The simulcasting stations (on different frequencies) still had no live programming.
The International Photographer magazine of November 1933 expounded on what the stations were doing.
NEW TELEVISION Service Inaugurated
Television has taken a new and significant step forward, it is revealed in the announcement of "full-length feature" broadcasts of movie film by the Don Lee television transmitters W6XS and W6XAO, Los Angeles.
By virtue of the new schedule, full length Paramount features, and preview trailers, now become part of the regular transmission schedules of the television stations, in addition to current Pathe newsreels and close-ups heretofore comprising the television fare of W6XS and W6XAO. This is more program material than has ever before been transmitted by any television station in the country.
Cecil B. De Mille's "This Day and Age" and "The Texan" starring Gary Cooper, were the first features to be televised under the new set-up.
"Although all television is as yet experimental, motion picture producers with an eye to the future are cooperating with us in the expansion of our television service," said Harry R. Lubcke, director of television for the Don Lee Broadcasting System. "Since the Federal Radio Commission has ruled it experimental, the transmission of featured material is prefixed with the prescribed phrase, "These visual broadcasts are experimental."
The new service marks a distinct advance in television perfection. In addition to closeups, outdoor scenes and full length shots are received with surprising clarity. A certain newsreel contained shots of a women's swimming meet in which it was possible to see the various contestants dive into the water and swim in their respective lanes, and to notice a white-shirted official follow them in a rowboat.
These images were received three and one-half miles from the transmitter under regular home receiving conditions, and represent a much closer approach to commercial television than the demonstrations which are being held from room to room in a laboratory, or upon the stage.
Accurate identification of film subject-matter, has been reported by lookers as far away as Santa Paula, fifty-five miles airline from the Don Lee Building, Los Angeles, the receiver operators recognizing such objects as pictures on the wall of a room. Other reception reports include accurate and useful data on signal strength, of great help in television research continually being carried on by the Don Lee engineers.
During the last two and one-half years that the stations have been operating, over 4,000,000 feet of motion picture film has been shown. This is believed to be the largest television footage exhibited by any station.
Both W6XS (1000 watts, 2150 kilocycles or 140 meters), and W6XAO (150 watts, 44,500 kilocycles or 3 3/4 meters) are now operated from 7 to 9 P. M. nightly; and on Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings from 9 to 11, transmitting images of 80 lines at 15 frames a second.
W6XAO occupies all of its three licensed bands on the morning schedules, using, in addition to its 44,500 kilocycle frequency on Mondays, 66,700 kilocycles or 4 1/2 meters and 49,400 kilocycles or 6 meters on Wednesdays and Fridays, respectively.
Data on the construction of a television receiver for reception of these broadcasts will be sent to those sending in a stamped, self-addressed envelope to the Television Department, Don Lee Broadcasting System, Los Angeles.
Up until that time, with rare exception, there had been no entertainment programming on the stations; just tests. And there were likely few TV sets in the Los Angeles area (the second frequency was started in 1932 because viewers couldn’t pick up the other one).
This meant extremely little coverage of local television in the Los Angeles-area press. But there were occasional programming notes in some of the papers for a while after the debut. The Los Angeles Times began regular coverage on October 10. The W6XS and W6XAO did not broadcast on Sundays. Other days below may simply be missing.
The stories don’t say if the station broadcast sight and sound simultaneously. Before we get to the listings, there was a special programme not mentioned in them that The International Photographer reported on in its December 1933 issue.
Television Football Record Set
The Editor
At 8:45 p. m., just three hours and forty-five minutes after the close of the Stanford-U. S. C. Trojan football game on Armistice Day, the Don Lee television transmitters, W6XS and W6XAO, were broadcasting scenes showing Stanford University's sensational 13 to 7 win.
This is believed to be the shortest time in which football scenes have ever reached the television screen, according to Harry R. Lubcke, Director of Television of the Don Lee Broadcasting System. So far as is known, a football game has not yet been televised directly. Thus, motion picture film is the only vehicle for television presentation of a scene of this nature. Paramount Newsreel made the rapid showing possible by dispatching the film to the station as soon as it came irom the printing tanks.
That the Don Lee equipment handled this difficult subject in a satisfactory manner is evidenced by a letter from Mr. E. D. Erickson, who was invited to view the scenes by some friends at 1117 Venice Boulevard, Los Angeles, on equipment built by themselves. Mr. Erickson had never before seen a television image, but wrote as follows of the scenes that flashed before him:
"Bleachers and crowd plainly seen — Panorama view of bleachers very clear — lines and goal post very clear — Follow players and see arms and legs clearly — Lining up and plays clear but could not distinguish players except by uniforms which made it possible to designate teams — Ball carrier and plays, also direction of plays clearly seen — Runner going towards goal post with others after him and make touchdown — could distinctly see the end lines — could see legs of runners plainly — then the line-up play and it was a kick — See the yell leaders in front of the grandstand very plainly — Another play, could see legs and arms but not very plainly — Could see referee, crouch, tackle and play distinctly — Long distance shot not good — Could see them spread out in the field, but could not see the ball — Side lines and stripes very distinct — Line men with tape very distinct. Announcing 8 :49 p. m.
"The above was seen by me, and in my opinion the average person who knows nothing of football would be able to distinguish it as a football game; and to the man familiar, it was of interest and distinct, as above outlined."
(Signed) E. D. Erickson.
All the scenes, except that of the yell leader, were taken from the highest point in the stadium, in the usual newsreel manner. They were well taken and much credit is due Messrs. Joe Johnson, Koverman, and Kelly of Paramount News for their good work.
The Don Lee stations regularly broadcast Paramount features, Paramount trailers, and Pathe Newsreels nightly except Sunday from 7 to 9 p. m. and on Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings from 9 to 11 a. m. W6XS operates on 2800 kilocycles (107 meters), simultaneously with W6XAO on 44,500 kilocycles (6 3/4 meters).
To back up a bit, first, there was media coverage of the stations airing “film scenes showing the survivors, wrecked buildings and the general havoc” of the Long Beach-Compton earthquake of March 10, 1933 hours after it happened. The footage was taken by Pathe newsreel cameramen.
The March 25 edition of the Los Angeles Record mentioned “for the time, a complete motion picture feature production will be broadcast over radio-television.” It was The Crooked Circle featuring Ben Lyon, Zasu Pitts and James Gleason. It was scheduled for airing on March 30 and 31, with TV sets available for viewing—free!—at Barker Bros. radio department.
Wednesday, September 27
7 p.m.—“The Mighty,” starring George Bancroft. 8:30—Current Pathe News. 8:45—Excerpts from “The Big Broadcast,” starring Bing Crosby.
Tuesday, October 3
7 p.m.—Excerpt from “A Bed-Time Story”; feature, “The Light of Western Stars.”
Tuesday, October 10
7 p.m.—Pathe News. 7:15—“The Girl in 419” with James Dunn and Gloria Stewart. 7:35—“True to the Navy.”
Wednesday, October 11
9:15 a.m.—Excerpts from “Girl in 419” and “A Farewell to Arms.” 9:25—Pathe News. 9:40 and 7 p.m.—“True to the Navy.” 8:25—Pathe News. 8:40—“A Farewell to Arms.”
Thursday, October 12
7 p.m.—Excerpts from Paramount’s “Her Bodyguard.” 7:10 to 9 p.m.—“Young Eagles.”
Friday, October 139 a.m.—“Her Bodyguard.” 9:10—“Young Eagles.”
7 p.m.—Pathe News. 7:15—“Young Eagles.”
Saturday, October 14
7 p.m.—“Her Bodyguards.”
7:10—Pathe News. 7:25—“Young Eagles.”
Monday, October 16
9 a.m.—Pathe News. 9:15—“Young Eagles.” 10:45--Pathe News. 7 p.m.—“Midnight Club.” 7:15—Pathe News. 7:30—“Young Eagles.”
Tuesday, October 17
3 and 7 p.m.—Special radio show film.
What television will mean to the world in the near future is being demonstrated at the Radio Progress Show in the Shrine Auditorium this week.
Stations W6XAO and W6XS television outlets operated by the Don Lee Broadcasting System, with Harry R. Lubcke, director of television, in charge, are devoting five hours daily to the Radio Show, where receiving apparatus will be in operation from 3 to 5 and 7 to 10 p.m., under the supervision of Remington Radio and Television Corporation, in collaboration with the E.D. Dunn Company. These receivers will be under the technical supervision of W. Scott Hall, Jr. (Los Angeles Times)
Wednesday, October 18
3 and 7 p.m.—Special film.
Thursday, October 19
3 and 7 p.m.—Special motion-picture film.
Friday, October 20
3 and 7 p.m.—Special film.
Monday, October 23
9 a.m.—Pathe News. 9:15—“Young Eagles.” 10:45—Pathe News. 7 p.m.—“Midnight Club.” 7:15—Pathe News. 7:30—“Young Eagles.”
Tuesday, October 24
7 p.m.—Pathe News. 715—“Midnight Club.” 7:30—“Young Eagles.”
Wednesday, October 25
9 a.m.—Excerpts from “Midnight Club.” 9:15—Current Pathe News. 7:00—“Young Eagles.” 8:35—Current Pathe News. 8:50—“Her Body Guard.”
Thursday, October 26
7 p.m.—“If I Had a Million.” 7:10—“Shadow of the Law.”
Friday, October 27
9 a.m.—“If I Had a Million.” 9:10—“Shadow of the Law.” 7 p.m.—Pathe News. 7:15—“Shadow of the Law.”
Saturday, October 28
7 p.m.—“If I Had a Million.” 7:10—“Shadow of the Law.”
Monday, October 30
9 a.m.—Pathe News. 9:15—“Shadow of the Law.” 10:45—Pathe News. 7:15—“Shadow of the Law.”
Tuesday, October 31
7 p.m.—Pathe News.
7:15—“Man of the Forest.”
7:30—“Shadow of the Law.”
Wednesday, November 1
9 a.m.—“If I Had a Million.” 9:15—“Man of the Forest.” 9:25—Pathe News. 9:40 and 7 p.m.—“Shadow of the Law.” 8:35—Pathe News. 8:50—“Man of the Forest.”
Thursday, November 2
7 p.m.—“King of the Jungle.” 7:10—“Studio Murder Mystery.”
Friday, November 3
9 a.m.—“King of the Jungle.” 9:10—“Studio Murder Mystery.” 7 p.m.—Pathe News. 7:15—“Studio Murder Mystery.”
Saturday, November 4
7 p.m.—“King of the Jungle.” 7:10—Pathe News. 7:25—“Studio Murder Mystery.”
Monday, November 6
9 to 9:15 a.m.—Current Pathe News (Edition A) 9:15 to 10—Full-length Paramount feature, “Studio Murder Mystery” with Warner Olund. 10:45 to 11 a.m.—Current Pathe News (Edition B) 7:00 to 7:15—Excerpts from Paramount’s “College Humor,” with Bing Crosby, Jack Oakie, Richard Allen. 7:15 to 7:30—Current Pathe News. 7:30 to 9 p.m.—Full-length Paramount feature, “Studio Murder Mystery,” with Warner Oland.
Tuesday, November 7
7 p.m.—Pathe News. 7:15—“College Humor.” 7:30—“Studio Murder Mystery.”
Wednesday, November 8
9 a.m.—“King of the Jungle.” 9:15—“College Humor.” 9:25—Pathe News. 9:40 and 7 p.m.—“Studio Murder Mystery.” 8:35—Pathe News. 8:50—“College Humor.”
Thursday, November 9
7 p.m.—“Too Much Harmony.” 7:10—“Only the Brave.”
Friday, November 10
9 a.m.—“Too Much Harmony.” 9:10—“Only the Brave.” 7 p.m.—Pathe News. 7:15—“Only the Brave.”
Saturday, November 11
7 p.m—“Too Much Harmony.” 7:10—Pathe News. 7:25—“Only the Brave.”
Monday, November 13
9 a.m.—Pathe News. 9:15—“Only the Brave.” 10:45—Pathe News. 7 p.m.—“She Done Him Wrong.” 7:15—Pathe News. 7:30—“Only the Brave.”
Tuesday, November 14
7 p.m.—Pathe News. 7:15—“She Done Him Wrong.” 7:30—“Only the Brave.”
Wednesday, November 15
9 a.m.—“Too Much Harmony.” 9:15—“She Done Him Wrong.” 9:25—Pathe News. 9:40 and 7 p.m.—“Only the Brave.” 8:35—Pathe News. 8:50—“She Done Him Wrong.”
Thursday, November 16
7 p.m.—“Sign of the Cross.” 7:10—“Thunderbolt.”
Friday, November 17
9 a.m.—“Sign of the Cross.” 9:10—“Thunderbolt.” 7 p.m.—Pathe News. 7:15—“Thunderbolt.”
Monday, November 20
9 a.m.—Pathe News. 9:15—“Thunderbolt.” 10:45—Pathe News. 7 p.m.—“Song of the Eagle.” 7:15—Pathe News. 7:30—“Thunderbolt.”
Tuesday, November 21
7 p.m.—Pathe News. 7:15—“Song of the Eagle.” 7:30—“Thunderbolt.”
Wednesday, November 22
9 a.m.—“Sign of the Cross.” 9:15—“Song of the Eagle.” 9:25—Pathe News. 9:40—“Thunderbolt.” 7 p.m.—“Thunderbolt.” 8:35—Pathe News. 8:50—“Song of the Eagle.”
Thursday, November 23
7 p.m.—“I’m No Angel.” 7:10—“Benson Murder Case.”
Friday, November 24
9 a.m.—“I’m No Angel.” 9:10—“Benson Murder Case.” 7 p.m.—Pathe News. 7:15—“Benson Murder Case.”
Monday, November 27
9 a.m.—Pathe News. 9:15—“Benson Murder Case.” 10:45—Pathe News. 7 p.m.—“Blonde Venus.” 7:15—Pathe News. 7:30—“Benson Murder Case.”
Tuesday, November 28
7 p.m.—“I’m No Angel.” 7:10—Pathe News. 7:30—“Benson Murder Case.”
Wednesday, November 29, 19339 a.m.—“I’m No Angel.” 9:15—“Blonde Venus.” 9:25—Pathe News. 9:40—“The Benson Murder Case.” 7 p.m.—“The Benson Murder Case.” 8:35—Pathe News. 8:50—“Blonde Venus.”
Friday, December 1
9 a.m.—“One Sunday Afternoon.” 9:10—“Darkened Rooms.”
7 p.m.—Pathe News. 7:15—“Darkened Rooms.”
Saturday, December 2
7 p.m.—“One Sunday Afternoon.” 7:10—“Darkened Rooms.”
Monday, December 4
9 a.m.—Pathe News. 9:15—“Darkened Rooms.” 10:45—Pathe News. 7 p.m.—“One Sunday Afternoon.” 7:15—Pathe News 7:30—“Darkened Rooms.”
Tuesday, December 5
7 p.m.—“One Sunday Afternoon.” 7:10—Pathe News. 7:30—“Darkened Rooms.”
Wednesday, December 6
9 a.m.—“One Sunday Afternoon.” 9:10--Pathe News. 9:25 and 7 p.m.—“Darkened Rooms.” 8:35—Pathe News. 8:50—“One Sunday Afternoon.”
Friday, December 8
9 a.m.—“I’m No Angel.” 9:10—“The Benson Murder Case.” 7 p.m.—Pathe News. 7:15—“The Benson Murder Case.”
Monday, December 11
9 a.m.—Pathe News. 9:15—“Love Me Tonight.” 10:45 and 7 p.m.—Pathe News. 7:15—“Love Me Tonight.”
Tuesday, December 12
7 p.m.—Pathe News. 7:15—“Love Me Tonight.” 7:30—“Darkened Rooms.”
Wednesday, December 13
9 a.m.—“Love Me Tonight.” 10:40—Pathe News. 7 p.m.—“Love Me Tonight.” 8:35—Pathe News.
Friday, December 15
9 a.m.—Pathe News. 9:15—Paramount short. 9:30 and 7 p.m.—“Love Me Tonight.” 7:15—“The Benson Murder Case.” 8:35—Pathe News.
Monday, December 18
9 a.m.—Pathe News. 9:15—“A Farewell to Arms.” 10:45 and 7 p.m.—Pathe News. 7:15—“A Farewell to Arms.”
Tuesday, December 19
7 p.m.—“A Farewell to Arms.” 8:30—Pathe News. 8:45—short.
Wednesday, December 20
9 a.m.—Pathe News. 9:15—“A Farewell to Arms.” 7 p.m.—Pathe News. 7:15—“A Farewell to Arms.”
Friday, December 22
9 a.m.—Short. 9:10—Pathe News 9:30—“A Farewell to Arms.” 7 p.m.—Pathe News. 7:15—“A Farewell to Arms.” 8:45—Short.
Saturday, December 23
5 p.m.—Review of broadcasts. 6—Pathe News. 6:15—“Hollywood on Parade.” 6:40—Newsreel. 7—“Madame Butterfly.”
Tuesday, December 267 p.m.—“Pick-Up.” 8:30—Pathe News. 8:45—Short.
Wednesday, December 27
9 a.m.—Pathe News. 9:15—“Pick Up.” 10:50—“Canine Thrills.” 7 p.m.—Pathe News. 7:15—“Pick Up.”
Thursday, December 28
7 p.m.—“Canine Thrills.” 7:10—Pathe News. 7:30—“Pick-up.”
Friday, December 29
9 a.m.—Short. 9:10—Pathe News. 9:25—“Pick-Up.” 7 p.m.—Pathe News. 7:15—“Pick-Up.” 8:45—Short.
Saturday, December 30
7 p.m.—Pathe News. 7:30—“Pick-Up.”
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