Review of broadcast reception in 1935

Abstract

Basic radio industry figures for 1935 are given and are compared with 1934 and earlier years. Increases in average price, total units sold, and total retail dollar volume to date are noted, and predictions, based on the consensus of opinion at the time of writing, for the final 1935 figures are given. The vital statistics of the industry (old firms who have dropped out and new firms that have come in) are reviewed. The trend in cabinet design and the growth and decline of the various types are shown by the relative percentages of the 1935 offerings, and are compared with earlier years. The numerous technical improvements which the industry's engineers have made in 1935 are catalogued and briefly discussed. The increasing number of medium priced, high fidelity models and the further expansion of the frequency range into the ultra-short-wave region are noted as the chief engineering contributions. The metal tube is recorded as the most important element in the 1935 sales programs, and as a potent factor in emphasizing the obsolescence of old receivers. Emphasis is placed upon the increased effort in 1935 to bring about a further reduction in noise level. The increased stress on the noise-reducing antenna and the tendency to make this one remaining haphazard element a matter of engineering design and professional installation is noted.