Improved Reproduction

Radio Record, Volume II, Issue 9, 14 September 1928, Page 6

Improved Reproduction

£250,000 American Company to Exploit Wellingto. ' Device

YN years ago, when only sixteen years of age, Mr. A. HE. Rod, of Day’s Bay, Wellington, became interested in the general problem of sound reproduction. To him the sound projected from the gramophone was flat and uninteresting, and he set to work to produce an entirely new type of machine with better reproduction. He was not new to the field of in. vention. Previously he had invented an ingenious toy which was sold for £25. Other inventions, though cleveret. were not suitable as commercial propositions. HE first result of his research into sound production was a new type of gramophone which was not, however, entirely satisfactory. Undaunted, he kept on, but for years laboured without result. When radio became popular the young inventor turned his attention to it, and finally produced something remarkable which seems likely to have very far-reaching results. HE principle employed is quite evolutionary, and when applied to wireless gave remarkable results. On tuning in the local station or Sydney. the impression received was that the actual voice or instrument was present in the room. The difference between the tone and that received through the types of receivers at present in use was

something like the difference between the roundness of a stereoscopic photograph and a flat picture, The difference was at once striking and arresting. R. ROD demonstrated his patent to musicians, music-lovers, and those generally interested in sound reproduction. Those who heard these demonstrul.us were agreed that it was infinitely superior to anything they had heard before. The patent can be widely applied, but the gramophone, telephone, and wireless furnish some of the most important fields for its application. A local company was formed to finance the sale of the patent abroad, and Mr. Rod and his business manager, Mr. Davis, left New Zealand 1n May last for Europe and America. AST week those interested in the patent received a cablegram from Mr. Davis, stating that Mr. John Maxwell, chairman of the British International Pictures, Ltd., had taken up the matter, and was floating a company with a capital of £250,000 to acquire the European rights. Mr. Maxwell has secured an option over the -‘rhts until October 28. From this it would appear that success is assured, and that Mr. Rod has definitely produced a device which will revolutionise the reproduction of radio sounds. ee tm mae emmaeneaRreneeaé geeaeeupeaguaseaE