4YO BROADCASTS FROM THEATRE

Evening Post, Volume CVI, Issue 90, 13 October 1923, Page 21

4YO BROADCASTS FROM THEATRE

The Dunedin broadcasting station 4YO (operated by the Radio Supply Company) once again tackled the formidable task of broadcasting a concert programme from His Majesty's Theatre recently, when the competitions demonstration rendered by performers who had gained first places was transmitted from the high-power station in Moray place. Some time back 4YO broadcasted the programme of the Male Choir concert, but since this was the first time that such a task had been attempted in Australasia, it found that several alterations would be required to render transmissions of this nature successful.

From the experience gained in the first experimnent the engineers at "4YO knew what apparatus would be needed for the concert on Saturday night, and the necessary "pick up" and amplifier controls were installed at the theatre in the afternoon.

From the first it was evident that the changes made from the last attempt were on the right lines, and the whole performance came through very successfully. At 8.6 p.m. the first item was broadcasted, and this was followed by an excellently varied programme, which concluded with the singing of the .National Anthem, at 10.52, the whole programme occupying three hours. During this time the transmission was absolutely stable and enjoyable, no alterations being re quired beyond the controls at the theatre according, to the character of the item. Tho orchestral accompaniment to the dances came through splendidly, and the \-ocal and instrumental items were all reproduced naturally and clearly. The words of some of the recitations were difficult to follow, but the laughter of the audience at the humorous passaees was. very realistic..; ' The voices of the singers were perfect fu/'nL true ' and-there is no doubt the .-purity of modulation achieved oytxu i s a great tribute to the careful and painstaking experiments conducted tor the past six months.' One writer from Raetihi, King Country, says: "The clarity is what, struck me forcibly it was nothing short of wonderful. I do trust you will not alter the tuuine of your machine in any- way, for (and I want to.be definite) I am quite sure you cannot improve it." 4YO is now installing permanent lines to the various theatres, and no doubt some every enjoyable programmes will be heard from this station for the next few months. '