Program Transcription

Introduced by RCA on September 17, 1931, and marketed for new 33 rpm speed players. Many of these recordings exist in no other form. Labels reading "Program Transcription" were produced in both 10" and 12" series and boasted playing times of 10 and 15 minutes per side, respectively. Catalogs offered popular and classical material, and some discs were dubbed from existing commercial 78-rpm recordings. However, several symphonies were recorded uncut especially for the Program Transcription label. Early releases were pressed in standard shellac and bore gold labels. However, later issue most were pressed in "Victrolac" a semi-flexible vinyl-like product. Later pressings bore silver or white labels and were thinner and more flexible than earlier ones. These records had compacted grooves unlike standard 78 dimensions and were able to etch in twice as many grooves compared to the standard 78 discs. To play Program Transcription releases, costly special needles and attachments were required, and these factors limited the success of this innovative product at a time of widespread unemployment. Production was suspended in July, 1933, after less than two years of poor sales. Note that "Victrolac" deteriorates over time and may leave a hazy but harmless film on the surface of records.