Washington, D.C. had regular television programming going back to 1928. It wasn’t much. People could tune in moving shadows. That changed in February 1932.
The Jenkins people took a portable transmitter sitting in New Jersey, and began television some radio programmes that aired on WMAL.
How long this lasted isn’t clear. Jenkins Television and parent company DeForest Radio were having money trouble and DeForest took its main station in New York off the air within a few months.
By now, the print media seems to have grown weary of available television programming. Papers stopped listing schedules; even the New York Sun cut out mention of television in its weekday pages. And then there continue to be conflicts among the papers when programming was mentioned for the DeForest station. The Associated Press insisted it didn’t sign on until 6 p.m., but you can see below in the programme highlights from the New York Sun the TV broadcasts started in the afternoon. But even the Sun (the only paper I can find with any kind of TV schedule), didn’t list all the shows found in the WINS radio schedule from which W2XCR drew its programming. It could very well be W2XCR didn’t air all WINS programming during an allotted time period; at this late date we may never know. We do know, as all the papers agree, WINS/W2XCR gave up its five-minute news programmes toward the end of the month.
In the few listings available, there is no mention of NBC’s W2XBS. It very well could be the station stopped regular test broadcasts while it constructed new facilities. Company president Deac Aylesworth continued to insist it was premature for NBC to begin programming because television wasn’t ready; a bit of a slap at rival CBS which had shows televised daily. NBC got slapped down as well, as its attempts to stop Philco from being granted television licenses for Philadelphia failed. W3XE eventually became WPTZ in the commercial era, and is now KYW-TV.
Here is what we’ve been able to garner about television in February 1932.
Monday, Feb. 1, 1932
W2XAB (CBS), New York, 2750 kc. (Sound on W2XE, 6120 kc.)
2:00-6:00—Experimental sight programs.
8:00—“At Home Party,” Alvin Hauser.
8:15—Dorothy Rosenthal, violin.
8:30—Adventures of Spagett and Ravioli.
8:45—Television Crooner, Doris Sharp.
9:00—Piano lessons.
9:30—Living song pictures, Shannon Brothers, songs.
9:45—Cartoonist.
10:00—Saxophone Syncopaters.
10:15—Sport Looks, Les Quailey “Basketball Formations.”
10:30—Sydney Boyd, tenor.
10:45— Kathryn Parsons, songs.
W2XCR (Jenkins Television), New York, 2035 kc. (Sound on WINS, 1180 kcs)
4:00—News Flashes.
4:05—Jay Drew, Ruth Rishel, songs.
4:20—“Musical Memories,” Franzell Orchestra, Joseph Napolis, tenor.
4:50-5:00—Health talk, Dr. Thomas Darlington.
6:00—News Flashes.
6:05—Symphonic Rhythm Makers.
6:15—Three Originators.
6:25—“Radiotorial,” George Martin.
6:30—American Music Ensemble.
7:00—Variety show.
7:30-9:00—Silent pictures.
W2XR (Hogan, Long Island), 2950 kc.
7:00—Films (accompanied by coordinated sound through W2AXR, 1550 kc.)
8:00—Cartoons.
W3XK (Jenkins Labs, Washington), 2035 kc.
7:00-9:00, 10:30-11:30—Films.
W1XAV (Boston), 2870 kc.
7:00-10:30—Films.
W9XAO (Western Television Corp., Chicago), 2000 kc. (Sound on WIBO, 560 kc.)
5:00 to 5:15—Audiovision.
For those with television and short wave equipment we again recommend the Spagett and Ravioli Fresh Ice Company, as it is portrayed over W2XAB by James Dorso and Charles D’Angelo, two Brooklynites...These lads recently took a CBS audition and came through with flying colors, according to Ralph Wonders, who has them listed for commercial sponsorship in the very near future. (David Bratton, Brooklyn Times-Union, Feb. 1)
Tuesday, Feb. 2, 1932W2XAB (CBS), New York, 2750 kc. (Sound on W2XE, 6120 kc.)
2:00-6:00 p. m.—Experimental program.
8:00—Hewitt Players.
8:15—Louise Caselotti, songs.
8:30—Tashamira, dance.
8:45—Wendy Marshall, toy lady.
9:00—“The Television Ghost.”
9:15—Dorothy Calvert.
9:30—Three-round exhibition boxing bout.
9:45—Major Ivan Forth, Gladys Erskine.
10:00—Grace Voss, Televisionettes.
10:15—Kathryn Parsons.
10:30—“The Eagle in the Air,” aviation program, Bert McElfresh interviewed.
10:45—Grace Yeager, songs.
W2XCR (Jenkins Television), New York, 2035kc. (Sound on WINS, 1180 kcs)
4:00—News Flashes.
4:05—Myrtle Maughan, songs.
4:20—“Musical Memories,” Franzell Orchestra.
4:45-5:00—Marchia Wallach, songs.
6:00—News.
6:05—Don Trent Burlesque, Krausemeyer Broadcasts.
6:15—James E. Murphy, “Advertising’s Contribution to Recovery.”
6:25—“Radiotorial,” George Martin.
6:30—String ensemble.
7:00—Musical program.
7:30-9:00—Silent pictures.
W9XAO (Western Television Corp., Chicago), 2000 kc. (Sound on WIBO, 560 kc.)
5:00 to 5:15—Audiovision.
Other stations as above.
Tonight at 10:30, H. Burt McElfresh of The Eagle staff will present the 28th in a series of aviation broadcasts over Columbia’s audio-visual television and short-wave station W2XAB. He will interview Major L. G. Brower, commanding officer of the 27th Aviation Division, New York National Guard, stationed at Miller Field, Staten Island. (Brooklyn Eagle, Feb. 2)
Wednesday, Feb. 3, 1932
W2XAB (CBS), New York, 2750 kc. (Sound on W2XE, 6120 kc.)
2:00-6:00 p. m.—Experimental sight programs.
8:00—Irene Beasley, songs.
8:15—“Tony Wons’ Scrapbook”
8:30—Mildred Green Revue.
8:45—Theodore Whitman, violin.
9:00—Myndell Lewis, pianist.
9:15—Dancing Girls.
9:30—Al Simmons’ Trio, with Scrarf and Barker.
9:45—Arthur Grant, songs.
10:00—Estelle Sydney, pantomime.
10:15—Al Dary, singing pianist.
10:30—“Hands in the Air,” Georgia Simmons.
10:45—Alice and Jean.
W2XCR (Jenkins Television), New York, 2035kc. (Sound on WINS, 1180 kcs)
4:00—News Flashes.
4:05—Fania Bossek, soprano.
4:20—“Musical Memories,” Billie Davis, soloist.
4:45-5:00—“Debutantes at Movies,” sketch.
6:00—News Flashes.
6:05—Major R. P. M. Scott, Mystery stories.
6:15—Three originators.
6:25—“Radiotorial,” George Martin.
6:30—American Music Ensemble.
7:00—Variety Show.
7:30-9:00—Silent Pictures.
W9XAO (Western Television Corp., Chicago), 2000 kc. (Sound on WIBO, 560 kc.)
5:00 to 5:15—Audiovision.
Other stations as above.
Thursday, Feb. 4, 1931
W2XAB (CBS), New York, 2750 kc. (Sound on W2XE, 6120 kc.)
8:00—Doris Sharp, crooner.
8:15—Instrumental Quartet.
8:30—“Patteran,” Sharon Wayne.
8:45—Stephanie Wall, characterizations.
9:00—Miniature Musical Show.
9:30—Instrumental trio or Eugene Gelesnick program.
9:45—Cartoons.
10:00—Inez Cope, crooner.
10:15—Nina Bergh, violin.
10:30—“Drama of Stamps.”
10:45—Burnett sisters, songs.
W2XCR (Jenkins Television), New York, 2035kc. (Sound on WINS, 1180 kcs)
4:00—News Flashes.
4:05—“Television Musicale,” Marion French, contralto; May Sprintz, soprano; Burnett Sisters, guest artists.
4:45-5:00—“Straight Lines and Curves,” Nathaniel Pousette-Dart.
6:00—Operetta, “Robin Hood.”
6:15—Justice Brandeis’ Society Forum.
6:25—“Radiotorial,” with George Martin.
6:30—String ensemble.
7:00—“Battling Diphtheria,” Commissioner Wynne.
7:10—Variety.
7:30-9:00—Silent Pictures.
W9XAO (Western Television Corp., Chicago), 2000 kc. (Sound on WIBO, 560 kc.)
2:15 to 2:30—Radio and Television Stars.
5:00 to 5:15—Audiovision.
Gimbel Brothers, Inc., is holding a complete television program today [4], tomorrow and Saturday from 3:30 to 5:00 p.m. to celebrate the opening of its new radio shop on the ninth floor, the store announces in its local advertising this morning.
The program will be brought to the store under the auspices of the Short Wave and Television Corp. of Boston, and will be broadcast over Columbia Television Station, W2XAB. (Women’s Wear Daily)
Owing to the fact that W3XJ, the Jenkins station, is changing its operating frequency from 1,604 to 1,550 kilocycles there will be no sound transmission from that station in conjunction with W3XK, the television station, during the remainder of this week. (Washington Post, Feb. 4)
Friday, Feb. 5, 1932
W2XAB (CBS), New York, 2750 kc. (Sound on W2XE, 6120 kc.)
8:00-11:00—Programming.
W2XCR (Jenkins Television), New York, 2035kc. (Sound on WINS, 1180 kcs)
4:00—News Flashes.
4:05—Jacques Belser, songs.
4:15—“A Spanish Lesson,” Dr. Thatcher Clark.
4:30—Song Stories, sketch.
4:45-5:00—Don Trent.
6:00—News Flashes.
6:05—Jack Lait’s Gaities.
6:25—“Radiotorial,” Why Musicians Need Help, by Mme. Yolando Mero.
6:30—American Music Ensemble.
7:00—Variety Show.
7:30-9:00—Silent pictures, Experimental program.
W9XAO (Western Television Corp., Chicago), 2000 kc. (Sound on WIBO, 560 kc.)
5:00 to 5:15—Audiovision.
A full-length Indian play, “Kits-ka-Tiat,” (Living Waters), will be presented over Columbia’s television station, W2XAB, on three successive Friday nights beginning Feb. 5 at 8:15 o’clock. The Indian play is particularly suitable for television presentations because it calls for only two characters and two scenes.
“This presentation is part of Columbia’s research work on television drama,” said William A. Schudt Jr., director of television programs. “With present-day visual facilities we must limit all plays to two or three characters unless it is possible to use them in rotation. Karuks Pahitu’s play, although not written with the intent of television broadcasting, is ideally suited for the new art.
“In the broadcasting of this play we will use, for the first time, I believe, actual scenery which has been especially designed for dramatic work. The play will be enacted in a space which will not exceed four feet square. Full costume and props and sound effects will be included.”
The two roles will be played by Karuks Pahitu, said to be the only Indian lyric tenor, and Tsupirit Aesaru, soprano. Pahitu (Peaceful Bear) is a full-blooded Pawnee Indian who first saw the light of day on an Oklahoma reservation. He is the great grandson of White Eagle, last hereditary chieftain of the Pawnee tribe.
This is the first time the full-length play will be heard on radio or television. It has already been presented in several theatres. (Brooklyn Eagle, Jo Ranson column, Jan. 31)
Saturday, Feb. 6, 1932
W2XAB (CBS), New York, 2750 kc. (Sound on W2XE, 6120 kc.)
8:00-11:00—Programming.
W2XCR (Jenkins Television), New York, 2035 kc. (Sound on WINS, 1180 kcs.)
4:00—News Flashes.
4:05—Tap Dancing Lesson, William McPherson.
4:20-5:00—“Television Musicale,” with John Murphy, tenor; Edith Burley, songs; Gosselin Sisters, songs.
6:00—News Flashes.
6:15—Bobby Rollins, songs.
7:00—String Ensemble (to 7:30).
8:30-9:00—Experimental program.
W9XAO, Chicago, 2,000 kcs. (Audio on WIBO, 560 kcs.)
5:00—News (15 mins.)
8:00—Orchestra program.
8:30—Vagabond tenor.
8:45-9:00—Studio orchestra.
Synchronized sight and sound broadcasting on a regular daily schedule was successfully introduced in Washington last night [6] by Station WMAL, with the aid of its new television transmitter W2XAP.The television station was dedicated with pomp and ceremony. A curious crowd of invited guests milled about the broadcasting studios, alternately watching the artists before the television camera and the pictures reproduced on the screens of the television receivers.
More than a score of prominent Washington radio artists contributed to the opening program. The sound portion of the program went over WMAL, the televised pictures over W2XAP.
Four Receivers Used.
Four television receivers were in various parts of the WMAL studios, where the guests watched the artists after their pictures had been hurled through space. Two of them were commercial sets combining the sound and sight features, which are soon to make their appearance on the retail market.
The televised broadcasts also were seen by scores of persons in the lobbies of three of the leading Washington hotels where WMAL has placed television receivers. One television fan in New York City wired WMAL he was listening to the program and watching the artists.
Although flickering occasionally like the old time “flicker films” of the nickelodeon days, the televised pictures were surprisingly clear and presented a distinct outline of the artists.
Artists who went before the televisor, professionally prepared with darkened lips, televised more distinctly than those unfamiliar with the tricks of the television camera. Experts at WMAL explained that red photographs white—thus the necessity for blackening the lips.
New Type Camera Used.
A new type Jenkins television camera, which photographs the artist and splits the picture into 60 lines per second with a revolving disc, was used in the transmissions. The artists stood on a raised platform under a flood of light.
A regular broadcast microphone was a few feet away. The television receivers projected the televised pictures on a small glass screen in a background of pale orange light. The sound came through a regular loudspeaker.
Senator Dill of Washington, formally dedicated the station. The broadcast was closed with a parade of the invited guests before the television camera. (Washington Evening Star)
Especially designed scenery will be utilized with more than half of the seventy-two features to be presented over television station W2XAB and its accompanying sound station W2XE during the coming week. Country scenes and views of interiors painted in white against black backgrounds will replace the former plain white curtains used in broadcasts.
Outstanding among the week’s highlights is a chemical experiment to be performed by H. Horton Sheldon, chairman of the physics department at New York University. The experiment, a simple and well known one, will be performed without description. At the conclusion of the program the lookers-in will be asked to identify it. This is scheduled for Friday evening, beginning at 9:15 o’clock.
W2XCR Features Musicale.
Tomorrow W2XCR will feature Lydia d’Arnell and Mme. Cobina Wright in a half hour of song recital. On Monday over the same station, beginning at 3:05 P. M., the “Television Musicale” will be presented, featuring Gladys Hagerty, soprano, and El Eagelson, tenor. At 3:30 P. M. Mrs. S. N. Ghose will deliver a talk, her subject being “Saving India for the World,” and at 4:20 Franzell and his orchestra will face the television camera and microphone in a program of “Musical Memories.”
On Tuesday Dick Madeo, flyweight, will oppose “One-Round Hogan” in a three-round exhibition boxing bout within the focus at W2XAB at 9:30 P. M. A blow by blow description will be given by Bill Schudt over sound station W2XE.
Stage Stars to Be Seen.Five experimental dramatic sketches will he scanned with scenic effects and props during the week. Jack Fisher and Ethelyn Holt will take part in an original fifteen-minute presentation tomorrow evening at 8:30; on Monday, February 8, a gawdy costume act by James Dorso and Charles d’Angelo will be given at 8:30. On Tuesday over the same station the Hewitt Players will perform from 8 to 8:15 P. M., and on Friday the Prosperity Girls will introduce a play commemorating Lincoln’s Birthday.
Stage stars to be seen by television during the week include Mildred Ann Green, musical comedy dancer; Sue Reed, musical comedy actress; Louise Caselotti, Italian motion picture actress, and the Burnett Sisters. (Sun, Feb. 6)
Sunday, Feb. 7, 1932.
W2XAB (CBS), New York, 2750 kc. (Sound on W2XE, 6120 kc.)
2:00-6:00—Experimental program.
8:00-10:00—Sight and Sound programs.
W2XCR (Jenkins Television), New York, 2035 kc. (Sound on WINS, 1180 kcs.)
6:00—Nydia d’Arnell, songs.
6:30—News Flashes.
6:35—“American Music Ensemble,” Mme. Cobina Wright.
Monday, Feb. 8, 1932
W2XAB (CBS), New York, 2750 kc. (Sound on W2XE, 6120 kc.)
8:00-11:00—Programming.
W2XCR (Jenkins Television), New York, 2035 kc. (Sound on WINS, 1180 kcs)
4:00—News Flashes.
4:05—Jay Drew, Ruth Richel, song recital.
4:20—“Musical Memoirs,” Franzell Orchestra.
4:30-5:00—Health talk, Dr. Thomas Darlington.
6:00—News Flashes.
6:05—Symphonic Rhythm Makers.
6:15—Three Originators.
6:30—American Music Ensemble.
7:00—All Star Variety show.
7:30-9:00—Silent pictures.
W2XR (Hogan, Long Island), 2950 kc.
7:00—Films (accompanied by coordinated sound through W2AXR, 1550 kc.)
8:00—Cartoons.
W3XK (Jenkins Labs, Washington), 2035 kc.
7:00-9:00, 10:30-11:30—Films.
W1XAV (Boston), 2870 kc.
7:00-10:30—Films.
W9XAO (Western Television Corp., Chicago), 2000 kc. (Sound on WIBO, 560 kc.)
5:00 to 5:15—Audiovision.
Tuesday, Feb. 9, 1932
W2XAB (CBS), New York, 2750 kc. (Sound on W2XE, 6120 kc.)
8:00-11:00—Programming.
W2XCR (Jenkins Television), New York, 2035kc. (Sound on WINS, 1180 kcs)
4:00—News Flashes.
4:05—“Modern Piano Technique,” Marie von Unschuld.
4:20—Frenzell Orchestra.
4:45-5:00—Marchia Wallach, songs.
6:00—News.
6:05—Don Trent Burlesque.
6:15—Civic Affairs Forum, John E. Edgerton, president of the National Assoication of Maufacturers of the U.S. on “Essentials of Progress.”
6:25—“Radiotorial,” George Martin.
6:30—American Music Ensemble.
7:00—Debate, N.Y.U. against U. of California: “Can Socialism Cure Ills of Capitalism?”
7:30-9:00—Silent pictures.
W9XAO (Western Television Corp., Chicago), 2000 kc. (Sound on WIBO, 560 kc.)
5:00 to 5:15—Audiovision.
Other stations as above.
Bernt Balchen, chief pilot of the Byrd Antarctic Expedition, who was at the controls of the expedition’s plane on its flight to the South Pole, will be interviewed over television station W2XAB and W2XE Tuesday night, Feb. 9. The interview will begin at 10:30 p.m. and is the 13th is a series of aviation talks being conducted each week over the Columbia station by H. Burt McElfresh of The Brooklyn Eagle. The talk will be illustrated by charts and small models of aircraft. (Brooklyn Eagle, Feb. 5)
Wednesday, Feb. 10, 1932
W2XAB (CBS), New York, 2750 kc. (Sound on W2XE, 6120 kc.)
8:00-11:00—Programming.
W2XCR (Jenkins Television), New York, 2035kc. (Sound on WINS, 1180 kcs)
4:00—News Flashes.
4:05—Fania Bossek, recital.
4:20—“Musical Memories,” Billie Davis, soloist.
4:45-5:00—“Debutantes at Movies,” sketch.
6:00—News Flashes.
6:15—Skrilow string orchestra.
6:25—“Radiotorial,” George Martin.
6:30—American Music Ensemble.
7:00—All Variety Show.
7:30-9:00—Silent Pictures.
W9XAO (Western Television Corp., Chicago), 2000 kc. (Sound on WIBO, 560 kc.)
5:00 to 5:15—Audiovision.
8:00 to 9:30—Variety.
Other stations as above.
NEW YORK, Feb. 10 (AP)—Television synchronization of a regular network program has been inaugurated. The feature is Bill Schudt’s Going to Press, presented each Tuesday afternoon on WABC-CBS. In addition to the sound pickup, the speakers, generally newspapermen, now face the television camera as their features are reproduced electrically by W2XAB for picture transmission. (C.E. Butterfield column)
Thursday, Feb. 11, 1931
W2XAB (CBS), New York, 2750 kc. (Sound on W2XE, 6120 kc.)
8:00-11:00—Programming.
W2XCR (Jenkins Television), New York, 2035kc. (Sound on WINS, 1180 kcs)
4:00—News Flashes.
4:05—“Television Musicale,” Marion French, contralto; May Sprintz, soprano; Burnett Sisters, guest artists.
4:45-5:00—“False Faces,” talk by Nathaniel Pousette-d’Art.
6:00—News Flashes.
6:05—Song Pictures.
6:15—Justice Brandeis Society Forum: “Anti Trust Law,” Nathaniel Phillip.
6:25—“Radiotorial,” George Martin.
6:30—Music ensemble.
7:00—All Star Variety.
7:30-9:00—Silent Pictures.
W9XAO (Western Television Corp., Chicago), 2000 kc. (Sound on WIBO, 560 kc.)
2:15 to 2:30—Program synchronized with WIBO.
5:00 to 5:15—Audiovision.
Gimbel Brothers, Inc., is holding a complete television program today [4], tomorrow and Saturday from 3:30 to 5:00 p.m. to celebrate the opening of its new radio shop on the ninth floor, the store announces in its local advertising this morning. The program will be brought to the store under the auspices of the Short Wave and Television Corp. of Boston, and will be broadcast over Columbia Television Station, W2XAB. (Women’s Wear Daily)
Owing to the fact that W3XJ, the Jenkins station, is changing its operating frequency from 1,604 to 1,550 kilocycles there will be no sound transmission from that station in conjunction with W3XK, the television station, during the remainder of this week. (Washington Post, Feb. 4)
Friday, Feb. 12, 1932
W2XAB (CBS), New York, 2750 kc. (Sound on W2XE, 6120 kc.)
8:00-11:00—Programming.
W2XCR (Jenkins Television), New York, 2035kc. (Sound on WINS, 1180 kcs)
4:00—News Flashes.
4:05—Jacques Belser, songs.
4:15—Doug MacTague, cowboy songs.
4:30—Song Stories, sketch.
4:45-5:00—Don Trent.
6:00—Ford Frick, sports review.
6:15—Jack Lait’s Gaities.
6:25—“Radiotorial,” George Martin.
6:30—American Music Ensemble.
7:00—Skrilow String Orchestra.
7:30-9:00—Silent pictures, Experimental program.
W9XAO (Western Television Corp., Chicago), 2000 kc. (Sound on WIBO, 560 kc.)
2:15 to 2:30—Program synchronized with WIBO. 5:00 to 5:15—Audiovision.
ST. LOUIS, Mo., Feb. 12 (U.P.) — St. Louis now has a television broadcasting station.
Amateur radio operators, interested in television, can tune in on the station, operated by Edward Goodberlet, licensed commercial operator of station KWK.
He transmits his program on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays from 8:30 p. m. to 9:30 p. m.
Considering the 10 watt power of the station, local reception is reported good.
WASHINGTON, Feb. 12—By degrees, the little army of television experimenters in this country is becoming more formidable through the authorization of new stations by the federal radio commission. Already 23 stations are licensed for regular transmission of pictures, with nine transmitting sight synchronized with sound. Seven other experimental stations have been authorized and a dozen applications now are pending before the commission.
The latest application to be granted is that of the Phi1adelphia Storage Battery Co., despite objections raised by RCA-Victor Co., of Camden, N. J., one of the foremost experimenters, but whose operations have been shrouded in secrecy, the commission has granted the application of the Philadelphia concern for the right to engage in television experiments in both the regular television band ranging from 2,750 to 2,800 kilocycles and in the ultra high frequencies, or radio’s ‘No Man’s Land,” extending from 43,000 to 80,000 kilocycles. Its station, with the call W3XE, will use 1500 watts power.
Granting of the Philco application came only after a bitter legal battle before the commission. RCA, now licensed for the same channels requested by Philco, protested that serious interference would result if the application were granted, because of the proximity of Philadelphia to Camden. It declared its experimentation was such that it could not share these facilities and that it already had invested some $1,500,000 in television experimentation.
Sustaining the recommendation of Examiner Elmer W. Pratt, who presided at the hearing on Nov. 4, the commission held that television licenses are issued on an experimental basis only. The regulations provide that any qualified applicant may procure facilities and that other users of experimental waves must share operating hours with such new licensees.
Phila T. Farnsworth [sic], television’s inventor who startled the world more than a year ago with the claim that he had perfected practical television, is in charge of the Philadelphia company’s experimental work. Mr. Farnsworth admitted in his testimony before the commission that his deductions has gone awry, but said that his laboratory experiments had reached the stage where it is necessary that they be placed “on the air” for practical application.
Work has progressed in the Philco laboratory, the commission stated in its decision, so that it is possible to produce a brilliant picture of about four inches square on the end of a cathode ray tube, with fair detail. Most other television methods involve the use of mechanical scanning, whereas the Farnworth system is said to be completely electrical. With a different cathode ray tube, it was claimed that an image on a screen afoot square can be projected with sufficient illumination.” Apparatus capable of transmitting pictures of 100 to 500 lines has been produced, the decision said as against the present recognized standard of 60 lines with 20 exposures per second. (Robert Mack, syndicated writer)
Saturday, Feb. 13, 1932W2XAB (CBS), New York, 2750 kc. (Sound on W2XE, 6120 kc.)
2:00-6:00—Experimental program.
8:00—Phil Maher, comedian.
8:15—Lilyan Crossman, pantomimes.
8:30—Ralph Grosvenor, songs.
8:45—Children’s quarter hour, Baby Ruth Parkin and Marjorie Shokin.
9:00—Florence Siebert, Charles Hovey and Danny Callahan, songs.
9:30—Harry Fries, musical saw.
9:45—Mildred Grizzelle, songs.
W2XCR (Jenkins Television), New York, 2035 kc. (Sound on WINS, 1180 kcs.)
4:00—News Flashes.
4:05—Tap Dancing Lesson, William McPherson.
4:20—“Television Musical,” with John Murphy, tenor; Edith Burley, songs; Gosselin Sisters, songs.
4:45—Billy Benedict in Gotham, talk.
6:00—Ford Frick, sports review.
6:15—unknown.
6:30—Fashion Musicale
7:00—Franzell Dance Orchestra (to 7:30).
7:30-9:00—Experimental program.
W9XAO, Chicago, 2,000 kcs. (Audio on WIBO, 560 kcs.)
5:00—News of the World (15 mins.)
8:00 to 9:00—Variety.
WIBO and WPCC, Chicago stations recently ordered off the air to make way for WJKS, Gary, have been given temporary operating permits, pending conclusion of suits on file in federal court. It we are not mistaken, WIBO was ordered off the air some three months ago, but has never discontinued broadcasting. We are not so familiar with WPCC, but probably the same story would apply. (Decatur Daily Review).
Seven new acts, including a clown and former movie actor, will be added to the television program schedule of the Columbia Broadcasting System sight and sound stations W2XAB and W2XE during the coming week.
Outstanding among the one-time television broadcasts, which will be heard as well as seen, are McClelland Barclay, who will paint a portrait of Lila McClelland, actress and model. Barclay will work in full view of the television camera of W2XAB. while speaking over its associated sound channel W2XE on forty-nine meters.
Tomorrow from 4:15 P. M. until 5:15 W2XCR will feature the Franzell Concert Orchestra, followed at 6 P. M. with a half-hour song recital bv Nydi d'Arnell. At 6:30 P. M. Mme. Cobina Wright will be guest soloist of the American Music Ensemble, also to be televised by W2XCR.
On Monday at 4:50 o'clock over the same station Dr. Thomas Darlington will face the television camera and microphone when he delivers his talk on "The Food for Every One."
One of the new television acts heralded by CBS is a new Sunday series to be called the "Television Clown," assisted by Hermina Costella. The series begins tomorrow over W2XAB and W2XE at 8:15 P. M. (Sun, Feb. 13)
Sunday, Feb 14, 1932
W2XAB (CBS), New York, 2750 kc. (Sound on W2XE, 6120 kc.)
2:00-6:00—Experimental program.
8:00—Sue Read, songs.
8:15—Jack Fisher, interviews.
8:30—Marion Harwick, dances.
8:45—Travelogue.
9:00—Yolanda Norris, songs; guitar trio.
9:15—Floyd Neuberg, Lila McClelland and Neuberg Trio.
9:45—Muscian Rasumova, songs.
W2XCR (Jenkins Television), New York, 2035 kc. (Sound on WINS, 1180 kcs.)
5:00—Talk, “Why Better Times Are Coming.
5:15—Tom Keene’s Roundup.
5:45—Rudy Wiedoeft’s All-Stars, saxophonist.
6:00—“Love Time,” Nydia d’Arnell.
6:15—Arthur Skrilow’s String Orchestra.
6:30—“American Music Ensemble,” direction of Gregoire Franzell; Cobina Wright, soloist.
7:00—“Romances of Ireland,” Seamus O’Doherty, tenor; Josephine Smith, pianist; John McCormick, baritone.
7:30-9:00—Experimental program.
“THE National Broadcasting Company isn’t kidding itself or anyone else about television. The network plans experimental broadcasts of visible programs from its laboratory studios atop the 1250-foot Empire State tower in New York early in the spring. They say the pickup will be available only within a radius of about 15 miles. Naturally, folks suppose NBC would make television available to the entire nation just as soon as such a thing might be done. Merlin Hall Aylesworth, president of NBC gives you that pledge. That’s why he explains that in itial laboratory broadcasts will be available only within 15 miles of New York City.
* * *
NBC has hoisted tons of equipment to the top of the Empire State Building and there, eventually, the far-famed cathode-ray, which now remains an RCA mystery, may be tried out for the first time. This ray may do the thing engineers have been hoping for—bring you television.
The transmitter is on the topmost floor of the building and is located in a glass-enclosed studio. This will be connected with ground studios and with Radio City. Short-wave circuits will provide remote control from other points. In other word, if it becomes possible to broadcast a parade welcoming a world celebrity to New York. the television camera and related apparatus will short-wave the whole to the tower studio, thence to you.
From the studios a “stove-pipe” transmission line carries the television aerial line 300 feet into the air, to the very tip of Uncle Al Smith’s dirigible mooring mast. From that highest piece of building material in the world, will go out the first big-scale television experiment, some time in 1932. Let’s hope it succeeds. (Pittsburgh Press, Si Steinhauser column)
Monday, Feb. 15, 1932
W2XAB (CBS), New York, 2750 kc. (Sound on W2XE, 6120 kc.)
8:00-11:00—Programming.
W2XCR (Jenkins Television), New York, 2035 kc. (Sound on WINS, 1180 kcs)
4:00—News Flashes.
4:05—Jay Drew, Ruth Rishel, songs.
4:20—Television Musicale, guest artists.
4:50—“The Food for Everyone,” Dr. Thomas Darlington.
6:00—Ford Frick tells the News.
6:15—Skrilow’s String Orchestra.
6:30—American Music Ensemble.
6:55—“Radiotorial,” George Martin.
7:00—Old Colonel Jim.
7:15—“Symphonic Rhythmakers,” Pauline Haggard, guest artist.
7:30-9:00—Silent pictures.
W2XR (Hogan, Long Island), 2950 kc.
7:00—Films (accompanied by coordinated sound through W2AXR, 1550 kc.)
8:00—Cartoons.
W3XK (Jenkins Labs, Washington), 2035 kc.
7:00-9:00, 10:30-11:30—Films.
W1XAV (Boston), 2870 kc.
7:00-10:30—Films.
W9XAO (Western Television Corp., Chicago), 2000 kc. (Sound on WIBO, 560 kc.)
5:00 to 5:15—Audiovision.
Tuesday, Feb. 16, 1932W2XAB (CBS), New York, 2750 kc. (Sound on W2XE, 6120 kc.)
8:00-11:00—Programming.
W2XCR (Jenkins Television), New York, 2035kc. (Sound on WINS, 1180 kcs)
4:00—News Flashes.
4:05—Myrtle Maughan, ballads.
4:14—Ian E. August, xylophonist.
4:30—Musical ensemble.
6:00—Ford Frick, sports.
6:15—Civic Affairs Forum, “The Poor Man’s Court,” Frederick Goldsmith, former Municipal Court judge.
6:30—American Music Ensemble. Songs: Csardarfurstin, Waiting For the Dawn and You, Intermezzo.
6:55—“Radiotorial,” George Martin.
7:00—to be announced.
7:15—Old Colonel Jim.
7:20—Rhythmakers.
7:30-9:00—Silent pictures.
W9XAO (Western Television Corp., Chicago), 2000 kc. (Sound on WIBO, 560 kc.)
5:00 to 5:15—Audiovision.
Other stations as above.
Shaw Desmond, newspaperman and author of “Windjamming the Horn,” as principle speaker on “Going to Press,” at 5:45 p.m. over WABC. This program will also go over Columbia’s television station W2XAB. (Brooklyn Eagle, Feb. 16, Jo Ranson column)
John Dwight Sullivan, former Commander Aviators Post 743, American Legion, and a member of Mayor Walker’s Committee on Aviation and State of New York Aviation Commission, will speak on “The Legal Side of Aviation” over Columbia’s Television and Shortwave Stations W2XAB and W2XE. The broadcast begins at 10:30 tonight. This is the 33rd in a series of aviation programs arranged by H. Burt McElfresh and sponsored by the Brooklyn Daily Eagle. Music by W. A. Fallon. (edited from the Brooklyn Eagle, Feb. 16)
Wednesday, Feb. 17, 1932
W2XAB (CBS), New York, 2750 kc. (Sound on W2XE, 6120 kc.)
8:00-11:00—Programming.
W2XCR (Jenkins Television), New York, 2035kc. (Sound on WINS, 1180 kcs)
4:00—News Flashes.
4:05—Fania Bossak, soprano.
4:30—Billie Davis, entertainer.
4:45-5:00—“Debutantes at Movies,” sketch.
6:00—News Flashes.
6:15—Skirlow String Orchestra.
6:30—American Music Ensemble. Selection from Adele, Love Song, Amour Coquet, Dear Old Pal of Mine.
6:55—“Radiotorial,” George Martin.
7:00—Colonel Jim, songs.
7:15—“Why Better Times Are Coming,” talk.
7:30-9:00—Silent Pictures.
W9XAO (Western Television Corp., Chicago), 2000 kc. (Sound on WIBO, 560 kc.)
5:00 to 5:15—Audiovision.
8:00 to 9:30—Variety.
Other stations as above.
Thursday, Feb. 18, 1931
W2XAB (CBS), New York, 2750 kc. (Sound on W2XE, 6120 kc.)
8:00-11:00—Programming.
W2XCR (Jenkins Television), New York, 2035kc. (Sound on WINS, 1180 kcs)
4:00—News Flashes.
4:05—“Television Musicale,” Marion French, contralto; May Sprintz, soprano; Burnett Sisters, guest artists.
4:30—Agnes Kun, pianist.
4:45-5:00—“What is Beauty?” Nathaniel Pusette d’Art.
6:00—Ford Frick, sports.
6:15—Justice Brandeis Society Forum.
6:30—American Music Ensemble.
7:00—Old Colonel Jim, songs.
7:15—“Symphonic Rhythmakers,” George MacClean, baritone.
7:30-9:00—Silent Pictures.
W9XAO (Western Television Corp., Chicago), 2000 kc. (Sound on WIBO, 560 kc.)
5:00 to 5:15—Audiovision.
Friday, Feb. 19, 1932
W2XAB (CBS), New York, 2750 kc. (Sound on W2XE, 6120 kc.)
8:00-11:00—Programming.
W2XCR (Jenkins Television), New York, 2035kc. (Sound on WINS, 1180 kcs)
4:00—News Flashes.
4:05—Jacques Belser, songs.
4:15—Doug MacTague, songs.
4:30—Song Stories, sketch.
4:45-5:00—“Dogs,” George Drexel Biddle.
6:00—News Flashes.
6:15—Symphonic Rhythmakers.
6:30—American Music Ensemble.
6:55—“Radiotorial,” George Martin.
7:00—Old Colonel Jim, songs.
7:15—Symphonic Rhythmakers, Pauline Haggard, guest soprano.
7:30-9:00—Silent pictures, Experimental program.
W9XAO (Western Television Corp., Chicago), 2000 kc. (Sound on WIBO, 560 kc.)
2:15 to 2:30—Program synchronized with WIBO. 5:00 to 5:15—Audiovision.
Saturday, Feb. 20, 1932
W2XAB (CBS), New York, 2750 kc. (Sound on W2XE, 6120 kc.)
2:00-6:00—Experimental program.
8:00—Phil Maher, comedian.
8:15—Lilyan Crossman, pantomimes.
8:30—Ralph Grosvenor, songs.
8:45—Children’s quarter hour, Baby Ruth Parkin and Harriet Ann Coan, songs and recitations.
9:00—Florence Siebert, Charles Hovey and Danny Cahill, songs.
9:30—Harry Fries, musical saw.
9:45—Mildred Grizzelle, songs.
W2XCR (Jenkins Television), New York, 2035 kc. (Sound on WINS, 1180 kcs.)
4:00—News Flashes.
4:05—Tap Dancing Lesson, William McPherson.
4:20—“Television Musical,” with John Murphy, tenor; Edith Burley, songs; Gosselin Sisters, songs.
4:45—Billy Benedick in Gotham.
6:00—Ford Frick Sports Review.
6:05—Chamberlain Brown’s Artists.
6:15—Jan August, xylophonist.
6:30—Fashion Musicale
7:15—Mauricette Ducret, comedienne.
7:30-9:00—Experimental program.
W9XAO, Chicago, 2,000 kcs. (Audio on WIBO, 560 kcs.)
5:00—News of the World (15 mins.)
8:00 to 9:00—Variety.
A marked improvement in visual reception has been reported by the increasing number of lookers-in since the premiere broadcast of the first sight and sound program from the Columbia studios seven months ago.
This improvement is due to the many experiments in arranging and adapting suitable programs to the limited field for transmission, with the result that the features scheduled for the week beginning today offer varied and unusual entertainment.
Beginning at 8 P. M. over W2XAB Phil Maher, the television clown, will be featured in a program followed by Lilyan Grossman and Ralph Grosvenor. At 9 P. M. over the same station Charles Hovey, Ethelyn Holt and Ruth Kerner will be presented in a program entitled “Television Varieties.”
W2XCR Features Ensemble.
Tomorrow W2XCR will present a one-hour program with Nydia d’Arnell, followed by the American Music Ensemble,” with Cobina Wright as guest soloist.
Elizabeth Tazelaar, Lou Hanlon and Herbert Vernon will sketch a varied number of subjects in charcoal, pen and ink. These sketches are scheduled for Monday, Wednesday and Thursday over W2XAB.
Richard Kenny, the magician, returns to television with a new collection of mystic tricks, which he has adapted for visual broadcasting. This feature is to be broadcast Thursday at 8:30 P. M over W2XAB.
The “Television Musicale,” featuring Marion French and May Sprintz, contraltos, with the Burnett sisters, will be presented over visual station W2XCR on Thursday, beginning at 4 P. M. At 6:15 P. M. over the same station the “Justice Brandies Society Forum” will be presented, followed by “Old Colonel Jim” in a group of songs.
Outstanding among the dramatic sketches listed on this week’s program is the first act of a three-act playlet presented by the John O. Hewitt Players, entitled “Murder In the Manor,” a mystery drama, with the following cast of distinguished artists, Frank McMunn, Dennis Esmund, Marga La Rubia, Mabel Montgomery, Murial Juret, Rosemary Lee, James Ayres, Ted Bussman and John O. Hewitt. This unusual feature is scheduled for Tuesday, from 8 to 8:30 P. M.
Comedy Sketch on W2XAB.
“Just the Two of is,” a comedy sketch featuring Holly Smith and John McAllister, present the third of a series of programs of fast dialogue and songs on Friday at 9 P. M.
Stephanie Wall, soprano, will be seen and heard in a short recital on Thursday at 6:45 P. M. on W2XAB. (Sun, Feb. 20)
Sunday, Feb. 21, 1932
W2XAB (CBS), New York, 2750 kc. (Sound on W2XE, 6120 kc.)
2:00-6:00—Experimental program.
8:00—Sue Read, songs.
8:15—Phil Maher, comedian.
8:30—Marion Harwick, dances.
8:45—Marga La Rubia, travelogue.
9:00—Yolanda Norris, songs; guitar trio.
9:15—Jack Fisher.
9:15—Floyd Neuberg and Trio.
9:45—“Scotty,” songs.
W2XCR (Jenkins Television), New York, 2035 kc. (Sound on WINS, 1180 kcs.)
6:00—Nydia d’Arnell, soprano.
6:15—Arthur Skirlow String Symphony.
6:30-7:00—American Music Ensemble, Cobina Wright, soprano.
7:30-9:00—Experimental program.
Not that it matters but did you know that . . .
Harry Von Zell, the pronouncer, and Alex Gray, the singer, of C. B. S. are going to put on a boxing bout for W2XAB television some time in the future?
C. B. S. television has been seen as far West as West Point, Neb.? (Brooklyn Eagle, Bill Schudt column, Feb. 21)
THERE was no disappointment a few days ago when M. H. Aylesworth, president of the National Broadcasting Company, reported to the organization’s advisory council and summed up the activities of the past year. He announced that in the face of depression 231 clients sponsored programs and the gross revenue was $29,500,000 compared with $22,000,000 in 1930. Furthermore, expansion necessitated the addition of 261 employes....
Television Is Studied.
“Although television is uppermost in the minds of every one when thinking of the future of radio, from the standpoint of the National Broadcasting Company one thing in this regard is certain,” said Mr. Aylesworth. “Television is not ready for the general public. We do not believe that the time has arrived for visual broadcasting on a regular program basis. Our experimentation with television has been directed primarily toward a study of transmission problems, in order that the development of practical television will be on a plane comparable with that of broadcasting. Efforts to determine the effect of steel buildings on propagated waves resulted in the establishment of experimental laboratories and studios in the tower of the Empire State Building.” (New York Times, Feb. 21)
Monday, Feb. 22, 1932W2XAB (CBS), New York, 2750 kc. (Sound on W2XE, 6120 kc.)
8:00—“At Home Party,” with Alvin Hauser.
8:15—Dorothy Rosenthal, violinist.
8:30—Italian comedy sketch (Spagett and Ravioli), featuring James Dorso and Charles D’Angelo, assisted by David Bratton.
8:45—Doris Sharp, songs.
9:00—Giusppe Randegger, piano lessons.
9:15—Louise Caselotti, songs.
9:30—Raymond Shannon and brothers, songs.
9:45—Elizabeth Tazelaar, artist.
10:00—Instrumental trio.
10:15—Les Quailey, sports.
10:30—Sydney Boyd, tenor
10:45—Vince Mondi, one-man band.
W2XCR (Jenkins Television), New York, 2035 kc. (Sound on WINS, 1180 kcs)
3:00—Ethel Fox, soprano.
3:30—Washington’s anniversary program.
4:00—Jay Drew, Ruth Rishel, songs.
4:15—“Television Musicale,” Gladys Haverty, soprano; Al Eagleson, tenor.
4:45—“Choose Your Own Weights,” Dr. Thomas Darlington.
5:00—Jerry Geran, talk.
7:00—Old Colonel Jim, songs.
7:30-9:00—Silent pictures.
W2XR (Hogan, Long Island), 2950 kc. (Sound on W2XAR, 1550 kc).
4:00—Experimental programs.
8:00—Films with sound.
9:00—Cartoons.
W3XK (Jenkins Labs, Washington), 147 meters (Sound on WMAL, 475 meters).
5:00-6:00—Experimental program.
W1XAV (Boston), 2870 kc.
7:00-10:30—Films.
W9XAO (Western Television Corp., Chicago), 2000 kc. (Sound on WIBO, 560 kc.)
5:00 to 5:15—Audiovision.
PASSAIC, N. J., Feb. 22.—The meeting called to consider the purchase of assets of the Jenkins Television Corporation by the DeForest Radio Company was blocked by an injunction last week.
According to the president of the DeForest Company, the court ruling will have no adverse effect upon the business or plant and the injunction will further clarify the situation. (Billboard, Feb. 27)
Tuesday, Feb. 23, 1932
W2XAB (CBS), New York, 2750 kc. (Sound on W2XE, 6120 kc.)
8:00-11:00—Programming.
W2XCR (Jenkins Television), New York, 2035kc. (Sound on WINS, 1180 kcs)
4:00—“Modern Piano Technique,” Mme. Maria von Umschuld.
4:14—Jan Erving August, xylophonist.
4:30—Thrasher; Cito Ensemble.
6:00—Ford Frick, sports.
6:15—Civic Affairs Forum, speaker, Harry Allan Jacobs.
6:30—American Music Ensemble. Songs: On the Road to Mandalay, Dear Heart What Might Have Been, At Midnight, Intermezzo.
6:55—“Radiotorial,” George Martin.
7:00—Old Colonel Jim.
7:15—Symphonic Rhythmakers.
7:30-9:00—Silent pictures.
W9XAO (Western Television Corp., Chicago), 2000 kc. (Sound on WIBO, 560 kc.)
5:00 to 5:15—Audiovision.
Other stations as above.
America’s first ranking flying ace, Col. Edward V. Rickenbacker, who shot down 25 enemy planes in aerial combat during the World War, will be the guest speaker tonight at 10:30 over the television stations W2XAB and W2XE.
Rick will speak on aviation and recount some of his experiences as commanding officer of the 94th Aero Squadron in France, with which he served after going across as personal chauffeur to Gen. John J. Pershing.
He is the holder of a Congressional Medal of Honor presented to him by President Hoover in recognition of his war record. The program is the 35th of a series of aviation broadcasts sponsored by The Eagle and arranged by H. Burt McElfresh, member of the staff. (Brooklyn Eagle, Feb. 23)
One may wonder just why we bring this matter of television up. CBS sending out television programs nightly and as we occasionally are called on to do so, we worked before W2XAB and W2XE with D’Orso and D’Angelo last night. Following this, we stepped into the television reception room to see the images as received on the Jenkins met. We were not any more impressed than we were the night that CBS started this work. However, television is due one of these days and this is expected to give impetus to the tired radio receiver market. (David Bratton, Brooklyn Times-Union, Feb. 23)
Wednesday, Feb. 24, 1932
W2XAB (CBS), New York, 2750 kc. (Sound on W2XE, 6120 kc.)
8:00-11:00—Programming.
W2XCR (Jenkins Television), New York, 2035kc. (Sound on WINS, 1180 kcs)
4:00—Fania Bossak, soprano.
4:15—Billie Davis, entertainer; Jack Healy’s Dance Trio.
4:45-5:00—“Debutantes at Movies,” sketch.
6:00—Ford Frick, sports review.
6:15—Skirlow String Orchestra.
6:30—American Music Ensemble. Selection from Adele, Love Song, Amour Coquet, Dear Old Pal of Mine.
6:55—“Radiotorial,” George Martin.
7:00—Old Colonel Jim, songs.
7:15—Symphonic Rhythmakers.
7:30-9:00—Silent Pictures.
W9XAO (Western Television Corp., Chicago), 2000 kc. (Sound on WIBO, 560 kc.)
5:00 to 5:15—Audiovision.
8:00 to 9:30—Variety.
Other stations as above.
Thursday, Feb. 25, 1931
W2XAB (CBS), New York, 2750 kc. (Sound on W2XE, 6120 kc.)
8:00-11:00—Programming.
W2XCR (Jenkins Television), New York, 2035kc. (Sound on WINS, 1180 kcs)
4:00—“Television Musicale,” Nita O’Neill Edwards, mezzo soprano; Giovanni Nisita, tenor.
4:30—Agnes Kuhn, pianist.
4:45-5:00—“Art and Humor” Nathaniel Pusette d’Art.
6:00—Ford Frick, sports.
6:15—Justice Brandeis Society Forum.
6:30—American Music Ensemble. Songs: Dreams of Love; Humoresque; Valse Coquette; In the Garden of My Heart; Intermezzo.
7:00—Old Colonel Jim, songs.
7:15—“Symphonic Rhythmakers,” George MacClean, baritone.
7:30-9:00—Silent Pictures.
W9XAO (Western Television Corp., Chicago), 2000 kc. (Sound on WIBO, 560 kc.)
2:15 to 2:30—Program synchronized with WIBO.
5:00 to 5:15—Audiovision.
NEW YORK, Feb. 25 (NEA)—Along with the new spring fashions comes something brand new in the fashion world—a television fashion show.Virginia Chandler Hall, internationally known fashionist, has the honor of being the world’s first television fashion editor.
Always a pioneer in new fashion fields, Mrs. Chandler Hall is the first woman to put on a fashion show in a broadcasting studio and have it seen and heard by customers invited to an improvised television receiving theater in a department store some distance away.
Standing by the model in the broadcasting studio, Mrs. Chandler Hall explains, into a mike, all the high points in the new styles just as she would do were the fashion models treading a runway at a fashion luncheon or dinner.
New Field Open
Of course it is not perfect. Television still is in such an experimental stage, and it still is subject to weather conditions.
But the very fact that it is possible to see and hear about new styles, even within a small radius of the broadcasting station, opens up entirely new fields for fashionists to conquer and for customers to enjoy.
“The future of television in presenting fashions seems to me so great that we can not conceive of the time and trouble it will save any more than, in the early days of automobiles, any one could know how the automobile would revolutionize living,” Mrs. Chandler Hall told me.
“When television is perfected, a woman in her home can see a hat advertisement that appeals to her in the morning paper, call up the millinery department of the store and ask to have a particular hat shown to her.
“I believe that before long the television will become a real commercial fashion medium and a merchandising medium.
Must Know Colors
Putting on a television fashion show has its own technique, according to Mrs. Chandler Hall. You must be sure of your color contrasts, black and white being especially good.
“You must know, for instance, that blue takes white and orange black. It is a question of having real fundamental art knowledge, in addition to knowing what will be worn and why.
“Models must have the same naturalness that the best fashion models have, and one who photographs well, usually the oval-faced miss with high cheek bones, makes a good television model.”
To date these fashion shows can not be broadcast far. Only a few of the biggest cities would even have the equipment for sending and receiving. But New York is leading the way to universal usage when perfected.
This new venture mikes Mrs. Chandler Hall three times a fashion pioneer. (Julia Blanshard, NEA Service Writer)
Friday, Feb. 26, 1932
W2XAB (CBS), New York, 2750 kc. (Sound on W2XE, 6120 kc.)
8:00-11:00—Programming.
W2XCR (Jenkins Television), New York, 2035kc. (Sound on WINS, 1180 kcs)
4:00—Jacques Belser, songs.
4:15—Doug MacTague, songs.
4:30—Song Stories, sketch.
4:45-5:00—“Dogs,” George Drexel Biddle.
6:00—Jack Lait’s Gaieties.
6:15—Symphonic Rhythmakers.
6:30—American Music Ensemble. Songs: Selection from “King Dodo”; Sunrise and You; Marcheta.
6:55—“Radiotorial,” George Martin.
7:00—Old Colonel Jim, songs.
7:15—Symphonic Rhythmakers, Pauline Haggard, guest soprano.
7:30-9:00—Silent pictures, Experimental program.
W9XAO (Western Television Corp., Chicago), 2000 kc. (Sound on WIBO, 560 kc.)
2:15 to 2:30—Program synchronized with WIBO.
5:00 to 5:15—Audiovision.
Some rather interesting things have been happening lately in television, according to those who transmit their Images to a score of lookers-in-—that’s what they call ‘em now.
Last week Melba Thrasher, a coloratura soprano, while facing the photo electric cells of W2XCR was immediately recognised by a Mrs. Julia Hamer who hadn’t seen the singer for 15 years. Mrs. Hamer knew Melba back in Lafayette, Md. When she saw the familiar image flashed on the screen, Mrs. Hamer called the station to verify the singer’s identity. Of course it was her old friend.
Exciting things have also been at Columbia’s television station, W2XAB, according to Bill Schudt, the television program director.
“There have been several that are interesting,” he tells us, “About a month ago Andre Baruch, the C. B. S. announcer, was guest starring on W2XAB. A day or so later an old school chum of his wrote in, saying that he had attended a television demonstration in Chicago and had seen Baruch before the electric eyes “as clearly as he had seen him in the classroom.”
“Another night” the television director says, “Vincent Sorey, the violinist, was performing. His dog, with a friend down in the Columbia television reception room, recognized his master through the monitor televisor and barked lustily.”
Tashamira, the modern dancer, spoke into the television sound channel it the conclusion of her weekly dance recital at Columbia just before Christmas week and — among other things she said she hoped her tither was listening to her in Jugoslavia. A few weeks later there came a letter confirming the fact that she was heard by him from the short wave station W2XE.
Mr. Schudt adds that his wife can always see him at work in front of the scanner. What’s more important, she recognizes him. (Brooklyn Eagle, Bill Schudt column, Feb. 26)
Saturday, Feb. 27, 1932
W2XAB (CBS), New York, 2750 kc. (Sound on W2XE, 6120 kc.)
2:00-6:00—Experimental program.
8:00—Phil Maher, comedian.
8:15—Lilyan Crossman, pantomimes.
8:30—Ralph Grosvenor. songs.
8:45—Children’s quarter hour, Baby Ruth Parkin and Marjorie Betty Sholar, songs and recitations.
9:00—Charles Hovey, Ethelyn Holt and Ruth Kerner, songs. 9:30—Harry Fries, musical saw.
9:45—Mildred Grizzelle, songs.
W2XCR (Jenkins Television), New York, 2035 kc. (Sound on WINS, 1180 kcs.)
4:00—Tap Dancing Lesson, William McPherson.
4:20—“Television Musical,” with John Murphy, tenor; Edith Burley, songs; Gosselin Sisters, songs. 4:45—Billy Benedick in Gotham.
6:00—Ford Frick Sports Review.
6:15—Jan E. August, xylophonist.
6:30—Skrilow String Symphony.
7:00—Old Colonel Jim, songs.
7:15—Mauricette Ducret, comedienne.
7:30-9:00—Experimental program.
W9XAO, Chicago, 2,000 kcs. (Audio on WIBO, 560 kcs.)
5:00—News of the World (15 mins.)
8:00 to 9:00—Variety.
NEW YORK, Feb. 27— An impressive variety of features will be offered by the Columbia Experimental Television Station W2XAB the week beginning Sunday.
Muriel Reid, monologist, makes her initial appearance in television at 8.15 p. m., in the first of a series of original sketches in which she will appear in costume. At 8:30 p. m., Marion Harwick, character dancer, will be seen in a unique program adapted especially for visual reception.
Inauguration of a travelogue series features Capt. Bate-Preston, former district magistrate of Borneo and military officer of the West African Frontier Force., who will relate experiences in that country. This program is scheduled for Thursday, March 3, at 8:30 p. m.
Dr. Hann, professor of “Advanced Acoustics” at New York University, will be guest speaker for the “Television Science Class” conducted each week by Bernard Sachs, a member of the technical department of the Columbia Broadcasting System. Projection of actual sound experiments will be visualized during the program Friday, March 4 at 9:15 p. m.
Sharon Wayne, vocalist, appears again as the guide in the feature “Patteran,” a story in music and song which deals with the life and customs of gypsy tribes, Thursday, March 3, at 8 p. m.
The usual Tuesday night exhibition boxing bout brings together Dick Madeo and Walter Carmody, members of the Trinity Athletic Club of Brooklyn, N. Y. The bout is scheduled for 9:30 p. m.
A “Musical Comedy Interlude” featuring Grant Kimbell and Clair Wilson in a program of popular song bits and snappy dialogue will be broadcast Tuesday at 9:15 p. m. (Detroit Free Press)
Sunday, Feb. 28, 1932
W2XAB (CBS), New York, 2750 kc. (Sound on W2XE, 6120 kc.)
2:00-6:00—Experimental program.
8:00—Sue Read, songs.
8:15—Muriel Reid, monologues in costume.
8:30—Marion Harwick, dances.
8:45—Marga La Rubia, travelogue.
9:00—Yolanda Norris, songs; guitar trio.
9:15—Jack Fisher.
9:15—Floyd Neuberg and Trio.
9:45—“Scotty,” songs.
W2XCR (Jenkins Television), New York, 2035 kc. (Sound on WINS, 1180 kcs.)
6:00—Nydia d’Arnell, soprano.
6:15—Arthur Skirlow String Symphony.
6:30-7:00—American Music Ensemble, Cobina Wright, soprano.
7:30-9:00—Experimental program.
Monday, Feb. 29, 1932
W2XAB (CBS), New York, 2750 kc. (Sound on W2XE, 6120 kc.)
8:15—“At Home Party,” with Alvin Hauser.
8:30—Italian comedy sketch (Spagett and Ravioli), featuring James Dorso and Charles D’Angelo, assisted by David Bratton.
8:45—Doris Sharp, songs.
9:00—Giuseppe Randegger, piano lessons.
9:15—Muriel Asche and her kiddies.
9:30—Raymond Shannon and brothers, songs.
9:45—Elizabeth Tazelaar, artist.
10:00—Charles and Clara Honey.
10:15—Les Quailey, sports.
10:30—Sydney Boyd, tenor
10:45—Vince Mondi, one-man band.
W2XCR (Jenkins Television), New York, 2035 kc. (Sound on WINS, 1180 kcs)
3:00—Elena Maresa, soprano; Lincoln Sandkaut, baritone.
3:30—“Behind the Microphone.”
3:45—Symphonic Rhythmakers.
4:00—Jay Drew, Ruth Rishel, songs.
4:15—“Television Musicale,” Gladys Haverty, soprano; Al Eagleson, tenor.
4:45-5:00—“Diet For the Aged,” Dr. Thomas Darlington.
6:00—Ford Frick Sports Review.
6:15—Skrilow String Symphony.
6:30—“American Music Ensemble,” directed by Gregoire Franzell. Songs: La Gioconda; Fascination Waltz; Indian Melody; Dance of the Marionettes.
6:55—“Radiotorial,” George Martin.
7:00—Lullaby lady.
7:15—“Him and Her,” sketch.
7:30-9:00—Silent pictures.
W2XR (Hogan, Long Island), 2950 kc. (Sound on W2XAR, 1550 kc).
4:00—Experimental programs.
8:00—Films with sound.
9:00—Cartoons.
W3XK (Jenkins Labs, Washington), 147 meters (Sound on WMAL, 475 meters).
5:00-6:00—Experimental program.
W1XAV (Boston), 2870 kc.
7:00-10:30—Films.
W9XAO (Western Television Corp., Chicago), 2000 kc. (Sound on WIBO, 560 kc.)
5:00 to 5:15—Audiovision.
I’ve been wanting to write a column on television for a while. As Little Jack Little would say, “Here ‘tis.”Many people every day ask me how soon television will be here or how soon television will be in the home or when television will peep around that mythical corner.
My answer to them all is: “Well, that depends!”
Silly sort of an answer, isn’t it? But, after all, what can one say to such questions.
For example, It depends what you mean when you say “How soon will television be here?” Television is here. But a smooth operating television similar to the “talkies” is not here.
Neverthelees, a well advanced form of visual broadcasting is on the air waves every night in the week. The Columbia Broadcasting System’s television stations W2XAB and W2XE In New York City present more than 82 consecutive features every week. These run the gamut from classic dancers, singers, instrumentalists, vaudeville acts, tricksters, magicians and so on all the way to actual exhibition boxing matches.
These features are not only put on the air but they are regularly seen by a small army of “lookers-in.” That is a new term for television people who\ sit home and look just like you and listen.
A conservative estimate of the lookers-in watching television in the metropolitan area of New York alone made by visual set manufacturers places the figure at 9,000.
At C. B. S. we by no means limit the audience of W2XAB to these local lookers. The bulk of our television fan mall cornea from enthusiasts scattered throughout a 1,000-mile radius of the metropolis. West Point, Neb.; Manhattan, Kan.; Bristol, Tenn.; Montreal and Ottawa, Canada, are a few of the distant cities reporting nightly steady reception of Columbia television pictures and sound.
Another frequent question heard concerns the detail of the pictures. Many people visiting our studios for the first time are disappointed when they find the reception of television interior to the motion pictures of today. True television is not nearly so bright, nor does it give anywhere near the detail of the “movies.” But it is not fair to compare the two.
People actually, then, compare television, which in its present state is not quite a year old as far as we are concerned with regular program broadcasting), with an old-established industry which when it began was even more imperfect than present visual radiocasting. Ask any old-timer!
Television has its problems. Television has its limitations, and plenty at that.
For examples we are limited in our pictorial presentations to from one to three people. We cannot show full length pictures that will pound out sufficient signal power to register properly in your receiver at home. Thus we avoid these types of programs for the present.
We plan our programs for the limits of present television. Boxing is presented in a miniature ring and the contestants are cautioned to stay in focus of the flying spot lest they disappear off to an unseen corner of the television screen. Dick Madeo, who has presented a great many of the fistic exhibitions, has learned to box in circles always within the focus of the ray. Our engineers likewise have adjusted their scanning apparatus so that it may be rapidly moved to follow the fighters a limited space around the ring.
An interesting television broadcast is the piano broadcast. Our staff accompanist, Florence Kyte, played a 15-minute spot one night and the engineering staff focused the lens on the keyboard showing the technique of the finger movement. Days later a looker-in in Kansas wrote the station saying that so clearly did he receive this broadcast that he could see a wedding ring on the pianista finger!
Scenic backdrops are now in nightly use at W2XAB with the result that lookers-in obtain the illusion of a full stage. These had to be designed with care. Heavy outlines of simple designs in black and white were found to show up the best. Ordinary scenery with its delicate shadings is useless, with television in us present state, but adaptation of black and White de signs made out of porportion [sic] give amazing results.
So perfectly did one scene come through that we caused a great fuss among the lookers the other day when it was shown on the air for the first time.
It was a skyline view of New York City, showing the tall buildings silhouetted in black against a white sky. Immediately following the test seven telephone calls came in from television lookers-in asking if W2XAB was actually scanning from the roof of the C. B. S. Building which, incidentally, overlooks a similar skyline. The illusion naturally produced by television sometime makes the simplest things appear strikingly lifelike when they are often mere pieces of cardboard on which rough sketches have been made.
Yes, Rollo, television has started its big push. It’s going to be a hard, tough push, but it will be worthwhile. Television Is not around the corner, nor under the tree, nor is it a dream. Television is actually in the air you breathe. It stalks into your home without you knowing it’s there. It tramples through your hallways and into your attics waiting for you to intercept its staccato tattoo and convert the sound into scanned pictures.
Sure it’s an experiment. But what glamour there is to this experiment. Pictures. . .living moving pictures flashed at lightning speed across hundreds of miles of apace and shown on a small screen.
And, before I forget it, let me tell you that the average size of the scree that reproduces television images is about four inches square. Some are larger and many are smaller. The sets do not project the pictures on the wall. You either look into a cabinet through powerful magnifying glasses, which bring up a one-inch square picture to about six inches or the image is flashed through a lens scanning disk and projected on a screen fitted into the front of a cabinet.
From my personal survey of television receiving sets, those which do not have available means for picking up the sound synchronization part of the programs range in price from $100 to $500. Kits, from which you make (If you’re clever), complete receivers and scanners, are purchasable anywhere from $19.75 up to $100. Most television sets are sold WITHOUT tubes. These, then, are extra. Likewise for the kite.
There’s plenty of fun in the air these days for the television experimenter.
I don’t mind telling you that the biggest thrill I ever got in broadcasting came two years ago when I had constructed a television receiver and tuned in a living pictore from Washington, D. C. Oh, boy, that had it on the DX reception from the Coast in 1923! You’ll be seeing us soon! (Brooklyn Daily Eagle, Bill Schudt, Feb. 28, 1932)
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