We found a match
Your institution may have access to this item. Find your institution then sign in to continue.
- Title
Alternate Tracks: Photophone and the Film Industry's Conversion to Sound.
- Authors
Wilsbacher, Greg
- Abstract
Histories of sound film often emphasize a cautious approach by unaligned studios, which analyzed two technically equal systems (RCA and Western Electric) and then chose ERPI for nontechnical reasons. This view bolsters a narrative of stability during the transition. However, GE/RCA's late entry into the market without a finalized design enabled major studios to explore alternate approaches to sound. While GE/RCA's experiments kept open alternate visions for film sound, they delayed the refinement of its system. The decision to sign with ERPI was really a choice to commit to sound in 1928 rather than waiting for GE/RCA to finalize its system.
- Subjects
MOTION picture industry; SOUND in motion pictures; MARKET entry
- Publication
Film History, 2023, Vol 35, Issue 1, p61
- ISSN
0892-2160
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.2979/fih.2023.a911557