERENCE 227
Monday, May 14, 1945
Open Morning
10: 00 a.m. Hotel Mezzanine Floor: Registration.
Advance sale of Luncheon tickets.
12: 30 p.m. Terrace Room: SMPE Get-Together Luncheon. (Speakers)
2: 00 p.m. Studio Lounge: Opening Conference.
Business and Technical Session.
8: 00 p.m. Studio Lounge: Evening Session.
Tuesday, May 15, 1945
Open Morning
10: 00 a.m. Hotel Mezzanine Floor: Registration.
Advance sale of Dinner-Dance tickets.
2:00 p.m. Studio Lounge: Afternoon Session.
8: 00 p.m. Studio Lounge: Evening Session.
Wednesday, May 16, 1945
9 : 00 a.m. Hotel Mezzanine Floor: Registration.
Advance sale of Dinner- Dance tickets.
9: 30 a.m. Studio Lounge: Morning Session.
Open Afternoon.
Note: Registration headquarters will be open on the afternoon of this date for
those desiring to make final arrangements for Dinner-Dance tables
and accommodations.
7:30 p.m. Terrace Room: A social hour with your Board of Governors pre-
ceding the Dinner-Dance. (Refreshments)
8: 30 p.m. California Room: The Fifty-Seventh Semi-Annual Dinner-Dance
and social get-together. Dancing and entertainment.
Thursday, May 17, 1945
Open Morning.
2 : 00 p.m. Studio Lounge: Afternoon Session.
8: 00 p.m. Studio Lounge: Evening Session.
Friday, May 18, 1945
Open Morning
2: 00 p.m. Studio Lounge: Afternoon Session.
8: 00 p.m. Studio Lounge: Evening Session.
Adjournment of the Fifty-Seventh Semi-Annual Technical Con-
ference.
228 57TH SEMI-ANNUAL CONFERENCE
IMPORTANT
The Eastern and Midwestern members who plan to attend the 1945 Spring
Conference in Hollywood are again cautioned to check railroad and Pullman
accommodations, and make hotel room reservations at least 30 days prior to
leaving for the West Coast.
Owing to the strict food rationing and hotel labor conditions existing on the
West Coast, your arrangements committee requests that Luncheon and Dinner-
Dance tickets be procured prior to the dates of these functions so that accom-
modations can be provided accordingly.
W. C. KUNZMANN
Convention V ice-President
SOCIETY ANNOUNCEMENTS
ATLANTIC COAST SECTION MEETING
Julien Bryan, noted motion picture producer and lecturer, described his tech-
nique of motion picture production and methods of operation to a large gather-
ing of members and guests of the Atlantic Coast Section on January 17. Mr.
Bryan has been actively engaged in various phases of photography since 1916
when he made a series of 600 stills while attached to the French Army at Verdun.
Since 1930 Mr. Bryan has devoted his attention to motion pictures and has
traveled extensively in Europe and South America. Arriving in Poland in 1939
when most news reporters were leaving or had left, he secured some of the first
motion picture footage of the present war. These were seen in America as
"Siege."
Mr. Bryan has recently completed a series of 21 documentary films on South
America for the Office of the Coordinator of Inter-American Affairs, several of
which were shown to the audience in the RCA Studios, New York.
EMPLOYMENT SERVICE
POSITIONS OPEN
Young man with several years' experience in Motion Picture Camera
and Projector design. Must have mechanical background with a
knowledge of motion picture industry requirements. Write or telephone
for interview. Akeley Camera, Inc., 175 Varick St., New York 14, N. Y.
WAlker 5-7954.
Optical engineer's assistant. Acquainted with optical laboratory routine,
ray tracing and similar problems in related scientific fields. Reply to
Optical Engineering Department, DeVry Corporation, 1111 Armitage
Ave., Chicago 14, 111.
POSITION WANTED
Engineer desires position with manufacturer or theater circuit super-
vising construction, maintenance, or operation. Sixteen years' ex-
perience. For details write P. O. Box 710, Chicago, 111.
Notices from business organizations for technical personnel and from members
of the Society desiring technical positions which are received before the 15th of
the month will appear in the JOURNAL of the following month. Notices should
be brief and must give an address for direct reply. The Society reserves the right
both to edit or reject any notice submitted for publication.
We are grieved to announce the death of Lieut, Morgan L. Hobart,
USNR, Associate member of the Society, on February 23, 1945.
229
MEMBERS OF THE SOCIETY
LOST IN THE SERVICE OF
THEIR COUNTRY
FRANKLIN C. GILBERT
ISRAEL H. TILLES
MORGAN L. HOBART
JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY OF
MOTION PICTURE ENGINEERS
Vol 44 APRIL, 1945 No. 4
CONTENTS
•
PAGE
• Fleet Processing of 16-Mm Gun Camera and Combat
Films L. M. BEARING 231
Direct-Reading Frequency Meter W. R. STRAUSS 257
Statement of the SMPE in Opposition to the Brief of
the Columbia Broadcasting System as It Relates to
Theater Television 263
Analysis of Geneva Mechanisms W. A. WILLIS 275
Nomenclature for Motion Picture Film Used in Studios
and Processing Laboratories 285
Officers and Governors of the Society 303
Committees of the Society 306
Constitution and By-Laws of the Society 313
Journal Award and Progress Medal Award Regulations 324
Fifty-Seventh Semi-Annual Technical Conference 327
Society Announcements 332
(The Society is not responsible for statements of authors.)
Contents of previous issues of the JOURNAL are indexed in the
Industrial Arts Index available in public libraries.
JOURNAL
OF THE
SOCIETY of MOTION PICTURE ENGINEERS
MOT«l PENNSYLVANIA • NSW YORK I, N-Y- • TCL. PCNN. 6 O62O
HARRY SMITH, JR., EDITOR
Board of Editors
ARTHUR C. DOWNES, Chairman
JOHN I. CRABTREE ALFRED N. GOLDSMITH EDWARD W. KELLOGG
CLYDE R. KEITH ALAN M. GUNDELFINGER CHARLES W. HANDLEY
ARTHUR C. HARDY
Officers of the Society
** President: DONALD E. HYNDMAN,
350 Madison Ave., New York 17.
** Past-President: HERBERT GRIFFIN,
133 E. Santa Anita Ave., Burbank, Calif.
** Executive Vice-P resident: LOREN L. RYDER,
5451 Marathon St., Hollywood 38.
* Engineering Vice-President: JOHN A. MAURER,
37-01 31st St., Long Island City 1, N. Y.
**Editorial Vice-President: ARTHUR C. DOWNES,
Box 6087, Cleveland 1, Ohio.
^Financial Vice-President: ARTHUR S. DICKINSON,
28 West 44th St., New York 18.
** Convention Vice-President: WILLIAM C. KUNZMANN,
Box 6087, Cleveland 1, Ohio.
* Secretary: E. ALLAN WILLIFORD,
230 Park Ave., New York 17.
^Treasurer: M. R. BOYER,
350 Fifth Ave., New York 1.
Governors
*FRANK E. CARLSON, Nela Park, Cleveland 12, Ohio.
**JOHN I. CRABTREE, Kodak Park, Rochester 4, N. Y.
**CHARLES R. DAILY, 5451 Marathon St., Hollywood 38.
*EDWARD M. HONAN, 6601 Romaine St., Hollywood 38.
* {CLYDE R. KEITH, 233 Broadway, New York 7.
*G. T. LORANCE, 92 Gold St., New York 7.
**PETER MOLE, 941 N. Sycamore Ave., Hollywood.
*fHoLLis W. MOYSE, 6656 Santa Monica Blvd., Hollywood.
** WILLIAM A. MUELLER, 4000 W. Olive Ave., Burbank, Calif.
*EARL I. SPONABLE, 460 West 54th St., New York 19.
**REEVE O. STROCK, 111 Eighth Ave., New York 11.
*WALLACE V. WOLFE, 1016 N. Sycamore St., Hollywood.
*Term expires December 31, 1945. fChairman, Pacific Coast Section.
**Term expires December 31, 1946. jChairman, Atlantic Coast Section.
Subscription to nonmembers, $8.00 per annum; to members, $5.00 per annum, included in
their annual membership dues; single copies, $1.00. A discount on subscription or single copies
of 15 per cent is allowed to accredited agencies. Order from the Society at address above.
Published monthly at Easton, Pa., by the Society of Motion Picture Engineers, Inc.
Publication Office, 20th & Northampton Sts., Easton, Pa.
General and Editorial Office, Hotel Pennsylvania, New York 1, N. Y.
Entered as second-class matter January 15, 1930, at the Post Office at Easton,
Pa., under the Act of March 3, 1879. Copyrighted, 1945, by the Society of Motion
Picture Engineers, Inc.
JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY OF
MOTION PICTURE ENGINEERS
Vol 44 APRIL, 1945 No. 4
FLEET PROCESSING OF 16-MM GUN CAMERA
AND COMBAT FILMS*
L. M. BEARING**
Summary. — Processing formulae and methods for 16 -mm gun camera and
combat films have been set up for military use. They are designed to operate under
all conditions of temperature found in the field and on all types of Navy processing
equipment including buckets, rack and tanks, Smith-type outfits and continuous
processing machines of the Houston type. Instructions for development to either a
negative or a reversal image are included. This work has led to procurement of
standardized 16-mm Universal films of speed index 50 and 100 which can be processed
either to negative in a negative developer or to reversal in a single standard set of re-
versal formulae.
The reversal processing formulae will give usable quality on all 16-mm Universal
films as well as on most 16-mm reversible films made by different manufacturers.
One formula modification is required for some films (an addition to the first de-
veloper}. Either a fogging redeveloper (sulfide] or "re-exposure" followed by a
second MQ developer is used to develop the reversal (positive) image depending upon
the equipment used. It is believed that these Universal films and standardized processes
will do much towards removing the confusion heretofore encountered by widespread
military activities using 16-mm films.
Today the U. S. Navy processes 16-mm films throughout the world
— at shore stations, on board ships, and at the advanced bases of
combat areas. Experience has shown that, although in many cases
a negative image will suffice, often the direct positive image of re-
versal processing is needed for quick evaluation. In order that the
many photo labs of the Navy can attain satisfactory results, films
coming to them should be adaptable to either negative or reversal
processing and, moreover, all the 16-mm films regardless of the source
should process together through a single* set of negative or of reversal
* Presented Oct. 18, 1944, at the Technical Conference in New York.
** Lieutenant Commander, USNR, U. S. Naval Photographic Science Labora-
tory, Anacostia, D. C.
231
232 L. M. BEARING Vol 44, No. 4
formulae. Up to the present no suitable standards have been set. up
for 16-mm reversible films with the result that films from different
manufacturers required entirely different formulae arid methods.
This fact has caused serious difficulty in the military use of these
films.
During the past year the U. S. Naval Photographic Science Labora-
l 3U9 ji.99 I 0.49
FIG. 1. Sixteen-millimeter Navy Universal films through Navy reversal
process: (1) Universal speed group 50 — Navy re-exposure process; (2)
Universal speed group 100 — Navy re-exposure reversal process; (3) Uni-
versal speed group 50 — Navy sulfide reversal process.
tory under the direction of the Photographic Division of the Bureau
of Aeronautics has done intensive processing development work on
reversal films made by 3 different manufacturers — General Aniline
and Film Corporation (Ansco Division), E. I. duPont de Nemours
and Company, and the Eastman Kodak Company. These manu-
facturers extended much aid to the Navy during the course of this
work. The aim of this work was to devise a set of reversal processing
formulae suitable for packaging that would give satisfactory or usable
April, 1945 PROCESSING OF COMBAT FlLMS 233
results on duPont Pan 314 and Superior 2, type 301, Ansco Hypan
and Triple-S, and Eastman Super X and Super XX reversible films.
A further aim was to set up specifications for so-called Universal
16-mm films which could be processed to a negative or reversal image
in the standard processes by any activity.
After considerable experimentation a so-called Navy Standard
FIG. 2. Commercial 16-mm films in the Navy re-exposure reversal proc-
ess: (1), duPont Pan 314— Navy process; (2} Eastman Super X (5256) —
Navy process; (3) Eastman Super X (5256) — Manufacturer's process;
(4) Eastman Super XX (5261) — Navy process.
Reversal Process was adopted which gives usable results on most of
the above 16-mm reversible films and is particularly suited to the
varied conditions encountered in military use. With this as a basis
specifications for packaged chemical kits for reversal processes and
specifications for "16-mm Universal" (negative or reversal) films
have been proposed for use in the Navy and other branches of the
military services.
234
L. M. BEARING
Vol 44, No. 4
The 16-mm Universal films are designed primarily for use in gun
camera and combat photography, and ease of handling and processing
have been incorporated as far as is possible and compatible with good
photographic quality. They are supplied on gray base safety sup-
port in speed groups 50 and 100, and can be processed to either a
2.8
2.6
2.4
2.2
2.0
1.8
1.6
1.4
1.2
1.0
0.8
0.6
0.4
0.2
\**9 | 1.99 |TU9
FIG. 3. Navy re-exposure reversal process as modified for other commer-
cial 16-mm films (5 gm per liter of sodium thiocyanate added to the first de-
veloper— RN-1): (1) Ansco Hypan (292) — Navy process modified; (2)
Ansco Triple-S (293)— Navy process modified; (3) Ansco Hypan (292)—
Manufacturer's process; (4) duPont Pan (301) — Navy process modified.
negative or a reversal image. For best quality speed group 50 is
recommended, as the speed group 100 films show marked increase in
graininess and loss of definition. In general the results that can be
obtained with these films compare very well with the best commercial
16-mm films, both negative and reversible, available at the present
time. Recently 3 manufacturers have produced 16-mm Universal
films of speed group 50, and a fair speed group 100 film is available.
April, 1945 PROCESSING OF COMBAT FlLMS 235
Using the Navy packaged reversal formulae, all the 16-mm Uni-
versal films, duPont 314, Eastman Super X and Super XX reversible
films can be processed together; and by making an addition of sodium
thiocyanate to the first developer, Ansco Hypan and Triple-S and
duPont 301 can also be handled. This process is simple, fast, and
relatively foolproof.
The formulae are packaged in 2 different kits: one, the "Navy
Re-exposure Reversal Process" and the other, the "Navy Sulfide
Reversal Process." Both processes are identical up to the point of
developing the positive or reversed image. The re-exposure reversal
process is for use on continuous machines having printing lamps for
re-exposure or flashing followed by an M Q developer to develop the
reversal image, and a fixing bath. The Navy sulfide reversal process
is for hand processing such as rack and tank, loose film in buckets,
and other equipment where re-exposure of the film is inconvenient or
impossible. All stages of this process with the exception of the first
development go to completion in about one minute's time. With the
sulfide process only 5 solutions are needed and the wet stage can be
accomplished in about 15 min. The reversal image is developed up
as sepia-toned silver sulfide in a kodalk-sulfide redeveloper. No
fixing bath is required.
Both processes are especially designed for and easily adapted to
field or fleet conditions and equipment. A prehardener is used to
toughen the film and allow for high temperature processing. It also
holds down fog and improves definition and quality. The other
stages of the processing are similar in action to the conventional re-
versal process with the possible exception of the sulfide redeveloper.
The steps are for both types :
Re-exposure Process Sulfide Process
Prehardener Prehardener
First Developer First Developer
Rinse Rinse
Bleach Bath Bleach Bath
Clearing Bath Clearing Bath
Flash Re-exposure Sulfide Redeveloper
Second Developer Wash
Fix
Wash
The prehardener, formula UH-1, and the first developer, formula
RN-1, are rather unusual in formulation and the quality of the final
image is almost entirely dependent upon them. The prehardener,
236
L. M. BEARING
Vol 44, No. 4
in addition to the effects mentioned in the preceding paragraph, gives
better reversal high-light quality and conditions the film so that the
rate of bleaching and redeveloping is increased. The first developer,
RN-1, is a caustic MQ developer containing sodium thiocyanate and
having an unusually high ratio of hydroquinone to elon, more than
20 to 1. This developer has a long life, changes little in its rapid
3&se Dens) t y
— — (1)
fc)
(3)
-U)
FIG. 4. Sixteen-millimeter Navy Universal films processed to a negative :
(1) Universal speed group 50 — D-76, 4 min, 20 C; (2) Universal speed
group 100 — D-76, 6 min, 20 C; (3) Eastman 16-mm Negative (5240}—
D-76, 7 min, 20 C; (4) Eastman 16-mm Negative (5242}— D-76, 20 min,
20 C.
action up to 10 sq ft of film per liter, and gives to the films high re-
versal speed and good exposure latitude. It can be diluted up to 50
per cent and used at longer developing times, 6 min at 68 F with little
change in final image quality except for a slight decrease in contrast.
The processing times as set up in the following sections are designed
for use with maximum re-exposure (complete fogging of the reversal
image) which is considered easier for inexperienced personnel to con-
April, 1945
PROCESSING OF COMBAT FILMS
237
trol. Controlled re-exposure can be used provided that the degree of
first development is decreased.
In the sections which follow information is given as to the processing
techniques and times required for different types of Navy processing
equipment: rack and tank, the Houston K-1A and K-2A machines,
and the Smith 16- and 35-mm developing outfits. In the appendix,
the formulae are given using the
Navy formula numbers as re-
ferred to in the text. In each
section the processing methods as
used in the Navy are outlined
for developing various 16-mm
films such as negative films of
speed group 25 and 100 to a
negative, Universal films of speed
group 50 and 100 either to a
negative or to reversal, and com-
mercially available reversible
films to negative or to reversal
as applicable. The sensitometric
results obtained with these films
and processes are illustrated in
Figs. 1 through 4.
It is recognized that the meth-
ods and portable equipment used
by the Navy for fleet and air
station processing are not com-
parable to those needed by com-
mercial producing organizations.
However, these reversal process-
ing methods are believed to be
of general interest to the 16-mm film producers and might be found
useful in this field as well.
FIG. 5.
Loading 16-mm rack for 8 X
10-iri. cut film tanks.
PROCESSING OF 16-MM FILMS BY THE "RACK AND TANK" OR "BUCKET'
METHOD
The hand processing methods of this section are used on small ships
and stations or advanced bases where portable machines are not
available. They apply to "rack and tank" and "Steinman reel"
238
L. M. BEARING
Vol 44, No. 4
equipment or even to a "bucket." The present Steinman reels do
not withstand the bleach of the reversal process very well and have
to be tested with this solution prior to use. Good results for either
negative or reversal processing may be obtained with rack equipment
if due care is maintained by the operator. Physical defects such as
scratches are to be expected when using the ''bucket" process and be-
fore long such crude methods will be unnecessary even in the most
advanced combat areas.
Rack and Tank. — Any suitable rack and tank can be used.
Where space requirements are at a premium a compact design similar
to the so-called "Navy rack" will give good results. This rack con-
sists of a folding framework,
which will hold about 110 ft
of 16-mm film, designed to fit
a standard 8 X 10-in. sheet film
developing tank (see Figs. 5
and 6). The film is wound on
the rack, starting on the inside
posts, then by raising into posi-
tion a new tier of posts as each
preceding tier is filled with film,
the entire rack is filled with
film. Agitation is obtained by
lifting the rack several inches
out of the solution and lower-
ing it to the bottom of the tank
several times at intervals while
processing. The film is taken
off the rack for drying.
Bucket Process. — In this process the spooled film is unwound first
into the prehardener solution (Fig. 7). The resulting film coils are
loosened by hand while in the prehardener. The film is transferred
from one solution to another as a loose mass, Fig. 8, and gently agi-
tated by hand. Rubber gloves are recommended and care must be
exercised to avoid scratching the film, but fair results may be obtained
if the prehardener is used. After washing, the film is untangled,
squeegeed, and hung up to dry or dried on a rack or drum.
Negative Processing. — For field processing with hand equipment,
the use of the prehardener UH-1 is recommended even at normal
temperatures to reduce scratches and other physical defects. The
FIG. 6. Sixteen-millimeter rack for
8 X 10-in. cut film tanks loaded with
16-mm film.
April, 1945
PROCESSING OF COMBAT FILMS
239
time required for the prehardener is 2 to 4 min and the negative de-
velopment time is increased 10 per cent over that used without the
prehardener. The remainder of the negative processing is conven-
tional: Negative and Universal films for gun camera film training
and scoring purposes can be developed in D-76 or DK-50 for 5 to 10
min depending on the contrast desired. For negatives from which
16-mm motion picture positive prints are to be made, the contrast
can be controlled so that a
gamma of about 0.70 is ob-
tained. Universal film speed
group 50 should be exposed as
if it were speed group 25 when
it is to be processed to a low
contrast negative.
Where high temperature proc-
essing is necessary, the use of a
prehardener containing relatively
high amounts of antifoggant has
been successful. UH-1 requires
an addition of the antifoggant,
6-nitrobenzimidazole nitrate (0.3
gm per liter) for temperatures
above 80 F. It is then roughly
equivalent to the recently pub-
lished prehardener, Kodak SH-5
of the Eastman Kodak Com-
pany.1 Table 1 is used as a
time-temperature guide for nega-
tive processing with rack and
tank. Agfa-Ansco Hypan and
Triple-S Pan are not satisfac-
tory when developed to a nega-
tive owing to the presence of a brown undercoat which is not re-
moved during negative processing.
Reversal Processing. — The formulae for the Navy sulfide reversal
process are now being packed in kits, 21/2-gal size, for military use.
Solutions for this process can also be mixed from bulk chemicals ac-
cording to the formulae given in the last section. The steps for
processing 16-mm film on the rack-and-tank or in the bucket process
at 70 F, with agitation every 30 sec are as follows :
FIG. 7. Sixteen-millimeter "bucket"
process — winding dry film into pre
hardener solution.
240 L. M. DEARING Vol 44, No. 4
(a) Prehardener, Formula UH-1 2 min
(b) First Developer, Formula RN-1 (diluted 1:1) 5V2min
(c) Rinse 1 mm
(d) Bleach, Formula RB-1 1 min
(e) Rinse (optional) 30 sec
(/) Clear, Formula RC-1 1 min
(g) Redevelop, Formula RS-1 1 min
(h) Wash 5 min
(i) Aerosol Rinse (optional) 1 min
(j) Squeegee and Dry
As outlined above, this process will handle 16-mm Universal gray
base films, speed group 50 and 100, duPont 314, and Eastman Super X
(5256) and Super XX (5261). Agfa Reversal Hypan, Triple-S Pan,
and duPont 301 can be processed by adding 5 gm per liter (or 1-2 oz,
70 gn per gal) of sodium thiocyanate to the first developer, formula
RN-1, used full strength. Developing times and all other conditions
will remain approximately the same as for Universal films.
TABLE 1
Time-Temperature Table for Processing of 16-Mm Films to a Negative
Developing time using
UH-1 prehardener plus
Developing time with 0.3 gm per liter of 6-nitro-
no prehardener at benzimidazole nitrate at
temperature degrees F temperature degrees F
Film Developer 70 75 80 ~85 90 100 ffo"
Negative Speed Group 25 D-76 7 5l/2 4l/2 5 4 2l/2 . . .
Negative Speed Group 100 D-76 15 11 9 10 8 5 3
Universal Speed Group 50 N-2 5 33/4 3 3l/t 2l/2 ll/2 . . .
Universal Speed Group 50 D-76 4 3
Universal Speed Group 100 D-76 7!/2 5l/2 4*/2 5 4 21/* . . .
Super X (5240} D-76 7l/2 5l/2 41/* 5 4 2*/2 . . .
Super XX (5242} D-76 15 11 9 10 8 5 3
DuPont 314 D-76 5l/2 4 3 33A 3 2
Agfa Supreme D-76 15 11 9 10 8 5 ...
Super XX (5261} D-76 71/2 5l/2 4l/2 5 4 2l/2 . . .
Super X (5256} N-2 5 33A 3 3l/4 2l/2 ll/2 ...
The chemical reactions following the first development go to com-
pletion and little attention other than thoroughness and ordinary care
is required in completing this part of the process. White lights may
be turned on after the film has been placed in the bleach. Since the
final image quality is dependent upon the degree of development of
the negative image in the first developer, time and temperature recom-
mendations for the first development must be followed closely.
April, 1945
PROCESSING OF COMBAT FILMS
241
Usable reversal results may be obtained with temperatures as high
as 110 F if the following recommendations for changes in the pre-
hardener and times in the first developer are followed. Table 2
applies to Universal films, although some of the commercial films
withstand high temperature processing very well. The processing
time in the other solutions is the same as for normal temperatures.
However, the time in the prehardener can be increased and additional
hardening obtained for films which show signs of softening or reticula-
tion.
The solutions of the sulfide reversal process have a capacity of ap-
FIG. 8. Sixteen -millimeter "bucket" process — trans-
ferring mass of film from one solution to another, using
rubber gloves.
proximately 1000 ft of 16-mm film per gal and the processing time of
all solutions, except the first developer, usually will remain the same
for used solutions during their life as for fresh solutions. The first
development time can be increased by about 5 per cent for each 200
ft of film processed per gal to maintain quality and emulsion speed.
All instructions concerning this process point out the danger of
hydrogen sulfide fumes should the acid bleach and sulfide redeveloper,
RS-1, be mixed. Usually a separate sink is recommended or opera-
tors are cautioned to flush all bleach out of the sink before starting
242
L. M. DEARING
Vol 44, No. 4
the sulfide redevelopment and also advised not to store large quantities
of photographic material in the same room.
NEGATIVE OR REVERSAL PROCESSING OF 16-MM FILMS ON THE HOUSTON
DEVELOPER, TYPE K-l A, 16-MM MACHINE
The Houston Developer, Type K-l A, is a portable, continuous
processing machine for 16-mm films suited for most large shore or
FIG. 9. Houston K-l A processing machine indicating
solution arrangement for negative processing and for black-
and-white reversal processing.
naval air station needs. It has a capacity of approximately 600 to
800 ft of processed and dried 16-mm film per hr. The K-l A machine
(see Fig. 9) is designed as a complete unit, 76 in. long, 54 in. high,
and 30 in. wide requiring only 3 connections: one electrical, one cold
water, and one drain. The electrical power supply is 230 v, single-
phase 50- or 60-cycle a-c. Light-tight feed film magazines and light-
April, 1945
PROCESSING OF COMBAT FILMS
243
tight covers over the processing tanks allow operation of the machine
in a lighted room. A portable dark room 30 in. long, 16 in. wide,
and 51 in. high complete with rewinds and light-tight loading bag
Temperature of Solutions
65 F
70 F (recommended
temperature)
75 F
80 F
: 85 F
90 F
100 F
110 F
TABLE 2
Prehardener
UH-1
UH-1
UH-1
UH-1
UH-1
UH-1 plus 0.3 gm per liter or
(18 gn per gal) of 6-nitro-
benzimidazole nitrate) *
(same as for 90 F)
(same as for 90 F)
Time of First
Development in
RN-1, Diluted 1:1
7 min
5l/z min
4 min
3 min
2 min
4 min-
21/* min
* This is added as a 0.5 per cent solution, i. e.t 60 cc of 0.5 per cent solution of
6-nitrobenzimidazole nitrate per liter of prehardener.
openings, is used for loading exposed film in the light-tight magazines.
The K-1A machine has 10 tanks of the following capacities:
Tank No.
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Drying Cabinet
Capacity of Tank
Liters Gal
12
22
8
15
8
22
8
16
28
8
3
5V*
2
33A
2
5Vi
2
4
7
2
Film in Tank
16ft
37ft
21ft
37ft
5ft
21ft
47V»ft
5ft
55ft
The range of machine speeds is from 7 to 15 ft per min.
Ordinarily, in this machine the first and second developer tanks
are connected together through a tubing and a circulatory pump.
For negative processing it is necessary to separate these 2 tanks and
for best reversal quality, it is preferable to use a second developer
which does not contain sodium thiocyanate, and is thus different
from the first developer. Hence, for these processes the Navy dis-
244 L. M. BEARING Vol 44, No. 4
connects the second developer tank from the recirculator pump and
plugs the connecting pipes between the first and second developer
tanks, so that the developer in the first developer tank only circulates
and is separated from the second developer.
Negative Processing. — During negative processing in a lighted
room both the tank covers on the solution side of the machine must
be in place with the window in the second tank cover blackened out,
and the printers, of course, turned off. The tanks are filled as
follows :
Tank 1 Prehardener UH-1 or Empty
Tanks 2, 3, and 4 Negative Developer
Tank 5 Stop Bath
Tanks 6, 7, and 8 Fixing Bath
Tank 9 Jet Spray Wash
Tank 10 Empty or with Aerosol Solution
Also see Fig. 9 A for the order of the solution in the various tanks.
For gun camera scoring use where best quality is not essential, all
16-mm negative and Universal films can be developed to a negative
in D-76 developer at 68 F at a machine speed of 10 ft per min. If
16-mm prints are to be made at a later date and a contrast of about
0.70 is desired, the following negative developers and machine speeds
are recommended :
TABLE 3
16-Mm Film
Film Speed Group
Developer
Machine Speed
Universal Films
50
D-76
15 ft per min
Universal Films*
50 (25)
N-2
12 ft per min
Universal Films
100
D-76
10 ft per min
Negative Films
25
D-76
10 ft per min
Negative Films
100
D-76
7 ft per min
* 16-mm Universal film, speed group 50, when developed to low contrast
should be exposed in the camera at a speed index of 25 rather than 50. This
film, so developed, gives excellent results. It has fine grain and exceptionally
high definition.
Reversal Processing. — The re-exposure reversal process is best
suited to the Houston Developer, Type K-1A , and these formulae
are being packaged for the Navy in kits of a size to fit the tanks of
this machine. They can be used for other types of equipment pro-
viding that the film can be re-exposed or flashed before second de-
velopment. The solutions can also be mixed from bulk chemicals
according to the formulae given in the last section.
April, 1945 PROCESSING OF COMBAT FlLMS 245
The steps for this reversal processing of 16-mm Universal and
other reversible films on the Houston K-1A machine are illustrated
i'n Fig. 9B and listed below:
K-1A
Tank Number Solution
1 Prehardener, Formula UH-1
2 First Developer, Formula RN-1
3 Water Rinse
4 Bleach, Formula RB-1
5 Clear, Formula RC-1
Second Printing
6 Second Developer, RP-1
7 Water Rinse
8 Fixing Bath — any hardening fixing bath suitable for
motion picture films
9 Jet Spray Wash
10 Empty (Aerosol Rinse optional)
The recommended machine speed for 16-mm Universal films is 10
ft per min at 68 F. DuPont 314, Eastman Super X (5256) and Super
XX (5261) can also be processed like the Universal films without
modification although Super XX may require a slower machine speed
for complete bleaching. Solution temperatures of 80 F can also be
used and will increase the processing capacity by 50 per cent owing
to the machine speed of 15 ft per min necessary at 80 F. Ansco
Reversal Hypan, Triple-S, and duPont 301 can be processed by add-
ing 5 gm per liter or 1/2 oz, 70 gm per gal of sodium thiocyanate to the
first developer, formula RN-1. At 68 F the machine speed for these
films is 7 ft per min.
The machine is operated with the second cover off over the bleach,
clearing, second developer, and fixer tanks. If necessary, an in-
candescent bulb can be used in front of the second developer in
addition to the regular printer, which is also turned on full to assure
maximum printing.
The first developer is the only critical stage of the re-exposure
reversal process. Since the final image quality is dependent upon the
degree of development of the negative image in the first developer,
machine speed changes are made in order to change the time of this
solution. Changes of time in the other solutions have little or no ef-
fect on finished quality as long as they act to completion.
The prehardener, first developer, and second developer have a
useful life of 2000 to 5000 ft of 16-mm film processed. The approxi-
246
L. M. BEARING
Vol 44, No. 4
mate useful life of the bleach and clearing baths is 2500 ft for Universal
(speed group 50) films and 1000 ft for Universal (speed group 100)
Kodak Super XX, Ansco Hypan, and Ansco Triple-S films. The ac-
: A.
FIG. 10. Houston K-2A processing machine indicating solu-
tion arrangement for negative processing, for sulfide redevelop-
ment, and for black-and-white re-exposure reversal processing.
tivity of the first developer will change somewhat during its life.
This can be corrected by reducing the speed of the machine. In
general it will be necessary to decrease the machine speed by only one
or 2 ft per min for 5000 ft of film.
April, 1945 PROCESSING OF COMBAT FlLMS 247
NEGATIVE OR REVERSAL PROCESSING OF 16-MM FILMS ON THE HOUSTON
DEVELOPER, TYPE K-2A. 16-MM MACHINE
The K-2A machine gives results similar to those of the larger
Type K-1A on negative or Universal-type films as processed to a
negative. However, the sulfide reversal process is best suited to the
K-2A for reversal processing of the Universal films and other revers-
ible films. This gives a sepia image but otherwise the quality is
similar to that of the larger machine.
The Houston Developer, Type K-2A, is a portable, continuous
processing machine for 16-mm films, suitable for use on small air
stations and aircraft carriers, and is similar to the K-1A. The ca-
v»
pacity is approximately 400 ft of processed and dried 16-mm film per
hr. It is* a complete unit, 54 in. long, 25 in. wide and 46 in. high with
9 tanks of equal capacity (with exception of the wash tank which ac-
commodates 20 ft of film instead of 16 ft); i. e., 2:/2 gal of 9.5 liters
each, accommodating 16 ft of film in each tank. The range of ma-
chine speed for the K-2A is 4 to 7 ft per min, giving times ranging
from 4 min to 2 min per tank. It also has a light-tight feed film
magazine and light-tight covers over the processing tanks so the
machine may be operated in a lighted room. A portable darkroom
similar to the one for the K-1A machine is a standard accessory.
Fig. 10 shows the machine with the covers off.
Negative Processing. — As with the K-1A, the tank covers on the
solution side of the machine must be in place and the printers, of
course, turned off during negative processing in a lighted room.
The tanks are filled as follows :
Tanks 1, 2, and 3 Negative Developer
Tank 4 Stop Bath
Tanks 5, 6, and 7 Fixing Bath
Tank 8 Jet Spray Wash
Tank 9 Empty or with Aerosol Solution
Also see Fig. 10A for the order of the solution in the various tanks.
For gun camera use 16-mm negative and Universal films can be
TABLE 4
16-Mm Films Film Speed Group Developer Machine Speed
Universal Films 50 (25) N-2 7 ft per min
Universal Films 50 (25) D-76 (2 tanks only) 7 ft per min
Universal Films 100 D-76 plus 3 gm Kodalk 7 ft per min
per liter
Negative Films 25 (same as above) 7 ft per min
Negative Films 100 (same as above) 5 ft per min
248 L. M. BEARING Vol 44, No. 4
developed to negative in a single developer, which is D-76 plus 3 gm
of Kodalk per liter, at 68 F at a machine speed of 7 ft per min. For
best photographic quality and if 16-mm prints are to be made at a
later date, a contrast of approximately 0.70 can be obtained with the
following developers and machine speeds at 68 F.
Reversal Processing. — The sulfide reversal process is recommended
for the K-2A machine. Better definition is obtained on the sepia
image of this sulfide process using a prehardener than on the black-
and-white image of the re-exposure reversal process also described for
this machine. In addition, this latter process requires slow machine
speeds.
The packaged Navy sulfide reversal process, 2l/z gal size is used in
the Navy on the Houston Developer, Type K-2A, as well as on the
tank and Smith equipment described in other sections. The formulae
are given in the last section.
The steps for sulfide reversal processing of gun camera or combat
films on the Houston Developer, Type K-2A units are as follows (see
Fig. 10B) :
K-2A Tank No. Processing Solution
1 Prehardener, Formula UH-1
2 Developer, Formula RN-1
3 Developer, Formula RN-1
4 Water Rinse or 4 per cent sodium bisulfate stop bath
5 Bleach, Formula RB-1
6 Clear, Formula RC-1
7 Redeveloper, Formula RS-1
8 Jet Spray Wash
9 Empty or Aerosol Rinse
The recommended machine speed for the above process is 7 ft per
min at 68 F. The cover on the second compartment must be on when
using this sulfide process. No second printing is required. Ansco
Reversal Hypan, Triple-S and duPont 301 can be processed by adding
5 gm per liter or 1/z oz, 70 gn per gal of sodium thiocyanate to RN-1
developer. At 68 F the machine time for these films is 5 ft per min.
DuPont 314, Eastman Super X (5256) and Super XX (5261) can be
processed like the Universal films without modification.
The Houston K-2A machine is equipped with electrical refrigera-
tion and heating units for the purpose of controlling the solution tem-
perature. However, good results can be obtained up to 80 F on the
April, 1945 PROCESSING OF COMBAT FlLMS 249
K-2A machine when using the UH-1 prehardener. In order to avoid
overdevelopment it will be necessary to increase the speed of the
machine and dilute the first developer, RN-1, one to one with water
or use only one tank for first developer. Since the first developer is
the only critical stage of the sulfide reversal process, and the final
image quality is dependent upon the degree of first development,
machine speed changes are made in order to change the time of this
solution. Time changes on the other solutions have little or no effect
on finished quality.
Useful Life of Solutions. — The prehardener, first developer, and
sulfide redeveloper have a useful life of approximately 3000 ft of
16-mm film per 2l/2 gal. The approximate useful life of the bleach
and clearing baths on the Houston machines is 1500 ft for Universal
(speed groups 50) films and 700 ft for Universal (speed group 100),
Kodak Super XX, Ansco Hypan, and Triple-S films. Hence, after
processing 700 ft of these latter films, or 1500 ft of Universal (speed
group 50) film, the second package of bleach and clearing chemicals
provided with each kit is put into use.
Re-exposure Reversal Process for Houston K-2A Machine — The
Houston K-2A is equipped with second printers so that a re-exposure
reversal process can be used. In this process no prehardener is used;
only one tank is available for the first developer, and the machine^is
slowed down to 4 ft per min.
The steps of the Houston Developer, Type K-2A units for black-
and-white reversal processing of Universal 16-mm films are as follows
(see Fig. IOC) :
Machine Speed 4 Ft Per Min
Temperature 68 F
Tank Solutions
1 Developer, Formula RN-1
2 Water Rinse
3 Bleach, Formula RB-1
4 Clear, Formula RC-1
Second Printing
5 Developer, Formula RN-1 (without sodium thiocyanate)
6 Water Rinse
7 Fixing Bath
8 Jet Spray Wash
9 Empty or Aerosol Rinse
250 L. M. BEARING Vol 44, No. 4
The above developing procedure can be made up from the Navy
Standard Sulfide Reversal Processing Kit for the Houston K-2A
machine. There are 2 packets of RN-1 developer in this kit, one can
be used for Tank No. 2 and one without sodium th'ocyanate for
Tank No 5. Any hardening hypo fixer can be used in Tank No. 7.
To assure maximum printing, when using this process the ntensity
rheostats should be turned as low as possible to provide maximum
current to each lamp and the ground glass filters removed from the
printers. The machine should be operated with the second cover off
over the bleach, clearing, second developer, and fixer tanks. If
necessary, an incandescent bulb can be used in front of the second
developer in addition to the regular printer.
PROCESSING 16- AND 35-MM FILMS ON THE SMITH-TYPE PORTABLE MOTION
PICTURE FILM DEVELOPING OUTFITS
In this type of equipment the film is wound back and forth between
2 reels under the processing solutions in the same fashion as for aerial
film developing outfits. The photographic quality attainable is
poorer than that obtained with other types of processing equipment
such as the rack and tank or the Houston machines. This developing
outfit is not recommended for films likely to be later reproduced.
Although motion picture fi'm processed on the Smith-type equipment
is usually free from physical defects such as scratches and abrasions,
nevertheless, uneven development, increased grain, flicker, and image
defects are brought about by the infrequent change of developing
solutions and long developing times necessary. However, it has the
advantage of extreme portability and is of use on small ships where
space is limited. Usable results for gun camera scoring films can be
obtained with this equipment on either negative or Universal films
processed to a negative. The reversal process described is suitable
for Universal films of speed group 50 and for Eastman Super X 5256,
which gives the best quality of any emulsion so far tested. Usable
reversal results can also be obtained on Universal films of speed group
100, but other emulsions may give excessive flicker and image defects
as processed to reversal. *
The Smith 16- and 35-mm Film Developer (see Fig. 11) is so con-
structed that 2 reels lay flat and submerged in a tray containing the
processing solut'on. The film is wound back and forth from one reel
to the other below the solution surface. The machine is driven by a
motor which reverses itself when the torque exceeds a given limit as
April, 1945
PROCESSING OF COMBAT FILMS
251
when the end of the film is reached, or it may be operated manually
if power is unavailable. The top flange has 2 settings, one for 16-mm
and one for 35-mm film. A
later model has a 4-in. hub
which gives better quality.
In operation the film is
first fastened, then com-
pletely and tightly wound
dry onto one reel with the
emulsion side out. The out-
side end is then fastened to
the empty reel. The film is
introduced into the first solu-
tion by winding from the
full dry reel onto the empty
reel held submerged in the
solution, the machine being
held at an angle (see Fig.
11B). If a prehardener is
used, the dry film can be
put directly into the prehard-
ener. Otherwise a water
prebath should be used to
wet the film before it enters
the developer. All subse-
quent processing operations
are performed with both
reels submerged (Fig. 11C).
The whole unit is moved
from one tank to the next
as processing proceeds. To
obtain efficient washing the
stream of wash water should
flow forcefully against the
submerged emulsion side of
film. Although 200 ft of
film can be processed at one time, better quality is obtained if only
100 ft is handled.
When splicing is required, the splices must be strong enough to
withstand the maximum tension on the machine, and any unnecessary
FIG. 11. Smith 16- and 35-mm film
developing outfit showing method of
winding dry film into prehardeners olu-
tion.
252 L. M. BEARING Vol 44, No. 4
thickness that will cause uneven contact of successive layers of film
as it winds up should be avoided. Splices are best made with cement.
A piece of fine sandpaper is taped to the working bench, and the
emulsion end of one film and base end of the other are prepared for
splicing by rubbing them on the sandpaper until backing and emul-
sion have been removed. They are then cemented with regular film
cement. One-half inch overlap well cemented is adequate.
Negative Processing. — The recommended procedure for 100 ft
lengths of film as developed to a negative at 70 F is given in Table 5.
TABLE 5
Processing Time
Solution Formula 4-In. Hub 2-In. Hub
(1) Prehardener
UH-1
3l/2 mm
4*/2 min
(2} Negative Dev.
(See below)
7 to 20 min
9 to 25 min
(3} Rinse
Water or SB-1
I1/ 2 min
2Y4 min
(4) Fix
(a) F-5
15 to 30 min
18 to 40 min
(b) F-7
5 to 12 min
6 to 16 mm
(5) Running Water 10 to 15 min 11 to 18 min
The time of a complete cycle for 100 ft of film is 2J/4 min with the
2-in. hub and ll/2 min with the 4-in. hub. If possible, a rapid fixing
bath similar to F-7 containing ammonium salts should be used. This
will reduce the long fixing times required with this equipment by at
least 50 per cent. The prehardener UH-1 is recommended even at
70 F as it holds down development fog, but it can be omitted and a
water prewash substituted in its place. The developers and develop-
ing times recommended for various film types are given in Table 6.
For 200-ft lengths increase the UH-1 prehardener time by 50 per cent
over that required for 100 ft.
Positive Films. — Positive film can be processed on the Smith ma-
chine to give poor but unsable results as follows:
100- Ft Run
Film Developer Time in 2-In. Hub Timein4-In. Hub
16-Mm 5302 Positive D-16 10 min 7 min
35-Mm 5302 Positive D-16 10 min 7 min
Reversal Processing. — Where a reversal image is required the sul-
fide reversal process is recommended for this equipment. White
light may be used after the film is in the bleach. The steps for re-
April, 1945
PROCESSING OF COMBAT FILMS
253
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254 L. M. BEARING Vol 44, No. 4
versal processing of 100-ft lengths of the Universal films at 70 F on
the 16- and 35-mm Smith motion picture developing units are listed
below.
100 -Ft Run
Processing Times in Min
Processing Solutions 2-In. Hub 4-In. Hub
(1) Prehardener, Formula UH-1 4l/2 3l/2
(2} First Developer, Formula RN-1
16-Mm Universal Sp. Gp. 50 5Va 5
16-Mm Universal Sp. Gp. 100 11 10
(3} Wash 8 7
(4) Bleach, Formula RB-1 8 7
(after 2 min in the bleach turn on white lights)
(5) Wash 31A 31/*
(6) Clear, Formula # C-l 51/* 5
(7) Redevelop, Formula #5-J 5x/2 5
(8) Wash 9 7
(9) Aerosol Rinse (optional) 2J/4 I1/*
(10) Squeegee and Dry
Tropical processing methods on the Smith developer are similar to
those given for the tank equipment, using the prehardener, UH-1,
to which 0.3 gm per liter of 6-nitrobenzimidazole nitrate is added.
In general, temperatures above 90 F cause excessive fog on the Smith
16- and 35-mm developer.
FUTURE PROGRAM
Until recently great pressure was exerted to fit these films and proc-
esses into existing equipment. This was done and is reflected in the
many adaptations and compromises described in previous sections.
At the same time the experience gained resulted in new equipment
designs which are more suited to these methods and will soon replace
the older types.
A new model of the Houston Machine, the K-3A , is now being pro-
cured instead of the K-1A or K-2A . The K-3A model is slightly
longer than the K-2A , but of a size that will fit on aircraft carriers
and yet have sufficient capacity for the processing needs of most
naval air stations. The arrangement of the tanks and partitions is
such as to accommodate more easily both the re-exposure and the
sulfide reversal processes described, and many improvements over
the earlier machines are incorporated.
April, 1945 PROCESSING OF COMBAT FlLMS 255
New- type rack and tank equipment designed particularly for 16-mm
field use, with ease of handling and compactness given special con-
sideration, is now being built. Two 55-ft flat rack sections are
ingeniously hinged together to hold 110-ft lengths of 16-mm film.
The rack is easily loaded and folds to fit processing tanks 3l/z X 20 X
20 in. for 4J/2 gal of solution. It can be used for re-exposure reversal
processes and is suitable for color films.
In conclusion, your speaker wishes to express his appreciation for
and acknowledge the great help received from other members of
the technical staff at the U. S. Naval Photographic Science Labora-
tory; they are Lt. Ira B. Current, USNR, Lt. Willam D. Hedden,
USNR, Chief Photographers Mates, Melvin G. Young and Wolcott
V. Morgan, and Photographers Mates First Class, John W. McCalley,
Justin J. Klem, Al Schick, and William M. Reid. They have labored
long and hard to get these methods ready for fleet use.
REFERENCE
1 MILLER, H. A., CRABTREE, J. I., AND RUSSELL, H. D.: "A Prehardening
Bath for High-Temperature Processing," /. Photo. Soc.Amer., 10, 7 (Sept., 1944),
p. 397.
APPENDIX
Formulae
The negative developer, Navy Formula N-2 used for low negative contrast on
Universal speed group 50 films is a simple elon-sulfite developer.
Negative Developer, Formula N-2
Water 800. cc
Calgon 0.5 gm
Elon 2.0gm
Sodium sulfite 100 . 0 gm
Water to 1 liter
The formulae for the Navy re-exposure reversal process are listed below :
Prehardener, Formula UH-1
Water 800. cc
Calgon 0.5 gm
Sodium bisulfite ' 3.0 gm
Sodium sulfate (anhydrous) 50.0 gm
Paraf ormaldehyde 4.0 gm
Sodium carbonate (desiccated) 4 . 28 gm
6-Nitrobenzimidazole nitrate 0. 027 gm
Water to make -. 1 liter
First Developer, Formula RN-1
Water 800. cc
Calgon 0.5 gm
Elon 0. 6 gm
256 L. M. BEARING
Sodium sulfite (anhydrous) 50 . 0 gm
Hydroquinone 20 . 0 gm
Potassium bromide 8.0 gm
Sodium thiocyanate 2.5 gm
Sodium hydroxide 20 . 0 gm
Water to make 1 liter
Bleach, Formula RB-1
Water. 800. cc
Potassium bichromate 11.0 gm
Sulfuric acid (concentrated) 18. 0 cc
Water to make 1 liter
Clearing Bath, Formula RC-1
Water 800. cc
Calgon 0. 5 gm
Sodium sulfite (anhydrous) 75. 0 gm
Water to make 1 liter
Second Developer, Formula RP-1
Water 800. cc
Calgon. 0. 5 gm
Elon l.Ogm
Sodium sulfite (anhydrous) 50 . 0 gm
Hydroquinone 20 . 0 gm
Potassium bromide 5.0 gm
Sodium hydroxide 15. 0 gm
Water to make 1 liter
Fixer R F-2 (F-6)
Water 800. cc
Sodium thiosulfate 240. 0 gm
Sodium sulfite (anhydrous) 15.0 gm
28 per cent acetic acid 48. 0 cc
Sodium metaborate 15.0 gm
Potassium alum • 15.0 gm
Water to make 1 liter
The formulae of the Navy sulfide reversal process are identical through the
clearing bath. The sulfide redeveloper, Formula RS-1, replaces the second de-
veloper, Formula RP-1, and the fixing bath.
Sulfide Redeveloper, Formula RS-1
Water 800. cc
Sodium metaborate (Na2B2O4-8H2O) 20 . 0 gm
Sodium sulfide (Na2S-9H2O) H 20. 0 gm
Paraformaldehyde 2 . 0 gm
Water to make. . 1 liter
DIRECT-READING FREQUENCY METER*
W. R. STRAUSS**
Summary. — An instrument capable of indicating audio frequencies of 10 to
50,000 cycles to accuracies limited only by the panel meter or pen-and-ink chart re-
cording meters, regardless of audio-voltage variations, is described herein.
Designed for rapid, automatic measurements of frequency, a new
instrument recently developed by North American Philips Company
engineers has sufficient power to operate a strip-chart recorder with-
out an auxiliary amplifier — it does this regardless of audio-voltage
variations between the limits of 2 and 200 v. It is most useful where
accurate frequency indications are necessary beyond the accuracy of
the oscilloscope, and where appreciable loading of high impedance
circuits must be avoided.
Sound and radio engineering laboratories are invariably equipped
with voltmeters and wattmeters which are calibrated in voltage or
decibel ratios. With these instruments frequency response curves
are charted automatically or point by point. Often it is desirable
to know what frequency is coming through the audio channel with-
out resorting to the oscilloscope or an accurately calibrated signal
generator. Most laboratories and repair shops have at least one
oscilloscope but very few have accurately calibrated audio-signal
generators or means to calibrate them.
Although there are a number of devices that will measure audio
frequencies to the accuracy demanded in laboratories, most of these
are either cumbersome and difficult to operate, or are limited as to
range.
Before the war most audio-measurement work was carried on in
the laboratory. However, with production soaring to new peaks
and a shortage in technical personnel, there arose a need for a meter
that could be operated after only a few minutes of instruction. Such
an instrument must maintain calibration for long periods and must
* *
* Presented Apr. 17, 1944, at the Technical Conference in New York.
Project Engineer, North American Philips Co., Inc., Dobbs Ferry, N. Y.
257
258 W. R. STRAUSS Vol 44, No. 4
have a linear frequency-calibrated dial. There must be some means
for recording audio frequency on a chart, and checking calibration
must be simple so as not to require the services of a technician after
necessary tube replacements. In other words, war industries that
used audio frequencies in measurement work needed a complicated
instrument. Nevertheless, it had to be as easy to operate as a radio
set.
The first requisite was a circuit that would respond to a wide range
of frequencies and which would maintain constant voltage output
throughout a wide range of input voltages. It must handle input
FIG. 1. Input circuit of Philips direct-reading frequency meter. The circuit
is similar to that used in television and FM receivers.
potentials from 2 to 200 v, without appreciably loading the audio
source under measurement.
The input circuit, shown in Fig. 1, is frequently used in tele-
vision and FM receivers. It is identified as a limiter in the radio
industry and as a plate-saturation circuit by physicists working with
electron-counting equipment. The only difference between this
circuit and a straight resistance-coupled amplifier lies in resistor
R-l. The resistance value is not critical, but its purpose is to bias
the control grid on the peaks of a cycle. In clipping the peaks of a
cycle, the output shows a square wave with steep fronts. The square
wave results regardless of whether input frequency is a pure sine
wave or one with distortions and irregularities. In case of a badly
April, 1945 DIRECT-READING FREQUENCY METER 259
distorted wave, the grid circuit will favor the predominant frequency
over the lesser peaks by a ratio of about 3 to 1 .
Plate output voltage of Fig. 1 is held constant by a "floating"
screen grid. Since plate current changes are a function of screen
voltage, increase of audio input voltage results in a decrease of screen
voltage. This, in turn, is affected by the bias developed across R-l.
Screen voltages reduce proportionately with increase of grid bias de-
veloped across R-l. Stabilization of screen resistor R-4 to ground,
or B- with a bleeder resistor, would limit the range of constant out-
put to a narrow band of frequencies. C-2 is an electrolytic con-
denser which serves as a audio by-pass to prevent any part of the
original wave shape from entering the plate circuit. Its value is not
critical, but the R-C time constant of R-l and C-2 is sufficient to de-
lay any small part of the original wave from coinciding with the
square wave, thus avoiding valleys and discharge peaks.
Any remote cutoff pentode may be used at V-l, but a type 6AG7
was found to be best from the standpoint of high transconductance
and high screen-grid wattage dissipation. With zero signal input
the "floating" screen-grid voltage will rise to about 175 v, which is
much higher than most screen-grid tubes can tolerate. A 6SK7
is interchangeable with the sAG7 but requires about 2l/z times more
voltage input. With a type 6AG7 at V-l, the input sensitivity is
slightly less than one volt, for almost all frequency ranges. In-
put impedance is greater than 100,000 ohms for most frequencies
but not higher than the value of R-2, which is 220,000 ohms. When
measuring high-gain tube circuits, this high-input impedance makes
possible high audio -frequency measurement with very slight at-
tenuation.
The multivibrator circuit, V-2, V-3, is directly connected to the
plate of V-l, and is at rest by virtue of bias-resistor R-9. The value
of R-9 is selected to permit the multivibrator circuit to operate at
the instant a square wave voltage is present at the plate of V-l.
Since V-l, V-2 tube circuits are not tuned and do not have R-C com-
binations, the multivibrator circuit has no resonant characteristics —
thus its function is to amplify the output of V-l without alteration.
The screen-grid and plate-circuit voltages are held constant by the
gas-discharge tubes V-5 and V-6. The frequency response indication,
in this application, is not linear because screen voltage increases
with frequency. Amplification gain of screen-grid tubes is a func-
tion of screen voltage — hence the need for a voltage regulator.
260 W. R. STRAUSS Vol 44, No. 4
Amplified square waves are then fed into an appropriately chosen
R-C (C-5, R-12, etc.) integrating network. The R-C values de-
termine the amplitude of the pulse that is to appear on the grid
of V-4. Capacitors C-4 (and others in the frequency selector cir-
cuit) are either air-type trimmers or silver-mica condensers having
negative coefficients to minimize calibration drift caused by heat
within the instrument. Operation of the V-4 tube circuit is simi-
lar to class C audio amplification. Grid bias is adjusted to zero plate
current with no signal input. This class of operation functions as a
linear amplifier in which plate current changes are directly propor-
FIG. 2. Cabinet installation of Philips direct-reading frequency meter. It
can be removed from the cabinet and installed on racks easily.
tional to grid voltages. The grid-bias adjustment is located on the
front panel to facilitate control at the time tubes are replaced and
when calibration is again necessary.
External and panel meters are protected from burn-out by a
relay in the plate circuit of V-4. It comes into play when frequencies
beyond the selector switch range are applied to the instrument.
Currents of 100 ma can be applied for an instant on the 5-ma meter.
The relay shorts the meter only when currents exceed 10 ma and re-
leases at about 4 ma. The meter circuit is arranged to permit read-
ing the panel and external meters simultaneously. A panel switch
disconnects the external meter if it is not needed, without dis-
connecting wires. Accurate frequency indication on the external
April, 1945 DIRECT-READING FREQUENCY METER 261
meter is only limited by the meter itself. If a recorder is used, over-
shooting and undershooting of the pen (determined by chart paper
travel) must be taken into consideration. If the frequency meter
is accurately calibrated and stabilized, the inherent circuit error will
be less than 0.5 per cent over the entire range of 10 to 50,000 cycles.
To dampen pointer oscillation and resonance at low frequencies,
a long-time constant R-C network (C-6, CH-1) has been incorporated
into the plate circuit of V-4. Without the R-C network, some re-
FIG. 3. Philips direct-reading fre-
quency meter installed on rack and driv-
ing a 5-ma recorder without an auxiliary
amplifier.
corder pens have been found to resonate badly at 100 to 130 cycles
with the selector switch (S-2) set on 100- or 500-cycle positions.
Any external meter having a 5-ma movement and a coil resistance
not exceeding 1000 ohms, may be used without recalibration. R-
14 is an external-meter damping resistor of 10,000 ohms. It was
chosen as an optimum value and will accommodate most recorders
without affecting calibration. Generally speaking, recorders have a
coil resistance of 100 to 400 ohms.
Calibration frequency for the instrument is taken from the power
supply line — 60 cycles at 6.3 v is obtained from the filament leg of
262 W. R. STRAUSS
the transformer and 120 cycles at 2.5 v comes from the B leg of the
full wave power rectifier, through a 47-ohm resistor. The calibra-
tion switch is normally open (center position) as shown in Fig. 1'.
Selector switch S-2 is placed on the 100- or 500-cycle range when mak-
ing a calibration check.
Fig. 2 shows a cabinet installation. Removed from its cabinet,
the instrument can be easily adapted to rack mounting, as shown in
Fig. 3 — here the frequency meter is shown operating with a re-
corder.
The frequency meter has proved its usefulness in the following
fields:
(1) It measures audio-frequency differences in quartz crystal manufacturing.
(2) It measures temperature-coefficient drift on transmitters and receivers
operating under test temperatures of from —40 to 200 F.
(5) It measures frequency produced by transient voltages in audio circuits.
(4) It checks phonograph-motor speed with frequency records.
(5) It is valuable in some phases of Radar application.
(6) It determines pulse frequencies.
(7) It functions for gamma, X-ray, and electron counting.
(8) It serves for "wow" testing of phonograph turntables.
(9) It determines a-c line frequencies for power and audio-transformer design.
(10} It is valuable for ultrasonic work and other applications that have to do
with frequencies between 10 and 50,000 cycles.
No doubt, the instrument will soon find application in the sound
motion picture industry. Here it should prove valuable for testing
sound tracks and motor speeds; it can also be useful in flicker check-
ing.
STATEMENT OF THE SMPE IN OPPOSITION TO THE
BRIEF OF THE COLUMBIA BROADCASTING SYSTEM
AS IT RELATES TO THEATER TELEVISION*
Ed. Note. — The Society of Motion Picture Engineers, at the original hearing before
the Federal Communications Commission (Docket No. 6651} in October 1944, re-
quested allocation of frequencies for a national theater television service in behalf of
the engineers of the motion picture industry. In view of this request the FCC granted
allocation of frequencies for theater television on an experimental basis as set forth in
their Proposed Allocation Report. The statement of the SMPE and excerpts from
the FCC report were published in the February 1945 Journal, pp. 105-137 .
As the report by the FCC was a proposal only, a rehearing was proposed by the
FCC to give all parties an opportunity to present additional testimony. The SMPE
was of the opinion that the frequencies allotted for experimental theater television were
adequate and accordingly advised the Commission that it did not intend to submit
further testimony at the rehearing. (See Appendage A, p. 270 of this issue.)
Prior to the date of the rehearing, the Columbia Broadcasting System, Inc., filed a
brief with the FCC in opposition to some of the allocations proposed by the Commis-
sion. CBS requested the FCC not to allocate any frequencies for a theater television
service as such allocation was contrary to the FCC rules and regulations, and further,
such allocation would favor only a few and might establish monopolistic franchises.
Excerpts from the CBS brief are given on pp. 272-274 of this issue.
In view of the opposition by CBS, the Society, through its representative, Paul J.
Larsen, presented the following statement before the FCC at the rehearing on Mar. 2,
1945.
Mr. Chairman, Members of the Commission :
My name is Paul J. Larsen. I am a radio engineer associated with
The Johns Hopkins University, Applied Physics Laboratory in war
activities for the Bureau of Ordnance, U. S. Navy Department. I
appear before the Commission today as the representative of the
Society of Motion Picture Engineers to present their opposition to
the Brief of the Columbia Broadcasting System, Inc., as it relates to
Theater Television. I appeared before your Commission during the
allocation hearing on October 27, 1944 (Tr., pp. 3711-3755) at which
time allocation of frequencies in the Radio Spectrum for Theater
* Presented before the Federal Communications Commission (Docket No. 6651,
Exhibit No. 598) by Paul J. Larsen, SMPE Representative, on Mar. 2, 1945.
263
264 STATEMENT ON THEATER TELEVISION Vol 44, No. 4
Television was requested for the Motion Picture Industry, as more
fully set forth in the statement, FCC Exhibit No. 431.
The Society of Motion Picture Engineers advised the Commission
that they did not intend to submit additional testimony at this hear-
ing unless the proposed experimental allocation of frequencies for
Theater Television were attacked by any other party appearing at the
hearing. (See Appendage A, page 270 of this issue, letter dated Feb.
23, 1945.)
The Columbia Broadcasting System, Inc., in their Brief dated Feb-
ruary 20, 1945, "submits that no frequencies should be assigned to
Theater Television" (Brief, pp. 35, 36). This request is based upon
pertinent principles outlined in the Brief, applied to their submission
"that no frequencies should be assigned to subscription radio." The
principles outlined against subscription radio, Columbia Broadcasting
System, Inc., states "apply with at least equal force to the requested
use of frequencies for Theater Television."
The purpose or intent behind this request of the Columbia Broad-
casting System, Inc., in view of their previous implied support, is not
stated. In view of this request by the Columbia Broadcasting Sys-
tem, Inc., that "no frequencies should be assigned to Theater Tele-
vision," the Society of Motion Picture Engineers respectfully requests
to submit the following in opposition thereto :
The principles applied by the Columbia Broadcasting System, Inc.,
to Theater Television are outlined on pages 35 to 40 of their Brief.
We have applied these principles to Theater Television and fail, by
the broadest interpretation of the principles, to apply them to the
request "that no frequencies should be assigned to Theater Tele-
vision." We submit herewith our comments in respect to each of the
principles set forth by the Columbia Broadcasting System, Inc.
1. THEATER TELEVISION IS NOT BROADCASTING:
The Society of Motion Picture Engineers has at no time contended
that Theater Television is broadcasting. The testimony submitted
in behalf of Theater Television by Paul J. Larsen (Tr., pp. 3711-
3755) and FCC Exhibit No. 431, specifically requested the Commis-
sion to classify Theater Television as a communication of a private
nature to differentiate it from Television Broadcasting. Admittedly,
Theater Television is in direct conflict with the basic concept of
broadcasting. It is contended and supported in FCC Exhibit No.
ril, 1945 STATEMENT ON THEATER TELEVISION 265
that the public will benefit from the television service rendered
the theaters. The Motion Picture Industry is capable, based upon
its past public record of presenting visual and aural presentations in
theaters, to carry out its obligation to present through this companion
medium, television, equal presentations.
2. ASSIGNMENT OF CHANNELS TO THEATER TELEVISION WOULD VIOLATE
COMMISSION'S GENERAL PRINCIPLES OF ALLOCATION:
(a) Theater Television Could Utilize Wire Lines. — The attempt
by the Columbia Broadcasting System, Inc., in their Brief to apply
the discussion of "General Principles" outlined in the Commission's
report (R. 18) ". . . with the severe shortage of frequencies, it would
not be in the public interest to assign a portion of the spectrum to a
service which could utilize wire lines instead. . ." to Theater Tele-
vision seems inapplicable to the frequency spectrum here involved
and further unfounded in view of the testimony submitted in relation
to television in general. The proposed operation of Theater Tele-
vision cannot be carried on by wire lines as is Muzak today. The
wire lines utilized for Muzak are high-quality program telephone lines
having a band width limit of approximately 7500 cycles. For tele-
vision and Theater Television, utilization of coaxial cables will be ex-
perimented with. However, based upon present technical knowledge
and upon the testimony submitted by the American Telephone and
Telegraph Company at the hearing, coaxial cables are not available
with sufficient band width, of the order of 6 to 8 megacycles, required
for a Theater Television service. The Society of Motion Picture
Engineers requested allocation of frequencies for radio linkage sys-
tems to insure adequate band width for the service contemplated.
(b) Only a Limited Number of People Would Benefit. — Here
again the Columbia Broadcasting System, Inc., attempts to inter-
pret the Commission's "General Principles" in the report by selecting
phrases having no bearing upon the service of Theater Television.
The Commission certainly must have taken into consideration the
general principles quoted by the Columbia Broadcasting System,
Inc., when the Commission allocated on an experimental basis the
frequencies for Theater Television.
Columbia Broadcasting System, Inc., in respect to the above prin-
ciples, quoted the following paragraph from the report: "With the
shortage of frequencies available, the Commission did not believe
266 STATEMENT ON THEATER TELEVISION Vol 44, No. 4
that it would be in the public interest to assign frequencies to a new
service unless it could be shown that there would be public accepta-
bility and use of the service." The Commission, having made this
statement in their "General Principles" and then having assigned
frequencies on an experimental basis for Theater Television, must
have believed that Theater Television would have public accepta-
bility.
Does the Columbia Broadcasting System, Inc., by quoting this
passage from the Commission's "General Principles" infer that
Theater Television, as a new service, would not have public accepta-
bility ? The Society of Motion Picture Engineers contends that all of
the evidence submitted in their testimony and in FCC Exhibit No.
431 shows conclusively that Theater Television would have public
acceptability and the Motion Picture Industry intends to establish
this service. The Society of Motion Picture Engineers, in behalf of
the engineers of the Motion Picture Industry, submits that it
doubts whether Television Broadcasting will have a greater public
acceptability than Theater Television or make greater use of the
service in the public interest.
The Columbia Broadcasting System, Inc., also states "the proposed
service would be of benefit to only a small portion of the public —
the upper income levels." This is a new thought introduced into the
Motion Picture Industry. We question the sincerity of this state-
ment as it is so wholly unfounded. It is doubtful if anyone can ques-
tion that the Motion Picture Industry has at any time limited its
service to a select few. The weekly attendance in Motion Picture
Theaters exceeds 85,000,000 persons and the Industry is certain that
this does not represent the "upper income levels."
The Society of Motion Picture Engineers fails to find any logic in
the arguments presented by the Columbia Broadcasting System, Inc.,
in respect to these principles. Their purpose in submitting these
statements against Theater Television, as aforesaid, has not been
stated. We can only interpret these statements as being a fear by the
Columbia Broadcasting System, Inc., of competition by Theater
Television, even though not expressly stated. The Society of Motion
Picture Engineers, in behalf of the engineers of the Motion Picture
Industry, wishes to submit to the Commission that it does not fear
competition of Television Broadcasting but invites it. It is hoped
that the Television Broadcasting Industry has the same attitude.
April, 1945 STATEMENT ON THEATER TELEVISION 267
3. THEATER TELEVISION WOULD VIOLATE SECTION 3.230 OF COMMISSION'S
RULES AND REGULATIONS:
The allegations set forth by Columbia Broadcasting System, Inc.,
under this principle, do not apply to Theater Television. Section
3.230 of the Commission's rules and regulations applies to broadcast
stations. Theater Television is not a broadcast service and therefore
these rules and regulations do not apply.
4. THE PROPOSED ALLOCATION FOR COMMERCIAL FM BROADCASTING IS LESS
THAN ADEQUATE:
The Society of Motion Picture Engineers fails to find any principles
under this heading that apply to Theater Television, as the FM
Broadcasting is in a part of the radio spectrum not considered for
Theater Television.
The request for frequency allocations for Theater Television by the
Society of Motion Picture Engineers was based upon obtaining ade-
quate frequency allocations to permit a competitive National Theater
Television Service. For the immediate post-war period it was recom-
mended that frequency allocations be made to permit competition
by 15 producing or exhibiting agencies in an area such as New York
City. This is certainly far remote from the contention implied by the
Columbia Broadcasting System, Inc., that Theater Television may
set up a monopolistic franchise.
The Society of Motion Picture Engineers is of the opinion that the
frequencies requested for Theater Television will serve a very large
portion of the public without distinction as to income level. The
Motion Picture Industry has the organization to produce, and the
technical "know how" of the type of visual entertainment required
for public consumption. The Industry has 50 years of background
experience and has acquired the "know how" of public desires in the
visual entertainment field. During the initial commercialization of
television, whether broadcasting or theater, the public will view the
presentations due to their "novelty," that is, the novelty of being
able to view a visual presentation transmitted through the medium
of radio. This novelty period will soon wear off and it will then be
necessary to present proper program material having human interest
and entertainment value to insure continued commercial success.
The Motion picture Industry has gone through this period during its
history in presenting visual presentations in theaters throughout
this country and the world, and it is believed that they have the or-
268 STATEMENT ON THEATER TELEVISION Vol 44, No. 4
ganization, the background, the experience, the technique, and the
"know how" to insure the public that the visual presentations which
they will present through Television will be comparable to the high
standard in artistry and technical perfection to which the theatrical
public is accustomed.
5. THEATER TELEVISION SHOULD BE ASSIGNED FREQUENCIES ALLOCATED TO
POINT-TO-POINT SERVICES, IF AT ALL:
The Society of Motion Picture Engineers, in their original request
for allocation of frequencies for Theater Television, recommended
that Theater Television should be classified as a communications
service of a private nature, to differentiate it from broadcasting.
It is believed that the Columbia Broadcasting System, Inc., has
erroneously interpreted the Commission's assignment of frequencies
for experimentation of Theater Television, by their statement
". . .if at all," and ". . .if frequencies are, at a future date, to be as-
signed. ..." The Commission, in their report, although not allocating
or assigning specific frequencies at this time for Theater Television,
did assign frequency bands in which experimentation of Theater Tele-
vision would be authorized, namely, the following bands :
480-920 megacycles (On the basis that the use of frequencies
within this band will be discontinued when needed for the
broadcast service.)
1900-2300 megacycles
3900-4550 megacycles
5750-7050 megacycles
10,500-13,000 megacycles
16,000-18,000 megacycles
26,000-30,000 megacycles
The Society of Motion Picture Engineers submits that the request
of the Columbia Broadcasting System, Inc., in their Brief, be disre-
garded by the Commission as no logical reason has been expounded
why Theater Television should not have a permanent place in the
allocation picture.
SUMMARY
(7) The Society of Motion Picture Engineers respectfully requests
the Commission to reaffirm the experimental allocation of frequencies
for the service of Theater Television in the following bands of fre-
quencies :
April, 1945 STATEMENT ON THEATER TELEVISION 269
1900-2300 megacycles
3900-4550 megacycles
5750-7050 megacycles
10,500-13,000 megacycles
16,000-18,000 megacycles
26,000-30,000 megacycles
-
(2) The Society of Motion Picture Engineers respectfully requests
that the Commission reaffirm its allocation of frequencies between 480
and 920 megacycles for television, but modify their allocation of these
frequencies to a "parity of opportunity basis" allocation between
Television Broadcasting and Theater Television, as both of these
services have an equal interest and an equal responsibility to the
public in the visual and aural entertainment field. Such an allocation
on a ''parity of opportunity basis" would foster competition, a sound
democratic policy;
(3) That the frequencies so allocated for Theater Television on a
"parity of opportunity basis" with Television Broadcasting between
480 and 920 megacycles be made on the basis that if, as a result of
experimentation of Theater Television on frequencies within this
band compared to experimentation of Theater Television in the
higher frequency bands, the results are such that Theater Television
can make the best use of this allocated band, all factors concerned,
that the allocation then be made permanent to Theater Television ;
(4) That the opposition by the Columbia Broadcasting System,
Inc., to allocation of any frequencies to Theater Television, be denied
by the Commission as the grounds and allegations set forth by Colum-
bia Broadcasting System, Inc., are unfounded and not applicable to
Theater Television, and also on the basis that competition between
Television Broadcasting and Theater Television is desirable tech-
nically and is to the best interest of the public.
270 STATEMENT ON THEATER TELEVISION Vol 44, No. 4
APPENDAGE A
•
SOCIETY OF MOTION PICTURE ENGINEERS
February 23, 1945
Mr. T. J. Slowie
Federal Communications Commission
Pennsylvania Ave., between 12th & 13th N.W.
Washington, D. C.
Subject: Oral Hearing, FCC Docket No. 6651
Scheduled for Feb. 28, 1945
Dear Mr. Slowie:
The Society of Motion Picture Engineers, in behalf of the engineers of the
Motion Picture Industry, has reviewed the proposed frequency allocations as
reported in the FCC report dated January 15, 1945, particularly as they apply to
Theater Television Services, Section 17, IV.
In our judgment we believe that the Commission, considering the magnitude of
the problem confronting them, has made a fair and reasonable allocation of fre-
quencies after reconciling the numerous requests for space in the available spec-
trum.
In respect to the allocations of frequencies for Theater Television it is noted
that experimentation with intra- and inter-city relay of theater television pro-
grams may be authorized in the following bands :
1900-2300 mcs
3900-4550 mcs
5750-7050 mcs
10,000-13,000 mcs
16,000-18,000 mcs
26,000-30,000 mcs
In addition, the Commission also advised that they would consider applications
for experimental authorization involving intra-city transmissions, including
studio to transmitter, remote pickup, and intra-city multiple address stations, on
frequencies between 480 and 920 megacycles, allocated to television broadcasting,
on the basis that the use of these frequencies will be discontinued when needed
for the broadcast service.
From the above, it will be noted that a difference in interpretation as to the scope
of the services can be inferred, as no provision for experimentation with intra-
city multiple address stations is made in the higher frequencies, 1900 to 30,000
megacycles. On the basis of this interpretation the allocations seem inadequate
for a National Theater Television Service. The allocation provided on the basis
of the Commission's decision restricts the frequency .spectrum from 480 to 920
megacycles in which intra-city multiple address stations are permitted, for tem-
porary use only until these frequencies are needed for broadcast service.
The Society of Motion Picture Engineers feels that it was the intention of the
Commission in their report to permit experimentation of the different services
required for Theater Television in the higher frequencies, on the same basis as in
the 480 to 920 megacycle band, until this band is needed for the broadcast serv-
April, 1945 STATEMENT ON THEATER TELEVISION 271
ice. It is hoped that this interpretation is correct and that in the final report this
point will be clarified.
At the original hearing the Society of Motion Picture Engineers requested fre-
quencies for the new Theater Television Service between 600 and 1000 megacycles.
The specific request for frequencies being a band of 160 megacycles from 600 to
760 megacycles, and a band of 140 megacycles from 860 to 1000 megacycles. The
request for these frequencies was made to permit the Motion Picture Industry to
establish a Theater Television Service in the immediate post-war period with
equipment now known to be available. Design and development of equipment for
use in the higher frequencies above 1900 megacycles, and prolonged field experi-
mentation of this equipment, will be necessary before adoption for a Theater Tele-
vision Service.
The request for frequencies below 1000 megacycles, totaling a band width of
300 megacycles for Theater Television, was also made so as to be on a "parity of
opportunity basis" with television broadcasting. This "parity of opportunity
basis" was set forth in FCC Exhibit No. 431 and in the statement of Paul J. Larsen
before the Commission at the hearing. It is noted that the Commission has made
no reference to this "parity of opportunity basis" in their report.
The Society of Motion Picture Engineers is still of the opinion that the Motion
Picture Industry is entitled to this "parity of opportunity basis" with television
broadcasting, and therefore respectfully requests the Commission to consider
specific allocation of frequencies on a "parity of opportunity basis" with television
broadcasting in the 480 to 920 megacycle band now proposed for allocation to
television broadcasting.
The Society of Motion Picture Engineers submits that if, as a result of the ex-
perimental use of the frequencies between 480 and 30,000 megacycles, it is found
that theater television can make the best use of a portion of the band between 480
and 920 megacycles, all factors considered, that the Commission give considera-
tion to the assignment of such a portion for commercial Theater Television.
It is noted in the report that the Commission will, after experimentation, and
upon adequate showing of the requirements, allocate specific bands of frequencies
to the new services, including Theater Television. In view of this fact, and that
the Commission will consider the requests herein in their final report, the Society
of Motion Picture Engineers does not plan to present additional testimony at
the hearing on February 28th. The Society of Motion Picture Engineers, however,
wishes to reserve the right to be heard in event allocations now proposed for ex-
perimental Theater Television are affected by additional testimony by other in-
terests.
The Society of Motion Picture Engineers wishes at this time to pledge, on be-
half of the engineers of the Motion Picture Industry, their full cooperation to the
Federal Communications Commission. We also wish to compliment the Com-
mission and its engineers upon their sound forward-looking policy in the alloca-
tion of frequencies for the many radio services.
Very truly yours,
PAUL J. LARSEN
1401 Sheridan St., N.W.
Washington, D. C.
272 STATEMENT ON THEATER TELEVISION Vol 44, No. 4 |
EXCERPTS FROM THE BRIEF OF THE COLUMBIA BROADCASTING
SYSTEM RELATING TO THEATER TELEVISION*
III. REQUESTS FOR BROADCASTING CHANNELS FOR FM AND TELEVISION
POINT-TO-POINT COMMUNICATIONS
Statement
Proposals were made at the hearing that frequencies within the proposed FM
broadcast band be assigned to a new service, called subscription radio, designed
to be received only by those set owners who would pay a fee to the transmitting
station equal to 5£ per day (approximately $18 per year). Non- subscribers would
be prevented from receiving this service by a super-imposed tone, or "pig-squeal,"
which could be filtered out only by a patented device owned by the originators of
the service and installed only in sets of persons paying the 5^ a day royalty.
A representative of the Society of Motion Picture Engineers proposed the as-
signment of frequencies within the proposed high- definition television broadcast
band to be utilized by producers and distributors of motion pictures for trans-
mitting their service to theaters and there to be viewed by the public upon the
payment of regular admission charges.
The Commission refused to assign frequencies at this time for subscription radio
but stated:
"If this service proves feasible and the Commission decides to license stations
of this type, applicants will be permitted to apply for channels in the regular
FM commercial band or in such other band or bands as the Commission may
later designate" (R. 74).
The Commission likewise refused to assign frequencies for theater television but
stated that it would give consideration to applications for experimental authori-
zation in this field on frequencies between 480 and 920 me allocated to broadcasting
on the basis that the use of these frequencies will be discontinued when needed
for the broadcast service (R. 189).
Columbia submits that no frequencies should be assigned to subscription radio
or theater television.**
1. Subscription Radio Is Not Broadcasting.
The Communications Act of 1934 defines broadcasting thus :
"'Broadcasting' means the dissemination of radio communication intended
to be received by the public, directly or by the intermediary of relay stations."
Sec. 3(o).
The proposal for subscription radio is in direct conflict with the basic concept of
broadcasting — that is, that everyone may listen freely to all programs. Under
the proposal the public would be required to pay a fee to private individuals for
the privilege of listening to a broadcast made over frequencies which are licensed
in the public interest.
* Pp. 35-40, inclusive.
** The pertinent principles will be discussed as they apply to the proposal for
subscription radio. These apply with at least equal force to the requested use of
frequencies for theater television.
April, 1945 STATEMENT ON THEATER TELEVISION 273
2. Assignment of Channels to Subscription Radio Would Violate Commission's
General Principles of Allocation.
(a) Subscription Radio Could Utilize Wire Lines
In its discussion of "General Principles" followed by the Commission in making
proposed allocations, the Commission stated (R. 18) ". . . with the severe shortage
of frequencies, it would not be in the public interest to assign a portion of the
spectrum to a service whicL could utilize wire lines instead. ..." The proposed
operation is one that can be carried on by wire lines as is the Muzak we know to-
day, and as is the European counterpart of the proposed service. The only objec-
tion to the use of wire lines is that such a method of operation would increase the
cost, but, as will be pointed out later, the proposed service will be available at
<best only to those located in large metropolitan areas and only to the wealthier
among them.
(&) Only a Limited Number of People Would Benefit
In its discussion of "General Principles" followed by the Commission in making
proposed allocations, the Commission stated (R. 18 and 19) that, "... the Com-
mission was concerned with the total number of people who would probably re-
ceive benefits from the particular service. Where other factors were equal, the
Commission attempted to meet the requests of those services which proposed to
render benefits to large groups of the population rather than of those services
which aid relatively small groups. . . . With the shortage of frequencies available,
the Commission did not believe that it would be in the public interest to assign
frequencies to a new service unless it could be shown that there would be public
acceptability and use of the service."
The proposed service would be of benefit to only a small portion of the public —
the upper income levels. Mr. Hurdman, Muzak's Chief Engineer, testified as fol-
lows : "As a matter of fact, I think if you get the area too large, you would not be
able to service it. I think it is essentially a small area coverage on account of the
difficulties of collection and servicing." (Tr. 1396.) Mr. Weiner testified, "I
would not undertake to dignify any figure I give now as an estimate, but I would
say we would make an effort at getting somewhere between, say, 10% and 40%
of the radio set owners." (Tr. 1408.) He further testified that his clients now
contemplate operation in only three major markets (Tr. 1385).
J3. Subscription Radio Would Violate Section 3.230 of Commission's Rules and
Regulations.
In view of the fact that the present proposal contemplates three simultaneous
services from three separate stations, subscription radio would violate Section
3.230 (a) of the Commission's Rules and Regulations which provides
"No person (including all persons under common control) shall, directly or
indirectly, own, operate, or control more than one high frequency broadcast
station that would serve substantially the same service area as another high
frequency broadcast station owned, operated, or controlled by such person."
To make an exception to the rule for subscription radio would be manifestly un-
fair to FM broadcasters and to the licensees of the standard stations who have
274 STATEMENT ON THEATER TELEVISION
been compelled to dispose of their stations under Section 3.35 which is a parallel
rule applicable to standard broadcast stations.
Subscription radio, as proposed, also would violate Section 3.230 (b) of the
Commission's Rules and Regulations which provides
"No person (including all persons under common control) shall, directly or
indirectly, own, operate, or control more than one high frequency broadcast
station, except upon the showing: (1) that such ownership, operation, or con-
trol would foster competition among high frequency broadcast stations, or pro-
vide a high frequency broadcasting service distinct and separate from existing
services, and (2) that such ownership, operation, or control would not result in
the concentration of control of high frequency broadcasting facilities in a manner
inconsistent with public interest, convenience, or necessity; ..."
Again, any exception made to such rule on behalf of subscription radio would be
discriminatory against FM broadcasters.
4. The Proposed Allocation for Commercial FM Broadcasting Is Less Than
Adequate.
As pointed out elsewhere in this brief, the proposed allocation of channels to
FM broadcasting is considered to be less than adequate. Yet, proponents of sub-
scription radio propose that a single person be the licensee of three FM stations in
any given area in which subscription radio would operate.
Even if the proposed three channel allocation were not to be made to subscrip-
tion radio, there will be insufficient space in the proposed commercial FM band
to take care of even the present FM applicants from that area. As pointed out
above, the testimony of Messrs. Weiner and Hurdman indicates that subscrip-
tion radio would probably be workable only in the large metropolitan areas where
wealth is concentrated and which are feasible from the standpoint of servicing.
The allocation of a portion of the band to subscription radio for use in the large
metropolitan areas would necessarily limit or prevent the possibility of such ex-
pansion in the very areas that will be most cramped for space.
This is the situation which would exist if only one organization were licensed to
carry on the business of subscription radio in any one area. If, however, alloca-
tions were to be made so as to permit competition among subscription radio
licensees — and it cannot be supposed that the Commission would countenance a
monopolistic franchise in this field — the situation described would become so
magnified as to force broadcasters from the FM band.
It seems thoroughly inappropriate, therefore, to attempt to deny the use of
needed frequencies to a proven service available without charge to the entire public
in favor of something which will serve only a small part of the public who are able
and willing to pay the special fees required.
5. Subscription Radio Should Be Assigned Frequencies Allocated to Point-to-
Point Services, If At All.
It is submitted that if frequencies are, at a future date, to be assigned to sub-
scription radio that those frequencies should be in the point-to-point band, inas-
much as the proposed service is a multiple address radio service rather than a
broadcasting service.
ANALYSIS OF GENEVA MECHANISMS*
WILLIAM A. WILLIS**
In the mechanical design of practically all types of instruments,
it is necessary for certain parts to operate intermittently relative to a
continuously moving part. A popular and simple means of ob-
taining this movement is by the use of the Geneva mechanism.
The Geneva mechanism is so named because its operation is based
upon the principle of the stop in Geneva watches which prevents
overwinding the mainspring by checking the winding stem after a
predetermined number of turns. Now universally used in motion
picture projectors for synchronizing the movement of the film with
that of the shutter, the Geneva mechanism also has various applica-
tions in indexing devices for machine tools. In the design of com-
munications and navigational equipment, it is useful for electrical
tuning and band change drives (see Fig. 1), in dial indicating mecha-
nisms, in coil tuning and switch positioning, and in numerous other
j applications.
Commonly Used Type. — One type of Geneva mechanism in
general use, shown in Fig. 2, operates as follows. The driven disk B
has 4 radial slots spaced 90 degrees apart, and between these are 4
concave surfaces C of circular shape to match locking ring D on the
face of driver A. The driver carries a pin or roller P, which during
each revolution engages one of the radial slots S of driven disk B and
thereby rotates it one-quarter of a revolution. The ring D is cut
away to provide clearance for the passage of the slotted arm, after
which passage it is held stationary by the interlocking of surfaces
C and D. The driver A then rotates the remaining three-quarters
of its revolution.
In this type of mechanism, particularly if operated at high speed,
it is desirable to design the driver and driven disk so that the pin P
will enter and leave the slot S tangent to the circular path of the pin,
* Reprinted from Bendix Radio Engineer, 1, 3 (Jan., 1945), p. 8.
** Chief Mechanical Engineer, Receiver Engineering, Bendix Radio Division
of Bendix Aviation Corporation, Baltimore, Md.
275
276 W. A. WILLIS Vol 44, No. 4
making the angle 0 90 degrees. The angle B equals 180/N, where N
is the number of slots in the driven disk.
The least number of slots with which it is possible to operate the
driven disk is three; and if the width of the slot and the radius of
the circular path of the driving pin may be considered infinitely small,
the greatest number of slots possible for operation may be considered
as infinite. Thus the theoretical limit for the number of slots lies
between three and infinity.
^^•••1
FIG. 1. Geneva mechanism in band-switch
motor.
Inspection of Fig. 2 shows that since the length of the driver arm A
is constant throughout its cycle of operation and rotates at a constant
velocity, the effective arm of the driven disk B varies continuously
and decreases to a minimum length when the pin is on the line of
centers. At this point the driven disk is rotating at its maximum
velocity.
In making a kinematic analysis of this Geneva mechanism, several
analytical or graphic methods may be used ; and although analytical
methods are inherently more accurate, graphic methods carefully
drawn to a large scale will produce results with less than 2 per cent
error. This is sufficiently accurate for the majority of applications.
April, 1945
ANALYSIS OF GENEVA MECHANISMS
277
FIG. 2. Typical Geneva mechanism.
If it is desirable to find the kinematic properties for only one in-
stantaneous position of the mechanism, the direct vector solution is
the logical method to use, but usually the properties must be deter-
mined for a sufficient number of positions to show their variations
for a complete cycle of opera-
tion. In such cases other
quicker and less cumbersome
methods are used.
Velocity Analysis. — Kine-
matically, the Geneva mecha-
nism shown in Fig. 2 may be
represented as 2 rotatable
links in direct contact as
shown in Figs. 3, 4, and 6.
As in most all velocity problems, a little ingenuity must be ex-
ercised in deciding on the best method of attack. Fig. 3 shows
the direct vector solution for finding the linear velocities for an
instantaneous position of the driver link, where
VA = linear velocity of link A;
VB = linear velocity of link B ;
VR = linear velocity of point P on link A relative to P on link B.
f Fig. 4 shows the direct-cen-
tro method of solution which
is recommended for finding
the angular-velocity ratio of
links A and B for a complete
cycle of operation. The angu-
lar-velocity ratio of driver
link A to driven link B in any
phase may be found by mak-
ing use of the "condition that
^COMMON NORMAL
B
FIG. 3. Kinematic diagram for direct
vector velocity solution.
the common centro of any 2
links has a certain velocity, whether it be considered in either one
or the other." The permanent centres of links A and B are their
axes of rotation FA and FB, and the nonpermanent centro AB may be
found as follows.
The links are to remain in contact during motion so the surfaces of
contact between pin P and slot S will always have a common tan-
gent T-T and common normal N-N. Since the links A and B must
not separate nor crush each other, there can be no relative motion be-
278
W. A. WILLIS
Vol 44, No. 4
^-COMMON NORMAL
COMMON TANGENTS
tween P and S along the direction of the normal N-N. The only
motion they can have must be that of sliding in the direction of the
common tangent T-T; hence
the centre AB must be some-
where along the common nor-
mal N-N. And, in accordance
with Kennedy's theorem which
states that, "any 3 bodies
having relative plane motion
have but 3 centres which must
lie on the same straight line,"
FIG. 4.
Let:
Diagram for direct-centre velocity
solution.
the centro AB is at the inter-
section of N-N with the line
of centers of inks A and B.
COA = angular velocity of link A in radians per second ;
COB = angular velocity of link B in radians per second ;
COAB = angular velocity of centro AB in radians per second ;
VA = linear velocity of point on link A;
VB = linear velocity of point on link B ;
VAB = linear velocity of centro AB.
r
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100 110 120 130
ROTATION OF DRIVER *A' (DEGREES) FROM INITIAL OPERATING POSITION
6 SLOT
CURVE
ROT
"X
0
0
10
.12
20
.27
30
.47
40
71
50
.91
60
10
70
91
80
71
90
.47
100
.27
110
12
120
0
4 SLOT
CURVE
ROT
X
0
0
_5_
15
10
.40
25
96
35
1.8
45
2 4
55
1-8
65
96
75
40
85
10
90
0
FIG. 5. Curve for obtaining angular velocity ratio of Geneva mechanisms.
Then, from the known relation between angular and linear velocity
ofco = V/r,
VAB = COA (FA - AB) (1)
considering AB a point in link A;
VAB = COB (FB - AB) (2)
April, 1945 ANALYSIS OF GENEVA MECHANISMS 279
considering AB a point in link B.
Equating (1) and (2),
COA _ (FB - AB)
COB (FA - AB)
or the angular velocities of links A and B are inversely proportional
to the distance of their common centro AB from their centers of rota-
tion FA and FB.
Using this method of analysis and the velocity ratio for every 5 or 10
degrees movement of driver link A, we obtain the curve shown in Fig.
5. A similar curve for a 6-slot disk is also shown to illustrate how the
maximum angular-velocity
ratio decreases as the number
of slots is increased.
Checking Solutions. — In
general, the graphic method
described for determining the
angular- velocity ratio of the
Geneva mechanism is desir-
able. But a mathematical
analysis, though generally pro- FlG- 6- Diagram for mathematical
analysis.
ducing a complicated equa-
tion and often inconvenient to use, has restricted applications, and
is recommended for checking graphic solutions, particularly for the
maximum point of velocity.
For a direct mathematical analysis, the Geneva mechanism
should be represented as shown in Fig. 6.
Let:
R = length of driver link A;
C = length of center distance between links;
/3 = initial operating position of link A;
a = angular rotation of driver link A from initial operating position ;
COA = angular velocity of driver link A ;
COB = angular velocity of driver link B.
Remember that R and C are constants, and driver link A is rotat-
ing at a constant velocity. The angular velocity of link A at any
instant is found by differentiating (/3 - - a) with respect to time,
and that of link B by differentiating 9 with respect to time, thus:
d(0 - «) 60
WA dt ' B df
280 W. A. WILLIS Vol 44, No. 4
Therefore, the angular-velocity ratio of link A to B equals :
COB _ d0 d(<3 — a) _ d6
COA " dt7 dt ~ d(j8 - a)'
From law of sines :
sin (0 — a) _ sin0.
Differentiating both sides with respect to (/3 — a) :
cos (ft - q) _ sin (^ — q) dz /cos 0\ d0
z z2 d(|8 - a) ~ \ R ) d(/3 - a) '
From law of cosines :
z2 = R2 + C2 - 2RC cos (0 - a). (6)
Differentiating both sides with respect to (/3 — a) :
Substituting (7) in (5) :
(<8 - a) _ RC sin2 (j8 - «) _ /cos0\ dd
~^T- ~- (^r
dd R r RC .
cos (^ - a) - sm
d R r
o = ^e L
From 6 :
XV X-' \~s XV
From Fig. 6:
z cos 0 = C - R cos (18 — a). (10}
Substituting (9) and (10) in (8)':
de _ R r g ,Q _ } sin2 (18 — q)
^ + - — 2 cos (/3 — «)
L. v-' -K-
ui;
Simplifying :
COS (|8 — q) — ^
COB _ d0 L- //9
C R
The above equation may also be derived as follows by a mathe-
April, 1945 ANALYSIS OF GENEVA MECHANISMS 281
matical solution of the distances x and y in Fig. 6, which, from our
foregoing graphic solution, are inversely proportional to the angular
velocities of links A and B .
By law of sines:
x , u
-cos0 sin (0 - «)'
sin 90° ~ sin 6
Dividing (13) by (14) :
x -sin 6 cos </>
y sin OS - «) '
By law of cosines:
C2 = R2 + z2 - 2Rz cos
By law of sines :
sin 6 sin (/3 — a)
R sin (|8 —
.'. sm 0 =
z
Substituting (75) and (77) in (75) :
X _ (C2 - R2 - Z2)
By law of cosines :
z2 = R2 + C2 - 2RC cos (0 - a).
Substituting (75) in (7£) :
RC cos (<8 - oQ - R2
y 2z2
y R2 + C2 - RC cos (0 - a)
Dividing both numerator and denominator by RC and simplify-
ing:
cos (j8 _ tt _
The maximum instantaneous velocity ratio of — occurs when
282
W. A. WILLIS
Vol 44, No. 4
(j8 — a) equals zero.
Eq 21 which gives :
This value may be found by substitution in
/«B\
W
R
C -R
Acceleration Analysis. — Often of prime importance, particularly
in the determination of inertia forces in high-speed mechanisms,
is acceleration. As the magnitude of the inertia force is equal to the
product of mass and acceleration, it often greatly exceeds the ex-
ternal load and is therefore the major factor in making a complete
static and dynamic force analysis of the mechanism.
As the methods of solving acceleration problems are analogous to
those employed for velocities, the direct vector method is usually the
logical choice when an analy-
sis is to be made at one in-
stantaneous position of the
mechanism. But in the
Geneva mechanism shown,
because of the sliding motion
of one link on the other at the
same time they are both ro-
tating, an additional com-
ponent of acceleration gen-
erally known as the Coriolis
component must be added to
COMMON NORMAL
FIG. 7.
Diagram used in acceleration
analysis.
the normal and tangential components. Since this additional com-
ponent complicates any complete graphic solution, the following
method — a graphic method combined with a special computation-
is usually preferred.
Represent the Geneva mechanism as shown in Fig. 7 and let :
COA = angular velocity of link A;
COB = angular velocity of link B ;
«A =» angular acceleration of link A;
«B = angular acceleration of link B;
a A = tangential acceleration of link A;
au = tangential acceleration of link B ;
VR = velocity of point P on link A relative to point P on link B ;
R = length of driver link A;
r = effective length of link B (at instant considered) .
In the operation of the majority of these mechanisms, the driver
link A rotates at a constant angular velocity. Assuming that COA
April, 1945
ANALYSIS OF GENEVA MECHANISMS
283
is constant, the tangential acceleration «A of point P equals zero.
The only effective acceleration P has is its normal acceleration rela-
tive to its fixed axis of rotation <f> and is aA = ^A2R. The direction is
toward 0, and is represented by vector PP.
Draw a line through P, perpendicular to and intersecting common
normal NN at P2. This component PP2 acts in the direction shown
and, according to Coriolis' law, equals the vector sum:
VR may be obtained direct from the vector diagram in Fig. 3,
4 SLOT
CURVE
ROT.
U%A*
0
1
10
1.7
20
3.1
30
5
35
5.3
40
4.1
45
0
55
-53
60
-5
70
-3.1
80
- 1.7
90
- 1
6 SLOT
CURVE
ROT.
U%*
0
.57
15
89
30
1.27
35
L20
50
.92
6C
0
70
-92
85
-1 20
90
-1.27
105
-89
120
-57
FIG. 8. Curve for obtaining acceleration ratio of Geneva mechanisms.
and COB by substitution of VB and r (obtained from Fig. 3) in o>B =
— . We may represent 2VRo>B by P^Ps acting opposite to PPi in the
r
direction shown:
Since PP2 = 2VRwB H > RaB;
PP2 = P2P3 + — >R«B;
R«B = P P2 > P2P3;
.'. PP3 = R«B.
Vector PP3 is the resultant tangential component of the acceleration
of P on link B ; and since
— = -3 in direction of PP2.
284 W. A. WILLIS
For a mathematical acceleration analysis, we may obtain the
angular acceleration ratio of links A and B by differentiating COB/COA
(obtained from Eq 12) with respect to time. Remembering WA is
constant and that — - — — - is equal to COA, we obtain the following:
dt
(09)
+ - 2 cos (0
~\'<
- a) J
Using this equation, the curves in Fig. 8 are obtained. These
curves show the ratio of «BA°2A for a 4- and 6-slot mechanism fcr
ccmplete cycles of operation.
Practical Design. — The designer of Geneva mechanisms first
cetermines the number of slots required in the driven disk as indi-
cated by the ratio it is necessary to achieve between the motion of
the driver and driven shaft. The mechanism is then laid out so
that the pin of the driver will enter and leave the slots at an angle
of 90 degrees. If the mechanism operates at high speed or under a
relatively heavy load, the points of maximum velocity and accelera
tion should be found, and the stress at these points checked to as-
sure tnat it is not sufficiently great to prevent satisfactory opera-
tion.
The disadvantage in having points of relatively high angular
velocity and acceleration in Geneva mechanisms is offset by the ad-
vantages gained in their simplicity of construction and reliability and
accuracy in operation.
NOMENCLATURE FOR MOTION PICTURE FILM USED
IN STUDIOS AND PROCESSING LABORATORIES*
Ed. Note. — The new American War Standard Nomenclature for Motion Picture
Film Used in Studios and Processing Laboratories represents the first fruits of a
unified effort to prepare a standard reference source for motion picture terminology.
It was requested by the Armed Forces in order that a common understanding could
be brought about within the motion picture industry and the Armed Forces as to
what is meant by terms used daily in the production of picture and sound negatives
and the related laboratory processes or methods employed in making the finished
sound-film release prints exhibited in theaters or in the field to troops overseas.
The major part of this standard was drawn up by the subgroup on Nomenclature
of Subcommittee C on Laboratory Practice of A SA War Committee on Photography
and Cinematography, Z52, comprising Captain L. T. Goldsmith of the Signal Corps
Photographic Center; D. E. Hyndman, president of the SMPE; W. F. Kelley,
manager of the Research Council of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences;
and W. C. Miller, chairman of the Committee on Rerecording 35-Mm Features for
16- Mm Release of the Research Council of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and
Sciences.
The foreword, glossary, and production flow chart are reprinted here. Complete
copies of the standard, including a list of personnel of War Committee on Photography
and Cinematography, Z52, and Subcommittee C on 16-Mm Laboratory Practice,
and index, may be obtained from the American Standards Association, 70 East 45th
St., New York 17.
FOREWORD
This standard for motion picture film nomenclature has been pre-
pared through the coordinated efforts of representatives of the
motion picture industry, the Armed Forces, and the War Production
Board.
It is not intended that it be a complete glossary. The main efforts
of the committee have been devoted to obtaining general agreement
for the first time on definitions of terms, materials, and processes
now most widely used by studios and processing laboratories.
In this glossary the terms defined have been divided into various
groups, and a flow chart showing the application of certain terms to
the production of 35-mm and 16-mm release prints made from original
* American War Standard, Z52. 14-1944; Approved December 29, 1944, by
American Standards Association.
285
286 NOMENCLATURE FOR MOTION PICTURE FILM Vol 44, No. 4
negatives has been included to facilitate its use by those not thor-
oughly familiar with the art.
Terms in which no reference is made to film size are understood to
apply to both 16-mm and 35-mm films. All terms applicable to color
films refer to color films of the monopack or integral tripack type.
Undoubtedly, there will be extensive constructive criticism and
comment as a result of the use of this standard by the motion picture
industry and the Armed Forces. At such time as sufficient comment
has been received, this standard will be revised under the War Stand-
ards Procedure of the American Standards Association. In any
event, after the war, this American War Standard will be reviewed
through the regular procedure of the ASA and either approved as
American Standard (possibly in amended form) or withdrawn.
Comments and criticisms should be addressed to MR. J. W. Mc-
NAIR, Secretary of the War Committee on Photography and Cine-
matography, Z52, American Standards Association, 70 East 45th St.,
New York 17, N. Y.
This standard has been developed under the supervision of the
War Committee on Photography and Cinematography, Z52.
AMERICAN WAR STANDARD
NOMENCLATURE FOR MOTION PICTURE FILM USED IN
STUDIOS AND PROCESSING LABORATORIES
1. General
1.1 Motion Picture Film. Motion picture film is a thin flexible
ribbon of transparent material having perforations along one or
both edges and bearing a sensitized layer or other coating capable
of producing photographic images.
NOTE: The term "film" may be applied to unexposed film, to exposed but
unprocessed film, and to exposed and processed film.
1.1.1 Raw Stock. Raw stock is film which has not been ex-
posed or processed.
1.1.2 Film Base. Film base is the transparent or nearly trans-
parent material upon which a photographic emulsion is coated;
namely, the support for the emulsion in photographic film.
NOTE: All 35-mm film is usually understood to be an inflammable base
(nitrate) , unless otherwise specified.
April, 1945 NOMENCLATURE FOR MOTION PICTURE FlLM 287
1.1.2.1 Safety Base. Safety base is the slow burning film
base used in motion picture film.
NOTE: At the present time, safety base and acetate base are synonymous
and 16-mm film manufactured in the United States is of this form. All safety
base must comply with American Recommended Practice for Motion Picture
Safety Film, Z22.31-1941.
1.1.3 Film Perforations. Film perforations are the regularly
and accurately spaced holes that are punched throughout the length
of motion picture film. These holes are engaged by the teeth of
various sprockets and pins by which the film is propelled and posi-
tioned as it travels through cameras, processing machines, pro-
jectors, and other film machinery.
1.1.3.1 35- Mm Negative Perforation. A 35-mm negative per-
foration is the perforation used for negative and some special-pur-
pose 35-mm films.
NOTE: It is a perforation with sharp corners, curved sides and a straight top
and bottom, and its dimensions are as shown in American Standard for Cutting
and Perforating Negative Raw Stock, Z22.34-1944 or latest revision thereof.
1.1.3.2 35- Mm Positive Perforation. A 35-mm positive per-
foration is the perforation used for positive 35-mm film.
NOTE: This perforation is rectangular in shape with fillets in the corners,
and its dimensions are as shown in American Standard for Cutting and Perforating
Positive Raw Stock, Z22.36-1944 or latest revision thereof.
1.1.3.3 16- Mm Perforation. A 16-mm perforation is the per-
foration which is used in all 16-mm film.
NOTE : This perforation is rectangular in shape with fillets in the corners, and
its dimensions are as shown in American Standard for Cutting and Perforating
Negative and Positive 16-Mm Raw Stock, Z22. 13-1944 or latest revision thereof.
1.1.4 Fine-Grain. Fine-grain is the term used to designate
film emulsions in which the grain size is smaller or finer than in the
older type emulsions commonly employed prior to about 1936.
NOTE: This term is relative as there is a wide variation in grain size among
various fine-grain films. It is probable that the term will become obsolete when
all film emulsions become fine grain. There is no inverse term such as coarse
grain.
1.2 Direct Play-Back Positive. A direct play-back positive is a
sound film which is so originally exposed that upon development in
a single developer bath, the resulting image is in positive form
available for normal sound reproduction.
NOTE: It is often a variable-area sound record.
288 NOMENCLATURE FOR MOTION PICTURE FILM Vol 44, No. 4
1.3 Dupe (Duplicate) Negative. A dupe (duplicate) negative is a
negative film that is produced by printing from a positive.
NOTE: A dupe negative is used for producing prints which are, in effect,
duplicates of prints which might be made from the original negative.
1.3.1 Temporary Picture Dupe Negative. A temporary pic-
ture dupe negative is a low-quality dupe negative and is made on
positive stock.
NOTE: It is used to make low-quality prints for use in editing. It usually
contains picture only, but may also have the sound track on the same film.
1.3.2 Print from a Temporary Picture Dupe Negative. A
print from a temporary picture dupe negative is a low-quality print
made from the temporary picture dupe negative.
1.4 Image (Photographic). An image is any photographically
obtained likeness on a film emulsion.
1.4.1 Latent Image. A latent image is the invisible image
registered on a photographic emulsion due to the reaction produced
in the emulsion by exposure to light.
NOTE : This image becomes visible after development.
1.4.2 Picture Image. A picture image is a photographically
obtained likeness of any object on photographic film.
1.4.3 Sound Image. A sound image is a photographically
obtained sound track or sound record.
1.4.4 Negative Image. A negative image is a photographic
image in which the values of light and shade of the original photo-
graphed subject are represented in inverse order.
NOTE : In a negative image, light objects of the original subject are represented
by high densities and dark objects are represented by low densities.
1.4.5 Positive Image. A positive image is a photographic
replica in which the values of light and shade of the original photo-
graphed subject are represented in their natural order.
NOTE: In a positive image, the light objects of the original subject are repre-
sented by low densities and the dark objects are represented by high densities.
1.5 Synchronism. Synchronism is the relation between the pic-
ture and sound films with respect either to the physical location on
the film or films, or to the time at which corresponding picture and
sound are seen and heard.
April, 1945 NOMENCLATURE FOR MOTION PICTURE FlLM 289
1.5.1 Projection Synchronism. Projection synchronism is
the time relation between picture and corresponding sound in a
projection print.
NOTE: Correct projection synchronism is indicated by exact coincidence of
picture and sound as seen and heard. To attain this result, it is necessary to
place the sound track 20 frames ahead of the center of the corresponding picture
for 35-mm film and 26 frames ahead of the center of the corresponding picture
for 16-mm film, since sound motion picture projection equipment is designed for
projection synchronism with this relationship existing between the locations of
the projected picture and corresponding sound.
1.5.2 Editorial Synchronism. Editorial synchronism is the .
relationship between the picture and sound film during the editorial
processes.
NOTE: During the editorial process, the sound track and corresponding
picture, whether on the same or separate films, are kept in alignment and not
offset as for projection. Thus, cutting a picture and sound can be a simultaneous
operation. Many composite release negatives are supplied in editorial syn-
chronism.
1.5.3 Camera Synchronism. Camera synchronism is the
relationship between picture and sound on an original composite
negative.
NOTE: Camera synchronism is generally not the same as projection synchron-
ism and is never the same as editorial synchronism. The relationship between
picture and sound may vary among different type cameras.
1.6 Exposure. Exposure is the process of subjecting a photo-
graphic film to any given intensity of light in such a manner that
it may produce a latent image on the emulsion.
1.7 Development. Development is the process of treating an
exposed photographic emulsion to make the latent image visible.
NOTE: This term is sometimes incorrectly used in the trade to include both
fixation and washing of the developed image and drying of the film. The correct
term for these operations as a group is processing.
1.7.1 Fixing (Fixation). Fixing (fixation) is the process of
removing the residual sensitive silver halides from a developed film
to render the developed image permanent.
NOTE : During the process of fixation, films are customarily treated to preserve
and harden the developed image.
1.8 Printing. Printing is the process of exposing raw stock by
using the image of another film as the light modulator.
NOTE: Through printing, one may produce a positive print from a negative
290 NOMENCLATURE FOR MOTION PICTURE FILM Vol 44, No. 4
film; a negative film from a positive film; or, if the reversal process is employed,
printing may be used to produce positives from positives or negatives from
negatives. When the verb "to print" is used, any of the above processes may be
implied.
1.8.1 Contact Printing. Contact printing is that method of
printing in which the raw stock is held in intimate contact with the
film bearing the image to be copied.
1.8.2 Projection Printing (Optical Printing). Projection
printing (optical printing) is printing by projecting the image to be
copied on the raw stock.
NOTE: When projection printing, the image being copied may be enlarged,
reduced, or made the same size.
1.8.2.1 Reduction Printing. Reduction printing is the process
of producing and recording photographically a smaller image,
usually on a smaller film, from a larger image.
NOTE: This process is commonly used in making 16-mm negatives or prints
from 35-mm originals. Film thus made is referred to as a reduction negative or
reduction print, as the case may be.
1.9 Projection. Projection is the process of presenting a film for
either visual or aural review, or both.
1.10 Production. Production is the general term used to describe
the processes involved in making all the original material that is
the basis for the finished motion picture.
1.11 Editorial Process. Editorial process is the term used to
describe the combining, cutting, editing, and other preparation of
material obtained from the original material to make the finished
motion picture.
1.12 Rerecording. Rerecording is the electrical process of trans-
ferring sound records from one or more films or disks to other films
or disks.
NOTE: Rerecording may be used to combine different sound records into a
single record; to adjust the response-frequency characteristic; or to adjust the
relative levels between different scenes and sequences.
1.13 Release. Release is a generic term used to designate films
used for or intended for general distribution and exhibition.
NOTE : Unless specifically stated, release refers only to the normal or domestic
release of 35-mm motion picture production through agencies within the United
States.
April, 1945 NOMENCLATURE FOR MOTION PICTURE FlLM 291
1.13.1 16-Mm Release. A 16-mm release designates any or all
the releases made on 16-mm film.
1.13.2 Foreign Release. A foreign release is any release made
to agencies outside the United States.
NOTE: A descriptive adjective is usually applied to name the specific country
or territory to which the release will go. As an example, a release made to Spain
would be termed a Spanish release.
1.13.2.1 16-Mm Foreign Release. A 16-mm foreign release is
a foreign release made on 16-mm film.
NOTE: As an example, a release made to Spain on 16-mm film would be
termed a 16-mm Spanish release.
1.13.3 Release Negative. A release negative is a complete
negative prepared specifically for printing release prints.
NOTE : A release negative may consist of separate picture and sound negatives
; and may be in either projection or editorial synchronism, depending upon the
film processing technique to be employed in making release prints.
1.14 35-Mm Negative Blow-up. A 35-mm negative blow-up is a
negative made by the optical printing process in which a larger
negative image is produced from a smaller positive image.
NOTE: 35-mm negative blow-ups may be made from a 16-mm or possibly an
8-mm positive by the use of the optical printing process.
1.15 Matte Rolls (Traveling Masks). Matte rolls (traveling
masks) are a pair of film rolls used as light modulators.
NOTE: Matte rolls are complementary in that where one roll is clear, the
other is effectively opaque. They are usually matched to rolls of original black
and white, or of color reversal positives in the printing of black and white or
color duplicates.
2. Negative Film
2.1 Negative. The term "negative" is used to designate any of
the following:
(a) the raw stock specifically designed for negative images
(6) the negative image
(c) negative raw stock which has been exposed but has not been
; processed
(d) film bearing a negative image which has been processed.
2.2 Picture Negative. A picture negative is any negative film
which, after exposure to a subject or positive image and subsequent
processing, produces a negative picture image on the film.
292 NOMENCLATURE FOR MOTION PICTURE FILM Vol 44, No. 4
2.2.1 Original Picture Negative. The original picture nega-
tive is the negative film which is exposed in the camera and subse-
quently processed to produce an original negative picture image.
2.2.2 Background Plate Negative. A background plate nega-
tive is a picture negative which is used to print background plates.
2.2.3 Picture Library Negative. A picture library negative
is a picture negative which is usually held in a stock library for use
in reproducing scenes which would otherwise have to be made as
original material for each production.
2.2.4 Title Negative. A title negative is a picture negative
which is exposed to a title card or to both a title card and back-
ground.
2.2.5 Picture Dupe Negative. A picture dupe negative is a
picture negative made from a picture duping print.
NOTE : It may be used for making other picture prints or may be cut to form
a part of the picture release negative.
2.2.6 Picture Release Negative. A picture release negative
is a release negative used for printing the picture portion of release
prints.
NOTE: It may consist of intercut original picture negatives, picture dupe
negatives, etc., depending upon the choice of available material or the intended
use of the release print.
2.2.7 Foreign Picture Release Negative. A foreign picture
release negative is a picture release negative prepared specifically
for printing foreign version release prints.
NOTE: It is almost invariably a dupe negative.
2.2.8 16-Mm Picture Release Negative. A 16-mm picture
release negative is a picture release negative on 16-mm film prepared
specifically for printing 16-mm release prints.
NOTE: It is generally a dupe negative.
2.2.9 Picture Release Dupe Negative. A picture release dupe
negative is a picture dupe negative prepared specifically for printing
the picture portion of release prints.
2.3 Sound Negative. A sound negative is any negative film which,
after exposure to a positive sound image and subsequent processing,
produces a negative sound track on the film.
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April, 1945 NOMENCLATURE FOR MOTION PICTURE FlLM 295
2.3.1 Original Sound Negative. The original sound negative
is the sound negative which is exposed in a film recorder and after
processing produces a negative sound image on the film.
2.3.2 Sound Effects Negative. A sound effects negative is a
sound negative upon which sound effects have been recorded.
NOTE: It is ordinarily held in library stock.
2.3.3 Music Negative. A music negative is a sound negative
upon which music has been recorded.
NOTE: It is usually an original sound negative but may be a library negative.
2.3.4 Sound Cut Negative. A sound cut negative is a sound
negative which is intercut from an original sound negative.
NOTE: It is generally in exact conformity with the sound work print, and
produces a single combined negative. The print of the sound cut negative pro-
vides all, or portions of, the rerecording print.
2.3.5 Rerecorded Negative. A rerecorded negative is a sound
negative which is exposed by rerecording and when processed pro-
duces a negative sound-track image.
2.3.6 Sound Release Negative. A sound release negative is a
release negative prepared for printing the sound portion of release
prints.
NOTE: It may consist of rerecorded negatives, intercut original sound nega-
tives, sound dupe negatives, etc., depending upon the choice of available material
or the intended use of the print.
2.3.6.1 Special Sound Release Negative. A special sound re-
lease negative is a sound release negative made for the purpose of
obtaining a sound track which has characteristics other than the
sound release negative.
NOTE: It may be a sound track for use in foreign version release, foreign
English language version release, or 16-mm release from 35-mm original material.
.It usually has undergone an additional rerecording operation.
2.3. 6. la Special Sound Release Negative for Use in 16-Mm
Release of 35-Mm Preprint Material. The special sound release
negative for 16-mm release of 35-mm original material is usually
rerecorded.
NOTE: It may be rerecorded from a print of the 35-mm sound release negative
or from the 35-mm rerecording print.
2.3.6.1b Special Sound Release Negative Used in English
Version for Foreign Release. The special sound release negative for
296 NOMENCLATURE FOR MOTION PICTURE FILM Vol 44, No. 4
use in English version for foreign release is rerecorded from the re-
recording print, except that the dialogue track is modified to remove
American colloquialism.
2.3.6.1c Special Sound Release Negative Used in Foreign
Language Version. The special sound release negative for use in
foreign language version release is usually rerecorded using all of
rerecording tracks, except the dialogue track for which is substituted
a special synchronized dialogue track in the foreign language for
which the release is being made.
2.3.7 Sound Release Dupe Negative. A sound release dupe
negative is a sound dupe negative prepared specifically for printing
the sound track of release prints.
2.4 Composite Negative. A composite negative is a negative film
which is exposed and processed to produce both sound track and
picture negative images on the same film.
NOTE: The sound and picture may be in editorial, projection or camera syn-
chronism, depending upon the manner in which the composite negative is made
and its intended use.
2.4.1 Composite Original Negative. A composite original
negative is a composite negative which, after exposure and process-
ing, produces an original negative picture and sound track image in
camera synchronism.
2.4.2 Composite Dupe Negative. A composite dupe nega-
tive is a composite negative which, after exposure and processing,
produces a dupe negative picture and sound track image.
NOTE: It is usually used for printing foreign version release prints and is
frequently in editorial synchronism.
3. Positive Film
3.1 Print or Positive. The term "positive" or "print" is used to
designate any of the following:
(a) the raw stock specifically designed for positive images
(b) the positive image
(c) positive raw stock which has been exposed but has not been
processed
(d) film bearing a positive image which has been processed.
April, 1945 NOMENCLATURE FOR MOTION PICTURE FlLM 297
3.2 Picture Print. A picture print is any positive printed from a
picture negative.
3.2.1. Picture Daily Print. A picture daily print is the first
picture print made from the original picture negative for use in
checking photographic quality, camera technique, action, etc.
3.2.2 Picture Work Print. A picture work print is a positive
print which usually consists of intercut picture daily prints, picture
library prints, prints of dissolves, montages, titles, etc., and has
synchronism constantly maintained with the corresponding sound
work print.
NOTE: A picture work print is used to edit and combine the various picture
scenes of a motion picture into the desired form.
3.2.3 Picture Library Print. A picture library print, is a
picture print made from a picture library negative.
3.2.4 Background Plate (Background Film) . A background
plate (background film) is a picture print made specifically for use
in projection backgrounds or similar process work, and is a print of
a background plate negative.
NOTE: Background plates are usually made on special stock having negative
perforations.
3.2.5. Picture Duping Print. * A picture duping print is a
picture print made on a special film for the purpose of producing a
duplicate negative or for producing dissolves, montages, titles, etc.
NOTE: Duping print is synonymous with master positive except that duping
print is the term used in the editorial process, while master positive is used in
release.
3.2.5.1 Picture Master Positive. A picture master positive is
a picture duping print usually made for the purpose of producing a
picture dupe negative for release printing.
3.2.6. Print from Picture Dupe Negative. A print from a
picture dupe negative is any print made from a picture dupe nega-
tive, and is usually a projection print used for editorial purposes.
3.2.7. Picture Check Print. A picture check print is a picture
print made from the picture release negative for the purpose of
checking negative cutting, printing lights, picture quality, etc.
NOTE: When a picture check print is required, it is usually made prior to the
first trial composite print.
298 NOMENCLATURE FOR MOTION PICTURE FILM Vol 44, No. 4
3.3 Sound Print. A sound print is any positive printed from a
sound negative.
3.3.1 Sound Daily Print. A sound daily print is the first
sound print made from the original sound negative for checking
sound quality, technique, etc.
3.3.2 Sound Work Print. A sound work print is a sound
print which usually consists of intercut sound daily prints, but may
also include other sound tracks of sound effects or music, or both,
on the same or separate films with synchronism constantly main-
tained with the corresponding picture work print.
3.3.3 Sound Effects Print. A sound effects print is a sound
print made from a sound effects negative.
3.3.4 Music Print. A music print is a sound print made from
a music negative.
3.3.5 Rerecording Print. A rerecording print is a sound print
prepared specifically for use in rerecording to produce a rerecorded
negative.
NOTE : It may be a print from a sound cut negative, a specially intercut print,
or a combination of both. A rerecording print may consist of several sound
records on separate films including dialogue, sound effects, music or any other
required material. The term is used* interchangeably to designate the entire
group of associated films or any individual film which is part of the group.
3.3.6 Rerecorded Print. A rerecorded print is a sound print
from a rerecorded sound track negative.
3.3.7 Sound Check Print. A sound check print is a sound
print made from the sound release negative for the purpose of
checking negative cutting, printing lights, sound quality, etc.
NOTE: When a sound check print is required, it is usually made prior to the
first trial composite print.
3.3.8 Sound Master Positive. A sound master positive is a
sound print on special film stock and is usually made from a sound
release negative for the purpose of producing sound dupe negatives
for release printing.
3.4 Composite Print. A composite print is a positive film having
both picture and sound track images on the same film which may
be in editorial or projection synchronism.
April, 1945 NOMENCLATURE FOR MOTION PICTURE FlLM 299
3.4.1 Composite Daily Print. A composite daily print is the
first print made from an original composite negative or an original
sound and picture negative, and is used for checking photography,
sound quality, action, etc. It is in projection synchronism.
3.4.2 First Trial Composite Print. The first trial composite
is the first composite print made from the picture and sound release
negatives for the purpose of checking and correcting picture and
sound quality, negative cutting and assembly, etc. It is in projection
synchronism.
3.4.3 Second, Third, etc., Trial Composite Print. The sec-
ond, third, etc., trial composite print is similar to the first trial
composite print but has successive corrections incorporated as a
result of viewing the previous trial composite prints.
3.4.4 Final Trial Composite (Sample Print). A final trial
composite (sample print) is a composite print, approved for release,
in which all corrections found necessary in previous trial composite
prints have been incorporated.
NOTE : The final trial composite may be any one of the various trial composite
prints, depending upon the type and extent of corrections required.
3.4.5 Composite Master Positive. A composite master posi-
tive is a composite print usually made for the purpose of producing
composite or picture and sound dupe negatives which would be
used for printing release prints.
NOTE: It is usually made on duplicating raw stock and may be in either
editorial or projection synchronism.
3.4.6 Release Print. A release print is a composite print made
for general distribution and exhibition after the final trial com-
posite or sample print has been approved. It is in projection syn-
chronism.
3.4.6.1 Foreign Version Release Prints. Foreign version re-
lease prints are composite prints in projection synchronism and are
made specifically for the particular version involved.
3.4.7 Foreign Version Trial Composite Prints. Foreign ver-
sion trial composite prints are similar to trial composite prints made
during release except that they are made for checking the release of
the particular version involved.
300 NOMENCLATURE FOR MOTION PICTURE FILM Vol 44, No. 4
4. Color and Reversal Film Terms
4.1 Reversal Film. A reversal film is one which after exposure is
processed to produce a positive image on the same film rather than
FIG. 1.
Editing motion picture film for Army use at Sig-
nal Corps Photographic Center.
the customary negative image. If exposure is made by printing
from a negative, a negative image is produced directly.
NOTE: Reversal films may be black and white, or color, and either sound or
picture or both, and they are usually 16-mm films.
4.2 Reversal Process. The reversal process is the photographic
process which reversal films undergo. It is a process in which a
latent image is developed to a silver image by primary development,
destroyed by a chemical bleach, and the remaining sensitized mate-
ipril, 1945 NOMENCLATURE FOR MOTION PICTURE FILM 301
exposed and developed in a second developer bath before fixing
id washing.
4.3 Reversal Original. A reversal original is the film ^which is
originally exposed in a camera or recorder and is processed by
reversal to produce a positive image.
NOTE : This positive image is not the same as a print from a negative inasmuch
as right and left are transposed. A reversal original may be a black and white,
or color, film.
4.3.1 Composite Reversal Original. A composite reversal
original is a reversal original which has both picture and sound on
the same film.
4.3.2 Original Color Positive. An original color positive is a
color reversal original which is developed by the reversal process to
produce a positive color image.
4.3.3 Composite Original Color Positive. A composite origi-
nal color positive is an original color positive with sound track and
picture on the same film.
4.4 Dupe Negative from Original Reversal, 16-Mm. A dupe
negative from an original reversal is a negative made from an
original reversal positive or an original color positive. The image
on such a dupe negative is not transposed right to left. It is usually
used to make black and white prints.
4.5 Reversal Print. A reversal print is a print which is made on
reversal film and developed by the reversal process.
NOTE : A reversal print is usually a positive.
4.5.1 Reversal Dupe Print, 16-Mm. A reversal dupe print is
a reversal print which is printed from a black and white, or color,
reversal original and processed by reversal to. obtain a positive black
and white image.
4.5.2 Color Dupe Print. A color dupe print is a color reversal
which is printed from a color reversal original and processed to
obtain a positive color image.
4.5.3 Composite Color Dupe Print. A composite color dupe
print is a print made from an original composite color positive or
from an original picture color positive and a sound track, and is
302 NOMENCLATURE FOR MOTION PICTURE FILM
processed to obtain a positive color print of both picture and sound
track.
4.5.4 Composite Reversal Dupe Print, 16-Mm. A compos-
ite reversal dupe print is a reversal dupe print having both picture
and sound tracks on the same film.
4.5.5 Reduction Reversal Print, 16-Mm. A reduction re-
versal print is a reversal print made on 16-mm reversal film from a
35-mm positive by reduction printing and development by the
reversal process.
4.5.6 Reversal Master Print, 16-Mm. A reversal master
print is a 16-mm reversal print made specifically for use in producing
other prints.
NOTE: It is sometimes referred to as a first generation dupe, prints from it
then being referred to as second generation dupes.
OFFICERS AND GOVERNORS OF THE SOCIETY
HERBERT GRIFFIN JOHN A. MAURER LOREN L. RYDER
Past-President Engineering V ice-President Executive Vice-President
DONALD E. HYNDMAN
President
ARTHUR S. DICKINSON ARTHUR C. DOWNES WILLIAM C. KUNZMANN
Financial Vice-President Editorial V ice-President Convention V ice-President
303
304
OFFICERS AND GOVERNORS OF THE SOCIETY Vol 44, No. 4
E. ALLAN WILLIFORD
Secretary
M. R. BOYER
Treasurer
JOHN I. CRABTREE
Governor
FRANK E. CARLSON
Governor
EDWARD M. HONAN
Governor
CHARLES R. DAILY
Governor
G. T. LORANCE
Governor
PETER MOLE
Governor
WILLIAM A. MUELLER
Governor
April, 1945 OFFICERS AND GOVERNORS OF THE SOCIETY
305
EARL I. SPONABLE
Governor
REEVE O. STROCK
Governor
WALLACE V. WOLFE
Governor
CLYDE R. KEITH
Chairman,
Atlantic Coast Section
HOLLIS W. MOYSE
Chairman,
Pacific Coast Section
ATLANTIC COAST SECTION
*CLYDE R. KEITH, Chairman
*ALFRED N. GOLDSMITH, Past- Chairman
*M. W. PALMER, Sec.-Treas.
*E. A. BERTRAM *J. J. HOPKINS **W. H. OFFENHAUSER, JR.
* JAMES FRANK, JR. **G. T. LORANCE **H. E. WHITE
PACIFIC COAST SECTION
*HOLLIS W. MOYSE, Chairman
*CHARLES W. HANDLEY, Past-Chairman
*S. P. SOLOW, Sec.-Treas.
**J. W. BOYLE **H. W. REMERSCHIED *J. R. WHITNEY
**F. L. EICH *C. O. SLYFIELD *W. R. WILKINSON
* Term expires December 31, 1945.
** Term expires December 31, 1946.
COMMITTEES OF THE SOCIETY
(Correct to March 15, 1945}
ADMISSIONS. — To pass upon all applications for membership, applications for transfer and
to review the Student and Associate membership list periodically for possible transfers to the
Associate and Active grades, respectively. The duties of each committee are limited to applica-
tions and transfers originating in the geographic area covered.
(East Coast}
A. S. DICKINSON, Chairman
28 West 44th St.
New York 18, N. Y.
M. R. BOYER JAMES FRANK, JR. HARRY RUBIN
F. E. CAHILL, JR. J. A. MAURER E. I. SPONABLE
(West Coast}
H. W. REMERSCHEID, Chairman
8339 Sunset Blvd.
Hollywood, Calif.
C. R. DAILY PETER MOLE
EMERY HUSE H. W. MOYSE
BOARD OF EDITORS. — To pass upon the suitability of all material submitted for publica-
tion, or for presentation at conventions, and publish the JOURNAL.
A. C. DOWNES, Chairman
Box 6087
Cleveland 1, Ohio
J. I. CRABTREE A. M. GUNDELFINGER C. R. KEITH
A. N. GOLDSMITH C. W. HANDLE Y E. W. KELLOGG
A. C. HARDY
CINEMATOGRAPHY. — To survey the field of motion picture photography in an endeavor
to bring before the Society any information on current or future practice, and also to continually
review this field for possibilities of standardization of any specific procedure.
J. W. BOYLE, Chairman
1207 N. Mansfield Ave.
Hollywood, Calif.
C. G. CLARKE * ARTHUR MILLER ARTHUR REEVES
KARL FREUND JOSEPH RUTTENBERG
COLOR. — To survey the field of color in motion picture photography in an endeavor to bring
before the Society any information on current or future practice, and also to continually review
this field for possibilities of standardization of any specific procedure.
J. A. BALL, Chairman
Parlin, N. J.
(Under Organization)
* Advisory Member.
306
COMMITTEES OF THE SOCIETY 307
CONVENTION. — To assist the Convention Vice-President in the responsibilities pertaining
to arrangements and details of the Society's technical conventions.
W. C. KUNZMANN, Chairman
• Box 6087
Cleveland 1, Ohio
"JULIUS HABER C. R. KEITH H. W. MOYSE
H. F. HEIDEGGER R. H. McCuLLOUGH O. F. NEU
(Under Organization)
FELLOW MEMBERSHIP. — To consider qualifications of Active members as candidates for
elevation to Fellow members, and to submit such nominations to the Board of Governors.
HERBERT GRIFFIN, Chairman
133 E. Santa Anita Ave.
Burbank, Calif.
M. R. BOYER D. E. HYNDMAN H. W. MOYSE
A. S. DICKINSON C. R. KEITH L. L. RYDER
A. C. DOWNES W. C. KUNZMANN . E. A. WILLIFORD
J. A. MAURER
HISTORICAL AND MUSEUM. — To collect facts and assemble data relating to the historical
development of the motion picture industry, to encourage pioneers to place their work on record
in the form of papers for publication in the JOURNAL, and to place in suitable depositories equip-
ment pertaining to the industry.
J. E. ABBOTT, Chairman
11 West 53d St.
New York 19, N. Y.
O. B. DEPUE RICHARD GRIFFITH TERRY RAMSAYE
HONORARY MEMBERSHIP. — To diligently search for candidates who through their
basic inventions or outstanding accomplishments have contributed to the advancement of the
motion picture industry and are thus worthy of becoming Honorary members of the Society.
EMERY HUSE, Chairman
6706 Santa Monica Blvd.
Hollywood 38, Calif.
NATHAN LEVINSON L. L. RYDER
A. J. MILLER E. I. SPONABLE
JOURNAL AWARD. — To recommend to the Board of Governors the author or authors of
the most outstanding paper originally published in the JOURNAL during the preceding calendar
year to receive the Society's Journal Award.
F. E. CARLSON, Chairman
Nela Park
Cleveland 12, Ohio
C. R. DAILY G. E. MATTHEWS
P. J. LARSEN W. V. WOLFE
LABORATORY PRACTICE. — To survey the field of motion picture laboratory practice in
an endeavor to bring before the Society any information on current or future practice, and also
to continually review this field for possibilities of standardization of any specific procedure.
H. E. WHITE, Chairman
Room 813
350 Madison Ave.
New York 17, N. Y.
* Advisory Member.
308 COMMITTEES OF THE SOCIETY Vol 44, No. 4
A. C. BLANEY J. G. FRAYNE J. M. NICKOLAUS
L. A. BONN G. H. GIBSON N. F. OAKLEY
A. W. COOK EMERY HUSE W. H. OFFENHAUSER, JR.
O. B. DEPUE T. M. INGMAN V. C. SHANER
R. O. DREW C. L. LOOTENS J. H. SPRAY
F. L. EICH A. J. MILLER J. F. VAN LEUVEN
MEMBERSHIP AND SUBSCRIPTION.— To solicit new members, obtain nonmember sub-
• scriptions for the JOURNAL, and to arouse general interest in the activities of the Society and its
publications.
JAMES FRANK, JR., Chairman
356 West 44th St.
New York 18, N. Y.
T. C. BARROWS E. R. GEIB W. A. MUELLER
J. G. BRADLEY L. T. GOLDSMITH H. B. SANTEE
KARL BRENKERT SYLVAN HARRIS G. E. SAWYER
G. A. CHAMBERS L. B. ISAAC W. L. THAYER
L. W. CHASE W. C. KUNZMANN E. O. WILSCHKE
J. P. CORCORAN S. A. LUKES W. V. WOLFE
J. G. FRAYNE G. E. MATTHEWS C. R. WOOD, SR.
G. C. MISENER
NOMINATIONS. — To recommend nominations to the Board of Governors for annual election
of officers and governors.
E. M. HONAN, Chairman
6601 Rpmaine St.
Hollywood 38, Calif.
E. A. BERTRAM EMERY HUSE W. C. MILLER
M. R. BOYER D. B. JOY PETER MOLE
HERBERT GRIFFIN J. A. MAURER E. A. WILLIFORD
NONTHEATRICAL EQUIPMENT. — To survey the field of nontheatrical motion picture
equipment in an endeavor to bring before the Society any information on current or future prac-
tice, and also to continually review this field for possibilities of standardization of any specific
procedure.
D. F. LYMAN, Chairman
1368 Titus Ave.
Rochester 9, N. Y.
E. W. D'ARCY R. C. HOLSLAG D. G. SMITH
*W. C. BOWEN H. J. HOOD RAYMOND SPOTTISWOODE
*F. L. BRETHAUER R. KINGSLAKE *J. STREIFFERT
*F. E. BROOKER L. R. MARTIN HARRY STRONG
F. E. CARLSON V. J. NOLAN LLOYD THOMPSON
G. A. CHAMBERS W. H. OFFENHAUSER, JR. M. G. TOWNSLEY
*S. L. CHERTOK M. W. PALMER L. E. VARDEN
JOHN CHRISTIE L. T. SACHTLEBEN J. E. VOLKMANN
R. O. DREW A. SHAPIRO A. G. ZIMMERMAN
PAPERS. — To solicit papers, and provide the program for semi-annual conventions, and make
available to local sections for their meetings papers presented at national conventions.
C. R. DAILY, Chairman BARTON KREUZER, Vice-Chairman
5451 Marathon St. RCA Victor Division
Hollywood 38, Calif. Radio Corp. of America
Camden, N. J.
G. A. CHAMBERS L. T. GOLDSMITH P. A. McGuiRE
A. R. DAVIS C. R. KEITH H. W. MOYSE
F. L. EICH E. W. KELLOGG V. C. SHANER
JAMES FRANK, JR. G. E. MATTHEWS S. P. SOLOW
J. G. FRAYNE W. V. WOLFE
*J[Advisory[Member.
April, 1945 COMMITTEES OF THE SOCIETY 309
PRESERVATION OF FILM. — To survey the field for methods of storing and preserving mo-
tion picture film in an endeavor to bring before the Society any information on current or future
practice, and also to continually review this field for possibilities of standardization of any specific
procedure.
J. G. BRADLEY, Chairman
The National Archives
Washington 25, D. C.
J. E. ABBOTT C. L. GREGORY
*H. T. COWLING J. L. FORREST *W. F. KELLEY
J. I. CRABTREE *J. E. GIBSON TERRY RAMSAYE
A. S. DICKINSON *ORVILLE GOLDNER V. B. SEASE
PROCESS PHOTOGRAPHY. — To survey the field of process photography in an endeavor
to bring before the Society any information on current or future practice, and also to continually
review this field for possibilities of standardization of any specific procedure.
(Under Organization)
PROGRESS. — To prepare an annual report on progress in the motion picture industry.
G. A. CHAMBERS, Chairman
Naval Air Station, PSL
Anacostia, D. C.
F. T. BOWDITCH J. A. DUBRAY G. E. MATTHEWS
G. L. DIMMICK M. S. LESHING D. R. WHITE
PROGRESS MEDAL AWARD. — To recommend to the Board of Governors a candidate who
by his inventions, research, or development has contributed in a significant manner to the
advancement of motion picture technology, and is deemed worthy of receiving the Progress
Medal Award of the Society.
E. A. WILLIFORD, Chairman
230 Park Ave.
New York 17, N. Y.
M. R. BOYER NATHAN LEVINSON
F. E. CARLSON G. F. RACKETT
PUBLICITY. — To assist the Convention Vice-President in the release of publicity material
concerning the Society's semi-annual technical conventions.
"JULIUS HABER, Chairman
RCA Victor Division
Radio Corp. of America
Camden, N. J.
"LEONARD BIDWELL C. R. DAILY P. A. McGuiRE
*E. O. BLACKBURN BARTON KREUZER HARRY SHERMAN
SOUND. — To survey the field of motion picture sound recording and reproducing in an en-
deavor to bring before the Society any information on current or future practice, and also to con-
tinually review this field for possibilities of standardization of any specific procedure.
J. G. FRAYNE, Chairman C. R. KEITH, Vice-Chairman
6601 Romaine St. 233 Broadway
Hollywood 38, Calif. New York 7, N. Y.
(Under Organization)
STANDARDS. — To survey the various fields or branches of the motion picture industry in an
endeavor to bring before the Society any information on current or future practice or methods
that would lead to possibilities of standardization of any specific procedure.
F. T. BOWDITCH, Chairman
Box 6087
Cleveland 1, Ohio
* Advisory Member.
310
COMMITTEES OF THE SOCIETY
Vol 44, No. 4
J. M. ANDREAS
HERBERT BARNETT
M. C. BATSEL
M. F. BENNETT
E. A. BERTRAM
M. R. BOYER
*F. L. BRETHAUER
F. E. CARLSON
E. K. CARVER
G. A. CHAMBERS
A. W. COOK
E. D. COOK
L. W. DAVEE
A. A. DURYEA
A. F. EDOUART
P. C. GOLDMARK
A. N. GOLDSMITH
L. T. GOLDSMITH
IRL GOSHAW
HERBERT GRIFFIN
A. C. HARDY
R. C. HOLSLAG
D. B. JOY
C. R. KEITH
*W. F. KELLEY
R. KlNGSLAKE
P. J. LARSEN
C. L. LOOTENS
D. F. LYMAN
PIERRE MERTZ
W. C. MILLER
H. W. MOYSE
W. H. OFFENHAUSER, JR.
G. F. RACKETT
W. B. RAYTON
L. T. SACHTLEBEN
OTTO SANDVIK
J. A. SCHEIK
R. R. SCOVILLE
J. H. SPRAY
LLOYD THOMPSON
M. G. TOWNSLEY
J. F. VAN LEUVEN
D. R. WHITE
H. E. WHITE
A. G. ZIMMERMAN
STUDIO LIGHTING. — To survey the field of motion picture studio lighting in an endeavor
to bring before the Society any information on current or future practice, and also to continually
review this field for possibilities of standardization of any specific procedure.
J. W. BOYLE
H. J. CHANON
C. W. HANDLE Y, Chairman
I960 West 84th St.
Los Angeles 44, Calif.
R. E. FARNHAM
KARL FREUND
W. W. LOZIER
TECHNICAL NEWS. — To survey the fields of production, distribution, and exhibition of
motion pictures, and allied industries, to obtain technical news items for publication in the
JOURNAL.
A. C. BLANEY, Chairman
1016 N. Sycamore St.
Hollywood 38, Calif.
J. W. BOYLE
J. I. CRABTREE
A. M. GUNDELFINGER
C. W. HANDLEY
EMERY HUSE
H. R. LUBCKE
K. F. MORGAN
H. W. REMERSCHEID
EDWARD SCHMIDT
WILLIAM THOMAS
TELEVISION. — Technical consideration of the uses of motion picture television service;
technical consideration of the phases of television which affect origination, transmission, dis-
tribution, and reproduction of theater television.
(Under Organization)
TEST FILM QUALITY. — To supervise the quality of prints of test films prepared by the
Society.
F. R. WILSON, Chairman
C. F. HORSTMAN
THEATER ENGINEERING. — The Committee on Theater Engineering comprises the
membership of the 4 subcommittees listed below and is under the general chairmanship ol
DR. ALFRED N. GOLDSMITH, 597 Fifth Ave., New York 17, N. Y.
Subcommittee on Film Projection Practice. — To make recommendations and prepare specifi-
cations for the operation, maintenance, and servicing of motion picture projection equipment,
projection rooms, film storage facilities, and stage arrangements as they affect screen dimen-
sions, placement, and the maintenance of loudspeakers.
M. F. BENNETT, Chairman
D. W. COLLINS, Secretary
321 West 44th St.
New York 18, N. Y.
* Advisory Member.
April, 1945
COMMITTEES OF THE SOCIETY
311
HENRY ANDERSON
*C. J. BACHMAN
T. C. BARROWS
H. D. BEHR
H. J. BENHAM
KARL BRENKERT
F. E. CAHILL, JR.
C. C. DASH
L. W. DAVEE
A. S. DICKINSON
J. K. ELDERKIN
JAMES FRANK, JR.
R. R. FRENCH
G. GAGLIARDI
E. R. GEIB
ADOLPH GOODMAN
HERBERT GRIFFIN
SYLVAN HARRIS
J. J. HOPKINS
C. F. HORSTMAN
L. B. ISAAC
E. R. MORIN
M. D. O'BRIEN
HARRY RUBIN
J. J. SEFING
R. O. WALKER
V. A. WELMAN
H. E. WHITE
Subcommittee on Television Projection Practice. — To make recommendations and prepare
specifications for the construction, installation, maintenance, and servicing of equipment for
projecting television pictures in the theater, as well as the projection room arrangements neces-
sary for such equipment, and such picture-dimensional and screen-characteristic matters as
may be involved in theater television presentation.
R. B. AUSTRIAN
C. F. HORSTMANf
HERBERT BARNETT
*F. P. GOLDBACHf
M. C. BATSEL
F. G. ALBINf
*G. R. BEERS
F. G. ALBINJ
*A. BROLLY
*W. BROCKf
F. E. CAHILL, JR.
M. F. BENNETTf
L. W. DAVEE
P. J. LARSEN, Chairman
1401 Sheridan St., N. W.
Washington 11, D. C.
*H. B. FANCHER
*P. M. GARRETTf
JAMES FRANK, JR.
G. T. LORANCEf
*T. R. GINNOCK
A. J. RlCHARDf
T. T. GOLDSMITH
*RUDOLPH FELDTf
L. B. ISAAC
M. D. O'BRIENf
A. G. JENSEN
J. J. KOHLER
PIERRE MERTZ
E. R. MORIN
*A. H. ROSENTHAL
*ARTHUR LEVEY!
HARRY RUBIN
*PAUL RAiBOURNf
R. E. SHELBY
*E. D. GooDALEf
E. I. SPONABLE
*H. E. BRAGGf
*C. S. SZEGHO
NICHOLAS GLYPTIS!
H. E. WHITE
D. E. HYNDMANf
Subcommittee on Screen Brightness. — To make recommendations, prepare specifications
and test methods for determining and standardizing the brightness of the motion picture screen
image at various parts of the screen, and for specific means or devices in the projection room
adapted to the control or improvement of screen brightness.
F. E. CARLSON, Chairman
Nela Park
Cleveland 12, Ohio
HERBERT BARNETT
SYLVAN HARRIS
W. F. LITTLE
W. B. RAYTON
C. M. TUTTLE
H. E. WHITE
A. T. WILLIAMS
R. J. ZAVESKY
Subcommittee on Theater Engineering, Construction, and Operation. — To deal with the
technical methods and equipment of motion picture theaters in relation to their contribution for
the physical comfort and safety of patrons so far as can be enhanced by correct theater design,
construction, and operation of equipment.
HERBERT BARNETT
F. E. CARLSON
*W. B. CUTTER
*W. L. FLEISHER
HENRY ANDERSON, Chairman
1501 Broadway
New York 18, N. Y.
JAMES FRANK, JR.
T. T. GOLDSMITH
J. J. HOPKINS
C. F. HORSTMAN
E. R. MORIN
BEN SCHLANGER
J. J. SEFING
* Advisory Member,
t Alternate.
312 COMMITTEES OF THE SOCIETY
SMPE REPRESENTATIVES TO OTHER ORGANIZATIONS
American Documentation Institute J. E. ABBOTT
American Standards Association:
Sectional Committee on Standardization of Letter
Symbols and Abbreviations for Science and
Engineering, Z10 L. A. JONES
Sectional Committee on Motion Pictures, Z22
(Chairman being elected and committee organized.}
Sectional Committee on Acoustical Measurements
and Terminology, Z24 J. E. VOLKMANN
Sectional Committee on Photography, Z38 J. I. CRABTREE
War Committee on Photography and Cinematog-
raphy, Z52 D. E. HYNDMAN
E. A. WlLLIFORDf
European Advisory Committee DONALD MCMASTER, Chm.
Inter-Society Color Council R. M. EVANS, Chm.
J. A. BALL
M. R. BOYER
A. M. GUNDELFINGER
G. F. RACKETT
Radio Technical Planning Board P. J. LARSEN
E. I. SPONABLEf
t Alternate.
CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS
OF THE
SOCIETY OF MOTION PICTURE ENGINEERS*
CONSTITUTION
Article I
Name
The name of this association shall be SOCIETY OF MOTION PICTURE
ENGINEERS.
Article II
Object
Its objects shall be: Advancement in the theory and practice of motion pic-
ture engineering and the allied arts and sciences, the standardization of the equip-
ment, mechanisms, and practices employed therein, the maintenance of a high
professional standing among its members, and the dissemination of scientific
knowledge by publication.
Article III
Eligibility
Any person of good character may be a member in any grade for which he is
eligible.
Article IV
Officers
The officers of the Society shall be a President, a Past-President, an Executive
Vice- President, an Engineering Vice-President, an Editorial Vice-President, a
Financial Vice-President, a Convention Vice-President, a Secretary, and a
Treasurer.
The term of office of the President, the Past-President, the Executive Vice-
President, the Engineering Vice-President, the Editorial Vice-President, the
Financial Vice-President, and the Convention Vice-President shall be two years,
and the Secretary and the Treasurer one year. Of the Engineering, Editorial,
Financial, and Convention Vice-Presidents, two shall be elected alternately each
year, or until their successors are chosen. The President shall not be immediately
eligible to succeed himself in office. Under such conditions as set forth in the
By-Laws the office of Executive Vice-President may be vacated before the expira-
tion of his term.
Article V
Board of Governors
The Board of Governors shall consist of the President, the Past-President, the
five Vice-Presidents, the Secretary, the Treasurer, the Section Chairmen and
* Corrected to March 15, 1945.
313
314 CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS Vol 44, No. 4
ten elected governors. Five of these governors shall be resident in the area operat-
ing under Pacific and Mountain time, and five of the governors shall be resident
in the area operating under Central and Eastern time. Two of the governors
from the Pacific area and three of the governors from the Eastern area shall be
elected in the odd-numbered years, and three of the governors in the Pacific area
and two of the governors in the Eastern area shall be elected in the even-numbered
years. The term of oifice of all elected governors shall be for a period of two
years.
Article VI
Meetings
There shall be an annual meeting, and such other meetings as stated in the
By-Laws.
Article VII
Amendments
This Constitution may be amended as follows: Amendments shall be approved
by the Board of Governors, and shall be submitted for discussion at any regular
members' meeting. The proposed amendment and complete discussion then shall
be submitted to the entire Active, Fellow, and Honorary membership, together
with letter ballot as soon as possible after the meeting. Two-thirds of the vote
cast within sixty days after mailing shall be required to carry the amendment.
BY-LAWS
By-Law I
Membership
Sec. J. — The membership of the Society shall consist of Honorary members.
Fellows, Active members, Associate members, Student members, and Sustaining
members.
An Honorary member is one who has performed eminent services in the ad-
vancement of motion picture engineering or in the allied arts. An Honorary
member shall be entitled to vote and to hold any oifice in the Society.
A Fellow is one who shall not be less than thirty years of age and who shall
comply with the requirements of either (a) or (6) for Active members and, in
addition, shall by his proficiency and contributions have attained to an out-
standing rank among engineers or executives of the motion picture industry.
A Fellow shall be entitled to vote and to hold any office in the Society.
An Active member is one who shall be not less than 25 years of age, and shall
be (a) a motion picture engineer by profession. He shall have been engaged in
the practice of his profession for a period of at least three years, and shall have
taken responsibility for the design, installation, or operation of systems or ap-
paratus pertaining to the motion picture industry; (b) a person regularly em-
ployed in motion picture or closely allied work, who by his inventions or pro-
ficiency in motion picture science or as an executive of a motion picture enterprise
of large scope, has attained to a recognized standing in the motion picture industry.
April, 1045 CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS 315
In case of such an executive, the applicant must be qualified to take full charge
of the broader features of motion picture engineering involved in the work under
his direction.
An Active member is privileged to vote and to hold any office in the Society.
An Associate member is one who shall be not less than 18 years of age, and shall
be a person who is interested in or connected with the study of motion picture
technical problems or the application of them. An Associate member is not privi-
leged to vote, to hold office or to act as chairman of any committee, although he
may serve upon any committee to which he may be appointed; and, when so
appointed, shall be entitled to the full voting privileges of a committee member.
A Student member is any person registered as a student, graduate or under-
graduate, in a college, university, or educational institution, pursuing a course of
studies in science or engineering that evidences interest in motion picture tech-
nology. Membership in this grade shall not extend more than one year beyond
the termination of the student status described above. A Student member shall
have the same privileges as an Associate member of the Society.
A Sustaining member is an individual, a firm, or corporation contributing sub-
stantially to the financial support of the Society.
Sec. 2. — All applications for membership or transfer, except for Honorary or
Fellow membership, shall be made on blank forms provided for the purpose, and
shall give a complete record of the applicant's education and experience. Honor-
ary and Fellow membership may not be applied for.
Sec. 3. — (a) Honorary membership may be granted upon recommendation
of the Board of Governors when confirmed by a four-fifths majority vote of the
Honorary members, Fellows, and Active members present at any regular meeting
of the Society. An Honorary member shall be exempt from all dues.
(6) Fellow membership may be granted upon recommendation of the Fellow
Membership Award Committee, when confirmed by a three-fourths majority vote
of the Board of Governors.
(c) Applicants for Active membership shall give as references at least one mem-
ber of Active or of higher grade in good standing. Applicants shall be elected
to membership by the unanimous approval of the entire membership of the ap-
propriate Admissions Committee. In the event of a single dissenting vote or
failure of any member of the Admissions Committee to vote, this application shall
be referred to the Board of Governors, in which case approval of at least three-
fourths of the Board of Governors shall be required.
(d) Applicants for Associate membership shall give as references one member
of the Society in good standing, or two persons not members of the Society who
are associated with the industry. Applicants shall be elected to membership
by approval of a majority of the appropriate Admissions Committee.
(e) Applicants for Student membership shall give as reference the head of the
department of the institution he is attending, this faculty member not necessarily
being a member of the Society.
By-Law II
Officers
Sec. 1. — An officer or governor shall be an Honorary, a Fellow, or an Active
member.
316 CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS Vol 44, No. 4
Sec. 2. — Vacancies in the Board of Governors shall be filled by the Board of
Governors until the annual meeting of the Society.
By-Law III
Board of Governors
Sec. 1. — The Board of Governors shall transact the business of the Society
between members' meetings, and shall meet at the call of the President, with the
proviso that no meeting shall be called without at least seven (7) days' prior
notice, stating the purpose of the meeting, to all members of the Board by letter or
by telegram.
Sec. 2. — Nine members of the Board of Governors shall constitute a quorum
at all meetings.
Sec. 3. — When voting by letter ballot, a majority affirmative vote of the total
membership of the Board of Governors shall carry approval, except as otherwise
provided.
Sec. 4.- — The Board of Governors, when making nominations to fill vacancies
in offices or on the Board, shall endeavor to nominate persons who in the aggregate
are representative of the various branches or organizations of the motion picture
industry to the end that there shall be no substantial predominance upon the
Board, as .the result of its own action, of representatives of any one or more
branches or organizations of the industry.
By-Law IV
Committees
Sec. 1. — All committees, except as otherwise specified, shall be appointed by the
President.
Sec. 2. — All committees shall be appointed to act for the term served by the
officer who shall appoint the committees, unless their appointment is sooner ter-
minated by the appointing officer.
Sec. 3. — Chairmen of the committees shall not be eligible to serve in such ca-
pacity for more than two consecutive terms.
Sec. 4. — Standing committees of the Society shall be as follows to be appointed
as designated:
(a) Appointed by the President and confirmed by the Board of Governors —
Progress Medal Award Committee
Journal Award Co*mmittee
Honorary Membership Committee
Fellow Membership Award Committee
Admissions Committees
(Atlantic Coast Section)
(Pacific Coast Section)
European Advisory Committee
(b) Appointed by the Engineering Vice- President —
Sound Committee
Standards Committee
April, 1945 CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS 317
Studio Lighting Committee
Color Committee
Theater Engineering Committee
Exchange Practice Committee
Nontheatrical Equipment Committee
Television Committee
Test Film Quality Committee
Laboratory Practice Committee
Cinematography Committee
Process Photography Committee
Preservation of Film Committee
(c) Appointed by the Editorial Vice- President —
Board of Editors
Papers Committee
Progress Committee
Historical Committee
Museum Committee
(d) Appointed by the Convention Vice- President —
Publicity Committee
Convention Arrangements Committee
Apparatus Exhibit Committee
(e} Appointed by the Financial Vice-President —
Membership and Subscription Committee
Sec. 5. — Two Admissions Committees, one for the Atlantic Coast Section and
one for the* Pacific Coast Section, shall be appointed. The former Committee
shall consist of a Chairman and six Fellow or Active members of the Society re-
siding in the metropolitan area of New York, of whom at least four shall be mem-
bers of the Board of Governors.
The latter Committee shall consist of a Chairman and four Fellow or Active
members of the Society residing in the Pacific Coast area, of whom at least three
shall be members of the Board of Governors.
By-Law V
Meetings
Sec. 1. — The location of each meeting of the Society shall be determined by the
Board of Governors.
Sec. 2. — Only Honorary members, Fellows, and Active members shall be en-
titled to vote.
Sec. 3. — A quorum of the Society shall consist in number of one-fifteenth of
the total number of Honorary members, Fellows, and Active members as listed
in the Society's records at the close of the last fiscal year.
Sec. 4. — The fall convention shall be the annual meeting.
Sec. 5. — Special meetings may be called by the President and upon the request
of any three members of the Board of Governors not including the President.
Sec. 6. — All members of the Society in any grade shall have the privilege of dis-
cussing technical material presented before the Society or its Sections.
318 CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS Vol 44, NO. 4
By-Law VI
Duties of Officers
Sec. 1. — The President shall preside at all business meetings of the Society and
shall perform the duties pertaining to that office. As such he shall be the chief
executive of the Society, to whom all other officers shall report.
Sec. 2. — In the absence of the President, the officer next in order as listed in
Article IV of the Constitution shall preside at meetings and perform the duties of
the President.
Sec. 3. — The five Vice-Presidents shall perform the duties separately enumerated
below for each office, or as» defined by the President:
(a) The Executive Vice-President shall represent the President in such geo-
graphical areas of the United States as shall be determined by the Board of
Governors and shall be responsible for the supervision of the general affairs of the
Society in such areas, as directed by the President of the Society. Should the
President or Executive Vice-President remove his residence from the geographical
area (Atlantic Coast or Pacific Coast) of the United States in which he resided at
the time of his election, the office of Executive Vice-President shall immediately
become vacant and a new Executive Vice-President elected by the Board of
Governors for the unexpired portion of the term, the new Executive Vice-President
to be a resident of that part of the United States from which the President or
Executive Vice-President has just moved.
(&) The Engineering Vice-President shall appoint all technical committees. He
shall be responsible for the general initiation, supervision, and coordination of
the work in and among these committees. He may act as Chairman of any com-
mittee or otherwise be a member ex-officio.
(c) The Editorial Vice-President shall be responsible for the publication of the
Society's JOURNAL and all other technical publications. He shall pass upon the
suitability of the material for publication, and shall cause material suitable for
publication to be solicited as may be needed. He shall appoint a Papers Com-
mittee and an Editorial Committee. He may act as Chairman of any committee
or otherwise be a member ex-officio.
(d} The Financial Vice-President shall be responsible for the financial opera-
tions of the Society, and shall conduct them in accordance with budgets approved
by the Board of Governors. He shall study the costs of operation and the income
possibilities to the end that the greatest service may be rendered to the members
of the Society within the available funds. He shall submit proposed budgets to
the Board. He shall appoint at his discretion a Ways and Means Committee, a
Membership Committee, a Commercial Advertising Committee, and such other
committees within the scope of his work as may be needed. He may act as Chair-
man of any of these committees or otherwise be a member ex-officio.
(e) The Convention Vice-President shall be responsible for the national con-
ventions of the Society. He shall appoint a Convention Arrangements Com-
mittee, an Apparatus Exhibit Committee, and a Publicity Committee. He may
act as Chairman of any committee, or otherwise be a member ex-officio.
Sec. 4. — The Secretary shall keep a record of all meetings; he shall conduct the
correspondence relating to his office, and shall have the care and custody of
records, and the seal of the Society.
Sec. 5. — The Treasurer shall have charge of the funds of the Society and dis-
burse them as and when authorized by the Financial Vice-President. He shall
make an annual report, duly audited, to the Society, and a report at such other
April, 1945 CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS 319
times as may be requested. He shall be bonded in an amount to be determined
by the Board of Governors and his bond filed with the Secretary.
Sec. 6. — Each officer of the Society, upon the expiration of his term of office,
shall transmit to his successor a memorandum outlining the duties and policies
of his office.
By-Law VII
Elections
Sec. 1. — All officers and governors shall be elected to their respective offices
by a majority of ballots cast by the Active, Fellow, and Honorary members in the
following manner :
Not less than three months prior to the annual fall convention, the Board of
Governors shall nominate for each vacancy several suitable candidates. Nomi-
nations shall first be presented by a Nominating Committee appointed by the
President, consisting of nine members, including a Chairman. The committee
shall be made up of two Past-Presidents, three members of the Board of Governors
not up for election, and four other Active, Fellow, or Honorary members, not
currently officers or governors of the Society. Nominations shall be made by
three-quarters affirmative vote of the total Nominating Committee. Such nomi-
nations shall be final unless any nominee is rejected by a three-quarters vote of
the Board of Governors present and voting.
The Secretary shall then notify these candidates of their nomination. From
the list of acceptances, not more than two names for each vacancy shall be se-
lected by the Board of Governors and placed on a letter ballot. A blank space
shall be provided on this letter ballot under each office, in which space the names
of any Active, Fellow, or Honorary members other than those suggested by the
Board of Governors may be voted for. The balloting shall then take place.
The ballot shall be enclosed in a blank envelope which is enclosed in an outer
envelope bearing the Secretary's address and a space for the member's name and
address. One of these shall be mailed to each Active, Fellow, and Honorary
member of the Society, not less than forty days in advance of the annual fall con-
vention.
The voter shall then indicate on the ballot one choice for each office, seal the
ballot in the blank envelope, place this in the envelope addressed to the Secretary,
sign his name and address on the latter, and mail it in accordance with the in-
structions printed on the ballot. No marks of any kind except those above pre-
scribed shall be placed upon the ballots or envelopes.
The sealed envelope shall be delivered by the Secretary to a Committee of
Tellers appointed by the President at the annual fall convention. This com-
mittee shall then examine the return envelopes, open and count the ballots, and
announce the results of the election.
The newly elected officers and governors of the general Society shall take office
on January 1st following their election.
By-Law VIII
Dues and Indebtedness
Sec. 1. — The annual dues shall be fifteen dollars ($15) for Fellows and Active
members, seven dollars and fifty cents ($7.50) for Associate members, and three
320 CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS Vol 44, No. 4
dollars ($3.00) for Student members, payable on or before January 1st of each year.
Current or first year's dues for new members in any calendar year shall be at the
full annual rate for those notified of acceptance in the Society on or before June
30th; one-half the annual rate for those notified of acceptance in the Society on or
after July 1st.
Sec. 2. — (a) Transfer of membership to a higher grade may be made at any
time. If the transfer is made on or before June 30th the annual dues of the
higher grade is required. If the transfer is made on or after July 1st and the
member's dues for the full year has been paid, one-half of the annual dues of the
higher grade is payable less one-half the annual dues of the lower grade.
(6) No credit shall be given for annual dues in a membership transfer from a
higher to a lower grade, and such transfers shall take place on January 1st of each
year.
(c) The Board of Governors upon their own initiative and without a transfer
application may elect, by the approval of at least three-fourths of the Board,
any Associate or Active member for transfer to any higher grade of membership.
Sec. 3. — Annual dues shall be paid in advance. All Honorary members, Fel-
lows, and Active members in good standing, as defined in Section 5, may vote or
otherwise participate in the meetings.
Sec. 4. — Members shall be considered delinquent whose annual dues for the
year remain unpaid on February 1st. The first notice of delinquency shall be
mailed February 1st. The second notice of delinquency shall be mailed, if neces-
sary, on March 1st, and shall include a statement that the member's name will be
removed from the mailing list for the JOURNAL and other publications of the
Society before the mailing of the April issue of the JOURNAL. Members who are
in arrears of dues on June 1st, after two notices of such delinquency have been
mailed to then- last address of record, shall be notified then- names have been re-
moved from the mailing list and shall be warned unless remittance is received on or
before August 1st, their names shall be submitted to the Board of Governors for
action at the next meeting. Back issues of the JOURNAL shall be sent, if available,
to members whose dues have been paid prior to August 1st.
Sec. 5. — (a) Members whose dues remain unpaid on October -1st may be dropped
from the rolls of the Society by majority vote and action of the Board, or the
Board may take such action as it sees fit.
(by Anyone who has been dropped from the rolls of the Society for nonpay-
ment of dues shall, in the event of his application for reinstatement, be considered
as a new member.
(c) Any member may be suspended or expelled for cause by a majority vote of
the entire Board of Governors; provided he shall be given notice and a copy in
writing of the charges preferred against him, and shall be afforded opportunity
to be heard ten days prior to such action.
Sec. 6. — The provisions of Sections 1 to 4, inclusive, of this By-Law VIII given
above may be modified or rescinded by action of the Board of Governors.
By-Law IX
Emblem
Sec. 1. — The emblem of the Society shall be a facsimile of a four-hole film reel
with the letter S in the upper center opening, and the letters M . P, and E, in the
April, 1945 CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS 321
three lower openings, respectively. The Society's emblem may be worn by
members only.
By-Law X
Publications
Sec. 1. — Papers read at meetings or submitted at other times, and all material
of general interest shall be submitted to the Editorial Board, and those deemed
worthy of permanent record shall be printed in the JOURNAL. A copy of each
issue shall be mailed to each member in good standing to his last address of record.
Extra copies of the JOURNAL shall be printed for general distribution and may be
obtained from the General Office on payment of a fee fixed by the Board of
Governors.
By-Law XI
Local Sections
Sec. 1. — Sections of the Society may be authorized in any state or locality where
the Active, Fellow, and Honorary membership exceeds 20. The geographic
boundaries of each Section shall be determined by the Board of Governors.
Upon written petition, signed by 20 or more Active members, Fellows, and Hon-
orary members, for the authorization of a Section of the Society, the Board of
Governors may grant such authorization.
Section Membership
Sec. 2. — All members of the Society of Motion Picture Engineers in good stand-
ing residing in that portion of any country set apart by the Board of Governors
tributary to any local Section shall be eligible for membership in that Section, and
when so enrolled they shall be entitled to all privileges that such local Section may,
under the General Society's Constitution and By-Laws, provide.
Any member of the Society in good standing shall be eligible for nonresident
affiliated membership of any Section under conditions and obligations prescribed
for the Section. An affiliated member shall receive all notices and publications of
the Section but he shall not be entitled to vote at sectional meetings.
Sec. 3. — Should the enrolled Active, Fellow, and Honorary membership of a
Section fall below 20, or should the technical quality of the presented papers fall
below an acceptable level, or the average attendance at meetings not warrant the
expense of maintaining the organization, the Board of Governors may cancel its
authorization.
Section Officers
| Sec. 4. — The officers of each Section shall be a Chairman and a Secretary-
Treasurer. The Section chairmen shall automatically become members of the
Board of Governors of the General Society, and continue in such positions for the
duration of their terms as chairmen of the local Sections. Each Section officer
shall hold office for one year, or until his successor is chosen.
Section Board of Managers
Sec. 5. — The Board of Managers shall consist of the Section Chairman, the
Section Past- Chairman, the Section Secretary-Treasurer, and six Active, Fellow, or
322 CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS Vol 44, No. 4
Honorary members. Each manager of a Section shall hold office for two years,
or until his successor is chosen.
Section Elections
Sec. 6. — The officers and managers of a Section shall be Active, Fellow, or
Honorary members of the General Society.
Not less than three months prior to the annual' fall convention of the Society,
nominations shall be presented to the Board of Managers of the Section by a
Nominating Committee appointed by the Chairman of the Section, consisting of
seven members, including a chairman. The Committee shall be composed of the
present Chairman, the Past-Chairman, two other members of the Board of Man-
agers not up for election, and three other Active, Fellow, or Honorary members of
the Section not currently officers or managers of the Section. Nominations shall
be made by a three-quarters affirmative vote of the total Nominating Committee.
Such nominations shall be final, unless any nominee is rejected by a three-quarters
vote of the Board of Managers, and in the event of such rejection the Board of
Managers will make its own nomination.
The Chairman of the Section shall then notify these candidates of their nomi-
nation. From the list of acceptances, not more than two names for each vacancy
shall be selected by the Board of Managers and placed on a letter ballot. A blank
space shall be provided on this letter ballot under each office, in which space the
names of any Active, Fellow, or Honorary members other than those suggested
by the Board of Managers may be voted for. The balloting shall then take place.
The ballot shall be enclosed in a blank envelope which is enclosed in an outer
envelope bearing the local Secretary-Treasurer's address and a space for the
member's name and address. One of these shall be mailed to each Active, Fellow,
and Honorary member of the Society residing in the geographical area covered by
the Section, not less than forty days in advance of the annual fall convention.
The voter shall then indicate on the ballot one choice for each office, seal the
ballot in the blank envelope, place this in the envelope addressed to the Secretary-
Treasurer, sign his name and address on the latter, and mail it in accordance with
the instructions printed on the ballot. No marks of any kind except those above
prescribed shall be placed upon the ballots or envelopes.
The sealed envelopes shall be delivered by the Secretary-Treasurer to his
Board of Managers at a duly called meeting. The Board of Managers shall then
examine the return envelopes, open and count the ballots, and announce the
results of the election.
The newly elected officers and managers shall take office on January 1st follow-
ing then' election.
Section Business
Sec. 7. — The business of a Section shall be conducted by the Board of Managers.
Section Expenses
Sec. 8. — (a) As early as possible in the fiscal year, the Secretary-Treasurer of
each Section shall submit to the Board of Governors of the Society a budget of
expenses for the year.
(6) The Treasurer of the General Society may deposit with each Section Secre-
April, 1945 CONSTITUTION AND BY-LAWS 323
tary-Treasurer a sum of money, the amount to be fixed by the Board of Governors,
for current expenses.
(c) The Secretary-Treasurer of each Section shall send to the Treasurer of the
General Society, quarterly or on demand, an itemized account of all expenditures
incurred during the preceding interval.
(d) Expenses other than those enumerated in the budget, as approved by the
Board of Governors of the General Society, shall not be payable from the general
funds of the Society without express permission from the Board of Governors.
(e) A Section Board of Managers shall defray all expenses of the Section not
provided for by the Board of Governors, from funds raised locally by donation,
or fixed annual dues, or by both.
(/) The Secretary of the General Society shall, unless otherwise arranged, supply
to each Section all stationery and printing necessary for the conduct of its business.
Section Meetings
Sec. 9. — The regular meetings of a Section shall be held in such places and at
such hours as the Board of Managers may designate.
The Secretary-Treasurer of each Section shall forward to the Secretary of the
General Society, not later than five days after a meeting of a Section, a statement
of the attendance and of the business transacted.
Section Papers
Sec. 10. — Papers shall be approved by the Section's Papers Committee previ-
ously to their being presented before a Section. Manuscripts of papers presented
before a Section, together with a report of the discussions and the proceedings of
the Section meetings, shall be forwarded promptly by the Section Secretary-
Treasurer to the Secretary of the General Society. Such material may, at the dis-
cretion of the Board of Editors of the General Society, be printed in the Society's
publications.
Constitution and By- Laws
Sec. 11. — Sections shall abide by the Constitution and By-Laws of the Society
and conform to the regulations of the Board of Governors. The conduct of Sec-
tions shall always be in conformity with the general policy of the Society as fixed
by the Board of Governors.
By-Law XII
Amendments
Sec. 1 . — These By-Laws may be amended at any regular meeting of the Society
by the affirmative vote of two-thirds of the members present at a meeting who
are eligible to vote thereon, a quorum being present, either on the recommendation
of the Board of Governors or by a recommendation to the Board of Governors
signed by any ten members of Active or higher grade, provided that the proposed
amendment or amendments shall have been published in the JOURNAL of the
Society, in the issue next preceding the date of the stated business meeting of the
Society at which the amendment or amendments are to be acted upon.
Sec. 2.— In the event that no quorum of the voting members is present at the
time of the meeting referred to in Section 1 , the amendment or amendments shall
324 JOURNAL AWARD AND PROGRESS MEDAL AWARD Vol 44, No. 4
be referred for action to the Board of Governors. The proposed amendment or
amendments then become a part of the By-Laws upon receiving the affirmative
vote of three-quarters of the Board of Governors.
JOURNAL AWARD AND PROGRESS MEDAL AWARD
In accordance with the provisions of the Administrative Practices of the
Society, the regulations of procedure for the Journal Award and the Progress
Medal Award, a list of the names of previous recipients, and the reasons therefor,
shall be published annually in the JOURNAL, as follows:
JOURNAL AWARD
The Journal Award Committee shall consist of five Fellows or Active members
of the Society, appointed by the President and confirmed by the Board of Gover-
nors. The Chairman of the Committee shall be designated by the President.
At the fall convention of the Society a Journal Award Certificate shall be pre-
sented to the author or to each of the authors of the most outstanding paper
originally published in the JOURNAL of the Society during the preceding calendar
year.
Other papers published in the JOURNAL of the Society may be cited for Honorable
Mention at the option of the Committee, but in any case should not exceed five in
number.
The Journal Award shall be made on the basis of the following qualifications :
(1) The author, or in the event of multiple authors, at least one of the co-
authors, shall be a member of the Society — (any grade). All co-authors shall
receive Journal Award Certificates.
(2} The paper must deal with some technical phase of motion picture engineer-
ing.
(5) No paper given in connection with the receipt of any other Award of the
Society shall be eligible.
(4) In judging of the merits of the paper, three qualities shall be considered,
with the weights here indicated:
(a) Excellence of presentation of the material 50 per cent.
(6) Originality and breadth of interest 30 per cent.
(c} Technical merit and importance of material 20 per cent.
A majority vote of the entire Committee shall be required for the election to the
Award. Absent members may vote in writing.
The report of the Committee shall be presented to the Board of Governors at
their July meeting for ratification.
These regulations, a list of the names of those who have previously received the
Journal Award, the year of each Award, and the titles of the papers shall be pub-
lished annually in the April issue of the JOURNAL of the Society. In addition, the
list of papers selected for Honorable Mention shall be published in the JOURNAL of
the Society during the year current with the Award.
April, 1945 JOURNAL AWARD AND PROGRESS MEDAL AWARD 325
The Awards in previous years have been as follows:
1934 — P. A. Snell, for his paper entitled "An Introduction to the Experi-
mental Study of Visual Fatigue." (Published May, 1933.)
1935 — L. A. Jones and J. H. Webb, for their paper entitled "Reciprocity
Law Failure in Photographic Exposure." (Published Sept., 1934.)
1936 — E. W. Kellogg, for his paper entitled "A Comparison of Variable-
Density and Variable-Width Systems." (Published Sept., 1935.)
1937 — D. B. Judd, for his paper entitled "Color Blindness and Anomalies of
Vision." (Published June, 1936.)
1938 — K. S. Gibson, for his paper entitled "The Analysis and Specification of
Color." (Published Apr., 1937.)
1939 — H. T. Kalmus, for his paper entitled "Technicolor Adventures in
Cinemaland." (Published Dec., 1938.)
1940 — R. R. McNath, for his paper entitled "The Surface of the Nearest
Star." (Published Mar.; 1939.)
1941 — J. G. Frayne and Vincent Pagliarulo, for their paper entitled "The
Effects of Ultraviolet Light on Variable- Density Recording and Printing."
(Published June, 1940.)
1942 — W. J. Albersheim and Donald MacKenzie, for their paper entitled
"Analysis of Sound-Film Drives." (Published July, 1941.)
1943 — R. R. Scoville and W. L. Bell, for their paper entitled "Design and
Use of Noise-Reduction Bias Systems." (Published Feb., 1942; Award made
Apr., 1944.)
1944 — J. I. Crabtree, G. T. Eaton, and M. E. Muehler, for their paper en-
titled "Removal of Hypo and Silver Salts from Photographic Materials as
Affected by the Composition of the Processing Solutions." (Published July,
1943.)
The present Chairman of the Journal Award Committee is F. E. Carlson.
PROGRESS MEDAL AWARD
The Progress Medal Award Committee shall consist of five Fellows or Active
members of the Society, appointed by the President and confirmed by the Board
of Governors. The Chairman of the Committee shall be designated by the
President.
The Progress Medal may be awarded each year to an individual in recognition
of any invention, research, or development which, in the opinion of the Com-
mittee, shall have resulted in a significant advance in the development of motion
picture technology.
Any member of the Society may recommend persons deemed worthy of the
Award. The recommendation in each case shall be in writing and in detail as to
the accomplishments which are thought to justify consideration. The recom-
mendation shall be seconded in writing by any two Fellows or Active members
of the Society, who shall set forth their knowledge of the accomplishments of the
candidate which, in their opinion, justify consideration.
A majority vote of the entire Committee shall be required to constitute an
Award of the Progress Medal. Absent members may vote in writing.
The report of the Committee shall be presented to the Board of Governors
at their July meeting for ratification.
326 JOURNAL AWARD AND PROGRESS MEDAL AWARD
The recipient of the Progress Medal shall be asked to present a photograph of
himself to the Society and, at the discretion of the Committee, may be asked to
prepare a paper for publication in the JOURNAL of the Society.
These regulations, a list of the names of those who have previously received
the Medal, the year of each Award, and a statement of the reason for the Award
shall be published annually in the April issue of the JOURNAL of the Society.
Previous Awards have been as follows :
The 1935 Award was made to E. C. Wente, for his work in the field of sound
recording and reproduction. (Citation published Dec., 1935.)
The 1936 Award was made to C. E. K. Mees, for his work in photography.
(Citation published Dec., 1936.)
The 1937 Award was made to E. W. Kellogg, for his work in the field of sound
reproduction. (Citation published Dec., 1937.)
The 1938 Award was made to H. T. Kalmus, for his work in developing color
motion pictures (Citation published Dec., 1938.)
The 1939 Award was made to L. A. Jones, for his scientific researches in the
field of photography. (Citation published Dec., 1939.)
The 1940 Award was made to Walt Disney, for his contributions to motion
picture photography and sound recording of feature and short cartoon films.
("Citation published Dec., 1940.)
The 1941 Award was made to G. L. Dimmick, for his development activities
in motion picture sound recording. (Citation published Dec., 1941.)
No Awards were made in 1942 and 1943.
The 1944 Award was made to J. G. Capstan", for his research and develop-
ment of films and apparatus used in amateur cinematography. (Citation pub-
lished Jan., 1945.)
The present Chairman of the Progress Medal Award Committee is E. A. Willi-
ford.
57th SEMI-ANNUAL TECHNICAL CONFERENCE
OF THE
SOCIETY OF MOTION PICTURE ENGINEERS
HOLLYWOOD-ROOSEVELT HOTEL
HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA
MAY 14-18, 1945
Officers in Charge
D. E. HYNDMAN, President
HERBERT GRIFFIN, Past-President
L. L. RYDER, Executive V ice-President
J. A. MAURER, Engineering V ice-President
A. C. DOWNES, Editorial Vice-President
W. C. KUNZMANN, Convention Vice-President
E. A. WILLIFORD, Secretary
H. W. MOYSE, Chairman, Pacific Coast Section
Directory of Committee Chairmen
Pacific Coast Section H. W. MOYSE, Chairman
Papers Committee • C. R. DAILY, Chairman
BARTON KREUZER, Vice-Chairman
Publicity Committee E. O. BLACKBURN, West Coast
JULIUS HABER, East Coast
Registration and Information W. C. KUNZMANN
Reception and Local Arrangements .... EMERY HUSE
Luncheon and Dinner-Dance L. L. RYDER
Hotel and Transportation C. W. HANDLEY
Projection Programs — 35-mm R. H. McCuLLOUGH, Chairman, assisted
by Officers and Members of I.A.T.S.E.,
Locals 150 and 165
16-mm H. W. REMERSCHEID, Chairman
327
328 5?TH SEMI-ANNUAL CONFERENCE Vol 44, No. 4
HOTEL RESERVATIONS AND RATES
The Hollywood-Roosevelt Hotel management extends the following per diem
room rates, European Plan, to SMPE members and guests attending the Fifty-
Seventh Technical Conference :
Room with bath, one person $4.40
Room with bath, two persons, double bed 5.50
Room with bath, two persons, twin beds 6.60-7.70
Note: There will be no parlor suites available at the hotel during the conference
dates.
Special Notice
Owing to the acute housing situation in Hollywood, the hotel management can
assign the conference only a limited number of rooms for Eastern and Midwestern
members attending this Conference. Therefore no room reservation cards will be
mailed to the membership as heretofore. Accordingly, you are requested to
make room reservations direct with Stewart H. Hathaway, Manager of the
Hollywood-Roosevelt Hotel, Hollywood, California. No rooms will be assured or
guaranteed at this hotel unless confirmed by Mr. Hathaway, which are subject to can-
cellation prior to May 10.
Your Conference Chairman has arranged with the Mark Hopkins Hotel man-
agement in San Francisco, California, to provide accommodations for members
who will visit this city while on the West Coast. Accordingly, reservations should
be made direct with R. E. Goldsworthy, Manager of this hotel, at least 2 weeks
in advance of your arrival in San Francisco. When making reservations, advise
the management that you are a member of the SMPE.
RAILROAD AND PULLMAN ACCOMMODATIONS
Eastern and Midwestern members of the Society who are contemplating
attending the Conference in Hollywood should consult their local railroad
passenger agent regarding train schedules, rates, stopover privileges, and Pullman
accommodations at least 30 days prior to leaving, otherwise no accommodations
may be available.
REGISTRATION
The Conference registration headquarters will be located on the mezzanine
floor of the hotel near the Studio Lounge where all business and technical sessions
will be held during the Conference. Members and guests are expected to register.
The fee is used to help defray Conference expenses.
TECHNICAL PAPERS
Members and others who are contemplating the presentation of papers can
greatly assist the Papers Committee in their early program assembly, and sched-
uling in the final program, by mailing in the title of paper, name of author, and
a complete manuscript not later than May 1 to the West or East Coast chairman
of the Papers Committee.
April, 1945 5?TH SEMI-ANNUAL CONFERENCE 329
CONFERENCE LUNCHEON
The usual Conference Get-Together Luncheon will be held in the Terrace Room
of the hotel on Monday, May 14, at 12:30 p.m. The luncheon program will
be announced later.
Members in Hollywood and vicinity will be solicited by a letter from S. P.
Solow, Secretary of the Pacific Coast Section, to send remittances to him for
Conference registration fee and luncheon tickets. Checks or money orders
should be made payable to W. C. Kunzmann, Convention Vice-President, and
not to the Society.
INFORMAL DINNER-DANCE
The Fifty-Seventh Semi-Annual Dinner-Dance and social get-together of the
conference will be held in the California Room of the hotel on Wednesday evening,
May 16, at 8: 30 p.m.
A social hour with your Board of Governors will precede the Dinner-Dance
between 7 : 30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m. in the Terrace Room. (Refreshments)
Table reservations may be made and tickets procured for the Dinner-Dance
during the week of May 6 from W. C. Kunzmann, Convention Vice-President,
Hollywood-Roosevelt Hotel, or at the registration headquarters not later than
noon on May 15. All checks or money orders should be made payable to W. C.
Kunzmann, Convention Vice-President, and not to the Society.
Because of strict food rationing and a shortage of hotel labor, your committee
must know in advance of the Luncheon and Dinner-Dance the number of persons
attending these functions in order to make the necessary hotel arrangements.
Therefore your cooperation is solicited.
LADIES' REGISTRATION
There will be no ladies' reception committee or hostess during the Fifty-
Seventh Technical Conference. However, all ladies are requested to register
at the registration desk to receive identification cards for admittance to the
deluxe motion picture theaters on Hollywood Boulevard in the vicinity of the
hotel. Ladies are welcome to attend the Luncheon on May 14 and the Dinner-
Dance on May 16.
MOTION PICTURES
The Fifty-Seventh Technical Conference recreational program will be an-
nounced later when arrangements have been completed by the local committee.
Conference identification cards issued only to registered members and guests
will be honored through the courtesy of the following deluxe motion picture
theaters on Hollywood Boulevard:
Fox WEST COAST GRAUMAN'S CHINESE AND EGYPTIAN
HOLLYWOOD PARAMOUNT
HOLLYWOOD PANTAGES
WARNER'S HOLLYWOOD THEATRE
330 57TH SEMI-ANNUAL CONFERENCE Vol 44, No. 4
Monday, May 14, 194S
Open Morning
10: 00 a.m. Hotel Mezzanine Floor: Registration.
Advance sale of Luncheon tickets.
12: 30 p.m. Terrace Room: SMPE Get-Together Luncheon. (Speakers)
2 : 00 p.m. Studio Lounge: Opening Conference.
Business and Technical Session.
8: 00 p.m. Studio Lounge: Evening Session.
Tuesday, May 15, 1945
Open Morning
10: 00 a.m. Hotel Mezzanine Floor: Registration.
Advance sale of Dinner- Dance tickets.
2:00 p.m. Studio Lounge: Afternoon Session.
8: 00 p.m. Studio Lounge: Evening Session.
Wednesday, May 16, 1945
9 : 00 a.m. Hotel Mezzanine Floor: Registration.
Advance sale of Dinner-Dance tickets.
9: 30 a.m. Studio Lounge: Morning Session.
Open Afternoon.
Note: Registration headquarters will be open on the afternoon of this date for
those desiring to make final arrangements for Dinner-Dance tables
and accommodations.
7:30 p.m. Terrace Room: A social hour with your Board of Governors pre-
ceding the Dinner-Dance. (Refreshments)
8: 30 p.m. California Room: The Fifty-Seventh Semi- Annual Dinner-Dance
and social get-together. Dancing and entertainment.
Thursday, May 17, 1945
Open Morning.
2 : 00 p.m. Studio Lounge: Afternoon Session.
8: 00 p.m. Studio Lounge: Evening Session.
Friday, May 18, 1945
Open Morning
2: 00 p.m. Studio Lounge: Afternoon Session.
8: 00 p.m. Studio Lounge: Evening Session.
Adjournment of the Fifty-Seventh Semi-Annual Technical Con-
ference.
* Subject to change.
April, 1945 5?TH SEMI- ANNUAL CONFERENCE 331
'IMPORTANT
The Eastern and Midwestern members who plan to attend the 1945 Spring
Conference in Hollywood are again cautioned to check railroad and Pullman
accommodations, and make hotel room reservations at least 30 days prior to
leaving for the West Coast.
Owing to the strict food rationing and hotel labor conditions existing on the
West Coast, your arrangements committee requests that Luncheon and Dinner-
Dance tickets be procured prior to the dates of these functions so that accom-
modations can be provided accordingly.
W. C. KUNZMANN
Convention V ice-President
SOCIETY ANNOUNCEMENTS
ATLANTIC COAST SECTION MEETING
The new American War Standards 16-mm sound test films were the subject of
two speakers at the meeting of the Atlantic Coast Section of the Society on Feb-
ruary 21. Lt. Howard T. Souther of the Signal Corps Photographic Center, Long
Island City, New York, reviewed the factors leading to the development of these
test films, including conditions under which 16-mm projectors and equipment are
operated, life of equipment, steps taken by the Signal Corps to improve condi-
tions of operation and repair, and the final need for test films to insure optimum
operation.
John A. Maurer, Engineering Vice-President of the Society, described the
special equipment designed by J. A. Maurer, Inc., which is required to produce
these high precision 16-mm sound test films in accordance with American War
Standards. Mr. Maurer's talk was illustrated with many lantern slides showing
details of the recording equipment and how the problems encountered were dealt
with. The multifrequency test film was demonstrated.
These 16-mm test films are now in production and are being supplied to the
Armed Forces by the Society. Details as to availability to others may be ob-
tained by communicating with the general office.
The motion picture, War Film Communique, was shown to members and guests
in the Salle Moderne of the Hotel Pennsylvania.
PACIFIC COAST SECTION MEETING
A presentation of the outstanding documentary film, The Fighting Lady, was
given before members and guests of the Pacific Coast Section of the Society at a
meeting held in the Paramount Studios projection room in Hollywood on Febru-
ary 14. Lt. Commander Robert L. Middleton, who was associated in producing
the picture, discussed the problems and experiences encountered during filming
and answered questions from the audience after the showing.
The dinner group preceding the meeting included Commander Middleton, E.
A. Williford, Secretary, and E. I. Sponable, Governor of the Society, both visiting
Hollywood, and local Section officers.
NOMINATIONS FOR ANNUAL ELECTIONS
In accordance with the Administrative Practices of the Society, a Committee
on Nominations has been appointed by the President to recommend suitable
candidates for offices expiring on December 31, 1945, elections for which are held
prior to the October meeting. A list of these offices and the incumbents is given
on the reverse of the contents page of this issue
332
SOCIETY ANNOUNCEMENTS 333
The Committee invites recommendations for nominations for the offices open
from the voting members of the Society (Honorary, Fellow, and Active members) .
Names of candidates for nomination (only Honorary, Fellow, and Active members
may hold office) should be submitted to the Chairman of the Committee on
Nominations, whose name and address are given on page 308 of this issue, or to
any committee member. A report will be submitted to the Board of Governors
at their July meeting.
i
EMPLOYMENT SERVICE
POSITIONS OPEN
Young man with several years' experience in Motion Picture Camera
and Projector design. Must have mechanical background with a
knowledge of motion picture industry requirements. Write or telephone
for interview. Akeley Camera, Inc., 175 Varick St., New York 14, N. Y.
WAlker 5-7954.
Optical engineer's assistant. Acquainted with optical laboratory routine,
ray tracing and similar problems in related scientific fields. Reply to
Optical Engineering Department, DeVry Corporation, 1111 Armitage
Ave., Chicago 14. 111.
Position open for man or woman with experience in optical instrument
design. Position also open for man or woman with experience in lens
design or computing. Write for interview. Binswanger and Company,
Optics Division, 645 Union Ave., Memphis, Tenn.
Physicist with special training in optics for research on utilization of
carbon arcs particularly in projection systems. Apply to Research Labo-
ratory, National Carbon Co., Inc., P. O. Box 6087, Cleveland 1, Ohio.
POSITION WANTED
Engineer desires position with manufacturer or theater circuit super-
vising construction, maintenance, or operation. Sixteen years' ex-
perience. For details write P. O. Box 710, Chicago, 111.
Notices from business organizations for technical personnel and from members
of the Society desiring technical positions which are received before the 15th of
the month will appear in the JOURNAL of the following month. Notices should
be brief and must give an address for direct reply. The Society reserves the right
both to edit or reject any notice submitted for publication.
REPORT OF THE TREASURER
SOCIETY OF MOTION PICTURE ENGINEERS
JANUARY 1-DECEMBER 31, 1944
Members' Equity, Jan. 1, 1944
Income, Jan-Dec., 1944:
Membership Dues $15,283.36
Sustaining Memberships 5,725.00
Publications (Subscriptions, Reprints,
Journals, Standards, Book, etc.) 6,845.21
Other Income (Test Films, Interest,
Conferences, etc.) 8,889.44
Total
$31,195.56
$36,743.01
Expenses, Jan-Dec., 1944:
General Office (Salaries, Rent, Supplies,
Postage, Equipment, etc.) 12,361.41
Publications (Journal, Reprints, Stand-
ards, etc.) 7,401.91
Dues and Fees to Other Organizations
(ASA, RTPB, NFPA, ISCC) 2,335.00
Sections (Atlantic and Pacific) 646.72
Other Expense (Committees, Awards,
Test Films, Promotion, etc.) 4,337.78
Total
27,082.82
Net Income, 1944
Members' Equity, Dec. 31, 1944
9,660.19
$40,855.75
The cash records of the Treasurer were audited for the year ended December
31, 1944, by Sparrow, Waymouth and Company, certified public accountants,
and are in conformity with the above report.
M. R. BOYER,
Treasurer
334
JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY OF
MOTION PICTURE ENGINEERS
Vol44 MAY, 1945 No. 5
CONTENTS
PAGE
Educational Research in the Production of Training
Films H. B. ROBERTS 335
Story Development and Control in Training Films
G. LEENHOUTS 340
Blunders in Training Films — Their Causes and Cures
R. B. LEWIS 343
Machine Bookkeeping Methods as Used for Navy
Training Film Production Control
J. H. MCCLELLAND 349
The Gun Camera R. S. QUACKENBUSH, JR. 364
Developments in Army Air Forces Training Films
H. A. GRAY 372
Some Economic Aspects of Theater Television
R. B. AUSTRIAN 377
Progress Report of the Work of the ASA War Com-
mittee on Photography and Cinematography-Z52
J. W. McNAiR 386
Developments at the National Film Board of Canada,
1939-44 R. SPOTTISWOODE 391
Current Literature 401
Society Announcements 402
(The Society is not responsible for statements of authors.)
Indexes to the semi-annual volumes of the JOURNAL are published in the June and December
sues. The contents are also indexed in the Industrial Arts Index available in public libraries.
JOURNAL
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JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY OF
MOTION PICTURE ENGINEERS
Vol 44 MAY, 1945 No. 5
EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH IN THE PRODUCTION OF
TRAINING FILMS*
HAROLD B. ROBERTS'
Summary. — The original research problem confronting the producer of training
films may be summarized as follows: (1) The isolation of the training problem de-
manding solution; (2} the specification of that problem in terms of trainee behavior;
(3} the discovery of all factors which are expected to contribute to the solution of the
behavior problem; (4) the selection of those factors which are to become the responsi-
bility of the film; and (5) the presentation of these factors for visualization.
The accuracy with which this problem is solved and the effectiveness with which it
is presented can be the deciding factors in the development of the film as an instrument
for the control of human behavior.
The Training Film Branch recognizes that its first obligation in the
production of a training film is to the naval activity, ship or station,
that requests the film. The nature of that obligation and the pro-
cedure for discharging it in the research stage of production are the
subjects of consideration for this paper.
Requests for Navy training film production are forwarded to the
Branch from a great number of naval activities. These activities
undertake a wide variety of types of training and present a wide
variety of training problems. For instance, the technique of making
a hospital bed presents one' type of problem while the teaching of
motor torpedo attack tactics obviously offers quite another.
But while the hundreds of requests for production vary widely in
the nature of the training involved, the assumptions on which re-
quests are based tend to follow a fairly constant pattern. In gen-
eral, the requesting agencies make the following assumptions when
they ask for a training film on any given subject :
* Presented Oct. 18, 1944, at the Technical Conference in New York.
** Lieutenant, USNR, Education Specialist, Photographic Division, Training
Film Branch, Bureau of Aeronautics, U. S. Navy, Washington, D. C.
335
336 H. B. ROBERTS Vol 44, No. 5
(7) A training film will speed the learning-training process.
(2) A training film will serve as an accepted pattern of practice establishing
standard procedures on all ships and stations.
(3} A training film can be used to clarify a complicated technical problem not
yet satisfactorily explained by books, charts, diagrams, or lectures.
(4) A training film can be made so specific in nature that it will solve or assist
in the solution of a single, given training problem.
The Training Film Branch, without complete knowledge of the
success or failure of alternate methods of instruction, may accept those
assumptions as given and the last three may constitute an outline of
the obligation of the Branch to the requesting agency. The three, in
fact, become primary production standards. If a film is to set stand-
ards of Navy behavior and performance, it must be technically cor-
rect and the standards universally acceptable. If a film is to clarify
complicated technical problems, it must be clear, orderly, and honest.
Finally, if a requesting agency is to depend on a film to solve a known
and perplexing training problem, that problem must be isolated and
identified. Furthermore, its solution must become a definite re-
sponsibility of the film. To produce a film that solves one or more
related training problems cannot be considered sufficient. If the
problem is to teach the overhaul of an engine, the film must cover
more than the recognition of parts. A training problem involving
the principles of ship propulsion demands a picture that is more
specific than a travelogue of an engine room.
A film can fail in its obligation to the requesting agency at any
number of points during production. Originally designed to attain a
given objective, it may deviate from the intended course either within
or between the major production stages. It appears now that the
more serious variations are likely to occur between those steps which
for the sake of clarity may be divided as follows: (1} the research, (2)
the visualization and writing, (3) the photography and sound re-
cording, and (4) the cutting and editing.
Success in each step is dependent first upon the effectiveness of the
preceding steps and, secondly, and especially, upon the accuracy with
which the accomplishments in one step are interpreted by those re-
sponsible for succeeding steps.
A heavy burden of responsibility rests with those undertaking re-
search on the project. Research initiates the production. It estab-
lishes the relationship with the requesting authority. It must dis-
cover and identify the training problem and set in motion the pro-
cedures for solution.
May, 1945 RESEARCH AND TRAINING FlLMS 337
The policy and procedures of the Branch to insure the fulfillment
of the obligation to a requesting agency have been developed over a
30-month period. The policy is basic to the procedures and is
founded upon the following assumptions :
(1) The problem of training in the Navy is to change the behavior of its train-
ees, officers, and men from behavior which was effective in one aspect of the han-
dling of naval equipment and personnel to that which is effective in another. More
simply, the Navy training problem is a behavior problem.
(2) For the most part, the problem involves overt, visible, measurable behavior.
Navy training is related primarily to activity which can be observed easily.
(3) The training film maker is faced with the same type of problems as the
training officer. The objectives of the two cannot be far apart.
(4) Any given training film, when completed, may be used in a wide variety
of ways. Projection of the film may be accompanied by the best possible in-
struction or by none.
(5) Because the Branch cannot be sure of the conditions under which a film
will be used, it must possess qualities which make it a complete, self-sufficient
training instrument.
(6) Sooner or later, the hard grueling work of analyzing the training problem
in terms of behavior must be done, whether at the beginning or in the middle of
production. Unless the problem is defined, the purposes clarified, the desired
behavior discovered, the production time will be prolonged or the picture is likely
to be a poor production.
(7) Educational and psychological planning are most effectively accomplished
at the beginning of production.
(8) An effective training film can be made on any subject whatsoever if the
problem is definitely conceived.
On receipt of a request for a film, a 3-man team is appointed to
undertake the production research. This team is composed of a
Project Supervisor, an Education Officer, and a Technical Adviser.
The Project Supervisor is, in effect, the Navy production manager.
The Education Officer is held responsible for the educational and
psychological aspects of the production. The Technical Adviser is
responsible for the technical accuracy of the production from research
to final editing.
The team attempts to approach the problem as simply and directly
as possible. The information they seek can be indicated by a series
of questions, falling roughly into 3 groups.
One group of questions seeks to discover the present general and
specific relation of the trainee to the problem :
CO What general background of knowledge does the trainee possess on this
subject?
(2) What specifically does he know about the problem?
338 H. B. ROBERTS Vol 44, No. 5
(3) How does the trainee act with regard to this subject?
(4) Which of the things he can do well are specifically related to the problem?
• t
This group of questions is based on the age-old proposition that
learning must proceed from the known to the unknown.
Another group of questions seeks to discover the nature of the
present or planned training program. This group reveals the other
factors which are expected to contribute to the solution of the training
problem :
(1) What is the general and specific curriculum plan?
(2) Will the trainee have immediate access to the equipment?
(5) What written materials are available on the problem?
(4) What training aids in addition to the film will be available?
(5) Where in the training period will the film be used?
(5) Will the film be used by itself?
The third group of questions inquires into the nature of the re-
quired trainee behavior:
(1) What is the trainee expected to do or to be able to do as the result of having
seen this picture? How is he expected to act?
(2} In order to be able to do the things he must do, to act the way he must act
what must he know? What information must he possess?
(3} What changes of attitude are expected to result from the film ?
(4} What action is expected to result as evidence of those changes in attitude?
The answers to these 3 groups of questions are organized to form
what is called a Production Outline. The Production Outline must
present a thorough analysis and breakdown of the problem to be
solved by the training film in terms of the trainee and of his behavior in
relation to the training problem.
The function of the Production Outline in the fulfillment of the first
obligation of the Training Film Branch can be stated briefly. It
is, first of all, the essence of the research. As such it serves as an
agreement between the Branch and the requesting agency as to the
training problem to be solved. It lists the behavior changes re-
quired in trainees and it summarizes the technical points that must
be taught. The kind of film that is to be produced is established by
it. Carefully developed, the Production Outline becomes the first
step in the production of the specific film that will fulfill the specific
requirement.
The original research problem confronting the producer of training
films may be summarized as follows :
May, 1945 RESEARCH AND TRAINING FlLMS 339
(1) The isolation of the training problem demanding solution;
(2) The specification of that problem in terms of trainee behavior;
(3) The discovery of all factors which are expected to contribute to the solu-
tion of the behavior problem ;
(4) The selection of those factors which are to become the responsibility of the
film;
(5) The presentation of these factors for visualization.
The accuracy with which this problem is solved and the effective-
ness with which it is presented can be the deciding factors in the de-
velopment of the film as an instrument for the control of human
behavior.
STORY DEVELOPMENT AND CONTROL IN TRAINING
FILMS*
GRANT LEENHOUTS'
Summary. — The Navy's method of story development and control is based on a
visualization of the contents of a film from the initial outline to the screening of the
final composite print. Such a plan is necessary to satisfy specific Navy training
requirements and to provide the right film in the least amount of time and for a mini-
mum amount of money. Through a system of story conferences and production
check points each film is developed in terms of pictures — not words. Such visualiza-
tion has helped insure the success of the Navy's training film program.
The United States Navy has a continuous training film production
load averaging 1000 films, and each film is designed to fill a specific
training requirement. Because of wartime urgency, a method of
story development and control was established to insure the produc-
tion of training films of maximum effectiveness which are produced
with minimum use of time and film.
The types of training films made by the Navy can be divided into 4
broad categories: The factual "how- to-do-it" film, the "operational"
type which is made under actual or simulated combat conditions, the
"indoctrinational" type, and the "mental conditioning" or "at-
titude creating" film.
Of the 4 types of films mentioned, the first three are sometimes the
easiest to produce because the Navy feels it is inadvisable to waste
time and money in sugar-coating facts and fundamentals. A story
woven around an intricate gunnery computer might easily confuse the
basic training aspects of the film, and would certainly take longer to
produce, and would cost more money. But the "mental con-
ditioning" or "attitude creating" film not only requires a story, it also
requires more thought and skill in production than most entertain-
ment-type feature pictures.
* Presented Oct. 18, 1944, at the Technical Conference in New York.
** Lieutenant, USNR, Training Film Branch, Bureau of Aeronautics, U. S.
Navy, Washington, D. C.
340
STORY DEVELOPMENT AND CONTROL 341
•
Because every Navy picture is a means to an end — answering a
particular training problem — each film, no matter what the type, is
designed and produced as carefully as any modern weapon. And
as the weapon, the film must be aimed accurately to meet the con-
tingencies of the Navy's vast teaching program. Whether the film is
for "boots" or officers, whether it is shown in the classroom or on the
hangar deck of a carrier, the film must either teach specifics or create
an attitude by indirection.
Every film must stem from straight-line thinking to be right.
Every film must start right and proceed without delay. There is no
opportunity for expensive retakes ; no time to tear scripts apart once
they are written. And above all, there can be no compromise with
ideas which the writers, directors, actors, editors, and cutters might
want to interject during production.
The method developed by the Navy to control story development
is simple and direct. Once the research is completed, the problems
and objectives of the proposed film are prepared as a Production Out-
line by the Navy production personnel who will actually be respon-
sible for making the picture. A conference is held among the Educa-
tion Specialist, Head of the Project Supervision Section, Graphic
Specialist, and members of the story planning group. They decide
on the medium to be used : motion picture, slide film, black-and-white,
color, 16- or 35-mm, the approximate length, the type of treatment,
and the style of the training film.
Once an agreement is reached on the basic concepts and "slant"
of the film, an Action Outline is prepared. This is composed of short
captions denoting camera directions, and only a limited indication of
narration. Narration is not stressed at this point because at this
stage in production thinking is only in terms of pictures. This story-
board is practically a script for a silent picture.
After this story-board, or Action Outline, is presented to the original
conference group, necessary changes in drawings and camera direc-
tions are made. The dialogue or commentary is added, and a com-
pleted master script is ready for final approval and production.
This method of script control insures the production of a picture
that will do the training job required of it, because it is worked out in
terms of pictures, and the specialized abilities of the camera are ex-
ploited to their full extent. The problem of making the right motion
picture is solved in terms of the medium of which the story will finally
be presented.
342 G. LEENHOUTS
•
The sketches in the Action Outline may be photographed as a
35-mm slide film and a recording may be made to give a complete
preview of the motion picture before it is made. Music, voices,
mood, tempo and over-all teaching qualities are screened and eval-
uated, and the story line checked and proved right or wrong.
The Navy's method of story development and control provides a
simple, direct, and economical means of insuring the success of a
film. By visualizing every sequence in advance, production is
guided through to the final composite print with minimum use of
time and money.
[A sound slide film composed of the actual story sketches and the preliminary
script for a motion picture was demonstrated. This motion picture was designed
to create a specific attitude in the minds of instructors who use films to train Navy
men. By such presentation of a motion picture during the planning stage, un-
limited opportunity is provided for objective judgment and evaluation of the ul-
timate effectiveness of the film.]
BLUNDERS IN TRAINING FILMS— THEIR CAUSES AND
CURES*
RICHARD B. LEWIS**
Summary. — In reviewing hundreds of training films the Navy has had op-
portunity to isolate and to define a number of often-repeated blunders — typical weak-
nesses— in training films . These blunders in treatment and presentation include im-
proper use of narration, faulty editing for training purposes, and faulty basic train-
ing film planning. Through planning procedures and through repeated checks dur-
ing production these blunders can be eliminated.
Navy training film production personnel have reviewed hundreds
of training films. Many of these films have been made by or for the
Navy to be used in its training program. Seeing many films gives re-
viewers an opportunity for study, and the characteristics of effective
films soon become apparent. Likewise, weaknesses in films become
apparent — weaknesses which appear again and again.
I want to analyze some of the weaknesses which appear most fre-
quently, especially in the films we usually call "nuts and bolts."
Perhaps it is this very term which causes us to give too little care to
the difficult job of making the "how- to-do-it" films interesting and
clear. These weaknesses I want to call "blunders," for they can be
avoided. _
In order to avoid blunders in training films, the Navy has estab-
lished production procedures with which many of you are acquainted.
But, no matter how effective planning and production procedures are
in theory, the war on blunders is an endless war. I feel confident
in saying that real progress has been made, but occasionally a film
gets to the screen filled with blunders, and few films are entirely free
of them. Let us take 10 examples.
Blunder No. 1, Long Films. — We have had ample evidence from
instructors who use films in their training programs that long films
* Presented Oct. 18, 1944, at the Technical Conference in New York.
** Lieutenant, USNR, Assistant Head, Training Film Branch, Bureau of
Aeronautics, U. S. Navy, Washington, D. C.
343
344 R. B. LEWIS Vol 44, No. 5
are not effective. Long films usually result from an attempt to
cover too much material, too many details, or from inadequate
planning and organization of the film. Yet many training films,
both slide films and motion pictures, are long — long and overloaded.
Navy experience seems to indicate that 20 min is the maximum
length for a film for efficient utilization and effective teaching. If the
subject matter is complex, a short film or a series of short films is most
desirable. For example, one preliminary plan for a film on a gun
used by the Navy called for 3 reels to include the duties of each mem-
ber of the gun crew, the techniques used by each gun crew member in
carrying out his duties, and stripping and assembling the gun. In-
stead of making one film, obviously too long and filled with too much
detail, 3 one-reel films were made, one for each of the problems to be
taught. It is unquestionable that such a series of short film units
provides much more effective teaching, from the viewpoints of both
instructors and students, than one long, loaded film.
The blunder of making training films too long can be eliminated in
the planning stage of a training film production. The attention
limits of an audience must be respected. The number of facts or
principles which can be absorbed by an audience in one session must
be considered. The training situation in which a film is to be used
must be remembered. Keep training films short.
Blunder No. 2, Poor Organization. — Many films lack a plan which
will insure effective teaching. Some are organized like a string of
beads.* This treatment appears often in films which purport to
instruct students how to run a machine or a device. One we re-
viewed about a year ago told how to start a complex engine. The
film started with a long shot of the engine; the sound track warned
the student that the task is a difficult one. The film proceeded from
valve to lever to dial to lever to valve to dial to button to dial, and
so on, for 20 min. This is the string of beads treatment with a fla-
grant eloquence. No man can remember procedures with such a pres-
entation, even if he stays awake until the end.
Training films must be organized into clearly defined large groups
of ideas, and within the large groups, smaller groups should appear.
In the engine film, the grouping could have been :
* If training film writers and producers would read and apply the precepts of
Harry A. Overstreet in his "Influencing Human Behavior," from which this ex-
pression was taken, they would go far in eliminating training film blunders.
May, 1945 BLUNDERS IN TRAINING FlLMS 345
Preparing for operation:
Adjusting fuel supply.
Adjusting current supply.
Safety checks before starting.
(Here a title followed by blank leader could be inserted to permit class
discussion of the first steps in engine operation.)
Starting the engine:
Sub ppints.
(Discussion break)
Checks while running.
(Discussion break)
Securing.
(Discussion questions)
Good teaching is good thinking and the best training films have clear
and simple organization which is carefully defined before any script
work is started.
Blunder No. 3, Needless Narration. — Blunder 3 turns up occa-
sionally. In one film the narration states, "A crane picks up a
truck, swings it over the ship, and lowers it into the hold." On the
screen the crane picks up a truck, swings it over the ship, and lowers
it into the hold. This blunder is closely related to —
Blunder No. 4, Loaded Sound Tracks. — The function of the sound
track is to support, explain, and clarify the picture. The sound
track can explain the why's of an action, can give emphasis to an im-
portant point. A sound track loaded with talk-talk-talk is actually
an obstacle to learning. Since the picture should unquestionably
contribute the major teaching points in the film, the addition in the
sound track of a great number of qualifying, descriptive, or technical
points for each picture sequence can prevent the student from getting
a clear impression from the film. Silent areas are important in the
sound track of a training film. Let the audience look and think in
silence; then an indispensable explanatory comment will be heard
and understood. Careful study and editing of the completed script
will eliminate both needless narration and loaded sound tracks from
training films.
Blunder No. 5, Lecture Films. — Here is a blunder that appears in
many guises : Instead of showing on the screen a new rocket, the film
shows a handsome narrator sitting at an executive desk talking about
the new rocket, or a lecturer, pretending to be an old and experienced
rocket handler, talking about handling rockets, or a group of actors
talking to each other about how effective the new rocket is said to be.
346 R. B. LEWIS Vcl 44, No. 5
Words and personalities are substituted for pictures which are
worth — or is the old Chinese proverb really backward?
This blunder of putting a lecture on film can be eliminated in what
we call the Action Outline stage of script preparation when each scene
of the finished film can be selected for its visual impact and training
value. The development of a set of story sketches, visualizing every
key sequence in the film, is an excellent method of finding where an
actor talking can be removed in favor of a picture of the thing he was
talking about.
In training, things are important far more often than personalities.
And with all the possibilities of animation, stop motion, high-speed
and slow-speed cameras, and so on — things can be dynamic! Let us
avoid the lecture film.
Blunder No. 6, Missing Scenes. — This blunder is familiar. Many
training films indicate clearly that the scenes to be photographed are
not sufficiently planned in advance, with the result that the script
does not provide for complete photographic coverage. One example,
on the screen: (medium shot) hand inserting multipronged electric
plug into receptacle; sound track: "The plug is inserted in the jack
with the arrow on the side near the large pin toward the arrow on the
jack." We cannot see the arrows, so we use 23 awkward words to
tell what one close close-up would have shown better. Do not let
the motto be : ' 'If we didn't shoot it, talk about it. ' '
Blunder No. 7, One- Angle Setups. — Close-ups and interesting and
revealing camera angles are vital in training films. Camera move-
ment should be used to the full. Sometimes special equipment is
necessary and thoroughly justified by the results. One Navy film suc-
cessfully demonstrates a difficult problem in benchwork on a com-
plicated device. The viewpoint of the technician is maintained as he
works on several sides of the device. To photograph the work from
the technician's viewpoint, a large i[/-shaped track was made, upon
which the camera traveled around and behind the technician as he
worked. The camera recorded the work as seen by the eyes of the
technician, and the audience seeing the finished picture participates
in doing the job.
To illustrate further this problem of the one-angle setup, in another
film the installation of an exceptionally simple but heavy piece of
gear under the wing of a plane was to be shown. The script did not
detail the camera angles, but simply stated opposite the written
narration, "camera coverage to suit." One setup was used by the
May, 1945 BLUNDERS IN TRAINING FlLMS 347
cameraman and director, because the entire installation of the gear
could be seen from one setup. A technical change in the gear neces-
sitated reshooting, and a new director was assigned who avoided the
one-setup blunder. The retakes showed the installation from 7
angles which included pictures of how the gear was picked up and
lifted, how the cleats engaged the wing hooks, how the pins were in-
serted, how the safety- keys were installed, how the security of the
attachment was .tested, and how the gear appeared from side, rear,
and front when installed. The screen time for both the treatments
was identical, but the teaching value of the second coverage was vastly
improved. Each action had received special photographic attention.
Every possible advantage must be taken of the flexibility of the
camera — and the camera directions should be explained in detail in
the script — or the one-angle setup blunder will be the result.
Blunder No. 8, Monotony. — This blunder applies to both picture
and narration. It may seem that such a blunder as monotony is
hardly possible in motion pictures, but it occurs again and again.
Monotonous pace in the picture and monotonous speech in the nar-
ration are ruinous to any training value a picture might otherwise
have. One memorable example is an early film on storms in which
scene after scene shows beautiful rolling clouds, rolling and rolling,
while the voice, in even, musical tones, drones the narration. I have
attended 3 screenings of that film and have never seen all of it.
Pictures can be cut with change of pace, can be photographed with
variety in visual symbols. Narration can be delivered with change
of pace, change of pitch, change of voice quality. Monotony is un-
forgivable in any film.
Blunder No. 9, Cliches. — Over and over again, film cliches are
substituted for genuine, relevant, and essential motivation material.
In a film on installing gaskets, old stock shots of combat action appear
like unexpected guests, presumably to justify the logic that a leaky
gasket will not get a ship to the battle. There is one stock shot
(credit Hollywood) in dozens of training films of a torpedo track;
it has been printed right side to and wrong side to, and some day soon
it will be printed upside down. It has lost its teaching punch long
ago.
Sound tracks, too, suffer from cliches. I wonder how many train-
ing films end with the words "teamwork" and "final victory"?
Every training film subject has inherent visual possibilities. Slide
films on geography have been interesting in design, humorous, and
348 R. B. LEWIS
powerful as teaching aids. The trite and traditional map geog-
raphy transferred to the screen would represent a failure to use the
potentialities of the film medium. The overhaul of diesel injectors
has been presented as an interesting, easily remembered duty. And
not one torpedo track is shown! Do not use cliches!
Blunder No. 10, Long Films. — But this is where I started sampling
training film blunders — which we still have 'despite the most elab-
orate procedures for planning and production.
Blunders are caused by people, people who work at every stage of
training film production: those who are technical advisers, project
supervisors, education officers, writers, directors, cameramen, editors,
and narrators. Blunders are caused by these earnest people when,
during the course of production, they forget the great power and
flexibility of still and motion pictures, forget the purpose of the film, or
forget the audience.
Production procedures, with controls and check points, provide
the opportunity for repeated evaluation of the qualities of a film as it
is developed. We all, then, have but 2 things to do — first, to know
blunders when we see them, and, second, to avoid them by using the
production procedures and check points for the purpose for which
they were intended. When we do, we will produce more films which
are individual, interesting, and effective.
MACHINE BOOKKEEPING METHODS AS USED FOR NAVY
TRAINING FILM PRODUCTION CONTROL*
JACK H. MCCLELLAND**
Summary. — Since the number of training films in production by the Navy
increased from 30 to 1800 in less than a year, it was found necessary to develop new
techniques for the maintenance of adequate production control. This paper de-
scribes the punch-card type of machine bookkeeping system used by the Navy for the
purpose of establishing and maintaining complete records on films in production and
by means of which effective production control is exercised.
The production of audio-visual training aids by the United States
Navy had its inception only a few months before the attack on Pearl
Harbor, so it is still a fairly new field for specialization in the Naval
Establishment. Yet, this newness has been no deterrent to that
lusty growth inherent with so many activities essential to the prosecu-
tion of the war. There was in the Navy an early realization of the
potentialities of motion pictures and slide films for increasing the
effectiveness of teaching and for reducing the time necessary for mas-
tery of subject matter. This eager acceptance of films for training is
emphasized by the realization that one year after the basic directive
was issued by the Secretary of the Navy authorizing the Bureau of
Aeronautics to produce training films for the entire Navy, the Train-
ing Film Branch had over 1800 motion pictures and slide films si-
multaneously in production.
How to maintain close supervision over the production of all of
these films immediately became a subject of vital concern. For ex-
ample, military necessity demanded the earliest possible completion of
films requested for combat training. Alert supervision, therefore, had
to be exercised in order that potential delay of these films might be
anticipated and prevented. If production facilities became jammed,
it was sometimes necessary to give high-priority films the "green
light" at the risk of causing some delay to other, nonoperational
* Presented Oct. 18, 1944, at the Technical Conference in New York.
** Lieutenant, USNR, Photographic Division, Training Film Branch, Bureau
of Aeronautics, U. S. Navy, Washington, D. C.
349
350
J. H. MCCLELLAND
Vol 44, No. 5
types of films. Before any juggling of production schedules could
be accomplished, however, dependable and easily visualized informa-
tion on the exact status and background of each film in production
had to be made readily available and up to date at all times. Then,
too, with hundreds of films in production at commercial studios all
over the country, it would have been alarmingly easy for a few to fall
by the wayside. That, obviously, could not be permitted. Finally,
FIG. 1.
Punch cards used by Navy to record production information con-
cerning one typical film.
there has always been a definite shortage of trained supervisory per-
sonnel necessitating close observation of the work-load of each avail-
able supervisor and frequent adjustment of project assignments in
order that talents and time may be completely utilized. With these
preliminary evidences of the need for adequate methods of production
control, officers of the Training Film Branch began to explore various
possible solutions.
Several manual approaches to the problem of maintaining produc-
tion records were tried and found wanting in one or more respects.
Finally, it was decided that the punch-card method used in many
May, 1945 MACHINE BOOKKEEPING METHODS 351
machine bookkeeping processes for handling large volumes of minute
detail might be used to advantage in this situation. With that in
view, research was instituted to determine what features the ideal
system must have in order to satisfy all current and possible future
needs. The requirements thus formulated were as follows:
(1) A way of recording current production activity or status of each project as
well as its recent production history is essential ;
FIG. 2. Converting data furnished by Training Film Branch into
punch-card form.
(2} Administrative personnel should have constantly at their finger-tips com-
plete records on the proposed production schedule for each project;
(5) There should be a convenient way for comparing each film's current pro-
duction activity with its scheduled activity in order that any tendency to fall be-
hind schedule may be quickly noticed;
(4} Both serial number and title should be given at all times as an aid to posi-
tive identification;
(5) There should be some means of identifying the requesting authority for
each film. It would be helpful to furnish each requesting authority with a peri-
odic statement of the status of all films being prepared for that authority;
(6} The project supervisor responsible for each film should be easily identified
from the records. It would also be helpful to be able to assemble each super-
352 J. H. MCCLELLAND Vol 44, No. 5
visor's films into a single list frequently in order that his production load and pro-
duction problems may be analyzed;
(7) The producer selected for each project should be easily identified from the
records and provision made for the segregation of all films being made by any
given producer in order to permit an analysis of that producer's work-load and
other problems;
(8) There must be an indication of priority of each film ;
(9) As a concise indication of production span, provision should be made for
the listing of the date upon which the Training Film Branch assumed responsi-
bility for the film along with the date when delivery of prints is guaranteed by
the producer;
FIG. 3. Sequencing punch cards on the sorting machine.
(10} The security classification for each film should be clearly evident at all
times with minimum opportunities for error;
(11} Since information concerning the use of color, width of film being used,
and length are all intimately related to the problems of scheduling both pro-
duction and laboratory facilities, these factors should be noted in any set of records
to be used for production control;
(12} The causes for any delay that may arise should be readily ascertain-
able;
(13} Since the project supervisor is the officer responsible for the film and is
most closely associated with it, there would be distinct advantages to having him
keep the records for his films up to date. If that can be arranged, the supervisor
would, of course, prefer records requiring a minimum of detail work for main-
tenance;
May, 1945
MACHINE BOOKKEEPING METHODS
353
(14) The system finally adopted should be one capable of unlimited expansion
to allow for variations in the production load ;
(15) All of the above information should be accurately listed in readily avail-
able form to permit quick response to each of the many daily requests for specific
production information.
Those were the prime requisites of any scheme devised for use by
the Training Film Branch in the exercising of effective control over
training film production. There remained only the overwhelming
task of figuring out how each of these requirements might be satisfied
FIG. 4.
Printing tabulator translating punch-card data into
printed form.
and then welding their various solutions into a simple but trust-
worthy framework.
Such a framework was developed. Before discussing details of its
operation, however, it will be necessary to acquire at least a nodding
acquaintance with the 2 fundamentals serving as a basis for the whole
system. Those fundamentals are:
(1) The components and possibilities of a punch-card machine bookkeeping
system ;
(2) Production procedures, routines, and terminology developed by officers in
the Bureau of Aeronautics.
Both fundamentals will be described but briefly, for punch-card ma-
chine bookkeeping systems are used in many business installations
354
J. H. MCCLELLAND
Vol 44, No. 5
where large volumes of bookkeeping detail are handled, and Navy
production procedures were described in a paper1 read before this
Society by Lieutenant R. B. Lewis at the October 1943 Conference
in Hollywood and subsequently published in the JOURNAL for Feb-
ruary 1944.
(1) Components and Possibilities of an Elementary Machine
Bookkeeping System. — The punch-card system used by the Navy
Training Film Branch for keeping records mechanically utilizes
FIG. 5.
Stages of production for both motion pictures and slide films pro-
duced by the Navy Training Film Branch.
cards 73/s X 3*/4 in. in size on which to record any desired informa-
tion. The cards are coded as shown in Fig. 1 by means of holes
punched in the cards — the position of the hole or holes in each of
the 80 columns determining the character so recorded in that
column. It is therefore possible to record 80 characters on any one
card. The cards shown in Fig. 1 are a typical pair representing
information about one film. It will be noted that the cards have
been "interpreted" in this sample. That is, information recorded
by means of holes punched in the body of the card has been trans-
lated back into printed symbols along the top of each card.
May, 1945
MACHINE BOOKKEEPING METHODS
355
In Fig. 2, punch-card operators are punching data furnished by the
Training Film Branch into the cards. These cards, then, become the
permanent record and the information they contain may be re-
produced at any time.
The cards alone would not be particularly helpful if it were neces-
sary to sort them by hand every time it was desired to change their
sequence. So, the sorting machine pictured in Fig. 3 has been made
available. By means of that unit, a deck of cards may be sorted into
any desired sequence or grouping. For instance, suppose there is
FIG. 6. Training Film Status Report form used for production control.
occasion to segregate from an assorted deck all cards having the
numeral 7 punched in the fifteenth column. A simple adjustment of
a small electrical contact or brush on the machine enables the operator
to feed a large stack of cards into the right end of the machine and
have all cards with the numeral 7 in the fifteenth column drop into the
seventh pocket. By an extension of this idea, such a machine may
be used for putting cards into numerical sequence, alphabetical se-
quence or for any other special grouping.
Finally, there is shown in Fig. 4 the so-called printing tabulator
by means of which holes punched in the cards are translated back into
printed symbols. It is a highly versatile piece of equipment — so
356
J. H. MCCLELLAND
Vol 44, No. 5
much so that many of its summarizing, calculating, and other features
are almost uncanny. As far as an understanding of training film pro-
duction control procedures is concerned, however, it is only necessary
to know that it is a machine which scans the holes punched in a card
and then prints the symbols so recorded onto any appropriate sheet
of paper.
(2) Production Procedures. — Officers in the Training Film
Branch have established a production framework equally applicable
to both motion pictures and slide films. The stages numbered in
FIG. 7. Section of Status Report showing data under "Serial No.," "Request-
ing Authority," "Project Supervisor," "Producer," and "Priority Rating."
Fig. 5 have been standardized to such an extent that there are but
few occasions when films do not naturally fall into the pattern.
As far as the Training Film Branch is concerned, the first 3 stages
of production in making a picture may be considered analogous to
corresponding stages in the building of a house. The Production
Outline, for instance, is the outline of requirements and specifica-
tions, or — to pursue the house building analogy — the Production
Outline corresponds to the architect's notes regarding what features
the house must include. These are established, of course, through
conferences with the prospective owner or requesting authority.
Similarly, the Action Outline has its counterpart in the architect's
May, 1945
MACHINE BOOKKEPING METHODS
357
perspective sketch while the Master Script corresponds to the
architect's final, detailed blueprint.
Subsequent stages of production do not deviate particularly from
procedures and terminology employed in standard production prac-
tice. It need only be said further that each stage of production is in
fact a definite stage with sharply defined limits. Hence, if it is re-
ported that project MN-2993 is in status 7, we know that the rough
cut has been approved and that the interlock screening is the next pro-
duction milepost.
FIG. 8. Status Report showing abbreviated title, date request was approved,
producer's delivery date, and other pertinent data.
THE TRAINING FILM STATUS REPORT
The Training Film Status Report form used for production con-
trol in the Navy's training film program is shown in Fig. 6 as it is
received by the project supervisor twice each month. This form is
filled in by the machine pictured in Fig. 4 from the cards previously
described. It will be noted that each listing requires 2 lines of 80
figures and letters, each extending across the entire width of the page.
Since one card has a capacity of just 80 characters, it follows that 2
cards are required fully to record all information needed on each
film.
Going to Fig. 7, it is easier to see what information is recorded.
For example, project MN-192lC"wa.s requested by requesting author-
358
J. H. MCCLELLAND
Vol 44, No. 5
ity number 9. The Executive Office of the Secretary of the Navy
happens to be number 9 in the list of requesting authorities. Other
offices and bureaus empowered to approve requests for the production
of training films are similarly identified by code numbers.
It is further recorded here that officer supervisor number 144, Lieu-
tenant Taylor, is the film's project supervisor. Producer number
76 was selected to produce this film which has a priority rating of 3.
FIG. 9. Detail of specific status figures.
The adjacent area of the Training Film Status Report form as shown
in Fig. 8 gives, in the first line, an abbreviated version of the title to
clinch the identification. The second line shows that the approved
letter of request for production was received by the Training Film
Branch on September 12, 1943, and that according to the producer's
contract approval prints must be delivered to the Navy not later
than December 1, 1944. Adjacent columns show that the film is
"nonclassified" (code number 1), that it is being shot in 35-mm black-
and-white, and that the anticipated completed length is 1800 ft.
May, 1945
MACHINE BOOKKEEPING METHODS
359
The indication of status, both scheduled and current, is shown in
Fig. 9. For the sake of clarity, each status figure has been identified
with that stage of production on the production procedure chart which
it represents. It is to be noted that the first row of figures shows the
production schedule as established near the start of work on the film
by the project supervisor, in conference with the producer selected
to do the job, while the actual status of the film at any time up to the
present report is given by the second row of figures for each listing.
FIG. 10.
Production summary supplying quick analysis of status of any
group of films.
If the film is on schedule, the "Scheduled" and "Current" status fig-
ures for the given reporting period will be identical. Any deviation
will be explained by a code figure appearing in the column headed
"Supplementary Notes." For instance, if the figure 81 had been in-
serted in this column, it would have indicated that bad weather was
causing the delay. Detailed information concerning the background
of the delay must be submitted on a separate sheet of paper for filing
with the permanent case history of the film.
In Fig. 10 may be seen that feature of the Training Film Status
Report which permits a quick analysis of the status of any group of
360
J. H. MCCLELLAND
Vol 44, No. 5
films. Tabulations are made automatically during printing and show
in this case, that Lieutenant Taylor has one motion picture in each
of the 3 production stages identified as 3, 4, and 5. In the ' 'Totals"
column, it shows that he has 3 motion pictures and no slide films in
work. This is further totaled in the "Grand Totals" column to show
that he has 4 films assigned to him for production but that only 3 are
in work. This summary becomes much more significant where larger
lists of films are involved, as is usually the case. Furthermore, it is not
limited just to the activity of the supervisor. For instance, a bi-
TRAiMNG RLM STATUS REPORT
FIG. 11. Project supervisor's biweekly check-off list.
weekly list is prepared grouping all films according to producer.
Thus, a tabulation is always available regarding the state of each
producer's work-load for the Navy.
Paralleling any system for record keeping must be a smooth
working plan for keeping those records up to date. To this end, the
check-off list shown in Fig. 11 has been furnished each project
supervisor. Since he is the one responsible for the progress of all
films assigned to him, it is his responsibility to see that records con-
cerning his films are brought up to date twice each month. On the
first and twentieth of the month, he receives 2 copies of a Training
Film Status Report sheet listing all films for which he is held re-
sponsible. He immediately:
May, 1945
MACHINE BOOKKEEPING METHODS
361
(1) Verifies the accuracy of data listed about each of his films;
(2) Enters a status code figure in the space reserved for the current reporting
period for each film;
(5) Enters code figures in the "Supplementary Notes" column to explain
delays. Each such explanatory code figure must be accompanied by a detailed
written report explaining the background of the delay. The report form used is
also shown in Fig. 11;
(4) Signs the sheet, dates it and indicates mailing address to which the next
report should be sent;
Mailed to P.S.
P.S. mails Forms
Logged
Logged out
Printed
Sent to 0. P.M.
Sorted
Punch cards pulled
and
brought up to date
FIG. J.2. Cycle of operation for maintenance procedures.
(5) Mails one copy of the amended report to the Washington Office of the
Training Film Branch, Cataloging Section. (The second copy is for him to re-
tain for his own use.)
Since these reports are circulated twice each month, it means that
closely coordinated maintenance procedures are an absolute necessity.
The cycle of operation is shown in Fig. 12. In operation, 10 days
are allowed for the project supervisor to receive the Status Report
through the mail, bring it up to date and have it back in Washington
by the deadline. With mails delayed as they frequently may be in
time of war, that sometimes becomes an uncomfortably tight schedule.
The remaining 5 days in each cycle are devoted to bringing the punch
cards up to date in accordance with entries made on the Status Report
362
J. H. MCCLELLAND
Vol 44, No. 5
by the project supervisor and to the printing of a new Status Report
list.
Fig. 13 shows how status figures entered by hand compare with
those same entries printed by machine for the next Status Report.
Finally, all films in production are grouped in several different
ways at the time the biweekly statement is prepared. For instance,
every title will appear in each of the following lists :
FIG. 13. Status figures entered by hand by project supervisor are machine-
printed on next report.
(1) In serial number sequence;
(2) Grouped according to requesting authority;
(3) Grouped according to project supervisor;
(4} Grouped according to producer.
It is with these special lists that administrative personnel are able
to analyze recurrent production problems and accomplish effective
production control. For ease of reference, they are bound as shown
in Fig. 14.
Thus, the exacting requirements set down for a production con-
trol system have been met in- virtually every respect. All essential
May, 1945
MACHINE BOOKKEEPING METHODS
363
information is recorded in an easily interpreted form and may be
reproduced mechanically in any order and at great speed without fear
of the typographical errors inherent in a manually prepared list. It
is easy to maintain — both for the project supervisor and the Wash-
ington office — and any difficulty encountered by a supervisor or
FIG. 14. Bound file of Training Film Status Reports.
producer causing the film to fall behind schedule is readily detected.
And finally, expansion is achieved by the simple expedient of adding
more cards to the deck so, for all practical purposes, there is no limit
to the production load that can be handled smoothly and efficiently.
REFERENCE
1 LEWIS, R. B.: "Production Planning for Navy Training Films," /. Soc. Mot.
Pict. Eng., 42, 2 (Feb., 1944), p. 78.
THE GUN CAMERA*
R. S. QUACKENBUSH, JR.**
•
Summary. — The primary purpose of the gun camera presently used in Navy
planes is to improve the efficiency of the pilots and gunners. Although formerly used
exclusively for fixed or free gunnery training in slow-speed planes firing no ordnance,
it now has 3 basic uses: (1) basic training in free and fixed gunnery, (2) advance
training in free and fixed gunnery, (3) combat recording of our own machine gun or
cannon fire on enemy ships, planes, and installations.
This paper describes the problems peculiar to gun camera photography such as
clearness and sharpness, use of color film, and vibration.
The primary purpose of the gun camera presently used in Navy
planes is to improve the efficiency of the pilots and gunners. Although
formerly used exclusively for fixed or free gunnery training in slow-
speed planes firing no ordnance, it now has 3 basic uses :
(1) Basic training in free and fixed gunnery.
(2) Advanced training in free and fixed gunnery.
(3) Combat recording of our own machine gun or cannon fire on enemy ships,
planes, and installations.
In each of the above uses, our first concern must be to have a gun cam-
era that will secure pictures which will give our men valuable, accu-
rate information to help them improve their efficiency in combat.
As basic training in fixed and free gunnery is a vital phase of the
climb to efficiency and effectiveness of every pilot and gunner, the use
of the gun camera in basic training is of great importance. The prob-
lems encountered in basic training planes, however, present few prob-
lems which the camera does not overcome consistently. Vibration of
the camera and speed of the plane is no great problem as most cameras
are installed in the cockpit and no machine guns are fired. It is ob-
vious, therefore, that if the camera can be made to satisfy combat
conditions, it can meet any problems which may arise during basic
* Presented Oct. 18, 1944, at the Technical Conference in New York.
** Commander, USN, Director of Photography, Navy Department, Washing-
ton, D. C.
364
THE GUN CAMERA 365
training. This conclusion applies equally to cameras used for ad-
vance gunnery training. In this phase of the camera's use, simulated
combat techniques and live ammunition are used.
The present gun camera used in Navy planes is a far cry from the
gun camera used in 1928. From a hand-wind camera, operating at 12
or 16 frames per sec, and installed in a simulated machine gun, it has
evolved into an electrically driven camera operating at 16, 32, or 64
frames per sec and which is installed in many types of planes and in a
variety of locations. The camera is a special 16-mm magazine load-
ing unit designed for taking motion pictures from an airplane while in
flight. Its mechanism is driven by a 24-v d-c motor mounted within
the camera housing. The lens has 35-mm focal length and relative
aperture of //3.5 and is equipped with a removable filter. A manually
set dial allows preselection of any of the 3 operating speeds of 16, 32,
or 64 frames per sec. A manually set footage dial shows the amount
of film remaining in the magazine. Its physical dimensions are ap-
proximately 6 X 3Y4 X 2l/z in., with a weight unloaded of 2.75 Ib.
The magazine contains 50 ft of film.
Combat recording is the phase of gun camera photography which
has taxed the ability of the gun camera to obtain clear and sharp
pictures. The conditions met in combat areas which must be over-
come are:
(1) High plane speeds encountered under the following conditions:
(a) Dive bombing.
(&) Torpedo bombing.
(c) Strafing missions.
(d) Air-to-air combat.
(2) Vibration.
(5) Adverse weather conditions.
Dive bombing, torpedo bombing, and strafing missions create prob-
lems for the gun camera, but it is in air-to-air combat that the gun
camera is put to its greatest test, therefore the discussion below will
be confine*!, to this subject alone.
The relative speeds of planes in air-to-air combat vary from very
low to very high and from close-in fighting to long-range combat. If
we assume that vibration problems are eliminated from this discus-
sion, the question of plane speed can be more clearly seen. The prin-
ciple of image motion in photography is no problem for the present
gun camera provided the relative speed of the pursuing plane to the
plane under attack is low. In other words, if the 2 planes are travel-
366 R. S. QUACKENBUSH, JR. Vol 44, No. 5
ing at the same rate of speed and in the same direction, the shutter
speed can be low and no blurriness or motion will be discernible in the
picture. As the opponent's direction and relative speed increases,
however, the need grows for a higher shutter speed. If we assume
that an enemy plane, traveling at 350 mph, flashes across the pursuing
pilot's line of flight at right angles so the pilot is forced to do full de-
flection shooting, the enemy plane would have to be in excess of 1060
ft distant if the maximum speed of 64 frames per sec of the present
camera is to obtain clear pictures. As conditions may and often do de-
velop in combat which are in excess of those cited above, it is necessary
that the camera be able to meet them. At present it does not, hence
the need for a higher effective shutter speed for the gun camera.
There exist 2 ways to increase the effective shutter speed of the
gun camera. One method which increases the effective shutter speed
is to increase the speed above 64 frames per sec. This method is not
practical for several reasons. The speeds at which gun cameras oper-
ate are controlled by gears, consequently to increase the frames per
sec speed would entail the installation of higher speed gears in all cam-
eras in the Navy. This can be done, but it is not practical. If it is as-
sumed that the camera speed could be increased to 72, 80, 90, or 96
frames per sec it, too, would not be practical. The maximum ca-
pacity of the film magazine is 50 ft. At 64 frames per sec, the 50 ft of
film will last only an absolute maximum of 31l/i sec of operation.
At an assumed rate of fire of 1 1 rounds of ammunition per sec and 400
Ib of ammunition per machine gun, the ammunition magazine will ex-
pend its entire load in 36.3 sec. Although this exceeds the maxi-
mum film supply by over 5 sec, it is usually sufficient. Our planes in
air-to-air combat seldom expend their full load of ammunition before
shooting enemy planes down. It is not desirable, however, to further
decrease the relative film supply by speeding up the consumption of
film. In addition to the above, the film magazines are not designed to
operate at higher speeds. As many men who have handled gun cam-
eras and film in the field know, the problem of securing satisfactory
results at 64 frames per sec requires constant vigilance. To increase
the speed would only produce an excessive number of magazine jams.
The desirable method of increasing the effective shutter speed of
the camera is to decrease the diaphragm opening of the shutter. The
present camera is equipped with a 128-degree shutter opening. The
effective shutter speeds obtained with the present camera are as fol-
lows:
May, 1945 THE GUN CAMERA 367
Frames per Second Effective Shutter Speed
16 1/45 sec
32 1/90 sec
64 Viso sec
To increase the present shutter speed, the diaphragm opening of
the shutter can be decreased in size. The effective shutter speeds in-
crease as follows : from a shutter opening of 128 degrees an effective
shutter speed of l/^ sec is obtained when the camera is operated at
16 frames per sec; at a shutter opening of 30 degrees we obtain an
effective shutter speed of 1/^s sec with the camera operating at 64
frames per sec. Shutter openings between these 2 positions will give
proportionate effective shutter speeds corresponding to the rate taking
the photographs.
If the camera shutter is reduced to the smallest opening commen-
surate with the highest speed film available for gun camera use, it is
obvious that it will be possible to obtain much sharper and clearer
pictures than can be secured using the present 128-degree shutter
opening. On the basis of tests made under combat conditions in the
South Pacific area for a period of over 4 months, it was determined
that a shutter having a 45-degree opening when used in conjunction
with a film of Weston speed 80, exposure index 100, was satisfactory
for use under practically all kinds of adverse weather conditions
which still permitted planes to fly on combat missions. Intermittent
motion encountered by the use of the 45-degree shutter was not gen-
erally objectionable when viewed at 24 frames per sec, the standard
motion picture projection speed.
The use of 64 frames per sec is not mandatory by any means, but as
it produces the most desirable results it was used in the foregoing dis-
cussion. It is obvious that a camera operating at 64 frames per sec
will produce double the number of pictures obtained by one operating
at 32 frames per sec, but the desirability of using this higher speed has
not been clearly understood by many who have used the camera.
Since a sound projector operates at 24 frames per sec, pictures taken
at 64 frames per sec are projected at this slower speed, and conse-
quently the result is actually a slow-motion effect. Where this effect
is used on a ground object moving slowly, this effect is of little value
except for humorous purposes. When the effect is applied to film of
air-to-air combat, strafing, or bombing, however, the techniques of
pilots can be examined, studied and valuable information obtained.
The value of this type of study is not limited to the pilot alone. In-
368 R. S. QUACKENBUSH, JR. Vol 44, No. 5
telligence officers can obtain valuable information from scenes of en-
emy planes and target areas.
In the past, owing to problems which arose as a result of the war,
various types of films were used in gun cameras. This caused much
difficulty in processing in the field. However, a standard black-and-
white film either reversible or negative is now obtainable using
standard processing formulas. In addition, Kodachrome is also em-
ployed. Kodachrome film has great value in its ability to render
scenes in their relatively true color, a quality which cannot be under-
estimated. It permits the observer to view in vivid color, scenes ob-
tained under combat conditions. Planes shot down in combat blaze
a brilliant red. Ships explode and their denouement is awesome and
breathtakingly spectacular. The scenes of action and battle are por-
trayed in a manner which must be seen to be appreciated. It is a
fact that Kodachrome provides a medium by which the observer is
transported to the scene of battle and feels himself a part of the ac-
tion. Kodachrome is indeed very high in publicity value, and this is
no small phase of the war.
The disadvantages of Kodachrome in gun cameras, unfortunately;
are numerous. As Kodachrome cannot be satisfactorily processed in
the field, it must of necessity be at least several days after it is exposed
in combat before it can be seen by the pilots who obtained it, hence its
value to them progressively decreases as the lapse of time between ex-
posure and projection increases. This problem, too, eliminates what-
ever intelligence value the film might have had to the briefing officers
directly concerned with viewing films of enemy planes, ships, or instal-
lations while on task force missions.
Kodachrome, although factory loaded, jams at times in the maga-
zines in an excessively high percentage of instances when the cameras
operate at 64 frames per sec; consequently 32 frames per sec is the
desirable and usual operating speed of the camera. It can only be
used satisfactorily, even at 32 frames per sec, on clear bright days
when light values are high. When 64 frames per sec shutter speed is
used, results are generally unsatisfactory owing to underexposure —
and this is true with the existing 128-degree shutter.
The keeping qualities of film under the adverse weather conditions
encountered in the Fleet create problems which make its use uncer-
tain, and which require highly trained personnel to handle it ef-
fectively. The use of Kodachrome film at 32 frames per sec with a
standard 128-degree shutter cannot possibly produce the clarity and
May, 1945 THE GUN CAMERA 369
detail in gun camera pictures obtainable by using a high-speed pan-
chromatic film, 64 frames per sec, and a 45-degree shutter.
It can be stated that color film will produce spectacular combat
scenes which are invaluable for publicity purposes. Experiments are
being conducted with Ansco Color Film and Aero Kodacolor film cut
to 16-mm widths, both of which appear to be satisfactory and may
be processed in the field. It is expected that the use of these 3-color
films will give best all-around results.
In processing black-and-white films various methods are employed.
The most satisfactory method is the use of the Houston continuous
processing machines which control temperatures to a limited degree.
These machines come in 3 different sizes and are capable of duplicat-
ing the film to either a positive or negative. Other methods are the
employment of Steinman tanks which are a series of small tanks hav-
ing a spiral container, or the use of racks with deep tanks. Details of
the processing are discussed in a paper prepared by Lt. Comdr. L. M.
Bearing.1
Vibration, the second major problem preventing good gun camera
pictures, is one which should be under effective control. Special
shock mounts overcome major vibration problems. It should be
pointed out that these mounts do not eliminate vibration. They do,
however, reduce it considerably. Although not directly related to the
problem of vibration, the use of a camera with a 45-degree shutter in
conjunction with special mounts will further tend to reduce the effect
of vibration, hence both are desirable features in improving the photo-
graphic results of the gun camera.
The problem of adverse weather conditions, so far as they affect the
photographic results of the gun camera, will be overcome to a marked
degree by the use of lens heaters of a type now being tested. When
these are univerally used, the adverse weather problem will be greatly
reduced if not eliminated. An internal automatic heating device
maintains proper temperatures in the camera when the temperatures
are below freezing.
The installation of the camera is a major factor in obtaining satis-
factory photographic results from gun cameras. This consists of 2
problems :
(1) The camera location.
(2) The camera operation.
The subject of the camera location can be divided into.2 classifications
as follows :
370 R. S. QUACKENBUSH, JR. Vol 44, No. 5
(1} Cockpit or fuselage installations.
(2} Wing installations.
Cockpit and fuselage installations of gun cameras are usually found
in training planes, which operate at much slower speeds than combat
planes. In these locations, the pictures are secured through the sweep
of the propeller. This location of the camera is desirable because more
accurate evaluation of training film is possible from this location. It
is not, however, a desirable installation from the point of view of the
combat pilot. Obviously, his first consideration is to perform his
mission and return safely. To accomplish this all-important consid-
eration, he is not very willing to lose any visions of his enemy or his
target as a result of a camera installation. It is obvious, therefore,
that a more desirable location for the gun camera is one which does
not interfere with the combat pilot's vision.
The leading edge of the wing is the next most desirable location and
most of our combat planes are so equipped. If a camera placed in
the leading edge of the wing can be installed outside the sweep of the
propeller, this is highly desirable. When a camera is located within
the sweep of the propeller and operated at high speed, the propeller
causes a stroboscopic effect which is objectionable.
If the camera is in a wing installation, outside the sweep of the
propeller, the greatest obstacle to satisfactory results is removed.
There is, however, another feature of the wing installation which is
important — the manner in which the camera lens takes pictures.
In some model planes, the camera lens is out in the open. In others,
however, the camera lens is behind a curved window which produces
distortion. Dirt, oil, and scratches on the windows further reduce the
effectiveness of the camera. Improved installations and proper main-
tenance are improving these conditions.
The cameras operate through the machine gun or trigger button on
the stick. A control is contained within the camera mechanism which
permits the camera to take pictures for a variable period, as selected,
from one to 5 sec after the machine gun has ceased to operate. This
permits conclusive photographs of the results of the firing of the guns.
This is known as an overrun control. In fighter planes, this is the only
desirable method of operation. On dive-bombing aircraft, however,
the camera's operation provides for continuous operation during the
course of a dive-bombing run.
May, 1945 THE GUN CAMERA 371
CONCLUSION
From a relatively crude device used in training, the gun camera has
become a highly refined instrument which is used throughout air
fighters' training and in combat action. It is of tremendous impor-
tance in improving our effectiveness in the war in the air.
REFERENCE
1 BEARING, L. M.: "Fleet Processing of 16-mm Gun Camera and Combat
Films," J. Soc. Mot. Pict. Eng., 44, 4 (Apr., 1945), p. 231.
DEVELOPMENTS IN ARMY AIR FORCES
TRAINING FILMS*
HOWARD A. GRAY**
Summary. — The training films mentioned in this paper were prepared by the
18th A A F Base Unit, Culver City, Calif. For purposes of clarification, training
films are defined as sound motion pictures prepared for formal instructional pur-
poses and treating specific units of subject matter. Examples are given of films
dealing with matters of military intelligence, ordnance and bombing problems, and
recognition of aircraft and ground vehicles.
While it is anticipated that the number of training film projects of the AAF will
decrease as the war enters its final stages, it is apparent that many new training films
will be required in the post-war days.
A report on the general development, distribution, and use of train-
ing films by the Army Air Forces was presented to the October 1943
meeting of this Society.1 This paper will describe advances made in
the production of training films during the past year.
For purposes of clarification, training films are defined as sound mo-
tion pictures prepared for formal instructional purposes and treating
specific units of subject matter. Such films are to be distinguished
from other types of motion pictures such as documentary, orienta-
tion, and operational films.
The training films mentioned in this paper were prepared by the
18th AAF Base Unit, Culver City, California, formerly known as the
AAF First Motion Picture Unit. This organization is made up of
personnel largely recruited from the motion picture industry and the
contributions of this group to the preparation of training films is
signal.
The adage that experience is the best teacher has been borne out in
the development of training films for the Air Forces. Experience
coming from combat operations have made necessary the revision of
training programs and materials of instruction to clarify the new con-
cepts gained.
* Presented Oct. 18, 1944, at the Technical Conference in New York.
** Major, AC, Assistant Chief of Air Staff, Training Aids Division, New York.
372
ARMY AIR FORCES TRAINING FILMS 373
For example, in 1938 the German General Von Fritsch said, "The
military organization with the best photographic reconnaissance will
win the next war." The validity of this statement was attested by
developments in both the European and Pacific war theaters and the
need arose for skilled personnel to interpret aerial photographs in
planning and assessing military operations. To meet this require-
ment, TF 1-870, Photographic Interpretation Technique, was pro-
duced. This picture portrays advantages of vertical-angle shots
taken from high or low oblique angles and how stereo-vision aids in
bringing out the detail so vital to military operations. The smooth,
light-reflecting surfaces of paved highways are contrasted to the
duller appearance of dirt and gravel roads. The film also depicts
characteristics of swampy areas and marshes, bushlands and forests,
plowed lands, meadows, and grasslands. The appearance of camou-
flage devices commonly resorted to by the enemy likewise are shown.
As companion pictures to this film, TF 1-3306, Photographic In-
telligence for Bombardment Aviation, and TF 1-3340, Photographic In-
telligence and Damage Assessment, show applications of photographic
interpretation techniques to common bombing and operational prob-
lems.
Other matters of military intelligence, resulting in problems for
intelligence training, had been solved by means of motion pictures.
TF 1-3383, Resisting Enemy Interrogation, describes methods em-
ployed by German intelligence officers in interrogating captured
American aircrews. The film emphasizes the need for revealing, when
captured, only the name, rank, and serial number of the individual
and describes the rights of prisoners of war under International Law.
The trickery resorted to by the enemy in securing information of
military value from unsuspected prisoners is so dramatized as to pro-
vide an unforgettable lesson.
Another film of this type, TF 1-3326, Interrogation of Enemy Air-
men, was produced to train intelligence officers in the art of question-
ing German, Italian, and Japanese prisoners. The importance of
knowing about the customs, habits, and psychology of each national-
ity is demonstrated. The prisoners are questioned in their native
languages, and as the questioning proceeds, the substance of the con-
versation is flashed on the screen with English titles. The value of
this type of film for the instruction of all military personnel, handling
enemy prisoners, is apparent.
Another intelligence film growing out of combat experience is
374 H. A. GRAY Vol 44, No. 5
TF 1-869, Technical Intelligence, Inspection of Enemy Equipment.
This film dramatizes the need for keeping from souvenir hunters
every bit of captured enemy equipment until such time as the tech-
nical-intelligence officer has had the opportunity to examine the same.
Story interest is maintained in the film by account of a new type of
German fighter airplane, which was giving the Allies considerable
trouble. An American fighter pilot scored a hit on the tail of one of
these airplanes and caused it to come in for a "belly" landing, minus
the tail assembly. From the small number of bullet holes in the
fuselage, it did not seem that these were sufficient to cause a structural
failure. A few broken pieces of oxygen bottles in the wreck provided
a clue that the severance of the tail was caused by the explosion of
the oxygen containers. Subsequently, a "mock-up" of the complete
fuselage, including the installation of several of these oxygen bottles,
when given a burst of .50-caliber machine gun fire, was found to
undergo the same damage. Knowledge of this vulnerability resulted
in the destruction of many of these enemy fighters.
A number of films treating ordnance problems have been prepared.
These utilize high-speed photography for slowing down explosive
action. The value of such materials is evident. Ordnance research
is facilitated and personnel are better trained to do their jobs. Also,
it has been possible to devise safeguards in the handling and use of ex-
plosives by this method.
New methods of attacks can be demonstrated as is done in the film
TF 1-892, Minimum Altitude Bombing. The motion picture also had
a role in perfecting the installation and use of the 75-mm cannon in
certain types of military airplanes, much to the discomfort of the
Nipponese.
The need for materials of instruction to facilitate the recognition of
both friendly and enemy aircraft, ground vehicles and surface craft
has long been evident from intelligence reports of friend and foe.
Ability to recognize such objects under combat conditions involves a
high degree of skill which can only be developed by painstaking and
arduous training. To meet this need, the Army Air Forces have
developed 2 types of film materials : (1) motion pictures showing both
friendly and enemy equipment in motion under different conditions,
and (2} film slides depicting the same equipment in characteristic
attitudes.
Motion pictures provide vicarious experience in object identifica-
tion as the trainee will be likely to meet it in combat. Films are also
May, 1945 ARMY AlR FORCES TRAINING FlLMS 375
used in order to test the trainee's efficiency in recognition. A series
of research films on problems of recognition also have been developed.
The film slide materials are used in a standard 2X2 slide pro-
jector with a variable-speed shutter. It has been found possible to
train unselected groups of military personnel to recognize and accu-
rately identify military and naval equipment within a fraction of a
second exposure of the slide.
Early in the war film materials on the theory of ballistics and aerial
gunnery were requested by authorities in charge of gunnery training.
It soon became evident, however, that a minimum of theory and a
maximum of practice were necessary in order to train sure-shooting
aerial gunners. The great speeds at which aerial combat is waged
and the terrific strain under which gunners must function make it
imperative that such personnel receive the best type of training which
science is able to devise.
Research on the problem showed that in order for a fighter to de-
liver a lethal burst of fire to an enemy aircraft, the fighter must fly
certain specified courses. The best available mathematical minds in
studying these courses discovered certain trigonometric functions
which could be used to develop a system of sighting and firing and
to increase the gunner's efficiency. Involved mathematical equa-
tions finally provided data which would enable the individual gun-
ner better to protect himself, his crew, his airplane, and to inflict
maximum damage on the enemy.
This led to the production of motion pictures of fighters actually
attacking bombers under specified conditions. These materials were
photographed in the Southwest under private contract with a special
5-plane camera and constitute the latest developments of their
kind. The films were specifically prepared for use in the Waller
Gunnery Trainer.
This device was originally developed to provide third-dimensional
effects at the New York World's Fair. While not used in its entirety
for that occasion, it was later recognized to have value for gunnery
training purposes. The projection screen is a concave surface, some
52 ft in base diameter and about 27 ft high. Images of the attacking
fighters are projected on the screen by means of 5 projectors provid-
ing' 150 degrees horizontal and 75 degrees vertical coverage. Four
trainees sit in turrets 20 ft from the screen and practice aiming at the
incoming fighters. The instructor is able to gauge each trainee's
marksmanship and to offer advice during the practice firing. The
376 H. A. GRAY
handles of each gun vibrate as in actual firing, and an accurate record
is kept of the number of hits scored by each gunner. As the hits are
registered, each gunner hears a metallic "pip-squeak" in his earphones.
Another AAF development is the gun camera films which have
demonstrated their work in the training of pursuit pilots and flexible
gunners. These materials are 16-mm films obtained from cameras
mounted in the wings of pursuit ships and on the flexible machine guns
fired by gunnery trainees. The films thus provide an accurate record
of pilot and gunnery sighting skill. After each gunnery mission, the
films are developed and projected on a screen for individual analysis
by instructors in the presence of the trainees. Mistakes are pointed
out and suggestions made for their correction. The materials are
considered to be one of the best motivating devices available for
stimulating a desire to improve sighting skill. Such records also
make it possible to keep an objective cumulative evaluation of individ-
ual progress. Other values of the materials consist of ammunition
conservation and the reduction of firing accidents with a consequent
saving of lives and equipment.
While it is anticipated that the number of training film projects of
the AAF will decrease as the war enters its final stages, it is apparent
that many new training films will be required and that post-war
developments will continue the demand for artistic and technical
contributions from the motion picture industry.
REFERENCE
1 CARR, L.: "The Motion Picture in the Service of the Army Air Forces,"
J. Soc. Mot. Pict. £«£., XLI, 4 (Oct., 1943), p. 329.
SOME ECONOMIC ASPECTS OF THEATER TELEVISION*
RALPH B. AUSTRIAN**
Summary. — A discussion is given showing how the motion picture theaters of
America, once they install large- screen theater television equipment, will be in a posi-
tion to underwrite and control certain events of great public interest; how theaters will
be available as supplementary concert halls, lecture rooms, etc., and how theaters can
be employed as remote control fight arenas, race tracks, football stadia, etc. Theaters,
having a box office, may be the logical answer to the question of who is going to pay for
television.
Allow me to start off with an assumption — which, incidentally, is
quite common when discussing television these days — television for
the home will, I am sure, become established before theater television
becomes general. I believe home television's effect on theater at-
tendance will undoubtedly follow the pattern set by the advent of
radio broadcasting, which was no effect at all until several millions
of sets were in operation. Then there was a perceptible dip in
theater attendance. However, this recession was short-lived and
was followed by full recovery and, of course, the advent of sound
pictures boosted the level of attendance beyond any previous weekly
records.
I believe that within a year or two after home television becomes
entrenched, perhaps even sooner, equipment will be available for the
satisfactory and showmanship -like exhibition of television images
on the large-size screens of motion picture theaters. When this
equipment is ready for the market, I feel that the motion picture
theater owner — whom I will hereafter call the exhibitor — will avail
himself of the box-office possibilities theater television will offer.
I believe all of you are acquainted with the fact that if satisfactory
large-screen theater equipment were available today, intracity tele-
vision would be a commercial reality immediately upon the conclu-
sion of the war. All that theater television needs to become a reality,
* Presented Oct. 16, 1944, at the Technical Conference in New York.
** Executive Vice- President, RKO Television Corporation, New York.
377
378 R. B. AUSTRIAN Vol 44, No. 5
other than the theater equipment itself, is a means of interconnecting
a chain of theaters with a camera or cameras located at the scene of the
subject matter desired to be exhibited upon the theater screen. Let
me read to you but one paragraph from a letter dated March 17,
1944, written by Keith S. McHugh, Vice-President of the American
Telephone and Telegraph Company, to Will H. Hays, President of
the Motion Picture Producers and Distributors of America, Inc.,
more familiarly referred to as "the Hays' Office." I quote:
"Knowing the interest of some of the motion picture people in television, I
thought you might want to have copies of the attached memorandum outlining
the tentative post-war plans of the Bell System for the provision of intracity tele-
vision network facilities. Within the same city television can be transmitted over
ordinary telephone wires, with the addition of suitable terminal and intermediate
equipment, or over special conductors provided for the purpose."
This means that a stage show, let us say from RKO's Palace theater,
could be witnessed simultaneously in all other RKO theaters in
Greater New York, plus as many other independently owned theaters
as might desire to tie in on this show in their own neighborhoods.
The famous stage presentations of the Radio City Music Hall might
likewise be subscribed to by other theaters in Greater New York.
If we now let our imagination wander a little — and yet not let it
get out of control — I think we can see where this practice of syndicat-
ing stage shows could grow to a final form of national coverage.
There are approximately 18,000 theaters located in 10,015 United
States cities, affording a total seating capacity of 11,700,000 seats,
or one seat for every 12 men, women, and children. There is one
motion picture theater open in the United States for every 8000
people. It is not the purpose of this talk to become involved in
figures, but I am sure you can see what a vast box-office potential
the theaters of the United States can become for events relayed to
them by cable.
Suffice to say that the present monthly "take" is approximately
$150,000,000. At the present rate, the theaters of America take in
through their box-office windows, in 2 months, more than the entire
broadcasting industry does in one year. Resolved to plain hard
figures, it means: total motion picture admissions per year, $1,800,-
000,000; total expenditures of advertisers for radio for 1943, $300,-
000,000. The sources of these figures are the Department of In-
ternal Revenue and the Broadcasting Yearbook, respectively.
It is interesting to note that as important as the radio broadcasting
May, 1945 ASPECTS OF THEATER TELEVISION 379
industry is — in spite of the fact that it lavishes upon the American
public $300,000,000 in goods and services "for free" each year —
John Public still goes out and spends 6 times this much, $1,800,000,-
000 per year, for motion picture entertainment. Does that mean
that to see as well as hear is worth 6 times as much as hearing alone?
Does it mean people would rather mix with other people, rub elbows
with them, rather than stay at home? Or is it purely a question of
showmanship? Does it mean that the motion picture gives such
vastly superior entertainment? Each of these suppositions could
form the subject matter of a full-length treatise.
There is invested in motion picture theaters in the United States
today $1,900,000,000. Note please that the collective exhibitor gets
his brick and mortar investment back in one year! What I am lead-
ing up to is just this : the theaters of America, as you can plainly see,
have a tremendous investment and I am sure they are more interested
in television and how they can become a part of it than appears evi-
dent on the surface.
I think the exhibitor will become one of television's favored bene-
ficiaries. How? Here is an example: There will undoubtedly come
into being one or more programming companies, booking offices,
agencies — call them what you will — who will have a dual purpose, that
of making arrangements with the owners or promoters of such events
as prizefights, football games, baseball games, horse racing, etc., and
selling these events to the motion picture theaters of America on
either a "per theater" or a "per seat" basis.
Let us, for instance, take one single, one-time-a-year event such as
the Kentucky Derby. The racetrack at Churchill Downs in Louis-
ville has a very small capacity. The "sport of kings," however,
has a tremendous following scattered throughout the length and
breadth of this fair land. Any horseflesh fancier who has ever laid a
$2 bet on the nose of some "nag," would jump at the opportunity to
see the running of the Kentucky Derby. The exhibitors of America —
showmen at heart — will not be slow to visualize this tremendous po-
tential box office. Their programming agency would, I am sure, be
able to consummate a deal with the Churchill Downs authorities
under whose auspices the race is held whereby, for the payment of a
rather substantial sum of money, this event would be telecast exclu-
sively to the theaters of America. As I said before, there are ap-
proximately 11,700,000 seats. I daresay that the privilege of wit-
nessing the Derby not from a seat somewhere behind a post, or from
380 R. B. AUSTRIAN Vol 44, No. 5
the infield without a seat, but from a comfortable chair in one's own
neighborhood theater for, let us say, one or even two dollars, would be
eagerly accepted.
It would not be a bad seat either, for you can rest assured that the
television cameras will be so placed that millions of pairs of eyes in
the theaters of America would have a "down-front" seat. As a
matter of fact they would have better than a down-front seat. There
would undoubtedly be a television camera stationed at each furlong
post and the millions of watchers would be literally going around the
track with the thoroughbreds. Watching from a theater seat would
be infinitely better than from a clubhouse seat at the track. You
would hear the frenzied excitement of the crowd, the thundering of
hoof beats. You would actually be there without leaving your home
town. I feel certain that the Churchill Downs people would be in-
clined to make this kind of a deal, and I am sure that no sponsor of
telecast programs could afford to meet the ante of the exhibitor.
Which is a roundabout way of my saying that the event would be
shown in the theaters only and would not be telecast for home con-
sumption.
Let us take another example : Madison Square Garden would be-
come merely a studio in which to provide a ring, some lights and a
favored few to witness the boxing matches staged in the arena.
Millions of fight fans in theaters around the country would constitute
the Garden's real audience, not the favored few in the $30 seats
around the ringside. When fights are held in the Yankee Stadium,
which seats about 68,000, many are so far from the ring, in spite of the
high prices paid, that the fighters look like a pair of dancing mice —
when they can be seen through the smoke. These comparatively
few thousands will be but a small percentage of the aggregate audience
accommodated by the theaters of America — and they will all have a
ringside seat. Here, again, the exclusive rights for the telecasting
of top caliber fights could be bought by the theaters of America at a
price far beyond the capability or willingness of any "good- will"
sponsor. In fact, if necessary, the theater owners themselves could
promote fights and any other events which they figure would be good
box office.
General John Kilpatrick, President of Madison Square Garden,
however, has expressed himself as follows: "At Madison Square
Garden every year we have at least 65 attractions of definite box-
office value for theaters, running for a total of more than 200 days.
May, 1945 ASPECTS OF THEATER TELEVISION 381
We invariably sell out for boxing, basketball, the horse show, the
dog show, hockey, the circus, and other events. And there are
millions everywhere who would gladly pay money to theaters to see
these same attractions by television. Our problem at the Garden
is to get the people from the suburbs and out of town to come to see
our major attractions. The time and cost of traveling are our biggest
handicaps. Theater television will make possible the establishment
of Madison Square Garden theater branches throughout the United
States. Then our present capacity of 25,000 will be increased to a
million or more. And I think that theater owners can count on
events that will fill every seat."
The question has been asked, who is going to supply the necessary
pickup equipment and personnel to televise these events and carry
them as far as the nearest coaxial telephone cable connection? The
broadcast chains, or let us call them the telecasting chains, could
perform this function but, if they do not desire to do so, the theater
group could well afford their own cooperative sets of pickup equip-
ment and their own operating personnel would transport it to the
scene of the event, just as sound newsreel cameras are today.
Events of national and international importance should be shown
by the theaters, of course, without any extra charge. When our
President speaks, naturally the exhibitor ought to include his image
and his words as part of the program and schedule the rest of the
show accordingly.
I do not believe that there is any doubt that the exhibitor will be
quick to realize the advantages of theater television in the post-war
period.' Today, with our normal peacetime habits disrupted — with
some of us working the day shift and some of us the night shift, and
the rest of us the graveyard shift — theater attendance has benefited
greatly. But there will come a time when we will get back to work-
ing 8 hr a day, or less, and we will undoubtedly do this work during
the daytime, and the theaters of America may once again experience
some slim matinee days. That is the time they will book events
which will keep their average weekly attendance up.
Let us take another look : A World Series which might run a maxi-
mum of 7 games, or a minimum of 4, would have a potential theater
audience, on a 4-game basis, of 44,000,000 people, or on a 7-game
basis, 77,000,000. You can reduce this figure by any factor you de-
sire, and multiply it by any admission price you wish, and your
answer is still an astronomical figure.
382 R. B. AUSTRIAN Vol 44, No. 5
One of the leading figures of baseball has said :
"When the World Series games are shown all over the country by
theater television, the amount of money that would be paid into the
theaters for the privilege of witnessing these games baffles my powers
of multiplication."
And let me add that the exhibitor — clever showman that he is —
would probably sell peanuts and hot dogs in the theater to create the
proper atmosphere. I assure you the "take'' from that source alone
would be more than just "peanuts."
How about football? Frank Leahy, former Director of Athletics
at Notre Dame University, when asked whether he thought football
would fit into the theater television picture, replied in no uncertain
terms:
"When 80,000 fans flock to see the Notre Dame- Army game every
year, that is just a drop in the bucket compared with the number who
would like to see it. As a matter of fact, in the major cities between
New York and Chicago there are about 14,000,000 persons who
would give almost anything to see this game as it is being played in
New York."
Let us not forget the vast audiences who would be just as eager
to see the Army-Navy football game and many of the leading inter-
sectional and "bowl" games — a simply staggering prospect! And
remember, at all these events, no "behind-the-post" seats. Every
seat the best in the house. Think of what daytime events of this
type will do for theater attendances !
Theaters could also be used in the so-called "off" hours, such as
mornings, for lecture halls for the educational networking -of tele-
vision programs. Not all schools have large enough auditoria to
accommodate the entire student body but by using neighborhood
theaters, teaching by television could be accomplished without the
necessity of the school installing expensive equipment at the outset.
Theaters could be used as overflow houses for symphony orchestra
concerts, opera, etc. I cite as an example : when Vladimir Horowitz
plays at Carnegie Hall, literally thousands are turned away. If this
overflow attendance could be taken care of in neighborhood theaters,
the theaters would benefit and so would Mr. Horowitz, because of the
vastly increased audience. The thought might occur to you that the
theater would not be available at the time Horowitz generally plays.
I think the answer will be that Horowitz would play when it suits him,
which means when he can get the biggest audience. There have
May, 1945 ASPECTS OF THEATER TELEVISION 383
been many morning musicals and I do not think we should worry
these days about the time of events. That can be arbitrarily ad-
justed. We are all going to learn that John Public is the one who sets
the time. We in show business will cater to his whims.
Now, let us consider what theater television can mean to the
Broadway stage. As popular as Oklahoma is, it cannot possibly play
in all of the cities in this country where there are people who want to
see it, but the very same New York company could appear before the
television cameras, simultaneously perhaps with their appearance on
the stage at the St. James Theatre in New York, or at a special
television theater studio, and their lovely performance made available
to all via the motion picture theaters of America — for a box-office
"take," of course.
A stock company composed of the leading legitimate stage stars
could put on plays here in New York and every motion picture
theater in the country would have the opportunity of presenting to
its patrons the great names of the legitimate stage, great actors and
actresses who could not or would not undertake the rigors of road
shows. The possibilities of this phase of theater television alone are
limitless and breathtaking!
The question has arisen many times, how will the theater owner
charge for these extra events? Will he just include them in his regu-
lar admission price? Will he ask an additional admission price when
these events occur ? How can he time his show, so as not to interrupt
a feature picture? These questions I think are academic. A method
of timing will be worked out. As for the prices to be charged for
these "plus" events, that again is something that will be worked out
as we go along. I certainly believe that major sporting events such
as I have described could very easily command a premium price and
a premium should be paid. The exhibitor can do one of two things:
!He can increase his regular box-office prices whenever he has tele-
vision events on the program by an amount varying with the im-
portance of the event, or maintain his present scale of prices and by
means of the added television attractions, play to more people per
year, thus producing more new theatergoers and increasing his "rate
of occupancy" and increasing his earning power per seat per month.
As an example, a hotel can break even with an annual average
occupancy of 60 per cent. Additional room sales are just so much
"gravy." The average occupancy of United States hotels during the
"Golden Twenties" was only 70 per cent. In the depression it was
384 R. B. AUSTRIAN Vol44, No. 5
less than 50 per cent. Today it is running at a fabulous 90 per cent
against 60 per cent in relatively prosperous 1939. It can readily be
seen therefore that anything an exhibitor can do to boost his rate of
occupancy a few per cent results in considerably more monthly in-
come per seat.
There are still those who believe that home television or theater
television will hurt the motion picture business. I am not one who
shares this view. It is now pretty well established that radio has not
hurt the motion picture business and yet it is a device designed to
keep people in their homes. Properly used, radio has helped the
picture business. Within the last year motion picture companies have
awakened fully to the tremendous possibilities offered by radio for the
exploitation of their product.
Television will bring hundreds of new personalities to the public
eye, the same as radio did. Many a picture star has reached the
level of stardom via radio broadcasting. For example, in the 1944-
1945 program of RKO Radio Pictures, the following feature or star
personalities achieved their popularity via the air waves: Charles
Winninger, Fibber McGee and Molly, Bing Crosby, Bob Hope, Frank
Sinatra, Joan Davis, Dennis Day, Vera Vague, and Lum and Abner.
An examination of the product announcement of other motion picture
companies will reveal many more names drawn from the field of radio
broadcasting.
One final observation : I have spoken so far about theater television
in relation to sporting events, news incidents, outdoor happenings,
concerts, etc. I now want to talk a little about the exhibitor's
influence upon home telecasting of all kinds. It is not beyond the
bounds of possibility to visualize a nation-wide chain of theaters seek-
ing home television personalities as fast as they are developed, and
paying them enough to make it worth their while to perform for
theater audiences rather than for the home audience. For example,
one of the highest priced comedy radio shows today represents a
weekly program cost of about $25,000. When you add the trans-
mission charges, it becomes a lot of money for any commercial sponsor
to pay for a half -hour once a week. If the exhibitors felt that they
could get five or ten cents a seat more, or merely increase their at-
tendance without raising their scale of prices by booking that per-
sonality to appear for theaters only, for a half-hour once a week,
they could offer him considerably more than $25,000 for a half-hour
show and could then emblazon their marquees with the announce-
May, 1945 ASPECTS OF THEATER TELEVISION 385
ment: "Jack Benny & Co." (or whoever the Jack Benny is when
this situation becomes possible) — "Not at your home, but here."
And I really think that it could become possible.
Television must not be thought of as the exclusive instrument of the
broadcasting industry or, as a matter of record, of any other industry.
Television is too big, too all-encompassing, too international in scope
to be controlled by group interests. Airplanes were invented pri-
marily for transportation purposes. Today they are winning the
war by destroying and killing. Certainly the Wright Brothers
never thought of that. The original concept of television was that it
would enable millions to see from their homes events taking place at
far distant points. I am inclined to believe, however, that many have
forgotten this so-called "closed circuit" use of television I have been
delineating.
Perhaps some of you are saying to yourselves that I am engaging in
some wild flights of prophecy but I think if you reflect gravely upon the
fact that there are 18,000 theaters in this county that do have 11,000,-
000 seats, that do represent an investment of $1,900,000,000, that do
take in today $150,000,000 a month at their collective box offices,
you will realize that the theater owner of America, the exhibitor —
a master showman who has progressed in a few years from being the
lessee of an empty shoestore, exhibiting crude flickering images, to
being the operator of de luxe air-cooled palaces presenting master-
pieces of showmanship — is not going to let television pass him by or
freeze him out. He and he alone has the one thing which has both-
ered many of those who have studied the economics of television.
He has the answer to the question, "Who is going to pay for tele-
vision?" He has a box office!
PROGRESS REPORT OF THE WORK OF THE
ASA WAR COMMITTEE ON
PHOTOGRAPHY AND CINEMATOGRAPHY-Z52*
J. W. McNAIR**
Summary. — This report discusses the progress of activities of the ASA War
Committee on Photography and Cinematography-Z52 up to October 1944. Many
of the projects described have since been approved as American War Standards while
others are in the final drafting stage. A complete list of all the approved standards,
and the status of unapproved projects, may be obtained from the American Standards
Association, 70 East 45th St., New York 17.
When D. E. Hyndman, Engineering Vice-President of the SMPE,
discussed the work of the War Committee on Photography and
Cinematography at your technical conference last April,1 he told you
of the many projects which had been undertaken by subcommittees
of this committee in order to prepare war standards and specifications
for the use of the Armed Forces in the field of both still and motion
picture photography. Mr. Hyndman's remarks were supplemented
by those of Captain Lloyd T. Goldsmith, member of your Standards
Committee and Chairman of the Armed Forces Committee on
Photography and Cinematography; John A. Maurer,2 Chairman of
the SMPE Nontheatrical Committee and Chairman of the Z52 Sub-
committee B on 16-Mm Sound; M. R. Boyer,3 member of the SMPE
Standards Committee and Chairman of Z52 Subcommittee C on 16-
Mm Laboratory Practice; A. G. Zimmerman,4 member of the SMPE
Standards Committee and Chairman of Z52 Subcommittee D on 16-
Mm Projection; and J. M. Whittenton,5 member of Z52 Subcom-
mittee G on Exposure Meters.
At the time of the conference, none of the work of these subcom-
mittees had yet been completed and approved as American War
Standards. Today I have pleasure to report that 25 American War
Standards and specifications in the field of still and motion picture
* Presented Oct. 17, 1944, at the Technical Conference in New York.
** Secretary, War Committee on Photography and Cinematography, American
Standards Association, New York.
386
ASA WAR COMMITTEE-Z52 387
photography have been approved by the American Standards
Association as the result of the work of the various subcommittees of
Z52, in which many members of the SMPE played a very great part.
It is expected that 15 more war standards will be completed and ap-
proved by January 1, 1945, and that approximately 25 more will be
completed in the first 3 months of the coming year.
Of the standards already approved, 18 relate to 16-mm motion
pictures. These include a specification for portable service model,
16-mm sound film projector which has been approved by the Joint
Army-Navy Committee on Specifications as a Joint Army-Navy
Specification JAN-P-49, and a specification for 16-mm release prints
which has also been approved as a JAN Specification, JAN-P-55, and
is already in use by the Armed Forces. Bids have been asked by the
Signal Corps for development of the service model projector, and it is
understood that more than a half-dozen bids have been received.
Among the other 16-mm war standards are four for the various
printer apertures used in reduction and contact printing of 16-mm
prints, a standard test method for determining freedom from projector
travel ghost, a test method for determining picture unsteadiness of
projectors, a test method for determining uniformity of scanning
beam illumination, and a test method for determining the resolving
power of 16-mm projector lenses. The test film and plates needed
for the travel ghost, scanning beam illumination, and resolving power
tests have been prepared by Mr. Maurer for the Society and will be
furnished the Armed Forces through the SMPE. The unsteadiness
test films are being furnished by the Bell and Howell and Eastman
Kodak companies.
Mr. Maurer has also produced for the Society a 3000-cycle flutter
test film, a multifrequency test film, a buzz track test film, 2 sound
focusing test films, and a 400-cycle signal level test film in accordance
with specifications developed by Z52 Subcommittee B. These, also,
are being furnished the Armed Forces through the Society, as are the
test leaders for 16-mm reduction prints required by the leader, cue,
and trailer specification I mentioned earlier.
A standard specification for a 16-mm test film for field checking of
projector adjustment has also been approved, which is comparable to
the 35-mm theater test reel of the Research Council, Academy of
Motion Picture Arts and Sciences; test films in accordance with this
specification are now being furnished to the Armed Forces by the
Research Council.
388 J. W. McNAiR Vol 44, No. 5
As a result of the work which was done under the guidance of the
War Committee on Photography and Cinematography, there is now
available a set of 16-mm test films which, if not better in certain
respects, is fully the equivalent of those available today for 35-mm
work.
The other approved 16-mm standard is probably the most impor-
tant from the long-range viewpoint. It is a standard for the sound
records and scanning area of 16-mm release prints. The cooperation
shown by all concerned in the formulation of this particular standard,
resolving as it does long-standing differences of opinion, was very
remarkable; and the Armed Forces have expressed their appreciation
of the manner in which the controversial questions were amicably
settled.
Two war standards in the field of 35-mm motion pictures which
have been approved are for the camera photographing aperture and
the projector picture aperture. These standards recognize essentially
the existing recommended practices on these 2 apertures which were
developed by the Society and the Research Council.
Four standards for photographic exposure meters have also been
approved. These include a standard for the acceptance of reflected-
light type meters, a standard for the calibration of reflected-light type
meters, a standard for the abuse-testing mechanism, which was
demonstrated here by Mr. Whittenton last April,5 and a standard
specification for service model meters for the use of the Armed
Forces, which has since been approved as Joint Army-Navy Speci-
fication, JAN-M-58. Initial orders have been placed under this
specification.
Among the war standards in the field of motion pictures which are
expected to be completed and approved before the first of the year are
standards for film nomenclature used in studios and processing
laboratories,6 for leaders, cues and trailers used in direct 16-mm pro-
duction, for 16-mm projector reel spindles, and for 16-mm reels and
containers. Also near approval are standards for sizes of screens and
for the whiteness and brightness characteristics of semidiffuse projec-
tion screens.
Among the still photography standards which are expected to be
completed shortly are specifications for contact printers, photo-
graphic enlargers, slide-film projectors and slide films, as well as
standard methods of testing between-the-lens and focal-plane shut-
ters, and complete specifications for photographic flash lamps.
May, 1945 ASA WAR COMMITTEE-Z52 389
Among the other proposed standards now under way of interest to
the members of the Society are specifications for an arc model 16-mm
projector to be used by the Armed Forces, a specification for a 16-mm
warble test film, and standards for quality control of 16-mm sound
motion picture prints. Proposed standards for the sound record and
scanning area of 35-mm sound prints will also be drafted by Sub-
committee B.
Other standards under development include proposals for the size
and shape of 16-mm camera and view-finder apertures, the size and
shape of 35-mm view-finder apertures, the registration distance of 16-
and 35-mm camera lenses, 16-mm camera and recorder magazine
mounting dimensions, specifications for photographic filters and safe
lights. Under way also are proposals for methods of testing camera
noise and a complementary standard for the noise limits for cameras,
specifications for photographic chemicals, specifications for photo-
graphic flood lamps, specifications for photographic trays, tanks,
thermometers, and many others. A complete list of all the approved
standards is available from the ASA offices on request.
As you can see from the brief list of projects I have given, the work
of the War Committee on Photography and Cinematography covers
an extremely broad field. Committee members and members of the
various subcommittees and subgroups have been quite busy in
preparing the standards and specifications which the Armed Forces
desire.
You can all be proud of the part which the Society, its officers and
its members have played in the past year in helping, first, in the
formation of the War Committee on Photography and Cinematogra-
phy and, then, in the work of the committee and its subcommittees
once it was organized.
Under this wartime procedure, accelerated progress has been made
in preparing numerous standards which will be suitable for peacetime
use and recognition either as regular Recommended Practices of the
Society or as regular American Standards, under the Society sponsor-
ship of the Sectional Committee on Motion Pictures, Z22.
REFERENCES
1 HYNDMAN, D. E.: "Report of the Engineering Vice-President on Standard-
ization," /. Soc. Mot. Pict. Eng., 43, 1 (July, 1944), p. 1.
2 MAURER, J. A. : "Report of Subcommittee B on 16-Mm Sound," /. Soc. Mot.
Pict. Eng., 43, 1 (July, 1944), p. 19.
390 J. W. McNAiR
3 BOYER, M. R.: "Report of Subcommittee C on 16-Mm Laboratory Prac-
tice," /. Soc. Mot. Pict. Eng., 43, 1 (July, 1944), p. 21.
4 ZIMMERMAN, A. G.: "Report of Subcommittee D on 16-Mm Projection,"
/. Soc. Mot. Pict. Eng., 43, 1 (July, 1944), p. 23.
5 WHITTENTON, J. M.: "Report of Subcommittee G on Exposure Meters,"
/. Soc. Mot. Pict. Eng., 43, 1 (July, 1944), p. 25.
6 AMERICAN STANDARDS ASSOCIATION: "Nomenclature for Motion Picture
Film Used in Studios and Processing Laboratories," /. Soc. Mot. Pict. Eng., 44, 4
(Apr., 1945), p. 285.
DEVELOPMENTS AT THE NATIONAL FILM BOARD
OF CANADA, 1939-44*
RAYMOND SPOTTISWOODE**
Summary. — Since its formation in 1939, the National Film Board of Canada
has been responsible for the coordination of all Dominion Government film activity,
and the production of the great majority of films made for Government Departments
and for the Armed Forces.
The Film Board's annual output now is about 250 films. Of its 2 theatrical series,
one is distributed in some 800 theaters in Canada, and the other in some 5000 theaters
in the U. S. besides. Its nontheatrical films are distributed through 120 mobile
projection units in all parts of Canada.
The staff of the National Film Board has grown from about 40 to 600 persons
during the period under review, and the Board's work now includes the production and
distribution of still pictures and film strips, the preparation of posters and displays,
and the distribution of motion pictures all over the world. In the film production
field, the Film Board overcame certain handicaps resulting from lack of equipment
and previously trained personnel by methods which may be of value to engineers
charged with the technical development of new motion picture industries abroad.
During the past 4 years, the National Film Board of Canada has
gained many times over from the technical assistance which has been
freely given it in this period of development by members of the So-
ciety and other engineers in the profession. Now the time has come
to render some account of what we have done up in Canada, and of
what we plan to do in the post-war world.
The Film Board has followed quite a different course of develop-
ment from most of the U. S. movie-making agencies whose expansion
has been so well described to the Society during the last 2 years. It
has had the advantage of being a centralized agency, charged with
abolishing overlapping and waste, and getting films made wherever
they could be made quickest and best. But, in its own film-making
capacity, it has had to get along with equipment and resources which
would have been considered wholly inadequate in most other coun-
tries. Working within the practical limits of a population of 12
* Presented Oct. 16, 1944, at the Technical Conference in New York.
** National Film Board of Canada, Ottawa, Canada.
391
392 R. SPOTTISWOODE Vol 44, No. 5
millions, it could not afford to buy the equipment first and make the
films afterward. It had, first of all, to satisfy the urgent demand for
films by stretching machinery and manpower almost to the breaking
point.
Back in 1941, a 4-reel review of the second year of the war was
produced in little over a week by the entire staff splitting up the
cutting processes between them — editing, music, effects, negative,
and so on — and putting themselves on 20-hr shifts to do it. A year
before that, our chief engineer would often find himself awakened in
the middle of the night to come down to the Board and fix a broken
printer working on a late shift. Arriving, he would go out into the
back yard, clip off a piece of barbed wire fence, file a cotter pin out
of it, and set the printer going again. Those days have gone now,
but the people who worked in the Film Board then are the nucleus of
the present organization, which has thus come to lay less stress on
equipment and expert training, and more on resourcefulness and
human energy.
There is no special virtue in this. We have often had to do a job
in the long slow way when equipment and skill would have done it
faster and better. Pulling yourself up by your own efforts means
making a long string of mistakes, and accepting lower technical
standards until you have learnt to do a thing the right way. We
have often looked with envy at the resources and trained talent
which the U. S. has put into the picture-making field in the Armed
Forces and the government during the war years. My only excuse
for inflicting on you this tale of our trials is to repay the debt of help
which you have given us and to bring before you a few practical
experiences such as many of you may encounter for yourselves over
the next few years.
Without question, American motion picture engineers are going
to be called on again and again to install equipment in countries with
practically no movie-making experience. It will be their job — as it
has often been before in other fields — not merely to put the equip-
ment in and get it running, but to train men who will keep it running
and develop it over subsequent years. To be able to help and plan
along these different lines, engineers may be interested to hear some-
thing of the general development of an organization which itself
sprang up in new territory.
There was a long history of film making in Canada prior to the war.
The Dominion Government was one of the first to add a film unit to
May, 1945 NATIONAL FlLM BOARD OF CANADA 393
its departments, having kept one going steadily since 1918. Highly
professional commercial films have been made for the last 15 years by
Associated Screen News in Montreal and by one or two smaller com-
panies in other parts of the Dominion. But, by and large, there was
no trained reserve of film-making skill to draw on when the Film
Board came into existence early in 1939 — as a result of an Act of
Parliament known as the National Film Act.
This Act empowered the Film Board to coordinate all Canadian
Government film activity, and to promote the production and dis-
tribution of such films as were called for in the national interest as a
source of information to the public. Four months later war broke
out, and the Film Board had a nation-wide job laid on its doorstep.
A mass of new government controls had to go suddenly into effect,
changing the way of life of every farmer, every business man, every
housewife in the land. Along with all other channels of public in-
formation, films were called into service to explain necessities, meth-
ods, and results.
The most direct avenue to the people at large was through the
movie theaters, and the motion picture exhibitors played their part
magnificently in making screen time available for these statements
of public policy. The Film Board, in its turn, fully recognized that
minutes in the theater were precious, and agreed to a presentation
of one "2-reeler" (later increased to 2) per month, together with one
l1/2-niin newsclip per week attached to the regular newsreels.
More important, the Film Board acknowledged the fact that each
distributor and theater manager must stand behind the product he
exhibited, and could not accept films of lower standards than those
set by the commercial production centers of Hollywood and New
York. It was therefore agreed to distribute the 2 theatrical series
through two of the regular distributors, Columbia Pictures and
United Artists, whose sales representatives normally see their pic-
tures each month before recording, so that they can advise on titles,
release dates, and other details of exploitation. In this way a very
cordial relationship has been built up between the Film Board and
the trade, which has resulted in the distribution since early 1940 of
nearly 75 pictures, most of them 2-reelers, not to mention more than
200 newsclips. These pictures have been shown in between 600 and
800 of the 1200 theaters in Canada, and reach a monthly audience of
2y2 millions.
To maintain high standards of showmanship, the idea of public
394 R. SPOTTISWOODE Vol 44, No. 5
information has been interpreted in the broadest sense. The sub-
jects of the theatrical films have ranged from analyses of the psy-
chology of enemy countries to reports of the part played by the
different services in current military campaigns ; and from recruiting
pictures to stories of Canada's natural resources and their develop-
ment before and during the war. One of the 2 theatrical series treats
mainly of Canadian affairs, the other of world affairs. The latter
series (beside its Canadian outlets) now plays in more than 5000 U. S.
theaters through commercial distribution channels.
Of the 250 or so pictures which the National Film Board produced
last year, about 50 were weekly newsclips on war loans, price fixing,
and other government campaigns; 25 were theatrical information
pictures; and the remaining 175 were pictures aimed at the great
audiences outside the theaters which are now reached by mobile
projection units. About 120 of these units are today in the field, fed
from 40 regional libraries and showing films to a quarter of a million
people a month in rural areas, as well as the same number of in-
dustrial workers. When these figures are set against a total popula-
tion of 12 millions, they represent a significant achievement for a
project less than 4 years old.
The films shown on these 120 rural and industrial "circuits," as we
call them, are of the most diverse character possible. Many of them
are your own pictures : the products of your Armed Forces film units
and their industrial incentive divisions. Many are made for the
British Ministry of Information for its own similar rural and in-
dustrial screenings. But the great majority of these pictures are
produced in Canada by the National Film Board, and cover all phases
of the national life which are of interest to these particular audience
groups. The building and flying overseas of the first of the great
Lancaster bombers produced in Canada; the yearly cycle of a habit-
ant farmer's life in Quebec; the functioning of the new Unemploy-
ment Insurance Act as seen through a typical worker's eyes : these are
characteristic examples of the subjects put on the screen by the Film
Board in the last year or so.
Month by month they go out to the people of Canada in compact
cans of 16-mm film. But they are not simply messages doled out
from a central bureau in Ottawa to an unresponsive public. Wher-
ever they are shown there is a lively and constant give-and-take.
The projectionist is far more than a machine-minder. He talks to
the local schoolmaster and minister. He awakens their interest to
May, 1945 NATIONAL FlLM BOARD OF CANADA 395
what can be told through the screen. He advertises his shows and
hooks them up with the local county fair, or YMCA meeting, or bingo
game, or whatever it may be. He has booklets about his month's
program of films, giving background information and suggesting
subjects for debate. And he is usually to be found helping with the
formation of a discussion group, which goes on holding regular meet-
ings until he makes his monthly round again. Thus, what might
have started out as a rather drab and mechanical screening of films
has become a living part of the community's life, a real education in
the business of civics — the linking of people together in a common
social purpose.
This 2-way traffic of information and advice — and criticism, too —
is kept going by monthly reports from the projectionists of what they
have picked up from audiences on their circuits. And every year, at
regional conferences across the country, there is a general get-
together of people going out from the Film Board in Ottawa to meet
these rural and industrial projectionists who are also members of the
Film Board staff and have a common interest in the practical business
of film making. A projectionist will tell a producer that his pictures
would go down better if he put more humor into them; or he will
report to one of the laboratory staff that the prints coming through
are too dark for halls where it is impossible to close out all the stray
light. By rotating the representation, a large number of the Film
Board staff have thus been brought face to face with their best
friends and critics — the men who have gathered together and talked
to the more than half a million Canadians who see their pictures
every month.
I have purposely worked inwards gradually from the circumference
to the center, for I have wanted to show how we have tried to conceive
of film making as a cooperative business in which audiences played a
purposeful and formative part — the theater audiences through com-
mercial distributors and the nontheatrical audiences through pro-
jectionists and leaders of discussion groups. This cooperative spirit
has also become the basis of production at the Film Board itself — not,
Heaven forbid, through any special display of virtue, but simply be-
cause technical skills have been spread so perilously thin that they
had to be shared as widely as possible. Of the present production
staff of more than 200, only about a dozen had ever seen a frame of
film before they joined the Film Board within the last 4 years — and
this includes such technical branches as sound recording, the labora-
396 R. SPOTTISWOODE Vol 44, No. 5
tory and optical effects, as well as those concerned strictly with pro-
duction itself.
Two principles have guided the development of film skills from the
start: maximum interchange of information between everyone, and
maximum individual responsibility for everyone. There is a constant
transfer of staff between departments. Our .present personnel man-
ager has been successively head of the negative cutting department,
the film library, and the laboratory. The laboratory staff has fre-
quently exchanged members with the camera department, and
directors and script writers have often handled cameras. Shifts of
this kind mean constant training and retraining, and are sometimes
disconcerting to those who have to plan continuity of production.
But they have supplied an invaluable versatility of skill and have
certainly helped to prevent the Film Board from getting stale and
falling into a rut.
Maximum responsibility has been most evident in production.
The entire film program for the year is divided up between separate
production units, which have multiplied until they now number
about a dozen. These units divide the film-making field according
to function : two handle the 2 theatrical series, a third, films for the
Armed Forces, a fourth, films on economics, a fifth, reconstruction
and stabilization, and so on. Each of these units is self-contained,
and comprises a producer, a business manager, and a versatile staff
from which the necessary script writers, cutters, and directors can be
found. By interchanging skills, a unit of six can handle a program of
4 or 5 films at once.
The production unit, through a liaison officer, often makes its own
initial contact with a government department for the making of a
film, acting under general guidance in policy from the Commissioner
and Deputy Commissioner. The unit budgets its new picture, and
is solely responsible for holding to this budget with the aid of weekly
reports from the accounts department. From the beginning, the
producer steers his film himself, negotiating the script, choosing
director, cameraman, and composer, and supervising the editing and
sound recording. Only at this final stage does he call in the Com-
missioner or his Deputy for approval, and if any changes have to be
made, they are invariably made by the unit itself. This kind of self-
determination has had excellent results. It has developed individual
styles. It has trained people in the rough school of "sink or swim."
It has given producers a fine sense of how to discharge a public
May, 1945 NATIONAL FlLM BOARD OF CANADA 397
service. Ottawa is a small and friendly capital. At half an hour's
notice you may find a Minister or his Deputy dropping into the
screening room to see and discuss the rough-cut of a film you are mak-
ing for his department. And to present your unfinished, soundless
film in a true light, you must have a very clear sense of the "why"
and the "how" of what government is trying to do.
As much as possible of the same sense of individual responsibility
is encouraged in the technical departments. But while it has not
been found necessary to have any kind of over-all production man-
ager, there has had to be more coordination on the technical side.
This is because so many problems arise which are of common concern
to several technical departments. Moreover, technical progress and
difficulties must be kept before producers, and this is best accom-
plished by someone who broadly represents the interests of all tech-
nical skills. Within this loose supervision, however, the technical
men plan their own progress and decide just what equipment they
propose to install under the limitations imposed by their share of the
budget. They handle their own schedules of hours and shifts and
set up their own committees to deal with such matters as standards
and procedures of work. It has been our practice to pick only the
keenest and most intelligent men and women, and then give them
their head as quickly as possible. This devolution of authority has
developed the skills of the better workers with a speed which has
proved astonishing. Today, our laboratory, with a staff of nearly 40
and running smoothly to a total output of nearly a million feet a
month, contains only 3 people who have had more than 3 years' ex-
perience in film. This is characteristic of every department.
These, in broad outline, are the keynotes of the Film Board's
administration as far as film production is concerned.
A few words should be said about the equipment which the Film
Board has to work with in carrying out its production program. The
largest department, the laboratory, operates under the handicap of
having no 35-mm release footage to print, since the Film Board has
always held that, when commercial firms distribute its products, they
should also be given the handling of the release printing and process-
ing. Consequently, the whole laboratory footage is always going up
and down according to the varying rate of production, making control
much more difficult than it might be. The average monthly 35-mm
footage is 600,000, handled on only 2 developing machines, though a
third reconditioned machine will shortly be brought into service. In
398 R. SPOTTISWOODE Vol 44, No. 5
addition, two 16-mm machines deal with a monthly footage of about
200,000, a figure which has been held down by the inadequacy of our
16-mm printing equipment, which up to now has proved impossible
to replace.
The 5 developing machines are connected to a modern continu-
ously replenished circulating system, with thermostatically con-
trolled interchangers, to which recording instruments are being added.
Two of the three 35-mm machines are of the 2-tank type, and the
piping allows the greatest flexibility in circulating the 3 kinds of
developing solution. This is necessary because 9 types of stock have
at present to be developed in 2 machines.
The positive and negative developers are of the standard D-16
and D-76 types, but to develop variable-density sound we adopted a
few months ago the metol-only type of developer pioneered by
Columbia Pictures. This has given us very satisfactory results.
Hourly pH readings are taken of all solutions, of hypo and of wash
water, as are regular gamma strips, and all the results are graphed
and collated. Supplementing these rapid checks, a complete program
of chemical analysis has been started, based on the opacimetric and
potentiometric methods of end-point determination described in
recent years in papers read before the Society.
Our sound recording department uses Western Electric variable-
density track, and has one fixed channel of the old QB type, one
more modern Q recorder which is mounted in a truck and trailer, and
2 single-system newsreel recording units. Rerecording has to be
carried out with only 3 dubbing heads, calling for prodigies of skill
on the part of the sound cutter — not to mention the mixer! — in
handling very complex sounds with so few channels.
Of the many other technical departments, the library perhaps
deserves to be singled out. We now have about 15 or 20 million ft of
catalogued film containing the Canadian Government records of the
last war, and of the heroic exploits which opened up the Northland
in the succeeding 20 years. To these archives has been added a large
collection of captured enemy material, which is specially rich in the
years before the U. S. entered the war. Finally, there is an enormous
footage collected from the American Armed Forces film units, and an
even bigger footage shot by ourselves and covering every branch of
Canadian participation in the war. All this material is fully "dope-
sheeted"* and catalogued, and is available, not only to our own pro-
ducers, but to film makers all over the continent, at very short notice.
May, 1945 NATIONAL FlLM BOARD OF CANADA 399
The Animation Department is unconventional, in that it prepares
practically no cell animation of the orthodox type for shooting under
the animation camera. Cell animation requires a large staff to make
it effective and economical, and a group which has grown to a current
level of only 10 persons cannot achieve a large output with cells. On
the other hand, 10 artists of exceptional originality and skill have
devised or perfected many new animation techniques. Cut-outs,
light boxes, elaborate scratch-off maps and diagrams, hand anima-
tion drawn on the film itself; these are only a few of the methods
currently used by Film Board animators. Much of their output
consists of French-language folk songs, English-language sing-songs,
and other light and amusing material for the traveling circuits.
Animation is carried out on a zoom-stand type of camera with the
usual accessories. This camera runs almost continuously throughout
the 24 hr, since the animators produce many of their effects by actual
manipulation under the lens, which economizes in art-work time at
the expense of camera time. Unorthodox as these methods are, they
have been brought to produce a remarkably high degree of technical
perfection.
These and the other technical departments, as well as the produc-
tion staff, are housed in an old lumber mill on the banks of the
Ottawa River. While this mill was roomy enough for the 30 or 40
members of the former Motion Picture Bureau, it is hopelessly over-
crowded by its present staff of 200. The flimsy wooden partitions
which were hastily built during the early years of expansion, and the
unvented interior cutting rooms, formed a very serious fire hazard.
The conversion of this old building into a fairly safe structure was a
difficult business, and involved rebuilding the whole of the inside
while the 200 people continued to work.
The experience of the last 3 or 4 years — of having to learn everything
from the bottom, and of having to use resourcefulness when there
was no proper equipment to do the job — all this has been of in-
estimable value to the staff. It has led to a give-and-take which has
prevented individuals from getting overspecialized, and has speeded
up the development of unexpected skills. In our music cutting
rooms, you will find the former first violinist of the Toronto Sym-
phony Orchestra chopping up sound tracks with the best of them,
building an effects track from the merest bits and pieces because he
knows that the rural circuits can only spend $500 on their new pic-
ture, and so must economize in sound costs. And in his spare time
400 R. SPOTTISWOODE
you will find him leading the newly formed Ottawa Philharmonic
Orchestra. Another member of the music department, a young
Canadian composer, had never written a note of music for film until
a couple of years ago. He has now completed his second score for a
feature picture in Hollywood.
The lesson of all this is that films of professional standard can be
produced in large numbers by people with little previous film-making
skill. There may be encouragement in the example of the Canadian
Film Board example for all who are starting new units of production
after the war in the fields of visual education or public relations, or
who are helping to build a new movie industry in the many countries
which have still scarcely made a beginning of projecting their na-
tional stories and ways of life on the screen.
This paper has dealt only with the film production side of the Film
Board's work. The Board has many other activities, including pro-
duction and distribution of still pictures and film strips, the making of
posters, and the designing and presentation of graphic displays. These
last are used in such campaigns as those against careless talk and sabo-
tage, against syphilis and other diseases, and are linked up with spe-
cially produced films. Finally, it is useless to make films if you do not
see that they are projected at the right time, in the right place, and to
the greatest number of people. This is the job of the Distribution De-
partment which is the link with the theaters, the rural and industrial
circuits, and the legations and trade commissions abroad.
All this work has an important place in peace as much as war. We
look to continued expansion of these activities, especially in the
educational field.
New horizons are opening in the post-war world: town planning,
housing, public health, community centers, soil conservation, and a
hundred other outlets for the energies developed and harnessed during
the war. To all these, films can make a specific contribution. They
will become a vehicle of interchange between nations, showing the
work in which each nation excels. They will be shown in schools, fac-
tories, and civic groups — wherever people meet together to discuss
their common professional interests. And, in satisfying this very
human need, they will complement and not compete with the equally
human need of entertainment. In this nonoverlapping area there is
room after the war for many new production groups, which may per-
haps learn something of value from the National Film Board of
Canada and its work.
CURRENT LITERATURE OF INTEREST TO THE MOTION PICTURE
ENGINEER
The editors present for convenient reference a list of articles dealing with subjects
cognate to motion picture engineering published in a number of selected journals.
Photostatic or microfilm copies of articles in magazines that are available may be
obtained from The Library of Congress, Washington, D. C.t or from the New York
Public Library, New York, N. Y., at prevailing rates.
American Cinematography
26 (Mar., 1945), No. 3
Where Will You Fit in Television? (p. 80) I. BROWNING
Production Designing (p. 82) E. GOODMAN
Photographing Tokyo from the Air (p. 86) R. H. BAILEY
Requirements of Educational Film Presentation (p. 87) O. BELL
Bell Laboratories Record
23 (Feb., 1945), No. 11
The Ribbon-Frame Camera (p. 40) F. RECK
Electronics
18 (Mar., 1945), No. 3
Direct-Reading Color Densitometer (p. 102) M. H. SWEET
Engineering Aspects of Television Programming (p. 107) V. M. BRADLEY
Tracking Angle in Phonograph Pickups (p. 110) B. B. BAUER
International Photographer
16 (Jan., 1945), No. 12
Monopack as a Medium for Three-Color Processes (p. 12) W. J. KENNEY
17 (Feb., 1945), No. 1
High Turbulation Developing (p. 18) W. J. KENNEY
International Projectionist
20 (Feb., 1945), No. 2
Auxiliary Sound Requirements of the Motion Picture
Theatre (p. 7) H. B. SELLWOOD
How to Make Your Own Schematic and System Diagrams
(p. 13) L. CHADS OURNE
Projectionists' Course on Basic Radio and Television — Pt.
8: Direct Current Meters (p. 18) M. BERINSKY
Photographic Journal
85B (Jan.-Feb., 1945), No. 1
Colour Development (p. 13) A. G. TULL
401
SOCIETY ANNOUNCEMENTS
ATLANTIC COAST SECTION MEETING
A large gathering of members and guests of the Atlantic Coast Section of the
Society heard Dr. A. H. Rosenthal, Director of Research and Development,
Scophony Corporation of America, discuss problems of theater television pro-
jection equipment at the meeting held on March 21. Dr. Rosenthal presented
a paper which explained methods of overcoming certain limitations of theater
television projection, such as the size, brightness, and definition of television
images. He described 2 systems employing the principles of optical storage and
light modulation, Supersonic system and Skiatron, developed by Scophony.
Dr. Rosenthal, a Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society of London, who
has designed an apparatus applying television technique for the investigation of
the sun's surface, covered many miscellaneous aspects of his subject during the
discussion period which followed the paper. It is planned to publish this paper
in a forthcoming issue of the JOURNAL.
The meeting, held in the Roof Garden of the Hotel Pennsylvania, New York,
opened with a showing of the documentary film, Letter to a Hero.
EMPLOYMENT SERVICE
POSITIONS OPEN
Young man with several years' experience in Motion Picture Camera
and Projector design. Must have mechanical background with a
knowledge of motion picture industry requirements. Write or telephone
for interview. Akeley Camera, Inc., 175 Varick St., New York 14, N. Y.
WAlker 5-7954.
Optical engineer's assistant. Acquainted with optical laboratory routine,
ray tracing and similar problems in related scientific fields. Reply to
Optical Engineering Department, DeVry Corporation, 1111 Armitage
Ave., Chicago 14, 111.
Position open for man or woman with experience in optical instrument
design. Position also open for man or woman with experience in lens
design or computing. Write for interview. Binswanger and Company,
Optics Division, 645 Union Ave., Memphis, Tenn.
Physicist with special training in optics for research on utilization of
carbon arcs particularly in projection systems. Apply to Research Labo-
ratory, National Carbon Co., Inc., P. O. Box 6087, Cleveland 1, Ohio.
POSITION WANTED
Engineer desires position with manufacturer or theater circuit super-
vising construction, maintenance, or operation. Sixteen years' ex-
perience. For details write P. O. Box 710, Chicago, 111.
402
COMMITTEES OF THE SOCIETY
(Correct to April 20, 1945}
ADMISSIONS. — To pass upon all applications for membership, applications for transfer and
to review the Student and Associate membership list periodically for possible transfers to the
Associate and Active grades, respectively. The duties of each committee are limited to applica-
tions and transfers originating in the geographic area covered.
(East Coast}
A. S. DICKINSON, Chairman
28 West 44th St.
New York 18, N. Y.
M. R. BOYER JAMES FRANK, JR. HARRY RUBIN
F. E. CAHILL, JR. J. A. MAURER E. I. SPONABLE
(West Coast}
H. W. REMERSCHEID, Chairman
8339 Sunset Blvd.
Hollywood, Calif.
C. R. DAILY PETER MOLE
EMERY HUSE H. W,. MOYSE
BOARD OF EDITORS. — To pass upon the suitability of all material submitted for publica-
tion, or for presentation at conventions, and publish the JOURNAL.
A. C. DOWNES, Chairman
Box 6087
Cleveland 1, Ohio
J. I. CRABTREE A. M. GUNDELFINGER C. R. KEITH
A. N. GOLDSMITH C. W. HANDLEY E. W. KELLOGG
A. C. HARDY
CINEMATOGRAPHY. — To make recommendations and prepare specifications for the
operation, maintenance, and servicing of motion picture cameras, accessory equipment, studio
and outdoor set lighting arrangements, camera technique, and the varied uses of motion picture
negative films for general photography.
J. W. BOYLE, Chairman
1207 N. Mansfield Ave.
Hollywood, Calif.
C. G. CLARKE * ARTHUR MILLER ARTHUR REEVES
KARL FREUND JOSEPH RUTTENBERG
COLOR. — To make recommendations and prepare specifications for the operation, mainte-
nance, and servicing of color motion picture processes, accessory equipment, studio lighting,
selection of studio set colors, color cameras, color motion picture films, and general color photog-
raphy.
J. A. BALL, Chairman
12720 Highwood St.
Los Angeles 24, Calif.
M. C. BATSEL R. M. EVANS A. C. HARDY
M. R. BOYER J. L. FORREST W. C. MILLER
G. A. CHAMBERS J. G. FRAYNE L. L. RYDER
L. E. CLARK L. T. GOLDSMITH J. G. WHITE
A. M. GUNDELFINGER
* Advisory Member.
COMMITTEES OF THE SOCIETY Vol 44, No. 5
CONVENTION. — To assist the Convention Vice-President in the responsibilities pertaining
to arrangements and details of the Society's technical conventions.
W. C. KUNZMANN, Chairman
Box 6087
Cleveland 1, Ohio
* JULIUS HABER C. R. KEITH H. W. MOYSE
H. F. HEIDEGGER R. H. McCuLLOucn O. F. NEU
EXCHANGE PRACTICE. — To make recommendations and prepare specifications on the
engineering or technical methods and equipment that contribute to efficiency in handling and
storage of motion picture prints, so far as can be obtained by proper design, construction, and
operation of film handling equipment, air-conditioning systems, and exchange office buildings.
(Under Organization)
FELLOW MEMBERSHIP. — To consider qualifications of Active members as candidates for
elevation to Fellow members, and to submit such nominations to the Board of Governors.
HERBERT GRIFFIN, Chairman
133 E. Santa Anita Ave.
Burbank, Calif.
M. R. BOYER D. E. HYNDMAN H. W. MOYSE
A. S. DICKINSON C. R. KEITH L. L. RYDER
A. C. DOWNES W. C. KUNZMANN E. A. WILLIFORD
J. A. MAURER
HISTORICAL AND MUSEUM. — To collect facts and assemble data relating to the historical
development of the motion picture industry, to encourage pioneers to place their work on record
in the form of papers for publication in the JOURNAL, and to place in suitable depositories equip-
ment pertaining to the industry.
J. E. ABBOTT, Chairman
11 West 53d St.
New York 19, N. Y.
O. B. DEPUE RICHARD GRIFFITH TERRY RAMSAYE
HONORARY MEMBERSHIP. — To diligently search for candidates who through their
basic inventions or outstanding accomplishments have contributed to the advancement of the
motion picture industry and are thus worthy of becoming Honorary members of the Society.
EMERY HUSE, Chairman
6706 Santa Monica Blvd.
Hollywood 38, Calif.
NATHAN LEVINSON L. L. RYDER
A. J. MILLER E. I. SPONABLE
JOURNAL AWARD. — To recommend to the Board of Governors the author or authors of
the most outstanding paper originally published in the JOURNAL during the preceding calendar
year to receive the Society's Journal Award.
F. E. CARLSON, Chairman
Nela Park
Cleveland 12, Ohio
C. R. DAILY G. E. MATTHEWS
P. J. LARSEN W. V. WOLFE
LABORATORY PRACTICE. — To make recommendations and prepare specifications for the
operation, maintenance, and servicing of motion picture printers, processing machines, inspec-
tion projectors, splicing machines, film cleaning and treating equipment, rewinding equipment,
any type of film handling accessories, methods, and processes which offer increased efficiency
and improvement in the photographic quality of the final print.
H. E. WHITE, Chairman
Room 813
350 Madison Ave.
New York 17, N. Y.
* Advisory Member.
May, 1945 COMMITTEES OF THE SOCIETY
4
A. C. BLANEY J. G. FRAYNE J. M. NICKOLAUS
L. A. BONN G. H. GIBSON N. F. OAKLEY
A. W. COOK EMERY HUSE W. H. OFFENHAUSER, JR.
O. B. DEPUE T. M. INGMAN V. C. SHANER
R. O. DREW C. L. LOOTENS J. H. SPRAY
F. L. EICH A. J. MILLER J. F. VAN LEUVEN
MEMBERSHIP AND SUBSCRIPTION.— To solicit new members, obtain nonmember sub
put
scriptions for the JOURNAL, and to arouse general interest in the activities of the Society and its
publications.
JAMES FRANK, JR., Chairman
356 West 44th St.
New York 18, N. Y.
T. C. BARROWS E. R. GEIB W. A. MUELLER
J. G. BRADLEY L. T. GOLDSMITH H. B. SANTEE
KARL BRENKERT SYLVAN HARRIS G. E. SAWYER
G. A. CHAMBERS L. B. ISAAC W. L. THAYER
L. W. CHASE W. C. KUNZMANN E. O. WILSCHKE
J. P. CORCORAN S. A. LUKES W. V. WOLFE
J. G. FRAYNE G. E. MATTHEWS C. R. WOOD, SR.
G. C. MISENER
NOMINATIONS. — To recommend nominations to the Board of Governors for annual election
of officers and governors.
E. M. HONAN, Chairman
6601 Romaine St.
Hollywood 38, Calif.
E. A. BERTRAM EMERY HUSE W. C. MILLER
M. R. BOYER D. B. JOY PETER MOLE
HERBERT GRIFFIN J. A. MAURER E. A. WILLIFORD
NONTHEATRICAL EQUIPMENT. — To make recommendations and prepare specifications
for the operation, maintenance, and servicing of 16-mm motion picture projectors, splicing
machines, screen dimensions and placement, loudspeaker output and placement, preview or
theater arrangements, and the like, which will improve the reproduced sound and picture quality
of 16-mm prints.
D. F. LYMAN, Chairman
1368 Titus Ave.
Rochester 9, N. Y.
E. W. D'ARCY R. C. HOLSLAG D. G. SMITH
*W. C. BOWEN H. J. HOOD RAYMOND SPOTTISWOODE
*F. L. BRETHAUER R. KINGSLAKE *J. STREIFFERT
*F. E. BROOKER L. R. MARTIN HARRY STRONG
F. E. CARLSON V. J. NOLAN LLOYD THOMPSON
G. A. CHAMBERS W. H. OFFENHAUSER, JR. M. G. TOWNSLEY
*S. L. CHERTOK M. W. PALMER L. E. VARDEN
JOHN CHRISTIE L. T. SACHTLEBEN J. E. VOLKMANN
R. O. DREW A. SHAPIRO A. G. ZIMMERMAN
PAPERS. — To solicit papers, and provide the program for semi-annual conventions, and make
available to local sections for their meetings papers presented at national conventions.
C. R. DAILY, Chairman BARTON KREUZER, Vice-Chairman
5451 Marathon St. RCA Victor Division
Hollywood 38, Calif. Radio Corp. of America
Camden, N. J.
G. A. CHAMBERS L. T. GOLDSMITH P. A. McGuiRE
A. R. DAVIS C. R. KEITH H. W. MOYSE
F. L. EICH E. W. KELLOGG V. C. SHANER
JAMES FRANK, JR. G. E. MATTHEWS S. P. SOLOW
J. G. FRAYNE W. V. WOLFE
* Advisory Member.
COMMITTEES OF THE SOCIETY Voi 44, No. 5
^
PRESERVATION OF FILM. — To make recommendations and prepare specifications on
methods of treating and storage of motion picture film for active, archival, and permanent
record purposes, so far as can be prepared within both the economic and historical value of the
films.
J. G. BRADLEY, Chairman
The National Archives
Washington 25, D. C.
J. E. ABBOTT J. L. FORREST *W. F. KELLEY
*H. T. COWLING *J. E. GIBSON C. A. LINDSTROM
J. I. CRABTREE *ORVILLE GOLDNER TERRY RAMSAYE
A. S. DICKINSON C. L. GREGORY V. B. SEASE
PROCESS PHOTOGRAPHY. — To make recommendations and prepare specifications on
motion picture optical printers, process projectors (background process), matte processes,
special process lighting technique, special processing machines, miniature set requirements,
special effects devices, and the like, that will lead to improvement in this phase of the production
art.
(Under Organization)
PROGRESS. — To prepare an annual report on progress in the motion picture industry.
G. A. CHAMBERS, Chairman
Naval Air Station, PSL
Anacostia, D. C.
F. T. BOWDITCH J. A. DUBRAY G. E. MATTHEWS
G. L. DIMMICK M. S. LESHING D. R. WHITE
PROGRESS MEDAL AWARD.— To recommend to the Board of Governors a candidate who
by his inventions, research, or development has contributed in a significant manner to the
advancement of motion picture technology, and is deemed worthy of receiving the Progress
Medal Award of the Society.
E. A. WILLIFORD, Chairman
230 Park Ave.
New York 17, N. Y.
M. R. BOYER NATHAN LEVINSON
F. E. CARLSON G. F. RACKETT
PUBLICITY. — To assist the Convention Vice- President in the release of publicity material
concerning the Society's semi-annual technical conventions.
*JULIUS HABER, Chairman
RCA Victor Division
Radio Corp. of America
Camden, N. J.
*LEONARD BIDWELL C. R. DAILY P. A. McGuiRE
*E. O. BLACKBURN BARTON KREUZER HARRY SHERMAN
SOUND. — To make recommendations and prepare specifications for the operation, mainte-
nance, and servicing of motion picture film, sound recorders, rerecorders, and reproducing
equipment, methods of recording sound, sound film processing, and the like, to obtain means of
standardizing procedures that will result in the production of better uniform quality sound in
the theater.
J. G. FRAYNE, Chairman C. R. KEITH, Vice-Chairman
6601 Romaine St. 233 Broadway
Hollywood 38, Calif. New York 7, N. Y.
(Under Organization)
STANDARDS.— To constantly survey all engineering phases of motion picture production,
distribution, and exhibition to make recommendations and prepare specifications that may
become proposals for SMPE Recommended Practices and/or American Standards. This
Committee should carefully follow the work of all other committees on engineering and may
request any committee to investigate and prepare a report on the phase of motion picture
engineering to which it is assigned.
F. T. BOWDITCH, Chairman
Box 6087
Cleveland 1, Ohio
* Advisory Member.
May, 1945
COMMITTEES OF THE SOCIETY
J. M. ANDREAS
HERBERT BARNETT
M. C. BATSEL
M. F. BENNETT
E. A. BERTRAM
M. R. BOYER
*F. L. BRETHAUER
F. E. CARLSON
E. K. CARVER
G. A. CHAMBERS
A. W. COOK
E. D. COOK
L. W.. DAVEE
A. A. DURYEA
A. F. EDOUART
P. C. GOLDMARK
A. N. GOLDSMITH
L. T. GOLDSMITH
IRL GOSHAW
HERBERT GRIFFIN
A. C. HARDY
R. C. HOLSLAG
D. B. JOY
C. R. KEITH
*W. F. KELLEY
R. KlNGSLAKE
P. J. LARSEN
C. L. LOOTENS
D. F. LYMAN
PIERRE MERTZ
W. C. MILLER
H. W. MOYSE
W. H. OFFENHAUSER, JR.
G. F. RACKETT
W. B. RAYTON
L. T. SACHTLEBEN
OTTO SANDVIK
J. A. SCHEIK
R. R. SCOVILLE
J. H. SPRAY
LLOYD THOMPSON
M. G. TOWNSLEY
J. F. VAN LEUVEN
D. R. WHITE
H. E. WHITE
A. G. ZIMMERMAN
STUDIO LIGHTING. — To make recommendations and prepare specifications for the
operation, maintenance, and servicing of all types of studio and outdoor auxiliary lighting
equipment, tungsten light and carbon arc sources, lighting effect devices, diffusers, special light
screens, etc., to increase the general engineering knowledge of the art.
J. W. BOYLE
H. J. CHANON
C. W. HANDLEY, Chairman
I960 West 84th Sf.
Los Angeles 44, Calif.
R. E. FARNHAM
KARL FREUND
W. W. LOZIER
TECHNICAL NEWS.— To survey the fields of production, distribution, and exhibition of
motion pictures, and allied industries, to obtain technical news items for publication in the
JOURNAL.
J. W. BOYLE
J. I. CRABTREE
A. M. GUNDELFINGER
A. C. BLANEY, Chairman
1016 N. Sycamore St.
Hollywood 38, Calif.
C. W. HANDLEY
EMERY HUSE
H. R. LUBCKE
K. F. MORGAN
H. W. REMERSCHEID
EDWARD SCHMIDT
WILLIAM THOMAS
TELEVISION. — To make recommendations and prepare specifications for the operation,
maintenance, and servicing of motion picture theater television equipment giving full con-
sideration to the engineering phases of television which affect origination, transmission, dis-
tribution, and reproduction of television in the theater.
(Under Organization)
TEST FILM QUALITY. — To supervise, inspect, and approve all print quality control of
sound and picture test films prepared by any committee on engineering before the prints are
released by the Society for general practical use.
F. R. WILSON, Chairman
C. F. HORSTMAN
THEATER ENGINEERING. — The Committee on Theater Engineering comprises the
membership of the 4 subcommittees listed below and is under the general chairmanship of
DR. ALFRED N. GOLDSMITH, 597 Fifth Ave., New York 17, N. Y.
Subcommittee on Film Projection Practice. — To make recommendations and prepare speci-
fications for the operation, maintenance, and servicing of motion picture projection equipment,
projection rooms, film storage facilities, stage arrangement, screen dimensions and placement,
and maintenance of loudspeakers to improve the quality of reproduced sound and the quality
of the projected picture in the theater.
M. F. BENNETT, Chairman
D. W. COLLINS, Secretary
321 West 44th St.
New York 18, N. Y.
* Advisory Member.
COMMITTEES OF THE SOCIETY Vol 44, No. 5
HENRY ANDERSON A. S. DICKINSON C. F. HORSTMAN
*C. J. BACHMAN J. K. ELDERKIN L. B. ISAAC
T. C. BARROWS JAMES FRANK, JR. E. R. MORIN
H. D. BEHR R. R. FRENCH M. D. O'BRIEN
H. J. BENHAM G. GAGLIARDI HARRY RUBIN
KARL BRENKERT E. R. GEIB J. J. SEFING
F. E. CAHILL, JR. ADOLPH GOODMAN R. O. WALKER
C. C. DASH HERBERT GRIFFIN V. A. WELMAN
L. W. DAVEE SYLVAN HARRIS H. E. WHITE
J. J. HOPKINS
Subcommittee on Television Projection Practice. — To make recommendations and prepare
specifications for the construction, installation, operation, maintenance, and servicing of equip-
ment for projecting television pictures in the motion picture theater, as well as projection room
arrangements necessary for such equipment, and such picture-dimensional and screen-charac-
teristic matters as may be involved in high-quality theater television presentation.
P. J. LARSEN, Chairman
1401 Sheridan St., N. W.
Washington 11, D. C.
R. B. AUSTRIAN *H. B. FANCHER E. R. MORIN
C. F. HORSTMANf *P. M. GARRETTf *A. H. ROSENTHAL
HERBERT BARNETT JAMES FRANK, JR. *ARTHUR LEVEY!
*F. P. GOLDBACHf G. T. LORANCEf HARRY RUBIN
M. C. BATSEL *T. R. GINNOCK *PAUL RAiBOURNf
F. G. ALBiNf A. J. RICHARD t R. E. SHELBY
*G. R. BEERS T. T. GOLDSMITH *E. D. GOODALEJ
F. G. ALBINf *RUDOLPH FELDTf E. I. SPONABLE
*A. BROLLY L. B. ISAAC *H. E. BRAGGf
*W. BROCKf M. D. O'BRIENf *C. S. SZEGHO
F. E. CAHILL, JR. A. G. JENSEN • NICHOLAS GLYPTIS!
M. F. BENNETTf J. J. KOHLER H. E. WHITE
L. W. DAVEE PIERRE MERTZ D. E. HYNDMANJ
Subcommittee on Screen Brightness. — To make recommendations, prepare specifications,
and test methods for determining and standardizing the brightness of the motion picture screen
image at various parts of the screen, and for specific means or devices in the projection room
adapted to the control or improvement of screen brightness.
F. E. CARLSON, Chairman
Nela Park
Cleveland 12, Ohio
HERBERT BARNETT W. B. RAYTON H. E. WHITE
SYLVAN HARRIS C. M. TUTTLE A. T. WILLIAMS
W. F. LITTLE R. J. ZAVESKY
Subcommittee on Theater Engineering, Construction, and Operation. — To make recom-
mendations and prepare specifications on engineering methods and equipment of motion picture
theaters in relation to their contribution to the physical comfort and safety of patrons, so far as
can be enhanced by correct theater design, construction, and operation of equipment.
HENRY ANDERSON, Chairman
1501 Broadway
New York 18, N. Y.
HERBERT BARNETT JAMES FRANK, JR. C. F. HORSTMAN
F. E. CARLSON T. T. GOLDSMITH E. R. MORIN
*W. B. CUTTER J. J. HOPKINS BEN SCHLANGER
*W. L. FLEISHER J. J. SEFING
* Advisory Member,
t Alternate.
May, 1945 COMMITTEES OF THE SOCIETY
SMPE REPRESENTATIVES TO OTHER ORGANIZATIONS
American Documentation Institute J. E. ABBOTT
American Standards Association:
Sectional Committee on Standardization of Letter
Symbols and Abbreviations for Science and
Engineering, Z10 L. A. JONES
Sectional Committee on Motion Pictures, Z22
(Chairman being elected and committee organized.)
Sectional Committee on Acoustical Measurements
and Terminology, Z24 J. E. VOLKMANN
Sectional Committee on Photography, Z38 J. I. CRABTREE
War Committee on Photography and Cinematog-
raphy, Z52 D. E. HYNDMAN
E. A. WlLLIFORDf
European Advisory Committee DONALD McM ASTER, Chm.
Inter-Society Color Council R. M. EVANS, Chm.
J. A. BALL
M. R. BOYER
A. M. GUNDELFINGER
G. F. RACKETT
Radio Technical Planning Board P. J. LARSEN
E. I SPONABLEJ
t Alternate.
MEMBERS OF THE SOCIETY
LOST IN THE SERVICE OF
THEIR COUNTRY
FRANKLIN C. GILBERT
ISRAEL H. TILLES
MORGAN L. HOBART
JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY OF
MOTION PICTURE ENGINEERS
Vol44 JUNE, 1945 No. 6
CONTENTS
PAGE
Coaxial Cables and Television Transmission
H. S. OSBORNE 403
The Densitometry of Modern Reversible Color Film
M. H. SWEET 419
The Art Reeves Reflex Motion Picture Camera
A. REEVES 436
Projection Television
D. W. EPSTEIN AND I. G. MALOFF 443
A Displacement Meter for Testing Unsteadiness in
Motion Picture Projectors R. W. JONES 456
Experience with an FM Calibrator for Disk Recording
Heads H. E. ROYS 461
The Potentiometric Determination of Bromide in the
Presence of Chloride in Photographic Developer
Solutions
W. R. CROWELL, W. W. LUKE, AND H. L. BAUMBACH 472
Book Review 481
Society Announcements 483
Index of the Journal, Vol 44 (January — June, 1945) :
Author Index 486
Classified Index 489
(The Society is not responsible for statements of authors.)
Indexes to the semi-annual volumes of the JOURNAL are published in the June and December
issues. The contents are also indexed in the Industrial Arts Index available in public libraries.
JOURNAL
OF THE
SOCItTY of MOTION PICTURE ENGINEERS
WOT«L PENNSYLVANIA • NSW YORK I, N-Y- • TCL. PCNN. 6 O62O
HARRY SMITH, JR., EDITOR
Board of Editors
ARTHUR C. DOWNES, Chairman
JOHN I. CRABTREB ALFRED N. GOLDSMITH EDWARD W. KELLOGG
CLYDE R. KEITH ALAN M. GUNDELFINGER CHARLES W. HANDLEY
ARTHUR C. HARDY
Officers of the Society
**President: DONALD E. HYNDMAN,
350 Madison Ave., New York 17.
**Past-President: HERBERT GRIFFIN,
133 E. Santa Anita Ave., Burbank, Calif.
** Executive Vice-President: LOREN L. RYDER,
5451 Marathon St., Hollywood 38.
* Engineering Vice-President: JOHN A. MAURER,
37-01 31st St., Long Island City 1, N. Y.
** Editorial Vice-President: ARTHUR C. DOWNES,
Box 6087, Cleveland 1, Ohio.
* Financial Vice-President: ARTHUR S. DICKINSON,
28 West 44th St., New York 18.
**Convention Vice-President: WILLIAM C. KUNZMANN,
Box 6087, Cleveland 1, Ohio.
* Secretary: E. ALLAN WILLIFORD,
230 Park Ave., New York 17.
^Treasurer: M. R. BOYER,
350 Fifth Ave., New York 1.
Governors
*FRANK E. CARLSON, Nela Park, Cleveland 12, Ohio.
**JOHN I. CRABTREE, Kodak Park, Rochester 4, N. Y.
**CHARLES R. DAILY, 5451 Marathon St., Hollywood 38.
*EDWARD M. HONAN, 6601 Romaine St., Hollywood 38.
* {CLYDE R. KEITH, 233 Broadway, New York 7.
*G. T. LORANCE, 92 Gold St., New York 7.
**PETER MOLE, 941 N. Sycamore Ave., Hollywood.
*fHoLLis W. MOYSE, 6656 Santa Mpnica Blvd., Hollywood.
**WILLIAM A. MUELLER, 4000 W. Olive Ave., Burbank, Calif.
*EARL I. SPONABLE, 460 West 54th St., New York 19.
**REEVE O. STROCK, 111 Eighth Ave., New York 11.
*WALLACE V. WOLFE, 1016 N. Sycamore St., Hollywood.
Term expires December 31, 1945. tChairman, Pacific Coast Section.
**Term expires December 31, 1946. ^Chairman, Atlantic Coast Section.
Subscription to nonmembers, $8.00 per annum; to members, $5.00 per annum, included in
their annual membership dues; single copies, $1.00. A discount on subscription or single copies
of 15 per cent is allowed to accredited agencies. Order from the Society at address above.
Published monthly at Easton, Pa., by the Society of Motion Pictura Engineers, Inc.
Publication Office, 20th & Northampton Sts., Easton, Pa.
General and Editorial Office, Hotel Pennsylvania, New York 1, N. Y.
Entered as second-class matter January 15, 1930, at the Post Office at Easton,
Pa., under the Act of March 3, 1879. Copyrighted, 1945, by the Society of Motion
Picture Engineers, Inc.
JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY OF
MOTION PICTURE ENGINEERS
Vol 44 JUNE, 1945 No. 6
COAXIAL CABLES AND TELEVISION TRANSMISSION*
HAROLD S. OSBORNE**
Summary. — Communication techniques and facilities useful to the entertainment
industry have evolved naturally from the Telephone Companies' main objective — the
transmission of speech. The development of carrier systems for long-distance trans-
mission and technical features involved in the latest carrier medium — the coaxial
cable — are reviewed. The television transmission capabilities of this medium, both
now and what may be expected shortly after the war, are mentioned. The extensive
system of such cables planned for the next 5 years, supplemented by radio relay
systems to the extent that these prove themselves as a part of a communications network,
will provide an excellent beginning for a nation-wide television transmission network.
Planned primarily to meet telephone requirements, this network of cables will be
suitable to meet the transmission needs of the television industry.
Let me first express my pleasure in your invitation to take part in
this conference and my admiration of the progressiveness of this or-
ganization. This progressiveness in the application of the growing
list of scientific aids in providing entertainment to the public is illus-
trated by your consideration here of television and, indeed, by the
whole program of the conference.
HISTORICAL
Apart from the use which you make of our message-telephone and
private-line services, the principal role of the Telephone Companies
in helping the entertainment industry is in providing facilities for
the transmission of programs throughout the country. Some of the
first uses of the telephone were in transmitting programs as the cli-
max of lectures and demonstrations by Alexander Graham Bell,
This type of use continued and increased, and has blossomed into the
large nation-wide networks used daily by broadcasters.
* Presented Oct. 16, 1944, at the Technical Conference in New York.
** Chief Engineer, American Telephone and Telegraph Company, New York.
403
404 H. S. OSBORNE Vol 44, No. 6
This development of program transmission service is a natural
evolution from the first main problem of the Telephone Companies —
the transmission of speech. For many years, the research engineers
of the Bell System have studied the characteristics of speech and the
requirements for its transmission over electrical circuits. They have
learned how to make the transmission and reproduction of speech,
over any distances, as nearly perfect as desired. They have deter-
mined quantitatively how much improvement in clearness ancl natu-
ralness results from any given technical change, such as increases in
the band of frequencies transmitted, as a part of the work leading to
the progressive improvement of the transmission and reproduction
characteristics of telephone instruments and of the millions of cir-
cuits used to interconnect them throughout the country and to other
parts of the world.
It was a natural extension of this work to determine the require-
ments for the faithful transmission of music and of other sounds as
well as of speech. As a result, the technical equipment of the Tele-
phone Companies for the transmission of programs was repeatedly
improved and, with the advent of the amplifier and loudspeaker, a
considerable amount of this service was given even before the days of
radio broadcasting. An interesting illustration was the transmission
of the ceremonies which took place on Armistice Day, 1921, at the
Burial of the Unknown Soldier in Arlington Cemetery. By loud-
speakers the ceremonies were made audible to approximately 100,000
people at the Cemetery and were transmitted by telephone lines to a
crowd of 35,000 people at Madison Square Garden, New York, and
to a crowd of 20,000 people in San Francisco.
Today, the situation as regards television transmission is somewhat
similar to that relating to the transmission of sound programs in 1920.
We have a transmission system suitable for transmitting the video
signals in networks throughout the country. Limited demonstra-
tions of such transmissions have been made with success. We be-
lieve that we are prepared to provide the television industry with
satisfactory transmission networks throughout the country if and
when the development of the industry results in a need for them.
As in the case of sound-program transmission circuits, we have ar-
rived at this position in large part through the work done to improve
our telephone-message business.
I think you will be interested in a brief review of how the Tele-
phone Companies came to carry out this development. The develop-
June, 1945 COAXIAL CABLES AND TELEVISION TRANSMISSION 405
ment of the vacuum tube as a telephone amplifier, the development
of electrical filters and other basic improvements in technique gave
a great stimulus nearly 30 years ago to a problem which had long
been in the minds of inventors — multiplexing several telephone chan-
nels on one pair of conductors. This line of development has had
tremendous success resulting in a wide application of these multiplex
systems to telephony. The systems fused are called "carrier sys-
tems" because the basic principle is that the telephone currents of
different channels modulate various higher frequency currents which
are called "carrier currents." By this means, the band of frequencies
required for each telephone transmission channel can, in effect, be
moved up to any desired point in the frequency range without chang-
ing the width of the band. By the selection of suitable carrier fre-
quencies and by vast attention to the minute requirements of the
design, channels of telephone conversation may be closely stacked
one on top of another in the frequency range.
This system was first applied to open-wire telephone circuits where
large conductors with relatively low Joss were available. In the last
6 years it has been applied extensively to telephone cables consisting
of small gauge wires (19 gauge) insulated with paper, twisted in pairs
and closely packed together in a lead sheath. The standard system
for such telephone cables stacks 12 conversations on 2 pairs — one for
each direction of transmission. Each channel requires a transmis-
sion band of 4000 cycles, and the total occupies a band from 12,000 to
60,000 cycles. These transmission bands are in current use on a great
network of cable routes all over the country and similar bands with
a somewhat different frequency allocation are used on open-wire
lines.
Placing still more channels on one pair would mean using still higher
frequencies. As the upper limit of the frequency range is raised, the
difficulties of providing suitable transmission paths become increas-
ingly formidable. One major difficulty arises from the necessity of
reducing to truly microscopic proportions the transfer of energy from
one pair of wires in a cable to any other. With 100 or more pairs of
wires packed tightly together, this is a great task even at frequencies
up to 60,000 cycles, and it becomes progressively more difficult the
higher the frequency range. While it is a matter of judgment just
how far to go, it is evident that telephone pairs of a conventional de-
sign are not adapted to the transmission of very broad bands of fre-
quencies over long distances.
406 H. S. OSBORNE Vol 44, No. 6
For a solution of this problem, shielding is naturally indicated.
But if we are to use a shielded conductor, the logical thing is to start
afresh, ignore the traditional form of telephone cable and design a
conductor suited for the transmission of very high frequencies. Con-
sideration of this problem leads naturally to a very simple and classi-
cal form of conductor — the coaxial unit consisting of a cylindrical
conductor surrounded by a cylindrical shield which also acts as a re-
turn conductor. The space between the two is, as far as possible,
air insulated to minimize losses at high frequencies.
This design of conductor was selected. Through a very extensive
development process, means were worked out for building such con-
ductors economically on a large scale and of such design that several
could be grouped together under one lead sheath and used under
practical conditions.
The width of frequency band which can be transmitted over such
conductors is primarily a matter of the design possibilities of asso-
ciated equipment. The equipment now in use with the coaxial sys-
tem is capable of transmitting a frequency band up to about 3,000,000
cycles. With this equipment, we find it possible to transmit simul-
taneously 480 telephone conversations without mutual interference.
TELEVISION TRANSMISSION
The requirements for television transmission are, I believe, known
to you through the activities of your television committee and other
committees. As regards width of frequency band, the requirement
may be roughly expressed as equivalent to sending an electrical im-
pulse for each point of a half-tone picture and transmitting sufficient
frames per second to avoid undue flicker or irregular movement.
The present standard for television calls for 525 lines, 30 frames per
sec, and a frequency band of approximately 4,000,000 cycles. This is
less definition than is provided by standard commercial motion pic-
tures. Nevertheless, the band width of the present television chan-
nel is approximately 1000 times that of a telephone circuit. We have
thus a confirmation of the old proverb, "A picture is worth a thousand
words."
In some respects the transmission requirements for television are
more severe, and in some respects they are less severe, than the re-
quirements for multiplex telephony. In the present coaxial cable
system the useful band of frequencies is somewhat greater when the
system is used for television transmission than when it is used for
June, 1945 COAXIAL CABLES AND TELEVISION TRANSMISSION 407
multiplex telephone transmission. This is in part because the noise
limits are less severe and in part because with the single broad band
of television, the requirements for avoiding interaction between
various parts of the band are less severe than when the band is split
up into many separate transmissions. In the latter case a very
minute amount of interaction may cause interference between the
separate transmissions. With the equipment now used on coaxial
cable, a television band of 2.7 megacycles can be transmitted. While
this shades the full requirements for the standard 525-line transmis-
sion, tests indicate that satisfactory results are obtained with present
television equipment. This was demonstrated in 1941 in a trans-
mission over a distance of about 800 miles obtained by looping back
FIG. 1. Cable with 4 coaxial units and layer of 19-gauge quads.
and forth the coaxial units in a cable between Stevens Point, Wiscon-
sin, and Minneapolis.
Development work which was started before the war and which is
expected to be successfully concluded shortly after the war is over
looks to improved equipment capable of transmitting a band of 7
megacycles or more. With this system, it will be possible to trans-
mit a 4,000,000-cycle band for television plus 480 telephone channels
simultaneously over the same conductors, or to transmit a broader
television band if the standards of television should be so raised as to
require it.
TECHNICAL FEATURES OF THE COAXIAL CABLE SYSTEM
Some of the more interesting technical features of the coaxial cable
system can best be indicated by reference to a few figures. The
408 H. S. OSBORNE Vol 44, No. 6
cable itself is made up as indicated by Fig. 1. Generally speaking,
a number of coaxial units and a number of ordinary paper-insulated
paired conductors are included together under the same lead sheath,
the number of each being determined by the expected future service
requirements to be taken care of by the cable over a number of years.
At the present time, these cables are generally placed underground
by the use of a plow- train as indicated in Fig. 2. Three caterpillar
tractors connected in tandem are followed by a rooter plow which
prepares the ground for the cable, then by a fourth tractor backed by
the cable-laying plow, and finally by one or more reels of cable. This
FIG. 2. Plow-train burying cable.
entire equipment is connected together as a single train and as it
advances the cable is automatically fed off the reels through the plow
and buried at a depth of 30 in. or more in the earth.
An essential element of the system is the amplifiers which are placed
in the cable at distances of about 5 miles. One such amplifier is in-
dicated in Fig. 3. It is a 3-stage amplifier giving 50 db amplification
provided with negative feedback and so free of distortion that the
currents of hundreds of different telephone channels covering a fre-
quency band of 2 million cycles can be transmitted across the country
without mutual interactions sufficient to cause any interference.
Fig. 4 shows the assembly of 2 amplifiers and auxiliary equipment
June, 1945 COAXIAL CABLES AND TELEVISION TRANSMISSION
409
in a case suitable for connection into a pair of coaxial conductors at
one point. The 2 amplifiers are the 2 black square boxes near the
top of the case. Above them is automatic regulating equipment de-
signed to counteract the variation in loss caused by variations in tem-
perature of the cable. These regulators make a very interesting ap-
plication of thermistors whose temperature is controlled by the flow
of a pilot current over the circuit and which, by their variations of
resistance with temperature, provide automatic compensation. The
compensation at these repeater points is supplemented at main re-
FIG. 3. Coaxial amplifier.
peater stations 50 to 80 miles apart by a supplementary over-all
compensation controlled by pilot currents of 4 different frequencies
which represent all parts of the frequency range.
A fundamental feature of the coaxial cable system from the stand-
point of economics is that the cable is its own power transmission line.
Power for the amplifiers is provided over the cables from main re-
peater stations, perhaps 80 miles apart. The equipment for taking
off the necessary amount of power is indicated in the lower part of
the panel shown in Fig. 4.
410
H. S. OSBORNE
Vol 44, No. 6
The various broad band carrier systems used by the Telephone
Company all start with the standard arrangement of 12 channels
packed into a frequency band of 48 kilocycles. The double modula-
tion process by which this 12-channel group is assembled and located
in the frequency range from 12 kilocycles to 60 kilocycles for trans-
mission over paired cables is indicated in Fig. 5. The close packing
FIG. 4. Equipment at coaxial repeater station.
which this represents has involved great advances in the development
of electrical filters, and this has been partly brought about by crystal
elements. The modulation and demodulation are, to a large ex-
tent, done by varistors rather than by vacuum tubes.
For transmission over the coaxial cable, these 12-channel groups
are further grouped as indicated in Fig. 6. A standard supergroup
of 60 channels is created by closely packing 5 of the 12-channel groups
June, 1945 COAXIAL CABLES AND TELEVISION TRANSMISSION 411
into a 240-kilocycle band. This supergroup is further translated into
various parts of the frequency range, as indicated in the figure for
transmission over the cable. The figure also indicates the frequencies
of the 4 pilot channels used for automatic regulation.
For the transmission of video signals over the coaxial cable, it is
necessary to raise the frequency band about 300 kilocycles, princi-
pally in order to reduce the problems of phase equalization which
become very difficult for lower frequencies. The modulations by
FIRST MODULATION OF
12 CHANNELS
GROUP CARRIER FREQ. — 120KC
m108KCl
12 CHANNELS
TRANSMITTED
TO LINE
60 KC
60 KC
12 KC
FIG. 5. Frequency translations in carrier telephone
terminal equipment for paired-conductor cables.
which the video signal band is raised in frequency in the present form
of equipment are shown in Fig. 7.
For operation of the system as a whole over long distance, a tre-
mendous nicety of design is required. This has been achieved by a
long development process which has brought out many fundamental
features, only a few of which have been mentioned.
The economy in cables which results from the use of this develop-
ment for heavy long-distance telephone routes is indicated in Fig. 8.
The 6-unit coaxial cable shown at the top will transmit as many tele-
phone conversations as the 2 paired cables shown below it when these
412
H. S. OSBORNE
Vol 44, No. 6
are fully equipped with 12-channel carrier systems, and also as many
as the 4 large voice-frequency cables shown below, which represent
the art of a few years ago. Development of the 7-megacycle repeater
for coaxial will further increase its capacity.
PROGRAM OF THE BELL SYSTEM FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF A
COAXIAL CABLE NETWORK
While the coaxial cable system has been in service in this country
for several years, its application up to the present has been limited be-
FREQUENCY IN KC
PILOT 3096—
PILOT 2064^
2044
SUPERGROUP
OF
60 CHANNELS
1804
1796
68
FIG. 6. Frequency translations in carrier telephone
terminal equipment for coaxial cable.
cause of the war. A section of cable between Stevens Point, Wiscon-
sin, and Minneapolis about 200 miles long has been in service since
1940. Cables have been placed between New York and Washington
and are in service between New York and Philadelphia. Cables be-
tween Atlanta and Jacksonville and between Terre Haute and St.
Louis are under construction.
The development had reached a point just before the war where we
were prepared to go forward with its wide-scale use on heavy tele-
June, 1945 COAXIAL CABLES AND TELEVISION TRANSMISSION 413
phone routes. The exigencies of the war, however, have delayed
placing the equipment into production on the large scale which would
be necessitated by such use. Recently, manufacturing preparation
has been made for such production and it is expected to be well under
way by the end of this year.
In order to guide the manufacturing preparations, a general study
of the needs of the Telephone Companies for this type of cable in meet-
First Modulation
2nd Carriar
8.256 me.
FIG. 7. Frequency translations in television ter-
minal equipment for coaxial cable.
ing the requirements of their present forms of service was made early
this year. This has led to a tentative program for the next 5 years
which is shown in Fig. 9. One feature of the coaxial cable network
so proposed, as you see, is a cable along the Atlantic Seaboard to
Atlanta thence across the southern part of the country to Los Angeles
and to San Francisco. Another main route will be from the Eastern
Seaboard route west to Chicago and St. Louis with a connecting
link south from St. Louis to New Orleans intersecting the main East-
West route.
414
H. S. OSBORNE
Vol 44, No. 6
While, in detail, this plan will no doubt be modified as it progresses,
we are building up manufacturing capacity to the levels necessary to
carry out a plan of this size and expect that within about 5 years
something substantially similar to this will be in operation.
The hurdle of placing this system in large-scale production having
once been passed, it is not anticipated that the program will depend
upon continuance or termination of the war. All through the war
period it has been necessary to carry out a large program of construc-
VOICE FREQUENCY CABLES EACH 154 QUADS 19 GAUGE
r*'""'
FIG. 8.
Comparison of coaxial cable with other types providing same number
of telephone circuits.
tion of long-distance circuits, although the amount of plant con-
structed is very much less than would have been built in peacetime
to handle the same amount of traffic. This coaxial cable program,
therefore, does not constitute an added burden, and from the point of
view of long-term requirements, it is the method involving the least
use of men and materials for meeting the telephone requirements of
the nation.
It is obvious that such a coaxial cable network will form an excel-
lent beginning for the development of nation-wide television trans-
mission networks, if the development of the art is such that these be-
June, 1945 COAXIAL CABLES AND TELEVISION TRANSMISSION 415
come desirable. It is necessary to include in the cables a sufficient
number of units to take care of expected growth over a number of
years. By the use of these conductors provided for future telephone
growth, a limited number of television circuits can be established in
the cables initially without interfering with telephone requirements.
Future technical developments will further increase the capacity of
the cables both for telephone and for television transmissions. The
cables can be designed with a sufficient number of units to take care
of the total estimated requirements of all services over a period of
years, taking these possibilities into account.
When this first program is completed, we expect to continue to
place coaxial cables in other locations to meet the service require-
ments of the Bell System unless in the meantime, of course, some
other better method of meeting these requirements should be de-
veloped.
TRANSMISSION WITHIN CITIES
So far we have been talking of transmissions over long distances
between cities. You will be interested, no doubt, in a brief statement
regarding the possibilities of obtaining television transmission circuits
within urban areas, particularly circuits between studios and pickup
points and between studios and television transmitters.
The Telephone Companies have a network of telephone cables
under the streets of our cities. Very fortunately we have been able to
develop a means for using ordinary telephone pairs in these cables
over moderate distances for television transmission. Today, this
requires adjustments and the installation of amplifiers and equalizers
spaced at approximately one-mile intervals.
For distances more than a few miles, coaxial units or special shielded
pairs have advantages. This is particularly true when the cost of
providing such special conductors can be reduced by including them
together with ordinary telephone conductors in cables placed to meet
the general telephone requirements.
For some time we have been providing circuits both on ordinary
telephone pairs and on special shielded conductors between studio and
transmitter, and between studio and pickup point. Our experience
with these circuits has been successful and there seems to be no ques-
tion that the Telephone Companies, on reasonable notice, can provide
circuits of this sort as they may be required.
416
H. S. OSBORNE
Vol 44, No. 6
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June, 1945 COAXIAL CABLES AND TELEVISION TRANSMISSION 417
FUTURE DEVELOPMENT POSSIBILITIES
Looking ahead, what other methods of transmission may be de-
veloped which are suitable for the very heavy traffic routes of the na-
tion?
I have already pointed out that the completion of the 7-megacycle
system for coaxial cables will not exhaust the inherent possibilites of
such cables. It is possible that the wonderful advance in the tech-
nique of design of equipment for high frequencies which has already
been made and other advances to be made in the future, will lead to a
further broadening of the transmission band on these cables and
hence to a further increase in their capacities. Whether or not this
transpires, the future alone can determine.
What then of our alternative plans? Of course, the leading alter-
native at the present time is the microwave radio system. You may
have noticed the announcement made some time ago that the Bell
System has already made arrangements for a development trial of
such a system between New York and Boston. If this system suc-
ceeds it will, for the time being at least, form the New York— Boston
link of the network indicated on Fig. 9.
The Federal Communications Commission has approved our appli-
cation for permission to build and experiment with such a system, and
work will proceed just as soon as the relaxation of war demands makes
this possible. For this trial, 7 intermediate relay repeater points
will be used. The Federal Communications Commission has as-
signed to these experiments frequencies of about 2000 megacycles,
4000 megacyles, and 12,000 megacycles. This trial will be used as a
method of determining practically the possibilities of this type of
system in the present stage of development or, more exactly, in the
state of development which can be brought about soon with intensive
additional work. What the outcome will be no one can say. We
all look, however, with admiration and amazement at the great
strides which have been made during the war in the development of
apparatus using these ultra-high frequencies, and I think have little
doubt that in the long run such a system will be made practicable.
What its proper field of use will be in competition with other methods
of transmission is, of course, as yet to be determined.
If the radio beams are found to have undesirable characteristics, an
alternative method of using ultra-high frequency is through the use of
wave guides. These are simply hollow pipes which serve to isolate
a little section of the space and thus guide the transmission of ex-
418 H. S. OSBORNE
tremely high-frequency waves, and also protect them from outside
interferences. Such wave guides are now extensively used for short
distances in ultra-high frequency work. Whether such wave guides
will have a field for interurban transmission in competition with co-
axial or repeatered radio remains for the future to determine.
CONCLUSION
I pointed out that the Bell System Companies expect to have in a
few years a very considerable network of coaxial cable suitable for
television transmission. Over the years the Telephone Companies
expect to continue to build on their major routes plant suitable for
broad-band transmission either by coaxial cable, by radio relay sys-
tems, or any other system which proves to be advantageous. At the
present time the coaxial cables are being placed only on routes where
they are required to meet the prospective needs of the present serv-
ices of the Telephone Companies. Also, the number of television
transmissions which can be provided on such routes by the use of
spare facilities, and by the increased capacity resulting from future
development, will be somewhat limited until specific provision can
be made in building the routes for the future demands of the television
industry. There is, of course, economy in concentrating television
and telephone requirements along the same routes and in the same
structures as far as practicable, whether such routes be of coaxial
cable or of microwave radio relay. We should like to take full ad-
vantage of such concentration so that we may serve the television
industry as well and as economically as possible. The telephone
people therefore welcome, from all who are interested in the applica-
tion of this new art, information as to the development of their re-
quirements, so that telephone engineers can recognize these new
service requirements in their advance planning.
THE DENSITOMETRY OF MODERN REVERSIBLE COLOR
FILM*
MONROE H. SWEET**
Summary. — Sensitometric procedures for modern multilayer reversible color
films are much more exacting than those for black-and-white films. The tolerances
for exposing and processing these materials are smaller and the analysis of the results
is more difficult.
The problem of evaluating the processed sensitometric strips in terms of the color
densities of each step has been facilitated by the construction of a specialized form of a
direct-reading densitometer . An electron multiplier phototube, coupled to the grid
of a logarithmically responsive triode, furnished the extreme sensitivity necessary to
read high color densities with satisfactory spectral purity.
Modern Reversible Color Film. — In the past few years, manufac-
turers of photographic products have developed reversible color
films which yield positive transparent images capable of reproducing
practically the entire gamut of colors found in everyday life.1'2
These materials are called multilayer color films and, after processing,
form 3 superimposed dye images. The dyes used are cyan (minus
red), magenta (minus green), and yellow (minus blue). To maintain
control of product quality and to determine, quantitatively, the effect
of different illumination and processing conditions, routine sensito-
metric tests are conducted in a manner which is especially adapted
for evaluating the photographic characteristics of color materials.
This paper is chiefly concerned with the densitometry of the proc-
essed sensitometric strips.
General Sensitometric Technique for Reversible Color Film.—
In black-and-white photography the measurement of the speed,
gradation, and fog of the emulsion is the principal object of ordinary
sensitometric studies but the accuracy demanded is relatively low
and for practical use speeds may be figured in half stops. Reversible
color film, on the other hand, necessitates much closer control of the
* Presented Oct. 17, 1944, at the Technical Conference in New York.
** Research Laboratories, Ansco, Binghamton, N. Y.
419
420 M. H. SWEET * Vol 44, No. 6
sensitometric variables — lighting, exposure, and development — than
black and white and, since the original image is the one intended for
viewing, ordinarily no correction is afforded through printing.
Color sensitometry, like black and white, may be classified in 4
steps :
(1) Exposure.
(2) Processing.
(5) Density evaluation.
(4) Interpretation of results.
In the Ansco Color Laboratories, routine tests of production
samples of Ansco Color Film are made by exposing strips on an
intensity-scale sensitometer whose source-filter combination has been
adjusted to duplicate practice. Processing is, of course, rigidly con-
trolled to conform with standardized techniques. The processed
sensitometer strips are analyzed on a special photoelectric densitome-
ter adapted to read color densities in 3 spectral regions and these
results may be used directly, or they may be converted into equiva-
lent densities. By comparing the color density versus log E curves
with similar curves for materials known to give optimum results in
practice, it is possible to determine what adjustment, if any, should
be made in the final product for best color rendition.
Color sensitometry has been discussed in the literature in greater
detail than that warranted in this paper and the reader is directed
to the references for discussions of the many factors involved.
General Aspects of Density Measurement. — In general, optical
density is defined as the common logarithm of the reciprocal of the
transmission, D = logio l/T. However, for practical specimens the
numerical result will vary according to the mode of illumination and
collection (the geometry of the system) and also according to the
spectral character of the light source, specimen, and receiver. For
most black-and-white photographic work wherein prints are to be
made from negatives, experience has shown that diffuse printing
density is suitable as a reference standard.3
The densitometry of reversible color film, on the other hand, is
somewhat more complex owing chiefly to the spectral character of
the specimen. Given a color film patch of uniform color the problem
arises of how to define the density of the pack as a whole and of each
layer separately from the spectral standpoint. Fig. 1 shows the
density versus wavelength relationship for each layer of a sample
June, 1945 DENSITOMETRY OF REVERSIBLE COLOR FlLM
421
which appears gray under ordinary viewing conditions. Also shown
is a curve representing the integral spectral density* of the 3 layers.
It will be noted that the magenta and cyan layers contribute
significant amounts of blue density although they are nominally
transparent in this region of the spectrum. For specimens which
are visually gray** it is appropriate to use simply visual density
(with an incandescent light source) as the criterion of absorption in
the reversible process. However, for off -gray samples the concept
of visual density is difficult to apply and, therefore, the character-
istics of the 3 layers have to be expressed separately. Heymer and
INTEGRAL DENSITY-
2.0
WAVE LENGTH Jnillimicrons)
FIG. 1. Density versus wavelength relationship for a
3 -layer color film.
Sundhoff4 proposed "grauaequivalente Farbdichte" (gray equivalent
color density) which Evans5 called simply ''equivalent density" and
defined as the visual gray density of a single layer of an off -gray sample
to which sufficient density of the two other layers of the process is added
or subtracted so as to produce a visual gray result. Thus the gray
specimen whose spectral characteristics are represented in Fig. 1 has
* By "integral spectral density" we mean the total density of the 3-layer
specimen at the wavelength in question.
** A distinction should be made between the terms "gray" and "neutral." A
"neutral specimen" is one which is completely nonselective in its spectral ab-
sorption characteristics. A "gray specimen" is one which gives the same visual
impression as that of a neutral sample.
422
M. H. SWEET
Vol 44, No. 6
equivalent densities of 2.5 for all 3 layers. In Fig. 2 a specimen
deficient in its cyan dye is shown. This specimen has the same
equivalent densities for its magenta and yellow layers as that shown
in Fig. 1 . The equivalent density of the cyan layer, however, is only
2.2, for when sufficient density is subtracted from the magenta
and yellow layers to give a gray result (as represented by the broken
lines) the visual gray density of the pack is found to be 2.2. It will
be observed that
(1) Because of "spectral impurities" in practical color film dyes
3.0
INTEGRAL DENSITY-
1.0
\ \
z
400
500
700
WAVE LENGTH (mdlimicron^
FIG. 2. Density versus wavelength relationship for a
cyan deficient specimen. (Broken lines indicate the
characteristics of magenta and yellow dyes whose con-
centrations are adjusted to give gray.)
the equivalent density of a given layer of a given sample will always
be considerably higher than its maximum spectral density. (This
statement would not apply to processes wherein the dyes were ideal
and were mutually complementary.)
(2) The ratio between the spectral densities of any 2 dye images
at any wavelength is constant when the dyes are present in such con-
centrations as to produce gray.
Evans has shown that by constructing a visual densitometer in
which controllable amounts of the 3 dyes may be introduced into the
photometric beam the equivalent density of each layer may be
evaluated. It will be apparent that if in off -gray samples the exact
June, 1945 DENSITOMETRY OF REVERSIBLE COLOR FlLM
423
amounts of the complementary dyes necessary to produce gray were
known, the equivalent densities can be evaluated directly. (See
Fig. 2.) In this way, sensitometer strips in which the 3 dyes are
always present can be evaluated, layer by layer, as though the 2
complementary layers were not present, and the behavior of the
individual layers can be studied. The 3 sets of equivalent density
values can be plotted against log E and the results checked against
those obtained for samples known to be in satisfactory color balance.
EQUIVALENT DENSITY
i» M oi
* bob
»,
«N»
*x
-\
>
V
\
v
\
S=z
•01
LOG EXPOSURE
FIG. 3. Equivalent density versus log exposure for an
off-balance material which has a magenta-colored maxi-
mum density, neutral middle tones, and a yellowish toe.
— — • Yellow layer; - - - - Magenta layer; x x x x
Cyan layer.
Fig. 3 shows the equivalent density versus log E curves for a
sample having a magenta-colored maximum density, gray middle
tones, and a yellow toe. A sample which faithfully reproduces gray
at all density levels will, by definition, have identical equivalent
density versus log E curves for all 3 layers. However, it should not
be inferred that emulsions which faithfully reproduce gray are
necessarily superior in all respects to others which do not. Grada-
tion, color contrast, saturation, and other factors are also involved.
R. Bingham and H. Hoerlin, of this laboratory, have shown* that
* Private communications — to be published.
424
M. H. SWEET
Vol 44, No. 6
it is possible to evaluate a specimen in terms of its equivalent densities
from the integral spectral densities measured at 3 different wave-
lengths, if the ratios of the densities of the dye components at each
of the wavelengths are known. It can be readily understood that
for every different combination of densities of the 3 dyes there will be
a unique set of 3 integral density readings and a corresponding set of
equivalent density values. Those familiar with masking processes
may grasp the principles involved, in fact, the 3 equations (all linear)
which show the relationship between the equivalent density and the
>
I ^ n
B
I
(/>
^X**x
•z.
N^
OMETER DE
ro
b
\
\
1-
\
CO 1U
Z
V
8
%
:t^r:
*— *-
LOG EXPOSURE
FIG. 4. Densitometer density versus log exposure for
the same sample as that represented in Fig. 3.
Blue reading; - - - - Green reading; x x x x Red reading.
integral density readings are identical with those used in connection
with the automatic masking technique in subtractive color processes
and have been given in the literature.6
Integral density readings made at the 3 wavelengths corresponding
to the maximum absorption of the dyes also give useful information
directly and can be interpreted to some extent without resort to
supplementary computation. This is particularly true after some
experience is gained in analysis of these values. By direct compari-
son of curves plotted from the density readings for a test specimen
with similar curves for samples known to be in perfect color balance,
qualitative interpretation of the results is possible. The comparison
of these curves is further facilitated if the 3 wavelengths chosen for
June, 1945 DENSITOMETRY OF REVERSIBLE COLOR FlLM
425
the measurements are such that the integral spectral densities are
equal for gray specimens. Then the three D versus log E curves will
be superimposed for strips which are in perfect color balance.
Figs. 3 and 4 show a comparison between equivalent density and
densitometer (integral) density versus log E values for one and the
same off-balance sample.
General Requirements of a Color Densitometer. — From the above
discussion it is apparent that a satisfactory method for density
evaluation is important in cases where large numbers of sensitometer
FIG. 5.
Direct-reading densitometer manufactured by
Ansco (Model 11).
strips are handled. In contemplating the general requirements for
a suitable color densitometer the following comments are pertinent:
(1) The instrument should be objective and direct reading. This not only
eliminates visual fatigue and error, but also introduces the possibility of attaching
a recorder where such is warranted.
(2) For simplicity of design the instrument should read the integral spectral
density of the specimen at each of the 3 wavelengths. Although it would be
desirable in many respects to design the instrument to read equivalent densities,
directly or by a null point balance arrangement (the photoelectric counterpart of
Evans' densitometer), a number of inherent design complications and phototube
deficiencies made it advisable to choose the simpler direct-reading color densi-
tometer which gives the integral density values at 3 wavelengths at or near the
absorption maxima of the 3 dyes of the process.
426
M. H. SWEET
Vol 44, No. 6
(3) The density range should be at least 0-3 for all colors.
(4) Spectral purity of the optical components of the densitometer should be
commensurate with the character of the dyes to be analyzed. If the "mono-
chromatic" niters have too broad a wavelength transmission band, the effective
sensitivity of the instrument to small differences in the concentrations of the dye
images will be reduced, and it will also make the subsequent calculation of equiva-
lent density values inaccurate or extremely complex.
(5) Many other obvious factors such as stability, reproducibility, speed of
response, etc., should fall within satisfactory limits. Most of these factors are
common to black-and-white densitometers and have been discussed in the litera-
ture.7
Zero Adj.
Output Metec
Measuring Arm
1
Light Sourc.
110 v. A.C.
Voltage Stabiliser
FIG. 6. Phantom view of the Ansco Model 11 densi-
tometer.
Suitability of Existing Densitometers. — After it was agreed that
a densitometer of the type indicated by the above requirements was
needed, the possibility of using a previously developed black-and-
white instrument was examined. A simple direct-reading photo-
electric instrument had been designed and proved reliable,7 and it
seemed possible to modify this instrument for reading color densities.
The commercial model of the instrument is shown in Fig. 5. Fig. 6
is a phantom view of the operating components. Light from a 15-cp
automobile headlamp is focused on a small aperture and collected
by a phototube. The phototube current is fed into the grid circuit of
a triode and the plate current is measured directly on a 1.0-ma d-c
output meter. A circuit diagram is shown in Fig. 7. Because the
June, 1945 DENSITOMETRY OF REVERSIBLE COLOR FlLM
427
relationship between grid current and plate current is logarithmic,
the output meter response is uniform for uniform changes in the
density of the specimen over a wide range of density values.
In its commercial form this instrument is too insensitive to meet
requirements (3) and (4) simultaneously. Furthermore, it is not
provided with filter holders for easy and rapid interchange of filter
sets. By replacing the 15-cp light source with a projection lamp of
higher candlepower and collecting a greater solid angle of flux, fairly
pure monochromatic filters may be used, and a density range of 0-3
can still be covered.8 However, the deficiency in relative red sensi-
tivity of the type S-4 photosurface used in the instrument is just
Fig. 7.
Circuit diagram of Ansco Model 11 densi-
tometer.
enough to necessitate resort to a more sensitive amplifier circuit be-
cause a spectrally pure red filter reading is required for the present
application.
The electrostatically focused electron multiplier phototube9 pro-
vides a receiver having a net photosensitivity of the order of 104 times
as great as that for the common type of phototube used in the com-
mercial instrument.
A representative 9-stage multiplier phototube is the type 931,
illustrated diagrammatically in Fig. 8. Light striking the photo-
cathode liberates electrons. Assuming one electron to be liberated
by the action of the light on the photosurface, it is attracted to the
first dynode — a cup-shaped plate held at a positive potential with
respect to the photosurface. When the electron strikes the dynode
two or more secondary electrons are released. These electrons are
428
M. H. SWEET
Vol 44, No. 6
attracted to a second dynode which is held at a still higher positive
potential. The multiplying action is accomplished in this manner
and in 9 dynode stages the amplification factor may be made as
high as 200,000. However, direct coupling of such a tube to the
high impedance grid circuit of the logarithmic amplifier used in the
original densitometer presented some difficulties, principally because
polarity relationships demand that the entire power supply must be
connected to the 6F5 grid and must also be shielded and insulated to
an extent which is comparable in impedance with the (1000 megohm)
MICA SHIELD
0=PHOrOCATHODE
10=ANOOE
1-9=DYNOOES
FIG. 8. Explanatory diagram showing the action of an
electron multiplier phototube.
grid bias resistor. Obviously, no ordinary a-c supplied power pack
would meet these requirements. Furthermore, stability of the out-
put voltage would be entirely inadequate unless special circuit pre-
cautions were observed.
By connecting 10 miniature 6?V2-v batteries in series, a compact
power supply is obtained which provides the necessary number of
voltage taps as well as the high (700 v) voltage necessary for efficient
operation of the multiplier tube. The entire pack measures only
4 X 5 X 7 in. With this pack it is relatively easy to meet the
shielding and insulation requirements demanded by coupling to the
basic grid circuit. The voltage stability of the battery pack is far
better than that required, largely because the current drain is in-
June, 1945 DENSITOMETRY OF REVERSIBLE COLOR FlLM
429
finitesimal for all except the last stage. The last stage operates at
30 //a maximum current (at zero density), and even this current is
negligible in comparison with the load for which the battery was de-
signed. When used in this manner the life of the pack is therefore
equal to the shelf life of the batteries and with continuous daily use a
given set of batteries will serve for well over a year before the terminal
voltage drops prohibitively.
ELECTRON MULTIPLIER
PHOTOTUBE
LIGHT SOURCE
LOW VOLTAGE
TRANSFORMER
FIG. 9. Diagram of the complete electronic circuit,
However, 3 troublesome factors accompany the use of the multi-
plier phototube in this application :
(1) The dark current of the majority of commercial multiplier phototubes is
appreciable in terms of the operation of the triode amplifier stage. Since a
density range of 0-3 is to be covered, this means that the ratio of multiplier tube
output currents must cover a range of 1000 to 1. Since it is difficult to operate
small triodes in the desired logarithmic manner at grid currents in excess of 50
jua, and since the red sensitivity of available multiplier phototubes is low (and
the maximum output for the red filter readings will be correspondingly low), the
430
M. H. SWEET
Vol 44, No. 6
grid current for a density reading of 3.0 will be of the order of magnitude of 0.05
Aia and dark currents greater than about 0.01 ;ua cannot be tolerated. Difficulties
owing to excessive dark current may be avoided by careful selection of multiplier
phototubes.
(2} At this writing there are no multiplier phototubes commercially available
in photosurfaces which have high sensitivity throughout the visible spectrum.
The best compromise was found to be the type 931 tube which has a caesium-
antimony (S-4) surface characterized by high blue-green sensitivity and relatively
very low red sensitivity. As a result it is necessary to alter the optical system in
order to obtain the maximum possible red energy for the red filter reading. There
is a very large individual variation in the far red sensitivity of photoelements
having a caesium-antimony photosurface and by choosing a tube which not only
FIG. 10. Pictorial view of the optical control system.
has low dark current but also high red sensitivity the second difficulty may be
minimized.
(5) The high gain associated with the multiplier tube, together with the ex-
tensive physical area of elements (battery pack and multiplier tube leads) con-
nected in the triode grid circuit forms a system which has a strong tendency to
oscillate, particularly at low levels of illumination wherein the net grid-ground
impedance is high. Oscillation may be avoided by proper shielding alone, al-
though it is also helpful to insert a grid bias by-pass condenser of about 0.001
Aif to act as a suppressor. (Higher capacitance values would cause sluggish
meter response at high density levels wherein the grid to cathode d-c impedance
is high.) No additional changes in the circuit were necessary. A wiring diagram
of the complete circuit is shown in Fig. 9.
A 50-cp lamp energized by a separate stabilizer and low voltage
transformer served as the light source. A filter disk holding 3 sets of
June, 1945 DENSITOMETRY OF REVERSIBLE COLOR FlLM
431
gelatin filters was mounted on a shaft. The shaft of an electrical
tap switch was coupled with the filter disk in such a manner that as
each filter was brought into the beam, a different variable resistor
was connected in series with the primary of the light-source trans-
former so that once all 3 resistors are properly set changing from
filter to filter will not necessitate readjustment of the zero setting.
This has the additional advantage of preventing accidental overload
of the grid circuit. By using fixed resistors in series with the rheo-
3.0
2.0
1.0
B
S'/
400 500 600
WAVE LENGTH Mlimicron$
700
FIG. 11. Density versus wavelength curves for the
monochromatic filter combinations used in the color
densitometer.
stats, it becomes possible to effect a relatively fine adjustment of the
zero setting and also to avoid the possibility of accidentally closing
the lamp circuit completely and thereby increasing the lamp in-
tensity beyond safe limits. A pictorial diagram of the optical control
system is given in Fig. 10.
The selection of the blue and green filters was not difficult. The
high sensitivity of the instrument in these spectral regions permitted
the use of dense color filters in order to obtain sharp cutting mono-
chromats which have their peak transmission at the desired wave-
lengths. It was found that Wratten filters 36, 2A, and 38 A used in
432
M. H. SWEET
Vol 44, No. 6
combination were satisfactory for the blue, and Wratten 62 and 16
for the green. Their density- wavelength curves are illustrated in
Fig. 11.
MEASURING ARM-
LIGHT SOURCE
STABILIZER FOR
LIGHT SOURCE
LIGHT SOURCE
TRANSFORMER
FILTER DISK
^ DRIVE BELT
TO LEAD
flBBHBBBHHBHH^MIi •:.. I H m I
FIG. 12. Interior view of the color densitometer.
ON-OFF FILTER CONTROL
POWER PACK FOR
MPLIFIEP TUBE
MAXIMUM DENSITY
CONTROL
ZERO ADJUSTMENT CONTROLS
FIG. 13. Color densitometer in routine use.
The selection of niters for the red reading presented a problem.
This is partly because no efficient sharp cutting infrared absorber
with a cutoff at about 660 m/* is available. The best compromise
was found to be the cupric chloride solution used in the maximum
concentration tolerable in view of the light intensity available and
June, 1945 DENSITOMETRY OF REVERSIBLE COLOR FILM
433
the sensitivity of the photoelectronic system. A Wratten 70 and 16
filter combination was used to absorb the short wavelength radiation
for this reading. It was found that the temperature coefficient of
spectral density of the cupric chloride filter was very high — so high,
in fact, that it changed the spectral purity of the red readings by a
significant amount when heated only 10 C above room temperature.
By inserting a Jena BG19 heat-absorbing filter between the light
source and the cupric chloride solution this effect is minimized.
3.0
2.0
1.0
8 11
18 25
JULY 1943
1 8
AUGUST 1943
DATE
FIG. 14. Density readings for a reference standard strip
made at intervals of one day.
Fig. 12 shows the interior of the instrument case. The case itself
is electrostatically shielded and contains the battery pack (in an addi-
tional shield), light-source control resistors, and the optical system.
The standard power pack for the logarithmic amplifier is mounted on
the rear of the case and a separate voltage stabilizer for the light
source is mounted on the other side.
Fig. 13 shows the instrument in routine use. The control knob at
the right-hand side of the output meter is used to rotate the filter disk
and insert the proper resistors in the light-source control circuit.
Calibration. — It has been found experimentally that the photo-
current response as a function of illumination of the type S-4 photo-
434 M. H. SWEET Vol 44, No. 6
surface is nearly linear over a wide range of flux density levels and is
not altered significantly for radiation at different wavelengths. The
instrument was therefore calibrated, empirically, using the blue filter
readings of a standard photographic silver wedge.
Performance. — From an over-all standpoint, the instrument per-
formed satisfactorily in routine daily use. The zero reading sta-
bility was within acceptable limits although the inherent fatigue
effects of the present-day multiplier phototubes are detectable when
a dense sample is measured immediately following the measurement
of a sample of very low density.
The day-to-day reproducibility is satisfactory as may be seen from
Fig. 14. In this figure, readings were taken daily at different density
levels for a given wedge over a period of one (typical) month.
The instrument is checked periodically for the spectral purity of
its density values by measuring the blue density of a yellow filter,
the green density of a magenta filter, and the red density of an infra-
red transmitting filter. If any of these readings depart significantly
from their norm, in the presence of a satisfactory black-and-white
calibration, this indicates that the net spectral response of the system
has shifted. However, since little ultraviolet, and no infrared radia-
tion reaches the gelatin filter sets, it is expected that this effect will
not be a source of difficulty.
High-Density Measurement. — Aside from its application as a
color densitometer the instrument has been found useful in the
measurement of high densities of ordinary black-and-white ma-
terials. This is done by eliminating color filters from the optical
system and using a momentary-close push button switch which
inserts a low resistance shunt across the normal black-and-white
resistor shown in Fig. 10. When properly adjusted, a specimen of
density 3.0 will read 0.0 with the switch depressed and a specimen
of density 6.0 will read 3.0. By increasing the lamp voltage still
further, the instrument can be used to read densities up to 7.3.
The sensitivity of the instrument to luminous flux is such that a
density reading of 3.0 corresponds to 0.01 microlumeix.
Summary. — The general aspects of color sensitometry have been
discussed particularly with reference to the densitometry of modern
reversible color film. Several requirements for a satisfactory color
densitometer were developed.
Although more complex than the basic densitometer from which
it was derived, the multiplier tube instrument satisfies these require-
June, 1945 DENSITOMETRY OF REVERSIBLE COLOR FlLM 435
ments fairly well. When properly constructed and handled, it is
capable of giving reliable readings of color densities, rapidly and
with good colorimetric purity. The results may be used directly or
they may be re-evaluated in terms of equivalent densities.
REFERENCES
1 FORREST, J. L., AND WING, F. M.: "The New Agfacolor Process," /. Soc.
Mot. Pict. Eng., XXIX, 3 (Sept., 1937), p. 248.
2 MANNES, L. D., AND GODOWSKY, L., JR.: "The Kodachrome Process for
Amateur Cinematography in Natural Colors," /. Soc. Mot. Pict. Eng., XXV, 1
(July, 1935), p. 65.
3 SWEET, M. H.: "An Improved Procedure for the Contact Printing Method
of Measuring Photographic Density," /. Opt. Soc. Am., 33, 3 (Mar., 1943), p. 143.
4 HEYMER, G., AND SUNDHOFF, D.: "Measurement of the Gradation of Color
Film," Veroffen. wiss. Zentral-Lab. phot. Abt. Agfa, 5 (1937), p. 62.
5 EVANS, R. M.: "A Color Densitometer for Subtractive Processes," /. Soc.
Mot. Pict. Eng., XXXI, 2 (Aug., 1938), p. 194.
6 MILLER, C. W.: "Principles of Photographic Reproduction," Macmillan
Co. (New York), 1942, ch. 25, p. 313.
7 SWEET, M. H.: "A Precision Direct-Reading Densitometer," /. Soc. Mot.
Pict. Eng., XXXVIII, 2 (Feb., 1942), p. 148.
8 SWEET, M. H.: "The Spectral Characteristics of Optical Wedges," /. Opt.
Soc. Am., 33, 4 (Apr., 1943), p. 194.
9 RAJCHMAN, A., AND SNYDER, R. : "An Electrically Focused Multiplier Photo-
tube," Electronics, 13, 12 (Dec., 1940), p. 20.
THE ART REEVES REFLEX MOTION PICTURE CAMERA
ART REEVES**
Summary. — This paper describes a light, compact motion picture camera with a
built-in finder system and other special requirements for military usage. These
cameras are not available to the general professional trade at the present time. How-
ever, the application of experience gained infield usage by the Armed Forces will
result in refinement of design and mechanical improvement in the post-war models.
This latest addition to the extensive line of Art Reeves motion
picture equipment was designed to meet the need for a light, compact
motion picture camera. It embodies the accepted features of pro-
fessional cameras currently in production use and has, in addition, a
built-in finder system with which the scene being photographed can
be viewed through the taking lens in exactly the same form as the
film is receiving it.
Emphasis in the design of the camera and its associated equipment
has been placed on simplicity and ease of operation. Full considera-
tion has also been given to the exacting requirements of military
usage. The camera box, of anodized aluminum, meets government
specifications relative to corrosion resistance. The moving parts of
the camera will function perfectly after hours of exposure to tempera-
tures as low as — 70 F or as high as 160 F.
Fig. 1 shows the position of the controls and the dials at the rear of
the camera, within easy sight and reach of the operator.
Traveling across the figure from left to right we see the eyepiece of
the adjustable focusing microscope, marked 1, and the rear frame of
the auxiliary finder, 2. Item 3 is the footage counter, with its knurled
reset knob projecting slightly at the right of the dial. Item 4 is the
variable shutter control and dial. The knob on the control arm is
lifted to free it for movement. Item 5, the rectangular assembly at
the right of the camera box, is the enclosed motor with its speed con-
trol knob and dial 6 and tachometer, 7. The knurled knob 8 permits
* Presented Oct. 18, 1944, at the Technical Conference in New York.
** Art Reeves Motion Picture Equipment Co., Holloywood.
436
REEVES REFLEX CAMERA
437
the operator to turn the camera movement for threading purposes.
The motor, in the illustration, operates from a 24-v battery and has a
speed range from 16 to 48 frames per sec with intermediate positions
at 24 and 32 frames per sec.
Speed is accurately maintained by a built-in governor which, in
practical tests, has held the camera speed steady over voltage ranges
FIG. 1.
of =±=12 per cent from the standard 24 v. Motors for 12- and 110-v
operation are available and interchangeable with that shown.
Also to be noted are the carrying strap on the top of the camera
and the readily adjusted tripod handle on which the motor switch
may be mounted for convenient operation.
Fig. 2 shows the camera from the threading side. At the left is
seen the 3-lens turret which the operator, at the rear of the camera,
can easily move from one position to another with one hand.
438
A. REEVES
Vol 44, No. 6
Item 1 is the built-in finder assembly on the side of the camera,
terminating at the rear in the adjustable focusing microscope and eye-
piece.
Above this assembly is seen the front and rear elements of the
auxiliary finder which can be employed in emergencies or to give
"anticipatory" borders. The eye position for this finder is just above
that for the reflex finder.
FIG. 2.
The door latch, seen above the finder assembly, is operated by de--
pressing either of the small knurled knobs.
The knob 2 near the front of the camera controls the 2 positions
of the reflecting element of the finder system, which will be discussed
later.
Item 3, a lever on the under side of the finder assembly, controls a
frame in which a viewing filter may be thrown in or out of the optical
path.
June, 1945
REEVES REFLEX CAMERA
439
The large knurled knob 4 operates the screw which locks the
camera to the tripod base.
The magazine 5 of Art Reeves design has several unique features,
in addition to being 25 per cent smaller and lighter than conventional
magazines of similar capacity. The one-piece cover is secured by the
2 thumbscrews seen at the top and' bottom. Loading operations,
particularly under change bag conditions, are greatly facilitated by
the simplicity of this arrangement.
On the take-up side, the film winds between 2 metal disks; the inner
FIG. 3.
attached to the driven shaft, the outer to the magazine cover. The
latter operates on ball bearings and is free to move with the film.
The disks serve to align the film so that buckling from distorted rolls
is avoided. The camera may be operated on its side or in any other
position without danger from take-up failure owing to improper
winding.
Mitchell and Art Reeves magazines may be used interchangeably.
Cameras for use with Bell and Howell magazines are also available.
Fig. 3 shows the interior arrangement of the camera. At point 1
is seen an aperture containing a ground glass upon which is thrown
the image viewed by the microscopic finder system. Behind the
aperture is mounted a very thin, partially reflecting mirror which
440 A. REEVES Vol 44, No. 6
diverts a portion of the light, entering through the taking lens, to the
finder system and passes the balance to the film. The light-reflecting
element can be placed in either one of 2 positions by vertical move-
ment of thumbscrew marked 2. In one position, 50 per cent of the
light is passed to the film, and in the other, 95 per cent. In both
cases, the balance of the light
goes to the finder system.
At point 3 provision is made
for the insertion of inside filter
holders.
Item 4 is the film gate as-
sembly containing a removable
pressure plate indicated by the
figure 5. The gate is hinged on
the inside and may be opened
instantly for cleaning, inspec-
tion, or threading purposes.
The removable pressure plate
has 3 transverse fiber rollers in
contact with the film.
Point 6 indicates the curved
shoe through which the pull-
down pin operates.
Items 7 and 8 are the pull-
down and registration pin as-
semblies, respectively. The
registration pin may be moved
into its inoperative position by
a turn of the thumbscrew 9.
The camera operates with
the registration pin in either the operative or inoperative positions.
Earlier models, without registration pins, gave satisfactorily steady
pictures in field usage. It has been found definitely advantageous
to be able to operate without registration pins under conditions of
very low temperatures or in cases where old or shrunken film must
be used. Side-rail tension applied in the film gate assists materially
in maintaining good registration.
Item 10 is the conventional drive sprocket with its associated film
retainer assemblies. The camera door cannot be closed unless the
latter are in proper position.
June, 1945 REEVES REFLEX CAMERA 441
Item 11 is a hinged, antibuckle plate which operates a motor cut-
off in case of take-up failure.
Passing to Fig. 4, the camera (equipped with a Bell and Howell
magazine) is shown mounted on the Art Reeves tripod. Weighing
24 Ib, it is of the ball type with adjustable spring tension which can
be employed to prevent tipping if the camera is operated in off-
balance positions. Moving parts of the head operate against felt
pads which prevent dirt and grit from causing wear and hindering
operation. All tripod controls can be operated with light pressure.
The Art Reeves tripod accommodates any of the standard profes-
sional cameras and, in turn, the Art Reeves camera fits any of the
standard tripods.
An interesting accessory is available, however, which permits
practically instantaneous locking and unlocking of the camera and
tripod. Two plates are involved: one screws to the tripod head,
using the camera locking screw, and the other is screwed to the base
of the camera, using the locking screw hole. The tripod plate has, on
its surface, a V-shaped open-encled recess which dovetails with a cor-
responding projection on the camera base. The camera, placed on
the tripod, seats itself automatically in proper position when pushed
forward. A spring catch snaps up behind the camera preventing
accidental slippage backward. The dovetail of the 2 contacting ele-
ments prevents vertical movement.
To remove the camera from the tripod, the spring catch at the rear
is first depressed with one hand while the other moves a short lever
at the front of the base which, through an eccentric arrangement,
exerts enough pressure to start the camera moving to the rear. The
camera may then be lifted from the tripod. The rapid removal of the
camera is of importance, particularly in aerial work, where it may be
placed in doorways or restricted openings needed by the personnel in
case of emergency.
Going back for a moment to the matter of lenses, all customary
focal lengths may be used, down to and including the 35 mm. If it is
desired to work with shorter focal lengths, an auxiliary lens of Art
Reeves design is quickly attached, with thumbscrews, to one of the
lenses already on the turret. The combination, for instance, of a 50-
mm lens with the auxiliary gives the equivalent of a 25-mm lens in
field and performance.
In conclusion, these cameras are not available to the general pro-
fessional trade at the present time for obvious reasons. In the
442 A. REEVES
interim, however, application of the lessons learned in field usage by
the Armed Forces will result in refinement of design and mechanical
improvement of eventual benefit to the industry's cameramen and
technicians.
PROJECTION TELEVISION*
D. W. EPSTEIN** AND I. G. MALOFFf
Summary. — Projection television, which is simply the projection onto a viewing
screen of the picture originating on a cathode-ray tube seems, at present, to be the most
practical means of producing large television pictures.
The 2 basic problems of projection television are: (1) the problem of providing a
cathode-ray tube capable of producing very bright pictures with the necessary resolu-
tion and (2) the problem of providing the most efficient optical system so as to utilize
the largest possible percentage of the light generated. These problems were very vigor-
ously attacked over a period of years and the progress made toward their solution has
been very satisfactory.
Problem (2) has been solved largely by the development of cathode-ray tubes capable
of operating at high voltages. Problem (2} has been solved by the development of a
reflective optical system about 6 to 7 times more efficient than a good f/2 refractive
lens. The reflective optical system consists of a spherical front face mirror and an
aspherical correcting lens.
A handicap of this optical system, for use in a home projection receiver, was the
high cost of the aspherical lens. This has been overcome by the development of
machines for making aspherical molds and by the development of a process for mold-
ing aspherical lenses from plastics. RCA reflective optical systems are designed for
projection at «a fixed throw and require cathode-ray tubes with face curvatures fixed
in relation to the curvature of the mirrors in the system. A number of such systems,
suitable for projecting television pictures with diagonals ranging from 25 in. to 25 ft,
have been developed.
People who have recently observed television programs are very
pleasantly surprised to find that the brightness and resolution of the
picture are quite satisfactory for entertainment purposes, but they
express some dissatisfaction with the size of the picture — about 7 X
9V2 in. This desire for larger pictures probably results from their
experience with motion pictures. No amount of dissuasion or argu-
ment— such as, it is not the size of picture that matters but the angle
subtended by the picture at the observer's eyes, or no one objects to
the size of photographs in magazines, one simply observes them at
close range — seems to decrease their desire for larger pictures.
* Presented Oct. 16, 1944, at the Technical Conference in New York.
** RCA Laboratories, Radio Corporation of America, Princeton, N. J.
t RCA Victor Division, Radio Corporation of America, Camden, N. J.
443
444 D. W. EPSTEIN AND I. G. MALOFF Vol 44, No. 6
Since the size of the picture obtainable on the face of a cathode-
ray tube is definitely limited, means have to be found to enlarge the
picture. An obvious means for obtaining larger pictures is to magnify
the picture on the cathode-ray tube optically, by placing a lens in
front of it. However, this means of enlarging the picture is of very
little practical use since it limits the field of view very badly.
Another means for obtaining larger pictures is by the same means
that is used in motion pictures, that is, by projection. Projection
television is the projection onto a viewing screen of the television
picture occurring on the luminescent screen of the cathode-ray tube.
Projection television seems at present to be the most practical way of
obtaining larger television pictures than are feasible with direct-
viewing cathode-ray tubes.
Basic aims of RCA television research have been to develop both
home and theater projection television. The 2 outstanding problems
of projection television that had to be solved are:
(1) The problem of developing a cathode-ray tube capable of producing very
bright pictures with the required resolution; and
(2) The problem of providing an optical system as efficient as possible so as to
utilize the largest possible percentage of the light generated by the cathode-ray
tube.
These problems were very vigorously attacked during the 5 years
prior to our entry into the war and the progress made toward their
solution was very satisfactory.
The progress made toward the solution of the cathode-ray tube
problem resulted primarily from the development of cathode-ray
tubes capable of operating at high voltages. This was the result of
intensive work on electron guns, luminescent materials, glass en-
velopes, etc. Thus by the beginning of 1940 cathode-ray tubes had
been developed which were capable of delivering more than 150 cp,
whereas in 1935 the top was 10 cp — an improvement of over 15 to one.
In the beginning of the development, the problem of providing an
efficient optical system appeared to be very formidable. In a tele-
vision projection system the picture to be projected originates on the
luminescent screen of a cathode-ray tube. For practical purposes,
this screen radiates light as a perfectly diffusing surface. In project-
ing the light from a perfectly diffusing surface onto a viewing screen
by means of a conventional lens by far the greatest part of the light
does not reach the viewing screen. In fact, a lens with a relative
aperture of //2 can at most collect only 6.25 per cent of the light
June, 1945
PROJECTION TELEVISION
445
emitted by the cathode-ray tube. Actually it collects appreciably
less.
For a given power input to the cathode-ray tube the larger the tube
face the greater the candlepower output. So it was necessary to pro-
vide an optical system capable of focusing large fields with high effi-
ciency. A few per cent improvement of efficiency was of no inter-
est. Manifold increase in the percentage of light delivered to the
viewing screen was sought. In other words, an optical system was
sought which should be able to cover up to 50-degree fields and should
have an efficiency of 20 to 40 per cent instead of the 6 per cent of an
FIG. 1. Optical system consisting of a front surface spherical mirror and
a weak nonspherical correcting lens located at the center of curvature of
the mirror.
//2 lens. The answer was found in a reflective optical system con-
sisting of a front face spherical mirror and a weak aspherical correct-
ing lens located at the center of curvature of the mirror. A sche-
matic diagram of such an optical system is shown in Fig. 1 .
The outstanding advantage of an optical system such as that shown
in Fig. 1 over a more conventional optical system is its ability to focus
a large field (large tube diameter) with a large relative aperture.
This system possesses this property primarily because a spherical
mirror with an aperture located at the center of curvature of the
mirror suffers from only 2 aberrations, spherical aberration, which
is uniform all over the field, and curvature of the field. This may be
seen from Fig. 2 ; here C is the center of curvature of the mirror and
0i and 02 are object points located on the axis and off the axis, re-
446
D. W. EPSTEIN AND I. G. MALOFF
Vol 44, No. 6
spectively. Fig. 2 shows the ray paths for these 2 object points with
the aperture located at the center of curvature. It is seen that the
image or rather circle of least confusion, since spherical aberration is
present, is practically of the same size and symmetry for both object
points. As may be seen the reason for this is that the principal ray,
i. e.t the ray passing through the object point and center of aperture,
also passes through the center of curvature of the mirror and is there-
fore also an axis of symmetry for the sphere. The only difference
is that the circular aperture mounted perpendicular to the principal
SMA6JNG PfiOfi£#T/£S OF SKSTM COA/S/ST/M6 OF JPHC4/CAL
AND Af>£KTURC LOCA7£t> AT CfHTf* OF CUWATUXE ^
FIG. 2.
axis and therefore symmetrically located with respect to the principal
axis is nonsymmetrically located with respect to the auxiliary axis.
This causes some nonsymmetry in the light distribution of the circle
of least confusion; however, this nonsymmetry becomes of impor-
tance only in the case of very large fields (large objects) .
The object of the correcting lens is to correct for the spherical aber-
ration of the mirror without introducing any serious aberrations in
itself. This is accomplished by making the correcting lens as weak as
possible and locating it in the plane of the aperture at the center of
curvature. In this way, the symmetry property of the spherical
mirror is least disturbed. The curvature of the field is not corrected
June, 1945
PROJECTION TELEVISION
447
and is such that it is actually of advantage for cathode-ray tube pro-
jection.
The spherical aberration of the mirror may be looked upon as fo-
cusing by means of zones, each zone having a different focal length.
The correcting lens has to be such that each zone of the correcting
lens has a different focal length and such that it just compensates
for the various focal lengths of the mirror and the resultant is a fo-
cusing system all zones of which have the same focal length.
The shape of the correcting plate must be such that all rays ema-
nating from an object point 0, and reflected by the mirror, shall meet at
COKR£CT/ON OF JPHCRJCAL A&tRfiATJOM BY COR»£Cr/MS UNS
FIG. 3.
the image point / located at a distance 5 from the correcting plate.
Fig. 3 shows 3 rays emanating from 0 and striking the mirror at
different apertures. Without the presence of the correcting lens
rays 1, 2, and 3 would intersect the axis at distances q\t q2, and qs from
the center curvature. The slopes on the correcting lens have to be
such (approximately as shown in this figure) that all 3 rays intersect
at /, i. e., the correcting lens has a flat at the point where ray 2 passes,
negative slope where ray 1 passes, and positive slope where ray 3
passes. Considered from the point of view of spherical aberration,
if the zone where ray 2 strikes the mirror is taken as the reference,
then the mirror has negative spherical aberration for smaller aper-
tures and thus requires a positive lens for correction, and positive
448
D. W. EPSTEIN AND I. G. MALOFF
Vol 44, No. 6
spherical aberration for larger apertures and thus requires a negative
lens.
Since the mirror with an aperture at center of curvature has no
extra-axial or chromatic aberrations, these aberrations are caused by
the correcting lens itself, i. e., by the power or slopes on the correcting
lens. From the standpoint of the aberrations, therefore, that shape
should be chosen whose maximum slope is the least. Thus if the
paraxial (central) focal length of the mirror is chosen as that of the
system, then the central focal length of the correcting lens is infinite
he « SfMI-AfffTUK Of COWKCTMG flLATC
\m= " ' #U
mx 4x,'M
FIG. 4. Variation of semiapertures of correcting lens and mirror
with magnification.
and the shape of the curve is concave. Alternatively, if a zonal focal
length of the mirror is chosen as that of the system, there will be a
zonal focal length of the correcting lens which is infinite and the
shape of the curve is convex at the center and concave past this zone.
If a peripheral focal length is chosen, the required correcting lens is
convex. The maximum slope is least for a convex-flat-concave
curve.
The shape and size of the correcting lens depend upon the throw or
magnification for which the system is to be used. For a given focal
length and relative aperture the correcting lens aperture decreases
as the magnification decreases. That this must be so, may be sur-
June, 1945
PROJECTION TELEVISION
449
mised from the fact that for unity magnification the lens aperture is
zero, since object and image coincide at the center of curvature.
Fig. 4 shows the variation of correcting lens semiaperture and mirror
semiaperture with magnification. Thus a different correcting lens is
required for each throw or magnification. The reason for this is that
a high relative aperture optical system can be well corrected for only
one position of object and image. The throw or magnification
tolerance for a given correcting lens decreases with increased relative
aperture for a given resolution.
In order to obtain a flat image field, i. e., focus on a flat- viewing
screen, it is necessary that the object field or tube face be curved.
FIG. 5. Illustration by means of a simple lens that efficiency decreases with
magnification.
Calculations show that in general the shape of tube face depends on
the throw — a sphere for infinite throw and an ellipsoid for finite
throw. The eccentricity of the ellipsoid is sufficiently small, how-
ever, so that even for finite throw the tube face may be made spheri-
cal with a radius of curvature equal to that of the focal length of the
system.
The projection efficiency of any optical system will be defined as
the fraction of the total light flux (say, in lumens) emitted in a for-
ward direction by an axial element of a nondirectional source, such
as the luminescent screen of a cathode-ray tube, that the optical
system accepts and focuses on the corresponding image element, as-
suming that the mirror reflects 100 per cent and the lenses transmit
100 per cent.
450 D. W. EPSTEIN AND I. G. MALOFF Vol 44, No. 6
The efficiency, e, as defined above is given by
e = sin2 U
where U is the semiapex angle shown in Fig. 5. Hence to determine
the efficiency of a lens, for a perfectly diffusing source, it is merely
necessary to know the angle that the lens (or entrance pupil) sub-
.7
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MWH2 711
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\
^.<7
\
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tflClCNCY OF L
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1^07
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^006
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.604
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.002
.001
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f-
FIG. 6. Variation of lens efficiency with its //number.
tends at the source. As may be seen from Fig. 5, the farther a given
lens is from a source, i. e., the less the magnification, the lower the
efficiency of the lens.
It has become customary to rate a lens by its //number for infinite
magnification, i. e., object located at the focal point of the lens. The
//number is defined as
//number
2 sin U 2
June, 1945 PROJECTION TELEVISION 451
where em is the efficiency for infinite magnification. The smallest
//number possible is 0.5, since at 0.5 the efficiency is unity and all the
light emitted by the object element in a forward direction is concen-
trated at the image element. Fig. 6 shows the efficiency em of a lens
as a function of //number. It is seen that the efficiency of most lenses
is very low.
As already mentioned the efficiency of a given lens decreases when
the magnification or throw decreases. This factor becomes of im-
FIG. 7. RCA theater television projector, with control
console in background.
portance in the case of home projection where magnifications as low
as 5 may be used. Thus an ordinary f/2 lens having an em of 6.25
per cent will have an efficiency of 4.6 per cent when used fpr a magni-
fication of 6.
Since the reflective optical systems under consideration are de-
signed for a specific magnification and since the central part of the
system is masked to maintain contrast, this part being blocked by
the cathode-ray tube, it seems preferable to rate such systems by
their efficiencies rather than //number.
In the RCA systems the efficiency with no masking is about 40 per
cent and the efficiency of the central part of the system that is masked
452
D.'W/ EPSTEIN AND I. G. MALOFF
Vol 44, No. 6
is approximately 10 per cent so the efficiency of the system with
blocking will be about 30 per cent, and hence neglecting losses in the
system, about 30 per cent of the light emitted by an axial point will
be focused into an image point. This corresponds to the efficiency
of an//0.8 lens used at a magnification of 6.
There are 2 distinct applications for projection television, namely,
theater television and television
receivers for home use. A de-
scription of the RCA theater
television system has been pub-
lished in the July, 1941, issue of
the RCA Review. The optical
system consists of a 30-in. diam-
eter mirror and 22.5-in. diam-
eter correcting lens. Fig. 7
shows the optical system with
the cathode-ray tube in place.
The control console may be seen
in the background. Fig. 8 shows
an arrangement of parts in a
self-contained projection televi-
sion receiver. Here the optical
system is mounted near the floor
with its axis vertical, projecting
the image straight up and onto a
flat mirror inclined at 45 degrees
to the incoming beam of light,
and throwing the image on a
translucent screen. Such an
arrangement presents the ad-
vantages of compactness, rela-
tively small depth of the cabinet,
and can be styled along the familiar lines of a radio console. A num-
ber of such reflective projection systems suitable for home receivers
of the type described have been designed, built, and operated in
actual receivers. The smallest of these was built for use with a cath-
ode-ray tube having a face diameter of 3 in. and consists of a spheri-
cal mirror 9 in. in diameter and a correcting lens 6 in. in diameter.
The largest has tube, mirror, and lens diameters of 5, 14, and 9.5 in.,
respectively. A number of systems in sizes intermediate between the
FIG. 8.
Optical system of television
projection receiver.
June, 1945
PROJECTION TELEVISION
453
two just described have been built. The throw or distance between
the correcting lens and the viewing screen varied between 36 and 54
in. and the optical efficiencies were between 18 and 35 per cent. In
resolution and contrast these systems compare favorably with well-
corrected conventional projection lenses. .
The major objection to the use of reflective optics in home projec-
tion receivers was the high cost of the aspheric correcting lens. The
spherical mirror, while quite large, is an old and familiar item to the
well-established optical industry, as most of the conventional optical
FIG. 9. Machine used in making the metal mold.
surfaces are spherical and are easily made. The aspherical correct-
ing lens similar to a figure of revolution developed by rotating
a shallow letter 5 around one of its ends, presented an altogether
different problem. Unlike the spherical mirror such a figure is not a
naturally generated surface and there are no machines on the market
for straightforward production of such surfaces. True enough,
astronomers, with their traditional patience and lack of hurry, pro-
duced excellent aspherical lenses on machines used for making
astronomical instruments, but only by tedious step-by-step methods.
In the early stages of the development RCA used methods and
machines copied from astronomical techniques. Exceedingly high
454
D. W. EPSTEIN AND I. G. MALOFF
Vol 44, No. 6
cost of experimental reflective optics resulted. The gain in light
over the conventional projection lens was very attractive, but the
cost of such individually produced lenses was prohibitive. The ap-
parent solution to the cost problem was that of molding the aspherical
lenses from some transparent material. A development project was
undertaken and soon was concentrated on the investigation of a clear
thermoplastic material known under the name of methyl meth-
acrylate, and sold under the registered trade names of Lucite and
Plexiglas.
FIG. 10. Open molding press showing the lens attached to the upper molding
surface by its flash.
A new set of difficult problems came to the foreground. The most
formidable of these was that of making molding surfaces of metal in
shapes of the negative replicas of aspherical lenses. About as serious
was the problem of obtaining optical finishes on metals. Both of
these problems have been successfully solved.
Fig. 9 shows a machine used in making the metal mold. The
molding process is essentially that of applying very high pressure to
heated plastic material confined in a heated mold and cooling it under
pressure until it reaches room temperature. The mold is then opened
and the lens extracted. A view of an open molding press with the
June, 1945 PROJECTION TELEVISION 455
lens attached to the upper molding surface by its flash is shown in
Fig. 10. The only operation which remains is that of boring a hole
in the center of the lens for accommodating the protruding neck of
the cathode-ray tube. The lens is then ready for use with no polish-
ing or finishing of any sort required.
Molded correcting lenses for reflective optical systems suitable for
home projection receivers possess very good optical properties, includ-
ing slightly better transmission and slightly less scattering of light
than glass. They do not possess the surface hardness and scratch
resistance of glass, but even without any special care or protection
they have stood up under laboratory operation for more than 3
years. The cold flow under operating conditions of 3 years was
found negligible. The cold flow depends on the operating tempera-
ture which for the plastic lens of a television receiver is not far from
the room temperature.
So far only the smaller correcting lenses suitable for home projec-
tion receivers have been molded. The larger correcting lenses
necessary for theater projection were produced from glass.
The RCA reflective optical systems are designed for projection
at a fixed throw and require cathode-ray tubes with face curvatures
fixed in relation to the curvature of the spherical mirror. A number
of these systems have been developed, suitable for projecting tele-
vision images with diagonals ranging from 25 in. to 25 ft.
A DISPLACEMENT METER FOR TESTING UNSTEADINESS
IN MOTION PICTURE PROJECTORS
RON W. JONES*
Summary. — There has been need for a simple device to measure with reasonable
accuracy the degree of unsteadiness in 35-mm projector mechanisms, particularly
where such mechanisms are overhauled and must be tested in a workshop. The fol-
lowing paper describes a simple technique which provides for an actual metering
of the unsteadiness factor in terms of maximum displacement between any 2 frames
during the running of a test film bearing on a suitable target.
For some time past the need has been felt for a satisfactory method
of measuring, with a reasonable assurance of accuracy, the degree of
unsteadiness in projector mechanisms. This applies particularly in
cases in which mechanisms are overhauled and must be tested in the
workshop before delivery back into the field. In the theater one may
judge fairly well whether or not a projected -picture is within reason-
able limits of vertical jump and lateral weave. In workshop testing,
however, the main difficulty arises out of the impracticability of
simulating actual theater conditions in respect of picture size, length
of throw, etc., and although picture movement is directly proportional,
entirely misleading impressions result from the use of miniature
screens. Moreover, measurement of movement at the screen by
means of direct scaling is, to say the least, difficult and invariably
leaves the engineer with a feeling of uncertainty.
Experimental work in this direction has led to the evolution of a
simple technique based on similar principles to that described in the
July, 1944, issue of the JOURNAL for the testing of motion picture
cameras.1 The system herein described provides for what may be
termed the actual metering of the unsteadiness factor in terms of
maximum displacement between any 2 frames during the running
of a test film bearing a suitable target.
The film target pattern for vertical jump consists simply of a grating
* Western Electric Company (Aust.) Pty., Ltd., Brisbane, Australia; received
Jan. 24, 1945.
456
METER FOR TESTING PROJECTOR UNSTEADINESS
457
or series of horizontal black lines of even thickness extending over the
entire frame area and separated by clear spaces of equivalent thickness.
This is projected onto the face of the meter which carries a flat beam
2 in. wide and 13 in. long, ruled along its length with black lines of
equal thickness and spacing to those of the film pattern at a pre-
determined throw. The beam is capable of being moved about its
center through 360 degrees in a plane at right angles to the optical
axis of the projector.
Beqm angle * 2
Beam angle - 5C
•^P
FIG. 1. Effects of intersection of the projected and ruled gratings at various
beam angles.
Any angle between the projected and ruled gratings produces dark
patches, occurring at intervals along the beam, as shown in Fig. 1,
owing to the intersection of lines and spaces.
Vertical jump in the projected image results in a horizontal shifting
of these patches which is not only extremely obvious but is also
readily measured.
The explanation of this is simplified by reference to Fig. 2 in which
the action is represented by taking only one line AB of the projected
458
R. W. JONES
Vol 44, No. 6
grating and one line CD of the ruled grating. Let us assume the
maximum displacement between 2 frames to bring about a shift of
FIG. 2. Action represented by taking one line only of each grating.
the line AB to a position indicated by PQ. Then the displacement
is represented directly by RS and the intersection point has moved
^^^^^^^^m from 0 to R, a distance equal
to OS on the line AB.
Taking X as vertical dis-
placement, Y as lateral move-
ment of the intersection point,
/ and <f> as the angle between
the 2 gratings, then :
X = F tan 0
The ruled beam is mounted
immediately in front of a
14-in. diameter white dial di-
vided by thin black lines into
one-inch squares (see Fig. 3).
A scale is provided at the
outer edge of this dial, cali-
brated from zero at a point
horizontally opposite center, to
10 degrees in a clockwise direc-
tion. An index point on one
end of the beam permits of
the beam angle being read off
along this scale. Ten degrees
has been found to be an ample
range for all practical purposes.
A knob, friction driving the edge of the dial, provides for quick
adjustment about its axis for the purpose of aligning it with the film
FIG. 3.
Face of meter showing arrange-
ment of dial and beam.
June, 1945 METER FOR TESTING PROJECTOR UNSTEADINESS
459
pattern. The beam angle is also controlled by means of a knob belt
driving the beam shaft. The mechanical arrangement is illustrated in
Fig. 4. The operation of the device is as follows :
The test film is run at normal speed and projected onto the dial
which is then adjusted to bring the horizontal division lines parallel
with the film pattern.
The beam is then rotated from zero to a position at which the dark
, FRICTION DRIVE.
FIG. 4. Mechanical arrangement of the meter.
patches appearing on it, shift back and forth along it a distance equal
to one of the squares on the dial. This represents a back and forth
travel of the intersection points of one inch and enables us to read the
direct displacement between frames as a decimal of one inch. In
other words :
Frame displacement = tan $ inches
In our own particular case the selected throw for matching of the
gratings gives a projected mask image 22 in. wide at the face of the
460 R. W. JONES
meter, so that we may read displacement as a percentage of picture
width thus :
100 tan <f>
X as per cent picture width =
The angle is read off along the scale and its tangent obtained from a
set of 4 figure tables.
Similarly lateral weave may be checked by using a film with verti-
cal lines, rotating the beam to a vertical position and reading off
along another scale at the top of the dial.
An incandescent lamp is used for projection and a stop is inserted
in the lens barrel, thus sharpening the grating image considerably and
making for more accurate result.
* This system naturally shows up any inherent inaccuracy in the
test film itself. However, in practice it has worked out very well,
enabling us to set a standard tolerance of from 0.25 to 0.30 per cent of
picture width, each case being treated according to its own particular
characteristics. Requirements are naturally much stricter for a
projector which has been completely overhauled than for one which
has, for instance, simply been readjusted after a period of operation
in the field.
REFERENCE
1 TOWNSLEY, M. G.: "A Method for Measuring the Steadiness of Motion
Picture Cameras," /. Soc. Mot. Pict. Eng., 43, 1 (July, 1944), p. 45.
EXPERIENCE WITH AN FM CALIBRATOR FOR
DISK RECORDING HEADS*
H. E. ROYS **
Summary. — Previous methods of calibrating disk recording heads are reviewed
and a new method which utilizes a push-pull FM system is considered. The new
method permits calibration during actual cutting of the disk and so has a distinct
advantage over the older methods. Results obtained with a recording head and lacquer
disks are discussed.
INTRODUCTION
Since the beginning of disk recording, a device has been needed
which would permit the calibration of a recording head under actual
cutting conditions. For years the head has been calibrated by mount-
ing it under a microscope and measuring the amplitude of the stylus
vibration in air at different frequencies. The correctness of this pro-
cedure was based upon the assumption that the load imposed upon
the stylus by the recording material during cutting was small in com-
parison with the mechanical impedance of the recorder and therefore
introduced no appreciable error. This assumption was justified by
showing that the width of the reflected sunlight pattern of a frequency
record, recorded at constant stylus velocity, appeared constant in
width across the disk, as theoretically it should when viewed under
suitable light conditions.
SUNLIGHT PATTERN METHOD
The sunlight or "Christmas tree" pattern as it is sometimes called
is a satisfactory means of making an over-all calibration and is in
common use. It is accurate providing certain precautions are taken
such as having a small source of light located some distance away so
that the light rays are parallel (if the sun is not used), having the rays
strike the disk nearly parallel to its surface, and observing the re-
* Presented Oct. 16, 1944, at the Technical Conference in New York.
** RCA Victor Division of Radio Corporation of America, Indianapolis, Ind.
461
462 H. E. ROYS Vol 44, No. 6
fleeted pattern at right angles to the plane of the disk, some 3 or 4 ft
away, while viewing with only one eye.
At the center of the pattern an unmodulated groove makes an
angle of 90 degrees with the incident ray, and reflects a beam of light
to the eye. Elsewhere the unmodulated groove appears dark. With
modulation present, visible reflections occur, because despite the de-
parture of the groove axis from the 90-degree direction, some point
exists on each wave where the angle, owing to modulation, cancels the
angle owing to the change in mean direction, and hence for a very
short distance within each wave the groove is again at the 90-degree
position (or parallel to the tangent at the center of the pattern) . Be-
yond a certain distance from the center, the groove axis angle has be-
come so large that this cancellation of angles can no longer occur, and
this condition marks the edge of the pattern. As the groove di-
ameter decreases, its mean curvature increases, but at the same time
the waves get shorter and the modulation slopes (for a given ampli-
tude and frequency) increase in the same proportion. Whence the
width of the pattern is not altered by a change in groove
diameter.
The method is mainly one of comparison, the width of one fre-
quency band being compared with that of another and it does not
lend itself readily to quick accurate checks needed during initial cali-
bration. It is valuable, however, in making a final test on the record-
ing head and in checking the flatness of the constant velocity portion
of a frequency recording.
MICROSCOPE METHOD
The microscope method is suitable for initial calibration especially
if adjustments can be made without removing the head. But the
method is slow and tedious, and is inaccurate at the higher frequencies
where, owing to constant stylus velocity, the amplitude of motion is
small and the spot of light is no longer small in comparison with the
amplitude of movement. Most recorders maintain constant ampli-
tude stylus motion below a frequency, known as the cross-over fre-
quency, and constant velocity above, so that at the higher frequencies
the amplitude decreases since the product of frequency and amplitude
must remain constant for constant velocity motion. Constant ampli-
tude at the lower frequencies is, of course, necessary to prevent over-
cutting, unless excessive spacing of grooves is resorted to with the
accompanying loss of playing time.
June, 1945 FM CALIBRATOR FOR DlSK RECORDING HEADS
PHOTOELECTRIC CELL METHOD
463
The microscope method was improved upon by substituting a
photoelectric cell for the eye and having the stylus modulate a light
beam being transmitted to the cell. Calibrators of this type have
been in use for some years and in general have proved to be accurate
and reliable. They do not, however, permit calibration while cutting
a disk.
FM METHOD
The problem of being able to calibrate the recorder under actual
cutting conditions was finally solved by the FM system developed by
COIL
STYLUS
FIG. 1. Arrangement of FM plates.
my colleague, Alexis Badmaieff. Here was a device which could be
attached to the recorder without requiring much space, or adding
mass to the moving system, one which would not couple electrically
to the driving coils of the recording head and which could be so ar-
ranged as not to interfere with the cutting action of the stylus.
Fig. 1 shows the arrangement. Two tiny plates, one on each side
of the stylus shank or stylus bar, insulated from each other and from
the recorder, are spaced a few thousandths of an inch from the stylus.
Neither mass nor stiffness is added to the moving system so there can
be no change in its mechanical action. Flexible leads from these
plates are connected to the oscillator-discriminator unit mounted on
the carriage located close to the recorder. Variation of capacitance
between the plates and the stylus owing to its motion changes the
464
H. E. ROYS
Vol 44, No. 6
oscillator frequency and tuning of the discriminator. The audio out-
put from the rectifier of the oscillator-discriminator unit is trans-
ferred to a stationary unit, Fig. 2, containing an amplifier and a power
supply. The output from this amplifier is then either measured by
means of a tube voltmeter or further amplified for listening or other
purposes.
FIG. 2. Equipment in operation.
COMPARISON OF FM AND OPTICAL CALIBRATORS
One of the first tests was a comparison of results obtained with the
FM and optical calibrators using the RCA MI-11850 recorder which
has the same performance as the MI-4887 recording head. Owing to
the small size of the FM plates it was possible to have them in place
while the recorder was mounted in the optical calibrator so that a
direct comparison was easily made. The results of frequency re-
sponse measurements made in this manner are shown in Fig. 3 and a
very close agreement is noted between the 2 methods except at the
low frequency end, where the characteristics of the amplifier used in
the optical calibrator caused some increase in the response.
June, 1945 FM CALIBRATOR FOR DlSK RECORDING HEADS
465
CHANGE IN FREQUENCY RESPONSE FROM CUTTING LOAD
The most important advantage of the FM calibrator is realized
when investigating the change in frequency response owing to cut-
ting load, for with it measurements can be made under actual cut-
ting conditions. Several factors must be considered when making
these measurements such as the record material, the stylus with its
burnishing edge, the turntable speed and recording diameter, and the
test frequency. Early tests showed what had been predicted, that
the greatest effect of the cutting load would be at the resonant fre-
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FIG. 3.
quencies of the mechanical system. Fig. 4 shows the response char-
acteristic, in air, of an undamped recording head and also the response
after the viscoloid damper block has been added. It will be noted that
there are 2 resonant frequencies, one about 1000 cycles and the other
about 10,000 cycles, and that the damper block has little effect on the
frequency response between 5000 and 8000 cycles.
Fig. 5 shows the cutting load loss as a function of groove velocity,
at several different frequencies, the groove being cut in lacquer with
a sapphire stylus having a tip radius of approximately 2 mils, a 90-
degree included angle, and the usual burnishing edge. For this
particular recorder which had the high-frequency peak at 12,000
466
H. E. ROYS
Vol 44, No. 6
cycles instead of 10,000, the greatest loss owing to the cutting load
occurred at 1000 cycles, the fundamental resonant frequency of the
mechanical system. The least loss occurred at the lower frequencies
and in the region from 5000 to 8000 cycles, which was predicted from
the damped and undamped curves. The curves of Fig. 5 show that
over the diameters and turntable speeds normally covered in 33 Vs
and 78 rpm recordings, the loss is small. For a SSVa-rpm recording at
the innermost diameter, the 1000 cycle loss, when compared to that of
the maximum diameter, is approximately 1.2 db which is not very
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great. Styli with larger burnishing surfaces may increase this loss and
tests with 10 new styli showed an average loss of about 1.7 db, or one-
half a db more than the previous test. At 78 rpm the loss at 1000
cycles between the inside and the outside of the disk is approximately
Idb.
The effect of loading is also shown in Fig. 6 in which the results are
plotted in the usual frequency response manner. Curve B shows the
response that can be expected near the outside of a 12-in. disk at
78 rpm. The lower curve C shows the response near the inside of a
SSYs-rpm disk. At 1000 cycles a difference of 2 db was measured and
at the upper resonance a greater loss, 3 db in this case, was observed.
June, 1945 FM CALIBRATOR FOR DlSK RECORDING HEADS
467
Elsewhere the loss was less, and between 4000 and 6000 cycles no loss
was experienced, likewise no loss was observed at 50 and 100 cycles.
The upper curve A is an air calibration, that is, with the stylus vibrat-
ing in air and not cutting the lacquer. The 2 lower curves B and C
show the extreme losses to be expected between the inside of a 33l/V
rpm disk and the outside of a 12-in. diameter 78-rpm disk.
CHANGE IN RECORDING LEVEL WITH GROOVE WIDTH
Previous tests have shown that the greatest loss from loading occurs
at the resonant frequencies of the mechanical system. Since the peak
FIG. 5.
50 40 30 20 10 (
GROOVE VELOCITY - INCHES PER SECOND
Cutting load loss — MI-11850 Recorder and lacquer disk.
is broader at the 1000-cycle resonance, there is less likelihood of errors
from frequency shift of either the applied signal or the mechanical
system. Therefore, the change in recording level with depth of cut
was investigated at 1000 cycles. Ten styli were measured for level
loss at 1000 cycles and an average one chosen. Of these ten the
average load loss for a groove 5 mils in width was 2.9 db, the maxi-
mum loss was 3 .2 db and the minimum 2.7 db. The sapphire had a tip
radius of approximately 2 mils and an included angle of 90 degrees.
Fig. 7 shows the results of changing the depth of cut which is ex-
pressed in groove width since this is easy to measure with a micro-
scope. Curve A shows the loss obtained at the inside of a 33 Vs-
rpm recording. Curve B shows the loss obtained at the outside of a
12-in. disk at 78 rpm. Curves C and D are the results of similar tests
468
H. E. ROYS
Vol 44, No. 6
with a steel stylus instead of a sapphire. The steel stylus had no
burnishing edge or tip radius and had an included angle of 90 degrees.
The change in level is not very great except at the lower groove veloci-
ties such as occur at the inside diameter (7x/2 in.) of a 33l/8-rpm
recording. At this diameter a groove variation fr~ in 4 to 5 mils re-
sulted in an amplitude reduction of approximately 0.6 db. The varia-
tion in groove depth could occur owing to cutter bounce or flutter
FIG. 6.
which fortunately is usually less at 331/3 than at 78 rpm, or to irregu-
lar surface of the blank.
DISTORTION
Another requirement of a good calibrator is that it be free from dis-
tortion so that accurate measurements of the recording head distor-
tion may be made. An over-all distortion measurement which in-
cludes the disk and pickup is not satisfactory since it does not permit
segregation of the amounts introduced by the recording and repro-
ducing heads. Since the FM calibrator is an amplitude device, it is
only necessary to limit the range over which the FM system operates
June, 1945 FM CALIBRATOR FOR DlSK RECORDING HEADS 469
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470
H. E. ROYS
Vol 44, No.
in order to keep the distortion at a low value so that accurate measure-
ments may be made.
To determine what spacing between the FM plates and the stylus
was necessary to fulfill this requirement, tests were made using the
recording head with the viscoloid damping block removed, so that at
the fundamental resonant
frequency, about 1000 cycles,
very little electro-magnetic
energy was required to give
normal amplitudes of vibra-
tion and therefore the dis-
tortion introduced by the
recorder under these condi-
tions would be quite low.
Numerous distortion meas-
urements at 1000 cycles
were made at various am-
plitudes of vibration and
plate separation. In addi-
tion, input-output or line-
arity measurements were
made and as a result a plate
separation of 0.015 in. is
recommended for distortion
measurements at the lower
frequencies, where the am-
plitude of the stylus is ±3
mils. For higher frequencies
where the amplitude of
motion is less the spacing
may be decreased, which
will also increase the sensi-
tivity. With a plate sepa-
ration of 0.015 in. the distortion at 1000 cycles was less than
one per cent for the entire system which included the recording
amplifier and the one used to amplify the output of the FM
calibrator. These amplifiers measured somewhat less than one-
half of one per cent each, so that the distortion of the FM system was
of the same order for the highest amplitudes of vibration likely to be
encountered. The results of the input-output curves are shown in
FIG. 9. A test frequency record photo-
graphed in the sunlight.
June, 1945 FM CALIBRATOR FOR DlSK RECORDING HEADS 471
Fig. 8. Some curvature will be noted with the 0.006-in. spacing and
likewise with the 0.014-in. spacing when the damping block was in
place, the nonlinearity being chargeable to the recording head in this
case. With the damper block in place the over-all measured dis-
tortion at 1000 cycles was about 1.5 per cent at normal recording
level. The distortion measurements were made using the RCA dis-
tortion meter in which a signal is used directly from the oscillator to
balance out the fundamental of the signal being measured, the residue
being the total harmonic distortion.
MONITORING
The FM calibrator was designed primarily for calibrating purposes,
but may also be used for monitoring, as such it is ideal when cutting
frequency recorders for reproducer tests. The recorder can be care-
fully calibrated beforehand and the correct input level for each band
determined. Then when cutting the final disk the calibrator may be
used as a check on the recording level, making slight corrections if
necessary, or if it is undesirable to change the level during recording,
the correction can be noted and applied 'afterward when using the
disk. A test frequency record was made using the latter procedure
and a photograph of it taken in the sunlight is shown in Fig. 9.
The variation of the constant velocity section from true flatness is
only a few tenths of a db.
THE POTENTIOMETRIC DETERMINATION OF BROMIDE
IN THE PRESENCE OF CHLORIDE IN PHOTO-
GRAPHIC DEVELOPER SOLUTIONS
WILLIAM R. CROWELL,* WAYNE W. LUKE * AND
HARLAN L. BAUMBACH**
Summary. — In the present work a potentiometric method of determining bromide
in the presence of chloride in developer solutions has been studied. For a given con-
centration of bromide the error in titration depends upon the ratio of the concentration
of the chloride to that of the bromide and is materially affected by the presence of de-
veloper solution constituents. Percentage correction curves are shown which can be
applied to bromide titrations in the various solutions at different concentration ratios
of chloride to bromide including those bromide concentrations common in developer
solution analysis. A method of analysis more rapid than any mentioned in the
literature and which is now used in a leading West Coast motion picture laboratory
is described.
The main objective of the present investigation was to develop a
method of determining bromide in photographic developer solutions
with a view of applying this method to routine analyses in motion
picture laboratories. The chief characteristics of such a method
should be that it be rapid and at the same time possess adequate
accuracy and precision for the work in hand. A potentiometric titra-
tion of the bromide with silver nitrate seemed to offer the greatest
promise of success. Chloride, while not having any appreciable
photographic influence on the film, does offer interference in the
bromide titration. While iodide has a definite effect on the character
of the developed film, it is seldom present in quantities great enough
to interfere with the potentiometric determination of bromide and,
therefore, is not considered in this study.
Considerable material is in the literature on the potentiometric
determination of the individual halides and of halide mixtures. In
the case of the individual halides accurate results in neutral or acid
* Chemistry Department, University of California at Los Angeles; received
March 26, 1945.
** Paramount Pictures, Inc., Hollywood.
472
POTENTIOMETRIC DETERMINATION OF BROMIDE 473
solutions have been obtained.1-2'3 In the case of mixed halides, how-
ever, the points of inflection in the titration curves obtained by plot-
ting volumes of silver nitrate against emf did not coincide with the
equivalence points.1'4'5-6 Liebich6 found that by the addition of
barium nitrate or alum to the halide mixture solutions the inflections
in the titration curves were sharpened and the inflection points
brought nearer to the equivalence points. Clark1 and Flood and
Sletten4 have also found that salts have a favorable influence on the
end points. Tomicek and Jansky7 found that in sodium sulfite solu-
tions halide mixtures could be titrated with accuracy only when the
solutions were definitely acid. No data are reported on the effects of
hydroquinone, metol, or gelatin, or of all of the typical developer
solution constituents when present together on the bromide-chloride
end point.
Recently a potentiometric method for the determination of bromide
in photographic developer solutions has been described by Evans,
Hanson, and Glasoe.8 By their procedure a sample of developer solu-
tion is treated with excess sulfuric acid, the solution boiled to remove
the sulfur dioxide, cooled, and sodium acetate solution added, followed
by potentiometric titration with silver nitrate. The proper volume of
silver nitrate is determined by use of a curve plotted from the titra-
tion data. In the case of certain high solvent developers, such as
D-76, the authors recommend a preliminary boiling of the solution in
order to reduce any silver held in solution. It is stated that in the
determination of bromide in aged developer solutions one gram of
potassium bromide per liter can be determined with an accuracy of
2 per cent.
In the present work, completed over 3 years ago and given mention
in this JOURNAL,9 the simple scheme of analysis has been adopted
whereby a potentiometric titration is carried out on a sample of de-
veloper solution to which a definite excess of acid is added without
boiling off the sulfur dioxide or adding acetate solution. As explained
later, titrations can be carried to a definite potential thus avoiding
the use of a titration curve. Since the error at a given bromide con-
centration depends upon the ratio of the concentration of the chloride
to that of the bromide, and is affected by the presence of nonhalide
salts and developer solution constituents, a somewhat detailed study
of this error was made with the purpose of obtaining a series of per-
centage correction curves to be applied to such determinations.
Using the procedure described, titrations were made in solutions of
474 CROWELL, LUKE, AND BAUMBACH Vol 44, No. 6
the 2 halides alone, and in solutions formed by addition of the 2
halides to certain salts and developer solution constituents as well as
in fresh and used developer solutions. The concentration ranges of
bromide and chloride included those commonly present in the analysis
of typical developer solutions.
TITRATION OF THE HALIDE MIXTURES
Solutions Used. — -The chloride and bromide solutions were pre-
pared from the potassium salts. Mixtures of these solutions were
used alone and with addition of potassium alum, sodium sulfite,
hydroquinone, metol, and powdered gelatin. Solutions of the chloride
and bromide were also added in different proportions to the D-72 and
the used developer solutions described below.
The D-72 developer solution was halide free and contained in each
liter 0.6 gram of metol, 2.5 grams of hydroquinone, 8.3 grams of
sodium sulfite, and 14 grams of sodium carbonate. To certain por-
tions of this solution powdered gelatin was added. Through other
portions air was passed for 4 hr with and without addition of gelatin.
The used developer solution was furnished by the Hollywood
laboratory of Paramount Pictures, Inc. This solution contained in
each liter 2.40 grams of hydroquinone, 2.38 grams of metol, 3.50
grams of potassium bromide, 50.3 grams of sodium sulfite, as well
as sodium sulfate and products of the oxidation of the hydroquinone
and metol. The concentration ratio of chloride to bromide was 0.11
and the pH of the solution was about 10.00.
Apparatus. — The titration apparatus consisted of a titration
beaker, stirrer, and 2 silver electrodes prepared by electrolytic de-
position of silver on platinum wires from a cyanide solution. One
of the silver electrodes dipped into the solution being titrated and
the other was sealed into the tip of the buret containing the silver
nitrate reagent as described by Willard and Boldyreff.3
The potential readings were made by use of a Leeds and Northrup
student-type potentiometer.
Potentiometric Titration Procedures. — The silver nitrate solution
was standardized with potassium chloride by potentiometric titra-
tion. In this titration and in that of all the halide mixtures the
solutions were made up- to a volume of 100 ml containing an excess
of 2 ml of 6N sulfuric acid and all the concentrations stated are for
this volume. When sulfites or carbonates were present, acid was
June, 1945 POTENTIOMETRIC DETERMINATION OF BROMIDE
475
added slowly with stirring until the solution was just acid after
which 2 ml more were added.
Potentiometer readings were taken at each milliliter addition of
silver nitrate until a point about 0.5 ml from the inflection point was
reached, after which readings were taken each 0.1 ml until the in-
flection point was passed.
At a given concentration of acid the solutions containing the same
concentrations of halides will always have the same inflection point
potential. Raising the acid concentration will cause this potential to
be slightly lower. In routine analyses of developer solutions in which
the acid concentration is always the same and the halide concentra-
, tions do not have a too wide variation, it is quite satisfactory to carry
the titration to a definite* end point potential.
PRESENTATION AND DISCUSSION OF RESULTS
Table 1. shows the effects of different salts, gelatin, and developer
solution constituents on the bromide titration error in a bromide-
chloride mixture in which the total halide concentration was 0.0330M
TABLE i
Effect of Salts, Developer Solution Constituents, and Gelatin on the Bromide Error in
a Bromide-Chloride Mixture
Approximately 3.3 milliequivalents of potassium halides in 100 ml of solution acidified with
6N HzSO4; concentration ratio Cl/Br — 0.76; temperature 26 C.
100 Ml Solution of the Halides Con-
taining the Constituents Listed
Below
Halides alone
5 gm potassium alum
2 and 4 gm sodium sulfite
1, 2, and 4 gm sodium sulfite
and 5 gm potassium alum
0.1 and 0.15 gm hydroquinone
0.1 gm hydroquinone and 5 gm
potassium alum
0.1 gm hydroquinone and 2.5
gm sodium sulfite
0.1 gm metol
0.1 gm metol and 5 gm alum
0.1 gm metol, 2.5 gm Na2SO3
50 ml D-72 developer sol.
50 ml D-72, partially oxidized
Per Cent Error in
Bromide
Per Cent Error in
the Total Halide
.01, .05, and
.01, .05, and
.10 gin
.10 gm
gelatin
gelatin
4.0
6.0
0.3
0.7
2.1
5.8
0.1
0.6
2.1
5.8
0.4
0.6"
1.8
3.4
2.0
2.0
2.0
1.8
1.8
2.0
2.1
5.8
5.8
6.0
5.8
6.1
5.9
0.4
0.4
0.2
0.4
0.3
0.4
0.3
0.3
0.3
0.6
0.6
0.6
0.6
0.6
0.6
476
CROWELL, LUKE, A-ND BAUMBACH
Vol 44, No. 6
and the ratio of concentration of chloride to bromide was 0.760. It
will be noted that the per cent error in the bromide end point when no
nonhalide salts are present is about double that when alum is added ;
and that when solutions of sodium sulfite, metol, and the D-72 de-
veloper are used, the errors are practically the same as in the case of
alum. Hydroquinone has an error somewhat greater than metol, but
this effect is overcome when sodium sulfite is also present. It will be
noted that the gelatin error is large even when a high concentration
-7
-5
I"
i
0
0 0.2 0.4 0.6 0.6 1.0 1.2 1.4
EXPERIMENTAL CONCENTRATION RATIO OF CHLORIDE TO BROMIDE
1.6
FIG. 1. Bromide corrections in titration of bromide chloride
mixtures — 0.009-0.02 N in bromide, and 0.0-0.02 N in chloride.
A — Halides alone; B — Halides plus alum or in used developer
solution ; C — Halides in aerated D-72 developer solution containing
gelatin.
of electrolyte is present and that for the different amounts of gelatin
added the error is practically constant. Of considerable significance
is the fact that the gelatin error in the used developer solution evi-
dently was practically negligible.
Table 2 and the curves in Fig. 1 show the bromide corrections for
different chloride to bromide concentration ratios in solutions
approximately 0.009-0.02M in bromide and 0.0-0.02M in chloride
containing the halides alone, and the halides plus various salts and
developer solution constituents. In the case of the used developer
solution the approximate volume of silver nitrate equivalent to the
June, 1945 POTENTIOMETRIC DETERMINATION OF BROMIDE
477
bromide originally present was determined by adding further amounts
of bromide and chloride, plotting the experimental concentration
ratios of chloride to bromide against the volumes of silver nitrate re-
quired to reach the bromide inflection point, and extrapolating the
TABLE 2
Bromide Correction in Bromide- Chloride Mixtures
Ml of AgNOa to Reach Experimental
Inflection Points Concentration Bromide
Nature of Solution
Halides alone titrated with
0.0990N AgN03
Halides plus 5 gin of alum
titrated with 0.0990N
AgN03
Halides added to 50 ml of
Paramount used de-
veloper solution. Ti-
trated with 0.0979N
AgN03
Halides and gelatin added
to 50 ml of D-72 de-
veloper solution oxidized
4 hr by air. Titrated
with 0.0988N AgNO3
Bromide
Chloride
iv-aiio 01 \_nioriai
to Bromide
B \_orreciiur
in Per Cen
19.27
22.08
0.15
-0.6
19.50
26.40
0.35
-1.8
19.72
29.38
0.49
-2.9
19.90
33.75
0.70
-3.8
20.00
36.73
0.84
-4.2
20.07
41.13
1.05
-4.6
9.32
22.24
1.39
-6.1
9.99
12.90
0.29
-1.5
10.14
15.50
0.53
-2.9
10.18
17.42
0.71
-3.3
19.26
22.22
0.15
-0.6
19.36
26.61
0.38
-1.0
19.45
29.60
0.52
-1.5
19.55
33.81
0.73
-2.0
19.65
36.79
0.87
-2.5
19.70
40.84
1.07
-2.8
9.08
22.30
1.46
-3.5
14.94
14.94
0.00
-0.0
23.83
25.40
0.07
-0.25
14.98
16.55
0.10
-0.3
15.13
19.18
0.27
-1.2
15.26
22.98
0.51
-2.0
15.30
25.45
0.66 '
-2.3
15.33
29.27
0.91
-2.5
15.38
31.85
1.07
-2.8
15.44
35.64
1.31
-3.2
16.94
16.94
0.00
-1.1
17.33
19.46
0.12
-3.3
17.55
23.17
0.32
-4.5
17.65
25.66
0.45
-5.0
17.75
29.45
0.66
-5.6
17.86
31.98
0.79
-6.2
18.05
35.77
0.98
-7.2
25.89
32.61
0.26
-3.7
10.71
15.22
0.42
-4.9
21.43
35.37
0.65
-5.8
478 CROWELL, LUKE, AND BAUMBACH Vol 44, No. 6
curve thus obtained to zero concentration ratio of chloride to bromide.
The results show that in the halide mixtures containing no added
salt or other constituent the error varies from 0.6-6.1 per cent com-
pared to 0.6-3.5 per cent for the mixtures in solutions of alum, or
developer solution constituents when all are present together. When
gelatin is present, the error is increased in all cases and varies from
1.1-7.2 per cent.
Evans, Hanson, and Glasoe8 have stated that the per cent error in
bromide tolerable before there is a noticeable change in density in a
photographic film may be 4-5 per cent in negative developers and as
high as 10 per cent in a positive developer. The results in Tables 1
and 2 show that the errors in the titrations made lie well within those
limits when one follows the procedure described. In control analyses
the percentage error of the titrations is not as important as their re-
producibility in solutions of the same type, since the purpose of the
control is to correlate analytical results with desired photographic
effects. The experience of the Paramount Laboratories, where essen-
tially the same procedure has been used during the past 3 years, shows
that in the routine analyses of their positive, negative, and sound
track developers all the solutions can be titrated to the same end-
point potential, without the use of a titration curve and still have the
deviations lie safely within the tolerance required. Ordinarily an
analysis can be made by a routine operator in about 10 min. If one
employs the recently developed Beckman automatic titration appara-
TABLE 3
Determination of Bromide in Positive, Negative, and Sound Track Negative
Developers. (All Concentrations Are in Grams Per Liter)
Developer Solutions
Sound Track
Positive Negative Negative
Hydroquinone concentration 4 . 00 0 . 50 0 . 25
Metol concentration 1 . 75 1 . 00 1.72
Potassium bromide cone. 3.65 0.40 0.16
Sodium Sulfite cone . 47 . 0 50 . 0 55 . 0
Sodium Carbonate cone. 7.00
Sodium sulfate cone. 29 . 0
Borax cone. ... 6.5 2.4
Citric acid cone. ... 0.34 0.52
Cone, ratio Cl/Br 0 . 10 0 . 52 1.2
pR 10.00 9.00 8.80
Estimated error, per cent 0.5 2.0 3.0
Average deviation, per cent 0.5 1-2
June, 1945 POTENTIOMETRIC DETERMINATION OF BROMIDE
479
tus, this time can be shortened still further, since the titration opera-
tion and registering of results are performed automatically.
Table 3 shows recent data obtained in the analysis of certain typical
used positive, negative, and sound track negative developer solutions.
All titrations were carried to a predetermined end-point potential.
In one series of runs a buret electrode was used and in another series a
calomel electrode such as that described in the next section was em-
ployed. Either electrode is satisfactory but the buret electrode is
more conveniently handled by the routine analyst. The estimated
400,
-100
0123436789
ml} of 0 IOON A,NO.j
, FIG. 2. Titration curves for samples of continuously replenished
developers. Abscissae of sound negative and picture negative
curves are plotted full scale, while those of positive film curve are
three-fourths scale.
per cent errors are taken from the curve in Fig. 1. In none of the solu-
tions was there found difficulty owing to dissolved silver.
ROUTINE PROCEDURE AT THE PARAMOUNT LABORATORY
The following procedure is used in the Paramount Laboratory in
its routine bromide titration of a positive developer solution: 25.0
ml of developer solution are run into a 500-ml beaker, 0.5 ml of
brom cresol green indicator added, followed by 75 ml of distilled water.
Concentrated sulfuric acid is added drop by drop until the solution
turns yellow. Then 0.5 ml of acid is added in excess, and finally 100
ml more of distilled water. A silver electrode and a saturated calomel
electrode provided with a ground glass joint designed to prevent
chloride diffusion are then introduced into the solution, the proper
480 CROWELL, LUKE, AND BAUMBACH
potentiometer adjustments made, the stirrer started, and silver ni-
trate solution added dropwise at a rapid rate until the potentiometer
reads about 70 mv. The silver nitrate is then added slowly, allowing
time for each addition to reach equilibrium. The end point is taken
at!20mv.
The procedure for negative and sound track negative developer
solutions is the same as that described above except that 100-ml
samples are taken.
Fig. 2 shows a set x>f typical titration curves obtained by use of the
foregoing procedures. The temperature of the solutions was 67 F.
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
The authors wish to acknowledge with thanks the cooperation of
Harvey E. Gaussman, Jr., and the Paramount Laboratory. Their
helpful suggestions and contributions of materials have been of great
assistance in this work.
REFERENCES
1 CLARK, W.: "The Electrometric Titration of Halides," /. Chem. Soc., Part
I (1926), p. 749.
2 KOLTHOFF, I. M., AND VAN BERK, L. H. : "The Accuracy of the Halide and
Thiocyanate Titration According to Fajans and According to the Usual Methods
Compared to the Results of Potentiometric Determination," Z. Anal. Chem., 70
(1927), p. 369.
3 WILLARD, H. H., AND BoLDYREFF, A. W. : "A Simple Reference Electrode
for Potentiometric Titrations," J. Am. Chem. Soc., 51 (1929), p. 471.
4 FLOOD, H., AND SLETTEN, E.: "The Evaluation of Argentometric-Potentio-
metric Titration Curves of Bromide-Chloride Mixtures," Z. Anal. Chem., 115
(1938), p. 30.
6 KUSTER, F. W.: "Equilibrium in Precipitates," Z. Anorg. Chem., 19 (1899),
p. 81.
6 LIEBICH, C.: Dissertation, Dresden (1920); Reviewed in KOLTHOFF, I. M.,
AND FURMAN, N. H.: "Potentiometric Titrations," John Wiley and Sons (New
York) 1931, ch. VII, p. 156.
7 TOMICEK, O., AND JANSKY, A. I "Argentometric Studies. II. Estimation of
Halides in the Presence of Sulfites," Collection Czechoslav. Chem. Communica-
tions, 1 (1929), p. 582.
8 EVANS, R. M., HANSON, W. T., JR., AND GLASOE, P. K.: "Synthetic Aged
Developers by Analysis," /. Soc. Mot. Pict. Eng., XXXVIH, 2 (Feb., 1942), p. 198.
9 BAUMBACH, H. L.: "Continuous Replenishment and Chemical Control of
Motion Picture Developing Solutions," /. Soc. Mot. Pict. Eng., XXXIX, 1 (July,
1942), p. 66.
BOOK REVIEW
The Measurement of Colour. By W. D. WRIGHT. Adam Hilger, Ltd. (Lon-
don), 1944, 232 + vii pp.; 65 diagrams and illust., 6 figs, in color.
This is a remarkably well-written book, and one which will fill a long-felt need.
The title of the book gives no true indication of the breadth and depth of its cover-
age. The chapter headings give a somewhat better indication. They are:
I. Radiation in the Visible Spectrum: Its Emission, Absorption and Re-
flection.
II. Radiation in the Visible Spectrum: Its Reception by the Eye.
III. The Trichromatic System of Colour Measurement.
IV. Colorimeters: Their Design and Use.
V. Spectrophotometry Applied to the Measurement of Colour.
VI. The Colour Atlas as a Sub-standard of Colour Measurement.
VII. Practical Applications of Colorimetry.
Supplementing these there are 3 appendices with 7 condensed tables.
The last chapter is of particular value. Among its section headings are: The
Colouring Power of Chemicals and Their Mixture, Lighting, The Paint Industry,
Signal Glasses, and Colour Reproduction. The last mentioned section, which has
particular application to color photography, is all too short; but it contains re-
ferences to other more extensive articles. In particular an article by the same
author in the Photographic Journal in 1940 gives a much more extensive treatment
of color photography.
As the use of color in motion pictures increases, and more particularly as some
of the newer processes are offered to and used by the industry, a great many engi-
neers, especially sound recording engineers, are going to be interested in the
harnessing and control of color reproduction processes. These engineers are
not going to be measuring colors (except perhaps occasionally) but they will be,
so to speak, dwelling in color space and some of them will want to "know their
way around." Dr. Wright's book can be recommended as a most thorough guide
book.
The physics of color presents peculiar difficulties, especially to the engineering
mind. This is largely because color does not properly belong in the domain of
physics, but rather that of psychophysics. Engineers deal so exclusively with the
external world that the very word psychophysics is scarcely in the engineering
vocabulary. The motion picture sound engineer deals with psychophysical rela-
tions when musical sensations are treated in terms of vibrations, amplitudes, etc.
But in the science of music the relationship of pitch, harmony, loudness, etc., to
frequencies, ratios, and amplitudes of aerial vibrations is so simple and so closely
alike for all individuals that the science of music moves effortlessly over into the
domain of physics. In fact, the distinction between the two aspects seems rather
labored.
481
482 BOOK REVIEW
Not so in the case of color. There are no colors in the external world, but only
electromagnetic vibrations, variations in reflection factors, etc. The sensation of
color is manufactured by the human eye and its attendant nervous mechanism.
The sense of color can be most closely compared with the sense of absolute pitch.
Very few people possess the latter, and very few people fail to possess the former.
The way in which, by the device of a standard observer, this phenomenon can be
treated as if it were a branch of physics is not without its pitfalls.
There has been for some time a great need for a book on the science of color
which would have the following qualities :
(1) Never to ignore the experimental background against which the standard
observer was erected, or to ignore the standardizing limitations to which he must
submit;
(2) Present the necessary mathematics in the simplest possible terms, recog-
nizing but not pursuing mathematical complexities ;
(5) Describe and evaluate the various types of color measuring devices, their
capabilities and limitations;
(4) Describe the applications of the methods to various industries with due
regard to tolerances and the incidence of unusual psychological conditions.
"The Measurement of Colour" is just such a book. A man better qualified
than Dr. Wright to write it could scarcely be found. His determination of the
color mixture curves for a group of observers, published in 1929, was one of the
chief courses of data for the specification of the standard observer. He is one of
the outstanding workers in the science of color. His presentation of the entire
subject is sound, thorough, and clear, without either skipping over the diffi-
culties or delving into them abstrusely.
Criticism of such a book can only be of a minor nature. One could wish it had
more brilliantly conceived and executed colored illustrations similar to some of
those which appeared in Life some months ago. Probably wartime limitations on
color printing in England have prevented that.
A minor criticism of the text can be made in saying that Dr. Wright in sketching
the evolution of the trichromatic system has not properly accredited the report,
published in 1922, of the Colorimetry Committee of the Optical Society of America
headed by Dr. L. T. Troland, which first surveyed the field broadly and fore-
shadowed the specification of a standard observer. However, he has properly
accredited Dr. H. E. Ives, now of the Bell Telephone Laboratories, for his
part in setting in motion the modern phase of development in the Science of
Color with his 1915 paper in the Journal of the Franklin Institute, an item which
is frequently overlooked in this country.
The book is obtainable in this country from the Jarrell-Ash Company, 165
Newbury Street, Boston, Massachusetts.
J. A. BALL
May 16, 1945
SOCIETY ANNOUNCEMENTS
ATLANTIC COAST SECTION MEETING
The development of Ansco color motion picture film was discussed by John L.
Forrest of the Research Department, Ansco Division, General Aniline and Film
Corporation, Binghamton, N. Y., before the meeting of the Atlantic Coast Section
of the Society in New York on April 18. Mr. Forrest, who has been engaged for
a number of years on problems relating to Ansco color film, discussed the general
principles involved in the process, showing how the colors are photographed in
different layers in the film and dyes are produced in these layers in the subsequent
development.
Mr. Forrest described in some detail a 16-mm color developing machine, illus-
trating his talk with color slides of the equipment. At the conclusion of his paper,
he showed samples of 16-mm Ansco color film representing typical amateur motion
picture photography.
Over 200 members and guests of the Section were present in the Salle Moderne
of the Hotel Pennsylvania. The program opened with a showing of the film,
Blood Bank at Natusa.
EMPLOYMENT SERVICE
POSITIONS OPEN
Young man with several years' experience in Motion Picture Camera
and Projector design. Must have mechanical background with a
knowledge of motion picture industry requirements. Write or telephone
for interview. Akeley Camera, Inc., 175 Varick St., New York 14, N. Y.
WAlker 5-7954.
Optical engineer's assistant. Acquainted with optical laboratory routine,
ray tracing and similar problems in related scientific fields. Reply to
Optical Engineering Department, DeVry Corporation, 1111 Armitage
Ave., Chicago 14, 111.
Position open for man or woman with experience in optical instrument
design. Position also. open for man or woman with experience in lens
design or computing. Write for interview. Binswanger and Company,
Optics Division, 645 Union Ave., Memphis, Tenn.
Physicist with special training in optics for research on utilization of
carbon arcs particularly in projection systems. Apply to Research Labo-
ratory, National Carbon Co., Inc., P. O. Box 6087, Cleveland 1, Ohio.
POSITION WANTED
Engineer desires position with manufacturer or theater circuit super-
vising construction, maintenance, or operation. Sixteen years' ex-
perience. For details write P. O. Box 710, Chicago, 111.
483
JOURNAL
OF THE SOCIETY OF
MOTION PICTURE ENGINEERS
AUTHOR AND CLASSIFIED
INDEXES
VOLUME 44
JANUARY-JUNE, 1945
AUTHOR INDEX, VOLUME 44
JANUARY-JUNE, 1945
Author
AUSTRIAN, R. B.
BAUMBACH, H. L.
(and CROWELL, W. R.,
and LUKE, W. W.)
BRIGANDI, P. E.
CRANE, G. R.
(and DAVIDSON, J. C.)
CRANE, G. R.
CROWELL, W. R.
(and BAUMBACH, H. L.
and LUKE, W. W.)
DAVIDSON, J. C.
(and FRAYNE, J. G.)
(and CRANE, G. R.)
DAVIS, F.
(and HARRIS, C. F.)
DEARING, L. M.
EPSTEIN, D. W.
(and MALOFF, I. G.)
FRAYNE, J. G.
(and DAVIDSON, J. C.)
GRAY, H. A.
GRIFFIN, H.
HARRIS, C. F.
(and DAVIS, F.)
HYNDMAN, D. E.
486
Title
Some Economic Aspects of Theater
Television
The Potentiometric Determination
of Bromide in the Presence of
Chloride in .Photographic Devel-
oper Solutions
Rerecording 35-Mm Entertainment
Films for 16-Mm Armed Forces
Release
Airplane Vibration Recorder
Airplane Vibration Reproducer
The Potentiometric Determination
of Bromide in the Presence of
Chloride in Photographic Devel-
oper Solutions
Application of Sound Recording
Techniques to Airplane Vibration
Analysis
Airplane Vibration Recorder
The Photo-Template Process
Fleet Processing of 16-Mm
Camera and Combat Films
Projection Television
Gun
Application of Sound Recording
Techniques to Airplane Vibration
Analysis
Developments in Army Air Forces
Training Films
President's Address Before Fifty-
Sixth Semi- Annual Meeting
The Photo-Template Process
Organization of Committees on Engi-
neering of the SMPE
No. Page
5 (May) 377
6 (June) 472
1 (Jan.)
1 (Jan.)
18
40
1 (Jan.) 53
6 (June) 472
1 (Jan.) 31
1 (Jan.) 40
3 (Mar.) 195
4 (Apr.) 231
6 (June) 443
1 (Jan.) 31
5 (May) 372
1 (Jan.) 1
3 (Mar.) 195
1 (Jan.) 22
INDEX
487
Author
INGMAN, T. M.
(and LESHING, M. S.)
JONES, R. W.
KELLOGG, E. W.
LARSEN, P. J.
LEENHOUTS, G.
LESHING, M. S.
(and INGMAN, T. M.)
LEWIS, R. B.
LLOYD- JOHNSTONE, A. B.
LUKE, W. W.
(and BAUMBACH, H. L.,
and CROWELL, W. R.)
MALOFF, I. G.
(and EPSTEIN, D. W.)
MATTHEWS, G. E.
MCCLELLAND, J. H.
MCNAIR, J. W.
MEES, C. E. K.
MILLER, W. C.
OSBORNE, H. S.
QUACKENBUSH, JR., R. S.
REEVES, A.
ROBERTS, H. B.
ROYS, H. E.
SAMS, JR., O. E.
Title No. Page
Some Turbulation Characteristics of
the New Twentieth Century-Fox
Developing Machine 2 (Feb.) 97
Displacement Meter for Testing Un-
steadiness in Motion Picture Pro-
jectors 6 (June) 456
The ABC of Photographic Sound Re-
cording 3 (Mar.) 151
Statement Presented Before the Fed-
eral Communications Commission
Relating to Television Broadcast-
ing 2 (Feb.) 123
Story Development and Control in
Training Films 5 (May) 340
Some Turbulation Characteristics of
the New Twentieth Century-Fox
Developing Machine 2 (Feb.) 97
Blunders in Training Films — Their
Causes and Cures 5 (May) 343
The Teaching of Basic English by
Means of Feature Films 1 (Jan.) 65
The Potentiometric Determination
of Bromide in the Presence of
Chloride in Photographic Devel-
oper Solutions 6 (June) 472
Projection Television 6 (June) 443
Citation on the Work of John I.
Crabtree, George T. Eaton, and
Lowell E. Muehler 1 (Jan.) 5
Machine Bookkeeping Methods as
Used for Navy Training Film Pro-
duction Control 5 (May) 349
Progress Report of the Work of the
ASA Committee on Photography
and Cinematography-Z52 5 (May) 386
John George Capstaff 1 (Jan.) 10
The PH-346A Recording Equipment 2 (Feb.) 75
Coaxial Cables and Television Trans-
mission 6 (June) 403
The Gun Camera 5 (May) 364
The Art Reeves Reflex Motion Pic-
ture Camera 6 (June) 436
Educational Research in the Produc-
tion of Training Films 5 (May) 335
Experience with an FM Calibrator
for Disk Recording Heads 6 (June) 461
Problems in 16-Mm Classroom Film
Distribution 3 (Mar.) 214
488 INDEX
Author Title No. Page
SCHAFFERS, T. A New 35-Mm Projector with a New
Light Source 3 (Mar.) 203
SPOTTISWOODE, R. Developments at the National Film
Board of Canada, 1939-44 5 (May) 391
STRAUSS, W. R. Direct-Reading Frequency Meter 4 (Apr.) 257
SWEET, M. H. Densitometry of Modern Reversible
Color Film 6 (June) 419
WALTERS, L. H. Some Factors in Drive-In Theater
Design 2 (Feb.) 138
WILLIS, W. A. Analysis of Geneva Mechanisms 4 (Apr.) 275
CLASSIFIED INDEX, VOLUME 44
JANUARY-JUNE, 1945
Airplane Vibration (See Vibration)
American Standards Association
(See also War Committee on Photography and Cinematography-Z52.
Nomenclature for Motion Picture Film Used in Studios and Processing Labora-
tories, No. 4 (Apr.), p. 285.
Progress Report of the Work of the ASA Committee on Photography and
Cinematography-Z52, J. W. McNair, No. 5 (May), p. 386.
Apparatus
Airplane Vibration Recorder, J. C. Davidson and G. R. Crane, No. 1 (Jan.),
p. 40.
Airplane Vibration Reproducer, G. R. Crane, No. 1 (Jan.), p. 53.
The PH-346A Recording Equipment, W. C. Miller, No. 2 (Feb.), p. 75.
Some Turbulation Characteristics of the New Twentieth Century-Fox Develop-
ing Machine, M. S. Leshing and T. M. Ingman, No. 2 (Feb.), p. 97.
A New 35-Mm Projector with a New Light Source, T. Schaffers, No. 3 (Mar.),
p. 203.
Fleet Processing of 16-Mm Gun Camera and Combat Films, L. M. Dearing,
No. 4 (Apr.), p. 231.
Direct-Reading Frequency Meter, W. R. Strauss, No. 4 (Apr.), p. 257.
Experience with an FM Calibrator for Disk Recording Heads, H. E. Roys,
No. 6 (June), p. 461.
Army, U. S.
(See also Training Films)
Developments in Army Air Forces Training Films, H. A. Gray, No. 5 (May),
p. 372.
Atlantic Coast Section (See SMPE Activities and Announcements)
Book Review
Correct Exposure in Photography, No. 1 (Jan.), p. 71.
The Measurement of Colour, No. 6 (June), p. 481.
Cameras
The Gun Camera, R. S. Quackenbush, Jr., No. 5 (May), p. 364.
The Art Reeves Reflex Motion Picture Camera, A. Reeves, No. 6 (June), p.
436.
490 INDEX Vol 44, No. 6
Color
Technical News, No. 3 (Mar.), p. 220.
Densitometry of Modern Reversible Color Film, M. H. Sweet, No. 6 (June),
p. 419.
Committee Activities and Reports
Organization of Committees on Engineering of the SMPE, D. E. Hyndrnan,
No. 1 (Jan.), p. 22.
Statement of the SMPE on Allocation of Frequencies in the Radio Spectrum
from 10 Kilocycles to 30,000,000 Kilocycles for Theater Television Service,
No. 2 (Feb.), p. 105.
Statement of the SMPE in Opposition to the Brief of the Columbia Broadcast-
ing System as It Relates to Theater Television, No. 4 (Apr.), p. 263.
Nominating Committee, Appointment of, No. 4 (Apr.), p. 332.
Current Literature
No. 1 (Jan.), p. 72; No. 3 (Mar.), p. 222; No. 5 (May), p. 401.
Densitometry
Densitometry of Modern Reversible Color Film, M. H. Sweet, No. 6 (June), p.
419.
Developing (See Laboratory Practice and Processing)
Distribution
Problems in 16-Mm Classroom Film Distribution, O. E. Sams, Jr., No. 3 (Mar.),
p. 214.
Drive-In Theaters
• Some Factors in Drive-In Theater Design, L. H. Walters, No. 2 (Feb.), p. 138
Educational Motion Pictures
(See also Sixteen-Mm Motion Pictures and Training Films)
The Teaching of Basic English by Means of Feature Films, A. B. Lloyd -
Johnstone, No. 1 (Jan.), p. 65.
Problems in 16-Mm Classroom Film Distribution, O. E. Sams, Jr., No. 3 (Mar.),
p. 214.
Educational Research in the Production of Training Films, H. B. Roberts, No.
5 (May), p. 335.
Developments at the National Film Board of Canada, 1939-44, R. Spottis-
woode, No. 5 (May), p. 391.
Engineering Vice-President, SMPE
Organization of Committees on Engineering of the SMPE, D. E. Hyndman,
No. 1 (Jan.), p. 22.
Federal Communications Commission (See Television)
Fellow Membership Award (See SMPE Activities and Announcements)
June, 1945 INDEX 491
Film, Fine-Grain
Technical News, No. 3 (Mar.), p. 220.
General
The Teaching of Basic English by Means of Feature Films, A. B. Lloyd-
Johnstone, No. 1 (Jan.), p. 65.
The Photo-Template Process, F. Davis and C. F. Harris, No. 3 (Mar.), p. 195.
Analysis of Geneva Mechanisms, W. A. Willis, No. 4 (Apr.), p. 275.
Illumination, Projection
A New 35-Mm Projector with a New Light Source, T. Schaffers, No. 3 (Mar.),
p. 203.
Illumination, Studio
Technical News, No. 3 (Mar.), p. 220.
Instruments
Direct-Reading Frequency Meter, W. R. Strauss, No. 4 (Apr.), p. 257.
Densitometry of Modern Reversible Color Film, M. H. Sweet, No. 6 (June),
p. 419.
Displacement Meter for Testing Unsteadiness in Motion Picture Projectors,
R. W. Jones, No. 6 (June), p. 456.
Journal Award (See SMPE Activities and Announcements}
Laboratory Practice
Some Turbulation Characteristics of the New Twentieth Century-Fox De-
veloping Machine, M. S. Leshing and T. M. Ingman, No. 2 (Feb.), p. 97.
Nomenclature for Motion Picture Film Used in Studios and Processing Labora-
tories, No. 4 (Apr.), p. 285.
The Potentiometric Determination of Bromide in the Presence of Chloride in
Photographic Developer Solutions, W. R. Crowell, W. W. Luke, and H. L.
Baumbach, No. 6 (June), p. 472.
Navy, U. S.
(See also Training Films)
Fleet Processing of 16-Mm Gun Camera and Combat Films, L. M. Dearing,
No. 4 (Apr.), p. 231.
The Gun Camera, R. S. Quackenbush, Jr., No. 5 (May), p. 364.
Obituary
G. P. Bourgeois, R. B. Murray, A. J. Seeley, No. 2 (Feb.), p. 149; M. L.
Hobart, No. 3 (Mar.), p. 229.
Pacific Coast Section (See SMPE Activities and Announcements]
Photo-Templates
The Photo-Template Process, F. Davis and C. F. Harris/No. 3 (Mar.), p. 195.
492 INDEX Vol 44, No. 6
President, SMPE ,
President's Address Before Fifty-Sixth Semi- Annual Meeting, H. Griffin,
No. 1 (Jan.), p. 1.
Processing
Some Turbulation Characteristics of the New Twentieth Century-Fox De-
veloping Machine, M. S. Leshing and T. M. Ingman, No. 2 (Feb.), p. 97.
Fleet Processing of 16-Mm Gun Camera and Combat Films, L. M. Bearing,
No. 4 (Apr.), p. 231.
Nomenclature for Motion Picture Film Used in Studios and Processing Labora-
tories, No. 4 (Apr.), p. 285.
The Potentiometric Determination of Bromide in the Presence of Chloride in
Photographic Developer Solutions, W. R. Crowell, W. W. Luke, and H. L.
Baumbach, No. 6 (June), p. 472.
Production
The Photo-Template Process, F. Davis and C. F. Harris, No. 3 (Mar.), p. 195.
Story Development and Control in Training Films, G. Leenhouts, No. 5 (May),
p. 340.
Machine Bookkeeping Methods as Used for Navy Training Film Production
Control, J. H. McClelland, No. 5 (May), p. 349.
Developments at the National Film Board of Canada, 1939^4, R. Spottis-
woode, No. 5 (May), p. 391.
Progress Medal Award (See SMPE Activities and Announcements}
Projectors
A New 35-Mm Projector with a New Light Source, T. Schaffers, No. 3 (Mar.),
p. 203.
Analysis of Geneva Mechanisms, W. A. Willis, No. 4 (Apr.), p. 275.
Displacement Meter for Testing Unsteadiness in Motion Picture Projectors,
R. W. Jones, No. 6 (June), p. 456.
••
Recording (See Sound Recording)
Rerecording (See Sound Recording)
Sixteen-Mm Motion Pictures
Rerecording 35-Mm Entertainment Films for 16-Mm Armed Forces Release,
P. E. Brigandi, No. 1 (Jan.), p. 18.
The PH-346A Recording Equipment, W. C. Miller, No. 2 (Feb.), p. 75.
The ABC of Photographic Sound Recording, E. W. Kellogg, No. 3 (Mar.), p.
151.
Problems in 16-Mm Classroom Film Distribution, O. E. Sams, Jr., No. 3 (Mar.),
p. 214.
Fleet Processing of 16-Mm Gun Camera and Qombat Films, L M. Dearing,
No.4(Apr.),p'.231.
June, 1945 INDEX 493
SMPE Activities and Announcements
Atlantic Coast Section :
Meeting, Nov. 15 — No. 1 (Jan.), p. 74; Meeting, Dec. 13 — No. 2 (Feb.),
p. 148; Meeting, Jan. 17— No. 3 (Mar.), p. 229; Meeting, Feb. 21— No. 4
(Apr.), p. 332; Meeting, Mar. 21— No. 5 (May), p. 402; Meeting, Apr.
18— No. 6 (June), p. 483.
Committee Personnel, No. 4 (Apr.), p. 306.
Constitution and By-Laws, No. 4 (Apr.), p. 313.
Employment Service, No. 1 (Jan.), p. 74; No. 2 (Feb.), p. 148; No. 3 (Mar.),
p. 229; No. 4 (Apr.), p. 333; No. 5 (May), p. 402; No. 6 (June), p. 483.
Fellow Membership Award, No. 1 (Jan.), p. 3.
Fifty-Seventh Semi-Annual Technical Conference:
Committees and Tentative Program, No. 2 (Feb.), p. 143; No. 3 (Mar.),
p. 224; No. 4 (Apr.), p. 327.
Journal Award :
Citation on the Work of John I. Crabtree, George T. Eaton, and Lowell E.
Muehler, by G. E. Matthews, No. 1 (Jan.), p. 5.
Regulations of, No. 4 (Apr.), p. 324.
Nominating Committee, Appointment of, No. 4 (Apr.), p. 332.
Officers, Governors and Section Managers for 1945-46, No. 4 (Apr.), p. 303.
Organization of Committees on Engineering of the SMPE, D. E. Hyndman,
No. 1 (Jan.), p. 22.
Pacific Coast Section:
Meeting, Feb. 14— No. 4 (Apr.), p. 332.
President's Address Before Fifty-Sixth Semi-Annual Meeting, H. Griffin,
No. 1 (Jan.), p. 1.
Progress Medal Award:
John George Capstaff, by C. E. K. Mees, No. 1 (Jan.), p. 10.
Regulations of, No. 4 (Apr.), p. 325.
Treasurer's Report, No. 4 (Apr.), p. 334.
Sound Recording
Rerecording 35-Mm Entertainment Films for 16-Mm Armed Forces Release
P. E. Brigandi, No. 1 (Jan.), p. 18.
Application of Sound Recording Techniques to Airplane Vibration Analysis,
J. G. Frayne and J. C. Davidson, No. 1 (Jan.), p. 31.
Airplane Vibration Recorder, J. C. Davidson and G. R. Crane, No. 1 (Jan.),
p. 40.
The PH-346A Recording Equipment, W. C. Miller, No. 2 (Feb.), p. 75.
The ABC of Photographic Sound Recording, E. W. Kellogg, No. 3 (Mar.), p.
151.
Technical News, No. 3 (Mar.), p. 220.
Direct-Reading Frequency Meter, W. R. Strauss, No. 4 (Apr.), p. 257.
Experience with an FM Calibrator for Disk Recording Heads, H. E. Roys, No.
6 (June), p. 461.
Sound Reproduction
Airplane Vibration Reproducer, G. R. Crane, No. 1 (Jan.), p. 53T
494 INDEX Vol 44, No. 6
Standards
Nomenclature for Motion Picture Film Used in Studios and Processing Labora-
tories, No. 4 (Apr.), p. 285.
Progress Report of the Work of the ASA Committee on Photography and Cine-
matography-Z52, J. W. McNair, No. 5 (May), p. 386.
Technical News
No. 3 (Mar.), p. 220.
Television
Statement of the SMPE on Allocation of Frequencies in the Radio Spectrum
from 10 Kilocycles to 30,000,000 Kilocycles for Theater Television Service,
No. 2 (Feb.), p. 105.
Statement Presented Before the Federal Communications Commission Relating
to Television Broadcasting, P. J. Larsen, No. 2 (Feb.), p. 123.
Excerpts from Report by Federal Communications Commission on Proposed
Allocations from 25,000 Kilocycles to 30,000,000 Kilocycles, No. 2 (Feb.), p.
128.
Statement of the SMPE in Opposition to the Brief of the Columbia Broadcast-
ing System as It Relates to Theater Television, No. 4 (Apr.), p. 263.
Some Economic Aspects of Theater Television, R. B. Austrian, No. 5 (May),
p. 377.
Coaxial Cables and Television Transmission, H. S. Osborne, No. 6 (June),
403.
Projection Television, D. W. Epstein and I. G. Maloff, No. 6 (June), p. 443.
Theater Design
Some Factors in Drive-In Theater Design, L. H. Walters, No. 2 (Feb.)., p.
138.
Training Films
Educational Research in the Production of Training Films, H. B. Roberts, No.
5 (May), p. 335.
Story Development and Control in Training Films, G. Leenhouts, No. 5 (May),
p. 340.
Blunders in Training Films — Their Causes and Cures, R. B. Lewis, No. 5
(May), p. 343.
Machine Bookkeeping Methods as Used for Navy Training Film Production
Control, J. H. McClelland, No. 5 (May), p. 349.
Developments in Army Air Forces Training Films, H. A. Gray, No. 5 (May), p.
372.
Developments at the National Film Board of Canada, 1939-44, R. Spottis-
woode, No. 5 (May), p. 391.
Vibration
Application of Sound Recording Techniques to Airplane Vibration Analysis,
J. G. Frayne and J. C. Davidson, No. 1 (Jan.), p. 31.
Airplane Vibration Recorder, J. C. Davidson and G. R. Crane, No. 1 (Jan) .,
p. 40.
June, 1945 INDEX 495
Airplane Vibration Reproducer, G. R. Crane, No. 1 (Jan.), p. 53.
War Committee on Photography and Cinematography-Z52
Organization of Committees on Engineering of the SMPE, D. E. Hyndman,
No. 1 (Jan.), p. 22.
Nomenclature for Motion Picture Film Used in Studios and Processing Labora-
tories, No. 4 (Apr.), p. 285.
Progress Report of the Work of the ASA Committee on Photography and
Cinematography-Z52, J. W. McNair, No. 5 (May), p. 386.
COMMITTEES OF THE SOCIETY
(Correct to May 31, 1945)
ADMISSIONS. — To pass upon all applications for membership, applications for transfer and
to review the Student and Associate membership list periodically for possible transfers to the
Associate and Active grades, respectively. The duties of each committee are limited to applica-
tions and transfers originating in the geographic area covered.
(East Coast)
A. S. DICKINSON, Chairman
28 West 44th St.
New York 18, N. Y.
M. R. BOYER JAMES FRANK, JR. HARRY RUBIN
F. E. CAHILL, JR. J. A. MAURER E. I. SPONABLE
(West Coast)
H. W. REMERSCHEID, Chairman
716 N. LaBrea St.
Hollywood, Calif.
C. R. DAILY PETER MOLE
EMERY HUSE H. W. MOYSE
BOARD OF EDITORS. — To pass upon the suitability of all material submitted for publica-
tion, or for presentation at conventions, and publish the JOURNAL.
A. C. DOWNES, Chairman
Box 6087
Cleveland 1, Ohio
J. I. CRABTREE A. M. GUNDELFINGER C. R. KEITH
A. N. GOLDSMITH C. W. HANDLEY E. W. KELLOGG
A. C. HARDY
CINEMATOGRAPHY. — To make recommendations and prepare specifications for the
operation, maintenance, and servicing of motion picture cameras, accessory equipment, studio
and outdoor set lighting arrangements, camera technique, and the varied uses of motion picture
negative films for general photography.
J. W. BOYLE, Chairman
1207 N. Mansfield Ave.
Hollywood, Calif.
C. G. CLARKE *ARTHUR MILLER ARTHUR REEVES
KARL FREUND JOSEPH RUTTENBERG
COLOR. — To make recommendations and prepare specifications for the operation, mainte-
nance, and servicing of color motion picture processes, accessory equipment, studio lighting,
selection of studio set colors, color cameras, color motion picture films, and general color photog-
raphy.
J. A. BALL, Chairman
12720 Highwood St.
Los Angeles 24, Calif.
, M. R. BOYER R. M. EVANS A. C. HARDY
G. A. CHAMBERS J. L. FORREST W. C. MILLER
L. E. CLARK J. G. FRAYNE L. L. RYDER
R. O. DREW L. T. GOLDSMITH J. G. WHITE
A. M. GUNDELFINGER
* Advisory Member.
COMMITTEES OF THE SOCIETY
CONVENTION. — To assist the Convention Vice-President in the responsibilities pertaining
to arrangements and details of the Society's technical conventions.
W. C. KUNZMANN, Chairman
Box 6087
Cleveland 1, Ohio
*JULIUS HABER C. R. KEITH H. W. MOYSE
H. F. HEIDEGGER R. H. McCuLLOUGH O. F. NEU
EXCHANGE PRACTICE. — To make recommendations and prepare specifications on the
engineering or technical methods and equipment that contribute to efficiency in handling and
storage of motion picture prints, so far as can be obtained by proper design, construction, and
operation of film handling equipment, air-conditioning systems, and exchange office buildings.
(Under Organization)
FELLOW MEMBERSHIP. — To consider qualifications of Active members as candidates for
elevation to Fellow members, and to submit such nominations to the Board of Governors.
HERBERT GRIFFIN, Chairman
133 E. Santa Anita Ave.
Burbank, Calif.
M. R. BOYER D. E. HYNDMAN H. W. MOYSE
A. S. DICKINSON C. R. KEITH L. L. RYDER
A. C. DOWNES W. C. KUNZMANN E. A. WILLIFORD
J. A. MAURER
HISTORICAL AND MUSEUM.— To collect facts and assemble data relating to the historica 1
development of the motion picture industry, to encourage pioneers to place their work on record
in the form of papers for publication in the JOURNAL, and to place in suitable depositories equip-
ment pertaining to the industry.
J. E. ABBOTT, Chairman
11 West 53d St.
New York 19, N. Y.
O. B. DEPUE RICHARD GRIFFITH TERRY RAMSAYE
HONORARY MEMBERSHIP.— To diligently search for candidates who through their
basic inventions or outstanding accomplishments have contributed to the advancement of the
motion picture industry and are thus worthy of becoming Honorary members of the Society.
EMERY HUSE, Chairman
6706 Santa Monica Blvd.
Hollywood 38, Calif.
NATHAN LEVINSON L. L. RYDER
A. J. MILLER E. I. SPONABLE
JOURNAL AWARD. — To recommend to the Board of Governors the author or authors of
the most outstanding paper originally published in the JOURNAL during the preceding calendar
year to receive the Society's Journal Award.
F. E. CARLSON, Chairman
Nela Park
Cleveland 12, Ohio
C. R. DAILY G. E. MATTHEWS
P. J. LARSEN W. V. WOLFE
LABORATORY PRACTICE. — To make recommendations and prepare specifications for the
operation, maintenance, and servicing of motion picture printers, processing machines, inspec-
tion projectors, splicing machines, film cleaning and treating equipment, rewinding equipment,
any type of film handling accessories, methods, and processes which offer increased efficiency
and improvement in the photographic quality of the final print.
H. E. WHITE, Chairman
Room 813
350 Madison Ave.
New York 17, N. Y.
* Advisory Member.
COMMITTEES OF THE SOCIETY Vol 44, No. 6
J. R. ALBURGER F. L. EICH J. M. NICKOLAUS
A. C. BLANEY G. H. GIBSON N. F. OAKLEY
L. A. BONN EMERY HUSE W. H. OFFENHAUSER, JR.
A. W. COOK T. M. INGMAN V. C. SHANER
O. B. DEPUE C. L. LOOTENS J. H. SPRAY
R. O. DREW A. J. MILLER J. F. VAN LEUVEN
MEMBERSHIP AND SUBSCRIPTION. — To solicit new members, obtain nonmember sub
scriptions for the JOURNAL, and to arouse general interest in the activities of the Society and its
publications.
JAMES FRANK, JR., Chairman
356 West 44th St.
New York 18, N. Y.
T. C. BARROWS E. R. GEIB W. A. MUELLER
J. G. BRADLEY L. T. GOLDSMITH H. B. SANTEE
KARL BRENKERT SYLVAN HARRIS G. E. SAWYER
G. A. CHAMBERS L. B. ISAAC W. L. THAYER
L. W. CHASE W. C. KUNZMANN E. O. WILSCHKE
J. P. CORCORAN S. A. LUKES W. V. WOLFE
J. G. FRAYNE G. E. MATTHEWS C. R. WOOD, SR.
G. C. MISENER
NOMINATIONS. — To recommend nominations to the Board of Governors for annual election
of officers and governors.
E. M. HONAN, Chairman
6601 Romaine St.
Hollywood 38, Calif.
E. A. BERTRAM EMERY HUSE W. C. MILLER
M. R. BOYER D. B. JOY PETER MOLE
HERBERT GRIFFIN J. A. MAURER E. A. WILLIFORD
NONTHEATRICAL EQUIPMENT. — To make recommendations and prepare specifications
for the operation, maintenance, and servicing of 16-tnm motion picture projectors, splicing
machines, screen dimensions and placement, loudspeaker output and placement, preview or
theater arrangements, and the like, which will improve the reproduced sound and picture quality
of 16-mm prints.
D. F. LYMAN, Chairman
1368 Titus Ave.
Rochester 9, N. Y.
E. W. D'ARCY R. C. HOLSLAG D. G. SMITH
*W. C. BOWEN H. J. HOOD RAYMOND SPOTTISWOODE
*F. L. BRETHAUER R. KINGSLAKE *J. STREIFFERT
*F. E. BROOKER L. R. MARTIN HARRY STRONG
F. E. CARLSON V. J. NOLAN LLOYD THOMPSON
G. A. CHAMBERS W. H. OFFENHAUSER, JR. M. G..TOWNSLEY
*S. L. CHERTOK M. W. PALMER L. E. VARDEN
JOHN CHRISTIE L. T. SACHTLEBEN J. E. VOLKMANN
R. O. DREW A. SHAPIRO A. G. ZIMMERMAN
PAPERS. — To solicit papers, and provide the program for semi-annual conventions, and make
available to local sections for their meetings papers presented at national conventions,
C. R. DAILY, Chairman BARTON KREUZER, Vice- Chair man
5451 Marathon St. RCA Victor Division
Hollywood 38. Calif. • Radio Corp. of America
Camden, N. J.
G. A. CHAMBERS L. T. GOLDSMITH P. A. McGuiRE
A. R. DAVIS C. R. KEITH H. W. MOYSE
F. L. EICH E. W. KELLOGG V. C. SHANER
JAMES FRANK, JR. G. E. MATTHEWS S. P. SOLOW
J. G. FRAYNE W. V. WOLFE
* Advisory Member.
June, 1945 COMMITTEES OF THE SOCIETY
PRESERVATION OF FILM. — To make recommendations and prepare specifications on
methods of treating and storage of motion picture film for active, archival, and permanent
record purposes, so far as can be prepared within both the economic and historical value of the
films.
J. G. BRADLEY, Chairman
.The National Archives
Washington 25, D. C.
J. E. ABBOTT J. L. FORREST *W. F. KELLEY
*H. T. COWLING *J. E. GIBSON *C. A. LINDSTROM
J. I. CRABTREE *ORVILLE GOLDNER TERRY RAMSAYE
A. S. DICKINSON C. L. GREGORY V. B. SEASE
PROCESS PHOTOGRAPHY. — To make recommendations and prepare specifications on
motion picture optical printers, process projectors (background process), matte processes,
special process lighting technique, special processing machines, miniature set requirements,
special effects devices, and the like, that will lead to improvement in this phase of the production
art.
(Under Organization)
PROGRESS. — To prepare an annual report on progress in the motion picture industry.
G. A. CHAMBERS, Chairman
Naval Air Station, PSL
Anacostia, D. C.
F. T. BOWDITCH J. A. DUBRAY G. E. MATTHEWS
G. L. DIMMICK M. S. LESHING D. R. WHITE
PROGRESS MEDAL AWARD.— To recommend to the Board of Governors a candidate who
by his inventions, research, or development has contributed in a significant manner to the
advancement of motion picture technology, and is deemed worthy of receiving the Progress
Medal Award of the Society.
E. A. WILLIFORD, Chairman
230 Park Ave.
New York 17, N. Y.
M. R. BOYER NATHAN LEVINSON
F. E. CARLSON G. F. RACKETT
PUBLICITY. — To assist the Convention Vice-President in the release of publicity material
concerning the Society's semi-annual technical conventions.
*JULIUS HABER, Chairman
RCA Victor Division
Radio Corp. of America
Camden, N. J.
*LEONARD BIDWELL C. R. DAILY P. A. McGuiRE
*E. O. BLACKBURN BARTON KREUZER HARRY SHERMAN
SOUND. — To make recommendations and prepare specifications for the operation, mainte-
nance, and servicing of motion picture film, sound recorders, rerecorders, and reproducing
equipment, methods of recording sound, sound film processing, and the like, to obtain means of
standardizing procedures that will result in the production of better uniform quality sound in
the theater.
J. G. FRAYNE, Chairman C. R. KEITH, Vice-Chairman
6601 Romaine St. 233 Broadway
Hollywood 38, Calif. New York 7, N. Y.
D. J. BLOOMBERG L. B. ISAAC OTTO SANDVIK
B. B. BROWN J. P. LIVADARY G. E. SAWYER
F. E. CAHILL, JR. G. T. LORANCE S. P. SOLOW
C. R. DAILY W. C. MILLER E. I. SPONABLE
R. J. ENGLER W. A. MUELLER R. T. VANNIMAN
L. D. GRIGNON J. E. VOLKMANN
* Advisory Member
COMMITTEES OF THE SOCIETY
Vol 44, No. 6
STANDARDS. — To constantly survey all engineering phases of motion picture production,
distribution, and exhibition to make recommendations and prepare specifications that may
become proposals for SMPE Recommended Practices and/or American Standards. This
Committee should carefully follow the work of all other committees on engineering and may
request any committee to investigate and prepare a report on the phase of motion picture
engineering to which it is assigned.
F. T. BOWDITCH, Chairman
Box 6087
Cleveland 1, Ohio
J. M. ANDREAS
HERBERT BARNETT
M. C. BATSEL
M. F. BENNETT
E. A. BERTRAM
M. R.>BOYBR
*F. L. BRETHAUER
F. E. CARLSON
E. K. CARVER
G. A. CHAMBERS
A. W. COOK
E. D. COOK
L. W. DAVEE
A. A. DURYEA
A. F. EDOUART
P. C. GOLDMARK
A. N. GOLDSMITH
L. T. GOLDSMITH
IRL GOSHAW
HERBERT GRIFFIN
A. C. HARDY
R. C. HOLSLAG
J. K. HlLLIARD
D. B. JOY
C. R. KEITH
*W. F. KELLEY
R. KlNGSLAKE
P. J. LARSEN
C. L. LOOTENS
D. F. LYMAN
PIERRE MERTZ
W. C. MILLER
H. W. MOYSE
W. H. OFFENHAUSER, JR,
G. F. RACKETT
W. B. RAYTON
L. T. SACHTLEBEN
OTTO SANDVIK
J. A. SCHEIK
R. R. SCOVILLE
J. H. SPRAY
LLOYD THOMPSON
M. G. TOWNSLEY
J. F. VAN LEUVEN
D. R. WHITE
H. E. WHITE
A. G. ZIMMERMAN
STUDIO LIGHTING. — To make recommendations and prepare specifications for the
operation, maintenance, and servicing of all types of studio and outdoor auxiliary lighting
equipment, tungsten light and carbon arc sources, lighting effect devices, diffusers, special light
screens, etc., to increase the general engineering knowledge of the art.
J. W. BOYLE
H. J. CHANON
C. W. HANDLEY, Chairman
I960 West 84th St.
Los Angeles 44, Calif.
R. E. FARNHAM
KARL FREUND
W. W. LOZIER
TECHNICAL NEWS. — To survey the fields of production, distribution, and exhibition of
motion pictures, and allied industries, to obtain technical news items for publication in the
JOURNAL.
J. W. BOYLE
J. I. CRABTREE
A. M. GUNDELFINGER
A. C. BLANEY, Chairman
1016 N. Sycamore St.
Hollywood 38, Calif.
C. W. HANDLEY
EMERY HUSE
H. R. LUBCKE
K. F. MORGAN
H. W. REMERSCHEID
EDWARD SCHMIDT
WILLIAM THOMAS
TELEVISION. — To make recommendations and prepare specifications for the operation,
maintenance, and servicing of motion picture theater television equipment giving full con-
sideration to the engineering phases of television which affect origination, transmission, dis-
tribution, and reproduction of television in the theater.
(Under Organization)
TEST FILM QUALITY. — To supervise, inspect, and approve all print quality control of
sound and picture test films prepared by any committee on engineering before'the prints are
released by the Society for general practical use.
F. R. WILSON, Chairman
C. F. HORSTMAN
THEATER ENGINEERING. — The Committee on Theater Engineering comprises the
membership of the 4 subcommittees listed below and is under the general chairmanship of
DR. ALFRED N. GOLDSMITH, 597 Fifth Ave., New York 17, N. Y.
* Advisory Member.
June, 1945
COMMITTEES OF THE SOCIETY
Subcommittee on Film Projection Practice. — To make recommendations and prepare speci-
fications for the operation, maintenance, and servicing of motion picture projection equipment,
projection rooms, film storage facilities, stage arrangement, screen dimensions and placement,
and maintenance of loudspeakers to improve the quality of reproduced sound and the quality
of the projected picture in the theater.
M. F. BENNETT, Chairman
D. W. COLLINS, Secretary
HENRY ANDERSON
"C. J. BACHMAN
T. C. BARROWS
H. D. BEHR
H. J. BENHAM
KARL BRENKERT
F. E. CAHILL, JR.
C. C. DASH
L. W. DAVEE
321 West 44th St.
New York 18, N. Y.
A. S. DICKINSON
J. K. ELDERKIN
JAMES FRANK, JR.
R. R. FRENCH
G. GAGLIARDI
E. R. GEIB
ADOLPH GOODMAN
HERBERT GRIFFIN
SYLVAN HARRIS
J. J. HOPKINS
C. F. HORSTMAN
L. B. ISAAC
E. R. MORIN
M. D. O'BRIEN
HARRY RUBIN
J. J. SEFING
R. O. WALKER
V. A. WELMAN
H. E. WHITE
Subcommittee on Television Projection Practice. — To make recommendations and prepare
specifications for the construction, installation, operation, maintenance, and servicing of equip-
ment for projecting television pictures in the motion picture theater, as well as projection room
arrangements necessary for such equipment, and such picture-dimensional and screen -charac-
teristic matters as may be involved in high-quality theater television presentation.
P. J. LARSEN, Chairman
1401 Sheridan St., N. W.
Washington 11, D. C.
F. E. CAHILL, JR., Vice- Chairman
321 West 44th St.
New York 18, N. Y.
R. B. AUSTRIAN
C. F. HORSTMAN f
HERBERT BARNETT
*F. P. GOLDBACHJ
M. C. BATSEL
F. G. ALBINf
*G. R. BEERS
F. G. ALBINf
'A. BROLLY
*W. BROCKf
F. E. CAHILL, JR.
M. F. BENNETTf
L. W. DAVEE
JAMES FRANK, JR., Secretary
356 West 44th St.
New York 18, N. Y.
*H. B. FANCHER
*P. M. GARRETTf
JAMES FRANK, JR.
G. T. LORANCEf
E. P. GENOCK
A. J. RICHARD f
T. T. GOLDSMITH
*RUDOLPH FELDTf
L. B. ISAAC
M. D. O'BRIENf
A. G. JENSEN
J. J. KOHLER
PIERRE MERTZ
E. R. MORIN
*A. H. ROSENTHAL
*ARTHUR
HARRY RUBIN
*PAUL RAIBOURNJ
R. E. SHELBY
*E. D. GOGDALEf
E. I. SPONABLE
*H. E. BRAGGf
*C. S. SZEGHO
NICHOLAS GLYPTISJ
H. E. WHITE
D. E. HYNDMANf
Subcommittee on Screen Brightness. — To make recommendations, prepare specifications,
and test methods for determining and standardizing the brightness of the motion picture screen
image at various parts of the screen, and for specific means or devices in the projection room
adapted to the control or improvement of screen brightness.
HERBERT BARNETT
SYLVAN HARRIS
W. F. LITTLE
F. E. CARLSON, Chairman
Nela Park
Cleveland 12, Ohio
W. B. RAYTON
C. M. TUTTLE
H. E. WHITE
A. T. WILLIAMS
R. J. ZAVESKY
C. R. UNDERBILL
* Advisory Member,
t Alternate.
COMMITTEES OF THE SOCIETY Vol 44, No. 6
Subcommittee on Theater Engineering, Construction, and Operation. — To make recom-
mendations and prepare specifications on engineering methods and equipment of motion picture
. theaters in relation to their contribution to the physical comfort and safety of patrons, so far as
can be enhanced by correct theater design, construction, and operation of equipment.
HENRY ANDERSON, Chairman
1501 Broadway
New York 18, N. Y.
HERBERT BARNETT *W. L. FLEISHER C. F. HORSTMAN
H. J. BENHAM JAMES FRANK, JR. E. R. MORIN
F. E. CARLSON T. T. GOLDSMITH BEN SCHLANGER
*W. B. CUTTER ADOLPH GOODMAN J. J. SEEING
J. J. HOPKINS
SMPE REPRESENTATIVES TO OTHER ORGANIZATIONS
American Documentation Institute J. E. ABBOTT
American Standards Association:
Sectional Committee on Standardization of Letter
Symbols and Abbreviations for Science and
Engineering, Z10 L. A. JONES
Sectional Committee on Motion Pictures, Z22
(Chairman being elected and committee organized.)
Sectional Committee on Acoustical Measurements
and Terminology, Z24 J. E. VOLKMANN
Sectional Committee on Photography, Z38 J. I. CRABTREE
War Committee on Photography and Cinematog-
raphy, Z52 D. E. HYNDMAN
E. A. WlLLIFORDf
European Advisory Committee DONALD McM ASTER, Chm.
Inter-Society Color Council R. M. EVANS, Chm.
J. A. BALL
M. R. BOYER
A. M. GUNDELFINGER
G. F. RACKETT
National Fire Protection Association A. S. DICKINSON
Radio Technical Planning Board P. J. LARSEN
E. I. SPONABLEf
t Alternate.
MEMBERS OF THE SOCIETY
LOST IN THE SERVICE OF
THEIR COUNTRY
FRANKLIN C. GILBERT
ISRAEL H. TILLES
MORGAN L. HOBART
Society of Motion Picture Engineers
HOTEL PENNSYLVANIA
NEW YORK, N. Y.
APPLICATION FOR MEMBERSHIP
APPLICANT'S RECORD
Name Age
Mailing Address
Present Occupation *
Employer
A complete account of the applicant's qualifications and accomplishments is
required before an application may be submitted to the Board of Governors.
The applicant should describe any inventions and improvements he has made
in the art, as these are considered of more importance than a mere record of
experience or the names of positions the applicant has filled.
Education.
Record of Accomplishments.
Motion Picture Experience,
Grade Applied For
(Active, Associate, or Student)
REFERENCES
3.
The undersigned certifies that the above statements are correct, and agrees,
if elected to membership, that he will be governed by the Society's Constitution
and By-Laws so long as his connection with the Society continues.
Date 19. .. Signed
(Use a separate sheet of paper for complete record of accomplishments')
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