Inclined Walls, Spotlights, And Air-Conditioning Are Novel Devices

Radio Record, Volume XII, Issue 34, 3 February 1939, Page 5

Inclined Walls, Spotlights, And Air-Conditioning Are Novel Devices

ITH its sun-coloured interior walls inclined one foot in ten, concealed lights in the studio ceiling for spotlighting artists, and cir that is washed and conditioned to make it fresh on the sultriest days, new studios of NCBS station 3ZB Christchurch were claimed at their reopening ceremony es the latest in design in the world,

‘Radio baby among New Zealand’s broadcasting stations, 3ZB sutiered a temporary setback last May, through a Serious studio fire, but recovery was rapid and today it is the picture of health. The public invariably asks why the walls are inclined one foot in ten. This has come about after wide research. All the old ideas of blanketing a studio have gone by the board. They make the sounds too dead, straight walls producing a "flutter" in the sound. The new tiles are either refiecting or sound-absorbent, giving what, scientifically, is known as a long mean path reflection. Result is that the microphone, with its one ear, can behave as a human being with two. Ail reverberation is eliminated. In this respect, say experts, 3ZB is unique in the world, since it combines these two unusual features. In the "acoustic ceiling" are three concealed lights which "spotlight" the artists. Fitted with dimmers, the fighting system generally is the sare as that used for stage presentations. Star feature in the main studio furnishing is the. speaker’s desk, of limed polished oak, and fitted with a directional microphone. The nnouncer sits or stands there with nis copy, lit by side panels, yet invisible to spectators, This has come ahout Jargely through investigations overseas of Mr. Beau Sheil, whose research work has been called upon for many of the station’s new pieces of equipment. Throughout the buildiug interior walls are "sun-coloured’-a tint regarded as the most efficient for working purposes. In excellent taste, green curtains with white bars strike a neat contrast. The air is washed and _ conditioned, giving an even temperature and a remarkable freshness even on the sultriest days. As to the main working studio, proadcasting artist Reg Morgan, whose broadcasting experience is wide, stated the other -.day that 3ZB was capable of giving perfect reproduction. Declared Morgan: "It is the only studio I have been in where 1 feel perfectly natural, and unconscious that I am actually performing in a broadcasting house."

General furnishings are in Continental siyle-not garish, but tasteful and striking. Chairs are of tomato colour, harmonising perfectly with the general colour scheme, The whole station has been deSigned and decorated according to the dictates of modern science. When the station was first opened, many Christchurch citizens packed the building and formed such a dense crowd that the officials were hampered. This time, however, the public invitations were limited. Result was that the. function was excellently carried out-in comfort for everyone conconcerned. Controller C. G. Serimgeour of the NCBS came to Christchurch for the opening, and, when Station Director Stewart Duff had announced the change-over from the temporary premises, Mr. Scrimgeour briefly welcomed ail visitors. He introduced the Minister of [Inaustries and Commerce, the .Hon. D. G. Sullivan, who performed the reopening ceremony. The Minister apologised for the absence of the Prime Minister. Often, said Minister Sullivan, it had been said that the North Island was the favoured child. That assertion could not be justified when it came to the studios of the Gommerciai Broadcasting Service. They were a very fine example of New ZeaJand enterprise and initiative. When the big fire occurred in May last, Mr. Merton Bullivant and his staff set a record in broadcasting circles. Aithough the whole place was gutted, the station was on the air again at 6 am., using borrowed records. Not a feature was missed. Next day, when the Controlier arrived, the whole staff was busily engaged, and a_ signwriter was putting up a sign on the temporary premises.. Thus Christchurch set a magnificent record. The Minister paid tributes to the architect and the contractor, and to Mr. Beau Sheil, advertising man--ager of the service, on his contribution toward the design and layout. "To me, as Minister of Industries and Commerce, it is a still further source of gratification to be told that the greater portion of the materials used has been proauced in.New Zealand. This, at a time when the Government is

doing its utmost to expand our secondary industries and to increase production, is very heartening. There is ample proof that cur artisans and tradesmen are equal to any task." The Controller had built up a great staff, added the Minister, and the service was giving very satisfactory results to the public. Even America had expressed appreciation. In 382ZB, particularly, there were 60 New Zealanders engaged -most of them Christchurch citizens. "I congratulate ‘Scrim’ on his staff generally. I trust that the future will be full of prosperity."