TALKIE REPRODUCTION.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20303, 10 July 1929, Page 18

TALKIE REPRODUCTION.

THE AMERICAN APPARATUS

NO BAR TO BRITISH FILMS

A contradiction of the statement 111 at English talking pictures could not be shown in theatres equipped with what has become the standard American reproducing apparatus, was made yesterday by. Mr. J. 11. Barker, junior, managing director of the Western Electric Company (N.Z.), Limited, on his return from Sydney by the Ulimaroa. "Our patents have been acquired by most of the firms producing talkies in Britain," Mr. Barker said. "Therefore there can be no difficulties about the reproduction of British talkies. As for firms which are using other methods, that harcllv concerns us. We have no monopoly of the market, but. most theatres have voluntarily installed our equipment.

"The position as I sec it is that Western Electric reproduction is the worst the public will stand at present. By this I mean that, while we are pleased with results to date, we realise that our system is not yet perfect. We aro constantly working on improvements, and before long we shall be able to give_ perfect reproduction of the human voice." Mr. Barker said that his firm had orders to instal talkie equipment in 130 Australian theatres and 25 in New Zealand. Of these, seven theatres had already been equipped, and the installations in three more would be complete by the end of the present week. "The public has welcomed the talkies." he concluded. "Undoubtedly they aro here to stay."