EDITORIAL NOTES.

Radio Record, Volume III, Issue 10, 20 September 1929, Page 6

EDITORIAL NOTES.

THIS issue of the "Record" takes the form of a special enlarged number dealing with A.C. Radio Equipment. The manner in which this simple and efficient equipment has swept the radio field has been surprising. There .are obvious reasons for this. The apparatus embodies three outstanding and_ striking features which commend it to the ordinary buyer. The A.C. set is simple. All that is required is that connection be established with the electric light or power mains, and working efficiency is securzd. Added to that simplicity is additional power and volume given to the et by the stronger resources of the A.C. mains. And the third desirable feature is economy of operation, in that power derived from the mains is on a cheaper unit basis than that from the batteries. These three features constitute so strong an appeal to the ordinary listener that, in the cities and country districts where suitable current is available, the tendency has been for those who can afford it to scrap their battery sets and install A.C. equipment. IN addition to the conversion factor, the A.C. set brings into the field a number of fresh buyers. The factors of simplicity and economy of operation are such as to appeal to many who have not hitherto troubled with radio, largely throughout disinclination to fuss with batteries and acquire the necessary technical knowledge for efficient operation of a set. This new field is considerable, and accounts in itself, to a large extent, for the steady expansion of licensed listeners. With the steady electrification of the countryside the field of buyer is extended into that area. Here simplicity makes perhaps its strongest appeal, because in addition to the disability represented by unfamiliarity with the technicalities of radio, the country listener suffers the drawback of distance from points for replenishing his batteries. Thus it is that both city and countryside join in welcoming the A.C. set. In this number ‘our techyical staff has, we think, excelled itself in covering adequately and, efficiently the field of knowledge necessary to listeners wishing fo either change over to, or acquire, A.C. equipment. ILE it is impossible to deny the increased efficiency of the A.C. set and its appeal to buyers, it must yet be recognised that the battery set is, in certain circumstances, capable of holding its own with

the A.C. receiver. There will always be those who delight to experig ment and adapt equipment to their own needs, or whose circumstances — are such as to make A.C. apparatus unavailable to them. In this field battery radio ‘will hold its own. ; 7] THE vigour with which the committee in charge of the arrangements for the forthcoming Auckland Exhibition is prosecuting its task assures a satisfactory outcome to the venture. There can be no doubt that when Auckland takes a thing in ‘hand it is done well, and we have no doubt whatever but that the fullest success will attend the efforts being made in Auckland to provide an adequate display of radio apparatus for the information of the public. The co-operation of the Radio Broadcasting Company is assured in making the venture a sttccess, and it is certain that the aggregation of the wide range of radio apparatus now possible to the trade will provide the public attending that function with a wonderful insight into the simplicity and efficiency of the modern radio receiver. ; \. 2 THE decision of the B.B.C. to set aside half an hour daily fopgfhe experiméntal transmission of pictures under the Baird Television apparatus is very significant of the march of events and the insistence of the public upon all possible assistance being given to furthering the approach of that long-expected day when it will be possible for the ordinary listener to sit in his home -and see and hear. historical happenings. While in the meantime the B.B.C. takes the conservative attitude. of: disclaiming responsibility for results that maf be secured by listeners, the action in itself is significant and ensures definite speeding-up of the time when full success will be attained. Much controversy has raged in the past round the efficiency of the Baird Television system, and there have been technical experts who have asserted that the system in itself was not capable of the fullest success. Time will show who is right. From the listeners’ point of view, intense interest is’ felt in the march of science, and all progress that can be recorded in this field will be eagerly welcomed.