TELEVISION

Evening Post, Volume CXXII, Issue 14, 16 July 1936, Page 32

TELEVISION

PROGRESS ABROAD

September is now generally given as the date when public programmes from ■ the 8.8.C.'s new television station at Alexandra Palace, will start, after about' a month of experimental work (says' the London "Observer"). The 8.8.C. is not yet in a position- to make a definite statement, but those whose information is usually reliable say that there is little.hope of a real start before the early' autumn.

Mr. Gerald Cock, the 8.8.C. Director, of Television, has now gathered round him a staff approaching a hundred- in strength, .including two women announcers and several producers, assistant producers, stage managers, musical directors, and film camera directors of very considerable experience in their own lines. . ;.. ' . .

Among his many activities- Mr. Cock has found time to write the scenario for, and.assist in, the production, of a film with the title "Television' Gomes to London." This will be a pictorial history of the vast, task of getting London's high definition station in working order. It is timed to run about twenty minutes, and, besides being shown as part of the initial, television programmes, it may be released to cinemas all over-the country^" i

.The Radio Corporation of America expects to start experimental transmission on a wavelength of about six metres this month from the top of Empire State Building. The system will use 343 lines with interlaced scanning, as compared, with the 405 lines, interlaced scanning, system-to be used on the Marconi-E.M.I. apparatus at Alexandra Palace which is to be used week by week alternatively with, the Baird 240 line system. ; ; .'.

The aerial to be used, on top of the Empire State Building is similar to that at the Alexandra; Palace. It looks something like a turnstile, and this type of radiator is becoming known by that, homely name. If the American system is a success the R.C.A. hopes to start a regular towards the end of 1937. - . \

In Germany programmes are sent out for . two hours each evening, but so far the only receivers available have been those put up by the German Post Office and some others, not, more than about seventy in all, in .semi-public buildings. The German authorities have refused to allow the trade to sell receivers* Until they have decided on a policy that is likely to remain unchanged for some years.. ■. ;

Preparations for permanent services are also being made in Australia ■ and in India. In India the Nizam of Hyderabad is planning' to install■■• a medium definition transmitter, which will be the first in the sub-continent.

The French official transmissions from the Eiffel Tower have been popular and have been adversely criticised as to both definition and programme matter. The French authorities are apparently awaiting further developments in Germany and in England before they make changes that, will give them a system of real programme value. t>