Wireless News

Press, Volume LXIX, Issue 21010, 11 November 1933, Page 6

Wireless News

NOTES FROM FAR AND NEAR

[By 'ARIEL.]

i During the last few years we have seen the radio set linked up with the gramophone to give us a fairly wide range of entertainment. We have also seen the loud speaker linked up with the moving" picture to give us a still wider range of entertainment. There seems little reason why a great many of us should not have talking pictures in the home. For when the matter is considered, Ne\v Zealand would seem an ideal country for home entertainment. For better or worse, the dear old cow keeps many good New Zealanders in their homes at nights. The cow is a soul destroying animal; it insists on being milked at regular hours, and it is a hard taskmaster, for those regular hours are most awkward hours. I register my sympathy for everyone who keeps a cow —or cows. But for those people who are kept at home at nights by cows, or by lack of transport, or by family ties, or by the fact that outside the home is more dull than the home itself; for those people I suggest a talking picture installation. Let us consider the matter from its most important aspect—that of finance. What do we require for a talking machine outfit, and how much should it cost? There are two main professional methods for reproducing talking films —the sound-on-film method, and the sound-on-disc method. For home talkies there are very many difficulties in the wav of the sound-on-film method, the main difficulty being the high cost of production. So we will have to fall back on the more oldfashioned but quite satisfactory sound-on-disc process. First we require a motor-driven film projector, which uses the amateur _l6 millimetre films. Then we require the amplifying portion of our radio set together with loud speaker. And finally we require a playing desk. The playing desk is a little out of the ordinai"S'. It can be manufactured by any talented amateur, or may be purchased at a cost of about £3O. The playing desk essentially consists of a turntable, the speed of which is synchronised from the film projector by means of a flexible drive which can be used with any standard amateur film projector. The discs used are a little different from the standard we are accustomed to see. They are lliin in diameter, Ihev revolve at a speed of 33 1-3 revolutions a minute, they arc single sided. And they are played from within outward —instead of without inward. So having obtained our playing desk, our amplifier, and our projector at a total cosi of about £55, all we now need is tne films and the records to match. I am not sure whether these may at present be obtained in New Zealand. In America, and in England many such films may be hired at a cost of about a dollar a night. Most of these films are copies of professional films reduced from 35 millimetre to 16 millimetre stock. It will readily be realised that with the speed of the projector coupled to that of the playing disc, synchronisation will take care of itself provided the film end disc are in synchronisation at the start. To commence with, j the film is run through the gate of the projector until the word "Start." appears on the screen. The pick-up is then placed on the record in such a position that the needle falls opposite an arrow-head marked on the centre of the disc. The machine is then started up. and the disc will run in perfect synchronisation. The whole thing is quite simple. Once given the discs and the records, and a suitable projector, it should be a not very difficult matter to devise a playing desk which will work in synchronisation. Utilitarian Radio. While on the subject of home construction, it may interest harassevl mothers to know that a lady of my acquaintance with a mechanicallyminded husband has fixed up a microphone in her child's night nursery, which microphone is attached to the radio in the sitting-room. When the child cries, the lusty roar is heard through the YA programme, ant mother goes to pacify the weeping one. Broadly speaking, however, radio in New Zealand has no very great utilitarian value. Occasionally, I suppose, some housewife learns how to make a strawberry fian through the medium of a home science talk; I have heard about bees, and about mako sharks, and about several other topics completely useless to me. Also, the other day, when I was tuned in to KFI, Los Angeles, which was transmitting from an hote'l known, I believe, as the Coconut Grove, I heard a number of film stars of greater or less repute speaking through the microphone. It may interest those who did not listen in that tlhis hotel was decorated with orchids and with bowers of wild roses. Also that Bebe Daniels pronounces her name Beeby Daniels. Also that I gathered that Skeets Gallagher has recently become married. It does seem that the United States programmes are not amazingly utilitarian. On the other hand, I should imagine that the Japanese stations give a remarkable amount of information. So does one of the Mexican stations, whose' announcer informs a startled and civilised world that one of the local hospitals is well equipped to treat the most complicated varieties of diseases without any operation. And, by the way, it may have been inferred that at times J have not been completely in accord with the broadI casting authorities regarding the standard of programmes they consider the New Zealand audiences capable of absorbing. This is perfectly true; the programmes are on occasion so terr ..y: I have at times felt myself willing to lead any forlorn expedition to wreck the stations concerned. But sternly have I controlled myself, and have merely contented my soul with mildly stating in this column that the programmes have not been perfect. On the other hand just notice what Mr Lee de Forest—a leading man in American radio—has to say about programmes in the United States: "Why should anyone want to buy a radio or new tubes for an old set?" demands the irate inventor, "when nine-tenths of what one hears is the continual drivel of second-rate jazz, sickening crooning by degenerate saxophone players, meaningless but maddening station announcements, impudent commands to buy or to try, actually imposed over a background of what might alone have been good music? Listen for 24 hours to what 80 per cent, of American listeners have to endure! Then you'll learn what is wrong with the radio industry." This outbreak of Mr Leo de Forest happened to be concerning radio education. It seems that there are already many "schools of the air" in the United States, as example the Ohio School of the Air, the American School of the Air, and the California School of the Air. And the American educationists want yet more air, hence the outbreak. It seems to me that there is quite enough radio talk in this country, but it also seems to me that most of this talk is more or less inconsequent.

llie loudest voice in the world is claimed by Mr Lee Chrisman, Kentucky auctioneer, whose yodelling from a peak in Ihe Tennessee mountains was heard by judges eight miles away. His voice was heard by listeners stationed in three separate states —Kentucky, Tennessee, and Virginia,

BROADCASTIN G

TO-DAY'S PROGRAMMES 3YA, CIIRISTCHURCH (980 Kilocycles). 12 noon: Selected recordings. 12.15 p.m.: Belay from Riccarton of tlis Canterbury Jockey Club's meeting. -.0: Soiected recordings. 3.30 and 4.30: Sports results ami special weather forecast. 5.0: Children s hour conducted by Mr Riddleman. 0.0: Dinner music. 7.0: News and reports. 8.0;_ Concert programme. Chimes. Tho Ivliythmic Ifour, Dance Novelty, introducing "Brighter Than the Sun" (Noble); "Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?"- (Comey). 8.12: "Baritone, S. W. Armstrong, "I'm Waiting for Ships that Never Como In" (Olman). 8.17: Recording, Polka, Victoria Trio, "La Sorella" (Gallini). 8.21: Patter Sketch, The Chatterboxes, "Big Business" (arr. Ryan). 8.31: Melody and Rhythm, The Rhythmic Four, introducing "Thank Heaven for. You" (Rainger) ; "A Bedtimo Story" (Nicliolls) ; "Sit.tin' in tho Dark" (Greer). 8.41: Baritone, S. W. Armstrong, "Give a' Man a Horse He can Ride" (Liddle); "Friendships" (Lohr). 8.47: Humour, Tho Chatterboxes, Patter Sketch, "Ready Cash" (arr. livan). Humorous Sot;g. "1 Can't Make my Mind Up" (Leo). 8.57": Recording, Waltz, Rio Marimba Orchestra, "Dolores'-' (Waldteufel). 9.0: Weather forecast and station notices. 0.2: Paul Vinogradov, piano recital—'"Prelude in C Sharp Minor," "Prelude in G Minor" (Rachmaninoff), "Eleventh Hungarian Rhapsody" (Liszt). 9.17: Variety, The Rhythmic Four, introducing "River, Stay, 'Way from my Door" (Woods); "All Over Italy" (Munro); "Forty Second Street" (Warren). 9.30: Drcma'tic half hour presentation, "We Await Your Verdict." Cromer v. Cromer, a claim for £SOO damages for alleged assault and trespass. 10.0: Sports summary. 10.1011.0: Dance music. ( 1200 Kilo.) 10 a.m.: Morning programme (light recordings). 11.30: Close down. 7 p.m.: News, sporting results, selected recordings. 7.55 p.m.: Station notices. 8-11 : Recordings and dance programme. 2YA, WELLINGTON (720 Kilocycles). 10 a.m.: Selected recordings. 10.30: Relay from tho Town Hail of Armistice Day Commemoration Service. Selected recordings. 12 noon: Lunch music. 2 p.m.: Selected recordings. 3.30 and 4.30: Special weather forecast and Sports results. 5.0: Children's hour, conducted by Aunt -Molly and Uncle Jasper, (i.O: Dinner music.. 7.0: N'ews and Reports (2YC, 1010 kilocycles, after-dinner music.) 7.30: W.E.A. Session. Mr R. Hipkins, A.R.C.A., "Art and Life—Tho Art of Today." 8.0: Concert programme. One Hour of Music and Song in Commemoration of Armist'i'o Day. Recording H.B.C. Wireless Military Band, (a) "Soldiers of tie King" (Stuart); (b) "Soldiers in the Park" (Monckton). 8.8: Recording, Speech by H.R.11. I'rinco of Wales on Armisti'.e Night, November 11, 1027, at the "Daily Kxprcss" Remembrance Festival, Royal Albert Hall, London. 8.14: Recording, soprano, Molly Molloy, "Roses of Picardy" (Weed). Recording Cicely Courtneidge, "There's Something About a Soldier" (tray). 8.18: Recording Comedy Sketch, Robert Groves and Chorus, "I'lum and Apple." 8.21: Recording, Descriptive Ballad, Raymond Newell with chorus and Military Band, "The Trumpeter" (Dix). 8.32: Recording, Band and Vocal, Debroy Somers' liarid, "War Marching Songs." 8.40: Talk, Col. J. Gethin Hughes, C.M.G., D.S.O. —"A Few War Stories." 0.0; Weather report and station notices. 9.2: Recording, Choral, Anno Welch and Victor Company, "The Geisha," Vocal Gems (.Tones). 9.10: Recording, Instrumental, International Novelty Quartet, (a) "The Savoy Scottish Medley" (arr. Somers); (b) "The Savoy Irish Medley" (arr. Somers); 9.18: Uocnrdings, humour, Jack Hylton and His Orchestra, assisted by Geo. Jackley and Tom Leaniore, "A Smoking Concert." 9.20: Recording, piano, Patricia Rossborough, "Flirting with Annie Laurie" (Wood). 9.30: A Dramatic Interlude, "Wo Await Your Verdict." Tho fifth of the Scries by Ellis Price: Cromor v. CromerA claim for £SOO damages for alleged assault and trespass. 10.0: Sporting Summary. 10.1011. 11. 10: Darico programme. DAVENTRY, ENGLAND 7.30 a.m.: Time Signal from Big Ben. N'ews bulletin. 7.-15: "Tones of jho Trenches, 11 programme of gramophone records. (Time Signal from Greenwich at 8.0 a.m.) 8.15: A variety programme by Gillio I'ottcr. 8.45-9.30: Dance music (gramophone records). SUNDAY 3YA, CHRI3TCHURCII. 9 a.m.: Selected recordings. 1 p.m.: Dinner music. 2.0: Selected recordings. 'J.-15: Talk. 3.0; Selected recordings. , r >.:to: Children's Song Service, conducted by children from tho Trinity Congregational Sunday School, (>.15: Chitnes from the studio. 0.:;t>: Selected recordings. 7.0: Relay of evening service from Trinity Congregational Church. Preacher, Rev. I). Gardner Miller. Organist. Mr Leu Boot. 8.15: Concert programme. Relay of concert programme from Station 4YA, Dunedin. 3ZC. ( 1200 Kilo.) 'J a.m.: Programme of solected recordings. 10: Close down. 6.30 p.m.: Programme of string and orchestral selections. 7.55: Station notices. 0: Evening programme. JO: Close down. 2YA, WELLINGTON !l a.m.: Chillies. Selected recordings. 1 p.m.: Dinner music. 2.0: Selected recordings. 3.30: Recorded talk, "Th» Australian Sundowner" (No. 3). Selected recordings. 5.0: Children's Song Service, conducted by Uuelo Charles, assisted by the _ Children' s Choir from the Northland Methodist Church. '/.(»: Relay of evening service from tho Vivian street Baptist Church. Preacher, Rev. L. J. Boulton Smith. Organist, Mr Chas. Collins. Choirmaster, Mr 1 G. W. Dowling. 8.15 (approx.) : Concert programme. Studio concert. Selection, 2YA Concert Orchestra, Conductor, Mr Leon do Manny, "Patience" (Sullivan). Recording, Malo Quartette, The Westminster Singers, (,•1) "Golden Slumbers" (Odell): (b) "O Peaceful Night" (German). Recording, soprano, Olivo Groves, (a) "Sniilin' Through" (Pcnn); (b) "I.'nder Heaven's Blue," (Payan). Morceau, 2YA Concert Orchestra, "Pas Dos Kcharpes" (Cliaminadc). Recording, Choral, Irinler Choir, "Jesus. My Confidence" (Lutheran Hymn) (Groger). Recording, Violin, Joseph Szigcli, (a) "Largo" (Veraeilii): (b) "Slavonic. Dance in G Minor" (Dvorak-Ivreisler). Contralto with orchestra, Miss Dorothy Slenliford, (a) "In /.n Old-Fashioned Town" (.Squire); (li) "lline e Iline" (Te Rangi Pai). Weather rejiort and station notices. Instrumental, 2S'A Concert Orchesitra, " H u,n gn ri* n Rh/ipsody No. 2" (Liszt). Recording, Vocal Quarlette, The Harmony Fnyemble, (a) "By an 'lid Abbey I ><: or" (Nicholls ; (b) "The Church Bells Chiming" (Hnrbot.)'. Recording, Flute Ducts, Jean and Pierre Gennin, (a) "Pizzicato Pierrette" ; (b) "Valse Des Mascottos" (Gennin). Contralto with orchestra, Miss Dorothy Stentiford, (a) "'llion'rt Like a Lovely Flower" (Schumann); (b) "I Love Thee" (Grieg). Tone Poem, 2i'A Concert Orchestra, "Danse Macabre" (Saint Scens). Record injr. Choral, Isobel Bnillie, Clara- Serena. Francis Mnssell .uid Norman Allin, "Sacred Songs." Vocal Gems. Intermezzo, 2YA Concert Orchestra, "Penelope's Garden" (Ancliffe). Finale, "The Merry Nigger" (Squire)'. DAVENTRY, ENGLAND tl.l 5 p.m.: Time Signal from IPg Ren. A summary of the week's news. 0.30: The 8.8.C. Orchestra (Section C) conducted by John Ansell. (Time Signal from Greenwich at 7.0 p.m.) 7.30: A recital by Liza Minghetti (violin). 7.55: A religious service relayed from St. Marl in-in-t he-fields. 'Trafalgar Square, London. 8.15: A summary of the week's news. 9.0: Time Signal from Greenwich; an interlude. 9.5: Concert by the Bournemouth Municipal Orchestra; conductor. Sir Dan Godfrey. 10.0: A recilal by tho Wireless Singers. 10.30-1". 10: Epilogue.