The West Coast finally got a permanent television station at the end of 1931.
W6XAO is known today as KCBS-TV. During the war, W6XAO downsized its programming schedule to a broadcast every other Monday, but it remained on the air, only to temporarily sign off to install a new transmitted after the FCC ordered it to change channels.
We dealt the start-up in this post, so let’s concentrate on other developments in December 1931.
The University of Iowa waited for approval for its application to launch an experimental-only station, while the new station at Purdue University was having signal problems.
On the East coast, the Jenkins station, W2XCR, broadcast live programming on Christmas Day. I have found no evidence CBS’ W2AXB also had any shows.
Tuesday, Dec. 1, 1931
W2XAB (CBS), New York, 2750 kc.
(Sound on W2XE, 6120 kc.)
2:00-6:00 p. m.—Experimental program.
8:00—Vincent Mondi, One-Man Jazz Band.
8:15—“Wandering Gypsy.”
8:30—Seniorita Soledad Espinal’s Pamperos.
9:00—“The Television Ghost.”
9:15—Grace Voss, pantomimist.
9:30—Three-round exhibition boxing bout.
9:45—Emiliana de Zubeldia, songs.
10:00—“Tashamira,” aesthetic dances.
10:15—Hazel Dudley, songs.
10:30—Eilene Kazzanova, violin.
10:45—Grace Yeager, songs.
W2XCR (Jenkins Television), New York, 2035kc.
(Sound on 1180 kcs)
3:00-4:00—Films.
4:00-5:00—Same as WGBS.
4:00—News Flashes.
4:05—“Modern Piano Technique,” Maria von Unschald.
4:20—Darve and Kramer, recital.
4:35—Ballroom Dancing, Thomas E. Parson.
4:50—Krausmeyer’s Broadcasting Station, skit or recital.
6:00-7:30—Same as WGBS
6:00—News.
6:05—Giovanni Nisita, renor.
6:15—“The Theatre,” with Harriet Menken.
6:30—American Music Ensemble.
W2XBS (NBC, New York), 2100 kc.
7:30-10:30—Experimental program.
W2XR (Hogan, Long Island), 2950 kc.
5:00—Films (2150 kc. and 2920 kc.)
7:00—Films (accompanied by coordinated sound through W2AXB, 1604 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.
Wednesday, Dec. 2, 1931
W2XAB (CBS), New York, 2750 kc.
(Sound on W2XE, 6120 kc.)2:00-6:00 p. m.—Experimental sight programs.
8:00—Harriet Lee, Miss Radio 1931.
8:15—“Tony Wons’ Scrapbook”
8:30—“Television Cameos,” Beasley and Lloyd
9:00—Margie Munroe, songs in costume.
9:15—Broadcast by Television of Eclipse, O. H. Caldwell.
9:30—The Ambassadors.
9:45—Ezilda Sutton, impersonations.
10:00—Cane Calder, bass.
10:15—Helen Nugent, contralto.
10:30—Lou Hanlon, artist.
10:45—Girls’ vocal trio.
W2XCR (Jenkins Television), New York, 2035 kc.
(Sound on 1180 kcs)
3:00-4:00—Films.
4:00-5:00—Same as WGBS.
4:00—News Flashes.
4:05—Burnett Sisters, songs.
4:15—Your Voice, talk.
4:30—Billie Davis, songs.
4:45—“Debutantes at the Movies,” sketch.
6:00-7:00—Same as WGBS
6:00—News Flashes.
6:05—Top of the World, Gladys Petch.
6:15—“Theatregoing,” with Doug Brinkley.
6:30—American Music Ensemble.
Other stations as above.
IOWA CITY—Television, the infant of modern inventions which promises to grow to revolutionary proportions, will be given its first major boost in Iowa if the federal radio commission allows the construction of an experimental station at the state university here this week.
Backed by a year of successful experiments in the electrical engineering laboratory. Prof Edward B. Kurtz and Prof. J. L. Potter stand ready to install equipment as soon as word is received from Washington. D. C., that permission has been granted. Installation will take between 30 and 60 days.
None of the equipment, part of which will be constructed by students and instructors here and part to be furnished by the Western Television corp., is yet on the ground. No definite steps will be taken in construction of the station, which is to be operated in conjunction with WSUI, until there is assurance that the petition will not be denied.
Devoted to Experiments.
Because television has never been perfected to the point commonly believed, the station here will be devoted largely to experiments and attempts to make contributions to the science, according to Professor Kurtz. Simple images will be broadcast and it is hoped that lecturers may be televised as they talk, but broadcasting plays, orchestras and other large scenes is out of the question with present equipment.
While they will bend every effort to improve television and make it more practical, the Iowa experts believe it will be some time before talking pictures may he had in every home and complicated scenes may be reproduced satisfactorily at distances.
The chief benefit of the station here, besides its aid to research at the university, will be in helping some 500 amateur Iowa television fans who are attempting to construct receiving sets in their homes. The broadcast from here, acheduled for 62 watts power and a frequency of 45 “lines per frame” probably will not reach outside the state.
Aid to Radio Edu[c]ation.
Later, it is hoped that the process of radio education begun by the university will be aided by thbe television set. The broadcasting of moving pictures of speakers and illustrations such as maps, charts, and diagrams to accompany a lecture will further this project.
The idea of bringing a television station to the university was conceived by Professor Kurtz a year ago. As a forerunner to it, a laboratory size broadcasting station and receiving set were constructed in the electrical engineering laboratory by Professor Potter, and imagines [images] have been successfully put on the air and reproduced within the laboratory since early last summer.
Demonstrations of the process were given at the state fair last summer, but the scientists used wires exclusively and none of the imagines actually went on the air because they had no license for such experiments except within the laboratory.
Purdue Has License.
If permitted here, the television broadcasting station, expense of which will be reduced because some of the parts will be actually manufactured here and others will be donated, will be the first operated by an American educational institution.
Purdue university at Lafayette, Ind. has a license to operate such a station, but so far no broadcasts have gone outside the laboratory there. Approximately 20 television licenses have been issued by the federal commission and it is estimated that there are about 25,000 receiving sets in the country.
Television operates on a principle discovered 50 years ago by a German scientist, Nipkow. Its application was never possible until the last 10 years, with the invention of neon tubes, photoelectric cells and cathode ray tubes. The general principle involves the conversion of light rays into electrical impulses at the broadcasting end and electrical impulses back into light rays at the receiving end. (Des Moines Tribune, Dec. 2)
Thursday, Dec. 3, 1931
W2XAB (CBS), New York, 2750 kc.
(Sound on W2XE, 6120 kc.)
3:00-6:00 p. m.—Experimental sight programs.
8:00—Dorothea James.
8:15—Male Quartet.
8:30—“Patteran,” Sharon Wayne.
8:45—Stephanie Wall, characterizations.
9:00—Wayburn’s Miniature Musical Comedy Revue.
9:30—Frank Doblin, songs.
9:45—Estelle Sidney, pantomimes.
10:00—Tighe’s experiments.
10:15—Barbara Maurel, contralto.
10:30—“Puppet Follies” with Peter Williams.
10:45—Park Avenue Boys.
W2XCR (Jenkins Television), New York, 2035 kc.
(Sound on 1180 kcs)
3:00-4:00—Films.
4:00-5:00—Same as WGBS.
4:00—News Flashes.
4:05—Marian French, contralto.
4:15—Dorothy Zorn, impersonator.
4:30—Mary Bongert, soprano.
4:45—“Is Picasso Great?” by Nathaniel Pousette-Dart.
6:00-7:00—Same as WGBS
6:00—News flashes.
6:05—Bertram Peacock, baritone.
6:15—Justice Brandeis Society Forum, speaker U.S. Judge Clarence G. Gausion.
6:30—American Music Ensemble.
Other stations as above.
Friday, Dec. 4, 1931
W2XAB (CBS), New York, 2750 kc.
(Sound on W2XE, 6120 kc.)
2:00-6:00 p. m.—Experimental sight programs.
8:00—Don Trent, characterizations.
8:15—Ralph Allen, Indian life and customs.
8:30—Ruth Kerner, soprano.
8:45—Hemstreet Quartet.
9:00—Vincent Sorey and Louise Caselotti.
9:15—Helen Board, soprano.
9:30—Artells Dickson.
9:45—Selma Robinson, readings.
10:00—Helen Nugent, contralto.
10:15—Harriet Lee, Miss Radio of 1931.
10:30—Charlie Speer, Sports interview.
10:45—Gay Sisters, harmony duo.
W2XCR (Jenkins Television), New York, 2035kc.
(Sound on 1180 kcs)
3:00-4:00—Films.
4:00-5:00—Same as WGBS.
4:00—News Flashes.
4:05—Jacques Belser, songs.
4:15—“A Spanish Lesson,” Dr. Thatcher Clark.
4:30—“Here and There,” Harrison Zeller.
4:45—Krausemeyer’s Broadcasting Station, sketch or recital.
6:00-7:00—Same as WGBS
6:00—News Flashes.
6:05—Ship Ahoy Trio.
6:30—American Music Ensemble.
Other stations as above.
Saturday, Dec. 5, 1931
W2XAB (CBS), New York, 2750 kc.
(Sound on W2XE, 6120 kc.)
2:00-4:00—Penn vs. Navy football game, followed by board from radio description.
4:00-6:00—Experimental images.
8:00—Lilyan Crossman, pantomimes.
8:30—Exhibition of Plants and Flowers.
8:45—Three Dancing Girls.
9:00—Make-up Tests.
9:30—CBS stars in pictorial review.
9:45—Cartoonist.
W2XCR (Jenkins Television), New York, 2035 kc.
(Sound on 1180 kcs)
3:00-4:00—Films.
4:00-5:00—Same as WGBS.
4:00—News Flashes.
4:05—Studio program.
4:15—Tap dancing lesson with William MacPherson.
4:30—Ethel Aaron, songs.
4:45—Gosselin Sisters, songs.
6:00-7:00—Same as WGBS
6:00—News Flashes.
6:05—Erin’s Isle Orchestra, Seamus O’Dougherty, tenor.
6:30—Chamberlain Brown’s Artists.
Other stations as above.
The children's hour, a one-man novelty band, a special arranged military show and the inauguration of a new series entitled “Caricatures of the Air,” are the highlights featured on the visual programs for the coming week by experimental television stations in New York.
Tomorrow at 8:15 P. M. W2XAB will present another in its series of sketches entitled “Mississippi,” in which Dorothea James and Jack Fischer are featured.
On Monday evening over the same station Douglas Gilbert and A. Birnham will be featured in a special program beginning at 8:15 P. M.
Margaret Roberts, concert soprano, will be seen as well as heard when she appears over W2XCR at 4:05 o'clock Monday afternoon.
On Wednesday over the same station [W2XAB] Mme. Nicole de Paris will present three manikins in a "millinery show.” Two dozen hats will be exhibited, in which will be included fashions for immediate wear and straw hats for use at Southern resorts. This is scheduled for 8:45 P. M.
Norwegian lore of the long winters and the short, bright summers is the chief feature of the illustrated sight and sound lecture which Gladys Petch will provide for the audiences of W2XCR and WGBS at 8:15 P. M. (Sun)
Observations of conditions among the Kentucky miners and their families will be the subject of two radio appearances of Theodore Dreiser and Sherwood Anderson over the weekend. The first broadcast will take place this afternoon at 5:30 over WGBS and its sister television station W2XCR. Their second appearance will be Tuesday evening at 9 o'clock over WEVD.
Music for the program tomorrow will be furnished by Molly Jackson, wife of a Kentucky miner, who composes songs of the working people. (Sun)
Sherwood Anderson dropped work on his two newspapers and one novel he is writing at Marion, Va., and arrived in the city yesterday [5] to talk about the troubles of the Kentucky coal miners. He doesn’t know a great deal about the Kentucky miners, he admitted in an interview at the office of the National Committee for the Defense of Political Prisoners, but came because of “a general feeling that I wanted to stand with Dreiser and express my admiration for his courage and frankness.”
Mr. Anderson was not a member of the committee headed by Theodore Deiser, whose recent visit to the Kentucky coal fields resulted in the indictment of Mr. Dreiser and various committee members for criminal syndicalism and a second indictment against Mr. Dreiser charging immorality. But he lives among the Virginia mountains and admires their people, and in addition his home is near the Kentucky coal fields.
Participates in Broadcast.
Last night Mr. Anderson, Waldo Frank, critic, and “Aunt Molly” Jackson, mountaineer’s wife and folk singer, participated in a radio and television broadcast over station WGBS and television station W2XCR. It was said to be the first time American writer had appeared via television and the first time this invention had been invoked in a labor dispute.
“Nothing in the world is more misleading than the picture of mountain people built up in most of our minds,” the novelist said over the radio. “I live in the mountains, among mountain people, myself, so I know. They are loyal, courageous, independent. The poorest mountain coal miner will invite you into his shack with the air of a king inviting you into his palace. Whatever he has he will share with you. Treat him like a man and he will fight for you.
“Do not make a mistake about these mountain people. They are very human and real. Now they are struggling, a part of the bitter, long struggle, to readjust, in some sort of fair way, the terrible conditions under which labor everywhere is struggling now. In all this talk about Harlan we ought at least to keep in mind what the struggle is about. It is the struggle of human beings to live and work under decent conditions, to raise their children decently, to live and work like real human beings.”
Call Virginia His Home.
Mr. Anderson, who was born in Ohio and was once a Chicago advertising man, now talks about Virginia as ‘down home.’ A homespun figure in loose tweeds and a comfortably battered hat, he appeared very much the country gentleman yesterday. He said he had spent some time last summer in the West Virginia mines, where conditions are much the same, and had found “simply miserable conditions—men working two or three days a week on reduced wages, living in miserable holes, and paid in scrip which is worth about 20 per cent less than real money.”
“They can’t do anything else but struggle along, I guess. It’s a result of overproduction—the opening of too many new mines as a consequence of the war. You’d have to talk to a political economist about that, though,” he added with a smile “I was always interested in economic conditions. I wrote a 500-page book about it when I was twenty—three. Fortunately I burned it. And frankly I don’t know as much about the subject now.”
With Mr. Dreiser and others or the group indicted with him. Mr. Anderson will speak at n Harlan protest meeting at 2:30 o’clock this afternoon at the Star Casino, Park Avenue and 107th Street. (Herald Tribune, Dec. 6)
Sunday, Dec. 6, 1931
W2XAB (CBS), New York, 2750 kc.
(Sound on W2XE, 6120 kc.)
2:00-5:00 Experimental sight programs.
8:00—Puppet Show.
8:15—Drama.
8:30—Helen Board. soprano.
8:45—Marga la Rubia, characterizations.
9:00—“Broadway Panorama,” with Sue Read and Finette Walker.
9:15—Vocal Trio.
9:30—Mme. Rasumova, soprano; Gypsy instrumental sextet.
W2XCR (Jenkins Television), New York, 2035 kc.
(Sound on WGBS 1180 kcs)
6:00—“Evening Musicale,” Nydia D’Arnell, soprano; Florence Hubbard, piano.
6:30—American Music Ensemble.
BAKERSFIELD, Dec. 6. (Exclusive)—Premier broadcast of the greatest television transmission unit in the western half of the United States, located at 307 East Twenty-first street, this city, is scheduled on Christmas Eve, officials of the Pioneer Mercantile Company, owner of the 1000-watt, $50,000 television plant, announced today.
Two giant serial towers, which point their peaks 137 feet skyward, have been constructed, and below in the plant’s studio, motion-picture machines and other equipment necessary to the transmission of the television broadcasts have been installed.
PROGRAMS GO FAR
Programs from the station, known W6XAH, will reach parts of the United States west of the Mississippi River, according to Ralph D. Lemert, radio technician in charge of the station’s construction.
The plant is under construction at the home of Gus Schamblin, owner of the Pioneer Mercantile Company, and since work started several weeks ago several thousand residents have inspected the studio equipment and learned some details of television. Frank Schamblin is mechanical engineer for the plant.
REVOLUTIONARY THEORY
Station W6XAH will utilize a revolutionary theory in television—the elimination of the “carrier wave,” trouble-maker of radio broadcasting. There will be no interference in the television broadcasts of the Bakersfield studio, and elimination of the “carrier wave” will permit the broadcasting of outdoor scenes more than twice the size of those now permitted in television, and send the radio waves four times as far as heretofore possible. (Los Angeles Times, Dec. 7)
Monday, Dec. 7, 1931
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.
8:30—Adventures of Spaghett and Ravioli.
8:45—Television Crooner, Doris Sharp.
9:00—Piano lessons.
9:30—Julia Mahoney, soprano.
9:45—Dorothy Rosenthal, violinist.
10:00—Paul Frehm, cartoons.
10:15—Kathryn Parsons, songs.
10:30—Football season guesses.
10:45—Caricatures.
W2XCR (Jenkins Television), New York, 2035 kc.
(Sound on 1180 kcs)
3:00-4:00—Films.
4:00-5:00—Same as WGBS.
4:00—News Flashes.
4:05—Margaret Roberts, soprano.
4:25—Ann Gold, readings.
4:35—“Toyland,” with Wendy Marshall.
4:50—Weight Reduction, Dr. Shirley Wynne.
6:00-7:00—Same as WGBS
6:00—News Flashes.
6:05—Interview with Stars, Anne Lazaar.
6:15—Alfred Wertheim, violin.
6:45—American Music Ensemble.
W2XBS (NBC, New York), 2100 kc.
7:30-10:30—Experimental program.
W2XR (Hogan, Long Island), 2950 kc.
5:00—Films (2150 kc. and 2920 kc.)
7:00—Films (accompanied by coordinated sound through W2AXB, 1604 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.
The audio-visual audience of Columbia’s television station, W2XAB will see and hear H. Bud McElfresh of The Eagle staff introduce Arthur N. Chamberlain, commissioner of Air Police, and Rodman Wanamaker, honorary aid in aviation to Police Commissioner Mulrooney. Both will speak about New York City’s air police force.
This feature starts at 8:00 p.m. (Brooklyn Eagle, Jo Ranson column)
Tuesday, Dec. 8, 1931
W2XAB (CBS), New York, 2750 kc.
(Sound on W2XE, 6120 kc.)
2:00-6:00 p. m.—Experimental program.
8:00—Vincent Mondi, One-Man Jazz Band.
8:15—“Wandering Gypsy.”
8:30—Seniorita Soledad Espinal’s Pamperos.
9:00—“The Television Ghost.”
9:15—Grace Voss, pantomimist.
9:30—Three-round exhibition boxing bout.
9:45—Television Novelties.
10:00—“Tashamira,” aesthetic dances.
10:15—Hazel Dudley, songs.
10:30—Eilene Kazzanova, violin.
10:45—Grace Yeager, songs.
W2XCR (Jenkins Television), New York, 2035kc.
(Sound on 1180 kcs)
3:00-4:00—Films.
4:00-5:00—Same as WGBS.
4:00—News Flashes.
4:05—Nat Ross, piano.
4:15—Lavinia Darve, soprano and Theodora Kramer, piano.
4:30—Ballroom Dancing, Thomas E. Parson.
4:45—Krausmeyer’s Broadcasting Station, skit.
6:00-7:30—Same as WGBS
6:00—News.
6:05—Mauricette Ducret, songs.
6:15—“The Theatre,” with Harriet Menken.
6:30—American Music Ensemble.
Other stations as above.
Wednesday, Dec. 9, 1931
W2XAB (CBS), New York, 2750 kc.
(Sound on W2XE, 6120 kc.)
2:00-6:00 p. m.—Experimental sight programs.
8:00—Harriet Lee, Miss Radio 1931.
8:15—“Tony Wons’ Scrapbook”
8:30—Margie Munroe, songs.
8:45—Millinery Show.
9:00—Margie Munroe, costume. 9:30—The Ambassadors.
9:45—Ezilda Sutton, impersonations.
10:00—Ben and Helen.
10:15—Helen Nugent, contralto.
10:30—Lou Hanlon, artist.
10:45—Girls’ vocal trio.
W2XCR (Jenkins Television), New York, 2035 kc.
(Sound on 1180 kcs)
3:00-4:00—Films.
4:00-5:00—Same as WGBS.
4:00—News Flashes.
4:05—Burnett Sisters, songs.
4:15—Your Voice, talk.
4:30—Billie Davis, songs.
4:45—“Debutantes at the Movies,” sketch.
6:00-7:00—Same as WGBS
6:00—News Flashes.
6:05—Top of the World, Gladys Petch.
6:15—“Theatregoings” with Doug Brinkley.
6:30—American Music Ensemble.
Other stations as above.
WABC’s television station, put on a millinery show last night [9] at 9. Twenty hats, valued at $36,000 (and guarded by three detectives), were televised. The most expensive of the bonnets, priced at $10,000 was decorated with diamonds, emeralds and other such trimmings. (Daily News, Ben Gross column)
Thursday, Dec. 10, 1931
W2XAB (CBS), New York, 2750 kc.
(Sound on W2XE, 6120 kc.)
3:00-6:00 p. m.—Experimental sight programs.
8:00—Doris Sharp, crooner.
8:15—Male Quartet.
8:30—“Patteran,” Sharon Wayne.
8:45—Stephanie Wall, characterizations.
9:00—Wayburn’s Miniature Musical Comedy Revue.
9:30—Frank Doblin, songs.
9:45—Estelle Sidney, pantomimes.
10:00—Tighe’s experiments.
10:15—Mildred Johnson, contralto.
10:30—Drama of Stamps.
10:45—Park Avenue Boys trio.
W2XCR (Jenkins Television), New York, 2035 kc.
(Sound on 1180 kcs)
3:00-4:00—Films.
4:00-5:00—Same as WGBS.
4:00—News Flashes.
4:05—Marian French, contralto.
4:15—Dorothy Zorn, impersonator.
4:30—Mary Bongert, soprano.
4:45—to be announced by Nathaniel Pousette-Dart.
6:00-7:00—Same as WGBS
6:00—News flashes.
6:05—Mauricette Ducret, songs.
6:15—Fiddle and I.
6:30—American Music Ensemble.
Other stations as above.
Friday, Dec. 11, 1931
W2XAB (CBS), New York, 2750 kc.
(Sound on W2XE, 6120 kc.)
2:00-6:00 p. m.—Experimental sight programs.
8:00—Don Trent, characterizations.
8:15—Ralph Allen, Indian life and customs.
8:30—Ruth Kerner, soprano.
8:45—Hemstreet Quartet.
9:00—Vincent Sorey and Louise Caselotti.
9:15—Helen Board, soprano.
9:30—Artells Dickson.
9:45—Helen Nugent, contralto.
10:00—Donald Bain, bird imitations
10:15—Harriet Lee, Miss Radio of 1931.
10:30—Charlie Speer, Sports interview.
10:45—Gay Sisters, harmony duo.
W2XCR (Jenkins Television), New York, 2035kc.
(Sound on 1180 kcs)
3:00-4:00—Films.
4:00-5:00—Same as WGBS.
4:00—News Flashes.
4:05—Jacques Belser, songs.
4:15—“A Spanish Lesson,” Dr. Thatcher Clark.
4:30—“Here and There,” Harrison Zeller.
4:45—Krausemeyer’s Broadcasting Station, sketch or recital.
6:00-7:00—Same as WGBS
6:00—News Flashes.
6:15—Ship Ahoy Trio.
6:30—American Music Ensemble.
Other stations as above.
Saturday, Dec. 12, 1931
W2XAB (CBS), New York, 2750 kc.
(Sound on W2XE, 6120 kc.)
2:00-4:00—Penn vs. Navy football game, followed by board from radio description.
4:00-6:00—Experimental images.
8:00—Elliott Jaffee, songs.
8:15—Lilyan Crossman, pantomimes.
8:30—Phil Maher, comedy.
8:45—Children’s quarter hour.
9:00—Scanning the Stars.
9:30—Harry Fries, musical saw.
9:45—Myndell Louis, artist.
W2XCR (Jenkins Television), New York, 2035 kc.
(Sound on 1180 kcs)
3:00-4:00—Films.
4:00-5:00—Same as WGBS.
4:00—News Flashes.
4:05—John Dundon, tenor.
4:15—Tap dancing lesson with William MacPherson.
4:30—P.J. Leonard, songs.
4:45—Gosselin Sisters, songs.
6:00-7:00—Same as WGBS
6:00—News Flashes.
6:05—Erin’s Isle Orchestra, Seamus O’Dougherty, tenor.
6:30—Chamberlain Brown’s Artists.
Other stations as above.
An audience at Brooklyn Polytechnic Institute thin morning [12] watched and listened with interest while Professor Edger P. Slack at 52d St. and Madison Ave., Manhattan, delivered a lecture on physics accompanied by demonstrations.
It was all done with television. The television broadcast was covered by station W2XAB while the speech broadcast was simultaneously carried by Station 2XE.
The transmitting apparatus in what is probably the first scientific demonstration utilizing television and sound broadcasting for teaching purposes, will be that regularly employed by the Columbia Broadcasting Company, from whose studio Professor Stack this morning delivered his address.
Audience of Teachers
His audience in Brooklyn was composed of teachers of physics in high schools in the metropolitan district.
The television receiving apparatus used for the demonstration was of a type recently perfected by Ivan Bloch, a recent graduate of Polytechnic, who explained its operation.
While he talked Professor Slack could be plainly seen performing his experiments on a small illuminated screen.
The television broadcast concluded a program of addresses and experiments designed to show recent development in theoretical physics and demonstrations of physical principles.
Prof. Parke B. Fraim illustrated how certain rudimentary principles of physics may be demonstrated with cheap equipment. He performed ten experiments with apparatus costing less than $2.
Dr. Edward M. Thorndike, instructor in physics at Polytechnic, revealed the results of his own surveys of the Einstein theory conducted at the California Institute tinder the general direction of Prof. Robert A. Millikan. At the conclusion of the program there was an Inspection of the physical laboratories of the Institute. (Brooklyn Eagle)
Chicago, Dec. 12 (AP)—A device which its inventor says will make possible the use by television broadcasting stations of standard sound moving picture films was announced today by the Western Television Corporation.
Heretofore the greatest difficulty in adapting sight-sound films to television projection has been the difference in speed at which pictures are taken on the movie lot and with which they are scanned in the television process. The moving picture camera exposes twenty-four sections of film each second, while the maximum rate for television scanning systems has been twenty.
Sunday, Dec. 13, 1931
W2XAB (CBS), New York, 2750 kc.
(Sound on W2XE, 6120 kc.)
2:00-6:00 Experimental sight programs.
8:00—Puppet Show.
8:15—Drama.
8:30—Helen Board. soprano.
8:45—Marga la Rubia, characterizations.
9:00—“Broadway Panorama,” with Sue Read and Finette Walker.
9:15—Vocal Trio.
9:30—Mme. Rasumova, soprano; Gypsy instrumental sextet.
W2XCR (Jenkins Television), New York, 2035 kc.
(Sound on WGBS 1180 kcs)
5:00—Celebrity concert.
6:00—“Evening Musicale,” Nydia D’Arnell, soprano; Florence Hubbard, piano.
6:30—News Flashes
6:35—American Music Ensemble.
From Boston comes the story of several moments of tremendous excitement in the studio of W1XAV, experimental television transmitter of the Shortwave and Television Corporation. A visitor asked to sit before the photoelectric cells during a demonstration. In a moment he leaped away from the transmitting apparatus, knocked over an engineer and eight chairs and bolted into the audience in the reception room where pictures were being projected on a screen. When he was picked out of the confusion, he explained that he thought he could see himself via television. Since radio waves travel 186,000 miles a second—or 75 times around the world in that time he was just a trifle late. (Pittsburgh Press, Dec. 13)
Monday, Dec. 14, 1931W2XAB (CBS), New York, 2750 kc.
(Sound on W2XE, 6120 kc.)
2:00-6:00—Experimental sight programs.
8:00—“At Home Party,” Alvin Hauser.
8:30—Adventures of Spaghett and Ravioli.
8:45—Television Crooner, Doris Sharp.
9:00—Piano lessons.
9:30—Julia Mahoney, soprano.
9:45—Dorothy Rosenthal, violinist.
10:00—Paul Frehm, cartoons.
10:15—Kathryn Parsons, songs.
10:30—Football season guesses.
10:45—Caricatures.
W2XCR (Jenkins Television), New York, 2035 kc.
(Sound on 1180 kcs)
3:00-5:00, 6:00-7:00—Same as WGBS.
3:00—News Flashes.
3:05—Symphonic Rhythmakers.
3:20—James Aswell, talk.
3:35—Afternoon musical.
4:00—News Flashes.
4:05—Margaret Roberts, soprano.
4:25—Ann Gold, readings.
4:35—“Toyland,” with Wendy Marshall.
4:50-5:00—“Diet and Health,” Dr. Thomas Darlington.
6:00—News Flashes.
6:05—“Chats With Stars,” Anne Lazaar.
6:15—Dorothy Biese, soprano.
6:30—American Music Ensemble.
W2XBS (NBC, New York), 2100 kc.
7:30-10:30—Experimental program.
W2XR (Hogan, Long Island), 2950 kc.
5:00—Films (2150 kc. and 2920 kc.)
7:00—Films (accompanied by coordinated sound through W2AXB, 1604 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.
Tuesday, Dec. 15, 1931
W2XAB (CBS), New York, 2750 kc.
(Sound on W2XE, 6120 kc.)
2:00-6:00 p. m.—Experimental program.
8:00—Instrumental trio.
8:15—Novelty band.
8:30—Fashion show.
9:00—“The Television Ghost.”
9:15—Grace Voss, pantomimist.
9:30—Three-round exhibition boxing bout.
9:45—Major Ivan Forth, Gladys Erskine.
10:00—“Tashamira,” aesthetic dances.
10:15—Hazel Dudley, songs.
10:30—Eilene Kazzanova, violin.
10:45—Grace Yeager, songs.
W2XCR (Jenkins Television), New York, 2035kc.
(Sound on 1180 kcs)
3:00-5:00, 6:00-7:00—Same as WGBS.
3:00—News Flashes.
3:05—Symphonic Rhythmakers.
3:20—Hardy Musicale.
3:35—Gregoire Franzell, piano.
4:00—News Flashes.
4:05—“Modern Piano Technique,” Maria von Undschult.
4:20—Twilight Musicale.
4:35—Ballroom Dancing, Thomas E. Parson.
4:45-5:00—Don Trent.
6:00—News.
6:05—Mauricette Ducret, comedienne.
6:15—“The Theatre,” with Harriet Menken.
6:30—American Music Ensemble.
Other stations as above.
W9XAP, television adjunct of WMAQ, Chicago, now 50 per cent owned by NBC and 50 per cent by the Chicago Daily News, was licensed to NBC by action of the Federal Radio Commission Dec. 4. NBC officials state they contemplate no present change in the equipment of the television station, which was installed by Western Television Corp., Chicago. (Broadcasting)
Wednesday, Dec. 16, 1931
W2XAB (CBS), New York, 2750 kc.
(Sound on W2XE, 6120 kc.)
2:00-6:00 p. m.—Experimental sight programs.
8:00—Julia Mahoney, soprano.
8:15—“Tony Wons’ Scrapbook”
8:30—Theodore Whitman, violin.
8:45—Demonstration: Making of Life Masks.
9:15—Marion Newberry, songs.
9:30—The Ambassadors.
9:45—Ezilda Sutton, impersonations.
10:00—Helen Board, Charles Carlile, songs.
10:30—Lou Hanlon, artist.
10:45—Girls’ vocal trio.
W2XCR (Jenkins Television), New York, 2035 kc.
(Sound on 1180 kcs)
3:00-5:00, 6:00-7:00—Same as WGBS.
3:00—News Flashes.
3:05—Symphonic Rhythmakers.
3:20—James Aswell, talk.
3:35—Jeanne Barnard, monologues.
4:00—News Flashes.
4:05—Burnett Sisters, songs.
4:15—Giovanni Nisita, songs.
4:30—Billie Davis, songs.
4:45-5:00—“Debutantes at the Movies,” sketch.
6:00—News Flashes.
6:05—Top of the World, Gladys Petch.
6:15—“Theatregoing,” Doug Brinkley.
6:30—American Music Ensemble.
Other stations as above.
Thursday, Dec. 17, 1931
W2XAB (CBS), New York, 2750 kc.
(Sound on W2XE, 6120 kc.)
3:00-6:00 p. m.—Experimental sight programs.
8:00—Doris Sharp, crooner.
8:15—Male Quartet.
8:30—“Patteran,” Sharon Wayne.
8:45—Stephanie Wall, characterizations.
9:00—Wayburn’s Miniature Musical Comedy Revue.
9:30—Eugene Gelesnig program.
9:45—Estelle Sidney, pantomimes.
10:00—Tighe’s experiments.
10:15—Helen Nugent, contralto.
10:30—“Puppet Follies.”
10:45—Park Avenue Boys trio.
W2XCR (Jenkins Television), New York, 2035 kc.
(Sound on 1180 kcs)
3:00-5:00, 6:00-7:00—Same as WGBS.
3:00—News Flashes.
3:05—Symphonic Rhythmakers.
3:20—Theatre Miniature.
3:35—Gregoire Franzell, piano.
4:00-5:00—Same as WGBS.
4:00—News Flashes.
4:05—Clinton Clifford, tenor.
4:15—Nat Rose, piano.
4:30—Mary Bongert, soprano.
4:45-5:00—“Ten Best American Artists,” by Nathaniel Pousette-Dart.
6:00—News flashes.
6:05—Bertram Peacock, baritone.
6:15—Dr. Cohen’s Pet Club.
6:30—American Music Ensemble.
Other stations as above.
Friday, Dec. 18, 1931W2XAB (CBS), New York, 2750 kc.
(Sound on W2XE, 6120 kc.)
2:00-6:00 p. m.—Experimental sight programs.
8:00—Don Trent, characterizations.
8:15—Ralph Allen, Indian life and customs.
8:30—Ruth Kerner, soprano.
8:45—Hemstreet Quartet. 9:00—Vincent Sorey and Louise Caselotti.
9:15—“Living Song Pictures,” with the Shannon Brothers.
9:30—“The Vagabond Singer,” Artells Dickson.
9:45—Helen Nugent, contralto.
10:00—Donald Bain, country sketch.
10:15—Harriet Lee, Miss Radio of 1931.
10:30—Charlie Speer, Sports interview.
10:45—Prosperity Girls.
W2XCR (Jenkins Television), New York, 2035kc.
(Sound on 1180 kcs)
3:00-5:00, 6:00-7:00—Same as WGBS.
3:00—News Flashes.
3:05—Symphonic Rhythmakers.
3:20—Allen Prescott.
3:35—Barry Players.
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—Ship Ahoy Trio.
6:30—American Music Ensemble.
Other stations as above.
TWO APPLICATIONS for experimental visual broadcasting stations were denied Dec. 18 by the Federal Radio Commission. Sustaining Examiner Pratt (Report No. 278), the Commission denied the Pilot Radio & Tube Corp., Lawrence, Mass., authority for a station on 2000-2100 kc. with 250 watts, on the ground that the applicant failed to show that the equipment proposed to be used would be suitable.
Indiana’s Community Broadcasting Corp., Hartford City, Md., was denied its request for assignment to 2750-2850 kc., with 50 watts, on the ground that the applicant did not show sufficient technical facilities to insure experimentation that would advance the visual art. The Commission sustained the recommendation of Chief Examiner Yost in this decision (Report No. 276). (Broadcasting, Jan. 1)
Saturday, Dec. 19, 1931
W2XAB (CBS), New York, 2750 kc.
(Sound on W2XE, 6120 kc.)
2:00-6:00—Experimental images.
8:00—Elliott Jaffee, songs.
8:15—Lilyan Crossman, pantomimes.
8:30—Phil Maher, comedy.
8:45—Children’s quarter hour.
9:00—Scanning the Stars.
9:30—Harry Fries, musical saw.
9:45—Myndell Louis, artist.
W2XCR (Jenkins Television), New York, 2035 kc.
(Sound on 1180 kcs)
4:00-5:00; 6:00-7:00—Same as WGBS.
4:00—News Flashes.
4:05—John Dundon, tenor.
4:15—Ethelyn Taylor, contralto.
4:30—Dith Burley, songs.
4:45-5:00—Gosselin Sisters, songs.
6:00—March of Events Hour.
Other stations as above.
Outstanding among the features scheduled by the New York television stations for Christmas week beginning today is the first sight and sound broadcast of "Santa and His Toys," "The Puppets’ Christmas Eve" and an "Exhibition of Christmas Stamps," as well as instrumental and vocal programs.
To prove that television prefers blondes, Helen and Muriel Gosselin have requested lookers-in to watch their sight program when they broadcast from W2XCR and WGBS this afternoon, beginning at 4:45.
Tashmira, who has appeared regularly in a series of German modernistic dances, will be seen in several new versions before the flying spot of W2XAB next Tuesday, beginning at 10 P. M.
On Wednesday over the same station at 9:45 P. M. Ezilda Sutton will present a program in Negro dialect and costume. For the benefit of the television audience who may be looking in at 10:30 P. M. on W2XAB Sigmund I. Rothschild will present a collection of special Christmas stamps.
On Christmas Eve and on Christmas Day between the hours of 2 and 4 P. M. W2XCR will stage a gala Christmas revue, with Don Trent acting as master of ceremonies. (Sun)
SAN DIEGO, Cal., Dec. 19 (U.P.)—D. C. Collier, president of the 1915 San Diego exposition, is negotiating with the Mexican government for the erection of a $150,000 radio and television station near the border of lower California.
Wendell McMahill, Hollywood and Santa Barbara television expert, is to superintend technical phases of the project.
The station will be of 100,000 watts, to be operated in conjunction with the California-San Diego centennial exposition in 1934 and 1935, and for commercial purposes. Collier said the United States Radio Commission now made it possible to derive income from television broadcasts in the United States.
Sunday, Dec. 20, 1931
W2XAB (CBS), New York, 2750 kc.
(Sound on W2XE, 6120 kc.)
2:00-6:00 Experimental sight programs.
8:00—Puppet Show.
8:15—Drama.
8:30—Helen Board. soprano.
8:45—Marga la Rubia, characterizations.
9:00—“Broadway Panorama,” with Sue Read and Finette Walker.
9:15—Vocal Trio.
9:30—Mme. Rasumova, soprano; Gypsy instrumental sextet.
W2XCR (Jenkins Television), New York, 2035 kc.
(Sound on WGBS 1180 kcs)
5:00—Celebrity Concert; Speaker, Rube Goldberg.
6:00—“Evening Musicale,” Nydia D’Arnell, soprano; Florence Hubbard, piano.
6:30—News Flashes.
6:35—American Music Ensemble.
Monday, Dec. 21, 1931W2XAB (CBS), New York, 2750 kc.
(Sound on W2XE, 6120 kc.)
2:00-6:00—Experimental sight programs.
8:00—“At Home Party,” Alvin Hauser.
8:30—Adventures of Spaghett and Ravioli.
8:45—Television Crooner, Doris Sharp.
9:00—Piano lessons.
9:30—Charlotte Harriman, contralto.
9:45—Dorothy Rosenthal, violinist.
10:00—Paul Frehm, cartoons.
10:15—Kathryn Parsons, songs.
10:30—Puppet show.
10:45—Caricatures.
W2XCR (Jenkins Television), New York, 2035 kc.
(Sound on 1180 kcs)
3:00-5:00, 6:00-7:00—Same as WGBS.
3:00—News Flashes.
3:05—Afternoon Musicale.
3:30—James Aswell, talk.
3:45—Symphonic Rhythm Makers.
4:00—News Flashes.
4:05—Margaret Roberts, soprano.
4:25—Ann Gold, readings.
4:35—“Toyland,” with Wendy Marshall.
4:50-5:00—“Health and Economy,” Dr. Thomas Darlington.
6:00—News Flashes.
6:05—“Fortunes in Gems,” Olga Tritt.
6:15—Dorothy Biese, soprano.
6:30—American Music Ensemble.
W2XBS (NBC, New York), 2100 kc.
7:30-10:30—Experimental program.
W2XR (Hogan, Long Island), 2950 kc.
5:00—Films (2150 kc. and 2920 kc.)
7:00—Films (accompanied by coordinated sound through W2AXB, 1604 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.
Tuesday, Dec. 22, 1931
W2XAB (CBS), New York, 2750 kc.
(Sound on W2XE, 6120 kc.)
2:00-6:00 p. m.—Experimental program.
8:00—The Misses Williamson, harmony.
8:15— Grace Voss, pantomimist.
8:30—Arthur Renaldo, guitar.
9:00—“The Television Ghost.”
9:15—Hazel Dudley, songs.
9:30—Three-round exhibition boxing bout.
9:45—Major Ivan Forth, Gladys Erskine.
10:00—“Tashamira,” aesthetic dances.
10:15—Novelty band.
10:30—Selma Robinson, poems.
10:45—Grace Yeager, songs.
W2XCR (Jenkins Television), New York, 2035kc.
(Sound on 1180 kcs)
3:00-5:00, 6:00-7:00—Same as WGBS.
3:00—News Flashes.
3:05—Gregoire Franzell, piano.
3:30—Doris Hardy.
3:45—Symphonic Rhythm Makers.
4:00—News Flashes.
4:05—Dotty Morrison, songs.
4:15—“Twilight Musicale,” Lavinia Darve, soprano and Theodora Kramer, piano.
4:30—Nat Ross, piano.
4:45-5:00—Marchia Wallach, songs.
6:00—News.
6:05—Mauricette Ducret, comedienne.
6:15—“The Theatre,” with Harriet Menken.
6:30—American Music Ensemble.
Other stations as above.
TELEVISION, transmitted experimentally on a beam of light, utilizing a wave length of but a billionth of a meter, was successfully demonstrated in Schenectady Dec. 22 in the General Electric laboratory by Dr. E. F. W. Alexanderson. This use of the ultra short waves, Dr. Alexanderson believes, opens the way to a new and valuable era in the art and promises to result in more distinct television pictures.
In the laboratory tests the pick-up device was of the conventional type such as used by Dr. Alexanderson in his previous television experiments. Instead of the electrical impulses being fed into a radio transmitter as heretofore, they were modulated into extremely high frequencies on a light beam from a high intensity arc. This beam was projected the length of the laboratory into a single photo electric tube, which transposed the modulated light waves back into electrical waves. The electrical impulses reproduced the image by means of an ordinary television receiver. (Broadcasting, Jan. 1)
Wednesday, Dec. 23, 1931
W2XAB (CBS), New York, 2750 kc.
(Sound on W2XE, 6120 kc.)
2:00-6:00 p. m.—Experimental sight programs.
8:00—Irene Beeasley, songs.
8:15—“Tony Wons’ Scrapbook”
8:30—“A Night in Hawaii.”
8:45—Demonstration: Making of Life Masks.
9:00—Theodore Whitman, violin.
9:15—Marion Newberry, songs.
9:30—The Ambassadors.
9:45—Ezilda Sutton, impersonations.
10:00—Helen Board, Charles Carlile, songs.
10:30—Lou Hanlon, artist.
10:45—Girls’ vocal trio.
W2XCR (Jenkins Television), New York, 2035 kc.
(Sound on 1180 kcs)
3:00-5:00, 6:00-7:00—Same as WGBS.
3:00—News Flashes.
3:05—Afternoon Musicale.
3:30—Jeanne Barnard, piano.
3:45—Symphonic Rhythm Makers.
4:00—News Flashes.
4:05—Burnett Sisters, songs.
4:15—Giovanni Nisita, songs.
4:30—Billie Davis, songs.
4:45-5:00—“Debutantes at the Movies,” sketch.
6:00—News Flashes.
6:05—Top of the World, Gladys Petch.
6:15—“Theatregoing,” Doug Brinkley interviews Francine Larrimore.
6:30—American Music Ensemble.
Other stations as above.
With the near-dawn of the New Year comes this word from the Don Lee radio station, KHJ: “For the first time in the United States a regular daily television service using electrica1 scanning has been effected. Signals are being sent out between 6 and 7 p.m. daily.”
But we’ll let them tell the story: “Television is here. Without any fanfare of announcements it went quietly into operation at KHJ on Wednesday, the 23rd inst. at 6 p.m.
This inauguration occurred at the Don Lee television station, W6XAO, subject at radio station KHJ, Seventh and Bixel streets.
“Due to the numerous false alarms and empty prophecies regarding television the management of the Don Lee organization decided to establish the service before making any announcement.
The signals that are being sent out between 6 and 7 p.m. daily usually consist of several vertical lines, allowing experimenters to adjust and synchronize their receivers. Voice announcement of frequency and call letters are made every fifteen minutes during the broadcasting. This is preparatory to the transmission of other images, which will be thoae of actors and actresses on special television film.
ON 6 3/4 METERS
“The signals are sent out on a frequency of 44,500 kilocycles, which corresponds to a wave length of six and three-quarter meters.
Eighty lines are used in an image repeated fifteen times per second. The receiving area extends approximately forty miles from the point of projection. Already a portion of Los Angeles and environs has been mapped for te1evision waves with the aid of a specially equipped automobile. It was found that the City Hall cast a pronounced shadow on the waves (political wranglings, perhaps) making reception difficult on the northeast side, which is opposite the Don Lee Building. Reception is also weakened by intervening hills.
“Electrical scanning is the newest type of t1vIIon1 differing from that of the ordinary scanning disk. The receiver is operated entirely from a 110-volt light socket with either fifty or sixty cycles. A new principle makes possible synchronization from the image pulse itself, making it immaterial which one of power systems of the city serves the user.
APPARATUS USED
“The transmitter at station W6XAO is situated adjoining the television laboratory and is shielded to keep the currents isolated. Across the hall in a thick-walled room is the projector, especially made with a suspended amplifier and a switch for vocal signals. No alternating current lights can be allowed in this operating room as they would introduce a sixty-cycle interference in the image.”
While the experimentation of the Don Lee organization is undoubtedly paying the way for the actual delivery of television to the public, I would not mislead you in the belief that this is to come “all-of-a-sudden-Peggy.” To receive television as outlined above will require a specially constructed receiving set which is not yet on the market. It is good to know, however, that Los Angeles is vying with the New York centers of radio development in an effort to solve the enigma of v1sion, “still just around the corner.” (Los Angeles Times, Dec. 27)
Thursday, Dec. 24, 1931
W2XAB (CBS), New York, 2750 kc.
(Sound on W2XE, 6120 kc.)
3:00-6:00 p. m.—Experimental sight programs.
8:00—Wendy Marshall, toy lady.
8:15—Male Quartet.
8:30—“Patteran,” Sharon Wayne.
8:45—Santa Claus and bag of toys.
9:00—The Puppet’s Christmas Eve.
9:15—Miniature music show.
9:30—Eugene Gelesnig program.
9:45—Estelle Sidney, pantomimes.
10:00—Santa Claus.
10:15—Helen Nugent, contralto.
10:30—“Stamps,” Sidmund Rothschild.
10:45—Park Avenue Boys trio.
W2XCR (Jenkins Television), New York, 2035 kc.
(Sound on 1180 kcs)
3:45-5:00, 6:00-7:00—Same as WGBS.
3:45—Symphonic Rhythm Makers.
4:00—News Flashes.
4:05—Burr Scott, tenor.
4:15—Nat Rose, piano.
4:30—Mary Bongert, soprano.
4:45-5:00—“Is Photography Art?” by Nathaniel Pousette-Dart.
6:00—News flashes.
6:05—Bertram Peacock, baritone.
6:15—Dr. Cohen’s Pet Club.
6:30—American Music Ensemble.
Other stations as above.
Friday, Dec. 25, 1931
W2XAB (CBS), New York, 2750 kc.
Off the Air
W2XCR (Jenkins Television), New York, 2035kc.
(Sound on 1180 kcs)
4:00-7:00—Same as WGBS.
4:00—Gala Christmas Party, American Music Ensemble; Jean Stor’s Syncopated Choir; Marchia Stewart, organ; Doug MacTague, Edith Burley, Dorothy Blese, songs; Erin’s Isle Orchestra; others. 6:00—Lait Gaieties.
6:15—American Music Trio.
Saturday, Dec. 26, 1931
W2XAB (CBS), New York, 2750 kc.
(Sound on W2XE, 6120 kc.)
2:00-6:00—Experimental images.
8:00—Columbia’s Christmas Tree.
8:15—Lilyan Crossman, pantomimes.
8:30—Parade of artists.
8:45—Paul Frehm, caricatures.
9:00—What Santa Claus Brought.
9:30—Grace Voss, pantomimes.
W2XCR (Jenkins Television), New York, 2035 kc.
(Sound on 1180 kcs)
4:00-6:00—Same as WGBS.
4:00—News Flashes.
4:05—Studio program.
4:15—Ethelyn Taylor, contralto.
4:30—Edith Burley, songs.
4:45—Gosselin Sisters, songs.
5:00—News Flashes.
5:05—The Three Cheers, male singing group.
5:25—Erin’s Isle Entertainers.
5:55—News Flashes.
The television debut of Felix, Count von Luckner, "The Sea Devil"; character dances in costume, the television ghost, Ned Wayburn's miniature musical show, exhibition boxing, pantomimes and a comedy sketch are a few of the highlights scheduled to be broadcast over experiment stations during the coming week.
Marion Harwick, dancer, will present several new dance versions in costume at 8:80 P. M. over W2XAB.
‘Sea Devil’ on W2XAB.
Jack Fisher has arranged a special program in which Count von Luckner will describe some of his vivid experiences through the sound channel of W2XE on 49 meters. He will be seen over television station W2XAB tomorrow night, beginning at 8:15. From 5 to 6 o'clock the same evening, but over W2XCR and WGBS, a complete concert will feature the Franzell orchestra and Nydia Arnell, soprano.
On Monday at 4 P. M. over the latter two stations will come the voice and image of Margaret Roberts, soprano; Ann Gold in readings and Wendy Marshall in "Toyland." At 4:50 Dr. Darlington will give a health talk.
On Tuesday, over W2XAB, the television ghost will describe his latest murder in the usual weird manner, beginning at 8 P. M. At 8:15 P. M. over the same station the same evening Grace Voss will present another of her programs in costume.
The A. A. U. fighters who have been participating in the "Exhibition Boxing Bouts" have shown improvement in their ring cunning. The fight will be presented over W2XAB on Tuesday, beginning at 9:30 P. M. A blow by blow description will be given over W2XE.
Rhythm Makers on W2XCR.
On Wednesday afternoon, beginning at 3:45 o’clock, the Symphonic Rhythm Makers will appear in a dance program before the television camera of W2XCR. At 6:05 P. M. Mme. Marie von Unschuld will render another of her lessons in piano technic. Following her over the same station will be the televising of a new program entitled “Centerville Sketches.”
On Thursday W2XCR will offer, beginning at 3:20 P. M., the afternoon musicale,, Miss Doris Gublman in songs and Nathaniel d'Art in the handwriting of artists.
At 6:05 P. M. over the same stations Bertram Peacock will appear before the television camera in a medley of songs, and at 6:15 P. M. Mauricette Ducret, the French comedienne, will make her debut. (Sun)
Sunday, Dec. 27, 1931
W2XAB (CBS), New York, 2750 kc.
(Sound on W2XE, 6120 kc.)
2:00-6:00 Experimental sight programs.
8:00—Puppet Show.
8:15—Drama.
8:30—Helen Board. soprano.
8:45—Marga la Rubia, characterizations.
9:00—“Broadway Panorama,” with Sue Read and Finette Walker.
9:15—Vocal Trio.
9:30—Mme. Rasumova, soprano; Gypsy instrumental sextet.
W2XCR (Jenkins Television), New York, 2035 kc.
(Sound on WGBS 1180 kcs)
6:30—Celebrity concert.
6:00—“Evening Musicale,” Nydia D’Arnell, soprano; Florence Hubbard, piano.
6:30—News Flashes
6:35—American Music Ensemble, Cobina Wright, songs.
Monday, Dec. 28, 1931
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.
8:30—Adventures of Spaghett and Ravioli.
8:45—Television Crooner, Doris Sharp.
9:00—Piano lessons.
9:30—Charlotte Harriman, contralto.
9:45—Paul Frehm, cartoons.
10:00—Dorothy Rosenthal, violinist.
10:15—Basketball formations.
10:30—Puppet show.
10:45— Kathryn Parsons, songs.
W2XCR (Jenkins Television), New York, 2035 kc.
(Sound on 1180 kcs)
3:45-5:00, 6:00-7:00—Same as WGBS.
3:45—Symphonic Rhythm Makers.
4:00—News Flashes.
4:05—Margaret Roberts, soprano.
4:25—Ann Gold, readings.
4:35—“Toyland,” with Wendy Marshall.
4:50-5:00—“Health Dangers We Fail to See,” Dr. Thomas Darlington.
6:00—News Flashes.
6:05—Anne Lazaar and guest.
6:15—Golden Words, Walter P. Chrysler, Jr.
6:30—American Music Ensemble.
W2XBS (NBC, New York), 2100 kc.
7:30-10:30—Experimental program.
W2XR (Hogan, Long Island), 2950 kc.
5:00—Films (2150 kc. and 2920 kc.)
7:00—Films (accompanied by coordinated sound through W2AXB, 1604 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.
Television has come to Los Angeles.
The long-awaited reality of scentists’ dreamings became a fact last night [27] when television station W6XAC [sic] operated by Don Lee, sent filmed images to a few amateurs equipped to receive them.
Operating on an ultra-high frequency of 44,500 kilocycles, the television broadcast reached several homes with ultra-short wave receiving sets.
Some persons actually saw the transmitted visions, and some merely heard the electrical television signal, which sounded like a whining saw cutting through heavy logs.
SENT 40 MILES
The images were sent to within a radius of 40 miles of the station at Sixth and Bixel streets.
Film was used, according to Harry R. Lubcke, director of television broadcasting for the station, by transmitting the images onto a photo electric cell.
The figures in the film became electrical pulses in miniature. Through the use of amplifiers the figures are strengthened and antenna carrier, the combined current into space.
HIGHLY INTRICATE
The receiving set is equipped with a fluorescent, semi-transparent screen which receives the impulses thus sent by the radio wave.
Lubcke expressed the belief that television, because of its intricacies, will remain, for many years, a local form of entertainment.
Television will be broadcast from the station every night, from 6 to 7 o’clock. (Los Angeles Evening Post-Record, Dec. 28)
LAFAYETTE, IND., Dec. 28, (AP)— The “ghost pictures,” or double images of television, can be greatly reduced by the proper typo of antenna at the transmitter.
Tests conducted by W9XG, the new television sending station at Purdue University, indicate that a quarter wave aerial Is a solution.
Ghost pictures are taint duplicates of the main images, and they are received a fraction of a second later than the main image. They produce the same effect on the receiving screen as does an offset in printing.
The duplicate images are attributed to radio waves which arrive late and thus get out of phase. A transmitter as a rule sends out two waves, one the sky wave and the other the ground wave.
Air Layer Reflects Waves.
The sky wave is believed to travel from the antenna at a high angle. At an altitude of 150 to 275 miles it strikes the heaviside layer of ionized air and is reflected back to earth. The ground wave follows the curvature of the earth.
The late arriving waves cause trouble principally during the period that a signal fades. This difficulty is not so apparent in sound broadcasting.
Sometimes the main picture fades entirely and is replaced by the ghost image. Often this ghost image manifests itself as a negative picture.
The difficulty is confined largely to the higher television waves such as the 100 to 150 meter channels, but is not present in the ultra short waves which are now being given their preliminary try out by various laboratories. The new Purdue station operates on 107 meters. R. H. George, in charge, has arranged the antenna to eliminate most of the high angle waves which lend to produce ghost images.
The serial is a quarter-wave antenna, single vertical tower. Its height is made proportional to the station’s wavelength, so that the effect is to spray the waves out in a nearly horizontal plane. The high angle waves are thus reduced to low energies.
Less Expensive Antenna.
The quarter wave length antenna is less expensive to construct than other types, since only one tower is required and this may be of light construction.
This type of antenna is quite efficient as a low angle radiator and therefore is particularly well adapted to television transportation in the 100 to 150 meter band. A similar antenna is being used in one or two instances in sound broadcasting, notably the new WABC transmitter used a half wave serial.
In addition to other research, George is investigating the possibilities of cathode ray tube reception of television. (Los Angeles Evening Post-Record)
Tuesday, Dec. 29, 1931
W2XAB (CBS), New York, 2750 kc.
(Sound on W2XE, 6120 kc.)
2:00-6:00 p. m.—Experimental program.
8:00—Hemstreet Quartet.
8:15— Grace Voss, pantomimist.
8:30—Senorita Soledad Espinal’s Pamperos.
9:00—“The Television Ghost.”
9:15—Hazel Dudley, songs.
9:30—Three-round exhibition boxing bout.
9:45—Major Ivan Forth, Gladys Erskine.
10:00—“Tashamira,” aesthetic dances.
10:15—Novelty band.
10:30—Eliene Kazanova, violin.
10:45—Grace Yeager, songs.
W2XCR (Jenkins Television), New York, 2035kc.
(Sound on 1180 kcs)
3:00-5:00, 6:00-7:00—Same as WGBS.
3:00—News Flashes.
3:05—Gregoire Franzell, piano.
3:30—The World’s Drama Club, with Jane Anderson.
3:45—Symphonic Rhythm Makers.
4:00—News Flashes.
4:05—“Modern Piano Technique,” Maria von Unschuld.
4:20—Lavinia Darve, soprano.
4:35—Frank Tulli, cello.
4:45-5:00—Marchia Wallach, songs.
6:00—News.
6:05—Centreville Sketches.
6:15—“The Theatre,” with Harriet Menken.
6:30—American Music Ensemble.
Other stations as above.
Wednesday, Dec. 30, 1931
W2XAB (CBS), New York, 2750 kc.
(Sound on W2XE, 6120 kc.)
2:00-6:00 p. m.—Experimental sight programs.
8:00—Harriet Lee, Miss Radio 1931.
8:15—“Tony Wons’ Scrapbook”
8:30—“A Night in Hawaii.”
9:00—Theodore Whitman, violin.
9:15—Hazel Newberry, songs.
9:30—The Ambassadors.
9:45—Ezilda Sutton, impersonations.
10:00—Helen Board, Charles Carlile, songs.
10:30—Lou Hanlon, artist.
10:45—Girls’ vocal trio.
W2XCR (Jenkins Television), New York, 2035 kc.
(Sound on 1180 kcs)
3:00-5:00, 6:00-7:00—Same as WGBS.
3:00—News Flashes.
3:05—Jeanne Barnard, monologues; Wall Feil, piano; Madison Jones, songs.
3:45—Symphonic Rhythm Makers.
4:00—News Flashes.
4:05—Dunya, songs.
4:15—Giovanni Nisita, songs.
4:30—Billie Davis, songs.
4:45-5:00—“Debutantes at the Movies,” sketch.
6:00—News Flashes.
6:05—Top of the World, Gladys Petch.
6:15—“Theatregoing,” Doug Brinkley interviews Francine Larrimore.
6:30—American Music Ensemble.
Other stations as above.
Thursday, Dec. 31, 1931
W2XAB (CBS), New York, 2750 kc.
(Sound on W2XE, 6120 kc.)
2:00-6:00 p. m.—Experimental sight programs.
8:00—Wendy Marshall, toy lady.
8:15—Male Quartet.
8:30—“Patteran,” Sharon Wayne.
8:45—Stephanie Wall, characterizations.
9:00—Miniature Musical Show.
9:30—Eugene Gelesnig program.
9:45—Estelle Sidney, pantomimes.
10:00—Experiments.
10:15—Helen Nugent, contralto.
10:30—“Puppet Follies.”
10:45—Park Avenue Boys trio.
W2XCR (Jenkins Television), New York, 2035 kc.
(Sound on 1180 kcs)
3:20-5:00, 6:00-7:00—Same as WGBS.
3:20—Afternoon Musicale.
3:45—Symphonic Rhythm Makers.
4:00—News Flashes.
4:05—Doris Gublin, songs.
4:15—Nat Rose, piano.
4:30—Mary Bongert, soprano.
4:45-5:00—“Handwriting of Art,” by Nathaniel Pousette-Dart.
6:00—News flashes.
6:05—Bertram Peacock, baritone.
6:15—Mauricette Ducret.
6:20—American Music Ensemble.
Other stations as above.
Radio and its very close kin, television, will assist in ushering out the old year and ringing in 1932 with a gala series of features.... Bill Schudt, head of Columbia’s television program department, informs us that W2XAB and W2XE will wish the audio-visual audiences a happy new year for the first time via television. Throughout the evening’s festivities a sign will be flashed across the air waves imparting this message of good will.
The Year in Television
Television progress during the past year has been steady and positive despite the many problems and difficulties that at first were considered insurmountable. Starting with determined effort on the part of a few radio engineers, television got off to a flying start last spring with the opening of W3XCR in its new studio at 411 Fifth avenue where, in conjunction with sound station WGBS, it inaugurated the first sustained sight and sound programs in the East.
This was immediately followed by studio W2XAB at 485 Madison avenue with its broadcasts of experimental visual signals and accompanying sound, the latter through short-wave station W2XK.
Both Services Maintained.
Both stations have transmitted pictures of a high order of quality for visual broadcasting and both services have been maintained unbroken throughout the year.
Two other local stations of varied types of visual broadcasting are W2XR, which transmits film, and W2XBS. In Boston, W1XAV, and in Washington, W3XK, have been developing equipment for the transmission of better quality pictures.
All told in the United States there are twenty-eight stations now experimenting on short wave lengths between 100 and 150 meters. Four bands of frequencies, each 100 kilocycles wide, are allocated for this purpose.
Out in the Middle West in the wide open spaces where there are no skyscrapers to absorb signals, television has made strides about equal to those in the East. Although the Eastern stations have enjoyed greater mention in the press, engineers west of the Alleghanies have not been idle. Already there are a number of transmitters in operation with others under construction. Actually, Westerners have a larger number of programs to choose from than now available to experimenters on the Atlantic seaboard.Chicago now boasts of two television stations; Milwaukee one. Complete equipment has been shipped to Kansas City and contracts for two other stations have been agreed upon for St. Louis and Iowa City. Another new studio which is planning construction is WCAU in Philadelphia.
Stations Held Experimental.
So far the Federal Radio Commission has recognised television's arrival at the public service stage of development which came sooner than was anticipated some months ago. Members of the commission have indicated that they have been impressed by reports of recent technical advances in the art of transmitting pictures and images. In view of the progress in the visual art and the increasing interest in that field, it is considered probable that some of the Federal restrictions against the commercialization of television may soon be lifted.
Heretofore, the commission has kept television on a purely experimental basis, believing that it should not be made to compete on the same footing with sound broadcasting until it become of recognized educational and entertainment value to the general public.
Some workers, however, in this fruitful field insist that television has already reached a point comparable to sound broadcasting as in the early days of radio and that further development will be hastened by giving it commercial standing.
As president of the Columbia system and operator of W2AXB W. S. Paley has stated: “My own judgment is that there is a rather promising prospect that television of a genuinely entertaining character will be available in a few large cities during the coming year. There are some who wish to challenge this statement, but it cannot be denied that public interest and curiosity in television was aroused in 1931 to an extent almost undreamed of in previous years.
Public Shows Interest.
"We are continually working with vision, keeping abreast of present commercial transmission and at the same time learning the possibllities and the limitations of this new medium from a program presentation standpoint. While we are in close touch with every development in the way of transmitting or receiving apparatus, we are broadcasters and not manufacturers. We are developing our main attention to taking the utmost advantage from the standpoint of interest and entertainment of facilities as fast as they become available.”
Already, according to Mr. Paley, experimenters living as far away as Boston, Washington, Baltimore and even Chicago find that images are more clearly discernible than when the station opened last July. This improvement is due largely to the fact that television engineers and program directors have conducted a series of experiments in problems of technic, such as make-up, light and shadow, silhouette and movement. The public clamor for television was early made apparent by the necessity of featuring it at every radio exhibition. The numerous television public showings have served a dual purpose: first, to educate the public as to what can be accomplished at the present stage and, second, to teach the television workers and engineers what is required to please the public.
Some Major Achivements.
The television camera has been greatly improved. D. E. Replogle of the Jenkins Television Corporation admits that outdoor scenes may now be televised, a feat which will enlarge the scope of "subjects" for television.
Valuable data on the transmission of television signals by radio has definitely proven two things: first, the practicability of eliminating phantom images and fading dues to sky-wave reflections in the bands now assigned for television hroadcasts, namely, between 2,000 and 3,000 kilocycles, and, second, the possibility of using higher frequencies from 40,000 to 60,000 kilocycles, without creating interference at a greater distance than seventy-five miles for medium power. Surveys made by television companies in which such tests were conducted show no fading or even phantom images at these frequencies.
Much Yet to Learn.
There is much to learn in this new band of frequencies, but present indications are that each receiver will require intelligent installation and adjustment. This will open a wide field for the service man who will be expected to know more than how to replace tubes.
If these higher frequencies prove to be of more value for the transmission of television signals than the present 2,000 to 3,000-kilocycle band, it will mean development of high power, special high frequency transmitters and new receivers for which the superregenerator circuit is now the most widely used, and new types of antennas.
Next important of individual developments is the much talked of cathode ray tube for reception. This method of scanning has had its adherents for a long time and while always an intriguing laboratory possibility it remained such until 1931, when its development behind the barred doors of some of the laboratories here and abroad indicate its largest possibilities. Almost nothing of this much heralded development has yet been revealed to the public, but it is due to emerge soon.
Another noteworthy step this year has been the public exhibition of large size screen pictures, ranging from three to ten feet square.
Projector Receiver Has Debut.
Still another advance was the development of the projected image receiver to supplant the peep hole and shadow box instruments which heretofore limited the size of picture and the number of people who could view it. The new projector type of receiver throws the image on a screen. It is not essential that the room be darkened. The projection apparatus embodies a lens disk through which the light is passed to a screen made of ground glass. Commercial models project a picture from three inches to a foot square.
In the gradual perfection of the crater type neon lamp, engineers have scored another epochal achievement. Some tube manufacturers have been able to reduce the size of the luminous spot within the lamp; others have produced lamps in various tints in an attempt to approximate black and white images. The projected type of receiver has demanded an inexpensive method of making lens disk.
In December, 1930, only a handful of engineers were at work on the seeming impossible problems of television. A year later we find hundreds of research scientists and dozens of laboratories solving one difficulty after another. The attention of almost all leading research and development organizations is now focused on the subject. This is believed to be the turning time in the fortune of television, and 1931 will be known as the year in which public, broadcasters, radio engineers and service men for the first time clearly disconcerned the truly great possibilities in television. (New York Sun, F.C. Ehlert)
