video-magazine-1991-06-incomplete

WORLD'S BIGGEST VIDEO PUBLICATION $2.50 JUNE 1991 Super Solutions To Your lO Toughest _ shooting @®)p) Problems — Lae

NOW YoU CAN HAVE A PHOTOGRAPHIC MEMORY OF YOUR HOME VIDEOS. THE SONY COLOR VIDEO PRINTER. Imagine giving your home videos a second life—as still images.Thenew Sony CVP-G500 Color Video Printer can do just that. In fact, each minute of a video actually consists of 1800 different still images. Now you can freeze and seize exactly the right expression, precisely the right smile. Then push a button and in about a minute you've got a brilliant 3”x 4” color print.To have, to hold, to put in your wallet. © COPYRIGHT 1991 SONY CORPORATION OF AMERICA. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED, SONY IS ATRADEMARK OF SONY.

Its a Sony But that’s just part of the pictureT.heCVP-G500 can combine four different pictures in one. Create a 25 frame repeat image. Dazzle you with picture-in-picture. Even capture superimposed titles from your camcorder. You already know how your camcorder lets you hold the memory in your mind’s eye. The Sony Color Video Printer lets you hold the memory in your hand. Ss O N Y.

VIDEO. TOSHIBA QUICK ACCESS FEATURES SPECIAL SUMMER CAMCORDER FESTIVAL 28 TAPES & DISCS 10 SUPER SOLUTIONS TO YOUR TOUGHEST SHOOTING PROBLEMS 29 From ending jitters to getting great shots, pro advice for beating camcorder snafus. 44 By Stewart Wolpin 46 VIDEO DAREDEVILS Profiles of five daring videographers. By Bob Barlow 50 54 IF I WERE A RICH MAN... A dazzling high-tech camcorder kit fit to shoot the works. By Stan Pinkwas 56 CDs GO INTERACTIVE A hands-on look at CDTV, plus an inside look at discs to come. By Brent Butterworth and Kenneth Korman BUDDY SYSTEMS VCR/camcorder combos that make editing a pleasure. By Brent Butterworth INSTALLATION OF THE MONTH: SPLIT-LEVEL SPLENDOR Elegant and economic, an audio/video wall turns a living room into a media room. By Stan Pinkwas OPERATION DESERT VIDEO Home video technology enlists as a weapon in the Gulf. By Ty Harrington REVIEWS 63 The Grifters, Avalon, To Sleep With Anger, films from directors Samuel Fuller & Werner Herzog, more 69 DIRECTORY / The latest releases on tape and disc CANON LI Hi8 CAMCORDER, 16 Sony CCD-V801 Hi8 camcorder, Hitachi VIP-RX6EX combi player, Sharp XV-120ZU LCD projector. By Berger-Braithwaite Labs DEPARTMENTS Cover: 6 aFicntailolny-,oraiernotleed mvoiddeelo- for CHANNEL ONE / Interactively yours 9 graphers—Captain FEEDBACK / Letters from readers 19 Camcorder! Photograph LATE NEWS / Fisher flattens 8mm, widescreen NTSC debuts, more 12 by Vittorio Sartor GAZETTE / John Wayne in 3-D, the multitalented Dyan Cannon, more 14 Video Magazine Q & A/ Technical queries answered 24 Volume XV CES NEW PRODUCT PREVIEW / First look at fall equipment innovations 110 Number 3 OFF THE AIR / When in doubt—point, shoot & stay cool ky VIDEO Magazine (ISSN 1044-7288) is published monthly by Reese Communications. Inc., 460 W. 34 St., New York, NY 10001. Second-class postage paid at New York, NY and additional mailing Bi office. © 1991 Reese Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. © under Universal, International, and Pan American Copyright Conventions. Reproduction of editorial or pictorial content in any manner The is prohibited. Single copy price $2.50: $2.95 in Canada; £2.50 in U.K. One-year subscription (12 issues) $15.; Canada, $22.47 (includes GST #R125938423) U.S.; foreign, air mail, $40 U.S. Address Audit — subscription orders, change of address. correspondence and inquiries to: VIDEO, Box 56293, Boulder, CO 80322-6293. Change of address takes 60 days to process: send old address label, new Bureau address. and zip code. All material listed in this magazine is subject to manufacturer's change without notice, and publisher assumes no responsibility for such change. Printed in the U.S.A. POST- MASTER: Send address changes to VIDEO, Box 56293, Boulder, CO 80322-6293. For microform copies of issues or articles, write to: Serials Acquisition Dept., University Microfilms, Inc., 300 North Zeeb Rd., Ann Arbor. MI 48106 4 VIDEO JUNE 1991

MORIGINAL MASTER oCBECOB BING THE MOBILE PTkcLiTy roniilba” : O-M-R +. A/A/D + 24k Au = The Ultimate Audio Experience ORIGINAL MASTER RECORDING ORIGINAL MASTER RECORDING ORIGINAL MASTER RECORDING siveTRAIN john coltrane Sting *(Original Master Recordings Zo mopile ffiidelity FRoercoardcionmgpsletcaetaflroege aOnridgiUnaLlTRMAaDsIteSrC + Analog/Analog/Digital Sy, sound lar technical inf8or0ma0ti-on4,2c3al-l 5to7ll5f9ree fo) propri.etary transfer or write to: Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab, und lab technology + 24 kar.at gold PO Box 1657, Sebastopol, CA 95473-1657. ain of MFSL, inc. plated compact discs) ilustration by James Dowlen ©1990 For adaitional information, circle No. 71 on Reader Service Card FAT Tee oS LA EE SS PRE ELL Poeee LOA ee SS eee UU Sa Oe ee

HOW TO BUY... CHANNEL ONE Subwoofers T. experience the driving bass ofamusic video or the booming special effects of a movie, your home theater system must faithfully reproduce the lowest frequencies. A subwoofer is capable of reaching down to this low end of the audio spectrum to allow you to experience what you might not hear otherwise. Interactively yours If youre in the market for a subwoofer, you're probably looking for a component that will reproduce frequencies lower than your main speaker system is capable of. A subwoofer’s flat response should delve con- This month, we chronicle the debut of siderably lower than 100 Hz, in some cases Commodore’s CDTV (Commodore Dynam- ci as low as 20 Hz. ic Total Vision) system, the first consumer Some models only interactive multimedia product to become goaslowas 50 Hz, market reality. It will be joined by a host 1A a response that of other similar—or at least related— some main speak- ers might also be systems in the very near future. This all Professional able to achieve. raises several intriguing questions: A) Is AudioVideo Response should multimedia (or interactive compact disc, or Retailers not exceed 150 Hz, whatever generic name eventually Association otherwise it will ig sticks) a video product we need or want? reproduce mid-range frequencies best left to za B) If it is, does this first introduction have the main speaker system. i the right interactive stuff? For our initial Low-end response is often dictated by hands-on opinion, see page 46. the size as well as the quality of the enclo- sure. Aside from response specifications, try e to look at models with enclosures 18 inches Looks like we touched another reader nerve. Our May “Off the Air” column invited movie lovers to have it their way by rerating a variety or larger. If you’re looking into a passive of currently popular features now or soon to be on cassette (Heathers, subwoofer, keep in mind that another factor Kindergarten Cop, etc.). And we also asked readers to invent their own ratings if conventional MPAA designations weren’t deemed suitable. in low-end response is the efficiency of your Results so far? OAM (One Awful Mess) is suggested by one devoted amplifier, To avoid this variable, a majority correspondent in Lubbock, Texas, who goes on to nominate Jacob’s of manufacturers are now turning to active Ladder as the first OAM recipient. And a Louisville movie fan suggests a GB rating (Garbage) be given to any movie starring Julia Roberts. subwoofers with built-in amplifiers. These Complete rating details in an upcoming issue. types may actually be preferable since they e Feeling a little like Andy Rooney today. pair the amplifier with exactly the right Ever wonder why... driver and subwoofer enclosure. e U.S. manufacturers can produce the world’s most sophisticated If the subwoofer is designed to repro- video war weapons (see page 56) but can’t make a VCR or a cam- corder? duce low frequencies properly, then you e Cable TV prices go up a lot faster than the cost of living? should be able to place it anywhere in the e@No major video manufacturer has yet to produce a dual-well room for a clean, deep sound. Of course, deck? there are some places — such as up against e Television reception in hotel rooms is so consistently dreadful? e Many videocassette boxes prominently feature provocative scenes a wall — that will make it sound even better. that don’t appear in the movie? In these cases, experimentation is the key to optimum success. Finally, a good showroom demonstra- tion is important. Try to listen to a compact disc with deep bass and special effects to determine accurate low-end reproduction. Of course, you'll be listening to a complete loudspeaker system, so listen to how the subwoofer complements the main speakers. And remember that a knowledgeable sales- person will help you find a model that fits both your personal sound requirements and your budget. Information for this column was provided by Art Levis Peter Soderberg of Paradyme Audio/Video. Editor-in-Chief To find your local dealer, call: 816-444-3500 6 VIDEO JUNE 1991

HR-FC100 FULL-SIZE OR COMPACT VHS AT YOUR CONVENIENCE! FULL-SIZE COMPACT Yes, it’s just one convenient step to play back or record either Full-Size VHS or Compact VHS cassettes on the HR-FC100. Just place the cassette in the VCR. No adapters. No additional cables. No need to explore the back panel of your TV. The HR-FC100’s new VHS Multi-Loading Mechanism easily loads your tape correctly and automatically. If you already own a Compact VHS camcorder, you can play back your video footage through the HR-FC100 with “one-touch” ease. If you haven't decided on a camcorder format, the HR-FC100 might be the compelling reason to choose Compact VHS. KEY FEATURES = Full-Size/Compact VHS compatibility: Directly accepts both full-size and compact VHS cassettes. including = Oval-Cut DA-4 Head System for quality SP/EP recording and playback, and special-effects playback reverse slow, plus Video Stabilizer for stable pictures. = Quick-Response Full-Loading mechanism for immediate VCR operation. clock setting, VCR status setting, = Sophisticated Multi-Color On-Screen Menu system for timer programming, and auto channel programming. w Digital Tracking for best possible viewing quality. = Duet Editing for simultaneous control of two JVC decks in editing. = JVC Intelligent Blank Search System with automatic remaining tape time display. gw 181-Channel cable-compatible frequency synthesized tuner. wu Advanced 1-month/8-event remote-programmable timer. gw Realtime Go-To/Search, Index Search, and Full/Segment Repeat Playback. RECEIVE A FREE REMOTE CONTROL AND BLANK TAPE KIT WITH THE PURCHASE OF A JVC HR-FC100* JVC FREE TAPE AND REMOTE OFFER FOR HR-FC100U Customer Name Address ETE | yea iPla PuRCY Vr Store Name ——___ \\) | Date Purchased > Location ; Unit SenalNumber — Ge T120XR TAPE | sya Eree Remote Coupon andProo! of Purchase (CopoySfalesSip} To, RMV 100 REMOTE | rf “name mie cob310 adgodna mre nase TC20XR TAPE | ales See ES n Mare! through September 30, 191. Please allow4-6wee! ry. pe Oia ie AE p vi] For more information, see an authorized JVC dealer near you. Y / VC “This offer valid March, 1991 through September, 1991 VHS: The Universal Video Language

= VIDEO magazine President and Managing Director, Jay Rosenfield Editor-in-Chief, Art Levis Managing Editor, Stan Pinkwas Technical Editor, Lancelot Braithwaite Senior Editors, Kenneth Korman, Brent Butterworth Assistant Editors, Brian Clark, April P. Bernard Contributing Editors: Bob Angus, Mavis Arthur, Bob Barlow, Ivan Berger, Warren Berger, James Caruso, Steve Daly, Bruce Eder, Mark Fleischmann (Directory), Ty Harrington, Lawrence B. Johnson, David Lachenbruch, Frank Lovece, Gordon McComb, Marianne Meyer, David Ranada, Murray Slovick, Mike Ueda (Japan), Stewart Wolpin, Roderick Woodcock Editorial Assistant, Lily Schwartzberg Art Director, Lonnie Heller Associate Art Director, Kristina Juzaitis Art Assistant, Luis Ramos Jr. Production Manager, James LoGrasso Production Assistant, Gaye Whyte Typesetting, Janet M. Holland Vice President, Circulation and Special Projects, Rena Adler Newsstand Sales Director, Gerald Levine Circulation Assistant, Elizabeth Moss Financial Officer, Albert Mineo Business Manager, Janette Evans Assistant to the President, Leslie Dionicio WITH MILLIONS INVADING OUR HOMES, AssociatePublisher, PEruibclaCh.erSNcahtwairntazl Aaverng ‘ THE PUBLIC IS FACING A NEW REALITY. MDiarrekcettoir,ng LiDnidraectoDre,RoLgiaatninse Rac | Their superior technology makes movies 60% sharper than East Coast Sales, Dina Redding-Berrigan, on ordinary videotape. Their CD soundis almost indistinguish- Annette Y. Schnur able from leiefee’s own music‘, voi:ces and nois; e. And, now that Classified Sales, Mary Au they’r‘ e landi:ng i3 n home after home, only one thié ng i‘ s clearer Midwest est SelSealse,s, MilMtilton Gerber, , CaCraorollyyn Bowmy an than the laserdiscs themselves: if you want to escape reality, you'll have to move to another planet. LaserDise WWeesstt CCooaasstt ASdalveesr,tisCiynngthiAassiGsatalnlti,vanCaryn @Q PIONEER’ Cannova The Art of Entertainment Ad Coordinator, Maria Sozio For©a199s1torPeioneneerarLDCyAo,u,Inc.c,alLlon8g 0B0e-a4ch2,1-C1A.404. National Editorial & Sales: 460 West 34 Street, New York, NY 10001; 212-947-6500, 212-947-6727 (fax) Midwest Sales Office: Gerber/Kamikow, 60 Revere Drive, Suite 915, Northbrook, IL 60062; 708-291-8900, 708-291-8905 (fax) West Coast Sales Office: 1453 Third Street, Suite 490, Santa Monica, CA 90401; 213-393-5057, 213-393-5538 (fax) Japan Representatives: Mike Ueda, Nobuo Shoji, CES International, New Nishishin kBuu;ildTionkgy,o 1-11085-;2 0N3i-s3h5i92S-h1i5n3b1ash(ip,honMei)n,ato- 03-3592-1532 (fax) re nREyESE pe INCORPORATED 8 VIDEO For additional information, circle No. 1 on Reader Service Card. JUNE 1991

FEEDBACKEDITED BY BRIAN CLARK CAME eee ‘i 44 Henry Kloss brétht Dolby sound, CrO, cassette.tape, gnd.ldige-........ screen projection television into living rooms, and made the domi- nant speaker sy$tems ofthree decades: Acoustic Research:in the 1950's, KLH in the ‘60s, and Now, however, since I don’t have Adventinthe'70s. room for a large center speaker, I have Paging Bettie Page Now he's at it again at had to revert to using the phantom posi- What a treat to see Bettie Page again af- tion in my amplifier which divides the .. Cambridge SoundWorks,-selling ter so many years (“Gazette,” Feb. '91). I signal for the center channel equally be- was a fan of hers during the 40s. The ar- direct to the public /? ticle was very informative, however, it tween the left and right front speakers. I didn’t indicate how to locate the fan have lost the center speaker, but the een aw kia Inc. Magazine club or magazine. overall effect is still better. FREE Don Olson Ralph A. Brown Englewood, Colorado Bountiful, Utah Editor's reply: For information on The Bet- A vote for Sony Audio Catalog tie Pages and the Bettie Page fan club, write to Greg Theakston, c/o Black Cat In answer to Darren Peister’s vote for Books/Pure Imagination, 88 Lexington Av- enue, Suite 2E, New York, NY 10016. the Panasonic PV-S4990 S-VHS VCR At Cambridge SoundWorks we manufacture speakers and music systems designed by Henry The logic of surround as a product of the year (“Feedback,” Kloss (founder ofAR, KLH & Advent), and we sell them from our factory in Newton, Mass. We also In your March feature “Easing Into Su- Apr. ’91), he neglects to mention the sell selected audio components from brands like per Sound,” Brent Butterworth is abso- Philips, Pioneer and Denon. Because we sell fac- lutely right to say that the front and lack of a jog/shuttle on the remote, as tory-direct, you can save hundreds of dollars on center channels of a Dolby Pro-Logic components and systems. We sell nothing but “the surround sound system should have well as the lack of an edit monitor. On good stuff.” Our knowledgeable audio experts will identical speakers of sufficient dynamic help you make the right choices, without being range. On the basis of the article I re- the Sony SLV-R5 VCR both of these pushy. And you can call toll-free for advice or placed my small center-channel speaker “hook-up help” 365 days a year — even holidays. with a much larger speaker with broader features are present. Merlin David This is the simplest way to get the right deal on dynamic range. I was very surprised at stereo components...and there’s virtually no risk. the improvement in overall sound. Suffern, New York * Call toll-free for factory-direct savings. You Cant Video Magazine welcomes your comments. * Audio Experts will answer all your Touch This Please include a phone number, but not a return envelope as the volume of mail does questions, before and after you buy. not permit replies. Letters may be edited for * 30-day money-back satisfaction guarantee. clarity and space. Address correspondence to Feedback, Video Magazine, 460 West 34 New From Henry Kloss-Ensemble \"Il Street, New York, NY 10001. Subwoofer-Satellite Speaker System Anew, very affordable, single-subwoofer version ofthe system Audio magazine said “may be the best value inthe world.” ¢ .» That is, unless you 1-800-AKA-HIFI go to Europe. This unusually styled 24 hours a day, 365 days a year (800-252-4434) VHS-C camcorder from Akai, complete CAMBRIDGE with fondu control, SOUND WORKS weighs about 3-1/2 pounds and sells for 154 California St., Suite , Newton MA 02158 799 pounds—in Great Britain, Is its * In Canada call 1-800-525-4434, Fax: 617-332-9229 unique two-handed Outside U.S. or Canada 617-332-5936 design the shape of things to come? We'll ©1991 Cambridge SoundWorks ®Ensemble is a ocd trademark of keep you posted. MZPCAOHGOUAMTRZOTIENSEY Cambridge SoundWorks. AR & Advent are trademarks of International Jensen, Inc. CSR2NcaiFoaeioendr.rfgacdvoidl.irteecmireaotniaoln,

LATE NEWS__ EDITED BY BRENT BUTTERWORTH Sony drops a widescreen hint Thomson Consumer Electronics (RCA) isn’t the only major television manufac- turer toying with the idea of introducing sets in the U.S. with wide 16:9 aspect ra- tios. Sony officials said, during a recent tour of the firm’s San Diego color TV production facility, they too are studying the possibility of selling 16:9 models in this country. Sony now sells a 16:9 set in Japan, Flatter & Fuzzier: Fisher's FVC-990 features improved fuzzy logic autofocus. and JVC recently announced it will also produce a 16:9 model for the Japanese Fisher flattens 8mm slimmer version of last year’s binocular- style FVC-880. The $1,200 camcorder market. Thomson began selling 16:9 sets in France, with plans to have them Fisher’s new 8mm FVC-990 is the features auto macro, titles that fade in available —under a variety of brand world’s lightest, slimmest camcorder. and out, and a pop-up, 360-degree swiv- names—in most Western European | Weighing only 1.2 pounds but packed elling window for its infrared remote countries by the end of this year. with features, the FVC-990 is a sleeker, control. It also includes stereo audio, improved fuzzy logic auto iris and focus, Mix It Up, On the Spot or Later, With a and a tilting viewfinder that snaps into the body for easy packing. Nady Camcorder Audio Mixer Mitsubishi makes it big Nady’s Unique Real Time Portable Nady’s Post Production Mitsubishi is going after big-screen mon- Camcorder Mic Mixer 3 Channel Microphone Mixer itors in a big way, unveiling revolution- ary projection and direct-view jumbos. * Get pro quality audio mixing with your ¢ Three channel stereo audio input with ‘ camcorder while you're shooting the video separate gain controls and full mixing The company’s new single-lens front capability projector combines the convenience of ¢ Includes a narrator headset for voice overs an LCD projector with the performance ¢ E: rgonomically designed control board of tube models. Light from three 5.5- ¢ Mix between 2 external mics including for ease of use inch CRTs travels through a set of di- wireless mics and the narrator’s chroic mirrors to reach the lens. Because headsets—even add background ¢ Dynamic microphone for high quality it uses only one lens, the projector re- music with a personal stereo voice recording quires no convergence adjustment. It * Compatible with all camcorders ¢ Compatible with all camcorders and VCR’s can be focused by remote control. MCM.-400 now only $69.95 AVM-300 now only $79.95 The first ghost-cancelling TV set available in the U.S. will be Mitsubishi's Nationwide: 80e0/22o2/8228 In CA: 800/624/1784 new 35-inch tube model. The circuit tids the picture of ghost images caused Add $5 per order for shipping and handling. Most charanice y by signals reflected from buildings and orders shipped within 48 hours. Special delivery services other obstructions. Unlike systems now being tested by the National Association available. CA residents add applicable sales tax. Visa and of Broadcasters, Mitsubishi’s does not require broadcast stations to use special MasterCard accepted. Mail check or money order to: 1900 Powell Street, Suite 1135 Emeryville, CA 94608 equipment. F‘B“UJBOPDUBOONIZOUPDADHODDIOHEBWIYSIPOPJDU) By angling the projection tubes high- er and making the cabinets slightly tall- er, Mitsubishi has created a line of rear- projection sets that are only about two feet deep. These may make projection TV sets more practical for those with small living rooms— comparable sets are typically 30 percent larger. 10 VIDEO JUNE 1991

Widescreen NTSC debuts 10 YEARS come, but inevitably it will give way toa AGO IN VIDEC more refined and convenient smaller MAGAZINE Engineers passed another milestone on format, just as black-and-white TV the yellow brick road toward HDTV as yielded to color and the horse and buggy they demonstrated the first widescreen was shoved aside to make room for auto- NTSC transmission using the Advanced mobiles...(20th-Century) Fox absolutely Compatible Television (ACTV) format. forbids rental and tells retailers it will A picture using the 16:9 aspect ratio was slap their hands if they attempt it...A shown to visitors to the recent National zany story of a little girl with a preco- | Association of Broadcasters convention cious talent for singing is now giving in Las Vegas. Digital compression tech- public television viewers across the niques squeezed the information needed country a chance to see what happens for the extended image into existing TV when spectators direct a drama. Lulu channels. Smith is the first interactive comedy- Viewers using ACTV in the future drama, and it was originally broadcast would see most of the picture on con- ideoee “Cameras that last year to QUBE viewers in Columbus, can easily be held in ventional 4:3 TV sets, but would need Ohio...In 1963 a British company named special widescreen sets to enjoy the full, one hand will come Telecan exported a high-quality half- wide image. Similarly, conventional from the same folks inch videotape to the U.S. True? False? VCRs would record a 4:3 version of the who now sell still False: The Telecan product was an II- picture, while ACTV VCRs would re- and movie cameras. minute tape with a very low image quali- cord the full image. They'll be paired up ty, completely unacceptable for viewing. The Federal Communications Com- with the ultralight- It became nicknamed the Tele- mission is testing ACTV this summer as weight videocasset- can’t...Spurred by the pleas of millions of part of its selection procedure for an te recorders using ardent invader-fighters, Atari staged a HDTV standard. The group behind June 1981 quarter-inch metal competition to determine the U.S. videotape in a ACTV —Thomson, Philips, NBC and “Space Invaders” champion...Since the David Sarnoff Research Center— housing about the size of a standard au- Sony’s is the only machine with an auto- expects it to be used by broadcasters dio cassette...Half-inch video re- matic cassette changer, the company who cannot initially afford full HDTV cording is justifiably becoming more is clearly one step ahead of the rest of conversion. | popular and will be with us for years to the VCR industry.” ] | HA-W70 coropzess INFRARED STEREO HEADPHONE SYSTEM JVC’s cordless headphone system lets you enjoy the freedom and sound of open speakers without distracting others. The HA-W70 Cordless Infrared Stereo Headphone System — the best of both worlds. e Infrared cordless stereo headphone system. @ JVC's advanced digital / and optical technology that utilizes ultra-high frequency FM transmission signals. @ 12 Transmission LEDs with a range of approximately 7 m (23 ft). @ 30 mm Dia. driver units for powerful sound | JVC Company of America with extended frequency response. —f— ==) 41 Slater Drive, Elmwood Park, N.J. 07407 @ Comfortable design that allows hours of audio/video t(irnafnrsamrietdtesrource) JVC Canada Inc. 21 Finchdene Square, Scarborough, Ontario M1X 1A7 listening enjoyment. Cordless headphones

GAZETTEEDITED BY KENNETH KORMAN Wayne’s ‘Hondo’ from the sale of the 3-D glasses. The returns in 3-D glasses will be available at major conve- nience stores and fast-food outlets. ohn Wayne fans take heart— and warm up your VCRs! From June 24 to June 26, Directed by John Farrow and co- the much-requested Wayne classic Hon- starring Geraldine Page, Hondo is one of do will return in special nationally syndi- Wayne’s best westerns. It involves an In- dian scout who meets a widow and her aR son on the eve of an Apache uprising. The film later became the basis for a * mid-’60s TV series of the same name starring Ralph Taeger, which is currently shown Saturday mornings on TNT. —Bruce Eder The three faces of Dyan Cannon wy No one wants to be a mere face in the crowd, or to be dubbed “two-faced,” but cated 3-D broadcasts. Hondo (1954) is to say Dyan Cannon possesses three faces one of three major Wayne fil—malsong is downright complimentary. with The High and the Mighty (1954) and McLintock (1964) —that have vanished In the Mood: Steve Meadows and Dyan Cannon share from sight over the last 10 years. All a May-December romance in The End of Innocence. these films are owned by Wayne’s son Michael, who has chosen not to re-re- After writing The End of Innocence lease them on video. Hondo was the only (Paramount Home Video), Cannon— 3-D movie of Wayne’s career. the first woman nominated for Academy Awards both in front of the camera The telecasts will employ a new sys- (Heaven Can Wait, Bob & Carol & Ted @) tem called Natural Vision. Developed by & Alice) and behind it (Dyan Cannon's Number One) —directed and starred in a company called Spatial Technologies, the film, experiencing what she calls a Natural Vision uses computer-designed “split personality” in the process. “I'd _), filters that reportedly lead to sharper, have to get inside [the character], then come out, answer 500 questio—nfrsom more depth-filled images than other another actor, from a grip, from an assis- 3-D broadcast systems. Special tant director — then get back inside her,” glasses are required. Viewers with- out 3-D glasses will see a conven- tional TV image. (And readers, with or without glasses, will be able to get a full update on 3-D video technology in next month’s Video Magazine. Look for our special roundup of 3-D’s top contenders.) Hondo will be presented under the auspices of Re- public Pictures as part of a benefit for the Leukemia Society of America, which will receive a por- tion of the proceeds

Cannon told us. And Stephanie wasn’t a Shell Shocked: Dreams, reality and death converge it's not as deep.” simple character: ‘I didn’t realize how for Vietnam vet Tim Robbins in Jacob’s Ladder. Even though Rubin approved of dramatic she was when | wrote her.” the moment after that moment in Ghost Lyne, and now says the finished Jacob’s The film’s opening depicts the when Patrick Swayze is killed, where he Ladder is “‘like a religious experience to events of Stephanie’s youth—from her goes through this sudden strangeness, me,” the two men fought bitterly for first moments of life to the loss of her dreamlike, trying to see himself waking nine months over how to achieve the virginity —in a lighthearted fashion, but up,” Rubin told us. “Jacob’s Ladder is special effects, the complexity of which as Stephanie matures, her life turns top- that moment, expanded into a full story. kept the screenplay from being filmed sy-turvy. Pills, pot, a career slump, self- Don’t get me wrong—I loved Ghost. But for so long in the first place. Rubin even- ish parents and unhealthy relationships tually accepted the director’s changes, all bounce off each other, one problem and now appears quite happy that he compounding another, until Stephanie did. Seeing the film “was one of the snaps. ““That’s what life is. One minute most profound experiences I’ve had in a you're fine, and then the phone rings...,” movie, let alone that it was my movie. I Cannon says. was awed,” says Rubin. After waiting 10 Lest you think The End of Innocence years for the green light, Bruce Joel is a “woman's film,” preoccupied with Rubin had finally had his personal de- emotions and soul-searching, guess mon laid to rest. —Jami Bernard again. Cannon bristles at the notion: “Feelings don’t belong to any one sex. Enquiring Minds. The trial of Pamela Smart—the 22- They belong to men, women and chil- year-old New Hampshire schoolteacher who seduced one dren.... We all shut down occasionally, of her 15-year-old students and convincehidm to kill her and that’s what this film is about.” husband — captured the imaginations of New Englanders. recently while attracting international attention. But —April P. Bernard when the 15-year-old in question testified that Smart first seduced him while they watched a video of the Kim Ba- Ten yearson singer/Mickey Rourke film 9-1/2 Weeks, the locals became truly inspired. Video store owners throughout southern a ‘Ladder’ New Hampshire reported an unprecedented run on the steamy video, as fasci- Ghost writer Bruce Joel Rubin is happy nated trial-watchers sought clues to the crime. | for the astounding success of the movie Rocky VI: The TV. Who says most television sets look alike? Certainly made from his screenplay, in which Pat- tick Swayze and Demi Moore star as a not noted sculptor Alfred Gorig, who carved a unique Stone TV out of solid yuppie couple only slightly parted by granite. With industrial casters for mobility and an extra stone (resting on death. And despite the Oscar Ghost re- base) to serve as a manual channel block, Gorig’s work of art would be equal- cently brought him, Rubin’s heart re- ly at home in a postmodern living room as in Fred Flintstone’s den. The TV set —asking price, $5,000 —is on display at the ‘Modern Stone Age Gallery in mains with that other script he wrote, for Jacob’s Ladder (LIVE Home Video). New York City. In fact, he calls Ghost “the shallower” of the two death-related stories. iW “The two films are different aspects of the death trip,” says Rubin, an un- prepossessing, bespectacled man fasci- nated by the competition between heaven and hell, angels and demons, life and death, and screenwriters and direc- tors. Jacob’s Ladder was famous as one of the 10 best unproduced screenplays in Hollywood, where it languished for a decade before director Adrian Lyne (Fatal Attraction) took on the task of filming what Rubin describes as “a great film of dread.” It involves a Vietnam veteran (Tim Robbins) tortured by per- sonal demons, and tells “what happens JUNE 1991 VIDEO 13

BY RODERICK WOODCOCK How to convert camcorders and keep tapes in shape [i]:have a Compact VHS camcorder Remember, in camcorder shooting, it’s rare that you get a chance to shoot and five ST-C30 tapes, which I use many scenes over again, so it’s unwise to over and over, dubbing their contents to skimp on tape by using a cassette beyond larger tapes. I’ve been copying tapes this its life span. way for the last three years, reusing some tapes at least 100 times. Am I los- FLAT STORAGE: No. ing quality this way? Joe Biegel TAPE CAN SLIP Brookfield, Missouri (]I’ve just invested in a Canon Al DOWN ON REELS. Mark II Hi8 camcorder. Is it possi- [Jr letter refers to ST-C30 cas- EDGE STORAGE: YES. settes, but I assume you mean ST- ble to convert it from NTSC to PAL if I move to Germany? If so, which company TAPE STAYS CENTERED C20s, which have been available since specializes in this field? ON REELS. 1987. ST-C30s have only been around for a year. The difference is important, Oliver Spehn A Your friend is right. Videotape ex- since the 30-minute tapes are thinner Alpharetta, Georgia perts agree that storing tapes flat than the 20-minute ones and, therefore, f]There are significant internal differ- (horizontally) is taboo. Vertical or edge more vulnerable to damage. ences between PAL and NTSC ver- storage is preferable. Videotape is just a magnetically coated ribbon of plastic. In Any tape that sustains 100 passes or sions of what might appear to be the more is bound to show signs of wear. same camcorder. PAL models operate at time, gravity causes the tape to slip How much depends on other factors. If a faster speed (2 centimeters per second down on the reels if the tape is stored you play tapes directly from the cam- at SP, instead of 1.43 in NTSC), and re- flat. Normally, there’s a slight air space quire slightly higher-resolution CCD between the tape pack and the top and corder into the VCR, as I think you do, pickups in order to accommodate the bottom of each reel. Storing tapes on the tapes are getting gentler handling 625-line PAL video system. The sup- their edges minimizes the effect, al- than they would if they were loaded into porting circuitry is also different. though some still can occur. It’s also a a VHS-C adapter, which laces the tape good idea to invert tapes occasionally. through a more convoluted path, and I would say it’s not worth the effort doesn't always work well in some VCRs. involved, assuming anyone is interested Winding and rewinding tapes regu- Also, using search frequently instead of larly is also a good idea, but it’s not nec- just letting tapes play tends to wear in undertaking such an elaborate mod- essary to actually play a tape to keep it them out faster. ification. A call to Instant Replay in good shape. (800-749-8779) might help. The compa- It’s a good idea to keep a log of the ny specializes in PAL and NTSC mod- (l]:recently bought a Fisher FVC-720 number of times you use a tape. Stick a ifications to off-the-shelf NISC VCRs piece of graph paper on the cassette and camcorders. 8mm camcorder. My dealer told me (some labels are cross-hatched for this But a simpler, less expensive solution this unit is really made by Sony. Others purpose), and check off a box for every would be to continue to use the cam- pass. When you reach a given number, corder as is, taking along an NTSC TV I've talked to tell me it’s made by Sanyo. say 20 or 30, retire the tape and start a set for viewing purposes overseas. Then, any tapes you send back to the States Which is it? Peter A. Vellis | new one. would also have the advantage of not re- quiring conversion from PAL to NTSC. Brooklyn, New York TERT? | And you wouldn't believe the number of letters we get on that subject. ‘Ale Fisher FVC-720 is manufac- SLIPCASE tured by Sanyo. Comparably fea- US CASSETTE tured models also made by Sanyo Pat include Sanyo’s VM-D6, Zenith’s VM-8000, Radio Shack’s Realistic M152 and Olympus’ VX-806. (]I have storage bins that hold 24 tapes flat instead of upright. A Video Magazine welcomes your questions. Please include a phone number, but not a friend told me that, in time, tapes stored return envelope as the volume of mail does not permit replies. All letters may be edited flat might become damaged. Is this true? for clarity and space. Address queries to Q Also, is it wise to play tapes from time to & A, Video Magazine, 460 West 34 Street, New York, NY 10001. time, as opposed to just storing them for CHECK OFF A BOX long periods? Alan Faust FOR EVERY PASS Brooklyn, New York ISHLTELENUVKSEETLRATIONS: 14 VIDEO JUNE 1991

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VIDEOTESTS Time for a Change: Canon's L1 accepts 15x and 8x zoom lenses, a 2x extender and an adapter that permits use of Canon EF film camera lenses. Canon Hi8 camcorder able as an option. Of equal significance, effective lens range; freeze, for still cap- an optional adapter lets the LI use Can- ture; and animation, art freeze and gain Canon’s L1 Hi8 camcorder, the first con- on’s EF-series 35mm camera lenses. up, which captures light during several sumer model to accommodate inter- changeable lenses, marks a major In other areas, the Ll improves an frames and records it as a single image breakthrough in camcorder design. It already successful formula established by for low-light pictures or creative smear comes with a powerful, and detachable, Canon’s Al camcorders. The LI adds effects. In playback mode, strobe and so- 15x zoom lens, while an 8x lens is avail- digital effects, some of which are record- larization effects are possible. The audio able, and adjustable audio recording lev- improvements let you capture softer els. The recordable digital effects are close-up; a digital zoom that doubles the sounds if there is little ambient noise and attenuate loud sounds for more in- Canon li Minimum Focusing indicators for tape power, LANC remote, Titles/Graphics: unweighted; 49.8, Hi 8Cameorder Distance: 28 inches counter, tape end, no stereo audio, mono au- 2 lines, 16 characters; | weighted; 8mm video— dio, video, S-video and date/time 43.5, unweighted; 50.8, DATA Autofocus: piezo-type cassette, low battery, DC out for RF adapter dew. date battery, inter- Timer: 1-event, 24-hour weighted; chroma AM— Suggested Price: Minimum Illumination: val timer, self timer, Video Heads: 2 41.8; chroma PM—37.8 $2,999 rated—0.5 lux with gain eject, transport func- Special Features: Weight & Size (h/w/d): up at f/1.4; measured— tions, input mode, Cue & Review Search: Still frame, frame ad- Audio Frequency camera body—3.1 Ibs, 6.7 lux for 50 IRE in exposure meter, WB 9x forward, 7x reverse; 15x lens—1.8 Ibs, bat- normal shooting set, shutter speed, 20x high speed vance, separate eject, Response: tery—0.6 Ibs; 6-1/2 x menu, Hi8, title, date/ 40 Hz-15 kHz, +0.2/-3 6-3/4 x 13-1/2 inches Iris: time, program timer, AF Fast Forward/ slow motion, speed with 15x lens mounted auto/continuous manual zone, audio level dis- Rewind Time: play, insert edit, auto dB, -4.7 dB at 20 Hz, play, manual, close-up, approx. 6 min. for 120- -9 dB at 20 kHz Power Use: Auto Fade: overlap, freeze, art and min. tape rewind, switchable 6 VDC, 8.6 W to white or memory strobe Image Sensor; lap dissolve Remote Pause: LANC metering, vertical and Dynamic Range (dB): 1/2-inch CCD, VCR Controls: horizontal edge en- 72.1 410,000 pixels Shutter Speeds (sec.): all—record, pause/still, Remote Control: wire- hancement, self and normal, 1/100, 1/250, stop, rewind/search, less with buttons for Lens: 1/500, 1/1,000, 1/2,000, play. fast forward/ Start/stop, zoom, date, interval timers, dual-ac- Audio Distortion: 0.3% interchangeable; sup- 1/4,000, 1/10,000 search and eject title, art, strobe, clear, tion grips, sports finder, plied—f/1.4-2.1, 15x counter reset, tape re- (8-120mm) power zoom White Balance: Microphone: turn, display, rewind/ and overlap, freeze and RATINGS with macro wide and 24—zone auto/lock removable; electret con- search, play, fast for- art freeze digital effects Picture: telemacro ranges denser, stereo/zoom ward/search, stop, Viewfinder: record, frame advance RESULTS very fgeood/excellent through-the-lens/elec- Jacks: and pause/still tronic, with diopter, indi- earphone, mic, mic Horizontal Resolution: |Audio: very good cators and onscreen Audio: hi-fi AFM—stereo Hi8—400 lines; Ease of Use: 8mm—250 lines very good S/N Ratios (dB): Overall Performance: Hi8 luminance—43.4, very good/excellent PVLMEIHOSDROESTOIOTLGELRSOAT 16 VIDEO JUNE 1991

teligible recordings. On the side are the earphone jack, a Satellite Carried over from Canon’s Al Digi- | switch for master auto/manual camera Television tal camcorder is the angled position of mode, and buttons for record (edit) the recorder section with a second grip search, digital effects, auto/set white bal- 1991 Buyers Guide that lets users hold it as they would a ance and average/peak metering, plus a 35mm film camera. Two zoom rockers compartment for audio/video jacks. with Comparison Chart The digital effects are a close-up dig- Complete permit more natural zoom operation, and most camera controls are touch ital zoom, overlapping the final portion System! coded. Such features as piezo autofocus, of a scene over the start of the next one, manual iris with an onscreen indicator, a a freeze that lest users record a still im- white balance lock, seven shutter speeds | age or images every 1/8 second, art treeze to 1/10,000-second, hold-down fade, for adding a paintlike effect to stills, and time/date/title imprinting and edit a gain up that records frames at intervals search are all preserved. In short, the Ll between 1/8- and 1/30-second. The gain is an evolutionary step forward, packed up option lets users operate at light lev- with tested features that improve cam- els as low as 0.5 lux, but motion appears jittery or smeary. At the front is the new corder operation and capability. Those who wish to fully tap the Ll’s VL lens mount. The lens is convention- potential will want to consider the cam- al-looking but large, with manual zoom corder’s unique optional components. and focus rings. The jacks compartment has an edit The 8x lens, priced at $400, is a com- pact alternative to the 15x lens, while switch and jacks for S-video, video, the VL lens adapter, for $350, gives the mono and stereo audio, DC out for the Ll compatibility with the EF series of RE adapter and LANC remote control. EOS lenses. A CL 2x lens extender, for On the right side, another compartment $350, doubles the range of any lens in has buttons for title/date, timer, Hi8, Includes: © 10' Dish e Echostar 4000 with Decoder use, giving the camcorder extra reach. shift, line in/out and the clock battery. The Ultimate Satellite Receiver Description. The L1 looks some- The infrared remote control has a Houston Tracker 10 with MTS! what like the Al Digital but the battery zoom roéker and buttons for date, title, ¢ Programmable UHF Remote is back in the hand grip and the lens art, strobe, clear, counter reset, tape re- ¢ 100 Video & Audio Selections « projects further. The cassette hatch is at turn, display, rewind/search, play, fast the left of the recorder section and e Fully Computerized Auto Tracking ¢ opens rearward. One zoom rocker is on forward/search, stop, frame advance, the camcorder grip. The other is under e Full On-Screen Graphics Display ¢ the right thumb when the LI is held like pause/still and record. a 35mm camera. The power and alter- Operation. Using the camcorder Crystal Clear Reception ¢ nate run/stop buttons are near the right edge of the top panel, as are the eject le- in automatic mode is as simple as using a HTS e MTS Stereo! ver, a headphone level control and but- comfortable point-and-shoot model. tons for counter reset, stop, pause/still, EOE Call for Price! © fast forward/search, play, rewind/search The autofocus works relatively well, but and tape return. can be fooled by certain types of sub- Satellite System Owners: jects. The manual options are easy to ac- An LCD screen on the back of a tur- cess, but some experience is needed to Inquire About Our Exclusive get the best out of them. What you see ret provides counter, function and cau- in the EVF is what you get, plus color. Trade-In Upgrade Program! tion indications. At its top is an acces- Time/date imprinting is easy. Super- To Rush Your Free Buyers Guide CSR7iNcaFoae9ionednrr.fdacdvoild.irteecmieraotniaoln, sory shoe. Further forward is a second imposing a title of up to two lines of 16 shoe for the stereo zoom supplied micro- characters each is no more difficult than O1fF-fai8xce0#0#8-08350-556-056-25-202-2109520565 phone. Also present are jacks for a ster- cycling through the characters needed to compose it. The digital effects work as 2316 Channel Drive eo mic and mic power, concentric promised, but should be used judi- Ventura, Ca. 93003 controls for record levels and a switch ciously. The same is true of manual gain for a 20-decibel sound attenuator. control and the mic attenuator. There is JUNE 1991 VIDEO 17 a lot to learn, but when you do the L1 On the left is a hinged electronic opens a host of creative options. Opera- viewfinder with a large eyepiece that lets tional ease is very good, even though the users see the screen from a short dis- Ll is heavier and bulkier than Canon’s tance. The front of the EVF has a tally light and the sensor for the IR remote previous top models. control. The bottom has a switch for the Performance. In Hi8 mode the LI tally light, a thoughtful addition. has a horizontal resolution of 400 lines; The grip on the right side has a run/ in 8mm, it is 250 lines. In Hi8, the un- stop button, a zoom rocker, a battery re- weighted luminance signal-to-noise ra- tio is 43.4 decibels. The weighted lease and the battery in its recessed side. luminance S/N is 49.8 dB. In 8mm On the left side of the body are buttons mode, video S/N is 43.5 dB unweighted for fade, auto/manual focus, one shot and 50.8 dB weighted. Chroma AM S/N AF, the high-speed shutter, auto/manual is 41.8 dB and chroma PM S/N is 37.8 exposure select, the lens release and a manual exposure/gain thumbwheel. dB. Luminance and video S/N are high compared to other Hi8 camcorders, but On the surface above are buttons for the chroma measurements are average. title, date and digital effects on and off. continued on page 34

VIDEOTESTS memory SOOLLOERR,! Hi-Fi Stereo VIDEO CAMERA RECORDER videoHi8CCO-VEOT/NTSC Se CODE PROGRAM AE oes aeeeeen| FADER PUSH AUTO ats Code One: Sony's CCD-V801 is the first camcorder with RC time code, which tags each frame with the hour, minute, second and frame number. VIDEOTEST NUMBER 590 rectly compatible with existing codes tion already on the tape, and is invisible like SMPTE, VITC or RAPID. RC time to machines not equipped to read it. Sony Hi8 camcorder code tags each frame with the hour, the with time code minute, the second and the frame num- Sony also offers the $1,000 RM-E700 ber. editing controller/titler, which uses the Sony’s CCD-V801 is the first consumer code for accurate editing with any VCR camcorder with a frame-accurate time The V801 also inserts a separate data or camcorder that accepts LANC, Con- code generator. Its Rewritable Consum- code with the date and the time. The trol S or infrared signals. The RM- data and RC codes are written by the E700's accuracy depends on the consis- er (RC) time code is a new type not di- video heads between the video and the tency of the recorder’s performance, be- PCM audio tracks. It may be added to any 8mm tape without altering informa- cause it has a timing adjustment to com- continued on page 22 sony COD-V801 Iris; Viewfinder Controls: Fast Forward/ Special Features: S/N Ratios (dB): Hi Camcorder auto/manual with 16— magnifier focus, tilt up/ Rewind Time: RC time code, still Hi8 luminance—42.1 0.5 EV steps to £/19 down. position and 6-1/2 min. for E6/ frame, bidirectional unweighted. 51 weight- DATA viewing hood releases P6-120 cassette frame advance, 1/5x ed: 8mm video—43.8 Auto Fade/Overlap: and 1/30x slow motion, unweighted, 50.8 Price: $1,900 about 4 secs. VCR Controls: Remote Pause: 2x play, insert edit, weighted; chroma AM— stop. rewind/search, LANC (Control L) auto rewind, counter 41.5 Hi8, 45.5 8mm; Weight & Size (h/w/d): Sensitivity (dB): play. fast forward/ memory, separate eject, chroma PM—39.3 Hi8; 2.9 Ibs; 5-1/2 x 4-1/4 x switchable -3 to +18 in search, pause, record, Remote: edit search and flying 39.8 8mm 14-1/4 inches 8 steps slow and frame advance IR wireless with buttons erase head forward and reverse for start/stop, zoom, Audio Frequency Image Sensor: Shutter Speeds (sec.): play, fast forward/ Absent Features: Response; 1/2-inch CCD; 410,000 27 steps from 1/10,000 Microphone: search, rewind/search, PCM audio, audio dub, AFM—40 Hz-15 kHz, gross pixels to 1/60 (normal) stereo with wind switch Stop. pause. frame ad- video dub +0.2/-2.7 dB, down 5.2 vance/play direction, at 20 Hz and 5.7 at 20 Lens: White Balance: Jacks: slow, record (2), data Accessories: kHz {/1.8, 10x (8-80mm) full auto, push button S-video in and out, vid- screen, index, mark, wireless remote control variable-speed power auto. indoor and out- eo in and out, stereo erase, counter reset, with batteries, NP-66H Dynamic Range: zoom with macro door settings line audio in and out, zero memory and a 75-min. battery pack, 76.4 dB DC out for RFU, LANC, hold switch AC-V65R 100-240 VAC Filter Diameter: Viewfinder: headphones, external 50/60 Hz AC adapter Audio Distortion: 0.3% 46mm tiltable EVF with LED stereo mic and mic Counter Digits: charger, CR-2025 for camera recording power 5—hrs:mins:secs. lithium clock battery, RATINGS Minimum Focusing and indicators for cus- RFU-90VC RF adapter, Distance: tom mode, macro, Formats: Hi8, 8mm Program Start Hi8 cassette, shoulder Picture: 4.3 feet excluding mac- white balance mode, Locator/Index/Cue: strap. jack covers, lens very good/excellent ro range fader and programmed Video Heads: 2 index with mark and cap, video/stereo audio Autofocus: auto exposure, battery, erase cable and S-video ca- Audio: TTL, switchable to tape, moisture, head Cue & Review Search: ble very good/excellent manual clog and caution, Hi8, approx. 9x Audio: hi-fi AFM stereo LP playback, tape/cam- RESULTS Ease of Use: Minimum Iilumination: era operating mode, Visible Fast Forward Titles/Graphics: manual mode—very rated—4 lux; meas- tape counter, title num- and Rewind: 2 memory pages used Horizontal Resolution: good: auto mode—ex- ured—4.3 lux for 50 ber/color/mode, zero Skip Scan—hold down separately or together, 400 lines, Hi8; 250 cellent IRE memory/index mode fast forward or rewind in 8 colors, reverse and lines, 8mm and date/time button in fast forward bidirectional scroll Overall Performance: or rewind mode very good/excellent 18 VIDEO JUNE 1991

Hitachi combi player DATA: Search Features: frame number—5; Accessories: bidirectional scan at chapter or track—2; in- remote control (needs 2 Hitachi's VIP-RX6E—Xits first combi Price: $630 about 15x for 2 sec- dex—2; memory by AAA batteries), video player for the U.S. market—is a solid, onds, then 60x; frame, time, track or in- cable. audio cable, 75- no-nonsense machine that achieves its Weight & Size dex ohm antenna cable and modest suggested price of $630 without (h/wid): chapter/track skip; antenna transformer sacrificing performance. It doesn’t have 16.6 Ibs; 4-7/8 x 17 x Program Start all the bells and whistles of costlier play- 16-3/8 inches chapter/track search; Locator/Index/Cue: RESULTS ers, lacking, for example, a jog/shuttle frame number search frame/time, chapter, dial, two-sided play and special effects Power Use: 37 W on CAV discs: time track, index Horizontal Resolution: for CLV discs. But it offers the basic fea- search on CLV, CD-V, 410 lines tures combi players should possess in- Formats: Analog Audio: cluding a variety of playing speeds and CD single, CD, CD-V, CDV-LD and CD discs; hi-fi AFM—stereo/2 Video S/N Ratios (dB): search modes. 8- and 12-inch LDs/ memory search to se- channel or dual mono/2 video, unweighted— CDV-LDs, LD single lected frame or time channel 51.1: video, weighted— Like other combi players, it handles number: memory 57.3; chroma AM— all popular optical disc formats, from search: time. within Digital Audio: 49.2; chroma PM—40.1 three-inch CD singles to 12-inch laser- track, from beginning of stereo or dual mono discs, with the usual exception of the Audio Frequency graphic component of CD+ G discs. disc. or from end of Titles/Graphics: Response: disc: track/index search onscreen—chapter/ digital—10 Hz-20 kHz, All the usual options —like time/ for index marks within track. frame/time, abso- +0.1/-0.5 dB; analog— single track: or index lute/remaining/total 20 Hz-20 kHz, frame search, chapter/track search and search, on CD, CD-V time, operating mode, +2.2/-1.6 dB speed search—are possible. Speed and laserdiscs with in- speed, repeat modes, search starts off slowly and builds to dex numbers programming data and Audio S/N (dB): about 60x. Repeat of a single chapter/ digital—more than 100; track, a programmed sequence, a whole Remote Control: audio output analog—65.3 side or the material between two user- buttons for open/close, selected points is available. pause/stop, play. single Special Features: Audio Distortion (%): play. VHF, sound, D/A last memory, edit play; digital—less than 0.1; Other playback options include an CX. chapter/track + and for CAV discs only—still analog—0.3 intro scan function that plays the first . scan forward and re- frame. bidirectional eight seconds of each chapter or track, verse, still/step forward frame advance. bidirec- RATINGS random selection of all chapters or and reverse, multispeed tional variable-speed tracks, and user-programmed play for up play forward and re- play (12x. 3x, 2x, 1/2x, Picture: to 24 chapters or tracks. A last memory verse. speed + and -, 1/4x, 1/8x. 1/16x, 1 very good/excellent function restarts the player from the display, mode, repeat, frame per second, 1 point at which power was interrupted A-B. 10-digit keypad, frame every 3 seconds) Audio: (accidentally or intentionally). In addi- 10+, program memory, very good/excellent tion, the player automatically selects frameftimefindex and Absent Features: chapters or tracks to best fit on two sides clear jog/shuttle dial, two- Ease of Use: excellent of a tape if you specify the tape’s total sided play, CLV effects, length. Counter Digits & digital effects and opti- Overall Performance: Memory: cal audio output very good/excelient The audio side of the player is also time—4 (mins./secs.) or exactingly designed, aided by an 8x oversampling digital filter for low distor- tion, a 20-bit signal processing circuit torized door that covers the disc drawer with a low-pass filter and a one-bit digi- plus buttons for stop, play/pause and QHITACHI co cov co muy tal-to-analog converter with double-step open/close. On the left side of the wider noise shaping for premium reproduction. lower band is the power switch, followed The player accepts three-inch CD sin- by a comprehensive display panel and buttons for the 10 digits, 10+, program, gles and eight-inch laserdiscs without TV/LDP, auto program editing, display, adapters. random play, intro scan, search forward Description. The VIP-RX6EX is and reverse, skip forward and reverse, a black with touches of gold. The display quarter-inch headphone jack and a is a restful orange. Most of the wide up- per band on the front panel is a mo- continued on page 23 New Kid on the Block: Hitachi's first combi player features 8x over- sampling and a one-bit digital-to-analog con- verter for better sound. JUNE 1991 VIDEO 19

Sharp LCD projector Sharp’s new XV-120ZU LCD projector is Through a Glass Brightly: New optics make Sharp's XV-120 70 percent brighter than previous models. about 70 percent brighter than the XV-100 reviewed last year (““Videotests,” The left side is also bare. The right has tics with scales showing current settings. May ’90). The increase in brightness an air intake for the cooling fan, with a The select button calls up each charac- comes from an enhanced optical system filter that can be removed for cleaning. teristic and its scale, while the plus and that also allows this projector to be 19 minus buttons make adjustments. percent smaller and 22 percent lighter. All controls are on the top panel. The new shape makes it easier to carry, Exposed near the left front are a power The rear panel holds the cooling sys- but it still requires an AC power source. tem exhaust, a door for lamp access and button and indicators for power, lamp the power cord. A column at the left One of the great benefits of LCD and temperature. A flap covers buttons contains input connectors for video 1, projectors is that they need only a single S-video 1, video 2 and S-video 2. There lens, so convergence of the red, green for input select, video/S-video, blue and blue images can be set at the fac- screen on/off, status, reset, select, plus is also a 12-volt DC output, which sends tory. Theoretically, there should be none and minus. on/off information to a powered screen. of the color fringing found in multilens The status button calls up an on- On the bottom are two screws that ad- projection systems. screen display of five picture characteris- just the elevation of the front of the pro- The XV-120 is equipped with a 2x jector. Geometric distortion occurs if the bottom of the picture is higher than the zoom lens and a focus ring. At the rec- bottom of the lens. ommended screen distance of 15.1 feet, Operation. The projector is so it produces a 100-inch image (measured simple to use that it can be hooked up diagonally). The zoom can reduce this and operated in the dark. The power to 50 inches. The projector can be posi- and video cables are all that need to be tioned from 6.2 to 29.5 feet from the connected. The power switch turns on screen, with corresponding changes in the lamp, the cooling fan, power and image size. The single lens, the small lamp indicators, and an onscreen indica- power supply and the lack of CRTs con- tor for the selected video source. tribute to lightness and compactness. Unlike the XV-100, the new model Like many other front projectors, does not automatically switch to S-video the XV-120 contains no audio circuitry. when fed a Y/C signal. A switch selects The user must provide speakers, ampli- between video and S-video, and another fiers and control systems. selects between the inputs 1 and 2, effec- Description. The projector resem- bles a fat briefcase with a lens sticking out one end and a fold-down handle on top. The front is bare but for the lens. SharXp-12070 DATA tuner, monitor output, Screen Brightness: LED Projector audio system and re- variable with image Price: $3,995 mote control size and screen reflec- tance Weight & Size (hiw/d): Accessories: 27 Ibs; 12-3/8 x 8-5/8 x lens cover, air filter and Color Temperature: 17-5/8 inches video cable 5.600 Kelvins Power Use: 215 W, RESULTS Accuracy of Colors: approx. very good Horizontal Resolution: Screen Size: tated—more than 300 RATINGS 20-100 inches lines; measured— 280-290 lines Picture Quality: Inputs: excellent video—2, RCA-type pin SIN Ratios (dB): jacks; S-video—2, video—55; chroma Operational Ease: switchable with video AM—63; chroma PM— excellent inputs 62 Overall Performance: Absent Features: excellent 20 VIDEO JUNE 1991

oy.:))BicaAe YE DESCRAMBLERS tively providing four inputs. uring signal-to-noise ratios directly BASE BAND A single button resets picture adjust- from the terminals of an LCD, so our ments to factory settings. Focusing the | image and zooming to fill the screen are ratings are based on comparisons with $399.00 | the only other adjustments that may be tube sets. Thus, the video S/N is approx- made, other than altering the distance imately 55 decibels while chroma AM from the screen. Sharp offers optional 100- and 80-inch screens in electric and and PM S/N are each about 62 dB. Col- | manual models with wall and ceiling mounts, as well as a free-standing tri- or temperature is 5,600 Kelvins. DQN7V PIONEER a pod-mount screen. TRIMODE Screen brightness varies both with ZENITH 1086.$249.00 JERROLD DRX$99.00 Otherwise, any light, flat wall can image size and screen reflectance. Ambi- yield an acceptable picture. Curved DQN7... ..-$99.00 | screens are not recommended. A user ent light must be kept low so it doesn’t | should clean the air filter every 100 wash out the image. The picture displays | MANY MORE...CALL OR WRITE FOR | hours of operation. Ease of setup and op- minor color fringing at the top corners, | FREE FAST INFORMATION. eration are excellent. and has a hot (bright) spot in the mid- dle. It shows some pincushion distor- YOUR BEST BUY’S & WARRANTIES Performance. Because the organi- FOR CABLE CONVERTERS AND zation of the pixels is staggered and the tion at larger picture sizes. DESCRAMBLERS START WITH A pixels are small, there is no screen door This is only the third LCD projector FREE CATALOG FROM: effect on the picture. However, the pix- in general release. It is much better than WORLDWIDE CABLE R7SCo8eeanrarvdiecre els are distinctly visible at large image Kodak’s discontinued LC500 and much NciaFinodrrfdcoilretmiaotniaoln, sizes. Since each pixel is a single color, brighter than the XV-100, which re- 7491 C-5 N. Federal Hwy. | certain small details that appear fuzzy or mains in the line at $500 less. We rate Suite #142 | smeared on CRT projectors disappear the XV-120 excellent for LCD projection. Boca Raton, FL 33487 completely if they are tiny, or influence the entire color of a pixel if they are Conclusion. The XV-120 is bright- ORDERS AND CATALOGS CALL | large enough. er, smaller and lighter than its prede- TOLL FREE Horizontal resolution is 280 to 290 cessor. Its picture quality sets a new | lines. We are aware of no means of meas- 1-800-772-3233 |standard of excellence for consumer |LCD projectors, but the pixel structure ((cnercord| C.O.D. |is still visible in large images. Overall FOR INFORMATION PLEASE CALL performance is excellent. At $3,995, it is |our top choice for a portable LCD pro- BY ORDERING CABLE TV EQUIPMENT FROM WORLDWIDE CABLE THE PUR- jector. a CHASER AGREES TO COMPLY WITH ALL STATE AND FEDERAL LAWS REGARDING PRIVATE OWNERSHIP OF CABLE TV EQUIPMENT, IF YOU ARE UNSURE OF THESE LAWS CHECK WITH YOUR LOCAL OFFICIALS. MAKING A GREAT VIDEO After you used your camcorder the first time, you realized that your camcorder's INCLUDES QUALITY SOUND TOO! ec.ovUlicolamanlenge)elale)al~ including those you don't want. And, when shooting from a distance, you can’t hear your subject's voice clearly. Azden, the leader in quality audio for video, manufactures a full line of microphones to make your sound as good as your pictures. Each one fills a particular need. This vert ofessiona ECZ-660 Mini directional 1 mic (clip-on) mini mic for palm-sized vireless system in camcorders. Slide switch for adjusting fe eae |WMS-PRO width of sound pick-up st not as powerful pattern. Low cutfilter Also available with 2 mics as WMS-200. : i| Write or call for 4-color full line literature mWa YW 4») =. nmnarelre nt 147 New Hyde Park Road, Franklin Square, NY 11010 (516) 328-7500 Distributed in Canada by GENTEC JUNE 1991 VIDEO 21

SONY CAMCORDER counter reset, return to zero, index and informed of options and warnings. On- screen menus let the user select such continued from page 18 an edit search rocker. The zoom rocker, main run/stop switch and standby functions as remote control on/off, slow/ pensate for the recorder’s preroll time. switch occupy the usual positions. still picture adjust, four-frame record Except for time code and a slightly The outer edge of the hand grip (for animation), RC time code/normal longer zoom, the V801 is virtually identi- holds jacks for LANC and headphones. counter, contrast, color, sharpness and cal to Sony’s CCD-V101 and Ricoh’s A covered compartment further back contains jacks for S-video, video, stereo hue preset. A demo mode runs through R-808H (“Videotests,” Sept. ’90). It re- audio and DC output, plus an input/out- the manual options. The data screen prises all the VIOI's extensive capa- put switch. Near the front are the stereo button displays viewfinder information bilities, including AFM stereo sound, on the output signal. index marking, dual titlers, remote con- microphone, a wind noise switch and trol and frame record; recordable cus- jacks for an external stereo mic and mic The direction of all the play modes tom contrast, color, hue and sharpness; power. The battery attaches at the rear. can be reversed with the frame advance auto exposure modes; sport, portrait, buttons. Index marks are recorded man- The front has the same layout as ually in record or playback, and erased shutter priority and aperture priority; most Sony camcorders, with the addi- only in playback. Index search for up to and 27 shutter speeds, 16 aperture tion of a translucent white window in 99 marks is available. Ease of operation choices and eight gain levels. the lens cap for manual white balanc- in full auto mode is excellent. In manual ing. The remote control duplicates the Description. The V801 is nearly camcorder's transport controls. It also mode, it is very good, but only because an inch longer than the V101 because of you have to think. its 10x zoom lens. The long LCD on the has a zoom rocker, buttons for 2x play, time code write, and index mark and Performance. In Hi8, the V80I’s left side is full of information, much of erase, plus a hold switch that disables it. horizontal resolution is 400 lines with an which is duplicated in the viewfinder. The camcorder’s infrared sensor faces unweighted luminance signal-to-noise Titler control buttons sit above the forward —perfect for shooting, but not tatio of 42.1 decibels. The weighted lu- LCD, and time and date buttons sit for- as convenient for playback. minance S/N is 51 dB, while the chroma ward of it. AM S/N is 41.5 dB and the chroma PM Operation. In full auto mode, the S/N is 39.3 dB. On standard 8mm tape, Below are a spring-loaded thumb- V801 is as easy to use as the simplest horizontal resolution is 250 lines with an wheel, a full auto lock switch and manu- camcorders. The manual options are not unweighted video S/N of 43.8 dB. al select buttons for auto exposure difficult to use, but some knowledge, Weighted video S/N is 50.8 dB. Chroma mode, iris, shutter speed, gain, fader, fo- study or experimentation is needed. The AM S/N is 45.5 dB and chroma PM S/N cus, one-shot autofocus, white balance focus and white balance controls oper- is 39.8 dB. and white balance lock. The eject but- ate like those on other camcorders. The high-speed shutter gives choices of Camera resolution is more than 410 ton and battery release occupy the rear 1/100-, 1/1,000-second and normal (1/60). lines. It delivers 50 IRE units at light Turning the thumbwheel accesses other levels as low as 4.3 lux with the gain ad- edge of the machine. speeds. Manual control of aperture or justment at zero decibels. Color rendi- Over the transport sit a camera/off/ gain can only be achieved from an auto tion is excellent; however, contrast, exposure mode. color, hue and sharpness are all adjust- VTR switch, transport controls and a able in record mode. data screen button. Buttons for menu, RC time code writing is automatic. cursor control, execute, slow, frame ad- The dual titlers may be scrolled up or The V801's performance is better vance forward and frame advance re- than that of the CCD-VI0I in all areas. verse hide under a nearby flap. A down and used together. Onscreen dis- The V801's picture quality is very good control group over the camera section plays and the LCD display keep the user to excellent. The only Hi8 camcorder contains buttons for subsidiary run/stop, IF YOU RENT MOVIES THEY'RE , JAMMING YOU TOO! & When playing back a rented movie you may notice V\\s annoying flashes, streaks, color lightening and darkening, This iscaused byMacrovision copy protection ry jamming embedded in the video. The Video-2010 will spot and completely eliminate. : ¥ Macrovision and all current copy protection andjamming. % Giving you a crystal clear picture. So good, we back it 100% with our 3 year warranty. :. *Digital state of the mrt Highest Quality - 3Year Warranty -30 day money back guarantee *100% guaranteed and effective Battery Included - Durable Metal Case *Works on all TV'S, VCR's, Beta, Cable C.0.D. 1-8O0RD0E-R 6T2OL4L -FR1E1E 50 *Completely automatic no adjustments itl | *Uses one 9 volt battery, lasts over a year FOR INFORMATION AND OUR FREE CATALOG CALL 402-554-0383 OR WRITE *No AC adaptor to take up valuable plug space *No power supply cable to ad to the wire jungle EVERQUEST CO. 875 So. 72nd St. Omaha, Ne. 68114 22 VIDEO JUNE 1991 For additional information, circle No. 5 on Reader Service Card.

that exceeds it is Sony’s CCD-V5000 1/8x, 1/16x, 1/30x (one frame per second) , Mlaakuonta and 1/90x (one frame every three sec- (“Videotests,” Aug. ’90). onds), all without sound. C “SPECIALISTS Audio frequency response on the Its other features include scan and the ability to search, play or repeat a stereo AFM tracks is 40 Hertz to 15 kilo- FOR MORE INFO: CONVENIENT FAX # side, a chapter, a track, an indexed seg- (201) 696-6531 (201) 633-1476 hertz, +0.2/-2.7 dB, down 5.2 dB at 20 ment or a user-selected segment. Users can also program chapter or track seg- Hz and 5.7 dB at 20 kHz. Audio S/N is ments to play in an order they select, WE WILL MATCH OR BEAT ANY LEGITIMATE PRICE 76.4 dB and the total harmonic distor- and repeat A-B segments, selections, an TOLL FREE:.... 1 (800) 444-6300 entire program or a whole side. Users tion is 0.3 percent. Audio quality is very can also search CLV discs by time and FAST SERVICE, CAV discs by frame. BEST PRICES! good to excellent by 8mm and Hi8 The major features you may miss are Canon standards. still and multiple-speed play on CLV discs (which require digital memory for Conclusion. The V801 is unique the pictures), some picture effects and a jog/shuttle dial. Especially useful fea- among consumer camcorders because of tures are the intro scan function that plays the first eight seconds after every its RC time code, which should allow track or chapter on CDs, and the pro- grammed playback of selected chapters more precise editing when combined or tracks. Overall ease of operation is Canovision &, with the RM-E700 editing controller/ excellent. titler. Otherwise, it is even better than Performance. The VIP-RX6EX delivers pictures with about 410 lines of Sony’s outstanding V101, with a longer horizontal resolution and an unweighted AUTHORIZED DEALER *% zoom and improved audio and video cel signal-to-noise ratio of 51.1 deci- FE performance. Its overall performance is els. The weighted video S/N is 57.3 dB. very good to excellent. At $1,900, it is Chroma AM S/N is 49.2 dB and chroma an excellent value which we recom- PM S/N is 40.1 dB. Video and chroma aeRO S/N deserve special praise. Performance mend highly. a earns a very good/excellent rating com- Ppwe on. \" pared to the best combi players we’ve Al HITACHI measured. continued from page 19 The frequency response of the digi- @ Revolutionary new technology allows tal audio is 10 Hertz to 20 kilohertz, interchangeable lenses. headphones level control. +0.1/-0.5 dB, and is 20 Hz to 20 kHz, When the open/close button is + 2.2/-1.6 dB, for analog audio. Audio @ Digital Signal Processor allows 2x S/N is more than 100 dB if the other Closeup, Overlap, Gain-up (0.5 lux), pressed, the door swings down and the channel is not driven. Channel separa- Freeze, Art Freeze, and strobe effects disc drawer slides out. The drawer has a tion is more than 95 dB for digital mate- to be added to videos. deep depression for 12-inch discs and rial and more than 65.3 dB for analog stepped, concentric rings for smaller @ True-to-life AFM stereo sound. discs. material, while the total harmonic dis- tortion is less than 0.01 percent (our in- ALL OTHER MODELS IN STOCK: The rear panel has two sets of video strument’s limit) for digital material and @A1 DIGITAL @H800 e£08 e€£61 and stereo audio outputs and, near the 0.03 percent for analog material. Audio center, a channel 3/4 output selector performance is very good to excellent. PRICES ALWAYS COMPETITIVE and F-connectors for VHF antenna in- Overall performance is also very good to put and output. The player rests on four excellent, making the combi player a All prices quoted include manufacturer's standard 3/8-inch feet. very good value for its modest price. = accessories & U.S, Warranty. All units are factory sealed. We are an AUTHORIZED DEALER for ALL The small remote control is orga- TECH TIP NAME BRANDS WE SELL! 10 DAY EXCHANGE nized into three groups of buttons, dif- Velcro for video S & H NON-REFUNDAR! FI ferentiated by background color. On a gray background are controls for power, To keep a camcorder cap from blowing stop/open, A and B repeat, audio moni- tor, CX, auto digital/analog and pause. around in the wind, place a small piece Against a black background are controls for play, forward and reverse pairs for of Velcro on the lens cap and another search, chapter/track skip search, still/ step and various speeds. The play button piece on the bottom of your camcorder. is emphasized by a large green border. The remaining buttons, on a fine cross- This can be more effective and easier to hatch background, are for display, chap- use than the clips included on many lens ter/frame-time, program, clear, search/ memory, 10+ and a 10-digit keypad. caps. Paul Anderegg CSR6FNcaioaeioendr.rfdacdvoidl.irteecmieraotniaoln, Operation. After a simple hookup San Diego, California procedure, using the player is as easy as turning on the power, opening the disc drawer, inserting a disc and closing the drawer. Play is automatic—you won't need to touch another control until the side is over, unless you want a special option. Only CAV discs with frame numbers allow still frame, frame, search, bidirec- tional frame stepping and multiple- speed play on this player. Multispeed play offers speeds of 3x, 2x, 1/2x, 1/4x, JUNE 1991 VIDEO 23

Eluetaonia NEW PRODUCT EDITED BY BRIAN CLARK PREVIEW CH sPEciatists Refinements expected to highlight FORMORE INFO: CONVENIENT FAX # summer show. (201) 696-6531 (201) 633-1476 WE WILL MATCH OR BEAT ANY LEGITIMATE PRICE 1 (800) 444-6300 VIDEONICS, DIRECTEDPLUSZ-2 === obo =a © ARRANGE FAVORITE SCENES IN ANY ORDER © BUILT-IN CHARACTER GENERATOR INTERNAL GRAPHICS (12 TYPE STYLES & 64 COLORS) © 12 TYPES OF FADES OR WIPES © INDEX SCENES © WIRELESS REMOTE [FIFISHER Sheds Standard EDITING ae 2 PROCESSOR © 16 WIPES BY COMBINING 5 BASIC PATTERNS ® COLOR BALANCING w JOYSTICK CONTROLLER * 8 BACKGROUND COLORS, PLUS COLOR BAR CHART © COMPATIBLE w/SUPER VHS It's that time of the year again, when the video faithful make their yearly & 8mm HI-BAND JIX-SV55 pilgrimage to Chicago for the Summer Consumer Electronics Show. Among @ VIDEO ENHANCER © INDEPENDENT A/V FADERS the new VCRs on view will be Fisher’s FVH-8901 and Toshiba’s M-657, both with midmount tape transports, a feature likely to appear on many more decks. The design reportedly reduces picture jitter caused by vibrations in- side and outside the machine. Both the FVH-890i and the M-657 are VHS RMV-1000 hi-fi decks with auto- ¢ EDIT CONTROLLER for matic head-cleaning MATCHING e JVC COMPONENTS systems and daylight- QUICK ACCESS, saving time compensa- AZDEN VE-100 tion switches. Watch PROFESSIONAL for more on future EDITOR midmounts. © 200 CUTS — 100 SCENES @ ACCURATE TO WITHIN 3 FRAMES Toshiba’s new CX3286A TV set @ AUDIO MIXING INCLUDING features a digital sound processor with four preset modes, and intro- FADE IN/OUT duces Toshiba’s Cyclone ABX sound @ COMPATIBLE w/VHS, BETA, system, an acoustic bass expansion 8mm, SUPER-VHS system that delivers bass response down to 50 Hertz. The 32-inch AV SWITCHER REMOTE FST Super Tube produces 700 lines ® 6 VIDEO IMPUTS VIDEO of resolution, while the presence of 3 OUTPUTS two tuners permits color picture-in- @ REMOTE CONTROL picture from two broadcast sources. Jacks include S-video inputs and PANASONIC two audio/video inputs, as well as a WJ-AVES Digital A/V Mixer set of front inputs. External speaker terminals are also present. Other ¢ BUIDILGITATL S-YNCIHRONNIZER ¢ DIGITAL SPECIAL features include programmable channel scanning and a 13-watt am- EFFECTS © SUPERIMPOSE ¢ FADE-IN FADE-OUT plifier for the ABX sound system. * AUDIO MIXING ¢ 98 WIPE PATTERNS® PICTURE-TO-PICTURE BPJ‘UB‘/|JOIUBODDNjD4ODUAODHDOIDBHBWYSIIDOPjDU! # JOYSIMATGE IPOSCITIKONER 24 VIDEO JUNE 1991

C (PSSPolEytCoheItranAedLeBiIeNrSyeTaaSate FOR MORE INFO: CONVENIENT FAX # (201) 696-6531 (201) 633-1476 WE WILL MATCH OR BEAT ANY LEGITIMATE PRICE TOLL FREE:.... 1 (800) 444-6300 FAST SERVICE. This year’s CES is expected to feature numerous product refinements. A VHS: Eight-segment assembler automates editin case in point is Sony’s SLV-686 VHS VCR, with its new Swing Shuttle, chores, placing desired scenes in any order. H Circuitry and digital auto- which combines all transport controls in a single, segmented dial, making it tracking ensure quality video and fuss-free playback. easier to operate the deck by feel. JVC HR-S5800U Canon continues to offer a choice of cam- @% corders that range from challenging, like the S-VHS: Feature-laden deck offers the utmost in scene-finding convenience. Full-featured Ll, to straightforward and easy to use. In the remote with display dupli- latter category, Canon will offer the E65 with cates on-screen programming full auto features, along with a 10x capabilities. zoom and a compact light that snaps into the E65’s accessory shoe. The JVC HR-SC1000U gain-up mode permits recording at 2-lux illumination. S-VHS: Hi-Fi stereo, VHSC & VHS combo, jog shuttle, digital A/V track with dual screen programming. OneKO fe HITACHI VT-S7 S-VHS: Title/date recording adds personal touch. Bargraph-style “tape time remaining” display eliminates recording surprises. Synchro-edit feature simplifies dubbing. Onkyo’s TX-906 AV tuner # Panasonic’s uniquely de- TOSHIBA SV-771 amplifier delivers more pow- § signed PV-PG100 Program er than last year’s model, ™ Director has six LCD win- S-VHS: Optical scanner digitizes graphics for and permits multiroom use . dows on its left side that superimposition. Other digital tricks include with an optional remote colorcorrecftadieso, nwi,pes, sensor. The “simul-source” correspond to essential negative/positive, titles, and VCR programming com- noise reduction. selector can even make a mands. Each window second audio source avail- responds to an adjacent PRICES ALWAYS COMPETITIVE able to a satellite room. A separate recording selector dial. When all instructions We ship within 24 hours. S8RFNiacoeoendir.rfaacoidlrteemiraotniaoln, and two video input/output are set, the push of a but- All prices quoted include manufacturer's standard pairs are additional features, ton transmits the info to accessories & U.S, Warranty. All units are factory along with Dolby Pro-Logic sealed, We are an AUTHORIZED DEALER for ALL surround capability. the VCR. Look for further NAME BRANDS WE SELL! 10 DAY EXCHANGE coverage of Summer CES in forthcoming issues. S & H NON-REFUNDABLE JUNE 1991 VIDEO 25

Music byMozart. Dont get us wrong. We wouldnt presume to So we created the M-T5010, the worlds first tamper with something as perfect as Eine Kleine _cassette deck with on-screen commands. Its Nacht Musik or The Magic Flute. We just wanted _the newest part of Mitsubishi's Home Theater to make them easier to play. system, designed to make your audio and video The M-T5010 dual cassette deck. The M-R8010 Home Theater receiver. © 1990 Mitsubishi Electronics America, Inc. For the name ofyour authorized dealer, call (800) 527-8888 ext. 145. Dolby isa registered trademark ofDolby Laboratories Licensing Corp.

ate MITSUBISHI WordsiMitsubishi components work together as one cohesive, new toy for videophiles. Ithas all the technical FC9aSRiNcooadienoenrrrd.facdviold.itreecmireaotniaoln, easily-controlled unit. perks youd expect from state-of-the-art audio, including dual amorphous tape heads, Dolby’ No more straining to see those tiny little LED displays on your audio components, or guessing HX Pro, and Dolby B & C noise reduction. Add whether youve done something right. This tape deck has on-screen menus for every function, to that functions like blank skip and intro-scan, from recording to scanning. And visual displays and you get a cassette deck that makes playing that confirm what youre doing every time you your favorite music easier than it'sever been. press a button. We like to think Herr Mozart would approve. Of course, the M-T5010 is more than just a a. MITSUBISHI TECHNICALLY, ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE\"

BY STEWART WOLPIN SUMMER CAMCORDER FESTIVAL Mike McGowan Contributing editor SUPER SOLUTIONS videotapes sky div- Stewart Wolpin starts ers—from above. with a tip-filled guide 10 YOUR TOUGHEST to successfully man- SHOOTING PROBLEMS Gary Speer explores aging 10 of the toughest shooting sit- From ending jitters to getting great shots, mountains, cam- uations you're likely pro advice for beating camcorder snafus corder at his side. to face. Wolpin Bungee Mike Wood Home video. The term conjures up vi- counter—then enlisted the help of five leaps off bridges talked with the ex- sions of watching babies fall down on professional videographers. shooting video all the Sunday nights, ofjittery and grainy pic- way down. Of perts and passes on tures, of unsteady zooms aimed at un- Our camcorder think tank includes course, not every- willing subjects. And if the idea of sitting Howard Tyler; Dorothy Curley, director their techniques. Con- through someone’s vacation footage un- of travel videos for American Express one’s a daredevil, tributing editor Bob settles your stomach, imagine what the and a former Evening Magazine pro- much less a video Barlow takes that ad- concept does to a professional. “That’s ducer; Charles Fox, a New York City- based wedding videographer; Dan Mc- daredevil, but no vice to its outer limits one thing I can’t do,” admits Howard Connell, founder of the annual Outdoor matter what adven- with profiles of dar- Video Festival in Mammoth Lakes, Cali- ing videographers who Tyler, a cameraman for CNBC cable fornia; and Tim Smith, a Canon techni- ture you may be ), in New York. “Watching home vid- cal representative. When asked about planning, there's no share their secrets. your shooting problems, here’s what eos is like being on a boat set for reason to leave the Part of the secret is nowhere.” they advised: camcorder home. What uncompromising But you don’t have to be A CASE OF THE JITTERS should be left behind equipment. Taking a aboard. With prime-time cam- order weather settling in, we surveyed Unintentional camera movement is are shooting snafus. money-is-no-object budding videographers to find the 10 mandate, managing thorniest shooting problems they en- what really separates professional- With this in mind, editor Stan Pinkwas we've compiled a spec- assembled an unusu- ial problem-solving shooting section, al collection of packed with ideas, action-oriented cam- equipment and portraits corder products. of videographers who Even if all you have demonstrate that, when in mind is a day in the country, the fol- it comes to personal lowing pages should help you cope with adventure, not even the sky's the pleasures and the limit. perils of life in the shooting lane. 28 VIDEO JUNE 1991

Making It Personal: For a good portrait shot, frame tightly, shoot at a slight downward angle and leave room on the side the subject is facing. looking video from amateur tapes. No the zoom. When you pan, twist your learn to manage. matter how dramatic or breathtaking body at the hip. The camcorder will The first impulse is to accede to your the footage, bouncing scenery will make move with you, stabilizing the shot. Electrenic image stabilization, avail- unwilling subject's request and not get in anyone seasick. close. You can almost always sneak back A tripod is one obvious solution. If able on a number of VHS and VHS-C to a respectful distance and surrep- titiously zoom in. But the more you mag- you carry one, use a fluid head model. models from GE, Panasonic, Magnavox nify a shot, the more you magnify the So-called fluid heads are actually filled and others, gives non-pros added anti- bumps. with an oil-based liquid, which smooths jitter protection. But this feature primar- ily solves the jerky movements caused by When you frame close subjects, out pans. leave them some room to the side of the But not every situation lends itself to minor, naturally occurring bumps — such frame they are facing. In addition, using a tripod. Some situations (which as those made by a moving car—rather shooting slightly down at a face tends to be more flattering, especially with older may not be problematic for those with than those caused by your hand as it people. Shooting down erases lines, shadows and wrinkled necks. full-size shoulder-resting camcorders) tires of supporting the camcorder. GETTING THE ACTION are extremely frustrating for the growing 3 Jitter isn’t much of a problem if number of users with light 8mm and UP CLOSE & PERSONAL Most people get real nervous (yes, you're shooting a stationary object. VHS-C camcorders. In these cases, try But the second that sucker starts to move — from side to side or, even worse, shooting from the hip. Most camcorders 2 you can even sce them sweat) when have a flip-up viewfinder. Flip it up, and the camera moves in for a close-up. For position the camcorder on your hip, the videographer, this presents not only placing your hand through the grip from a personal challenge, but a technical above and using your thumb to control one as well. And an important one to ERM,OUNTAINEERToe GARY SPE See ao oeee ROP, wae f miles from the nearest road? His answer was to pack a 12-volt solar panel, jerry-rig it to the camcorder’s DC Top of the World: Gary Speer on a peak high on Mt. Everest. The next time you curse the clouds for raining out a cable and connect that to the battery to be charged. barbecue, think about Gary Speer. Speer has braved 100- “That wasn’t the only problem,” recalls Speer. “If I mph winds, subzero temperatures, even the death of a colleague while documenting expeditions to the world’s didn’t bring the camcorder into my sleeping bag before loftiest peaks. setting out on subzero mornings, it wouldn't work. And A self-confessed climbing fanatic, Speer took along a Ricoh 8mm camcorder when he tackled the 26,470-foot batteries that normally last an hour died in half that Himalayan summit of Gasherbrun in 1988. But first he time.” Studyinhgis Gasherbrun footage, Speer noticed had to solve a key technical question: How do you charge camcorder batteries high on a mountain, 120 some shots were a bit jittery. So for a trip to Everest in 1989, he mounted screws onto his ski pole and ice axe, turniny both into serviceable monopods. Not all Speer’s troubles were technical. One day on Gasherbrun, a fellow trekker fell into a frigid river, his heavy pack dragging him under as porters struggled— successfull—yto retrieve him. Less fortunate was another climbing partner. He developed cerebral edema, a condi- tion associated with high altitudes, and died a few thousand feet below the summit. : Speer’s advice to wanna-be video daredevils: “Be pre- pared for anything, because chances are anything will happen. —Bob Barlow HFWDISGILOSKELVLYWELEUFNLRS:N:ETRA/TGIEORNMS:ANY JUNE 1991 VIDEO 29

video systems. NTSC is the American and Japanese standard. Overseas, it’s ci- ther PAL or SECAM. If you want to view what you shoot, take along a three- inch LCD pocket TV, or expect to re- view your footage through the view- finder. Power Puzzle: Expect power levels from wall outlets to vary within countries as well as between them. PLANES, TRAINS & AUTOMOBILES closer or farther away, jitter intensifies as COPING WITH THE GLOBE 5 “If you look out the window on the do focusing problems. You'll capture the Some countries like the U.S. use 110- action better if you: left,” comments the tour guide, volt house current. Others use 220 “you'll see a fantastic replica of a 19th- e Find a surrogate tripod, a handy volts. You'll need adapters for all your century village.” You dutifully swing the spot on which to rest the camcorder, video electronics. The one-word solu- camcorder around and shoot through like a fence. tion is Magellan's. This Santa Barbara, the window. Yet when you view this California-based mail-order firm offers great attraction later, you find you have e Turn off the autofocus is you’re far- “essentials for the international trav- shot your own reflection. And what does ther than 30 or 40 feet from your mov- eler.” (Call 800-962-4943 for a catalog.) come out is out of focus and whizzes by ing target. This keeps the autofocus too fast. Here’s how to beat this touring from reacting to objects in the fore- Generally, the product you'll want is ground. a transformer converter, which handles trap: the 110- to 220-volt conversion for prod- e Position yourself so the action ucts under 50 watts, which includes e Clean the window, or at least the moves by you rather than toward you to both camcorders and battery chargers. dirt that’s on your side of the glass. make it easier for the camcorder to stay in focus. A bigger problem is the difference in e Turn off the autofocus so the cam- corder will focus on just the distant scenery, not passing road signs and fence posts, the dirt outside the window or the window itself. e Get as close to the window as pos- sible without hitting it with the lens. DANTHOMAS, DEEP WATER DIVER W. Peterson Diving Service, an industrial underwater diving company, Thomas spends most days poking around in the murky depths below dams, bridges, refin- eries and the like. Whatever needs doing underwater, he does it, including welding and cutting operations. And wherever he dives, he takes his trusty camcorder. “Video helps us build the business,” says Thomas, an ex-Marine sergeant who’s been diving for two decades. “When we show clients videos of our inspections, we’re often awarded additional work. It’s like an auto mechan- ic showing someone a defective part so he can make a more informed decision about repairing it.” Thomas usu- ally uses a Sony Handycam protected by a waterproof housing from Underwater Kinetics. “Sometimes, I mount the camcorder on my helmet. Other times, I just carry it,” says Thomas. In the Swim: Diving videographer closes in on a sea turtle. The jobs are often dangerous, and Thomas says con- A glance at Dan Thomas’ resume reveals such chilling centration is the key to staying out of trouble. “Some- jobs as “diving at nuclear power plants in the reactor cavity and fuel transfer canal” and “penetration to 600 times, I'll find myself near pilings in rough, extremely feet in a four-foot diameter pipeline.” As owner of John cold water trying to get good video and swim at the same time. It’s not easy. You have to have your priorities straight, and safety’s first.” —Bob Barlow | VIDEO JUNE 1991

Taking the Fall: Sky divers in formation over Florida, and pre- paring for a jump over Germany. Ye TTT MIKE MeGOWANS,KY DIVER Push most people out of an airplane at 20,000 feet and Beta, Hi8 and S-VHS camcorders. “To keep my hands the last thing they'll be thinking about is shooting a vid- eotape. But most people aren’t Mike McGowan, a free- free, I have a motorcycle helmet that I bolt myself into fall videographer who performs such diverse tasks as doc- and mount the camcorder on,” he explains. Loaded, the umenting record-breaking sky dives and helping manu- helmet can weigh as much as 30 pounds, making for facturers study the midair behavior of new diving prod- some uncomfortable touchdowns. “I have a chiropractor ucts. who would be sad to see me leave the sport,” he says. “Video is very much a part of sky diving now,” says But more serious dangers lie beyond the threat of a McGowan, who splits his time between Florida and sore neck. “When you're shooting, you can get so in- Pennsylvania. McGowan shot his first free-fall tapes near- volved in what you’re doing that you almost forget you’re ly a decade ago using a Panasonic four-head portable in a sport in which you have to save your own life every VCR and a JVC tube-type camera. Now, he uses ED time you jump.” —Bob Barlow e If you're shooting at night, turn off | the window curtain, an overcoat, a jack- e Shoot at a 45-degree angle to the ] the interior lights, if possible. If not, |et—even another person if you're not window, pointing the camcorder ahead or behind you and leaving the scenery in shield yourself from interior light with | planning a lengthy shot. your viewfinder longer. TTT «MICHAEL WOOD, BUNGEE JUMPER LET THERE BE LIGHT § Few things are tougher than shooting It was a typical day for Michael Wood. First, he taped an 8mm Canon cam- in bright sunlight. Faces bleach on corder to his hand. Then, with 2,000 onlookers chanting a countdown, Wood the sun side and darken on the opposite side. And everyone squints. If you use a peered down from his vertiginous seventh-story perch atop the atrium of San light for fill, faces look reddish. At night, available light results in grainy pictures Francisco's Gift Center. “Three...two...one,” shouted the crowd—and Wood with little or no color definition. Using a light throws long shadows, and is effec- hurtled downward into the throng, viewfinder firmly pressed to his face. tive only within 10 feet. Fortunately, Wood was secured by bungee cords— those heavy-duty elastic Part of the problem is that artificial straps favored by moving men and people who like to jump from high places. light leans toward the hot side of the spectrum, the red side, which is why In this leap, Wood (a.k.a. Bungee Mike) dropped nearly 70 feet, bounced sky- flesh tones look sickly orange in many indoor videos. Sunshine tends toward ward, plummeted again and...well, you get the picture. the cooler side of the spectrum, the blue side, which often bleaches skin out. So And so did Wood, who, as president of Adrenaline Rush Adventures in lighting in daylight presents an entirely different set of options than lighting at Dublin, California, uses his camcorder to document a variety of death-defying night. stunts. On any given day, Wood might be found sailing off a bridge, scuba div- ing or piloting an ultralight plane. And he gets it all on tape. During the day, if you necd to fill sun shadows on faces, forget a light. Position “Recording bungee jumps is challenging because you can’t hold the cam- corder to your eye all the way down,” says Wood. “As a result, you're not in JUNE 1991 VIDEO 31 full control of what is recorded. Sometimes you have to jump five or six times to get exactly the effect you want.” Moreover, at full decelerat—iaboonut 2.5 G-forces— Wood says videotapes begin to display static. “Other than that, —Bob Barlow taping a jump just adds to the fun.” HFIPMJNIESHUcSKOWMLGEETPLTOO:EW:RA/NG:ERMANY

10SOLUTIONSHAS2 es to as “grain up” for the resulting effect. Th4 is boostsc the video ) sisginganall,, makingng the picture brighter but increasing noise. ee DEALING WITH THE WEATHER 7 Every deviant weather condition Weather or Not: Planning for climatic extremes will help keep tape dry and the dew light dimmed. Poses its own set of camcorder prob- your subject perpendicular to the sun, mond with the camcorder on one point, lems. Taking your camcorder from hot, and have someone hold a piece of white the lights on the wings and the subject humid environs to a cold, dry place will poster board on the opposite side to re- at the point opposite the camcorder. If cause lens fogging. In hot, humid weath- flect the sunlight to fill. you want to soften a harsh light, put a screen or translucent plastic sheet in er, condensation can cause tape to stick At night, unless you're shooting in front of it, or try a diffusion or a star fil- to the heads. Cold weather drains bat- Times Square or downtown Las Vegas, ter over the camcorder lens. tery power. And a day at the beach is no you need lights. Most autofocus cam- day at the beach for your camcorder. One lightless solution offered by Blowing sand can clog heads, and salt corders simply won't focus with less than some newer camcorders is a feature water conducts electricity and will com- 5C watts of light. To eliminate long shad- called gain up, which is jokingly referred plete all the camcorder circuits. Here ows, use two lights and arrange a dia- are some video-saving tips. e Acclimate your camcorder to local shooting conditions by leaving it out for at least a half hour before use. e If it’s cold, store spare batteries in interior pockets to keep them warm. When not shooting, slip the current bat- tery into your pocket as well. e If it’s raining, wrap the camcorder in a clean plastic bag. HEARING ALL YOU SEE 8 Dialog is often drowned out by wind and conversations by other people. Built-in camcorder microphones are im- TET JEFF HILL, CHUTE Jeff Hill feels lucky. He’s only been caught in one ava- : e lanche in the three years he’s been shooting radical PLBHOAONLTNLOI:E Chute to Thrill: Jeff Hill tapes a skier on a peak in the Rockies. chute skiing maneuvers. “It wasn’t that bad,” recalls Hill. “It didn’t all fall right on me. I’ve seen worse.” Hill also advises against zooming in too much— “that accentuates the shakines—sa”nd in favor of wide shots Hill records the hair-raising antics of visitors to the as long as “you don’t let the subject get too small” in the Bridger Bowl ski area in Bozeman, Montana, famed the frame. “And if you value your camcorder, don’t pull it out of your backpack after coming in from the cold, or world over for its steep, rocky avalanche chutes. The you'll definitely end up with dew problems. I mean, it’s one thing to have an avalanche fall on you, but messing dangerous chutes are favored by skiers who have pro- up a camcord—ethrat can really ruin your day.” —BB gressed from conventional downhill action to certifiable insanity. But avalanches aren't the only dangers awaiting schussing shooters, Hill notes. “We had a guy using a camcorder on the slopes here who miscalculated and crashed right into the skier he was shooting. His cam- corder ended up in little pieces, and his face was cut.” On the slopes, Hill uses a Panasonic S-VHS cam- corder, protected by a special foam-lined pack made by Dana Designs. One of his toughest problems is keeping shots steady. “Most shooting will be handheld and when you're moving on skis, especially during extreme skiing, you can end up with shaky footage,” he says. “But if you pan with the subject, it’s easier to mask the shake.” 32 VIDEO JUNE 1991

Now You Can Use Sound Effects 800-558-0003 Just Like The Pros! imagine the sound of a drum roll or laughter as someone stumbles appluase as you come on screen. ..cartoon boinks. bangs and whistles while children play. All sound effects that are important Our audio cassettes were originally created for fun and entertain- ment. Adventure Sounds for kids, Environmental tapes for relaxa- tion and Create A Message for answering machine messages However, many video enthusiasts have found they are also great fer video production. Now you can add that unique and fun ele- ment to your productions - use sound effects just like the pros — All Tapes Have A 30 Day Unconditional Guarantee. — i PAQCVOEUNNLBUSRE ©) C45REDAiT1fEfereAntMESSouSnAdGEEffects fj HOURS:CST $= MON - FRI I (10 to 30seconds in length) 1 EN Computgthility9AM-9PM aVISSA 1 S40TEMRIEONUTSEOUANMDBIENT 21.. PCoalritcoeonRaSidounds | | **Just like being there’ 3. Construction Site I 1 ©5 AASS1ZAItnThDeinoCsoanusrtruLcatnidon Site 54.. HSecarveeanmliyngHaBrapby & Kids 1 SAT 6. Shopping Mall 1 | © AS3 At The Car Race Track 11AM-5PM 87.. ICnomtbhaetBaZtohnteub i P.O. Box 17882 Consumer plectronics 1 5DO AASS4S iInn TThhee OKfifticcheen 9. Airport Terminal I Milwaukee, WI |G AS6 At The Farm 4110.. OEfvfaiccueatSioounndSsiren I 7 NO V753217 v5 | 0 AS7 wCiatrhtooPnlaySfuolunMdussic 12. Pool Hall i 1145.. WFiisltd FPiigghst | © | CAS8 In Space 16. Out the Door j ga 6E0NVMIIRNOUNTMEENATMABLIENTTAPES S | _ STEREO sound 17. Workshop |i i 9% I OC ES1 Soothing Ocean Sounds 1198.. DCihneneerringCroCwrdowd 20. AHnaduntMeadnyHoMuosree! D& ||!CCG EESS23 GSepnrtilneg BRaabibnling Stream F2eH|isEE5345 JSuunmglmeerSEovuenndisngSounds EcS H + 30 DAY MONEY-BACK GUARANTEE * 4 xi 1 ALL TAPES $9.95 ea. —noro Boxs— =© §|GMeatkaew: checks payable to || g | 1266Wentworth. Way II =© 5JjDseapnt.JoVse, CA 95121 |3 | ¢ § CO check/money order Hasasesttetss. o I AUTHORIZED DEALER: 2D I|eOnclVoissaed (OU.SM.asftuenrdcsardonly) 7% Sales Tax (CA residents only), I Canon JVC SONY. E J o27 Wo. Si cies | Jj c| Shipping & Handling 3 Parcrae ($3.50 U.S.) c §& Daytime Phone__ _____ }$10.00 other) S [xe Use your credit card and call |TOTAL (U.S. funds onty) B Getaways (408) 972-4108 2] eae Rod sigweats Please use separate sheet. | 2 Allow 2 - 6 weeks for delivery if needed pe | es eS eee See SS ns Se eee ee See oe MFJ Super TOSHIBA — . ic Introducing Panasonic MINOLIA PHILIPS Industrial VCRs - A/V Receivers RICO Laser Disk Players MFIJ-1452 habe can correct poor videosa 5 Year Warranties Available! weddings, sporting events or the NOW IN =AMBICO $29995 kids at cae recieal and make STOCK! plus $6 s/h great copies for everyone! The V0-8207Wat0t Light $44 JVC MFJ-1452 is the most sophisticated (and Same As V0S500 -Light & Battery $69 fun) Video Processor available today. Sony CCD-V801 V0311 - Close up/widvieew $45 1EpTrRa-tSe55n8s00e00U Why? Because you get complete control 0341 - HomisphLoonrsi.c$59 of contrast. You can expand or compress V03100 - AutofSoetcu$s85 whites to save faded or contrasty videos and 0090 - Lons Guard ._.__ $18 increase or decrease blackness of videos that VO611 - Telecine convertor .$24 V0612 - Telecine w/macro . $42 are over or under exposed. VO617 - PrintTransfer..$.45 You can convert film negaitves to 0651 - AllInOne Transf.e$r57 positives for recording or viewing. You can invert chrominance and invert luminance 0769 - 2 Way VHSRewind $29 for special effects. You can use the enhancer AZDEN® ° ssi2vVei3deo7us3m 0VO7-25Wa8y Smm Rewind$39 =31.4Video Light...__. = and a white ‘‘blob” becomes a face with 0 EES individual eyelashes! Split screen feature gives you side-by-side unenhanced/ 33M Audio Mixer .....$48 $3M2 AudioMixerStor.-_$89 1JOG SHUTTLE enhanced comparision. For additional information. circle No. 12 on Reader Service Card You can correct weak colors, color shifts and brighten faded videos. Brightness con- JUNE 1991 VIDEO 33 trol improves too dark or too light scenes and allows fading in or out. Luminace meter helps you accurately set brightness level. vy Call today for free catalog or to order vy Full 1 year unconditional guarantee! 1-800-647-1800 MFJ ENTERPRISES, INC. 921 Louisville. Rd., Starkville, MS 39759 Phn. (601) 323-5869; FAX: (601) 323-6551 CSR1NciFaoae6oieond.rrfadcdvoidl.irteecmireaotniaoln,

proving, but they're not nearly as effi- a tunnel effect to the sound, but this is of tape over the contacts, then remove the tape when you're ready to use the cient as the third-party microphones adjustable if you monitor the audio battery. available. There are two types of mics: through headphones and adjust the cup To get the most out of a nickel-cad- mium battery, which can develop a so- omni- and unidirectional. For outdoor for the best sound. called memory, discharge it completely before recharging. Do this cither by run- use, stick to unidirectional models, or ning it out, or by buying a battery dis- charger/charger. One of the better ones you'll pick up every sound from every di- STAYING CHARGED is the Arkon PC-200 (for about $100), rection. 9 No matter how careful you are, at which discharges a battery, then auto- You can buy wind shields, but some point you will mix up charged matically starts the recharge. they're expensive and easy to lose. Bet- batteries with used ones. There is a sim- ter is a paper cup with a hole in the bot- ple solution: masking tape. When you tom slipped over the mic. This may lend charge camcorder batteries, put a piece : Finally, ACompatible Unified Remote ORDER FROM CHAOS That’s Easy To Use 10 Most people don't edit their foot- # Unified remote unit controls most JVC televisions and VCRs. age. It’s too time consuming; figure = Also compatible with most Panasonic, Sony, Sharp, Hitachi, three times the length of any footage that's shot. Plus, there’s the problem of Mitsubishi, and Toshiba televisions and VCRs. locating all the necessary footage. Here are three options. UVC... Sa | e Work like Alfred Hitchcock and storyboard each scene before you go out POWER = and shoot. (But who's that organized?) + + e Jot down notes to keep track of what you shoot as you shoot. VOLUME CHANNEL e Don't worry about what you shoot. When you're finished, review your foot- age and note the length of each seg- ment. Note the counter number length of each scene —remembering to start from the absolute beginning of each tape and resetting the counter to zero. Now all you need is something inter- esting to shoot, and you're in business. = continued from page 17 Measured low-light sensitivity is bet- MUTE SLEEP TIMER ter than the Al Digital, and while gain POWER & up produces pictures in lower light it UNIFIED REMOTE PLAY be compromises smooth motion. The digi- CONTROL (TV VCR) tal effects add a small amount of graini- = Compact, lightweight design. VCR ness to the image. Otherwise, picture ® 19 Large, colorful, REW quality is very good to excellent. user-friendly keys to 7 V/r VCI!CR The audio frequency response is 40 prevent pressing the wrong key Hertz to 15 kilohertz, + 0.2/-3 dB, down accidentally. @ Easy-to-use operation 4.7 dB at the 20 Hz end and down 9 dB simplifies the basic at 20 kHz. Dynamic range is 72.1 dB and commands you use most often. the total harmonic distortion is 0.3 per- ® Quick and easy push- button access of cent. The stereo, mic attenuator and factory preset codes to use with other brands. STOP PAUSE /STILL manual level control all add to the qual- ag aE WMPORTANT ity and flexibility of the recorded sound. AClotmhpoautgihbltehewiUtnhitmeadstRJemVoCteTVCsonatnrodiJuVniCt is VCRs, aswell asmany TVs and VCRs from Audio quality is very good compared to other manufacrtsuporssieblre tsha.tthe UyndioedTuVRoerrmoVtCRe. Coontriron!sowimleniontswtoarkncweiwstihll other 8mm camcorders. Provide only ceram functons. Conclusion. The Canon LI opens CHANNEL up a new era in consumer camcorders. The recordable digital effects enlarge creative options, with the overlap fea- ture filling a real need. Coupled with the useful features are very good to excel- lent picture quality and very good audio quality and ease of operation. Overall JVC Compoaf nAmeyrica performance is very good to excellent. 41 Stater Drive, Elmwood Park, N.J.07407 Its suggested price is $2,999 and we rec- JVC CanadIanc. 21 Finchdene Square, ScarboroOnutagriho ,MIX1A7 ommend it highly. « 34 VIDEO JUNE 1991

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provin ratio). Accurate tracking is cient Hitachi’s High End assured courtesy of a digital availal tilt servo mechanism and omni- disc stabilizer. An auto pro- use, St gram feature makes it easy you'll; to record discs to tape. And » rectior As audio and video into the system package. It the VI-F540A VCR fea- Yo they're come closer and clos- combines a dual electromag- tures both Hi Fi stereo terisa er to meeting at the high netic/elecrostatic focusing sound and auto head clean- tom sli end, it was inevitable that system and an aspherical ing; its dedicated remote one manufacturer would large-diameter hybrid lens to control easily commands all create the ultimate a/v com- achieve 825 lines of horizon- features, including the unit’s bination. Hitachi has taken tal resolution, and 540 foot- advanced editing functions. that step in the form of its Lamberts of brightness. The system’s sound is new UltraVision UTS-461 The “brain” of the system delivered by four-way dual theater system, which pro- is the a/v amplifier (Model subwoofer speakers, which vides the best in video (pic- HA-V5EX), which provides handle up to 150 watts and ture, tape and LaserDisc) six different surround modes incorporate two rear-firing and the best in sound — including Dolby Pro 8-inch subwoofers, a6 1/2- (Dolby Pro Logic surround Logic — and up to 50 watts inch woofer, a 5-inch The entire and hi fi components). of power to drive a total of midrange, and a 3/4-inch The UTS-461 is built six video and three audio ferrofluid cooled tweeter. Hitachi around Hitachi’s UltraVi- components. The combi- It is a “total” home theater sion 46-inch rear projection player (Model VIP-RXGEX) in one package. But don’t be screen, a 100-watt, four- plays CDs and LaserDiscs, scared off by this daunting system 1s channel Dolby ™ surround and with its 8-times over- configuration. Hitachi’s handsomely a/v amplifier, an MTS, Hi sampling filter, 20-bit signal Genius Remote II controls Fi VCR, a combi-player, a processing circuit, and 1-bit every function, including pair of four-way dual-sub- D/A converter, it provides the three-way Dolby Sur- housed in a woofer tower speakers, and a superior digital audio and round system and the com- matching second pair of speakers for video (425 lines of horizon- prehensive Insight 2001 on- surround sound effects. The tal resolution, 48 dB S/N screen display system.m entire component system is high-tech handsomely housed in a matching high-tech black JVC’s Picture Perfectoak cabinet. The price for this extremely powerful sys- black oak RM-A5S tem is equally attractive at UNIFIED REN cabinet. CONTROL under $6,000. The VCR is the pri- noise reduction, color and The 46-inch projection mary video source for detail enhancement circuitry = Compact, lit screen (Model CU-4601B) most home theaters. The wide have increased an already- design. exemplifies the overall quali- variety of programming and dazzling S-VHS image qual- @ 19 Large, c Hitachi UTS-461 V ty that Hitachi has loaded recent advancements in VHS ity. user-friendh picture and sound Furthermore, JVC has prevent pre: wrong key quality features integrated a host of other advanced sound and opera- accidentally _ make it the logical @ Easy-to-use complement for tional features that expand simplifies thi every high-end the video experience and commands | most often. audio/video system. make that experience even ® Quick ande button acces JVC, the inven- more convenient to behold. factory preset tor of both VHS The new model HR- use with oth¢ and its step-up S6700U provides a perfect alter ego Super example of the perfect VCR VHS, continues to picture. In addition to advance the state- S-VHS, the model incorpo- of-the-art of this rates several proprietary pic- industry-standard ture-improvement technolo- ' video format. gies and the new oval-cut - Improvements in Super DA-4 head system, ADVERTISING [BjSUPPLEMENT

HIGHER VISIONS which is designed for optimum response to the higher frequencies of Super VHS recording. To keep the picture perfect, there’s even an ean- automatic head e ds all cleaner built in. unit’s ons. JVC has also ual packed along sever- ich and al VHS Hi Fi JVC HR S6700U «cowie Super VHS ing sound advance- 1/2- In addition to ments: an innova- S-VHS, this ch JVC model Tr. tive audio switching noise incorporates 1eater several n’t be reduction system for inde- ing proprietary 5 Inside Mitsubishi TVpendent (L,R) switching rols point compensation and picture 1g digital audio/video tracking Unlike the big screen liquid coupling makes the improvement ir- for the best possible sound. technologies om- Manual Hi Fi recording rear projection sets initial lens surface and the and the new | on- level controls are also of the past, today’s big CRT face plate a single oval-cut nd included. Furthermore, an screens have a clear, bright physical and optical unit for Super DA-4 uitry audio processor accessed via the highest degree of align- head system. ly- the Sound Menu allows the picture that rivals the quali- ment precision. This qual- ty of direct view sets. This coolant also provides addi- The quality of Mitsubishi’s user to enhance the sonic marked improvement is the tional cooling during opera- workmanship is evidenced era- environment of the home direct result of technological tion. by a physical inspection of advancements in four key the CRT. und theater. Several options are areas of big screen perfor- To ensure that the elec- included: Stereo Wide mance — the optical sys- yen. tem, CRT, screen and quali- tron gun fires as brightly as (“music” or “theater”) and ty enhancing circuitry. possible without any loss of 1old. Simulated Stereo (“music” The optical system is the tube life, Mitsubishi applies fect key to a crisp, bright pic- a rare earth element called VCR or “theater”). ture. To accurately focus the Scandium Oxide to its Anti- Otherwise, JVC has load- light beam, Mitsubishi uti- Blooming Electron Gun. Tpo- lizes a seven-element lens This element enables the r pic- ed as many features into this system. Each element is gun to fire 50% brighter nolo- recorder as have ever existed without reducing the life ut in a high-end VCR. For multi-coated and consecu- editing there’s a jog/shuttle expectancy of the tube. All dial that makes pinpoint tively focuses the beam tighter, resulting in a sharp inside surfaces of the lens tape location a snap, while barrels are coated with a insert editing, audio dub- distortion-free image even in Blackout Coating to reduce the corners. The last lens internal reflections that bing and simultaneous remote control of two JVC decks are all extremely worthwhile perks. This JVC element of the green lens wash out contrast. The unit is virtually noiseless in assembly has a special still, frame advance and slow Dichroic Lens Coating to motion. For maximum selectively filter out the videotape interactivity, warmer color impurities, JVC's Intelligent Blank creating a more Search feature locates the accurate final end ofany recorded section color mix. with a push of the button The lens and tells you in “real-time” assembly is how much tape is left. joined to In short, the HR-S6700U the CRT by addresses all your VCR Mitsubishi’s needs — and it does it in InterCooled style.m Coupling. This ADVERTISING [EgSUPPLEMENT

provi Mitsubishi gun also utilizes a Magnetic at extreme viewing angles. ultimate limits. Mitsubishi is cient Dynamic Focus coil to refo- To further enhance sharp- driven in its pursuit of the cus the electron beam razor- finest picture image by its avail applies ness, color and contrast, own successes in increasing sharp on the screen center, Mitsubishi incorporates spe- the screen size. Mitsubishi omni cial circuitry into its big introduced the first 60-inch, edges and corner. screens, including a sophisti- 70-inch and now 120-inch use, | When the light reaches cated CCD comb filter, projection sets. And, with continuously-adjusting 48 square feet of viewing you'll Scandium the screen, it is projected Dynamic Black Level, edge- area, the brightness and con- defining Horizontal ID Cir- trast of the image are of rectic onto a Black-Matrix screen cuits and stabilizing High- paramount importance. that incorporates thou- Mitsubishi big screens are they’ Oxide to its Voltage Regulator. designed to give the ultimate sands of opaque vertical Mitsubishi has earned its in picture quality, no matter ter is stripes to mask residual light around the individual reputation as a leader in big what the screen size.m tom s Anti- picture elements. The screen technology by push- lenticular design of the ing picture quality to its Blooming screen delivers a bright, highly-defined picture even Electron Gun. Mobile’s Higher CD Fidelity RM-A5 All CDs pressed in a carefully con- company’s engineers were able UNIFIED RE are not trolled, low-yield pressing to retrieve all the sound that CONTROL A ULTRADISC created equal. To plant, and each release is had been originally recorded prove the point, housed in a protective “no- on the master tapes. prevent pri Call Mobile Mobile Fidelity, tug” Lift-Lock jewel case. All wrong key Fidelity toll- a leader in the original album graphics “Thanks to their patience audiophile and liner notes are faithfully and expertise,” writes Ken accidentall free: 1-800- recordings for reproduced, and often Pohlmann in Stereo Review, @ Easy-to-us more than a enhanced. Every facet of pro- 423-5749. In duction is treated accordingly. “the music and sound effects simplifies t California decade, releases a on the Mobile Fidelity re- There are several essential release of “The Wall’ are out- commands call 707-778- limited edition series advantages to using gold, a standing. Definition is precise, most often. of 24 karat gold com- natural element, as the surface and the sense of space is ® Quick and layer on CDs — reflectivity superbly conveyed. Although pact discs, called and durability. The unique the Vatican might cringe at N acct procedure provides a uniform the comparison, this version ULTRADISC, that are rec- and smooth reflective surface of “The Wall’ sounds clean — factory pre: ognized as the digital sound that eliminates pinholes com- much as the ceiling in the Sis- use with ot quality standard by critics and monly found on the alu- tine Chapel now looks.” consumers alike. minum disc surface. The per- cVAtothCmougphaRasttwthhseeweiliUltbn.ahilmsfoimeesadtRn.i manent atomic bond gold Mobile Fidelity’s first 2-CD Mobile Fidelity’s CD col- ULTRADISC edition, “The Unified Contrea lection illustrates the differ- process insures resistance to Wall” was released in Septem- ber 1990 and is available for yProTouV ovonrrliVyCcRed.rtaeionrifn:u ence that extra care and quali- extremes in temperature, one year only. The many clas- ty can make in a recording. sics in the 45-title ULTRA- 0134. Their engineers work on the humidity and vibration. The original master tapes of only result is excellent laser tracking DISC collection include the JVC Compa: and fewer bit errors, providing following: “Quadrophenia,” 41 Stater Drive, Eimw one project at a time, without the listener with the ultimate (MFSL’s second deluxe 2-CD any scheduling constraints. A listening experience — one release), and “Tommy” by the JVC Ca that lasts forever. Who, John Coltrane’s “Blue 21 Finchdene Square, Sc unique approach is used to Train,” “Goodbye Yellow accurately reproduce the Mobile Fidelity’s limited Brick Road” by Elton John, “musical magic” that occurred edition release of the 1979 Frank Sinatra’s “Songs for rock classic “The Wall” is an Swingin’ Lovers,” “Live At during the original recording example of the difference The Regal” by B.B. King, and made by proprietary master- “Gaucho” by Steely Dan, to session: the company’s propri- ing technology. After seven etary mastering machine is months in the studio, the name a few.m aligned to precisely mirror the record-heads of the equip- ment used in the original recording. ULTRADISCS are custom- ADVERTISING [EjSUPPLEMENT | 34 VIDEO ‘ wi

subishi is LaserDisc Sing Along lead vocals from most com- of the pact discs and music videodiscs. Meanwhile, the by its reasing deluxe model, CLK-V900, ubishi is a self-contained unit with 60-inch, a two-way speaker system, .0-inch , with Pioneer has devel- troller for adjusting music to stereo amp, built-in audio wing oped a new dimen- match the key of the singer’s and con- sion in home laser entertain- cassette deck, and two e of voice; a Vocal Partner Con- nce. microphone inputs. ns are ultimate ment with a new line of trol which makes lead vocals There are over 500 con- © matter Laser Karaoke ™ combina- disappear while the singer sumer titles in Pioneer’s a| tion players. This latest vari- performs; a Once-More key Laser Karaoke song library, were able ation on the LaserDisc each with instrumentals, nd that theme allows party-goers to for replaying the last bars of back-up vocals, music-video ecorded a song in five-second incre- atience ; Ken listen to their favorite CDs, ments; a Multiplex Balance style pictures and on-screen Review, watch the latest LaserDisc lyrics. Manufacturer’s retail d effects Control for adjusting the ty re- are out- movies and concerts — or volume ofthe lead vocal or price is $20 each. is precise, e is sing along with Laser removing it without disturb- So when you're shopping Designed like though ing the instrumental track; other inge at Karaoke music videos. for a CD, LD or combi- LaserDisc version Picture this: you're at a Digital Echo Control; and |clean — Independent Volume Con- LaserDisc player, consider n the Sis- party and you feel like trol for the microphone. singing a song by one of the exciting karaoke irst 2-CD your favorite artists. You Two of the higher-end mn, “The audio/video option: maybe 1 Septem- insert a Laser Karaoke models (the CLD-V710 and it’s time to become an active able for part of your home entertain- jany clas- LaserDisc from Pioneer CLK-V900) also remove ment system. ™ players, LTRA- Laser Entertainment into ude the your Laser Karaoke system, Pioneer’s Laser Boom Pioneer Laser yhenia,” Karaoke units xe 2-CD press the play button, grab With the emergence rear channel sound effects at the microphone, and sing play all ry” by the along as the lyrics appear along the bottom of the TV ’s “Blue screen. ellow n John, Of course, the sing-along gs for ive At tradition has been around of home theater, home. available King, and LaserDisc is becoming the audio and Dan, to for centuries. However, the Only LaserDisc can give video optical format of choice because it you the full experience that Japanese took it to new today’s hit movies have to disc formats. heights in the 1970s when delivers the best possible offer in your home. For they created special picture your TV can pro- those of you with big screen Vv Pioneer CLK-V900 “karaoke” (meaning “empty duce plus the best possible TV's, LaserDisc is the clear sound — identical to CD orchestra”) bars where digital sound. With the choice. But you don’t have patrons could entertain each addition of Dolby Surround other by performing their Sound encoded on many to own a projection televi- favorite music. Designed sion to see the difference in much like other LaserDisc movies, the LaserDisc can picture quality. LaserDisc works with any television. players, Pioneer’s Laser duplicate the excitement of Karaoke units play all available audio and video optical disc for- mats, including 8- inch Laser Karaoke discs. A new line of Laser Karaoke players from Pioneer range in price from $850 to $1,600. Models CLK-V900 and CLD-V700 SS res PSS Kee Ma hese 7\" include a nine-step Digital Key Con- ACK ROTOR a ie se

A Pioneer LaserDiscs Music Lovers know that tary by critics and historians. can choose from over LaserDisc has the support 20,000 CD and CD-V titles when they want to hear the and more than 5,000 finest audio reproduction, of the major motion picture they listen to the brilliance studios. Pioneer licenses and LaserDisc releases. distributes titles from Paramount Pictures’ of CD sound. When Paramount, RCA/ videophiles and entertain- Columbia, Warner Bros., “Ghost” was recently ment buffs want to view the MGM/UA, MCA, Nelson Entertainment and several released on LaserDisc, cleanest picture, they watch record labels. simultaneously with the LaserDiscs. Now consumers can have the best of both Retailers nationwide offer videocassette edition. The movies, concerts, children’s worlds because one machine entertainment, educational number one box-office hit does it all. New combina- discs, documentaries and of 1990 drove retailers and tion LaserDisc/CD more at prices starting from machines accommodate all distributors to order unpar- $24.95. Music Videos start optical disc formats, from alleled quantities of this from under $10. Consumers movie, making it the most 12- and 8-inch LaserDiscs successful initial shipment of to 3- and 5-inch CDs. any film title in the history Consumers can enjoy digi- of the LaserDisc format. tal sound combined with LaserDisc Yes, It’s a Sony... picture quality that is 60 consumers percent sharper than the Audio is playing an and, most likely, large screen increasing role in the TV. The unit provides 120 can enjoy standard videotape. Special home theater environment. watts-per-channel for front effects, such as slow-motion Brighter and larger screen left and right channels, 30 digital sound sizes are only half the experi- watts for center channel and and freeze-frame, extensive ence. How do you add audio 30 watts for rear channel combined surround. programming and random oomph to your burgeoning with picture collection of audio/video What should you ask your access of frames and chap- gear? Where do you start? quality that is ters, are some of the features dealer when shopping for You start with an such a sophisticated piece of that attract consumers to the gear? Actually, first ask audio/video receiver. And a yourself some questions: laser format. Another consumer attrac- new line of surround sound How many components will RM-A5 60 percent tion to LaserDisc is that the receivers from Sony offers a sharper than good indication of how far UNIFIED I the standard medium is collectable. Optical CONTROL videotape. and wide these home theater discs provide the same crystal control centers can range. = Compac clear sound and clean picture design. How do you know which is play after play. Because the right for your home theater? @ 19 Large information is read by a beam Of course, everything comes user-frie of laser light, it does not down to budget. But the degrade or wear out with right choice also comes prevent | repeated play. In addition, down to your expectations. wrong ké movie enthusiasts have access For example, at the top of accident to many LaserDisc releases in the new Sony line is the @ Easy-to- their original wide screen for- STR-AV1070, as full-fea- simplifies mat, often with never-before- tured an A/V receiver as you comman most ofte seen footage as well as multi- are going to find. At the top ® Quick an ple sound tracks containing of its feature list is Dolby button ac factory pi historical and film commen- Pro Logic, which recreates use with the same surround experi- ence found in top movie theaters. Designed for use as a home theater control center, the STR-AV1070 is built for a large room, several speakers ADVERT[@Ij SSUIPPLNEMGENT 34 «VIDE!

-V titles I integrate into the system? How do you get the to 20 watts of precisely WY Sunpak CV-205A ) Do I want the unit to drive color-balanced halo- sounds to other rooms in my best pictures from s° house? How much do I real- your camcorders? ly want to adjust the tones a by myself? Put some light the on the subject. . The Once you face these facts, ce hit The new com- rs and you can face your dealer. unpar- The $600 STR-AV1070 pact, portable this provides inputs for up to five » most audio and three video com- Sunpak Auto SUNPAK cv-20sA »ment of ponents. Via Sony’s dual listory room link control, the unit CV-20SA Video AUTO SENSOR VIDEO LIGHT can also be used as a multi- nat.@ room A/V control system. Light is a perfect pe And you can tweak the example of how re screen sounds to your ear’s delight les 120 with a seven-band electronic to shoot ‘em up r front Is, 30 equalizer, and ten cus- right. Its built-in inel and tomized sound fields. nnel sensor automatically Then again, you may have ask your answered your questions dif- regulates light output ferently. You may not have lg for for ranges of 10 feet such a large A/V system or closer, resulting in piece of planned. The room may be ask rather small. And you care better colors and Nt about quality but adjusting ons: the system just isn’t your clearer images. The thing. Don’t let the dealer ents will deal you beyond your ways unit even reads room light ™ and your means. Sony has A/V receivers with less to provide a perfect balance between its output and the power (STR-AV970; $480) and less sophisticated sur- ambient light, resulting in round sound circuits (STR- improved detail and color gen light. It up to 25 feet away. AV770; $350). features tilt down for close- The CV-20SA fits all up lighting and a built-in 8mm and VHS camcorders diffusion filter that spreads on the market and makes illumination for wide-angle coverage. use of the company’s range of battery packs, delivering 7 Unique to the CV-20SA is an additional safeguard — the Sunpak Discharge Protection System, which shuts off the light when the lowest accept- able voltage level is reached and protects the battery from being over- discharged. The unit has a suggested retail price of approximate- ly $150. @ <Sony STR-AV1070 ADVERTISING [fjSUPPLEMENT

Delta Force Power Delta NP-77 A With portable video provides up to two hours of one thing always Need Help? holds true: you never have playing or recording time on a single charge. And because @ Where do you start enough power. looking for help in assem- That’s why the Delta NP- they cost under $30, they bling your high-end are affordable enough to audio/video system? This 77 rechargeable battery from always keep two or three on pull-out section is a start. International Traders has hand for those longer The next step is to seek out the advice of qualified proved to be such a valuable recording special events. retailers and installers. add-on for owners of cam- The batteries are available The Professional Audio/ corders, portable video play- direct from the factory: Video Retailers Association (PARA) is an organization ers and other video-to-go International Traders, Inc., of leading retailers and P.O. Box 2166, Manchester, manufacturers who assist accessories. This Video 8 high-end retailers in pro- High Power Battery Pack Vermont 05255.\" viding consumers with the highest quality service and Where To Buy Laser products. To locate a U.S. Laser PARA dealer in your area Wondering where to U.S. Laser Video Distrib- Video call: 816-444-3500. buy Laser Discs in utors has been a major name Distributors your area? in Laser Disc distribution is making The Custom Electronics for over six years. Last year Laser Disc Design & Installation U.S. Laser Video Distrib- alone the company sold over shopping Association (CEDIA) is an utors is making Laser Disc easy. Call: organization of companies shopping easy, by offering 275,000 Laser Discs nation- 1-800-USA- that specialize in planning VIDEO Magazine readers wide. The company publish- DISC. and installing home enter- an exclusive offer. Visit any es the popular Laser Disc tainment systems. To find of the dealers that they have the CEDIA installer near listed in their advertisement magazine, LaserViews. To you call 1-800-CEDIA30. in this edition, present receive your free copy them with the attached call toll-free: These organizations will coupon, and you'll receive not only help you choose $5 off any Image Entertain- 1-800-USA- your components, but ment Laser Disc title. also help you design Image Entertainment liter- DISC.— and install your ally offers thousands of audio/video sys- leading movies, con- tem.m certs and how-to videodiscs for you to choose from.

The bass thumps out the sweet , You said you soul intro. The spotlight hits. The always wanted to sing like a pro. Well, come CCQLANG Lanya LaciKIe out of the shower and step up to the mic. The disc player plays regular CDs and LaserDisc movies. The Laser Karaoke puts you on center stage. Singing the lead. With your own professional band and backup singers. Right in your liv- ing room. Just hook it into your own audio system and TV, and let the show begin! Go ahead. Belt out those Beach Boys. Jam with Elton John. Croon like Patsy Cline. Ham it up with Hamlisch. Emulate Elvis. It’s your turn to be the star! This new combi player plays hundreds of karaoke music video song titles, hits from the ’50s through the ’80s, all with on-screen lyrics. It can even remove the lead vocals from 70% of all your CDs, so you and your friends can fill in for your favorites in your own velvet tones. It’s from Pioneer, of course. Where your music never sounded more tender and soulful. And the visual laser resolu- emptations. backup singers fall into place, their _forming live like the newest show- tion has never been sharper. steps and gestures synchronized stopping attraction from Pioneer: See it, hear it, sing it. Only where to the star's every move. The air is electrified with thunderous The Combi Disc Player with Laser Pioneer products are sold. For the applause. Softly, a rich baritone Karaoke\" (pronounced kar-a-okay). dealer nearest you, call 213-PIONEER. fiTllaskteheItaiHro. me! Catch The Debut OfAmerica’s Newest Singing Sensation. Nothing |W ™ brings home POE ieee EYPEE DI the rush esi n Ae Ga a7 imae of per- @ PIONEER’ The Art of Entertainment ©1990 Pioneer Laser Entertainment, Inc. (Shown with optional microphone.) For additional information, circle No. 10 on Reader Service Card.

BY STAN PINKWAS IF|WERE A RIGH MAN... A dazzling high-tech camcorder kit fit to shoot the works The editor reached into his jacket and — pulled out a wad of $100 bills. Pressing aa his thumb against Ben Franklin’s nose, he fanned the green stack into a wide LENS OF YOUR CHOICE arc. Two hundred bills. $20,000. “Pink- Finally, a camcorder with interchangeable lenses. Canon’s Hi8 L1 camcorder may possibly become an instant classic, since it also includes a great number of was,” he growled. “Take this cash and thoughtful features and a powerful 15x autofocus lens. Price: $2,999. get us a great camcorder system. Don’t worry about the price.” If only it were so. Actually, the part about ignoring the cost was.true. Throwing caution (and reality) to the wind, we discovered it’s possible to be both profligate and practi- cal. We found accessories that greatly extend a camcorder’s senses — the ability to see and hear at long distances, to fol- low the trickiest action—and to do things for which they were never intend- ed, like looking around at night and travelling underwater. We also found accessories that do not compromise quality for cost, and that reward skillful use with high performance. The system we assembled includes a first-rate camcorder plus a diverse group of stylish shooting aids. In the end, the editor was pleased, even if he did need to dig down deep for an extra $1,000 to cover the amount we ran over budget. OF ARMS AND THE CAM In the Picture by Visionary Products MPFBHOOBNRTEROYE:ST mounts between a tripod and a cam- corder, and follows the movements of anyone wearing a small transmitter. Be the star of your own action shots. Price: $299. 44 VIDEO JUNE 1991 eM PS a a RROik!a

SUPPORTED IN STYLE 20,000 LUX BENEATH THE SEA The seven-pound Gibran tripod by Enjoy personal video underwater with the Amphibian Video Light Pac II on an CED Design Consulting of Middle- town, Rhode Island, mixes a slim design with the ability to remember a prior setting. It even folds to form its own carrying case. Price: $390. Amphibicam V11 housing for Sony Handycams. The lights throw up to 200 watts circuit in the housing (inset) lets users control the for 35 minutes, while a special Amphibico Inc. in Dorval, Quebec, offers several camcorder's electronic settings. configurations. Price: $875, lights; $1,375, housing. HEARING AID NADY’s very compact 501, : VR wireless microphone, with handheld and lavalier transmitter, promises studio- quality sound in any environ- ment at up to 1,500 feet. Features are designed for hard travelling and rugged use. Price: $1,263. <@ FLOAT LIKE A BUTTERFLY iterthe 0 and oe accessory of its THE LONG VIEW kind, Steadicam JR from Cinema Prod- ucts Corp. lets a small camcorder Shooting wildlife? Consider Canon’s swoop, float, track and literally seem new EF-series 400mm EOS lens. It to fly in the hands of a skilled user. snaps onto Canon’s L1 camcorder and includes automatic focus options and a Price: $595. fast zoom motor. Price: $9,200. NIGHT ON THE TOWN we Few lenses are more remarkable than the 9100 Astrolight Viewer, compatible with C-mount cam- corders like Sony’s EVC-X10. The nightscope by the Elec- trophysics Corp. in Nutley, New Jersey, makes scenes with 0.0001 lux visible and recordable. Price: $4,000. JUNE 1991 VIDEO 45

BY BRENT BUTTERWORTH AND KENNETH KORMAN Gis GO INTERACTIVE A hands-on look at CDTYV, plus an inside look at discs to come onsider the compact disc: In less drive. It plays multimedia CDTV discs—some 50 titles are available —as than 10 years, this unassuming little platter has singlehandedly rejuve- well as regular CDs, and can cull both nated the multibillion dollar record- music and graphics from CD + Graphics ing industry, inspired the restoration of discs. Like the Amiga, CDTV produces countless musical treasures from around the world and brought high-quality 4,096-color images, a big reduction from sound to the mas—sareguasbly for the NTSC’s roughly two million colors. very first time — through extremely inex- pensive hardware. What could possibly From the back, a CDTV deck looks remain for an encore? like a computer, with serial, parallel, Welcome to the world of interactive keyboard and mouse ports, and video, CDs. A variety of new multimedia for- S-video and RF outputs. A genlock for mats and systems, including Commo- overlaying CDTV graphics on incoming dore’s just-introduced CDTV, Philips’ video may be added, while a hidden port forthcoming CD-I and NEC’s Turbo- on the front will accept ROM and RAM Grafx-CD, combine onscreen text, cards when these become available. graphics, animation and digital sound RAM cards can store data much like into a striking new medium that updates floppy disks, for use with software such compact discs for the ’90s. as accounting programs. All employ CD-ROM drives oper- Commodore hopes to offer full- ated through easy-to-use remote con- frame motion video next year, possibly trols, often packaged in components using a ROM card in the front port for virtually indistinguishable from standard video decompression. However, the company has demonstrated partial- CD players. The results, however, are screen, 15-frame-per-second CDTV vid- anything but standard. Our first test eo using only the existing hardware. The drives of the Commodore and NEC sys- slow frame rate creates a strobe effect, tems reveal two promising new plat- but should work fine for most educa- forms that may well shape the future of tional software and games. home entertainment and education. All it takes to develop a CDTV title First to arrive is CDTV, which mar- is an Amiga, a large hard drive and Ami- ties an Amiga 500 chip set with one gaVision, the company’s multimedia au- megabyte of RAM and a CD-ROM thoring software. The low cost of devel- oping CDTV software will no doubt Infotainment: 1 C01 602Conpoe Daknot CDTV discs include (top to bottom). Airwave Top of the Heap: Adventure: The Case of Tandy’s speedy new the Cautious Condor, Time Table of Science CD-ROM drive (above) and Innovation and A and Philips’ profession- Bun for Barney. al CD-I player. RMPBCVPEUHRUPIRLOETT1DITIN0ETNIOLTOUETESERA.:RWSOKRI 46 VIDEO JUNE 1991

:ff. at NEC is approaching interactive | Reptile Redux: CD from the opposite direction— The Magical Dinosaur Multitasking: developing software to play on an exist- Tour disc for the Turbo- With the All Dogs Go ing platform. The company’s new family Grafx-CD system to Heaven CDTV disc of CD-ROM educational pro- details more than 100 grams plays on the TurboGrafx- species of prehistory's (above), kids can color CD, a game system comprising a favorite sons. CD-ROM drive and the Turbo- favorite stills from the Grafx videogame platform. The JUNE 1991 VIDEO 47 TurboGrafx-CD’s 512-color graphics movie, and parents can limit the quality of its images, but NEC is working on a video compres- program music using sion scheme which may provide some help. the system's onscreen CD control panel (right). The Tandy Corp., which distrib- utes products through Radio Shack seed the creation of many new software stores, is pursuing multimedia for per- ¥ titles. In addition, existing Amiga titles sonal computer users. Its newest aid is ¥ may soon be offered for CDTV. an extra fast internal CD-ROM drive, the CDR-1000, that simplifies disc inser- CDTV will meet its principal com- tion and costs $399, a very low price for petition in October when Philips intro- such drives. duces CD-Interactive. CD-I and CDTV share many traits—both are disc-based ONCE AROUND THE BLOCK interactive multimedia formats, both re- Commodore clearly wants the first- semble CD players and both will cost just under $1,000. time CDTV user to dive right into op- erating the machine, as the supplied In addition to CD-I, CD and brochure explains only how to con- CD+G discs, the CD-I deck will play nect the deck to a TV set and stereo Kodak’s soon-to-be-introduced Photo and place a disc in its protective cad- CDs, which hold up to 100 photos trans- dy. The real introduction comes ferred from 35mm film. The controller with the included “welcome will be a specially configured infrared re- disc.” Its interactive tutorial mote with a small joystick. CD-I decks slowly explains the ba- will carry Magnavox and Philips brand names, but differ only cosmetically. sics of running the Philips plans to win the multimedia CDTV, which is format war with what it considers to be surprisingly easy superior technology. The company says and natural. CD-I will provide partial-screen, 30- frame-per-second video from the start, A wide, flat re- and plans to introduce full-screen video mote —held with next year. CD-I produces 16.7 million colors, far more than existing NTSC monitors can reproduce. Forty software titles will be available initially. The company also says that CD-I can lift 16-bit digital audio straight from the disc. In contrast, CDTV loads its eight-bit audio into memory, then plays it back, which leaves less memory and speed for the video portion of the discs. Perhaps most important, CD-I enjoys the support of major Japanese manufac- turers, including Sony and Matsushita. @commadare Format Face-off: Commodore's CDTV GoTv player (left) and Philips’ CD-I machine, shown above in an early de- sign, will soon battle for the interactive CD mar- ket.

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both hands—contains four arrow keys from a single sentence to several para- Any word in a story can also be selected on its left end for moving arrows and graphs each—tell one version of man’s to call up additional related stories. You boxes around on screen to select ac- history from “Civilization Begins” to can wander through the program com- tions. Two buttons on the right end, “Desert Storm.” But what sets the pro- bining all these methods, and the system marked “A” and “B,” execute the ac- gram apart from, say, a standard printed will remember your path so you can eas- tions. “A” generally moves you forward tex—atpart from its readily accessible ily return to any previous selection. On through a program, while “B” brings you graphics and narratio—nis its extensive the down side, the disc’s graphics are surprisingly crude and the audio quality back to the previous menu. For most of cross-referencing. The stories can be accessed through is far inferior to that of standard CDs. the programs we tested, that’s just about all there is to it. a variety of methods. A list of alphabet- Our experiences with Magical Dino- A quick run through Xiphias’ Time ized “key words,” such as “censorship” saur Tour, a disc created solely for the Table of History: Business, Politics and Me- or “revolution,” leads to groups of perti- TurboGrafx-CD system, were also quite dia disc reveals many of CDTV’s nent stories. The stories are also ar- positive. The program offers a complete strengths, as well as a few weaknesses. ranged in chronological order, and guide to more than 100 dinosaur species, Its more than 6,000 “stori—erasng”ing separately in a series of time-line “eras.” with graphics, still video images and simple animations. A user can investi- \" gate dinosaurs by name, the times and DIRECT TO YOU— places in which they lived and their fam- SAVE OVER 50% ily groups. The program is intended for kids, but is in no way watered down—it Video 8 Hi-Power Battery Pack _ even examines contending schools of thought among paleontologists. Anoth- Delta NP-77 NiCd Rechargeable. er TurboGrafx-CD disc, a game called For Sony, Ricoh, Canon and Other Sherlock Holmes, Consulting Detective, Camcorders, Video Walkman or adds partial-frame, 10-frames-per-second Accessories. 2 Hr Rating. Send: video to the mix. $29.50 ea. +$4.00 S&H/Check or M.O. To: International Traders Inc., _ Look to these pages for a full evalua- P.O. Box 2166, Manchester, VT.05255 tion of CD-I when it becomes available, Visa or MasterCard Call: as well as continuing coverage of all in- 1-800-451-6114. teractive CD hardware and software de- velopments. a [4“B‘LUJE‘0OUOG/DPO4NUOIDPHOADODDJHEEUIYSWPOPJDU} OUR ENGINEERS HAVE SUCCEEDED and we proudly announce our Newest & Best: THE 50/60 HZ DIGITAL FRAME CONVERTER siomeetesteit 1) a) DIGITAL STANDARDS FRAME CONVERTER, the only VCR/STANDARDS CONVERTER in the world that e plays only PAL & SECAM on any NTSC TV e has no vertical hold problems e allows you to make copies of foreign tapes e comes with cable ready tuner & RF modulator e is priced below $1000. TOLL FREE 1-800-749-8779 INSTANT REPLAY 2601 S. Bayshore Dr., Miami, FL 33133 See us at CES, CHICAGO, McCormick East, Booth 1749 ADVERTISEMENT JUNE 1991 VIDEO 49

BY BRENT BUTTERWORTH E teve Martin and John Candy. Mel Gibson and Danny Glover. Bette Mid- Twins: RCA’s Pro850 8mm ler and Shelley Long. Arnold Schwarzenegger and Danny DeVito. Few things camcorder and VR685 work better than a pair of well-matched professionals, a simple secret to which VHS VCR. Hollywood, for example, has long been attuned. Even the Army trains troopers to work in teams of two. Use the buddy system, soldiers are repeatedly told: It will save your life. It can also save your tapes. The explosive growth in camcorder use is leading legions of novice videographers to brave the unfamiliar shoals of home editing. Many founder at the start, VCR/camcorder undone by the absence of a properly matched pair of combos that work electronic component—sa buddy system, if you will— in tandem to turn capable of briskly and pre- cisely obeying their creative editing intothe trials of home Utoeathve oonobsiwrecirsenthtaetd equal. Nor do all VCRs sheer pleasure. work in perfect harmony with all camcorders, even those sharing the same brand and video for- mat. Editing-oriented VCRs come not only with a multitude of editing features, but with special editing protocols. The proto- cols help the VCRs synchronize with cam- corders and other VCRs that share the : protocol. eae But information about editing compatibility is sometimes hard to come by. Ads, RCA SYSTEM Pros brochures, even manuals often don’t mention editing protocols. The situation can @ relatively be disastrous if the confusion leads to poor buying choices. But there is a quick way inexpensive @ very consistent to slice through the haze of options— buy a VCR and a camcorder you know will @ accurate operate well together. Cons Most video manufacturers offer decks designed to interface with camcorders of @ difficult to correct mistakes the same brand, so that both function as “buddies” in a synchronized editing system. @ limited Using a buddy system, a home videographer can produce surprisingly accurate edits compatibility with little effort. PMLEHOSORTSOISL:LO All buddy systems serve the same purpose —to let a home videographer begin and end a scene with the touch of a single button. This is much easier than trying to start and stop two machines at the same time. Such manual editing is difficult be- cause the recorder takes several frames to get up to speed and begin recording. This 50 VIDEO JUNE 1991