video-magazine-1992-10

7 ae aeWORLD‘S BIGGEST VIDEO PUBLICATION TOP DECmagazine Hands-On Guide lo Six stiper WSS TV'S UNTRUE a \\ COLORS \\ o What You a shoot Is NoF Whatyou Get .<A® — 2 MAIL ORDER AQ \\ Oe TAPES & DISCS Ais 7 CsuolutrcCelsassFiocrs Hits, Gk & More Z TAKING THE WRAPS y OFF 10-HOUR TAPES _.: EBXBG *) aan enna ~ | s|eitimneescteatel: 1/47 NOUOuoip VIDEC TES BY : |; 8mm 8#S=-VHS-C Seolnn cores cavns Vi

The Mitsubishi | CS-35X7 35inch TV | eaturesaunique | Ciuieleuetecmrceltenes circuit, a du conversion tuner, an invar phosshadpowhor mask, finer rpicoakeletenuats IGLOS UMABIICMENELS three dimensio eonlepilicor

iDerisencclachineesn Weentatvarorenial uate avoualeeueteree| of $7500. PAS Thats a fair sum of money, even © 1992 Mitsubishi Electronics America, Inc. For the name of your nearest dealer call toll-free 1-800-374-2222. for an ardent videophile. But,as the Circle 1 on Reader Service Card. saying goes, You get what you pay for.’ Namely, the most advanced 35” direct-view TV weve ever offered. A unique digital ghost reduction circuit subdues those stationary ghosts that are typical of broadcast signals. While our dual conver- sion tuner improves the image re- jection ratio, along with various other cable-signal irregularities. The CRT has the industrys finest phosphor pitch, plus a very- large-aperture electron gun, for an amazinely bright, sharp picture. A special high-contrast coating on our Diamond Vision’ picture tube increases the contrast by 20%. And tocompletely separate black S&white and colorelements, while maintaining maximum picture res- olution, we designed a true three dimensional digital comb filter. The new CS-35X7. Like we said, the best 35’ TVa lot of money can buy. 2’. MITSUBISHI TECHNICALLY, ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE?

VIDEO. FEATURES A LEAGUE OF THEIR OWN a 42 TAPES & DISCS Our hands-on, gloves-off guide to selecting the ideal deck. By Lawrence B. Johnson 48 52 VIDEO’S BEST KEPT SECRET For hard-to-find tapes and discs, mail-order video is just a quick phone call away. 56 By M. Faust 64 BREAKING THE COLOR BARRIER (65 Why true color accuracy is home video’s biggest bugaboo, and what you can do to fix it. By Daniel Kumin 69 EXTRA LONG TAPES—THE REAL SKINNY New materials launch a space race that’s already led to 10-hour tapes. By Roderick Woodcock REVIEWS a Mississippi Masala, The Double Life of Veronique, more EDITOR’S CHOICE / Julie Brown’s Medusa. By Kenneth Korman DIRECTORY / The latest feleases on tape and disc FISHER FVH-8902 VHS VCR, ie 16 Mitsubishi HS-C35 S-VHS-C camcorder, Cover: Pioneer CLD-D701 laserdisc player, A user's guide to top VHS VCRs. Pictured Canon E210 8mm camcorder. By Berger-Braithwaite Labs 6 are models from Sony, DEPARTMENTS 11 ae areal CHANNEL ONE / Video values—and choice 14 ian satschiund 33 FEEDBACK / Letters from readers 38 Video Magazine GAZETTE / VSDA, Japanese laserdiscs, more 114 Nees NEW PRODUCTS / New compact camcorders from JVC and Hitachi, more HANDS-ON TEST / Thiel SCS 2.2 speakers OFF THE AIR / Driven crazy by video? You're not alone 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 af New York, NY and additional mailing office. © 1992 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 #R 125938423) U.S.; foreign, air mail, $40 U.S. Canadian Audit _ international publication permit #546488. Address subscription orders, change of address, correspondence and inquiries to: VIDEO, Box 56293, Boulder, CO 80322-6293, or call toll-free 800-365-1008. Bureau Change of address takes 60 days to process: send old address label, new 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. POSTMASTER: 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 Ad., Ann Arbor, MI 48106. 4 VIDEO OCTOBER 1992

Quality sound as big as the movies, from a VirtuallyInvisible speaker system. Introducing The New Bose sab Home Theater Speaker System. The new Bose’ Acoustimass’-7 full sound stage almost anywhere in And, when you add compatible Bose home theater speaker system makes the room. So, no matter where you VS-100™ rear channel speakers, you watching your favorite videos at sit, it’s the best seat in the house. hear Bose quality sound in a complete home feel like a night at the movies. surround sound system. Acoustimass-7 systems feature three Just as music lovers chose the first acoustically matched Virtually Visit your Bose dealer and compare Acoustimass speakers for their Invisible’ cube speakers. Their full Acoustimass-7 speakers to larger, superb sound and small size, now uniform bandwidth reproduction more expensive speakers. For more home theater viewers can enjoy the delivers excellent on-screen localiza- information and the names of Bose same benefits from the world’s tion and spacious ambient sound dealers near you, call toll free: smallest full fidelity home theater consistently across all three front system. 1-800-444-BOSE Ext. 151 channels. The compact bass Unlike conventional s. module adds clear, deep USA: Monday-Friday 8:30AM-9:00PM (ET) speakers, Bose Direct/ Canada: Monday-Friday 9:00AM-5:00PM (ET) Reflecting’ speaker bass — free of audible technology uses a distortion. The result is a —AMDF25 f- * combination of reflected wide stereo image with and direct sound to give you a clean, low tones that Better sound through research. heighten the drama to keep you on the edge of your seat. © 1992 Bose Corporation, The Mountain, Framingham, MA 01701-9168 USA

HOW TO BUY CHANNEL ONE SUBWOOFERS Video values—and choice Subwoofers resonate the finest low Has anyone else had enough of the seemingly endless election year flapdoodle about “family values” (whatever they are), and how they ends sounds, enabling the home should play a key role in deciding who should be our country’s chief executive? The notion that 250 million people should agree on any- theater to provide the seat-rum- thing— much less the infinite variations surrounding the most intimate decisions of our personal lives—is absurd, despite what some vying for bling sound effects that you feel at high office maintain. the movies in your own living But the topic was evident this season in the video world, too—at the annual convention of the Video Software Dealers Association room. With all the models cur- (VSDA) and between the lines of our second annual “Drives Me Cra- zy” poll. As the national elections were gearing up, we tallied your rently on the market, what should votes and were struck by parallels between your video-related gripes and the deep-seated unrest among the electorate in the political arena. a videophile look for in these nec- You'll find the results of the poll in this month’s “Off the Air” column (page 114). essary audio components? At VSDA, Disney studio chief Jeffrey Katzenberg, noting the ver- Charles Back, executive vice bal barbs aimed at Hollywood's creative community in recent months, scored his industry for not “setting its sights higher.” Likewise, Para- president of Miller & Kreisel mount head Brandon Tartikoff observed that if a movie “has no redeeming quality” other than making a lot of money, “You have to Sound, says that, for consumers, look at what’s left of your soul and say, ‘Do I want to be part of this?’ ” Tartikoff also said he hoped his company’s future releases would the first priority is on size. \"Many “have more support from the heartland of America.” subwoofers feature push/pull driv- Meanwhile the thousands of reader gripes we received from the heartland and all other parts of the U.S. of A. weren’t concerned with ers, which have one driver mounted abstract family values as much as they were with freedom. conventionally and the other fac- You told us you want to be free to buy one cable channel at a time without others you don’t watch. You want to be free to watch movies ing inside the cabinet. The drivers that haven’t been censored by someone who may not like part of it. You want to be free to use all the features you paid for on your TV set are electronically out of phase, without being limited by your cable company. meaning that they work in phase to More than anything else, the survey demonstrates the diversity of video readers and the sense of freedom home video represents for produce bass in the room and work you — especially your desire to be left alone to enjoy your particular brand of home entertainment without the imposition of someone else’s out of phase electrically to remove “values.” For the past 15 years, home video has provided that freedom. Now, with 50,000 titles on tape and disc, plus technology that lets or- even-order harmonic distortion. dinary people create their own homemade videos, all people ought to be able to find the movies and programs that are right for them, ac- This technology makes for smaller cording to their own values. - cabinet de- James M. Barry Editor signs with greater effi- ciency.” AS an ex- Professional ample, Back AudioVideo mentions Retailers the dual Association Soa eh iGan MX70,a self-powered model that features a 125-watt amplifier. \"It is very popular,” Back explains, \"be- cause it is very compact, yet pro- vides bass comparable with that of a 12-inch model.\" When shopping fora subwoofer, Back recommends listening to a variety of sources. \"Some models can produce room shaking effects, but when music is played, you find the speaker has poor transient abilities. A good test of these abilities is the sound of a string bass being plucked.\" As for power output, Back warns \"a power rating in itself does not tell you how loud it will play. The speaker's efficiency should also be taken into consideration. Nec- essary power output is something best discussed with the dealer.\" PARA is an association of specialty audio/video retailers. To locate a PARA dealer near you, call: CSR2oiaenrracdvdl.iecre (816) 444-3500

eee een introduces the new Palmcorder™ Camcorder. Yes, it’s VHS. So its tapes will play in any VHS recorder. Yours, your family’s and your friends. Before you buy a compact cam- corder, make sure its tapes will play in the VHS recorder you already own. Otherwise you'll have to connect your camcorder toyourTV every time i my you watcha # _. tape. And that’s not just inconve- nient, itmeans your camcorder will get twice the wear. Watching what you've shot with ; ‘ the Panasonic Palmcorder is easy. moe El 7* Its tapes simply slip into the in- i cluded PlayPak and then into your VHS recorder like any ordinary tape. The Panasonic ie P\\V-42 Palmcorder gives you an outstand- ing picture. And to make that picture even better, there’s Digital Image Stabilization to tt help hold the picture ah{naorGrmranVor : steady even when your outers hand shakes. A 20 to 1 DATE/TIME GLE FA digital zoom. One-lux i low-light capability. Even acolor enhancement light. So, before you buy a compact camcorder, make sure its tapes will play in your VHS recorder. They will if it’s a Panasonic Palmcorder. il SK, “WILL ITS The PlayPak lets you play your tape in PLAYIN MY V your VCR or send it to your family, your friends, or anyone with a VHS recorder. Panasonic’ just slightly ahead of our time” 9JU£G“1Odap9JsP1eAe1dJO9eYS

1990's PILLS ‘N’ THRILLS Ice-T (lead vocals), Ernie C. 7 Loses AND BELLYACHES and the lead and acoustic eee BODY COUNT ooseman (bass), D-Roc hit single “Step On,” drove oe guitars) and COUNT:The Winner HAPPY MONDAYS from eatmaster “V” (drums) are Sire/Warner Bros the revolutionary metal ecstacy-stained club attrac- band Body Count. At tion to mega-watt novas of 1991’s show-stopping Britain's dance-rock explo- Lollapalooza appearances, on their debut album, and sion. Produced by Chris on their around-the-world Frantz and Tina Weymouth, 1992 tour, Body Count's words and music are as “Yes, Please,” takes them the tough as they are smart. important next step. Prepare BODY to move both mind and feet with HAPPY MONDAYS’ new single, “Stinkin’ Thinkin’.” Juxtaposing images of Charles Manson and ice cream, purring winsomely about crucifixion and viola- tion. Through Tori Amos the rumblin aoe a soul are exposed. Her poetry per- sists, naked in its frank attempts to reconcileo,r at least recognize, the dispari- ties that surround her. Her music is unnerving, discom- forting, yet absolutely compelling. BLUES FOR THe RED SUN:Green Machine ali Records Take 70's acid rock, add a super heavy bass and guitar sound and the result is - KYUSS - four young musicians from Palm Desert, Cal. who describe their sound as ‘A fresh bong load of potent, sticky and hairy musical salvation.’ “Green Machine” is the first single/video resonating from “BLUES FOR THE RED SUN.” Aztec Camera return to the music video Tom Verlaine’s unique and spotlight with “Spanish dee vocals set the tone Horses,” the first release of for the timeless, innovative their fifth Sire album. material on TELEVISION’s Singer/songwriter/guitarist self-titled new release Roddy Frame has been including the new single crafting soulful, smart pop “Call Mr. Lee”. This highly songs for over ten years, anticipated album features and once again he demon- the wild and distinctive gui- strates his talents with a tar sound that was the beautiful collection of tunes. trademark of their earlier recordings. TELEVISION An unhuman is: Tom erlaine,: RichardC Lloyd, Fred Smith and Billy Ficca. offer. * 10 new vasio congestive videos every month for a microscopic (along with your video cassette of course), offering CD's, $2.98. As a subscriber to Rock Video Monthly you'll receive a fresh cassettes and videos featuring all kinds of music...rock, rap, soul new video cassette each month featuring 10 new cutting edge bands mayee even polkas. Plus , because we're such nice people, we and their steriod-raging videos. (All you have to do is pay the $2.98 and the stupid shipping and handling charge).This is an exclusive added hard to get merchandise like concert T-shirts, posters, yi offer. You can't find another deal like this even if you wanted to. and other un-named paraphernalia. The muscular thing about all this *More special videos If you thought this was a totally unbelievable is, you only buy what you want, when you want. * NO risk - NO obligation. If your brain is telling you this offer is a deal...wait! In addition, up to 6 times a year, yoiu may also receive special videos featuring 10 re pe OG artist in your preferred musical fatty wad of cellulite, we don't blame you. We have a hard time interest for the same single-celled $2.98 plus shipping and handling. believing it ourselves. This is not a spineless offer. Our objective is That's up to 180 hot videos you can own every year at unhuman to turn you on to new subcutaneous music videos from cutting edge prices. bands. If you don't believe us, just try us. Send in the coupon to get ral first music video cassette filled with 10 different videos and sit *$20 discount certificates on cerebral CD's and cassettes. Every ack on that nice big gluteus of yours and and let your brain fly. time you buy one of the albums of the ten bands featured in the vein- Then, if you're not satisfied, inside and out, for what ever stupid rea- popping videos from your close-to-home music hospital, we'll give you son, let us know. Simply write \"cancel\" on your invoice and return the tape. (We really are nice people, we won't ask any questions and discount certificates worth up to $20. Don't have a spasm, we're for you Can forget the whole thing). real, you can get these certificates every month * FREE Magazine,too.Every month we will also send you a magazine,

It's called Rock Video Monthly. Get one VHS video cassette filled with 10 coronary-arresting videos. That's 10 subcuta- RES tour, THE “Power groove” is how BEAUTI UL’s compelling PANTERA describes their combination of rock, alterna- sound “it’s a heavy, riff-ori- tive, and punk is expansive ented feel.” With non- music, is the psychic purge sugar-coated lyrics which slice straight to the bone on matters of racism and close-minded self-right- eousness, Pantera’s angry voice supplies heavy, dri- ving serious music to peo- ple who rely on it. ofmusica posneere and af of obsessed minds eir a ‘ album Storybook pulls you . ® VULGAR A N T usR A Love DISPLAY OF POWER: This into a musical otherworld, Lene) revealing what can be when a band pursues the infinite goal of apocalyptically good sound. Chicago’s own MATERIAL ISSUE bring you the edgy THe BEAUTIFUL op tune “What Girls Want” STORYBOOK: John Doe rom their second Mercury Giant aan DESTINATION UNIVERSE. Hot on the SONTC YOUTH Paes of their first album “International Po TY: 100% Overthrow,\" MATERIAL Ree ISSUE is back with their sig- nature three part harmony built around brilliant guitar work and complete with multiple pop hooks. Gloriously unrefined, strik- DESTINATION UNIVERSE: What Girls Want ingly original, unafraid of controversy, SONIC YOUTH are widely acclaimed as the incon- testable leaders of under- ground rock. Arresting both visually and musically, the “100%” video comes from their new album, DIRTY, a staggering sonic chronicle of life in and under America in the nineties. Mail to:Rock Video Monthly SUBSCRIBE AND SAVE $$$ | Box 30615, Tampa FL 33630-0615 GET UP TO 3 FREE VIDEOS | Hey man, give it to me now. Just enroll me in the bladder-bursting ‘ Hceoye!wTvhiiess aislrAemaedryi.caa,velanmdeaof tKheonGrgeavtid,BibguDte'awlsa.nt| sviindgeloe-ocfeflelr.ed L$i2k,e98.youEVsEaiRd,Y I'lLlIgTetTLaE VMHISCRviOdSeoCOcPasIseCtteMeOaNcTh Hm.onthYesf,o1r a \"7'sMONTH'SUBSCRIPTION(1FREE VIDEO) Iknow there's a little posterior charge that Ihave to pay with each shipment Ul mirc pee 6 Liarb get 1 Ly video Plus [jcNalOleOdBsLhIipGpAinTgIOanNd hEaVndElRingT.O DBo ember I have V¥ 12 MONTHly 7StUhBmSonCthRIPiTsIOlikNe, f(re3e,FRmaEnE) VIDEOS) discount anytime time my brain tells me to Tean cancel |Way! 11| subscribe for 12 months and get 3 free videos. certificates on CDs and \\AA) | (My 13th, 14th, and 15th months are free, Mister) cassettes My main musical interest A [] Yes! ! want a6 month subscription (A®) worth up| [9 Heavy metal 2.Hard rock 3Modern rock [4.Rap 4s, Dance/Pop [J Yes! 1 want a 12 month subscription (ac pPiease check the box which corresponds with your method of payment: MasterCard [ AMEX 2 Bill Me (© Charge this and future Rock Video Monthly purchases to: J VISA \"eal ied Expiration date ees I signature vo 1092 | ||Do you own a laserdisc player? 1Yes _2No Doyouplanon buying onein: inext6mos 2More than6 mos, 3.Never 5...|Have you bought anything by mail? Q1.Last6 months. © 2 Never ever. to $20 address apt.# every) [city * state + zip 1 month phone (area code + tel #) date of birth (mo/day/year) // 1 ) 1992 Warner Music Enterprises Wfeamilryes.eLrovceal thesalreisghttaxt,iof-askany,fowrilladdibetioandadledi.nWfeormraetsieornv,e trheejecrtighatny toapspulbisctaittiuotne, aonry cvanicdeelo iannythissubsadcription. Limited to new subscribers. One subscription pet

HIGHEST CAPACITY VIDEO LONGEST RUN TIME LOWEST PRICES President and Managing Director, ALL BRANDS Jay Rosenfield 24 HOUR SHIPPING Editor, James M. Barry PANASONIC PB80/88 orig. PAN . .$39.00 Managing Editor, Stan Pinkwas SONY NP77H 2400 mah........ $39.00 Technical Editor, Lancelot Braithwaite Senior Editors, Kenneth Korman, SONY 8mm 1500 mah.......... $26.00 Brent Butterworth CANON 8mm 2000 mah. . $33.00 Assistant Editors, Brian Clark, PALMCORDER 2000 mah . $33.00 April P. Bernard Contributing Editors: Bob Angus, Mavis JVC GR-C9 1500 mah... . $35.00 Arthur, Bob Barlow, Frank Beacham, Ivan Sh 20002) Ca Berger, James Caruso, Steve Daly, Steve Ditlea, Bruce Eder, Ron Goldberg, Ty MADE IN U.S.A. CAMCORDER CHARGER/DISCHARGER Harrington, David Lachenbruch, Gordon McComb, Marianne Meyer, Rich Warren, 6V, 7.2V, 9.6V. Runs from house or auto - Roderick Woodcock 1 hour time. $49 Charges two batteries. $ Art Director, Lonnie Heller Associate Art Director, Vera Naughton 800-442-4275 ==>28-25 215 PLACE, BAYSIDE, N.Y. 11360 * FAX 718-461-1978 Art Assistant, Luis Ramos Jr. 8 Production Manager, James LoGrasso Circle 5 on Reader Service Card. Production Assistant, Kim Lau Typesetting, Janet M. Holland MC / COD / VISA NO FLORIDA SALES Publisher, Eric C. Schwartz CABLE TV Associate Publisher, Linda DeRogatis DESCRAMBLERS Circulation Director, Rodney Bell Circulation Assistant, Rosemary Y. Paver THE MOST ADVANCED Newsstand Sales Director, Gerald Levine TECHNOLOGY IN Marketing Director, Luanne Rao Financial Officer, Mark C. Spector CABLE EQUIPMENT: Business Manager, Janette Evans Assistant Business Manager, eBASE BAND ePIONEER Lily Schwartzberg ¢TOCOM eZENITH eSCIENTIFIC ATLANTA eOAK Corporate Offices, Editorial & Sales: 460 eJERROLD @HAMLIN West 34 Street, New York, NY 10001; 212-947-6500, 212-947-6727 (fax) CALL FOR COMPETITIVE BULK PRICING West Coast Sales Office: Cynthia Gallivan, West Coast Advertising Manager; 1453 1 800-772-3233 Third Street, Suite 490, Santa Monica, CA 90401; 310-393-5057, 310-393-5538 (fax) FREE CATALOG AVAILABLE Chicago Sales Office: Milton Gerber, Media 1291 A POWERLINE ROAD Plus, 4409 RFD Stonehaven Drive, Long SUITE 109 Grove, IL 60047;708-913-5400, 708-913-5403 (fax); 405 North Wabash, POMPANO BEACH, FL 33069 Chicago, IL 60611; 312-644-0001, 312-644-0930 (fax) Detroit Sales Office: John Kennedy & Associates, 16899 Village Lane, Grosse Pointe, MI 48230; 313-886-4399, 313-354-1482 (fax) Editor-in-Chief, Art Levis (1936-1991) CREOEMSMEUNICATIONS @ INCORPORATED 10 VIDEO OCTOBER 1992

FEEDBACK CO\"NCVAEBRTLEERS T&VDEBSOCRXAEMSB\"LERS @% BELOW WHOLESALE ¢& Culture commandos SAVE MONEY DON'T RENT ! “BJZUPD]SOeDIp1EAe1DIaDO-yS I’ve been reading Video Magazine for over the years can discern differences years, but it wasn’t until I read Kenneth that continue to elude the best electron- **** ALL MODEL'S **** Korman’s “Editor’s Choice” column in ic equipment. the August issue that something clicked. \"BULLET PROOF\" Just think, Video Magazine finally got up Benjamin Emmerich the courage to mention “high culture.” San Rafael, California ZENITH PIONEER JERROLD And how well it must know its readers TOCOM PANASONIC OAK when it asks them if opera “ranks some- Regarding “Man vs. machine: the great HAMLIN SCIENTIFIC ATLANT, where between root canal and paying testing debate,” I strongly suspect that * YOUR ORDER SHIPPED WITHIN 24 HOURS ! taxes,” since Korman “has no taste for when an electronic device travels * 30 DAY MONEY BACK GUARANTEE ! it.” How Mozart must be rejoicing some- through the assembly line and goes * QUANTITY DISCOUNTS ! where up above now that his works have through a packing and shipping pro- * DEALER INQUIRES WELCOME ! finally been brought down to earth. And cedure, the published specs are more of- * 1 YEAR WARRANTY! WE SHIP C.O.D. ! if Peter Sellars says Figaro is “transcen- ten than not knocked askew. *WE STAND BEHIND OUR PRODUCTS WHERE dentally overplotted,” who would dis- pute someone who is so momentarily Roland Voges OTHERS FAIL !! hot? What’s finally clear is why Video Houston, Texas Magazine shuns one whole area of video ** FOR ORDERS ONLY **FRIENDLY - PROFESSIONAL - SERVICE- SINCE 1975 experience. Who would want high cul- Buyer beware 1-800-GO-CABLE ture—even in a sealed section to ac- commodate those with “no taste for it.” Video Magazine does its best to advise HAVE MAKE & MODEL OF EQUIP. USED IN YOUR AREA. the mail-order customer with its mail- Don Sigal order guidelines, but some of us just FOR CATALOG OR INFORMATION Chicago, Illinois won't heed the warning. When order- ing, ask a company about its return poli- CAVILSLUAL 1C-O7M1M8U-NI4C6A1T-I5O9N2S9 A slight alteration of Kenneth Korman’s cy. I found out the hard way that Power text on Peter Sellars’ Mozart tapes Video charges a 15 percent restocking 20-04 UTOPIA PARKWAY SUITE 236 WHITESTONE, NY 11357 would more accurately assess these pro- fee on defective merchandise, even if BY PURCHASING CABLE EQUIPMENT FROM VISUAL COMM.THE CUSTOMER ductions. Korman states that the pro- you don’t want a replacement. This is AGREES TO COMPLY WITH THE FEDERAL LAWS REGARDING PRIVATE ductions were conceived “in the hopes nearly three times higher than many OWNERSHIP OF CABLE TV EQUIPMENT, IF YOU ARE UNSURE OF THESE LAWS of reaching those of us with no taste ‘for companies charge. A $146 fee on a $976 CHECK WITH YOUR LOCAL OFFICIALS. the form.” I suggest the line should read purchase is a sad lesson to learn. I wish I “in the hopes of reaching those of us had heeded Video Magazine’s advice to IMPROVE YOUR IMAGES with no taste.” Thankfully, Mozart's mu- ask before buying about a company’s sic transcends even Sellars’ loathsome policy on returned goods. Kenko introduces the assault. NEW KC-SET for com- Ken Hodge pact video cameras. This Wayne Hardy West End, North Carolina two lens set has a .5X Tulsa, Oklahoma wide-angle and a 1.5X Video Magazine welcomes your comments. telephoto lens to cap- Man vs. machine Please include a phone number, but not a ture all the action return envelope as the volume of mail does indoors and outdoors. I couldn’t agree more with Brent Butter- not permit replies. Letters may be edited for Comes complete with worth’s comments on the objective vs. clarity and space. Address correspondence storage bags and lens subjective debate (“Off the Air,” Aug. to Feedback, Video Magazine, 460 West 34 caps. 92). A wine can be tested chemically Street, New York, NY 10001. hundreds of times with very great preci- Our new video filters will sion, yet no matter what those tests say, protect and enhance the we would sooner trust the judgment of a images you shoot. wine connoisseur over any test results when it comes time to buy a fine wine. With video lens supports, transfer units and Scientists sometimes have a hard time assorted accessories, Kenko is the only name understanding that in some areas — such you'll ever need. For the highest quality as sight, sound and taste—a human be- video lenses, filters and accessories straight ing who has trained his or her senses from the Kenko factories, ask your local dealer to show you the Kenko product line or write to Kenko for a dealer near you. OCTOBER 1992 VIDEO 11 KENKO AMERICA, INC. 17801 Sky Park Circle Suite B Irvine, CA 92714 (714) 251-9646 al 5“Kenko ““eUSs9p12}Oe9u|p1eAe1gJa9eyg

or cnn AWA ty ANY6 FOR3VE |All movies available on VHS Ywant st TURD See details below The All Star Gospel Session 0666404 | | South Pacific 0350603 | All selections available on VHS. 2! a t+Letterbox Monty Python's Meaning 0523902 | x These selections are also on laserdisc. Of Life Qn *t0499301 <S05 Henry & June *t0062109 The Towering Inferno _* 0041004 The Agony AndEcstasy % 0297705 Bugs Bunny Classics _*T0220509 Conan The Barbarian * 0750604 Little Big Man _*f0633206 The Empire Of The Sun #0731000 North To Alaska AllDogs GoToHeaven _* 0289702 Out For Justice 0977207. Problem Child 0498204 Buns Of Steel 0345900 Zardoz *t0088500 The Godfather %* 0000802 Richard Simmons: Sweatin’ Problem Child 2 0559500 Double Impact 0396507 Dirty Harry * 0601708 The Godfather Part Il %* 0001802 To The Oldies 0648303 Soapdish 0842500 The Bonfire Of Moonraker *10067702 The Godfather Part Ill * 0842302 Marked For Death 0045807. Young Guns 0726604 The Vanities *t0961706 Thunderball *t0070904 Delirious Young Gunsil 0041202 Dirty Dozen *t0002709 Big * 0367409 Dying Young 0743401. Road House 0287508 Tango & Cash 0647404 Bonnie & Clyde * 0607200 Ladyhawke * 0623405 The Five Heartbeats 0029009 Ghost Dad 0497404 Brainstorm *t0260000 Chariots Of Fire * 0601401 Bill And Ted’s Excellent 0297408 Star Trek— Guilty By Suspicion 0977603 Gandhi Papillon * 0352005 0153304 Adventure 0391201 The Motion Picture *to203505 Gulgley Down Under 0715102, Eddie Murphy: Raw 0439208 Black Rain *toot701 Star Trekl— #0201001 The Wrath Of Khan Bill And Ted’s Bogus Journey 0379305 Star Trek III— CLUB FAVORITES How The West Was Won 0266908 Body Heat * 0602003 Dutch 0298901 The Search For Spock *t0201608 THE SOUND OF MUSIC *t0003905 ties The Fourth aicaenind The Andromeda Strain —*T0216200 The Josephine Baker Story 0384404 Star Trek IV— THE COLOR PURPLE 0630103 waaaartae 17 a, Deliverance * 0607606 Shattered 0385807 The Voyage Home *t0430603 ROBIN HOOD: 9 Bugs Bunny SuperStar * 0279505 Pelwentetullite on ae PRINCE OF THIEVES *t0976803 | The Russia House 0739201 TheAccidental Tourist *t0638601 (45th Anniversary) * 0392308 The Final Frontier *t0448605 argon pallyTHEENEMY 0105304 Liab pnt dald osos4o3 Alfplane * 0203307 The Bible *T0074708 EdwardScissorhands _* 0104604 RED OCTOBER +t0825000 | Presumedinnocent Eso TO eer 0205107 The Robe 0063107 Total Recall 0227603 | THELMA & LOUISE O74B203:Ii Ramlai)nteae JERnOaaBtOS! anSoarsOn The Western Bioicsics Prancer 0803700 DieHard *t0367607 | THETERMINATOR 0652800 | The Neverending Story daaanos ba 2 A Christmas Carol 0271007 Die Hard 2 *t0041806 | BOYZN THE HOOD 0385906 prone aysenact mh aig Dead Calm 0645200 The Little Drummer Boy 0801803. #0001404 | Heeler chapter oseagog 20d Day Afternoon The King AndI 0034702 |THE WIZARD OF 0Z * 0607705 King Of Kings 0257600 The Good, The Bad STAR WARS (VHS) SO cern 0722306 The Great Gatsby 0204503 Johnny Mathis: Home For And The Ugly *t0058206 | BEN-HUR (1959) 0260331 SA 0230300 Clara’s Heart 0637207 0106500 NotWithout MyDaughter 072260 |RETURNOFTHEJEDI(LASER) 0783209 | Jacob's Ladder 0735506 The Hard Way 0547802 Christmas 0888404 oe a #foseearooe1 | RETURNOFTHEJEDI(VHS) 0354704 | CIinderella (Rodgers & Tofooottssiie Christmas Carols From #Foioago7_|_LETHAL WEAPON 0630806 | Hammerstein) 0150912 England Fo aatord Bostcards From The Edge _0858209 White Hunter, BlackHeart 0960708 beter Pan 0897009. The Naked Gun 0447102 Imitation of Life 0221101 Harry And The Hendersons 0221903 Mobsters * 0337303 My Fair Lady 0350751 The Naked Gun 2% *T0842609 Full Metal Jacket * 0632505 Oliver! 0176024 OnGoldenPond 0050357. Kickboxer 0674200 Jane Eyre 0364406 Pacific Heights 0042507 faaiarcs OF Arabia Kickboxer 2 0386102 Iremors 0496208 316 Fonda's Lower 0591909 0977108 (Restored) Paint Your Wagon 0304907 The Green Berets 0623934 Body Solution 91 Weeks 0270807 Camelot * 0602706 re et 0S Delta Force 2 0677807 0969204 The Blue And The Gra) 0189001 Once Upon A Time In Charlottes Web 0209528 The Rookie Hard To Kill % 0953505 Mermaids 0804708 Pocketful Of Miracles 0766303 America 0605808 TTueretnleasg:e SMeuctraentt OfNiTnhjae Ooze 0861708 TDoayKsillOf TAhMuocnkdienrgbird 0or8o2a723a063 STheex.ALfriiceasn&VQiudeeeontape * 20505210120024 THeeqnuriylaVS(u1n9r9i0s)e *¥00064308390038 Top Gun 0426932 Sesame Street Presents: nin Baia | Twins __0581009 0611723 TThhee BLlaockst BSotyasllion 00065301450017 The Shoes Of The ‘GAAbnoOvefeficTnehre AtLnadw lA ema* 0062n3032610325 Follow That Bird 001248: eeater rerr e eee, |PERTOTIREN 0268300 @ Back To The Future *0211409 Blazing Saddles % 0205302 0360909* 1000900*t |\" BackToTheFuturell __*fo921304 * 0633008 = mee !isL me noone Beverly Hills Cop * 0431908 Beetlejuice 04SOA as Dondisnil oaaTeor Beverly Hills Cop i The Untouchables BackToTheFuture lll _*t0497008 The Abyss #0881102 aan % 0202006 The Magnificent Seven 0053454 The Empire Strikes Back 0091009 Slog 0855700 The Deer Hunter Seer, Saree % 0827808 Rocky 9817500 0782904 (VHS) Death Warrant 0916809 Alien % 0000208 =F aa A 7 o43e406 Rebel Without A Cause 0610105 o100529 The Empire Stilkes Back Annie 0151613 The Alamo 0058305 Aten biles Barton Fink 0397901 (Laser) Awakenings 0859801 K-9 Berea Sting The Commitments %* 0691303 aThe Nutcracker Prince 0894006 ||tOhuet ODfooArfsrica 0pa2136215160,4, sCleeopautrageSulmmiengse0i2p80p05!7/93430e: Parenthood 0584102 *40049479.7305 WRillow obi01n98200 The AdvHeonotduurres Of 0052605 Driving Miss Daisy 0982207 Look Who's Talking 0597906 0599308 Misery 0776302 Bird On A Wire SteelMagnollas. 0597807. The Bear acer Harlem Nights 0911800 Little Women (1949) 0876409 Swashbuckler 0519207, 1 The ee *t0681106 Hamlet *to970608 Uncle Buck 0583807, Wedd Mad Mads Mad 58008 Terrestrial Fatal Attraction % 0439307 The Music Man QOIST01¢) neue: Marahal aaseenG %* 0920306 Field Of Dreams 0495515 When Harry Met Sally 0391409 PetSematary 0447904 Tha onRpatDin IEICE aRaDOTETE Dirty Dancing King Ralph 0537308 Always #0921502 0582205 PiSeergpb caren tee The Land Before Time 0286906 West Side Story 0050591 The Quiet Man 0403212 Rain Man Coming To America * 0441600 Giant 0608018 ction Rane(emesis) oe DociarDailtiie Taso Fiddler On The Roof 0055103 Mo’ Better Blues 0498006 Kathy Smith’s Ultimate PUNRKGI ea ee Ore oas Goodfellas *t0969808 The Princess Bride 0125005 NeHLDI KI Lionheart Apocalypse Now 0200113 Stomach &Thigh Workout 0576306 Tha Gare Beare aaiell 0524504 Willy Wonka And The Madonna: Truth OrDare 0232900 Memphis Belle #0983502 Tha LESTENIGeTSE MTSE Chocolate Factory 0606103 Roboco; 0235002 eet ume TaTaDGe Sere SG Romancing The Stone 0089409 VGudSUGTTEAPRE AOTSTOS0S Pp Jewel Of The Nile QasTi0c) |=MNA*S*H 0005538 eee eeeere Coe ey Opyee Piaison cesoo2e Dead Again 0392605 OsfeDionoem aches te eae ge{o=7os yfaonpgecFoopr?aa’s Complete: Taiteseeoakive TPhAeNTBrKiwdgael On The 0160630 TBheiWaar OrfoTnhseerRuoesnetser S00E3L3I90G2 ThceerGoadrsse MuoesetsBeerCeerazyollr_08052768100071 Indiana Jones & The Last eee rate Coreen oosieg3s Silverado 0181024 To Sir With Love 0599001 AFish Called Wanda * 0367508 Crusade Fatliners 0857508 Harvey 0921700 The Ghost & Mrs. Muir 0880500 * 0216804 oiiers 0004333 The Secret Of NIMH 0255802 SeaOfLove 0920405 Scarface (1983) * 0523407 Patton (VHS) * 0788703 Double Indemnity * 0210104 Bernadette 0969600 Defenseless Kindergarten Cop Patton (Laser) LeanOnMe 0639908 Don't Tell Mom The 0398008 An American Tail 0218404 0207431 a Bridge Too Far *t0061705 Grease 0977801 __Ca_ddyshac_k __—~06*02300 The French Connection Doc Hollywood 0551002 Frankie & Johnny An American Tail 2: Spartacus (Restored) Cher Fitness—A New %* 0004200 Babysitter’s Dead 0385708 Fievel Goes West Attitude Hot Shots 0693507 Fatal Attraction 0397604 0298505 New Jack City % 0971507 Oklahoma 0005405 * 0029108 (Director's Series) 0691501 © 1992, The Columbia House Company

a0k_LASERDISC *Hit movies also available on video laserdiscs ANY FOR ©... See details below The Fisher King 0687103 Rambling Rose 0691709 My Girl 0693408 Stop OrMy Mom Will Shoot 0864009 Miracle On 34th Street 0054700 j&Q,;sH Held! 0842906 1001809 0207225 0688507 Regarding Henry Bugsy 0853408 Europa, Europa White Christmas Fever 0568303 0085506 *10085803 Carousel 0559104 Sports Illustrated: The Grand Canyon 0853507 The Greatest Story Ever The Man Who Would 0033803 Official Swimsuit Video Ghostbusters 0174201 + Told BeKing Back Street 0683003 Bull Durham 0236000 Ghostbusters II 0594408 Working Girl 0372201 American Graffiti * 0211300 0652917 Internal Affairs 8912907 Amadeus 0231001 The Exorcist 3 0042408 2001:ASpace Odyssey *T0844308 Blue Velvet *t0515007 PumUppThe Volume 0857607 LA Story 0045708 Sibling Rivalry 0775908 2010 0266007 White Palace 0499202 «Miller's Crossing East Of Eden 0607804 Forbidden Planet Santa Claus Is Coming Kickboxer 0674200 Madonna: The Immaculate 0983403 License To Kill 0880203 North By Northwest *t0844407 0229302 *t0844209 To Town 0801605 Kickboxer2 0386102 Collection bial M For Murder % 0603506. The Blues Brothers * 0211706 EeeyerdShift 0838300 Air America The Grifters % 0383000 Dune * 0211102 Superman: The Movie __*10001305 060Supermanil 1500 Road Warrior * 0202507 Action * 0298307 Twin Peaks QU7S805) )a— teert ew Ona Lampoon's Chinatown *T0202507 ThhieteBrenset Little Whorehouse 0216608 CFhrionma HBeeraechTo Eternity 00916914740004 BSuutnednanCcaeseKiidy/The %* 0051706 Animal House We OD TASC erThre eTweo Jpakrens e ee0829606 duoVadis 0268102 Wuthering Heights eye we Othe ac Letheineeren? ee Shocker 0920207 He Said, She Said 0841403 ShiningThrough _0853606 wooden Soldiers os48zo1 miuuce pantieed Beniron The Big Country 0276402 Dangerous Liaisons mae ee The Nutcracker Dr. Seuss:HowTheGrinch pete ada dL Pan Bes as TeTOLGS) 0289504 Stolechristmas 0271108 Mr&.Mrs. Bridge 0382903 Star Trek IV osgigog {A40tnh niveErditsiona) r69y8606. FS Miracle Of Our ROaSiNGWiTieglDEiT OeBDTEG>: TheMaltese Falcon 0050807 (Director's Series) 0055509 LOadfyfFetime|isoaeyaso1,/- <= _—_—— Little Man Tate 0691600 Tom Jones Other People's Money #0392704 oer BELN Point Break 0337204 STERN KIRBY IhSbfAPTLoRDnNenoaIsoEiAkisecrnS)oadctet!R.ltbheC WA KICKERS, 0862904 rAll selections available on VHS. These selections are also on laserdisc. Ifyou prefer your movies on VHS, just write in the numbers of the 6 Columbia House Send me these 6 videocassettes for 39¢ each videocassettes you want for 39¢ each, plus shipping and handling. In exchange, you agree to buy just six more movies in the next three years, P.O. Box 1112, Terre Haute, IN 47811-1112 plus $1.50 each shippinagnd handling (a total of $11.34). at our regular Club prices (which currently start as low as $29.95, plus shipping and handling) —and you may cancel membership at any time I PREFER MY MOVIES ON VHS. ye eh after doing so. What's more, you can get two more movies for the low Yes, please enroll me in the Columbia House price of $9.99 each and have much less to buy later (see complete details in.coupon). Video Club under the terms outlined in this OR ifyou prefer your movies on Laserdisc, just write in the advertisement. As a member, I need buy just # numbers of the 3 selections you want for $1.00 each, plus shipping/ handling. In exchange, you agree to buy just two more in the coming six more videocassettes at regular Club prices # year, at regular Club prices (currently as low as $29.95, plus shipping/ handling)—and you may cancel membership anytime after doing so. within the next three years. Free Magazine sent every four weeks (up to 13 times a year), review- More great savings—have less to buy sey Dept. 69C ing our Director's Selection—plus scores of alternate movies, including many lower-priced selections. And you may receive Special Selection ADVANCE SELECTIONS for VHS Members Only mailings up to four times a year (a total of up to 17 buying opportunities). You may order one or two more movies now for $9.99 each-and have less to buy later! And each discount purchase reduces your membership obligation by one! Also send my first selection for $9.99 plus Also send still one more selection for an $1.75 shipping/handling which I’m adding to my additional $9.99 plus $1.75 shipping/handling $11.34 payment (total: $23.08). I then need buy (total: $34.82). Ithen need buy only 4 more only 5 more (instead (instead of 6) in 3 years. Buy only what you want! If you want the Director's Selection, do ORI PREFER TO ENROLL IN THE # nothing— it will be sent automatically. If you’d prefer an alternate 99D selection, or none at all, just mail the response card always provided by LASERDISC CLUB. Send me the 3 Laserdiscs the date specified. And you'll always have 14 days to decide; if not, you may return the selection at our expense. indicated here for $1.00 each, plus $1.50 each ship- Money Saving Bonus Plan. If you continue your membership after ping/handling (total $7.50, which I’m paying as fulfilling your obligation, you'll be eligible for our generous bonus plan. Itenables you to enjoy great savings on the movies you want— for as checked below). Iagree to buy 2 more laserdiscs, at longasyou decide to remain a member! regular Club prices, in the coming year. Dept. 10-Day Risk-Free Trial. We'll send details of the Club’s operation with your introductory package. If not satisfied, return everything Please check how paying: (L)2QY (V)2TL/2TN/2TQ within 10 days for a full refund and no further obligation. (L)2QZ(V)2TM/2TP/2TR (_] My checkis enclosed. VISA Discover Charge my introductory movies and future Club purchases to: MasterCard Diners Club C1] AMEX For fastest service, use your credit card and our toll-free number. Account Number Exp. Date Call 24 hours a day. 1-800- 544- 4431 For VHS Dept. 60C Signature. Name For Laserdisc Dept. 69D , Entertaining JM jee Es State Zip e America... City One Person at a Time.™ Phone ) Note: Columbia House Video Club reserves the right to reject any application or cancel any membership. Canadian residents will be serviced from Toronto. Offer limited to residents of the contiguous United States. Residents of Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, U.S. territories, APO and FPO addresses please write for separate offer. Applicable sales tax added to all orders. 1400N. Fruitridge Avenue, Terre Haute, IN 47811-1112. 1014/F92

GAZETTE___EDITED BYKENNETH KORMAN - Life of Terry Terry Jones loves Monty Python’s Life of Brian. And no wonder: Besides playing a fat, shrill woman named Mandy, he also directed and co-wrote the movie, an ir- reverent tale about Brian of Nazareth, the man born next door to Jesus who is constantly being mistaken for him. Al- | though directing the chaotic Monty Py- thon troupe might seem an exercise in absurdity, Jones enjoyed himself: “It was a great experience,” he still says of Brian, now part of a Paramount Home Video | telease package that includes two titles brand new to video (Life of Python, a 1989 TV documentary, and Parrot Sketch Not Included, a “greatest hits” package), 4 as well as three solo efforts that have been out of print for years (The Mission- Men With a Mission: Denholm Elliott and Michael Palin in the re-release of The Missionary. ary and A Private Function, with Michael screenplay with Shane Common, co-au- | tion in Las Vegas, but most of the video Palin, and Privates on Parade, with John thor of My Left Foot, about Common’s retailers we spoke to at the show seemed Cleese). childhood memories of an Irish village. a little unsure about which button they Although the group’s members have Says Jones: “It’s a nice script, very gen- needed to push to get there. not worked together since Monty Py- | tle, but an odd thing for me to do.” thon’s Meaning of Life in 1983, they are The threat of direct-broadcast satel- But what about the Flying Circus? | lite services offering many titles directly still partners in Prominent Features, a Jones appeared on the 20th-anniversary to customers has some store owners development company that counts A | TV tribute with his mates but thinks it’s wondering how they can stay afloat; a Fish Called Wanda among its credits. unlikely the group will ever perform to- seminar on pay-per-— vpriomeotwed by “We all take an interest in each other's gether again. For one thing, original Py- a midget wandering the show floor with films,” says Jones, who now lives in sub- thon member Graham Chapman died in a sandwich board that read ‘“Pay-Per- urban London, writing children’s books, 1989; for another, no one remembers the View,” accompanied by a very tall man directing movies (Personal Services, Erik last group effort with any fondness. “It wearing a “Home Video” placard — was the Viking) and feeding olives to his pet | was very difficult getting everybody to- intended to allay those fears. dog (“She likes olive pits, but just give gether to do Meaning of Life,” he recalls. The good news is that the concerns her one at a time”). He has completed a “And it was a less-happy writing experi- have led more dealers than ever to con- ence. We’re all so different. At one sider laserdiscs. And a number of new- point I felt it was hopeles—swe just release announcements gave them seri- couldn't go anywhere. I remember wak- ous food for thought. On October 1, Im- ing up one morning with this sinking age Entertainment will release a CAV | feeling in my stomach I used to have boxed set of Ridley Scott’s Alien as a fol- during exams, and | thought, ‘Jesus low-up to last year’s popular (but con- Christ, this isn’t working. It’s all going to troversial) Aliens set. It will feature fall to pieces.’ ” It didn’t, but after the previously unseen sequences and a vari- movie's release, “I don’t remember any pressure by anyone to do another. I ety of interactive materials. Pioneer will think everyone wanted to move on.” weigh in with boxed sets of all three In- diana Jones movies, letterboxed at last, —Tom Soter and yet another Star Trek box, this one with all six feature films. Future tense Walt Disney Home Video made offi- cial the release of Beauty and the Beast Military Bearing: Monty Python’s John Cleese for video retailers on October 30. The company is hoping hams it up as one of the Privates on Parade. to sell as many as 20 million copies “Fast Forward to the Future” was the worldwide, even though the video will theme of this summer’s Video Software only be available until April 2, 1993. This figure would far surpass the 14 mil- lion copies of Fantasia Disney sold last 14 VIDEO OCTOBER 1992

TIMESHIFT The Concert for Bangladesh, featuring RCA scientist Marvin Leedom has George Harrison and Bob Dylan—a title that has never appeared on disc in the developed the first mass-producible U.S. And despite the recent push to- electron-beam guide suitable for flat- ward letterboxing widescreen films, cer- screen TVs. According to RCA, the tain major titles—most notably Das Boot and Tora, Tora, Tora—are still only sets should be available late in the available in this format from Japan. decade at a price comparable to pro- Another factor making Japanese la- jection TVs...It’s a surefire idea: a serdiscs newly attractive to Americans is, that costs have come down again. The famous movie star leading an exer- dollar has fallen even further in relation cise class you can take in your own to the yen, but at the same time, laser- disc prices in Japan have fallen by an home. Jane Fonda's Workout is the even greater degree. Thus, the original most thorough, balanced and intel- Japanese edition of Inoshiro Honda’s Package Deal; A CAV boxed set of Alien, with Godzilla, in its original Japanese version ligent exercise tape we've seen... Sigourney Weaver, will include unseen footage. (which has no Raymond Burr) can now Prices of Japanese electronic be bought here for around $85, instead year. A videocassette collector’s edition of the $110 it used to run—and the cur- equipment are tumbling in the will include not only the complete film, rent version has digital sound as well. U.S. due to both the value of the dol- Imports are also now more available lar and a glut in the market. If cur- than ever, thanks in part to the Tower but the full-length work-in-progress ver- Video chain, which is carrying limited rent trends accelerate, it might selections at the direct dollar equivalent seriously stall the Japanese econ- sion shown at last year’s New York Film Festival, plus additional Beauty para- omy...As far as Paramount Home phernalia. Unfortunately, the collector's Video is concerned, both the laservi- sion and CED disc formats are here set will arrive in a white box that ap- pears to be even bigger than last year’s to stay. The company is leading all mammoth Fantasia set. others in taking over its own disc dis- tribution... RCA’s new CED Last At presstime, Disney had yet to | complete laserdisc plans for Beauty with Tango in Paris is the first X-rated vid- | distributor Image Entertainment, mean- eodisc...According to Sydney ing that a same-day release with the Niekerk, president of a company tape, a la Fantasia, will probably be im- called Cal Vista, VHS and Beta will possible. KK be obsolete in 10 years. Niekerk be- lieves his new quarter-inch tape for- mat will replace half-inch because of Made in Japan its easier portability and tape stor- Back in the early 1980s when laserdiscs age...Reaction to the long-awaited | were a truly exotic format and Pioneer’s marketing of JVC’s VHS-C format has been rather mild. VHS-C comes domestic catalog carried fewer than 2,000 titles, Japanese laserdiscs were a after months of meetings about godsend. Not only did the titles reflect a standardizing the so-called 8mm for- market significantly larger than the one mat, which is expected to become over here — with a lot more classic films the standard portable sys- and music titles—but Japanese releases included early letterboxed presentations tem...Election time, as we all know, is important, but why do some of pictures like Forbidden Planet, 2001: A local stations insist on keeping us in- Space Odyssey and The Fall of the Roman formed on the latest tallyin the race Empire. The only drawback was higher Monster Import: Japanese laserdisc of Gojira, or for dogcatcher by running crawls cost, but until the fall of the dollar Godzilla, King of the Monsters in the U.S. across the bottom of our TV screens against the yen in the mid-’80s, even during our favorite shows?...How that was manageable, especially since la- of Japanese prices. Laser Island (1810 much longer can the om . was almost entirely an upscale mar- Voorhies Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 11235) limp along? Per- not only sells imported Japanese discs, haps a healthier il Wine et. but offers an invaluable resource for po- tential customers: The Japanese/Ameri- economy would The domestic disc catalog has made can Laserdisc Catalog, a complete two-in- have little effect major strides over the last few years, one directory of every disc available catching up to and even surpassing the from across the Pacific, including accu- Japanese market, but there are still a rate prices. This import-disc “bible” is large number of Japanese discs readily $12.85 with shipping and handling, and available as imports and of great interest includes a liberal selection of discount to Americans. For example, Japanese coupons for orders from Laser Island. Warner FBros. has released a laserdisc of —Bruce Eder OCTOBER 1992 VIDEO 15

VIDEQTESTBERGER-BRAITHWAITE LABS (os AIFISHER Siudir-Kandard TRILINGUAL ON SCREEN PROGRAMMING FVH 8902 HG CCM DA4 Heap Hi-Fi The Fisher FVH- ings. It also slightly improves perfor- | With excellent | video performance 8902 is the suc- mance, and adds a shuttle control on | at the SP speed, a cessor to the the remote and an extra language— plethora of fea- FVH-8901 (“Vid- French — to its existing English/Spanish tures and its $600 price tag, Fisher's eotests,” Feb. 92). onscreen menus. Yet, amazingly, the FVH-8902 ranks as a real bargain among VHS hi-fi VCRs. It has all the Like the 8901, it price is $100 lower. editing features sophisticated users Midmount VCRs have become com- | uses a midmount need, like a flying erase head, audio dub, insert edit and frame advance, FISHER design, with the | monplace over the last two years. The | and adds VCR Plus programming to satisfy technophobic users. However, tape transport design reduces vibration and improves performance at the six-hour EP speed centered right-to- stability of the transport. Most mid- does not stand out, and audio quality is good to average. We rate ease of VHS left on the chassis. mount VCRs add stabilizing rollers to use and overall performance very VCR The new model | help tape run more smoothly and to im- adds VCR Plus, | prove signal-to-noise ratios. The symme- which allows a | try of the design also appeals to design- user to program the deck by punching in conscious buyers, although Fisher chose a four- to seven-digit code from TV list- to hide the front panel with a decorative | Fisher FVH-B902 Price: $600 for VCR power, channel Audio: linear mono, good. For those seeking a VHS hi-fi VHS VCR up/down, pause/still, re- hi-fi AFM stereo deck with all the bells and whistles, Weight & Size (h/w/d): wind/search, play, stop, 12.1 Ibs.; 3.7 x 16-5/8 fast forward/search, TV Tuning Method: and who prefer to record at SP, this x 14 inches power, channel up/ frequency synthesis one’s definitely worth a look. down, volume up, vol- Tape Format & ume down, CATV Channel Selectors: search, synchro edit, RESULTS Speeds: VHS; power and channel up/ programmable scan on flying erase head, audio SP, LP. EP down; and covered but- VCR, scan plus random dub, video dub, insert Horizontal Resolution: tons for set, TV mode, access on remote edit, auto rewind, mid- 240 lines Video Heads: 4 CATV mode, VCR mount design, English/ mode, VCR Plus, pro- Preset Method: auto/ Spanish/French on- S/N Ratios (dB): un- Cue & Review Search: gram, clear, display, manual program, manu- screen display, digital weighted video—46.1 SP. 5x, LP’ 10x, EP: 21x auto program, channel al add/erase auto tracking, auto SP, 44.6 LP, 42.3 EP; erase, VCR/TV, 10-digit head cleaner, front pan- weighted video—52.1 Fast Forward/Rewind keypad, 100/enter, in- Cable Tuning Range: el A/V inputs, counter SP, 50 LP, 49.3 EP; Time: 4 min. for T-120 put, auto tracking, 125 channels | memory, VCR Plus pro- chroma AM—46 SP, audio out, blank search, gramming 44.3 LP, 40.1 EP; Remote Pause: front index, reset, memory, Timer: 6-event/1-year chroma PM—40.7 SP, panel, synchronized tape speed, audio dub, Absent Features: play 39.5 LP, 37.4 EP video dub, record (2) Special Features: still effects on LP, record Remote Control: IR frame, frame advance, | speed change on VCR, Audio Frequency wireless with shuttle Program Start slow motion, search in hi-fi audio recording Response: hi-fi—20 dial; exposed buttons Locator/Index/Cue: FF and rew., blank tape level controls, head- Hz-20 kHz, +1.2/-2 dB, index with auto mark phone jack, titles/ all speeds; linear (-3 graphics, jog dial dB)—100 Hz-7.5 kHz SP, 100 Hz-4 kHz LP VPLMIEHOSDORETSOOITGLERLSAOTPHS: 16 VIDEO OCTOBER 1992

Programming Power: The HS-C35U is The Mitsubishi Fisher's FVH-8902 HS-C35U is first adds the convenience at the top of a line camcorder to of VCR Plus program- bring interchange- ming to the midmount VIDEOTEST of three unusual able lenses down to prices most con- transport design used camcorders that on its top 1991 models. 654 mark Mitsubishi’s sumers can afford. At $1,699, it offers the extra resolution of S-VHS-C, the cover. re-entry into the clear sound of stereo hi-fi audio and Most of the deck’s other attractive all the features most home videogra- camcorder mart- phers need. Three len—swiedes-an- features are carried over from last year. gle, normal and telephoto —come These include a flying erase head, audio MITSUBISHI ket. It comes with with the camcorder. Each operates and video dubbing, front input jacks for three interchange- over a 6x zoom range, and attaches easy editing and dubbing from a cam- able front lens ele- with an easy-to-use bayonet mount. corder, an index search system with auto Picture quality is very good, hi-fi marking, digital auto tracking and auto S-VHS-C ments, each of sound quality is'good, and ease of use head cleaning. The flying erase head which offers a 6x is good to very good. Its overall very makes very clean edits, and the synchro zoom range. The good performance makes it one of pause connector facilitates one-touch camcorder widest gives a hor- the most attractive options in editing when combined with a Sanyo or S-VHS-C camcorders — especially Fisher camcorder having a pause output. izontal coverage of about 60 degrees at with the extra lenses. Even with so many features, we full wide-angle, which is one and a half Sony, but a bit wider. A viewfinder ex- found a few omissions. Unlike last year’s tends two inches further back. The times wider than conventional zooms. viewfinder folds 180 degrees forward continued on page 32 over the hand grip for easier carrying The longest element magnifies the wide- and storage. and EP Hi-Fi Dynamic Range; angle image by 14.5x. You get the same In a column near the rear right edge 79.5 dB are an edit control jack and output jacks range you would with a traditional 6x for S-video, video, stereo audio and DC zoom using 0.6x wide-angle and 1.5x power for the RF adapter. This is a nice change of pace from the many S-VHS-C telephoto adapters. The advantage is camcorders that use a non-standard, multipin A/V connector. The edit con- that the HS-C35U’s lenses operate trol jack allows one-touch editing when used with a synchro edit-equipped Mit- throughout the 6x zoom range. subishi VCR—the VCR will automat- ically record when the camcorder is in It carries a full package of standard play mode, and pause when the cam- corder is in pause, fast forward or re- features. These include a trigger-oper- wind. Jacks for headphones and an optional wired remote ated fader (to white), a backlight com- control sit nearby. > pensator useful for shooting in the direction of the sun, a one-page digital memory titler with a selection of eight colors (with normal and reverse images), auto/sun/artificial light white balance with a lock mode; and soft video, which simulates the gentler contrast gradation of movies. However, we wish a manual iris control and an external microphone jack had also been included. The HS-C35U is about the size of the shoe-style compact camcorders from Linear Audio S/N: 43.6 dB Audio Distortion: hi- fi—0.3%, linear—1.1% RATINGS Picture: excellent at SP, good at EP Audio: hi-fi—good, linear—average Ease of Use: very good Overall: very good Variable Vision: Mitsubishi's HS-C35 is the first S-VHS-C camcorder with interchangeable lenses. OCTOBER 1992 VIDEO 17

aSyo,e Aiea) ©1992 Philips Consumer Electronics Company. A Division of North American Phil

There are a lot of CD players that deliver great sound. But only one that transforms your television from something you look at and listen to into something you actually experience. It's called the Imagination Machine” Itcomes from Philips, the inventors of CD technology. And it’s the world's first CD - Interactive Player. You Can Hold Some Of The World's Experiences In The Palm Of Your Hand. As a CD audio player, the Imagination Machine delivers stunning musical reproduction. And, when the simple connection is made to your television, the door is opened to the exciting world of CD-Interactive entertainment and education. In the same way that digital CD technology captures music, the wide variety of CD-Interactive titles have captured some of the world’s truly amazing experiences and put them on standard 5-inch discs called CD-I's. Stand up to Dave Stewart's fastball. Let your kids explore Richard Scarry’s Neighborhood. Take your family on a private tour of the Smithsonian. The Imagination Machine lets you do itall from your living room. _ Major publishers already involved in the production of CD.Ititles include: Time-Life, The Smithsonian Institution, ABC Sports Presents and Mercury Records. And, with the new Photo CD technology available through selected retailers offering KODALUX Processing Services, you can create your own CD family photo albums. To see and hear CD-Interactive in action, call 1-800-532-6363 to arrange for a demonstration near you. Just five minutes with the Imagination Machine and you'll discover it's more than a CD player: It's an experience! Here are just a few ofthe titles from the CD-I catalog, covering a wide spectrum ofinteractive games, how-to's, children’s programs, museum tours, musical jukeboxes, historical journeys and much more. Another First From Philips

VIDEO MAGAZINE ICNDV-IITNETSEYRAOCUTITVOECAEPXTPEURRIEENTCHEE LEE LEER TELE LLL SLE LLLRSLLEL ECE LLEELELEN ELEREDE LEDLT ILE IIE LEBLIELL TGLIS ARIS HESNS SS TUS ITIRLE COME SEE THE PHILIPS IMAGINATION MACHINE DEMONSTRATED BY VIDEO MAGAZINE CONTRIBUTING EDITOR, RON GOLDBERG These demonstration events will be hosted by Ron Goldberg, VIDEO Magazine contributing editor. Demonstrations will be held every hour from noon to 5 p.m. Ron will introduce you to CD-I hardware and software and take ane you through the amazing capabilities of the Imagination Machine. He'll demonstrate the _ Stonestow -| 3201le machine for you and hold a que and beeen answer session. You'll en - esha even get the chance to use it yourself and cap- ture the experience! You'll enjoy refreshments and receive free issues of the VIDEO Magazine SSAPSSS Buyer’s Guide ! This is one of the most VIDEO’s Ron Goldberg exciting technologies ever made available to consumers. Interact with Philips CD-I at VIDEO Magazine Live! Don’t miss it. PHILIPS & PHILIPS

The hand grip is conventional, with when you can’t move far enough away to S-VHS-C cassettes in an S-VHS VCR the run/pause button at the back and (or a VHS deck with Quasi S-VHS play- the zoom rocker at the top right edge. get everyone in the picture. The tele- back capability), and playback of VHS- Other camera controls, like white bal- photo lens is perfect for outdoor shoot- C cassettes in a VHS machine. The ance and shutter speed, occupy the usu- ing, where you often can’t get close company seems to be encouraging play- al places on the left side. The rear panel enough to a subject. back on a full-sized VCR. Of course, you has switches for power and eject, and can always play tapes by hooking the buttons that control the onscreen menu, Basic shooting is fairly straightfor- the titler, the counter and the soft pic- ward. A switch on the left side allows se- _ camcorder up to a TV set or a VCR, and lection of manual, full auto and auto all the necessary cables are included. ture option. lock modes. In the manual position you You can’t record from a VCR or an- The only unusual controls are those can control all functions. In full auto, fo- other camcorder, as there are no inputs cus and white balance are automatic for taping from A/V sources. Tracking for playback. Play, stop and pause hide and shutter speed is 1/60-second. In auto adjustment using repeated push and behind the viewfinder when it is folded hold operation of the play button is un- down for shooting—you must raise it to lock, only power, zoom, counter, wind usual, but seems to work and is rarely play a tape in the camcorder. Controls noise and transport controls operate. needed. for rewind/search and fast forward/ The manual explains each option, search sit at the top of the rear panel, The display button calls up not only but because of a sketchy table of con- around the corner from the other play- the onscreen displays, but also the one- tents and index, you may have to read a back controls. These double for record page menu. The menu button cycles whole chapter to find the information review, which lets you watch a tape for- through options for tape speed, title col- wards or backwards while remaining in or, title reverse, S-VHS set, tape re- you seek. However, the manual has ex- record mode. cellent diagrams of the controls with maining, audio monitor, edit, interval page references for further instructions. Each lens has a button that frees it record, insert edit and date/time set. Ease of use is good to very good. from the camcorder’s lens mount. The Adjustments are made with the reverse lenses simply twist off and on. All three title/set button. The menu system does Because the camcorder has no video have threads for 66mm accessories. The reduce button clutter, but all selections or audio inputs, we made measurements require more button punches. using tapes recorded on other machines ranges of these lenses overla—pif you and from tapes made through the cam- don’t want to carry all three, you can The awkward placement of the play- era. Picture quality is very good, among leave the normal lens behind, even back controls might be fixed by a good though it is the smallest. The wide-angle remote control, but we did not have a the best. in the S-VHS-C camp, and def- lens is a must indoors, for those times chance to test the HS-C35U’s optional initely better than that of Mitsubishi's wired remote. Mitsubishi supplies an adapter that allows playback of the | Now! Professional wireless , sound for your camcorder. ATR45W VHF Wireless Outstanding sound is now easier than ever. New ATR45W wireless microphone uses professional VHF technology miniaturized specifically for camcorder use by Camcorder Microphone Audio-Technica U.S. System | Superior sound starts with a quality ultra-miniature condenser microphone complete with clothing clip and foam windscreen. Each wireless system is easily switched to either — of two 170 Hz VHF frequencies (not the over-crowded 49 MHz band) for minimum interference. Earphone output provides real-time monitoring of the signal. ~ Both transmitter and receiver operate from readily available 9V batteries. The 2.8 oz. transmitter is easily hidden in clothing, while the receiver clips to the camera accessory shoe or mounts anywhere else with the supplied Velcro or foam tape. Flexible, swiveling receiver antenna reduces breakage. Enjoy impressive sound, full freedom of action, and reliable wireless operation with the new ATR45W VHF microphone system from Audio-Technica. Call 1 (800) 933-9022 today or write for literature and name of anearby Audio-Technica sound specialist. atu's AUDIO-TECHNICA U.S., Inc. 1221 Commerce Drive, Stow, OH 44224 (800) 933-9022 or (216) 686-2600 OCTOBER 1992 VIDEO 21

other S-VHS-C model, the HS-CX7U We rate the HS-C35U very good Mitsubishi (““Videotests,” Apr. 92), probably be- HS-C3ol cause we could adjust tracking more ac- overall. Its simple operation, dependable 5-ViS-C min. for TC-20/TC-30 curately. performance, reasonable price and inter- Camcorder Remote Pause: Audio quality on the stereo hi-fi changeable lenses make it a top con- through wired remote tracks is good and on the mono linear control or edit jack track it is fair. The substandard perfor- tender among S-VHS-C camcorders. Its mance of the mono track should proba- bly be igno—rbeecaduse this camcorder size, performance and price are compa- Remote Control: op- has no audio dub feature, you'll probably tional wired with only use its hi-fi tracks, anyway. rable to those of JVC’s GR-S505U, but Price: $1,699 buttons for stopwatch, fade, rewind/search, the two camcorders carry very different Weight & Size (h/w/d): still, stop, start/stop, 2.1 Ibs. without battery play, fast forward/ feature packages. See both before you and cassette; 4-5/8 x search 4-3/8 x 12-1/4 inches buy, so you can decide which features with normal lens are most important to you. a WITH NADY’sS NEW WIRELESS Image Sensor: 1/2-inch Program Start VIDEO MICROPHONES, YOU GET CCD, 410,000 gross Locator/Index/Cue: pixels auto mark under certain HIGH PERFORMANCE AND circumstances EXCEPTIONAL VALUE! Lenses: 3—1/1.8, 6x (5-54mm) normal; {/1.8, Audio: linear mono, FOR THE SERIOUS FOR THE 6x (14.2-85mm) tele; hi-fi AFM stereo CONSUMER AND PROFESSIONAL {/1.8, 6x (5.9-35.4mm) VIDEOGRAPHER: THE wide-angle Titles/Graphics: one- EVENT NEW ALL METAL page digital superim- TWo CHANNEL NADY Filter Diameter: 66mm poser in one of eight VIDEOGRAPHER: 551 VR SYSTEM! colors with reverse, and THE NEW NADY Minimum Focusing date/time record Distance: about 1 inch 351 VR SYSTEM! from lens at wide-angle Special Features: three zoom lenses, still Autofocus: auto frame, counter memory, switchable to powered insert edit, wind filter, manual synchro edit, interval record, flying erase Minimum Illumination: head, auto head clean- 9.3 lux for 50 IRE er Iris; auto with BLC ¢ Ultra compact VHF receiver and ° Rugged, all metal, compact body Auto Fade: Absent Features: body pack transmitter—both pack transmitter and receiver to/from white frame advance, slow utilizing the latest Surface Mount feature SMT design and switch- motion, speed play, au- Technology (SMT) able dual channels Shutter Speeds (sec.): dio dub, video dub, 1/60 (normal), 1/100, auto rewind, A/V input, ° Unparalleled 120 dB dynamic ° 120 dB dynamic range with com- 1/250, 1/500, 1/1,000, mic input, manual iris range with state of the art com- pander noise reduction 1/2,000, 1/10,000 pander noise reduction RESULTS e All metal handheld microphone White Balance: auto, ¢ Body pack transmitter with lava- with audio mute switchable to indoor/ Horizontal Resolution: lier microphone and innovative outdoor/lock $-VHS-C—400 lines, battery compartment for super * Body pack transmitter accepts all VHS-C—240 lines easy battery changes brands of lavalier mics with mini Viewfinder: electronic, XLR connector with diopter adjustment S/N Ratios (dB): un- ¢ All metal handheld microphone and onscreen indicators weighted luminance— is small, rugged and attractive * Receiver provides both balanced for real-time counter, ti- 43.7 SP, 41.6 EP; and unbalanced outputs and tle color, battery re- weighted luminance— with no external antenna and headphone jack with separate maining, record mode, 50.2 SP, 48.6 EP; un- volume control for monitoring counter memory, tape weighted video—44.7 includes a convenient on-mic ran S-VHS, tape SP, 43.8 EP; weighted ° Optional AC powered speed, clock battery, video—50.2 SP, 50.7 audio mute switch battery/dew/tape, soft EP; chroma AM—46.4 NADY SYSTEMS, INC. video, low light, manual SP, 42.9 EP; chroma * Receiver can be worn with belt clip 6701 Bay Street white balance, shutter PM—41.3 SP, 39.4 EP or shoe mounted on camcorder Emeryville, CA 94608 speed, fade, manual fo- and features a headphone jack 510/652-2411 cus, date and time Audio Frequency with volume control for conve- Response: hi-fi—20 nient monitoring VCR Controls: play, Hz-20 kHz, +3.2/-1.9 Stop, pause, fast for- dB (both speeds); lin- ward/search, rewind/ ear, -3 dB—100 Hz-5 search ae SP, 100 Hz-4 kHz E Microphone: stereo Hi-Fi Dynamic Range: Jacks: S-video out, vid- 74.6 dB eo out, DC out for RFU, stereo audio out, Linear Audio S/N: edit out, remote control, 42.6 dB headphones, DC input Audio Distortion: hi- Tape Formats & fi—0.4%, linear—0.9% Speeds: S-VHS-C, VHS-C; SP, EP RATINGS Picture: very good Video Heads: 4 Audio: hi-figood, Cue & Review Search: linear—tair Circle 10 on Reader Service Card. 3x SP, 7x EP. Ease of Use: good/very good Fast Forward/Rewind Time: 4-3/4 min./7-1/4 | Overall: very good 22 VIDEO OCTOBER 1992

BRING HOME MEMORIES NOT EXCUSES ISHER’S NEW 8mm CAMCORDER WAS ENGINEERED FOR simplicity, using a sophisticated technology called fuzzy logic. It’s completely user friendly, almost “auto everything” with pre-set shooting modes, so pictures are clear, sharp, natural. Packed with L] High Speed Shutter (up to useful features, itll help you create America’s easiest videos. You'll CJ 11-Key Wireless 1/10,000-sec.) spend your time deciding which memories to capture, not which Infrared Remote CJ 1 Lux Low-Light Control Capability (with buttons to push. If you’ve delayed buying a camcorder until now, L] Fuzzy Logic Auto gain-up) you've got no more excuses. FISHER Focus, Auto Iris L] Super Lightweight and Auto White Balance Design (1.8 lbs.) AUDIGC/V/IDE@O ... Trust your senses. ©1992 Fisher Audio/Video Circle 8 on Reader Service Card.

VIDEOTESTS Capable Combi: The CLD-D701 is Pioneer's newest top-of-the-line combi player, with a jog/shuttle dial, digital effects on CLV discs and side changing. Pioneer offers of basic player functions as a one-side la- | The CLD-D701 three lines of la- serdisc player and a five-CD changer. combi player re- serdisc players: the The other type plays only one CD at a places the CLD- laserdisc-only Ref- time, but offers a wider variety of feature | 3090 as the top of | erence Series, cur- packages. The CLD-D701 offers virtually every Pioneer’s basic line. It carries all the | rently represented by the $3,500 LD- feature available in a laserdisc player. It features you could want in a laserdisc plays laserdiscs, CDs and CD-Video | player, including automatic side- PIONEER $2; the Elite Se- discs. Pioneer’s Alpha-Turn mechanism changing and digital effects for clear combi plays both sides of a laserdisc automat- search and slow-motion pictures from player ries combi players, which match the LD-S2 in looks ically, while maintaining the same orien- CLV discs. It plays all sizes of laser- and approach its tation of the three-beam laser pickup discs and CDs. Its picture and sound performance; and | with respect to the direction of disc | are both excellent, and comparable two types of basic travel. Digital picture memory allows a | to those of other top-notch combi combi players, which are dependable user to get still frames, slow motion and players. Ease of use is very good to performers at less costly prices. One type clear search on CLV discs. All laserdisc | excellent, hindered only by the lack | of some controls on the front panel. | Pioneer CLD-0701 Price: $1,200 Remote Control: IR Digital Audio: 1-bit We rate it excellent overall. At Laserdise Player wireless with jog/shuttle DLC stereo/dual mono $1,200, it’s priced right. Weight & Size (h/w/d): dial and buttons for D/A converter with dou- 19 Ibs.; 5-3/8 x 16-5/8 power, stop/eject, digi- ble-step noise shaping RESULTS measurement limit) x 17-1/4 inches tal/analog/CX, audio UR/stereo, A-B repeat, Titles/Graphics: multi- Horizontal Resolution: Audio S/N (dB): digital Disc Formats & one-shot memory, dis- ple displays for frame, 425 lines tated—95, measured— Speeds: LD—12- and play, program, edit, time, time remaining, 94.6; analog meas- 8-inch, CDV—5-inch, chapter/time, 10-digit total time, chapter/track S/N Ratios (dB): lumi- ured—67.1 CD—5- and 3-inch keypad, +10, clear, digi- and programming nance—49.5 tal level control, hilite/ unweighted, 53.8 Audio Distortion: Direct Search: max. 10 intro, pause, scan re- Special Features: digi- weighted; video—48.7 digital rated—0.0018%; sec. on one side verse, play, scan tal effects, automatic unweighted, 55.8 measured—0.002%; forward, skip reverse, side-changing, still weighted; chroma AM— analog measured— Cue & Review Scan skip forward, jog mode, frame, bidirectional 47.6, chroma PM—38.5 0.03% Search: max 30 sec. side A, side B, plus frame advance, bidirec- on one side, approx. rockers for still/step for- tional slow motion Audio Frequency RATINGS 20x ward or reverse, multi- (1/2x-1/90x) and speed Response: digital rat- speed forward and re- play (2x-3x), repeat ed—4 Hz-20 kHz, Picture: Jacks: 2 S-video out- verse, and multispeed - playback, repeat play, measured—10 Hz-20 very good/excellent puts, 2 video outputs, 2 and + auto program edit, digi- kHz, +0/-0.5 dB; analog pairs of stereo audio tal TBC, soft picture, measured—20 Hz-20 Audio: excellent outputs, Toslink optical Program Start digital memory, one- kHz, +3.3/-2.0 dB digital audio output, SR Locator/Index/Cue: shot memory, last Ease of Use: temote control input frame, time, chapter/ memory function Dynamic Range (dB): very good/excellent and output track and points A-B digital rated—115, Overall: Absent Features: measured—104 (our very good/excellent Remote Pause: SR re- Analog Audio: hi-fi RF input and output mote in and out AFM stereo/dual mono 24 VIDEO OCTOBER 1992

AVOID COMMON MISTAKES FVH8902 L] Flying Erase Control RIGHT FROM THE START. 4-Head Mid-Mount Head VHS Video Cassette ISHER’S NEW Hi-Fi VCR WAS CREATED TO RECORD, Recorder CL] VCR Plus+\" playback and relieve anxiety. It’s virtually goof-proof. Programming No unhappy endings where beginnings were supposed to be. With CJ VHS Hi-Fi Stereo Recording and J Programmed built into it, you record your favorite show simply by Playback ing the show code number that appears in your local TV list- Universal Remote ings. If you rent a lot of movies, you'll appreciate the self-cleaning L] MTS/dbx Stereo with Shuttle heads. You can even set the clock without a Ph.D. Get a great pic- and SAP (Second ture and great sound and avoid mistakes. Audio Program) Decoder AUDIC/sVIDE@D ... Trust your senses. VCR Plus+\" is a trademark of Gemstar Development Corporation. ©1992 Fisher Audio/Video Circle 9 on Reader Service Card.

players produce these effects with CAV CDs and the audio portion of CD-Vs. play off, single play, direct CD, digital discs, but CAVs are rarer and more ex- Auto program editing juggles chap- memory, random playback, soft picture pensive than CLVs. The digital picture and film mode, all of which must be se- ter/track playback to fit into user-desig- circuitry also incorporates a timebase corrector to reduce picture jitter. nated time periods, so you can easily fit lected from the front panel. The remote the maximum number of CD tracks on should be regarded as the primary oper- The CLD-D701 offers several small an audio cassette. A last memory func- ating control. improvements over the CLD- tion stores the disc position and contin- . 3090. A film mode switches off all on- The disc tray is a bit less robust than screen displays as well as those on the ues playback from a point just before you trays on early models and may require player, to more closely recreate the mov- turned off the power. ie experience. A soft picture button re- gentle handling. It offers an extremely duces the noise common in old movies. The rear panel has numerous out- wide range of play options, almost all of The most commonly used buttons on puts, including two for S-video, two for which are easily accomplished from the the remote are backlit. video, two pairs for stereo audio, and a remote. Ease of operation is very good to Separate audio and video circuit Toslink optical output for digital audio. excellent. boards with shielding minimize inter- It also has an in/out pair for Pioneer’s SR Except for the chroma PM result, ference between the signals. Picture re- production may be improved by using remote control link system, which al- the CLD-D701’s picture measurements lows integrated system operation when are among the best achieved by combi the S-video outputs, which use a high- performance comb filter better than the the CLD-D701 is used with a Pioneer players. Compared to them, it is excel- ones found in many video monitors. audio/video receiver. There are no RF lent, although a bit short of the perfor- Audio, too, receives careful han- inputs or outputs —ifyour TV set has no mance levels achieved by Pioneer’s dling. The digital-to-analog converter is a one-bit DLC (direct linear conversion) audio/video input, you'll have to daisy- laserdisc-only LD-S2, which is almost type with high-speed and high-density chain the CLD-V701 with a VCR, or use three times as expensive. There is no pulseflow, putting the CLD-D701 in the an external RF adapter. noticeable picture deterioration during same sonic league with many good CD players. As on many past Pioneer combi The remote control has a jog/shuttle search because whole frames are dis- players, a direct CD mode shuts off all dial at the bottom, with a mode button played through digital memory. How- video circuitry to avoid interference, that glows red when engaged. The lay- ever, the search seems like a slightly and opens the disc tray only part way to out is conventional —side selectors and jerky presentation of the sampled still speed up operation. buttons for eject, audio monitor and frames. Pioneer’s top-of-the-line laser- Up to 24 laserdisc chapters or CD power at the top, a 10-digit keypad in disc players of the late ’80s had much tracks can be programmed; the pro- the middle and transport functions like smoother digital search. Audio perfor- gramming can access chapters on both play, skip and scan near the bottom. mance is excellent, in many cases be- sides of a laserdisc. Two segments of vid- The transport buttons can be backlit yond our measurement capabilities. eo can be selected for repeat playback, and four still frames can be captured in for four seconds at the touch of a switch We rate the CLD-D701 excellent sequence using the one-shot program. Eight repeat playback options are possi- on the remote’s left side. An unusual ad- overall. Only a few machi—nineclsud- ble with laserdiscs and the video portion dition is the digital level button, which ing Panasonic’s LX-1000 and Mit- of CD-Vs. There are seven options with lets the user control the digital audio subishi’s M-V8000 — offer similar feature volume from the shuttle dials on the re- packages, and the CLD-D701 compares mote and on the player. favorably with both in price and perfor- Having few controls on the player mance. We recommend you check out contributes to its handsome appearance, at least a couple of these top combi play- but the omissions impair operation from ers even if you're only in the market for the front panel. The remote offers a a budget player. The digital effects and complete range of functions except dis- side-changing may win you over. 5 VIDEO TAPES FROM OVERSEAS? NO PROBLEM View or record them f with our award winning 50/60 Hz Digital — This new international VCR plays any VHS standard in the world with no vertical hold problems. You can even make copies of foreign tapes and because the 50/60 has a cable ready tuner and RF modulator, you can use it as a regular VCR with aregular TV set. The 50/60 is the only Multistandard VCR made in the USA and therefore based on an NTSC deck. NTSC features, ease and low cost of service, make it your best choice. Call today and ask for our special offer. ©1992 Toll Free 1-800 749-8779 or (305) 8ya INSTANT REPLAY 2601 S. Bayshore Dr., Coconut Grove, FL. 33133 A Member of the ELECTRONIC INDUSTRIES ASSOCIATION Circle 12 on Reader Service Card. 26 VIDEO OCTOBER 1992

ELIMINATE CONFLICTS o IN YOUR RELATIONSHIP “ ISHER’S BRIGHT NEW 31\" TV WAS DESIGNED TO SATISFY the needs of not just one critical person, but two. Football on this big screen 31\" TV brings the action up close and personal. Concerts with the built-in Surround Sound circuitry and the deep bass of a APISHER Super-Woofer feel so much more spectacular. And if you just can’t agree on what to watch, Pictwre-in-Picture lets you watch two shows at the same time. Fisher helps you eliminate the wrestling match and PC2631 Picture-in-Picture 31\" Stereo Color Capability enjoy true bliss. i#|FISHER Television/High Surround Sound Resolution Monitor Circuitry AUDIC/VIDEC Super-Woofer C) Active Color Sound System ...l rust your senses. Equalizer (ACE) L] Programmed Universal Remote mulated picture shown. ©1992 Fisher Audio/Video Circle 11 on Reader Service Card.

VIDEQTESTS '@F=Tae(-)j(0) aka} Basic Eight: Canon's E210 is the latest in the company’s long line of simple, shoe-style 8mm cam- corders. C. TITLE DATE LAWHAWBele 4 LAF ALESIS GAIN UP SHUTTER The Canon E210 for fancy features like digital zoom, Canon hasn’t echoes the basic menu systems, image stabilization and changed its basic, shoe-style 8mm VIDEOTEST design goal—sand exotic titles. Some may find the E210’s camcorders much for that matter, in the last few years, but it really 656 the basic design— lack of bells and whistles frustrating; hasn’t had to—it’s a proven design that might not be improved all that others may find it comforting. much by adding bells and whistles. The E210 has all the basics, plus a few of many past Can- The few camera control buttons are useful extras: scrollable character ti- tles, gain-up capability, 20x high- on shoe-style cam- large. Their shape and surface texture speed search and a powered accesso- CANON corders. It is in- help you find and use them by touch, ry shoe that accommodates an op- | tended primarily tional six-watt light. The good for casual family rather than by looking. It uses infrared picture, average audio and very good ease of use make it a good buy, al- autofocus, which focuses quickly, with- 8mm video, where ease out hunting back and forth as do some camcorder of use is a top pri- through-the-lens systems. However, in- ority. The E210 stands out sharply frared autofocus fails in more situa- | tions—such as on diagonal subjects and | against many of the latest camcorders, through windows and screens— than which tend to be covered with buttons TIL systems. cS Canon £210 Fitter Diameter: 37mm transport operation, Cue & Review Search: though at $1,299, it’s a bit more ex- 8mm Camcorder selffinterval timer mode, forward—9x, reverse— pensive than some of its competitors. Minimum Focusing character titler, scroll- 7x; high-speed search Distance: 2 feet tele, ing, counter, tape from FF/rew mode— lay/continuous record, lines 1/2 inch wide-angle warning, battery warn- 20x locking/non-locking 10-second delay/30- ing, dew, time and second record, 1/2-sec- S/N Ratios (dB): un- Autofocus: infrared date/clock battery warn- Fast Forward/Rewind ond record every 10, weighted video—41.6, ing Time: 6.5/5.5 min. for 20 or 60 seconds weighted video—47.6, Minimum Illumination: P6-120 chroma AM—40.8, Viewfinder Controls: Special Features: chroma PM—37.5 4.2 lux, gain normal; diopter focus and grip/ Remote Pause: FlexiGrip, sports finder, 2.7 lux, gain-up viewer angle only through IR still frame, insert edit, Audio Frequency hot shoe for optional Response: 50 Hz-14 Iris: auto with gain-up VCR Controls: play, Remote Control: IR light, flying erase head, kHz, +0.1/-3 dB; -8.7 option stop, rewind/search, wireless with wide/tele counter memory (tape dB at 20 Hz; -9.5 dB at | fast forward/search, rocker and buttons for return), optional 6-watt 20 kHz Price: $1,299 Auto Fade: tecord start/pause (sep- Star/stop, fade start/ video light hold-down type arate buttons on stop, counter reset, on- Hi-Fi Dynamic Range: Weight & Size (h/w/d): remote) screen, tape return, Absent Features: 71.1 dB 2.1 Ibs. without battery, Shutter Speeds (sec.): tewind/search, fast for- LANC remote control light and cassette; bat- 1/60 (normal), 1/100, Microphone: ward/search, stop, play, jack, mic jack, ear- Audio Distortion: 0.4% tery—0.4 Ib.; 5 x 4-3/8 1/1,000, 1/4,000 electret condenser record and still phone jack, stereo x 11-7/8 inches audio, indexing, auto RATINGS White Balance: Jacks: video in/out, DC Audio: hi-fi AFM mono macro focus Image Sensor: 1/3-inch auto with lock out for RF adapter, Picture: good CCD, 250,000 effective mono audio in/out Titles/Graphics: 1 RESULTS pixels Viewfinder: 0.6-inch page, 2 lines, up to 16 Audio: average CRT electronic, with di- Tape Format & Speed: characters each with Horizontal Resolution: Lens: {/1.8, 8x opter and onscreen horizontal scroll recorder—240/250 Ease of Use: (7-56mm) power zoom indicators for manual 8mm SP very good with macro focus, WB lock, shutter speed, gain up, line in, Video Heads: 2 Timer: 10-second de- lines, camera—320 Overall: good 28 VIDEO OCTOBER 1992

If you think viewing a movie at home is technology in which we have led worldwide. a mere spectator sport, you've never strapped The ultimate in sight and sound, it comes yourself into the Pioneer® Home Theater. 60% closer to reality than ordinary video- With our leadership in both audio and video tape. And features the superiority of digital sound. technology, the linking of the two produces unprece- Of course, what you hear is spectacular. The dented results. enveloping intensity of five What you see is the Pioneer Home Theater. channel f Gg sharpest, brightest Dolby’ Pro J picture ever played ona You dont just watch it. 50-inch screen. Our Logic” Surround Sound. All ProVision™ line of delivered All Pioneer LaserDise Players projection TVs fea- care of the industry-leading tures a sophisticated Audio/Video Receiva ers by Pioneer. let you enjoy both laserdiscs To maximize the quality of raentdaiClDe»r,abAoustk sypoeucrialPiCoDneer and laserdise offers from Columbia House. new short-focus lens Surround Sound, we've assembled a superb new pack- system for a 25% age of perfectly matched modular speakers specially adeeb brighter picture. The designed to deliver a theater-like experience. new high-contrast Of course, there’s a lot more to tell, so call us at The Pioneer CLD-D701'Gombination black screen 1-800-PIONEER for more information. Or, drop CD/LaserDise Player and VSX-D90IS A/V Receiver by a Pioneer Home Theater dealer. You'll find just what with Dolby Pro Logic. increases the contrast ratio by 20%. And an advanced three-line digital comb filter significantly enhances you'd expect from the leaders in audio color accuracy and improves picture quality. and video: Home theater so advanced, The picture source is a Pioneer Laser Disc Player, a you don’t just watch it” Our new ProViston SD-P5065K Projection TV incorporates a hoat of technological innovations. Pictured here ts an actual on-screen image. The new Pioneer S-V40LK Home Theater Experience Speaker collection is customizefdorour Home Theater Surround Sound dydtem. @d) PIONEER’ © 1992 Pioneer El ectronics (USA) Inc., Long Beach, CA. Dolby and Pro Logic are regis- tered tradema ‘Dolby Laboratories Licensis ration. © 1991 Caroleo Pictures The Art of Entertainment Inc. All righta re: ved, The depiction of ENDOSKELETON is a trademark ofCarolco.

Canon’s unique FlexiGrip combines you achieve correct color balance in sit- corder is the hold-down type. the grip and viewfinder. It rotates a full Among the desirable optional acces- 180 degrees for comfortable high- and uations where auto white balance does- low-angle shooting. A large sports-type n’t usually work well, such as a subject sories is a six-watt video light that slips finder lets you operate the camera from with one dominant color. It also has a into the accessory shoe and draws power a distance of a foot or two, without gain-up button for improved low-light from the camcorder’s battery. Such an performance, three high shutter speeds arrangement minimizes weight but pressing it to your eye. This grip, used on halves the life of each battery charge, so for shooting sports, a character genera- we strongly recommend buying and car- many Canon camcorders, makes it easy tor, and an infrared remote control with rying extra batteries if you use the light. to shoot over the heads of a crowd or an unusual fade start/stop button that from ground level. produces fully automatic fades, even Since it is designed for simplicity, though the fade button on the cam- some common features have been omit- The E210’s white balance lock lets ted, like jacks for LANC remote control ti (for use with LANC-compatible editing controllers), an external microphone NEW TECHNOLOGY and an earphone. Others omitted to LOWER PRICES lower cost include stereo sound and dig- ital graphic memory for superimposing. LNCNN AVAILABLE With this lack of features, it’s not the kind of camcorder you’d use to win a HBO* aaESPN** AReEAeNOW! video contest, but for preserving memo- The Family Channel ries, it’s more than good enough. Sci-Fi Channel USA Network The Discovery Channel Cinemax* It is very similar to the Canon E250 BSI Black Entertainment Television (“Videotests,” July 92) except the E210 Trinity Broadcasting Network Mind Extension University has a shorter zoom range, fewer features Disney* The Movie Channel* and smaller price tag. CNBC Headline News Superstation TBS Arts & Entertainment All the controls are in the places The Nashville Network you’d expect —zoom rocker under the right-hand fingers, run/stop button un- . and MORE! der the right thumb, and camera con- trols positioned for left-hand access. ECHOSTAR $2 00 Unlike many of Canon's shoe-style cam- corders, the VCR controls are on the nate OMECABLE.. MONTH top panel, instead of doubled up with O.A.C. the camera controls on the left side. The top also carries controls for the charac- Complete system includes programming.+ ter generator, which produces one page with two lines of 16 characters each. You New! EchoStar SMALL-DISH System for can scroll a title from the right to the center of the screen, where it remains crystal-clear cable programming nationwide. until you turn it off, or scroll it off with a For FREE CATALOG call four-second pause at screen center. —Se-—Ses- 800-346-6466 It uses the old-style manual focus le- ver with a manual macro focus release ‘Name Brands Only’ on the end, and a manual focusing ring. This type of setup doesn’t offer the *; Pr rogramming preackage included for first year only. point-and-shoot ease of an inner-focus, Services require a small additional fee. Geographical restrictions may apply. auto macro lens, but it does have advan- tages. The focus ring is faster and more accurate than the powered focus but- tons on most newer camcorders. The manual zoom lever lets you frame shots quickly, and removes some of the temp- tation to zoom in and out constantly with the power zoom rocker. The remote control duplicates many of the buttons on the top panel plus some for camera control. Near the front are a zoom rocker and buttons for start/ stop and fade start/stop. Behind those in two columns are others for counter re- set, tape return, onscreen, and VCR transport functions like play and stop. The camcorder is very easy to use. Most of the controls you use during shooting are grouped on the left side, and most have only one function. The ones you use most are larger than the continued on page 40 Circle 58 on Reader Service Card. 30 VIDEO OCTOBER 1992

LASERDISC PICK en ee LesorDPise BASIC STINCT* EAROLCO i anecathbaes : ® PIONGER ROAD tsh BS FE \\e ArtofEntertainment © 1992 Pioneer LDCA, Inc., Long Beach, CA. © 1992 by Carolco Pictures Inc. All rights reserved. Call 1-800-421-1621 for a store near you. Circle 57 on Reader Service Card.

VHS VER Unlike the dedicated VCR Plus re- Magic marker mote and some VCR Plus-cquipped VCRs from RCA, the FVH-8902 can’t At the beginning of each camcorder continued from page 17 control a cable box. If you use a cable tape you shoot, and at the start of each box, remember to turn the box on and new event on the tape, record for 30 model, the FVH-8902 has no mic jack select the proper channel yourself before seconds with the date/time readout acti- or time-remaining readout. It also lacks you leave. The deck also offers conven- vated and the lens cap on. A verbal clean search and still at the LP speed, a tional onscreen programming, so even if comment about the event and location record speed switch on the VCR (al- you can’t find your TV Guide, you can can be added at the same time. This aids though there’s one on the remote), hi-fi - still timeshift. The only down side to this in identifying an unmarked tape, and in audio record level controls, a jog dial, a finding recorded segments on the tape. headphone jack and a titler, most of system is that either way, you must turn It also provides a buffer at the beginning which you would expect to find on an on the TV set to program the VCR. of the tape, protecting the first scene editing-oriented VCR such as this. from damage when rewinding, loading The front-panel inputs and synchro or unloading. edit jack make editing easier, but the Arthur Howie We think doors covering VCR front frame advance makes it more difficult. Aurora, Colorado panels are a nuisance, although we ap- There are no frame advance buttons— preciate their looks. The FVH-8902 is you must hit the pause/stifl button re- Two-camera trick unique in that its door holds no buttons peatedly to step through a tape. There is or displays, and thus can be removed en- provision for audio dubbing, but only If your subjects are willing to cooperate, tirely without impairing the function- from line-level sources, since there is no you can produce videos with one cam- ality of the VCR. You can also just leave mic jack. corder that look like multicamera it open all the time, if you wish, then shoots. Decide on a signal you can use to Although the remote has a lot of cue your talent. When you want to close it when company comes and you buttons, Fisher grouped them by func- change camera angles— perhaps to focus want the system to look good. The tion and gave them various sizes, shapes on one of the subjects, or to get an over- front-panel displays shine through the and background colors for easy differen- the-shoulder shot of one listening to an- door, so you can monitor the deck’s tiation. Ease of use is very good. other talking—cue the talent, then hit functions even when the door is closed. the camcorder’s run/pause button. Now In video performance, the FVH- move the camcorder, hit the run/pause The left display shows left and right 8902 is like the FVH-8901 because it is button again, and cue the talent one audio record levels and which audio excellent at the SP speed, but only good second later. The delay will offset the tracks are active. The other display car- at EP. LP performance has improved to time it takes the camcorder to begin re- ties the clock, counter, channel indica- very good. If you make most of your tor and operating legends. The front tapes in SP, you'll have a hard time find- panel has jacks for video and stereo au- ing better performance. If you like to dio input and pause. The pause jack is cram,as many shows as possible onto one actually a synchro edit connector com- tape, though, you might do better else- patible with similarly equipped Fisher and Sanyo VCRs and camcorders. Be- where. Audio performance is good on a =Qu.= ga Eddie Goldberger low the hatch sit an input selector, a pic- the pietracks and average on the linear | Tucson, Arizona ture sharpness control and transport tra ck. buttons. Daylight-saving time and all We rate the FVH-8902 very good clear buttons hide in small holes that prevent accidental use. overall. Its outstanding points are im- y° t pressive video performance at the SP The top is a little unusual in that speed, and a wide range of features for a deck in its price range. However, it lacks there are rows of ventilating holes near each side. The rear panel sports the usu- a few features you may consider impor- al-jacks—one set of RCAs each for vid- eo/stereo audio input and output, and tant, and at the EP speed its perfor- (prpilneta)se F-connectors for RF input and output. mance falls a bit shy of the best VHS The remote control is fairly long and skinny with a rotary shuttle control near VCRs. If you're looking for a reasonably priced editing deck, you'll find few that can match it feature-for-feature. = the curved rear and exposed buttons in three distinct groups toward the back of the control. The forward group has a 10- digit keypad and various VCR controls under a flip-up panel. Below are buttons that can be programmed to operate Infinite wisdom most brands of TV sets and cable boxes. Between those and the shuttle dial are If you add titles using a camcorder su- yawDIri8mygpcodaufeiosilhudnsssnvuesrarkSWPcmtnu'bae’ynkasenhoeaitRnIdreooesigt.imedITluewsCYnuVP5BLSMilipNroH.,cogIAO6UnplTewOeuxDI2BUgRyd8Cos.lEL9EeRSos-0nOrI3LlCE3,—N,—oRN2AGtrINT2aLoPa-d:OTmo6NIe2AGO9dN3dreCsisty/State/Zip buttons for transport functions (like play perimposer, you can create an “infinity and rewind), VCR power and channel title” effect on your edited tapes. Con- up/down. nect the camcorder to your VCR's in- The VCR Plus circuitry operates like put, memorize the title on the camcord- the VCR Plus remote —just punch in a er, then point the lens toward the moni- numerical code from your local TV list- ings or TV Guide, and select one-time, tor screen. Experiment with the macro daily or weekly programming. The VCR setting and focus range to get the look converts the numerical code into a you want, then press record on the channel number and start and stop times, and displays them onscreen. VCR. Dan Resciniti Fresno, California

BY BRIAN CLARK UTILITY PLAYER With its detachable cable-compatible TV tuner and 8mm recording capability, Sony's GV-S50 Video Walkman TVCR can play a variety of roles. You LIGHTWEIGHT CONTENDER FROM HITACHI can use it as a second VCR to record TV shows Hitachi's VM-H39A Hi8 camcorder ($1,700) claims to be the world’s smallest (3-1/4 x 4 x 9-1/2 inches) and with the help of a six-event/one-month timer, use it lightest (1.3 pounds) camcorder. But that’s not all. It also includes unique features like a sepia effect that to play back 8mm tapes on the flip-up, four-inch gives video the look of old photographs, a “sunset enhancement” effect that heightens colors, and a mono- color LCD screen or enlist it as a field monitor dur- chrome effect for the black-and-white film noir look. The VM-H39A even has 16:9 aspect ratio recording capability, but to play it back without compressing the image you'll need a 16:9 TV set, which is not yet ing video shooting sessions. Hi-fi stereo audio is featured on the 2-1/2-pound unit, which is priced at —_available in the U.S. The camcorder’s other features include a color viewfinder, hi-fi stereo audio, 64x digi- $1,200. (For additional info, circle 154 on Reader tal zoom, electronic image stabilization and remote control. (For additional info, circle 151 on Reader Service Card.) Service Card.) GROUND-BREAKING JVC LENS SYSTEM An innovative MF (multifunction) lens highlights JVC’s new GR-SZ1 S-VHS-C camcorder ($2,000). An adjustable, removable front lens is the key to multi- |ple configurations. By adjusting or removing it, the lens can shift from an 8x to an 11x zoom, into an ultra-wide-angle mode or (aided by a lens extender) into a thoroughly unique microscope mode. Combining the microscope mode REINVENTING THE VCR | and the 2x digital zoom with a 35-inch TV display can result in 344x mag- Samsung directed an American design firm to “rein- | nification. A multibrand remote control lets users randomly assemble vent the form” for its new line of VCRs. The result is the VR8802 VHS VCR ($580), a four-head hi-fi | edit up to eight scenes. (For additional info, circle 155 on model that also includes index search, remote on- Reader Service Card.) ae screen programming and one-year/eight-event pro- gramming. The four-head design permits still, frame advance and variable slow motion. (For additional info, circle 153 on Reader Service Card.) PORTABLE THEATER Sharp has done it again, adding another innovative model to its line of LCD projectors. The XV-P10U ($2,795) weighs in at just nine pounds and includes audio, thanks to a three-inch full range speaker. The projector produces 350 lines of resolution in images that can range from 30 to 60 inches. The jack panel accommodates three video sources, in- cluding one S-video input. (For additional info, circle 152 on Reader Service Card.) OCTOBER 1992 VIDEO

THE LARGE Quite SCREEN STANDARD Simply... Harman Video's Series || The Best in projection monitors set the Sights & standard for high quality in Sounds large screen television. From basic video-only The Monterey satellite receiver's unique four-way ) models to advanced data projectors compatible with computers, line doublers and » audio/video switcher lets you easily select from a host of | high definition television, all Series Il models combine exceptional performance with user-friendly features. | | satellite TV options or as many as three other | Harman Video's unique remote digital convergence sys- tem replaces dozens of internal adjustments to make | audio/video alternatives — and from any room in the installation quick and easy, while keeping the pictures crisp and bright. Series II projectors are fan-free for noise- house. Your VCR, camcorder or CD player can be on-line less operation, and deliver the brightest, most accurate and entertainment-ready at all times. And with the images in their price range. For the ultimate home enter- | receiver's digital color P-I-P functions, you can toggle tainment system, Harman's Video Series II projectors are the new large screen standard. on-screen between any two of these inputs at once. For product information and the dealer nearest you, What's more, several Monterey models offer the best in contact: Harman Video, 8380 Balboa Blvd., Northridge, satellite sound in digital or analog stereo, and with Dolby CA 91325. Telephone: (818) 893-9992. surround sound and dynamic noise reduction. The CirncLe SHOWCASE #1 Monterey is the essential control center to the ultimate home entertainment experience. For more information and location of the Chaparral dealer | nearest you, Call: (408) 435-1530 Circle SHOWCASE #2 | 7; Prime IMAGE’S \" BOGEN 3169 TBC For PCs CINE/VIDEO TRIPOD INCREASE YOUR DESKTOP VIDEO THE IDEAL PoweER WITH PRIME IMAGE CAMCORDER COMPANION New from Prime Image is the TBC/PCB time base Easy to use and corrector/synchronizer plug-in board for use with IBM PCs, easy to handle, including Commodore’s Amiga as well as all IBM compati- bles. The TBC/PCB is the smallest board on the market and the 3169 uses the lowest power consumption possible, but this doesn’t combines Bogen | mean it’s not powerful. Among the many features it holds are 3001 Tripod Legs | full digital operation for no drift, stable frame freeze, signal and a 3130 ORMicro Fluid Head with Quick Release enhancement and variable rate strobe. The TBC/PCB accepts Plate. The Bogen 3001 Tripod is the lightest (about 3 Ibs.) and provides required timing for all VCRs, cameras and other and the smallest (folds to 20 1/2 in.), but is one of the most | video feeds that are used in multimedia applications. Plus, versatile tripods we offer. Sturdy, hard finish aluminum legs | this unit gives you two ways to control the proc amp video feature 3 click stop spread angles and each has a sure grip, quick-acting, non-fouling lever lock. The Bogen 3169 is output and all other parameters — either with a video remote just one ofawide choice of tripods, fluid heads, dollies and panel or through a host computer terminal. accessories. For the full story on the only plug-in board made in the See your dealer or write to Bogen Photo Corp., 565 East : USA, and to take advantage of the special introductory Crescent Avenue, Ramsey, N.J. 07446-0506; (201) 818-9500 | price of $1050, contact Prime Image at 19943 Via Escuela, Saratoga, CA 95070; Tel: (408) 867-6519 Ext. 5; CirncLe SHowcase #4 Fax: (408) 926-7294. 4 CirncLE SHOWCASE #3

VIDEOLINX THE RUNCO CINEMAPRO 750 SERIES ANSWER | PROFESSIONAL DIGITAL PROJECTOR | A positive projection on The solution for all of the future of your IBM desktop video Ee home theater. challenges If you do any kind of video presentation using your PC, then you need § Runco’s newest professional to know VideoLinx. VideoLinx’s line of desktop video products not | video projector presents | ~ their most sophisticated JJ only make your presentations easier, they also make them look better. model to date — the CinemaPro 750. Projecting the brightest picture in Runco history, the 750 has Super Delta-Brite lenses with enhanced For example, their VGA-2-TV ($295) is a simple and effective way to ' phosphors. This technology enables the 750 to deliver a dynamic record your computer screen’s image onto videotape. The VGA-9- |) peak picture brightness of 750 lumens — 25 percent more than TV provides full motion video output from your computer by } Runco’s previous model, the 600. converting the computer’s VGA display into composite, Y/C (S- Also included in the 750 is an innovative and advanced video Video) and RGB NTSC video. processor that contains several sophisticated components including a 2H adaptive comb filter, black level expander and 2d peaking. This Another product, the FrameBuffer ($695) is a multi-purpose device array of high-tech features allow the 750 to produce images with that makes it possible to encode computer generated files to NTSC greatly improved contrast and resolution. video as well as display and capture video images and bring them to the desktop. TIFF, TGA, GIF and PCX file formats are all supported. Convenience features also abound in this model. An easy to use on- screen menu system takes you through the set-up of the unit and the Special offer to VIDEO readers: Order a FrameBuffer today and j enclosed learning remote control lets you access virtually all of the receive a copy of Image Prep, the award-winning graphics utility for j other commands of the 750 as well as many other pieces of home Windows valued at $295 — both for just $545. That’s 45% off! heater gear. To place an order or more information call VideoLinx at 1-800-245-0930. = For more information contact Runco at 26203 Production 2 » Ave., Suite 8, Hayward CA 94545; Tel: (510) 293-9154; Fax: § (510) 293-0201. Circle SHOWCASE #5 CIRCLE SHOWCASE #6 ‘s All New! VIDEO SHOPPER lfyour CaMcorder 's cO a.vanrc@d LOW COMe The Manazine VS9 taight? \\ ==; SHOP WITH THE VIDEO SHOWCASE Get more information on any advertisers featured in Video Showcase or find out where the nearest dealer is for that product. Simply drde the product number along with your desired shopping option and we'll do the rest! Showcase #1 Showcase #3 Showcase #5 Showcase #7 ss? There’s only one A. Send me literature A. Send me literature A Send me literature A Send me literature walk, run, climb stairs B. Send me dealer B. Send me dealer B. Send me dealer B. Send me dealer nm, Hi-8, VHS-C and information information information information tpounds or less. Showcase #2 Showcase #4 Showcase #6 Showcase #8 A. Send me literature A. Send me kiterature A Send me literature A Send me literature B. Send me dealer B. Send me dealer B. Send me dealer 8. Send me dealer information information information information formation or the > dealer nearest you, 35-5025. 5 #E CA_ 90016 ¢ (310) 836-7991

HARMAN VIDEO SERIES II PROJECTION MONITORS: Chaparral Monterey Satellite Receivers THE LARGE Quite SCREEN STANDARD Harman Video's Series II Simply... projection monitors set the The Best in standard for high quality in Sights & large screen television. Sounds From basic video-only models to advanced data projectors compatible with computers, line doublers and | a The Monterey satellite receiver's unique four-way : high definition television, all Series Il models combine ») audio/video switcher lets you easily select from a host of | exceptional performance with user-friendly features. | ©) satellite TV options or as many as three other Harman Video's unique remote digital convergence sys- audio/video alternatives — and from any room in the | tem replaces dozens of internal adjustments to make |house. Your VCR, camcorder or CD player can be on-line installation quick and easy, while keeping the pictures |and entertainment-ready at all times. And with the _crisp and bright. Series Il projectors are fan-free for noise- receiver's digital color P-I-P functions, you can toggle | on-screen between any two of these inputs at once. less operation, and deliver the brightest, most accurate images in their price range. For the ultimate home enter- | What's more, several Monterey models offer the best in satellite sound in digital or analog stereo, and with Dolby tainment system, Harman's Video Series II projectors are | surround sound and dynamic noise reduction. The the new large screen standard. Monterey is the essential control center to the ultimate For product information and the dealer nearest you, home entertainment experience. contact: Harman Video, 8380 Balboa Blvd., Northridge, For more information and location of the Chaparral dealer } CA 91325. Telephone: (818) 893-9992. nearest you, Call: (408) 435-1530 CIRCLE SHOWCASE FS | Circle SHOWCASE #2 PRIME IMAGE’S BOGEN 3169 TBC For PGs CINE/VIDEO TRIPOD New from Prime I VIDEO corrector/synchronize including Commodor 460 West 34th Street bles. The TBC/PCB is New York, NY 10117-0460 uses the lowest powe mean it’s not powerfu ; ; full digital operation enhancement and var and provides required video feeds that are this unit gives you tv output and all other p panel or through a ho; For the full story on USA, and to take ad' price of $1050, conte Escuela, Saratoga, C aEFax: (408) 926-7294.

VIDEOLINX | THE RUNCO CINEMAPRO 750 SERIES PROFESSIONAL DIGITAL PROJECTOR ANSWER A positive projection on The solution for all of the future of your IBM desktop video home theater. challenges Runco’s newest professional video projector presents » If you do any kind of video presentation using your PC, then you need to know VideoLinx. VideoLinx’s line of desktop video products not i their most sophisticated iia only make your presentations easier, they also make them look better. model to date — the CinemaPro 750. Projecting the brightest picture For example, their VGA-2-TV ($295) is a simple and effective way to in Runco history, the 750 has Super Delta-Brite lenses with enhanced | record your computer screen’s image onto videotape. The VGA-92- phosphors. This technology enables the 750 to deliver a dynamic peak picture brightness of 750 lumens — 25 percent more than TV provides full motion video output from your computer by i Runco’s previous model, the 600. converting the computer’s VGA display into composite, Y/C (S- ®) Also included in the 750 is an innovative and advanced video Video) and RGB NTSC video. processor that contains several sophisticated components including a Another product, the FrameBuffer ($695) is a multi-purpose device § | 2H adaptive comb filter, black level expander and 2d peaking. This that makes it possible to encode computer generated files to NTSC HMM garrreaaytlyofihmipgrho-vteedch cfoenattruarsets aanldlowrestohleut7i5on0. to produce images with video as well as display and capture video images and bring them to Convenience features also abound in this model. An easy to use on- the desktop. TIFF, TGA, GIF and PCX file formats are all supported. screen menu system takes you through the set-up of the unit and the enclosed learning remote control lets you access virtually all of the Special offer to VIDEO readers: Order a FrameBuffer today and other commands of the 750 as well as many other pieces of home receive a copy of Image Prep, the award-winning graphics utility for theater gear. Windows valued at $295 — both for just $545. That’s 45% offl = For more information contact Runco at 26203 Production To place an order or more information call VideoLinx at 1-800-245-0930. Ave., Suite 8, Hayward CA 94545; Tel: (510) 293-9154; Fax: m (510) 293-0201. CircLE SHOWCASE #5 Circle SHOWCASE #6 All New! VIDEO SHOPPER Ifyour Camcorder is The Magazine S° advanced hOw Come For The Hands- On Video User it cant Shoot strajght? Are you a video Do your videos cause motion sickness? There’s only one enthusiast who rolls solution. The Steadicam JR™. You can walk, run, climb stairs up his sleeves and — and your videos never shake. Fits 8mm, Hi-8, VHS-C and works with video? Then, the new S-VHS-C camcorders weighing 4 pounds or less. magazine VIDEO For more information or the SHOPPER is designed for you. STEADICAM) name of the dealer nearest you, Articles stress how- to-do-it information, JR call (800) 955-5025. editing, pre- and post production, taping techniques, program collecting and new Cinema Products Corporation, 3211 S$. La Cienega Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90016 * (310) 836-7991 products and accessories that help you add on, upgrade and enhance your video system. Plus, in every issue, you'll find VIDEO Circle SHOWCASE #8 TRADER, our very successful newsletter that contains hundreds of ads from people just like you who want to buy, sell or trade anything and everything related to video. For a $9.97 subscription price, you receive 6 issues of VIDEO SHOPPER. Send a check or money order to VIDEO SHOPPER, 460 West 34th St., New York, N.Y. 10001. : CirncLE SHOWCASE #7

Holds up to BY BRENT BUTTERWORTH 20 Ibs. of AND KENNETH KORMAN extra equip- ment... THIEL SPEAKERS from TV monitors Audiophile speakers for videophiles Universal design. Are high-end audio and home theater of rear speakers. It’s not as dramatic as a Mounts sound mutually exclusive? This question Dolby Pro-Logic system, but it’s a lot directly onto has come up repeatedly as we’ve listened easier to achieve. Best of all, the Thiels’ any tripod to speaker systems and electronic com- detail brought out the subtleties of mov- with 3/4\" ponents that do a great job of reproduc- ie soundtracks. Voices and music sound- to 2 1/2\" ing musical performances or movie ed much more natural and realistic than soundtracksb,ut seldom —if ever — with speakers designed for home theater TRTIRAPYOneckD. both. Unfortunately, most of us can’t af- use. And there’s no need for a sub- ford the cost or the space required for woofer. PAT # 4,953,716 two separate, dedicated systems. So we decided to assemble a first-rate home We were especially pleased once we Turns Your Tripod theater sound system with speakers orig- set up a complete high-end system, Into A Mini Studio inally intended for use in traditional which included a Lexicon CP-3 sur- two-channel audio, in the hope of bridg- round decoder, NAD 2400 THX amps The TRIPOD TRAY isthe best thing to happen toyour ing the gulf between these two worlds. and the Theta Data laserdisc transport tripod. Light yetrugged, this 3Ib.trayextends toan with Theta’s DS Pro Basic II digital-to- amazing 10\" X14\" and can can hold allthe extra Thiel speakers, recognized as among analog converter. We were surprised by equipment you'll ever need, such as your VTR deck, the best in high-end audio, served as the how good a two-channel audio-for-video time code, monitor, power pack, lights, tapes, mixer centerpiece of our experiment. We used system can sound with the right equip- and more! Iteven has a complete built-in cable man- a pair of CS 2.2 three-way tower speak- ment. agement system. Keeps still photography accessories atyour finger tipstoo! You're going towonder how you ers ($2,250/pair) and five SCS bookshelf The CS 2.2s also work: well with rear speakers ($1,090/pair). In a unique de- speakers and a surround decoder set for ever gotalong without it. sign, the SCS’s tweeter is mounted be- phantom center, but only if one or two hind the woofer and fires through its people are watching from a spot equi- Make checks payable to PDQ Manufacturing, Co., Inc. center. The result is proper time align- distant from the speakers. Otherwise, PO Box 368, Route 9, Staatsburg, New York, 12580 ment for the two drivers as well as an sounds in front tend to pull to one side. extremely small face compared to other for $89.95 full-range, audiophile speakers. The Twin Towers: SCS virtually disappears when placed on Thiel’s CS 2.2 speakers For Inquires and Credit Card Orders please call: a living room bookshelf. image so well they can produce surround ef- 914-889-3123 All Thiel speakers are known for their great “imaging” capabilities. Imag- fects without a decoder One year manufacturer's ing is the psychoacoustic illusion of in- struments placed at specific points or extra speakers. PDQwarranty against defects, across a three-dimensional soundstage. The term also encompasses a speaker’s VISA &MASTERCARD ACCEPTED ability to accurately reproduce the vary- ing tonal qualities of different instru- Circle 17 on Reader Service Card. ments and voices. Thiel speakers are not cheap, but their advant—aesgpeeciaslly when compared to most mass-market speakers —are not difficult to discern. They’re good enough to rekindle your love for music— not just your interest in equipment. But would these qualities serve as well in a home theater environment? We got a quick answer soon after we un- packed the CS 2.2s. We were so anxious to hear them, we set them up in a simple two-channel system with a tiny Fuji P-40U LCD projector as a monitor. A few minutes into Dick Tracy, we were startled to hear what sounded like dis- tinct rear-speaker effects! Apparently, the CS 2.2’s strong im- aging allows them to create the illusion 38 VIDEO OCTOBER 1992

expect from a professional pro- duction. CameraMan PARKERVISION Plus, the CameraMan Wand™ gives you the option of wireless remote control of cam- corder moves from distances up to 80 feet. Or pre-set up to four locations, including zoom set- tings, for instant recall at the touch of a button. You can even program CameraMan to cycle automatically among locations. INTRODUCING A WHOLE NEW WAY TO See for yourself how CAPTURE ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME MEMORIES. CameraMan is changing the way America captures memo- They're not just videos. They're your memories. Once-in-a- ries. For more information, and the name of the dealer nearest lifetime moments that pass in the twinkling of an eye. If your mem- you, call 1-800-231-1759. ories are worth preserving, they're worth CameraMan”, the revolutionary robotic video- They're making system that lets you step out from behind not just your camcorder, and join in family memories. videos. They're your CameraMan follows the good times with per- memories. fect camera moves -- panning, tilting and zooming CameraMan is a with uncanny precision. Precious moments are trademark of recorded as they should be -- spontaneously, with ParkerVision, everyone included. And with the quality you'd patents pending. Amazing robot shoots better videos than human camera operators!

We tried using an SCS as a center ers are always available to perform their making recording from other video usual two-channel magic for music. speaker to solve this problem, with good sources possible, so you can make 8mm In the end, we were extremely results, although the timbre variations pleased by the results of our experiment. copies of VHS tapes and use the E210 as We confirmed our primary suspicion: between the SCS and the CS 2.2s Good speake—revsen those not really a travel VCR. Ease of use is very good. intended for home theate—rcsan be proved somewhat distracting. made to sound great for use with video. Picture quality is good, comparable The reverse, however, seldom holds Those new to high-end audio should true: Many preassembled home theater to that of most low-priced 8mm cam- speaker systems leave a lot to be desired beware— if the rest of your gear isn’t up when it comes to music. So consider as- corders. Its hi-fi mono audio offers only sembling your home theater from average performance, but it’s a lot better to snuff, the CS 2.2s will let you know scratch, and do some serious listening on your own. With a little extra care, than the linear track audio found on about it. We don’t recommend using you may be able to take care of all your audio/video needs with one system. most inexpensive VHS and VHS-C them with inexpensive A/V receivers, continued from page 30 surround-sound decoders, amplifiers or camcorders. Overall, we rate it good. others, and the fade button is both the The E210 is not for advanced users, but CD/LD playe—rstsick to top-of-the-line largest and covered with easy-to-feel bumps. One elongated button has two should work well for those who are in- electronics. Also, the CS 2.2s must be functions: white balance lock and gain up. Quick, short presses of this button positioned at least a couple of feet away turn the lock mode on and off; lon terested simply in getting some good presses turn the gain-up mode on and off. from walls, and they’re tall enough to in- shots of the family vacation. a A line in/out switch controls the trude on front-projection images. function of the audio and video jacks, We also tried using five SCS speak- ers together in a standard Dolby Pro- Logic setup, and were thrilled with the results. Three timbre-matched speakers across the front always provide a foun- dation for good home theater sound, The magic touch and three Thiels are even better. De- To find a camcorder special-effect but- ton without taking your eye off the shot, spite their size, the SCS’s reproduce stick a small piece of adhesive-backed Velcro on the button so you can find it sounds as low as 64 Hertz—easily by touch. enough bass for action-movie wallop. Joe Faria San Geronimo, California We felt that using SCS’s in the rear was unnecess—amruych less expensive speakers will do just fine for ambient ef- fects. Of course, the main advantage to using Thiels for video is that the speak- The Easiest Home Video Editor Ever! It’s never been easier! Thumbs Up” Press Thumbs Up to @ Remembers up to 62 pick good video, scenes. l Battery-powered* and compact enough to travel with you. Thumbs Down for @ S-Video connections video you don’t want. for full compatibility with S-VHS or Hi8 equipment. The Thumbs Up™ editor records the good sections and leaves the bad behind—automatically! Thumbs Up—low cost and easy-to-use. Call 1-800-338-EDIT for a brochure and the name of a dealer near you. @ Works with virtually any VCR and camcorder. Vv, VIDEONICS @ Compatible with Control-L (found on most 8-mm and Hi8 = 1370 Dell Avenue * Campbell, CA * 95008 408-866-8300 camcorders) and Panasonic 5-pin edit control for faster, automatic editing. @ Supports Sony-RC and VITC timecodes for superior accuracy. © 1992 Videonics, Inc. *Also includes an AC power adaptor. Specifications are subject to change without notice. Videonics logo and Thumbs Up are registered trademarks of Videonics, Inc. VHS is a trademark of JVC. Hi8 is a trademark of Sony. Circle 59 on Reader Service Card. 40 VIDEO OCTOBER 1992

sung’s new TVs and VCRs have arrived. On th outside, the essence cated styling. On the inside, Bead bul | In other words, hardl sic video. Our TVs are as b “on the ears as on the eyes. Stereo | nd with el noise reduction. 181 channel capability. Three audio/video inputs. Our VCRs are equally impressive. Multi-television remote control. Front- mounted jacks. Auto head-cleaning system. Samsung’s new TVs and VCRs. Like the styling and oH SAMSUNG ret-Yacelgaat-laler-Wolm- W=ifola-Yoiat- Mian\\=)\\ re in a class of their own. Electronics Test watch one at a dealer near you. . Technology that works for life. : 1 Samsung Electronics America, Inc., 105 Challenger Road, Ridgefield Park, NJ 07660. For more information, please call one of our zone offices: East (201) 229-4000; West (213) 537-6791; Midwest (708) 916-2230; South (404) 956-0800. Circle 7 on Reader Service Card.

BY LAWRENCE B. JOHNSON 6 VCRs, 6 styles— our hands-on, gloves-off guide to selecting the ideal deck. he VCR has come a long way. Patched now into at least one TV set in 80 percent of all American homes, it’s used for more entertain- ment tasks than even its inventors envi- sioned. We use it to watch movies— rented, purchased or borrowed— to ex- ercise with, to learn, to share memories with friends, to record TV programs, to copy our own tapes or dub camcorder footage, and, finally, to edit our own home videos. Of course, a few VCR owners still have trouble getting past the flashing clock display. But there’s no longer any Fly per-—-Saesss excuse. The video industry has awak- ened to real consumer needs and brought forth a generation of versatile, high-performance VCRs that are dis- armingly easy to use and master. One- | pact discs directly onto videotape using touch recording, onscreen instructions, hi-fi decks and the results are outstand- program clocks as simple to set as a bed- ing. It’s the next best thing to a digital side alarm, and sophisticated editing medium. features activated by a couple of log- Two of our decks, which vary in ically arranged buttons make the new price from $550 to $1,000, areS-VHS_ * VCRs heady fun, a rocket ride. Only you models. Although S-VHS rivals the | don’t have to be a rocket scientist to get quality of laserdiscs, even its champions distinguishes the VCRs. Finally, almost off the ground. concede it has yet to persuade more as an emblem of the camcorder’s grow- than a small number of VCR buyers to | ing significance, all six decks present au- When it comes to user-friendliness and sheer playability, today’s sophisti- give it a try; its representation among dio/video jacks on their front panels, a cated VCRs are in a league of their own our machines reflects this reality. Three simple improvement that can help both compared to models even a few years of our VCRs—by Panasonic, RCA and | camcorders and VCRs become more old. To gain some perspective and to Tosh—iebmboady the recent trend of | creative tools than many a videophile help you decide which type best suits shifting the tape slot to the center of the ever dreamed might be possible. your needs, we gathered a six-pack of deck. The contention is that a precisely top VCRs—from JVC, Mitsubishi, Pan- centered tape transport minimizes sys- JVC HR-S6800U asonic, RCA, Sony and Toshi—baand tem vibration. However, I found noth- This Olympian machine harbors a put them through their paces. While a ing, visual or aural, to be gained or lost |Dream Team of performance features. couple of these machines were created | by center positioning. | Not surprisingly, at $1,000, it also stands Before describing what we found, it’s |at the pricing summit of the six VCRs to do it all, and are consequently the most costly, most emphasize one or an- worth noting a few givens. First, all six | under consideration. The real surprise is other aspect of VCR technology. machines are hi-fi, they all use four | how readily the HR-S6800U can turn heads, and the more ambitious editing |you into an all-star videographer. However, they all share one feature, models provide a flying erase head. All | Whether you want to edit camcorder offer remote controls and, without ex- | footage or simply make a dazzling copy the fundamental requirement for admis- ception, the designs for the remotes re- | of a laserdisc, JVC’s S-VHS deck lets sion to the high-end VCR camp: hi-fi sound. How significant is this? Think of it as virtual reality. I’ve recorded com- flect the same practical rethinking that | you accomplish the task deftly, cleanly RTSMPBJCOIHARANSTYO,EYHST,NIUOBNS 42 VIDEO OCTOBER 1992

roa US Hi STEREO veya Dream Team: RCA’s VR-667HF lets users with cable TV program multichannel recording sequences, while Sony's SLV- 696HF includes both video and audio editing tools. JVC’s S-VHS HR-S6800U (left) fea- tures unusually simple controls for assemble edits. an—adbove all — easily. tape to starting points you’ve “marked” chair), grab the stick (read: remote con- Creator of both the VHS and electronically. A blank search function. trol) and—whoosh! Everything you S-VHS formats, JVC has kept a firm fast-forwards to the end of the recorded need to know about takeoff, maneuver- place on the cutting edge of home video portion of a tape, then stops, which is a ing and landing appears on your TV editing technology. While the company blessing when you go back to a cassette | screen in plain language. Just in case you has produced some formidable editing that’s partially recorded. A picture-qual- haven’t gone to flying school, Mitsubishi machines, the 6800 is the slickest yet. It ity adjustment allows you to sharpen or calls its exemplary guidance system redefines user-friendliness by making soften the image of a prerecorded tape, ViewPoint. No matter what your mis- child’s play of random-assemble edit- which can make for better dubbing and sion or altitude, it lets you see all, and ing —the technique every weekend more tolerable viewing of rentals. On clearly. sharpshooter would like to have at his or the shadowed side, JVC overhypes its Making a recording involves only her disposal, but which many find too “Hyper-Bass,” a self-descriptive warping one touch of the remote. To program complicated. Not any more. In three of the machine’s intrinsically superb hi-fi the VCR, simply hit the Quick Program baby-simple steps, at the touch of three sound. Assuming you're piping the audio button and follow the onscreen instruc- buttons, the 6800 lets you mark off eight through your stereo system, our advice is tions. To set the clock, just watch the scenes and reassemble them into a video to leave Hyper-Bass unused. screen and go with the flow. The only that someone besides your mother might | MITSUBISHI HS-U67 question you're left pondering is why it’s actually enjoy. taken the video industry so long to make The 6800 offers other nice touches This $999 S-VHS deck is like a the basic stuff so simple. for easy and effective use. An index Stealth bomber anyone can fly. Just hop The HS-U67 also takes the angst | search mode lets you speed through a into the cockpit (meaning your favorite | out of a lot of performance features. Sys- OCTOBER 1992 VIDEO 43

LEAGUE SVS DIGHALHIFL tems collectively tagged Intelligent Pic- Tweaked-Out Toshiba: The SVF-990 boasts an incredible number of digital video effects. ture combine digital audio and video 5 Chances are, one of the decks described in the accom- : tracking, EP noise reduction and color panying article will be the VCR you've always dreamed | Batter S of. But maybe you’re looking for something a little un- | monitoring to deliver an optimum image Box | usual, like fancy digital effects, a timebase corrector or from any tape. Onscreen instructions easy interfacing with an editing controller. Breathe clarify editing, too. ea—swhaytever you want, you can probably find, because variety is a fact of video life. There are plenty more hot And the Mitsubishi can operate at consumer decks worth a look. Here are a few we've Stealth-like speed, rewinding a two- hour tape in slightly more than one min- come to love. Depending on your needs, one may be per- ute and performing visual scans at 30 times normal speed. Getting around on fect for you. Som—elike Toshiba’s SVF-9—9h0ave been the tape is made convenient in several on the market for years, but still match newer decks in performance and features. No matter what capabilities ways. In one search mode, the VCR ad- you seek, you're sure to find them in one of these super vances 30 seconds at each push of a but- decks. ton. Hit it four times and you've leaped over a TV station break and a slew of e Sony EV-S3000. When it was introduced last spring, commercials. In Skip Search mode, a this $1,900 Hi8 deck instantly became one of our favor- tape is fast-forwarded to your preset in- ites. A full-field timebase corrector (not one of the inex- dex points where it is sampled at normal pensive ones that only work on a few lines at once) cor- speed, then automatically fast-for- tects for picture jitter caused by the inherent instability warded again. of the tape transport. The picture is gorgeous, and the still frame is perfectly clear, without the jitter and smear- Like the JVC deck, the Mitsubishi ing that mars the stills produced by most digital decks. presents an elegant front panel that shows little but a display field. Swing the Its LANC jack makes it compatible with many edit- panel down and the full array of con- ing controllers, and allows it to be computer-controlled trols —including A/V inputs —lies at through Sony's Vbox interface. Stereo PCM digital audio your fingertips. It’s a classy touch for a tracks facilitate high-quality audio dubbing. But no deck classy performer. is perfect: We wish Sony had given the EV-S3000 the same highly accurate RC time code used on the CCD- PANASONIC PV-4264 V801 camcorder. And if Sony could figure out a way to put video dub—one of the most useful editing features —_ Did I mention user-friendly? Pro- into a Hi8 deck, it might have the perfect VCR. gramming a VCR to record tomorrow at @ Toshiba SVF-990. Still the most tricked-out VCR in history, the S-VHS SVF-990 uses a gigantic re- noon or every Monday at 9 p.m—.pay mote control crowded with buttons for its numerous digital effects. Besides attention, fellow National Football the usual strobe, paint and mosaic, it has solid-color wipes, fades, a ver- League addicts— continued on page 46 : . does not get any Panasonic wren nwo easier than Pan- * asonic makes it with the PV-4264, and a little toy thrown in with the deck called the Program Director. channel, then point and hit Transmit. |oring for? I don’t The Program You'll get your recording. The deck also | think so, but the Panasonic Director looks like has a conventional remote. feature costs little WS 0G iv most other remote The PV-4264, priced at $699, is in- |to add and makes controls, except triguing too for other reasons. It belongs |the deck more that it offers a col- to an emerging class of VCRs called | versatile. umn of six pro- “quasi-Super-VHS,” meaning you can Even without it, the PV-4264 would gram dials play back S-VHS tapes but you can’t re- |be a serious and attractive deck. It opposite a parallel cord in the Super format. This lets you boasts the digital picture correction series of LCD dis- play S-VHS tapes you may come across found in more expensive models, as well plays. Rotate the or have from using either a S-VHS or as video and audio dubbing, adjustable dials to set the de- S-VHS-C camcorder. However, the slow motion, and a frame-by-frame ad- sired recording S-VHS tape you pop into Panasonic’s vance that can be controlled at both the date, start times, deck plays only at standard VHS resolu- front panel and the remote control. Main Remote stop times and the tion. Is this a technology we’re all clam- Other high points on a long list of fea- 44 VIDEO OCTOBER 1992

Hi-Fi SWS Designated Hitters: Toshiba's M-658 shifts from SP to EP to record unexpectedly long programs, while Mitsubishi's S-VHS U67 can rewind a two-hour tape in a minute. tures include “Book Mark Search” fectively designed decks around should rangement with another VCR or a cam- (which permits easy location of preset come as no shock to anyone. Its claim to corder. segment starting points), a locking de- fame is a multifunction shuttle dial, of- vice that prevents little fingers from fered only on the front panel of an ear- Like other top VCRs, the Sony offers probing into the cassette chamber, and lier model but now duplicated on the an array of multispeed playback opera- remote control. The VCR’s larger ap- automatic tracking to maintain opti- tions like field-frame advance and rapid peal, however, lies in the clarity and bal- mum picture quality, along with an ex- search. ance of a design concept that tensive data display on the TV screen. A incorporates a purposeful array of fea- As for the Panasonic’s standard tures. nice extra twist provides an onscreen VHS image, it’s as vivid as any you'll “help” message: If you try something you find. While amenities—such as VCR aren’t supposed to do, or you simply Plus, program indexing and an eight- muff an operation, the VCR not only SONY SLV-696HF event/one-month timer— make the tells you so on the screen but beeps. Tt once may have looked as if Sony SLV-696HF an excellent choice for rou- We're dealing with star-caliber lost the war, tine timeshifting (onscreen program- VCRs here, but even in this league the ming helps, too), a closer look reveals a Sony delivers a remarkably good picture. It seems to get more out of standard VHS than the nominal limit of 240 lines of resolution might suggest. SrORuEct User Friendly: TOSHIBA M-658 Panasonic's PV-4264 when Beta (remote, far left) plays The M-658 falls into a broad, clear- fell before the onslaught of VHS. But S-VHS tapes at VHS cut place in the market. Its potential marketing master that Sony is, it simply levels. buyer is the person who just wants to en- regrouped and established its own turf in joy a quiet evening with a rented copy of VHS. So here’s the latest and best VHS practical editing system. Editing tools in- The Shining, or maybe catch.up with su- model from Sony at a reasonable $649 clude insert capability for both audio pernatural events of the day on TV. This price. That it’s also one of the most ef- and video segments. The owner’s manu- person is not into heavy editing, but may al even spells out, step by step, how to have a very critical eye. use the 696 in a synchronized editing ar- To satisfy the couch potato critic in us all, Toshiba has endowed the M-658, priced at $630, with some illuminating features. Two slow-motion modes let you gear down to 1/7th or 1/15th speed. For an ever closer look at just how the evil Terminator is able to ooze through iron bars, you can shift into single-frame advance. And after you try this several times and still can’t catch the trompe l'oeil, still frame will let you freeze any shot. For relocating favorite scenes OCTOBER 1992 VIDEO 45

BUYER BEWARE quickly, the Toshiba offers Accel Search: shines at a level that belies its modest Fraudulent phone tricks can Hold down the fast-forward or rewind price. Among hi-fi VCRs, it’s a genuine cost you money. button and the tape speed increases. value. Phone fraud tip-offs. The deck’s transport provides a cou- In the blazing light of the new ple of other novelties. If you just can’t VCRs, it’s hard to grasp why it has taken Beware of phone sales tactics with get enough of the Knicks actually beat- engineers so long to whisk away the ing the Bulls, switch on Auto Repeat technological clouds. But just how thor- these characteristics: and you can watch the game tape play oughly the air has been cleared can be *overemphasizes free merchandise over and over and over until it has read in the typical owner’s manual— played 10 times, and Patrick Ewing and which is to say, you really can read it. unauthorized dealers Michael Jordan both collapse in the The language is straightforward, the *pressures you to buy before a deadline middle of your living room. pages uncluttered and the illustrations plentiful. Sophistication without com- And remember, ifit sounds to In record mode, when you’ve pro- good to be true, it probably is. BUYERS GUIDE grammed in the total time, Toshiba cov- promised performance. These are the ers you in case the game or flick new VCRs, a league of heavy hitters. = Q. Who can you BATTERS BOXthreatens to outlast the tape. If the tim- call and give your ing starts to get dicey, the deck down- shifts from standard play speed to credit card number extended play. One-touch recording to with confidence? makes the machine a breeze to use and continued from page 44 VCR Plus removes all chance from pro- Q. Who is the gramming. Index search lets you quickly satile character generator with extra locate and sample electronically marked characters, like hearts and sports sym- world’s largest segments, and virtually every function of bols, for special events. Its color correc- camera, electronic “SATISFACTION faiugd the deck can be monitored on a TV tor offers the power of outboard video *SUPER PRICES screen. processors with very little noise. A scan- and computer ning mouse that plugs into the front of department store? RCA VR667HF the deck lets you add printed or hand- Q. Who has only For style, performance and actual written titles, logos and other high-con- ease of use, the VR667HF earns a string trast images to videos. factory fresh All the editing essentials are there, of 10s. I’ll get back to these virtues, all sweetened by a price that’s right— although we wish Toshiba had put a jog/ merchandise? $54—9but first a word about the own- shuttle dial on the deck as well as on the Nothing Refurbished! remote. er’s manual, which scores a 3. e Goldstar GVR-A485. At $500, the Q. Who has the Gray, ponderous and verbose com- largest selection of pared to the crystalline guides from Mit- GVR-A485 may be the least expensive subishi and Panasonic, RCA’s manual all editing deck available. But surprisingly, Direct Factory “SUPER PRICES Goldstar took no shortcuts when design- THE NAME but challenges you to perform the sim- Authorized Brands? YOU TRUS) plest operation. And when it comes ing it. It has all the editing features down to the one feature that really sets found on S-VHS decks costing twice as Q. Who can you +REL ABILITY this deck apart —its ability to interface much, including audio dub, video dub, call for experienced “INTEGRITY with a cable box so you can program insert edit, a jog/shuttle dial, a flying and knowledgeable *SATISFACTION erase head and a character generator multichannel recording sequences— it’s with four type sizes. And the picture virtually a closed book. Under the head- ing “Cable Box Set Up Function,” the quality is right up there with the best sales staff? manual plunges into a series of charts. VHS decks. Casual home videographers Q. Who guarantees |: To do what, and why? This we are not who shoot in VHS, VHS-C or 8mm will told. Perhaps it’s assumed a salesman you the lowest have a tough time finding a more afford- has explained it. able or effective machine for turning purchase price? SUPER PRICES What a paradox. While the manual dull tapes into crowd-pleasers. reads like it was written by an autistic e Panasonic AG-1960. Although the Q. Who can you electrical engineer, the VCR itself radi- AG-1960’s top reads “For Professional call for prompt and ates grace and human warmth. To re- Use Only,” don’t believe it— this S-VHS speedy shipment? lieve the characteristic boxiness of deck has become a mainstay of serious VCRs, the 667 presents a split-level amateur production. (It’s sold as a con- SATISFACTION look, with the lower portion —conceal- sumer deck in Japan.) It interfaces with ing secondary controls behind a drop several edit controllers, and a Selectra Q. Who gives you a SUPER PRICES panel—indented from the upper. The serial port interface is available for use THE NAME YOU TRUST slim-lined top section presents the pri- with computer video editing programs. 10 day money back mary controls as well as the tape slot Unlike those on other consumer VCRs, guarantee? Q. They all come and display field. And the large display is the shuttle ring isn’t spring-loaded, so and go, but who has |:«SATISFACTION easily readable from across a room. you can leave the deck in slow-motion been here for 92 “SUPER PRICES Setting aside the manual, the 667, or speed play mode without holding a THE NAME which incorporates VCR Plus, presents finger on the control. Panasonic only YOU TRUST no more difficulties than any of the oth- made one mistake on the AG-1960: The er operationally streamlined decks un- hi-fi and linear audio tracks can’t be years? ANSWER der discussion. It certainly has in its mixed. But several repair shops now of- fer modifications that rectify the prob- a TO FIND OUT WHO THIS favor a clearly laid out remote and, at lem. —Brent Butterworth 92 YEAR OLD RETAIL GIANT IS, the bottom line, fine performance. It TURN TO PAGE 60 Circle 61 on Reader Service Card. 46 VIDEO OCTOBER 1992

Introducing The Sharp TwinCam. ot ne With Two Lenses, a a| It Does What No Single Lens Camcorder Can. PICTURE-IN-PICTURE ONE-TOUCH INSTANT 12X ZOOM BUILT-IN 62° WIDE-ANGLE LENS Finally, someone has created a camcorder with distinct advantages. The remarkable TwinCam™ from Sharp. The only camcorder in the world to build two lenses into one sleek, lightweight design. «The first lens is an exclusive wide-angle lens — to capture an entire scene, not just a part of it. The second lens is a powerful zoom lens — to catch small but important details. _ Together, these two lenses let you combine wide-angle ind close up shots in one frame with TwinCam’s unique icture-in-picture feature. Or switch between the two scenes it the touch of a button, creating an instant 12X zoom. _ TwinCam is even available with an LCD color viewfinder, u can view in full-color while shooting. So why not move r videos to a new level? xperience the exceptional Sharp TwinCam at your est Sharp Dealer. See why TwinCam is the camcorder truly stands alone. 1-800-BE-SHARP TwinCam. The World’ Only Camcorder WithTwo Built-In Lenses. on * Model Shown CYR. VL-MX7U FROM SHARP MINDS COME SHARP PRODUCTS” Circle 16 on Reader Service Card.

BY M. FAUST s the home video revolution enters | DES its second decade, movie buffs are | beset by a peculiar problem: There | are too many movies on cassette | and disc. | How could this possibly be a prob- | lem? Because as the total number of Beol REPT available video titles approaches 50,000, even the largest video superstores can carry no more than a fraction of what’s out there. Nor do many care to. It’s more profitable to devote maximum shelf space to dozens of copies of the lat- est Arnold Schwarzenegger or Julia Rob- erts movie while cutting away older, slower-renting stock. Even if your favor- ite movie has been released on video, OLGHE! you can no longer count on finding it for rent — especially if it’s more than five years old. With the growth of the dramatically lower priced ‘‘sell-through” market, many movie buffs now choose to buy (and rent) hard-to-find videos without ever leaving home. There are tens of thousands of movies (and documen- taries, cartoons, TV shows and general weirdness) available on VHS, laserdisc (see sidebar) and even Beta. You just have to know what “800” number to call. What follows is our guide to the Can't find that title at best sources for video software by mail. The yearly catalog by Movies Un- your neighborhood store? limited is a browser’s delight with al- most 700 pages and 25,000 videos Mail-order video is just grouped by category, plus an alphabeti- cal index. Ninety percent of the videos a quick phone call away. are kept in stock and can be shipped to you in three or four days; more obscure titles may take longer. The catalog costs $7.95 plus $3 handling, which includes quarterly updates and a $5 credit toward your first purchase. You don’t need it to order a tape, though; just call 800- 523-0823, and operators will take your credit card order for any available title on VHS or laserdisc. At 2,200 titles, the free Critics’ Choice (800-367-7765) catalog is somewhat smaller. But it can get you any movie available on video, laser or 8mm via its video search line (900- 370-6500; $1.95 for the first minute, 95 cents for each additional minute). Vid- eo Connection (800-365-0449) does- n’t have a catalog, but promises it can get any tape currently available at a dis- count. And for every 12 you buy, you get one free. Shoppers are invited to call and check a price. If price is your primary concern, used 48 VIDEO OCTOBER 1992

a Several mail-order services specializing in laserdiscs offer distinct advantages over traditional methods of purchase, especially when it comes to title selection. The services have deeper inventories than retail stores, and can offer hard-to-find titles for longer periods of time. For exam- ple, Warner’s discontinued James Dean 35th Anniversary Collection boxed set has been scarce in stores since early videos may be the way to go. Value | Video International (303-757-4820) this year, but some were still available, at presstime, from | and Jupiter Video (815-962-1475) | both have constantly changing stocks of Delight: the Columbia House Laserdisc Club (Box 1112, Ter- _ used VHS tapes, sold in their original Laser By re Haute, IN 47811; 800-538-2233). Mail-order customers can also benefit from generous boxes and guaranteed to be in satisfac- discounts and pre-order sale prices through companies tory condition. Average prices range from $5 to $20, depending on demand such as the LaserDise Fan Club (Box 93103, Long | and condition, though Jupiter also has a Beach, CA 90809-9924; 800-322-2285), Ken Crane’s | few hundred sale tapes for less than $5. | If you want to weed out your library, (14260 Beach Boulevard, Westminster, CA 92683; | both dealers purchase used tapes for 800-624-3078, 800-626-1768 in California), Sight and | cash or credit. Each also has a selection | of new tapes at sell-through prices. Sound (27 Jones Road, Waltham, MA 02154; Though none of the services above 617-894-8633) and Laser Craze (33 West Street, Bos- handle Beta, stalwarts of that format are well-served by several mail-order com- ton, MA 02111; 617-338-9820). Each has a standard panies. And while the selection is under- discount of 10 percent on most domestic titles, and many standably smaller, bargains abound. times will offer even better deals on new and forthcom- |Absolute Beta (800-WE-R-BETA) ing releases. Sight and Sound also buys used laserdiscs, | stocks 10,000 Beta tapes. A membership granting credit toward new titles. fee of $5 bring you a hefty catalog and regular updates. Used tapes go for $1 to Dealers offering used laserdiscs by mail can be a real $6. New tapes are reasonably priced, but godsend, especially for those not living in New York or must be ordered in advance of their re- lease to guarantee a copy. Beta Li- Los Angeles, where there are a number of used-laser re- brary (214-233-4552) carries used tapes for $19.95, and will buy or swap tailers. VDI/A (5339 Prospect Avenue #221, San Jose, your used Betas. Brauer Beta CA 95129; no phone calls), Video Brokers (1836 Irv- (800-962-7722) offers many titles for | less than $10; it also sells blank Beta cas- ing Street NW, Washington, DC 20010-2644; | settes. 202-328-0428) and Triton Video (247 Bleecker Street, If you’re mostly interested in new New York, NY 10014; 212-243-3610) deal in used laser- | hits and Hollywood classics, Columbia discs, and solicit lists from potential sellers. House Video Club (1400 North Fruit- tidge Avenue, Terre Haute, IN 47812; Another advantage to ordering laserdiscs by mail is 800-544-4431) might suit your needs. the level of service one generally receives. Most of these Like record and book clubs, Columbia dealers, unlike stores that carry laserdiscs merely as an House signs you up with a half-dozen or adjunct to their videocassette business, are specialists— so movies for a nominal cost, then re- they go the extra mile to find out what’s right (or wrong) quires you to purchase a similar number with new releases, and to let customers know about it. ra) Other dealers offering discounts or additional bonuses include: SEM Video Products (2147 East 17 Street, Brooklyn, NY 11229; 718-645-1663, 800-247-6644), ‘Tewksbury Audio and Video (Box 318, Oldwick, NJ 08858; 908-832-9064), CEBA Video (Box 44411, Fort Washington, MD 20749; 301-292-6670) and Laser Vid- eo West (11701 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90025; 310-479-4069). —Bruce Eder DGAAVRINDER d. Gayner

over the next two or three years. Time- Renting videos by mail may lack the immediate gratifica- tion of picking up a movie to suit your mood at a mo- Life Home Video (Box 8520, Har- risburg, PA 17105; 800-545-2465) signs ment’s notice, but it provides a chance to see those you up for a series—like the BBC’s Trials of Life. You take the episodes you want, hard-to-find films without having to shell out much cash. return the rest and cancel at any time. Each of the rental-by-mail companies below offers a cata- log and periodic updates or newsletters, and most allow SPECIAL INTERESTS you to keep tapes for three nights from the time you re- Those who buy a lot of tapes, or who ceive them. All require a credit card and have “800” are interested in genres, might want to numbers for placing orders. go directly to the original sources. There are scores of small distributors devoted The broadest selection belongs to Facets Video to preserving movies generally ignored (800-331-6197), which offers more than 12,000 titles, in- by the majors. Most feature collections cluding many it distributes exclusively. The membership of “public domain” (non-copyrighted) fee of $25 includes two free rentals. Other rentals are features, including silents, thrillers and $10 per tape, though several prepaid options can bring horror films from the ’30s and ’40s, ’50s the price down. sci-fi, serials, older foreign films, ““B” movies, camp classics and vintage televi- Even though Home Film Festival (800-258-3456) sion. There are also innumerable collec- offers a smaller selection (approximately 1,700 titles), it tions of movie trailers, usually compiled features a surprising number of noteworthy movies that by category and era. Most of these deal- Facets doesn’t stock. It also has about 800 titles in Beta. ers offer entertaining catalogs, and al- most every one has at least a few items The $10 membership fee includes one free rental. A you can’t find anywhere else. three-night rental is $5 for one tape, $9 for two, $13 for three, plus postage; periodic specials rent for as little as The companies listed below in al- $3.50. And HFF saves you a trip to the post office by phabetical order are run by film buffs providing a prepaid mailer with your order. When you’re and collectors who sell tapes of movies done with your tapes, simply put them in the mailer and that are otherwise hard to find. They drop it in any mailbox. generally offer clean transfers on high- quality videotape from 16mm or 35mm Video Library (800-669-7157) boasts an inventory print sources. When the only copy a service can find of a particularly rare of 12,000 titles, with fewer foreign titles than Facets or film is substandard, they usually warn HFF but a larger selection of mainstream movies. Cata- you in advance. (Beware, though, of log is $7.95, but there is no membership fee, and tapes bootleggers who advertise in the pages of fanzines and classified ads: While their rent for $5 plus shipping (which, like HFF, includes a prices are often lower, many are selling third-generation video dupes.) The cat- prepaid return mailer). alogs are free, except as noted. Evergreen (800-225-7783) specializes in interna- Blood Times Video (c/o L. Paul, 44 East 5 Street, Brooklyn, NY 11218; tional cinema, and features many out-of-print tapes in its 718-972-8082) offers hundreds of ex- tremely rare European and Asian horror, stock of 5,000 titles. There is no membership fee, and fantasy and action films. Tapes are priced according to image quality and rental prices vary based on how many tapes you order range from $12 to $18. Send $1 for cata- log. Cinemacabre (Box 10005, Bal- and how long you want to keep them. One tape for timore, MD 21285-0005), an offshoot of three days is $12.50, but if you plan to rent on a regular the fanzine of the same name, offers many short features you can mix-and- basis, rates can go as low as $5. If you're interested in match to make up your own tape. The oddest is a 10-minute sound interview purchasing, Evergreen also take trade-ins for credit. ey Arthur Conan Doyle. Tapes start at 10. Video Vault's motto—“The Guaranteed Worst Movies in Town!” —is only half true; aside from its huge continued on page 58 collection of “cult” movies, Video Vault’s stock of 10,000 50 VIDEO OCTOBER 1992 VHS tapes also includes an impressive selection of for- eign films, musicals, obscure film noir and classic come- dies. Three tapes for two days cost $20; you pay the re- turn postage. Membership is $15 for one year or $24.95 for the lifetime option. Call 800-VAULT-66. Two mail-order companies detailed in the accom- panying article also rent their tapes by mail. Discount Video will send you any five titles from its catalog for $35 for two weeks (a $50 deposit is required). And while JARS Video Collectibles rents from its impressive collection of martial arts and action films, the cost (from $8 to $50, with most titles in the $15 to $20 range) isn’t for the casual viewer. —MF