Broadcasting in U.S.A.

Radio Record, Volume II, Issue 36, 22 March 1929, Page 12

Broadcasting in U.S.A.

"THE overseas representative of the New South Wales Broadcasting Company, writing under date of December 20 from New York, makes interesting reference to the progress of radio in the United States of America during 1928, and also deals with the prospects of broadcasting during the new year. He says: "As the year 1928 draws to a close, it may be of interest to review the growth of radio in America during the preceding twelve months. The year 1928 has been exceptionally good fr the radio business here. In the first place, the transition period of 1927, during which manufacturers were changing over from the battery-oper-ated sets to A.C. receivers, has n0 passed, and the latter type of rece has been brought to a point of coi pactness and simplicity which has materially helped in gaining the public confidence. A.C. operated receivers now outsell other types at the rate of about 10 to 1. The Presidential election was another factor in increasing the interest in and sales of radio sets nnd components during recent months. In addition, the high standard of the programmes over the various chain systems has contributed «to a great extent to the continued growth of the industry. No Saturation Point. "PACH year the question of ‘saturation point’ crops up, but the actual figures-for this year, at least-show that the problem need not be considered for some time to come, if at all. A very large percentage of the present ; sales are replacements. In this direc- ~ tion the public opinion is being moulded both by the advertisers and by the Radio Commission to the realisation that those o.yning receivers of 1924-5 vintage are receiving all the quality of that period. The older sets were not designe dto reproduce the lower frequencies and overtones which distinguish the high-grade receiver of to-day. There are no radical changes in sight that will tend to make obsolete the sets now on the market. Television is still some years ahead as far as the public is concerned. Such changes as the use of the dynamic speaker and the new screen grid valves, both of which will be featured in the 1929 receiver, are of minor importance. Optimism the Keynote. "ThE quality of the better type ef receivers and of the equipment is of such a high order that: I doubt if it can be improved upon for some time to come. The speaker, however, is still the weak point in the chain, and it is to this that we must look for future improvements. Evevalue, as exemplified in the wide selection of period furniture, has been another factor in enlarging the sales of receivers. In some quarters art consoles are being sold in greater quantities than are table models. A highlight in the broadcasting schedule for 1929 will be the Presidential inanguration ceremonies. In addition, the broadcasting coi oanies are making arrangements for several series of operatic and symphonic presentations that augur for the continued development along the programme side. Tak--ing 'the above facts into consideration, it is not surprising that all sections of the trade are optimistic with regard to the continued growth of business in the new year."