INDUSTRY: The Tube Known as Joe

When the Federal Communications Commission asked RCA to show its all-electronic color television tube to CBS last October, RCA said no; it would be like asking the Yankees to give Joe Di-Maggio to the Phillies for the World Series. But last week, RCA unwrapped the tube (known to the trade as the “Joe DiMaggio”) for all to see. To 25 tube-makers, RCA sent 14 pages of illustrated instructions on how to make it. At the moment, the instructions will do the manufacturers little good, for FCC has approved only the CBS color system. RCA apparently hopes to build up a string of potential customers for its tube, thus persuade FCC to change its mind and approve RCA’s system.