video-magazine-1994-11

VIOLU¢ Hands-On: Affordable Home Theater Speakers - MAL IZING $2.95 * NOVEMBER 1994 ig Camcord ace Off * AV ADJUST — Lae te }EXT. MIG We Compare 5 Unique Big- Screen Shooting Machines Prreererrrrrrrrrrrr rit Ree meee ener ease seers esse eee ee ees eeeeseseseseseee eee eee eee e serene se eee sense eee eee esses ssn eeeeeee Holographic Images In 3-D Space Seem ee ee eee eee en eee see eee eee se eee eee eeeeseseeseee Water-Proof Hi8 Camcorder, 13-Inch TVCR, VHS VCR, Audiophile Preamp, 16:9 Widescreen TV

Bloodier blood, scarier scr other benefits of USSB USSB digital entertainment is breakthrough, state-of- It is quite simply the sharpest, most brilliant picture and the-art transmission of television programs in the form of _ clearest sound ever broadcast. digital informationT.he result is a sparkling, super clear IT COMES TO YOU FROM OUTER SPACE. picture comparable to laserdisc quality. Plus sound that’s What makes it possible is the remarkable new technology unsurpassed even by digital CDs. The effect is startling. from RCA called the Digital Satellite System. Because it Action scenes become more exciting, love scenes more uses the largest, most powerful communications satellite | romantic, and the landscapes will take your breath away. _ ever launched, it broadcasts up to 150 channels of perfect digital signals that can be picked up q by a tiny 18\" satellite dish. | THE BIGGEST HITS ON THE 7 MALLEST DISH*\" Once you OWN this re- Markable Se ah, SYhome | : enterii “Dtsystem, ; never experienced. you'll get Showtime and HBO, with the best films from Hollywood and diverse, NICK ALENEWS | oo NITE. eat Ser we a ae lee FART eh wel EDO ©1994, United States Satellite Broadcasting Company, Inc. Experience Digital Entertainment and The Biggest Hits on the Smallest Dish are service marks of United States Satellite Broadcasting Company, Inc. All information subject to change. HBO and Cinemax are registered trademarks of Time Warner Entertainment Company, LP Showtime, The Movie Channel, and FLIX are service marks of Showtime Networks, Inc. MTV: Music Television, Nickelodeon /Nick At Nite, and VH-1/Video Hits One are registered trademarks of MTV Networks, a division of Viacom International Inc. All News Channel is a

eams, sweatier palms and digital entertainment. exclusive original programming including MULTICHANNEL MAGIC. With USSB, you get comedy, movies, documentaries, family five distinct channels of HBO, three channels of Showtime, series and sports specials. Plus classic two versions of The Movie Channel, three channels of and contemporary A SAMPLE OF THE TREMENDOUS CHOICE OF Cinemax, as well as FLIX. Fourteen films on Cinemax. distinct premium channel choices Movies from the MOVIES YOU GET EVERY TIME YOU WATCH USSB. every time you sit down to watch TV. Showtime HBO Age of Innocence Sleeplresas in Seattl4e Feel 60's, 70's and 80's y Showtime — It’s a movie-lover’s paradise. on FLIX, and non- Cliffhanger HBO 2 ONE MONTH FREE! Jo intro- : Beverly H4illbillies stop movies on The *a ‘ i st B duce this dazzling new dimension of Movie Channel. television pleasure, we're offering F You'll also get great ee asA ara | o *e *. man everyone who purchases an RCA si time West HBO 3 In the Line of Fire So IMarried an Axe Murderer re. oon, +* - fi é »: music videos on MTV and VH-l, Digital Satellite System-ONE FREE unique comedy on Comedy Central, MONTH of all our great channels. great children’s programs on Nickelo- Experience the power of USSB digi- deon, and classic television on Nick Cinemax 2 tal entertainment on the new RCA esRemains of the Dnaeyal at Nite. As well as quality women’s Digital Satellite System. Visit your programs on Lifetime and the 24-hour- Cinemax West The Movie Channel! RCA dealer or satellite TV retailer a-day fast-paced All News Channel. Ruby in Paradise Little Man Tate today, or call /-800-BETTER TV for Plus our pledge to provide you with The Movie Channel West more information. the very highest level of customer Life with Mikey service and support...24 hours a day, USSB 365 days a year. EXPERIENCE DIGITAL ENTERTAINMENT Mult. Channel Mul Channel MUSIC TELEVISION CTED trademark ofConus Communications and Viacom Satellite News, Inc. Comedy Central is a registered trademark of Comedy Partners. Lifetime Television is a trademark of Lifetime Television. Age of Innocence, Beverly Hillbillies,So] Married an Axe Murderer, The Fugitive and Demolition Man as seen on 2u|aJ“1oep9dpe1eg1nau9ays HBO. Sleepless in Seattle, Cliffhanger, In the Line of Fire courtesy ofSHOWTIME. Weekend at Bernie's, Remains of the Day and Ruby in Paradise as seen on Cinemax. Little Man Tate and Life With Mikey © Touchstone Pictures courtesy of The Movie Channel. They Call Me Mr. Tibbs courtesy of FLIX.

magazine 20 FEATURES LCD CAMCORDER FACE-OFF 48 TAPES ffses We compare 5 big-screen shooting machines for picture, sound, features. By Timothy Liebe VIDEOTESTS DEPARTMENTS THE CASE FOR FRONT PROJECTORS 52 Are you overlooking video’s best big-picture machines? By Brent Butterworth BUILDING A BETTER BEAST 56 How an A-team of F/X artists gave Jurassic Park bite. By Ken Korman A FEW GOOD DECKS 58 Our buying guide for S-VHS VCRs, an elite corps in the push for performance. By Jonathan Takiff VIDEO’S FOURTH DIMENSION 62 Chasing Holovideo—moving images on a virtual stage. By Sunny Bains REVIEWS / The Paper, Back Beat, Naked Gun 33-1/3, CD-ROMs of 68 Woodstock and The Haldeman Diaries, Bob Roberts on laserdisc, more EDITOR’S CHOICE / Smithsonian Presents the Blues, on CD-i. By Ken Korman 69 DIRECTORY / The latest releases on tape and disc 76 SONY SLV-920HF VHS VCR 30 Hitachi VM-H71A Hi8 Camcorder, Philips 34P560 34-inch 16:9 TV, Proceed PAV A/V Preamplifier, GE 137VR40 13-Inch VHS TVCR CHANNEL ONE / Your right to copy under attack? 6 Cover: FEEDBACK / Letters from readers 10 LCD camcorders (from FAST FORWARD / Woodstock’s interactive edge, video bodycam, 12 top) include Sharp’s Hi8 director Ron Howard, 10 Years Ago, Late Breaking News, more VL-H400U ViewCam, NEW PRODUCTS / Home theater speakers, big-screen TV, Novaplex cable box, more 16 JVC's VHS-C System- HANDS-ON TEST / Primestar’s 36-inch dish and receiver 20 Max and Sony's 8mm -HOME THEATER / Bose’s Lifestyle 12—surround sound cubed 22 CCD-FX730V. Photo- CAMCORNER / Using a timebase corrector to clean up home videos 24 graph by Dan Wagner, Q & A/ Technical queries answered 26 goalie: Craig Melvin, OFF THE AIR / Boxing the Falcon and other laser-ready gems 122 Sports Photo Masters, Inc. Video Magazine Volume XVII Number 8 AY VIDEO Magazine (ISSN 1044-7288) is published monthly by Reese Communications, Inc., 460 W. 34 St., New York, NY 10001. Second-class postage paid at New York, NY and additional mailing office. © 1994 Reese Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. © under Universal, International, and Pan American Copyright Conventions. Reproduction of editorial or pictorial content in any manner is prohibited. The Single copy price $2.95; $3.50 in Canada; £2.50 in U.K. One-year subscription (12 issues) $15.; Canada, $22.47 (includes GST #R125938423) U.S.; foreign, air mail, $40 U.S. Canadian international publication Audit 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. Change of address takes 60 days Bureau 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. 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 4 VIDEO Rd., Ann Arbor, MI 48106. NOVEMBER 1994

THE ULTIMATE MOVIE EXPERIENCE. J LASERDISCS |ror ST EA. PLUS 1 MORE al ORE T SAVINGS sic vitaus aio. Bram Stoker’s Dracula * 1102904 Mrs. Doubtfire * 4221605 Top |Gun 0426908 Ace Ventura: Pet Detective * 4242908 Addams Family ‘Values — ' * 1232701 Lethal Weapon __* 1207109 Lethal Weapon2 0630806 ** 06440521750027 Fearless 1198803 Lethal Weapon 3 1237601 * 1154905 The Good ‘Son * 0003905 Ghost In The Machine _ 1190909 Sleepless In Seattle Conan The Barbarian ¥ 0220509. 1208701 The Sound Of Music ___0734905 Hook _ * 0854307, ~_* 1154400 The Man Without A Face Caddyshack 0602300 Much AAdo About t Nothing * 0367607 * 0847103 11466 Le The Prince Of Tides 0439307 Wizards PHILADELPHIA IN THE LINE OF FIRE THE PELICAN BRIEF Fatal Attraction * 4239607 1251404* 1190107\" 1251305\" The Firm “* 4239003 0367409 * 0211003 Die Hard sk* 0638700 Robotech Vol. 1 * 0151508 Beverly Hills Cop Il Forbidden ¥ 0844407 The Hunger Beverly Hills Cop ; * 0255505 Orlando * 1238807 Cat People (1982) gr Howards End Robocop Falling Down é * 4134006 The Hunt For Red October The Bear * 0599308 Indochine’ *'4188903 RETURN OF THE JEDI CARLITO’S WAY THE FUGITIVE The Exorcist Manhatfan Murder Mystery * 4189505 0354704* 1229301* 2001: A Space Odyssey On THe Waterfront 1197706\" Beverly Hillbillies 0162503 * Letterbox The Haunting __ Runaway Train 1802305 * 4189406 Das Boot (subtitled) * 1232503 Arsenic And Old Lace 0073502 Remains Of The Day * 0154704 * 1207208 Coneheads ie * 4179001 Visions Of Lig * 4201407 Blue Thunder _*339121300 History Of The World: Part 1 * 0055707 M. Butterfly Home Alone * 0104208 Star Wars * 0091009 A Perfect World * 4237205 Scent Of AWoman 1246305 1200708 Chinatown * 0202507 My Life Home Alone 2: Empire Strikes Back Striking Distance_ The Wizard Of Oz 0001404 Lost In New York * 1104900 Sliver * 4147008 Dazed And Confused * 1188606 Goodfellas * 0969808 Basic Instinct * 1033208 Under Siege * 1077908 Lawnmower Man 1014505 CLUB FAVORITES Monty Python’s The 0523902 ¥ 0211409 Meaning Of Life Back To The Future * 0921304 Batman: Mask Of * 1238906 Pink Floyd: The Wall ~_* 0258004 * 0497008 Beethoven’s 2nd * 1241504 The Phantasm * 1221506 * 0364901 BackTo The Future II Body Snatchers (1993) * 1251800 Predator * 0104307 4033109 A Bronx Tale * 1247709 * 0805309 Back To The Future Ill * 4149400 Geronimo: * 1246404 * 1207307 Predator 2 *0826008 An American Legend * 1260405 In The Name *,0041806 My Cousin Vinny * 1251503 Of The Father * 1143809 The Silence. Of The Lambs Dave * 4071 604 The Getaway (1994) * 1269406 * 1149301 Die Hard 2: Die Harder Grumpy Old Men Age Of Innocence Ghost 0607606 Major League 2 1286707 Bridge On The * 0233205 Star Trek-The Motion Picture * 0203505, Sneakers * 0844605, The Naked Gun 33 1/3 * 1251909 * 1084003 * 4087709 The Final Insult * 1237809 River Kwai (Restored) * 1174804 Star Trek Il- * 0201301 Deliverance On Deadly Ground * 1260900 * 1199306 The Wrath Of Khan * 4179803 Cliffhanger * 1154806 Jaws * 0642504 The Piano * 1255207 Terminator 2: Star Trek Ill-The ___* 0201608 *4029909 Reality Bites * 1256106 * 1097906 Passenger 57 Searching For Judgment Day Search For Spock 0*21927¢67110056 Unforgiven (1992) Star Trek IV-The Rookie Of The Year_ Bobby Fischer Rising Sun * 1261205 Demolition Man Voyage Home * 0430603 Batman (1 989) ¥ 4252204 Thumbelina Last Action Hero * 1078005 Blade Runner: Star Trek V-The Final Frontier * 0448605. Batman Returns Bugs Bunny Classics 0211508 The Director’s Cut Star Trek VI-The The Road Warrior _ ~ 0920306 Mad Max Beyond Undiscovered Country * 1001007 Thunderdome *0976803 Dragon: The Bruce Lee Story * 1150705 Moonstruck * 0681106 Midnight Express —* 0150003. A LeagOfuTeheir Own * 4051309 The Secret Garden (1993) * 4188804 National Lampoon’s Backdraft * 0559005. Animal House Alien 0000208 Field Of Dreams Hot Shots 0029108 Aliens 0360909 Robin Hood: The Last Of The * 1071406 The Complete Beatles * 1042506 Prince Of Thieves Mohicans (1992) 1246206 1250604 Alien 3 * 1127109 Six Degrees OfSeparation (Remastered) * 1142009 E.T.: The Extra- Terrestrial ___ 0382309 Point Of No Return * 4206903 Shadowlands * 1239201 Indecent Proposal * 4193101 We're Back * 0881102 Patriot Games_ The Bodyguard * 4179605 A Few Good Men * 4105907 Highlander The Abyss * 1106301 CTH®ho1oel9um9uspJ4mea,bunidyagment Night_ Hard Target to build a collection mail the response card always provided Dept. J25, P.O. Box 1112, Terre Haute, Indiana 47811-1112 of your favorite movies — on laserdisc! by the date specified. And you'll always. Yes, please enroll me under the terms outlined in this advertisement, As a member, |need buy Just write in the numbers of the 3 have 14 days to decide; if not, you may only 4 more selections, at regular Club prices, in the next 2 years. laserdiscs you want for $1.00 each, plus return the selection at our expense. shipping and handling. In exchange, you Send me these 3 laserdiscs for $1.00 each-plus $1.50 each shipping and handling (total $7.50). simply agree to buy four more laserdiscs If you in the next two years, at regular Club continue your membership after fulfilling eea Eeaieconan] prices (currently as low as $29.95, plus your obligation, you'll be eligible for our shipping/handling)—and you may cancel generous bonus plan. It enables you to BUY YOUR FIRST SELECTION NOW—AND HAVE LESS TO BUY LATER! membership at any time after doing so. enjoy great savings on the movies you What's more, you can get still one more want — for as long as you decide to SAGEAaaAlso, send me my first selection for $19.95, plus $1.50 shipping/handling, movie for the low price of $19.95 and remain a member! have less to buy later (see complete which I'm ang to my $7.50 payment {total $28.95). |then need buy only3more details in coupon). instead of 4)in the next 2 years, sent every four weeks . We'll send details Please Check How Paying: 0 My check is enclosed A35/A37 (up to 13 times a year) reviewing our of the Club’s operation with your intro- A36/A38 Director's Selection — plus scores of ductory package. If not satisfied, return Charge my introductory laserdiscs and future Club purchases to: alternate choices, including many lower- everything within 10 days at our expense Discover priced laserdiscs. And you may also for a full refund and no further obligation. 2 MasterCard Diners Club AMEX O VISA receive Special Selection mailings up to four times a year. (That's up to 17 buying Acct. No. Exp. Date opportunities a year.) Signature If you want the Director's Selection, do nothing — it For fastest service, use your credit card Name will be sent automatically. If you prefer an and call us toll-free 24 hours a day: alternate selection, or none at all, just Dept. Address J25 City Fa Entertaining Zip Phone No. ( ) & America... One Person Do any of the following apply to you? (41) LASERDISC ata Time, ® Clown a Personal Computer (1) 11 |own a PC with a CD-ROM (2) 01! plan to buy a PC with a CD-ROM (3) Note: This offer poeto firsttime Laserdisc Club members only. Limit one per household. Columbia House reserves the ttAiiepopnlalicaibnfloermsaatlieosn,taxrejaedctdeadnytooaurIorydearss. or cancel any membership. 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CHANNEL ONE VID magazine Your right to copy under attack? The first sale doctrine is the hard-won principle that protects your President and Managing Director, right to buy and use VCRs to make tapes at home for personal use. It Jay Rosenfield was settled by the Sony Betamax case in the mid-‘80s, and has sur- vived many an effort to do away with it. It may have to withstand Editor, Stan Pinkwas another, this time from a Commerce Dept. project to update copy- right laws for the digital ‘90s. A draft paper from the Information Senior Editor, Brent Butterworth Infrastructure Task Force recommends redefining digital transmission Technical Editor, Lancelot Braithwaite as a type of distribution, like publishing, that should be controlled by Assistant Editors, Josef Krebs, copyright owners. The first sale doctrine, the group says, “should not Stewart Applegath apply” to these transmissions. Going further, the group would ban all Contributing Editors: Bob Angus, Bob products or components that defeat copy-protection codes. Want to Barlow, Frank Beacham, Bruce Eder, M. make a videotape of that movie you may someday download over the Faust, Corey Greenberg, Ty Harrington, Internet? Forget it. Want to save a copy of that Letterman-Madonna Ken Korman, David Lachenbruch, Timothy rematch your digital satellite dish picked up? Never mind. Liehe, George Mannes, Marianne Meyer, Cliff Roth, Tom Soter, Jonathan Takiff, The Home Rights Recording Coalition, which represents manu- Rich Warren, Stewart Wolpin, Roderick facturers and some consumer groups, says such rules would effectively Woodcock rescind “existing consumer rights” dealing with first sale and fair use, since “Fair use is an empty right in the absence of a product to use.” Art Director, Marshall Moseley In fact, the rules would appear to back consumers into a corner Assistant Art Director, Nadira Abdul-Kadir where any version of a digital program they might make would be Art Assistant, Gary French legally suspect. The task force’s work will be be the basis for much Production Manager, Gary M. Krystofiak debate in Washington. But its ideas serve copyright owners at the Production Assistant, Kim Lau expense of consumers. Before they harden into statutes, they need to Typesetting, Janet M. Holland be reworked to protect explicitly the rights consumers have estab- lished over the years to use the movies and programs they buy or Group Publisher, Eric C. Schwartz receive. It would be a shame to hobble with restrictions technologies that should expand everyone’s opportunities. Associate Publisher, Linda DeRogatis Vice President, Business Development, « Alan Deitch This month’s issue includes illuminating looks at big mini-screens Editor, Video Pro, Tim Wetmore and compact big-screens. The former are the LCD monitors affixed to National Advertising Director, Video Pro, the new camcorders pioneered by Sharp, Sony and JVC. Timothy Annette Schnur Liebe’s “LCD Camcorder Face-Off” shows how they’re changing the Circulation Director, Rodney Bell way camcorders can be used, as well as the trade-offs you'll Circulation Assistant, Lydia Ferrante encounter. The big screens belong to front projectors, a sophisticated Newsstand Sales Director, Gerald Levine class of imagers that videophiles shouldn’t automatically discount as Marketing Director, Luanne Rao too costly or complex. Brent Butterworth’s “The Case for Front Financial Officer, Mark C. Spector, C.P.A. Projection” shows why. You'll also find our promised follow-up to last Business Manager, Janette Evans month’s cover story about small-dish satellite systems. We set up Assistant Business Manager, PrimeStar’s 36-inch dish and digital receiver, chief competitor to the Lily Schwartzberg Digital Satellite System that carries DirecTv and USSB programs, Advertising Coordinator, Karen Pellino and clicked it on. To see how it fared, turn to our “Hands-On Test.” Assistant to the President, So Hee Kim This month’s pages are also our first produced completely on disc, thanks to powerful new computers we'll also be using to sharpen our Corporate Offices, Editorial & Sales: Linda presentation of each month’s video news. A tip of the hat to Art Futterman, Christine Barbieri, Director Marshall Moseley for a skillful transition. 460 West 34 St., New York, NY 10001; 212-947-6500, 212-947-6727 (fax) ag ee oe West Coast Sales Office: Linda DeRogatis, Susan Kay Moses, Stan Pinkwas 1453 Third Street, Suite 490, Santa Editor Monica, CA 90401; 310-393-5057, 310-393-5538 (fax) 6 VIDEO NOVEMBER 1994 Chicago Sales Office: Milton Gerber, Kristene Richardson, Media Plus, 135 N. Arlington Heights Road, Suite 106, Buffalo Grove, IL 60089; 708-913-5400, 708-913-5403 (fax) Editor-in-Chief, Art Levis (1936-1991) REESE COMMUNICATIONS @ INCORPORATED PRINTED IN THE U.S.A.

P..,asonic introduces the WJ-AVE7 Digital Video Mixer. With Luminance Keying and over 100 special effects, it makes your videos especially effective. Think of the new Panasonic WJ-AVE7 Video Mixer as a way to turbo- charge your imagination. Dual PIP Its sophisticated technology lets you do almost anything you can imagine at a price that’s so afforda- ble it’s unimaginable. For instance, its Luminance Keying feature lets you alter reality by superimposing video images. Its auto take feature creates flawless transitions, auto- matically. Add dual picture-in-pic- ture, a color corrector, over 100 digital effects, a built-in audio mixing board and the optional video titler, WJ-TTL7, and this Panasonic Video Mixer lets you do almost anything you can conceive. And unlike other sys- tems, the WJ-AVE7’s digital synchronizer lets you dissolve or wipe between any 2 NTSC signals. And our AV Mixer can do even more—to find out how much more, speak to your nearest Panasonic Dealer, at 1-800-365-1515, ext. 333. i iveeReS “IIMNASGTIENAADTIOOFN YOWIULRL BURUN DGEWTI.LD e=al simulated. just slightly ahead of our time.®



YOUR BIG SCREEN TV A Pioneer’ LaserDisc player will turn CAN HANDLE A SIXTY a good big screen TV into one that’s PERCENT INCREASE IN really killer. That’s because laserdisc provides you with images of striking PICTURE QUALITY PLUS DIGITAL SOUND. clarity — sixty percent sharper, mn fact, than a conventional VCR, along CAN YOU? with the added impact of CD-quality sound. And with over 8,000 titles available on disc, there's de initely no shortage of things to watch. Pioneer LaserDisc players. Without one, youre simply not getting the most from your television. And when you consider how much youve invested in your big screen already, that’s a crime. Owe (e aces The Art of Entertainment

The high-end audio industry has always Letters from been dedicated to the reproduction of music exactly as it was recorded. A good our readers high-end music system provides amaz- ingly accurate and lifelike re-creation of Dissing DBS The Chung factor the musical experience in the home. Your article on the information super- I look forward to each issue of Video Regular readers of VIDEO Magazine highway (“Hope, Hype and Reality,” Magazine knowing I’ll learn something need no introduction to the fact that the Aug.) incorrectly states that the new new and useful regarding home theater. marriage of audio and video is upon us DBS systems will offer the first “true But no article has served me better than and is creating tremendous interest in alternative” to cable. Conventional Corey Greenberg’s “Home Theater” home theater. This phenomenon has home satellite systems have been (Sept.) about setting surround sound spawned considerable debate as to the around for more than a decade. These levels. After spending thousands on qualitative differences between good systems can pick up more satelillites, home theater equipment, I took his home theater sound and good “old and DSS is not the first system to offer advice and plunked down another $32 fashioned” stereo. Many audiophiles, it digital stereo surround on HBO, TNT for an SPL meter to balance my speak- seems, believe that home theater sound and MTV. Moreover, the cost of pro- er levels. What a difference it made! and music reproduction are somehow gramming is more expensive on DBS. Thanks to Corey, I now have a system incompatible, and often appear all too Nothing’s free and you have to take that exceeds anything I hoped for. I also eager to relegate home theater to unde- packages whether you want them or took his advice and used Connie served “mid-fi” status. not. The smaller dish will only benefit Chung’s voice to set my subwoofer apartment dwellers. | Dan Schillinger level. How did Corey know her voice As I see it, the enjoyment of both movies would be perfect for this procedure? and music is achieved by the best possi- Rapid City, South Dakota ble sound, period. The high-end system Rob Mayer of the future will likely incorporate more Good as Gold Milwaukee, Wisconsin than two channels, video, and the dynamic capability to reproduce both Thanks for the thorough review on the For the record music sources and movie soundtracks. MSB Gold LS-1 Transport (“Video- The best audio components make all tests,” July). I would like, however, to The correct name of the company, that possible today. Enjoy! clarify a few points. The Gold LS-1 is not built on the LX-900 chassis, but on noted in September’s “Late News,” Chris Browder, B&W Loudspeakers, one in the same line. The Gold PS-1 President of AAHEA Processor has only one RCA S/PDIFF that’s selling HDTV VCRs in the U.S. digital input at the $3,395 price. The is Captain New York. Prices for the THE ACADEMY Triple Input Option, for $440, adds a FOR THE second RCA digital input and an VCRs, which play base-band, not AT&T optical input. We built the LS-1 ADVANCEMENT primarily as a high-end audio transport MUSE, HDTV signals, have yet to be OF to compete with the finest CD-only transports. We design our products to announced. This column is presented by The Academy for the Ad- be as accurate as possible, and trust this vancement of High End Audio (AAHEA), an organiza- makes their performance easy to predict June’s “Home Theater” misidenti- tion dedicated to the recognition of excellence and the and utilize fully in every system. promotion of greater awareness of high end audio. fied the filter that comes with the John Turkel, Sales Manager M.S.B. Technology Corp. Reference Recording laserdisc A Video Moss Beach, California Standard. It’s a custom-made deep blue Limited patience filter similar to Eastman Kodak’s I recently purchased the VHS version of the limited edition Terminator films Wratten 50. ry for $49.99. The following week, the same store had the special expanded Send letters to Feedback, Video Magazine, edition of Terminator 2: Judgement Day in widescreen or pan-and-scan for 460 West 34 Street, New York, NY $24.99. Had the salesman informed me 10001; or fax to 212-947-6727 after 5 of the new arrival, I would have put off p.m., EST, weekdays, or all day on week- my purchase. These kinds of choices are ends; or send messages via CompuServe to not choices at all. When will intelli- gence, instead of just greed, rule the 75147,1255. Letters may be edited for way films are released and distributed? clarity and space. Josmar Lopes Bronx, New York 10 VIDEO NOVEMBER 1994

SAMSUNG Look Ma, i ic A Marriage of Convenience. No Wires. A Great Game Plan. The Combo is A TV and VCR need each other. So Hang-ups about kid-friendly. Video input jacks are Samsung united them. As a result, up front, not way in the back. So you live happily ever after. hookups? No playing games is all fun, no work. problem. Just The Perfect Balasitier plug in the Combo and it’s ready to go. The Combo rewinds and replays tapes automatically. And it won't eat all your snacks or call boyfriends named Ridge. THE SAMSUNG TV/VCR Compo. How CONVENIENT. If we made the Samsung TV/VCR Combo any more convenient, we'd have to watch it for you. The Combo is more than just a TV. It’s a TV with a built-in VCR. And it has the features that every couch potato loves. On-screen programming. Video input jacks. Auto repeat. Auto tracking. TECHNOLOGY And full-function remote. THAT WORKS Hate wiring? We do too. That’s why the Combo sets up anywhere with a single plug. hey And whether you choose the 13\" or 19\" screen, it'll look great wherever you put it. For more information, please call one of our zone offices: East (201) 229-4000, West (310) 537-6791, Midwest (708) 916-2230, South (404) 956-0800. ELECTRONICS Circle 2 on Reader Service Card.

Fast >> EDITED BY BRENT BUTTERWORTH FORWARD tad a More movies on Video CD PEACE, LOVE & MULTIMEDIA Bond’s back, in Video CD this Saugerties, New York. Mud may have provided time, as part of the growing library of the essential experience for the 300,000 brave souls who films in the new small-disc format. attended Woodstock '94, but those savvy enough to Philips Media is releasing 16 James Bond films, including half a dozen not venture behind the main concert area found a glimpse available in VHS, for $24.95 each. The _ of the pristine, digital world of multimedia. In a six-acre titles include You Only Live Twice and A View to a Kill this month and Moon- area dubbed Surreal Field, Philips, Apple and several raker in December. Philips’ other new other forward-looking companies wowed the weary Video CD movies include Wayne’s World, Silence of the Lambs and A Fish crowds with hands-on exhibits of the latest interactive Called Wanda. The discs are playable on technology. Philips ruled Surreal Field with one of the CD-i players with MPEG Digital Video most elaborate multimedia displays we've ever seen. cartridges. Each morning, festival goers lined up beneath a giant di- Rundgren at Woodstock nosaur with outmoded electronics—eight-track tape Meanwhile, Image Entertain- ment, the country’s largest laserdisc dis- players and the like-hanging from its four-story skele- tributor, is jumping in this fall with four ton. A looped voice whispered, \"Be bold. Don't get frozen in the past. Step in- CD-ROM titles a month, including The Terminator, Robocop and Dances with to the future.\" The dinosaur led to a theater where an introduction to CD-i Wolves. Most films will come in two- played on dozens of monitors and two huge projection screens. After the film, disc sets since each Video CD only con- tains about 72 minutes of video. media-nauts could settle in among 90 CD-i play stations in a nearby tent. Philips' most enticing attraction was rock musician and techno wiz Todd THE NUMBER Rundgren. Rundgren performed five times each day throughout the festival in whiyHceoahurrcstlooosbfeednmeofCviaitpetitohanensddeaTarfeV shows t h his \"Todd Pod,\" a compact interactive stage set that looked like an open-air Ot hearing. added and hed Apollo capsule. The Todd Pod, inspired by Rundgren's award-winning CD-i No World Order, let audience members actually participate in the spontaneous creation of music. Video cameras lowered into the crowd during the perfor- mance fed real-time images to monitors mounted across the top of the Pod. In Apple's Multimedia Midway, Woodstockers tried out the hottest CD- ROMs, from A Hard Day's Night to Myst. And watched as a team of producers put together daily editions of a multimedia newspaper that was shown to the festival audience on monitors flanking the main stage. The Woodstock '94 Na- tion News was produced on 15 Mac-based workstations using Radius VideoVi- sion hardware, Adobe Photoshop and Premiere, and Macromedia Director. Other Surreal Field highlights were Peter Gabriel's Mindblender; a mo- tion simulator based on the musician's Kiss That Frog music video; and Beyond 3-D, billed as the first 3-D action sports movie. If this year's event is any indi- cation, Woodstock II in 2019 should be interesting indeed. -—Ken Korman a r lg =] Rating videogames Videogames like movies are get- ting their own industry-devised ratings, and a five-level system by the Interac- tive Digital Software Association is the likeliest candidate for widespread use. The ratings will include phrases about each game’s content. The categories, divided by age group are: e Adults only @ Mature (age 17 and up) e Teen (13 and up) ¢ Kids to Adult (6 and up) e Early Childhood (3 and up) 12 VIDEO NOVEMBER 1994

TIMESHIFT TEN YEARS AGO IN VIDEO MAGAZINE “Steven Adkins was receiving Indianapolis microwave dis- tributor TVQ’s signal with an Video avenger antenna he made from a Maxwell House coffee can and $30 worth of plastic sew- bP Personal video doesn’t get much er pipe and assorted hard- more personal than the flamboyant | ware. Recently a judge found bodycam fashion designer Jean-Paul | him guilty of signal Pires Gaultier created for the tabloid TV cy...The 300 ys PBS affiliates journalist Andrea Scarface in Kika, a rum: Lab& FieldFests take-no-prisoners comedy by Pedro nationwide Almodovar. Cabled like a cyborg, An- are hoping to broadcast en- drea prowls through the film as the em- F sccameaai Sound secteur Uperade Yn VOR bodiment of trash TV, ferociously searching for news to capture live. tirely in stereo Gaultier’s outfit features a swiveling within the video camera bolted to Andrea’s hel- year. They met, video lights at her breasts, camera may become The Paper’s papa | and mic controls on her hands and the first net- arms, and a technician’s toolbelt at her work to do so, waist. Kika ‘s not on tape yet, but when BP The man behind The Paper, the it is, check it out. -Stan Pinkwas | according to j¢ ensemble comedy about a day in the life Senior Vice |] of a New York City tabloid, knows President Eric NOVEMBER 1984 Sass. All they something about ensembles: Six-year- | old Ronny Howard became famous as need is money—equipment Opie, part of the wacky ensemble on conversion is expected to cost TV’s The Andy Griffith Show. about about $30 million...No “T like ensembles” says director Ron more need to worry that Howard, 40. “The actors on the Griffith show were just a lot of fun to be around, you'll accidentally bring a silly group, joking all the time. But home a scandalous X-rated they were able to stop on a dime and re- cassette when you really ally focus. They carried that playfulness wanted wholesome PG fare— onto the screen.” or the other way around. The Howard has had his share of ensem- Motion Picture Association of ble hits (Parenthood, Cocoon), but it did- Leather & America and the Video Soft- nt come easy. Before directing his Lenses: star-making blockbuster Splash, the for- Gaultier’s ware Dealers of America mer star of Happy Days had a rough Nile(=x0) time. “There was a great deal of resis- bodycam .... have agreed to display stan- | tance. But from the time I was eight or for Kika. 7 dard movie code ratings (G, nine, I only wanted that job.” PG, PG-13, R, and X) on all Howard persevered—“I kept bug- films released on cassette ging George Lucas for tips”—and now, Bounty mounties and disc...The new 19-inch claiming to have never lost money for a Magnavox TV includes a high | studio, the still boyish-looking (but- BP The Motion Picture Association resolution filter to allow it to balding) director has only one regret about his previous career as an actor: of America is offering a unique boun- deliver a whopping 330 lines ty—$2,500 to the first person to finger typecasting. a pirate video lab that produces illegal of horizontal resolution...If “You know, no matter what I do or video dupes. The lab must have at least 30 VCRs, and the tip must lead to ar- the right title comes along, say, I’ll always be Opie,” he observes. “I rests or the seizure of equipment, al- once told some newspaper editors, though not to a conviction. Info about we might just see the first video piracy that results in convictions Look, guys, do me a favor. If I’m ever $19.95 videocassette in the killed in a plane crash, can you please not write, Opie Bites It?” They all coming year...The top five videodiscs on the sales chart may qualify you for another MPAA pro- this month are, in order, gram with rewards up to $15,000. The agreed, but one called me back and MPAA anti-piracy hotline is 800-NO- Terms of Endearment, The CORKS: said, Look, Ron, I can’t make that kind | Right Stuff, Silkwood, Gorky of promise. It’s just too good a head- Park and Scarface. rT line.” —Tom Soter NOVEMBER 1994 VIDEO 13

THOMSON a trial run of its interactive video net- Consumer work to 1,000 homes in Milpitas, Cal- Electronics ifornia. The telco is going all out and seems to have will simply build its proposed $16 bil- itself a hit. The lion system without the test. The Digital Satel- company hopes to wire the whole lite System, state for interaction by 2005. consisting of the 18-inch- e dish and re- ceiver made by MEANWHILE IN ANOTHER RCA that was the subject of last lane of the info highway, Southwest- month’s cover story (“Dawn of the ern Bell intends to offer phone ser- Small Dish”), is jumping off shelves. vices over a cable TV system it owns Sales at presstime were expected to in Montgomery County, Maryland. top 100,000, and that was before the Subscribers will be able to buy cable national rollout had hit its stride. and phone services, cable services only or phone services only. The plan, e which includes advanced phone fea- tures like voice mail and caller-ID, DISNEY STUDIOS, WHICH HAD could start as early as next fall. refrained from clambering onto the video superhighway, has announced e plans to develop interactive projects with BellSouth, Ameritech and HITACHI HAS DEMONSTRATED Southwestern Bell. Home-shopping, a tiny, digital camcorder that can movies-on-demand, traditional TV shoot color video using a memory shows, games and an advanced pro- storage chip instead of tape. The gram navigation system are all possi- industry-watching Television Digest ble products. “Our goal is to use reports Hitachi showed a prototype technological breakthroughs and new For strength & entertainment delivery systems to pro- versatility plus vide customers with a compelling and portability & creative array of programming,” said affordability. Disney CEO Michael Eisner. Providing remarkable rigidity 3DO. HAS SELECTED A’ KEY for the solid-state shooter at a Japan- coupled with light weight (only technology for its next generation of ese trade show recently, and said a 11 Ibs., 6 0z.), the all-aluminum game machines, while Matsushita, the production model could be ready by 3140 features double-strut, cen- only company selling 3DO players in 1999. It would use a 400-megabyte ter-braced construction. Extends the U.S., has cut the price of its cur- flash memory chip the size of a sugar to 73\" (with Mini Fluid Head) and rent model by 20 percent. The drop folds to acompact 32%2\"' for easy lowers the suggested price of the cube to record 30 minutes of video at travelling. REAL 3DO multiplayer to $399, less than VHS quality. Because the Also available in black anodized making it more competitive with oth- camcorder has no moving parts, it finish, the 3140 is a natural for er game systems. 3DO’s new technol- weighs a mere 10 ounces. education and industrial use. ogy is the Power PC chip, developed Ask your dealer or complete the by Motorola, Apple and IBM, and DEVELOPERS ARE CHASING A coupon below. used in this year’s powerful new Apple and IBM computers. 3DO will use the new rainbow—machines that can play We don't sell anything chip for its 64-bit system, which is due we wouldn't buy ourselves. late next year, and to make possible CD-ROMS directly to television sets. such new system peripherals as a Bogen Photo Corp., 565 East Crescent Avenue modem, a keyboard and a mouse. Microsoft is working on one, and P.O. Box 506, Ramsey, NJ 07446-0506. Please tell me more e Macromedia, the San Francisco soft- about the 3140 Tripod A GROUP OF KOREAN AND ware company that created the Direc- B\"JU2yPd1Oas91p1eAe1dNa9aySName Russian companies says it has devel- tor authoring program, recently Street oped a “diamond-like” carbon coating City that can triple the working life of teamed up with Microware to create a Telephone VCR head drums over the titanium coating typically used today. Daewoo, digital audio/video _ interacttive which financed most of the three-year decoder they’ll call DAVID. DAVID research effort, has already introduced a VCR in Korea that uses the coating will be able to translate CD-ROM and plans to apply it to all its models. material into NTSC. It’s likely to turn e up first in tests of interactive systems PACIFIC TELESIS, THE BIG WEST Coast Baby Bell, is scotching plans for by phone and cable companies. But the ultimate goal is a home product, costing a few hundred dollars, that ordinary entertertainment junkies will want to afford. r 14 VIDEO NOVEMBER 1994

Laserdiscs online Ambico, the leader in camcorder and editing products brings you the remarkable V 6300 Editing Efffects Mixer. State-of -the-art technology makes the Ambico Where can you go to find a vast A/V Editing Effects Mixer powerful and versatile, yet easy to use for all your selection of laserdiscs 24 hours a day, video and audio editing needs. seven days a week? How about your home computer? You can search ser- Edits two or more videos into one final production with spectacular effects! vices such as CompuServe and Amer- e Fades between video images in ANY COLOR! ica Online, where you'll find lists of ¢ Wipes between video images with hundreds of different wipe patterns in available and upcoming discs, some- times sorted by such factors as “letter- any color. boxed only” or “THX releases.” But ° Creates a totally new stereo soundtrack, complete with narration and back- there’s also a BBS (bulletin board sys- tem) dedicated entirely to laserdiscs— ground music! (Microphone included) Sight and Sound’s LaserNet BBS e Easily connects to a Time Base Corrector of Genlock Camera for synchronous (617-894-8633). 249\"video effects. Although the interface is a bit clumsy, just follow the manual and you All these features in one easy to use package! The Ambico Audio/Video Editing can get information on the store’s vast Effects Mixer is the answer to all your editing needs! inventory of new and used laserdiscs, or chat about your favorite discs with Only fellow enthusiasts. You can search for a specific title, then e-mail your order; FREE! _ Call for our free accessories catalog or download lists sorted by a wide vari- ety of categories including Criterion, With every Ambico 800-231-0031 discounts and imports. The used disc V6300 Editer/Mixer get inventory is updated daily, which gives this VO651 All-In-One == HAVEN you a better chance of finding the list- Video Transfer System. INDUSTRIES ed titles in stock. The Laserbolt sec- Transfer film, slides and tion carries exciting information about i> = 46-23 Crane Street, LIC,NY 11101 upcoming releases, including details photographs to video. about the extras you might find on a A $99.99 MSRAP value! Satisfaction guaranteed or your money back disc. For a $10 sign-up fee, which can be used for credit toward a disc pur- chase, you get an access account and a 42-page instruction booklet. You can use any computer with a modem (speeds up to 14,400 bps) and most communications programs. —Larry White 25 and counting Attention collectors: Sony is celebrating the 25th anniversary of its Trinitron color television technology with this silver bullet. The KV-25th, with a five-inch screen, has been cre- ated in an edition of 2,500 priced at $699 each. As befits a limited edition, each TV will be individually num- bered, accompanied by a certificate of authenticity and fitted with silver-plat- ed controls. —Stewart Applegath Circle 5 on Reader Service Card. NOVEMBER 1994 15 NOVEMBER 1994 VIDEO

Pd ae EDITED BY STEWART APPLEGATH | AUSTRALIAN FISHER’S HOME SYSTEM BEAUTY Fisher's top-of-line 9435 A/V system ($1,299) blends different components into Duntech’s PCL25 loud- a home system. The ensemble includes a 100-watt Dolby Pro-Logic amplifier, a speaker ($1,995/pair) is a 40-channel random preset tuner, a double-cassette deck and a 24-CD manage- two-way, three-driver speaker that has been ment system housed in an oak or black woodgrain-finished cabinet designed to time-aligned. Duntech accomodate an optional TV and VCR. A unified audio-video remote control says this produces excel- Operates most system functions, as well as Fisher VCRs and TVs. (For addi- lent stereo imaging, high levels of neutrality and a tional info, circle 100 on the Reader Service Card) more natural sound. The star-shaped tweeter aper- ture, along with layers of blue felt, is intended to absorb and dissipate early reflections. These speakers are finished in wide-grain Brazilian rose- wood, Australian jarrah or burled walnut. (For addi- tional info, circle 109 on the Reader Service Card) VIDEO SNAPS SLIM BIG-SCREEN Fuji’s Fujix Photo-Video Imager Sony says its new 53-inch KP-53XBR35 TV ($4,099) is FV-7 ($995) is a viewer that its first big-screen set to incorporate a new, high-con- trast screen. The dark tint improves contrast and inten- allows users to examine 35 sifies the black level, which Sony claims makes colors mm negatives slides and brighter and more vivid. Sony has kept the package to a slim 25 inches in depth. Digital sound processing photographic prints on a lets viewers mimic different audio environments, such TV screen. The FV-7 can as a movie theater or concert hall. (For additional info, serve as an input device circle 101 on the Reader Service Card) for editing, publishing or database storage. Color images can be switched to black and white and negatives can be converted into positives. (For additional info, circle 104 on the Reader Service Card) Trimming PREMIERE EDITING Adobe Systems Premiere 4.0 for Windows adds new 16 VIDEO NOVEMBER 1994 features for video enthusiasts. The program delivers titling, motion control, and an expanded number of audio and video tracks, as well as pro-level features like timecode support and field processing, a new Trimming Window, improved previews and support for edit decision lists. Users can now control video equip- ment via V-LAN and ARTI networks. The price is $495; $129 for upgrades. (For additional info, circle 107 on the Reader Service Card)

No matter what you spent on your from than ever before, with digital quality in your living room that never runs out of home entertainment system, you picture and CD sound. LF] You get stock. For just $2.99 each, you get the could get more out of it with tons of hit movies to choose from, Hollywood hits you want, starting as often DIRECTV.™ Because DIRECTV before they’re on the premium as every 30 minutes. You also get classics, gives you more entertainment to choose cable movie channels. It's like a video store independent films and more. LJ You can DOESN'T YOUR GREAT HOME ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEA DESERVE GREAT ENTERTAINMENT! choose from hundreds of pro and college than you pay now. L] See the tiny 18-inch for the authorized DIRECTV dealer nearest sports events, and the newest and most RCA-brand DSS™ dish and DIRECTV at you. 1] DIRECTV. It's Personalized TV.™ popular cable networks. CNN, ESPN, your Consumer Electronics or Satellite TV USA, Sci-Fi Channel, The Disney Channel, dealer. Equipment availability is limited DIRECTY. Court TV, and a lot more. Probably for less until late fall, 1994, Call |-800-345-4388 ite S PEOiRNTAUSERZ EID Tey. © 1994 DIRECTV Inc., a unit of GM Hughes Electronics. DIRECTVa™nd DSS™are trademarks of DIRECTY, Inc. Circle 6 on Reader Service Card.

ZOOM SPECIALIST Minota’s Master 8-812 8mm camcorder is a Zoom specialist. In addition to digital signal processing—which controls focus, exposure and color accuracy—and elec- tronic image stabilization, it offers a color LCD viewfinder and an array of zoom possi- bilities. A 12x optical power zoom, an addi- tional 2x image enlargement and an instant zoom (which eS<d enlarges the image snooa ooa another 1.5x) give the 8- 812 a maximum zoom range of 35x. (For addition- al info, circle 105 on the Reader Service Card) CABLE INDEPENDENT The Novavision CB 3 5000 Personal Communications Terminal ($199) by Novaplex (800-644-6682) will turn your TV set into a higher-end viewing system. This cable convertor offers easy-to-use onscreen menus, parental lock-out, favorite channel memory, and the ability to watch one channel while recording another. It has con- nection and expansion options (including an ability to interface with telephones and computers), and can be activated by your local cable operator. (For additional info, circle 102 on the Reader Service Card) ULTIMATE ADJUSTABLE REMOTE CLIP-ON The Sonance D6000 In-Wall speaker may be the most adjustable you'll see. Eight treble settings, four mid- Insta-Light by Aaction Electronics (908-689-8181) range and eight bass settings (controllable by switches is a reading light for your high-tech gear. It on the front baffle) allow 256 adjustments to the output clips onto remote controls or VCRs and is of the tweeter, mid-range and woofer. The aluminum activated by a squeeze-release. For night- dome tweeter is housed in a pivoting mount, giving owners and installers great latitude in compensating crawlers who haven't managed to obtain an for a particular room’s acoustics. The D6000 can han- illuminated remote, this may be the answer. The dle 100 watts of power with a nominal impedance at 6 price is $7. (For additional info, circle 103 on the ohms. (For additional info, circle 106 on the Reader Reader Service Card) Service Card) BUDGET SURROUND Celestion’s Style series speakers are designed to provide 18 VIDEO NOVEMBER 1994 reasonably priced high-performance surround sound. The Little 1 speakers at $179/pair (right and left) are two-way units for multimedia, home theater or satellite applications. Center 2 for $249 (rear) is a high-performance, magnetically- shielded center speaker, while the taller Soundstyle MP1 speakers at $299/pair (center) are easily mounted bookshelf models that are also magnetically shielded and weather resistant. (For additional info, circle 1080n the Reader Service Card)

Ny Mom used to videotape hours of ? With Auto-Pause the mistakes are fixed. Dad's tapes of my ball games used to be fuzzy. With Sports Mode action shots look perfect. Grandpa used to See everything inblack and white. The Color LCD Viewfinder /ets you see lifes vibrant colors. My little sister had a hard time reaching the buttons. Now, we justpress thisbuttonThe 3-Position Zoom adjusts for greater comfort. | The JVC GR-AX70 is the one Camcorder that the whole family can enjoy. It can actually help fix those _ |ittle mistakes, right before your eyes. And because it’s VHS, playback couldn’t be easier - right in your home VHS VCR with the provided Playpak. All this with aCamcorder that weighs less than 2 pounds. @ & mE, ® ;‘ Ne aX —~ | Sr meet The Inventor of VHS Technically Perfect. Perfectly Simple. Circle 3 on Reader Service Card. 5

HANDS-ON BY BRENT BUTTERWORTH | TEST Primestar gives RCA’s DSS tough competition Primestar Satellite used in DSS. I don’t know whether it’s channel. The picture on DSS some- TV System becuase of the larger dish or the differ- times takes on a slightly soft-focus look, ent compression scheme, but Primestar but that never seems to occur with The big splash RCA is making with its definitely suffers from fewer digital arti- Primestar. When DSS is performing at DSS small-dish satellite system has all facts than DSS, at least in this stage of its best, its picture is almost identical to but swamped another contender: both systems’ development. that of Primestar. But when DSS is at its Primestar. Primestar was launched by In last month’s issue, I based my worst—when the MPEG-1 encoding’s Primestar Partners (formerly K Prime evaluation of DSS_ largely on DirecTv not too good, or when there’s lots of Partners) a consortium of cable compa- pay-per-view movies, which are careful- movement or many shot changes nies. It began transmitting about three ly encoded in MPEG-1. Since then, I’ve —Primestar has definite advantages. years ago, before DSS was even been watching lots of cable network With DSS, I experienced “rain announced. shows on DSS, which are encoded “on fade”—severe digital artifacts and Until recently, though, Primestar the fly,” in real time. I’ve noticed much (once) a complete loss of signal—dur- transmitted only analog signals to Ku- more pixelation, mainly during shot ing thunderstorms. Unfortunately, this band dishes measuring 36 by 39 is one testing condition we can’t inches. Digital compression control: It never rained while we was planned for Primestar from were testing Primestar. But we'll fire the start, but it began only a up Primestar during the next gully- couple of months ago, using washer and publish a follow-up General Instrument’s DigiCipher ASAP. compression scheme to squeeze 70 I detected a very slight difference channels out of the 20 offered between the sound quality of the before. two systems, but even after consid- The big difference between erable switching back and forth, I Primestar and DSS—outside of had a tough time getting a handle Primestar’s much larger dish—is on it. DSS seemed marginally the equipment cost. DSS equip- smoother-sounding, with somewhat ment starts at $700 for a receiver more solid bass. But ultimately, I and a dish, but Primestar’s arrange- found the difference was less than ment is more like cable TV. Use of what you usually hear between two the Primestar dish and receiver is CD players. It’s barely worth men- included in the subscription fees. tioning. Installation costs are comparable to Primestar’s onscreen menu sys- those of DSS—about $150—but tem is quite clunky compared to the unlike DSS, consumers won't be one DSS uses. DSS’ menu lets you allowed to install the Primestar dish choose programs by category, and themselves. instantly access the program sched- Shortly after completing last ule with a dedicated button. And month’s hands-on test of DSS . the DSS program schedule carries (“First Look at Small-Dish TV”), information for shows up to 24 we installed a Primestar dish on the Dueling Dishes: Primestar’s three-foot dish (left) and DSS’ hours ahead. Unfortunately, Prime- terrace of our offices. This is when 18-inch dish (right) are much smaller than C-band dishes. star’s menu is much more limited, we noticed the dramatic physical differ- changes (particularly dissolves), and litle more than channel and program ence between the systems. A DSS dish when there’s lots of movement. The identification. It does have the Prevue is so small and light it can be slapped up pixels are quite small, and don’t usually Channel, a cable TV-type program almost anywhere there’s a southern bother me. schedule that lets you see the schedule exposure, and your neighbors might not However, on shows with frantic 90 minutes in advance. But in user- even notice it. motion, like MTV’s The Grind, where friendliness, DSS clearly gets the nod. But a Primestar dish requires dozens of dancers are moving and the Primestar’s program offerings are advance planning—it has to be mount- camera never stays put, the pixelation more limited than those on DSS (for ed on something very sturdy. Even can be very distracting. In contrast, I channel listings with prices, see the though it’s smaller than conventional noticed almost no pixelation in three sidebars to last month’s “Dawn of a dishes, it’s big enough to raise eyebrows nights of watching Primestar, and I had New Dish”). I suspect that most Video in image-conscious neighborhoods, and to watch very closely to notice any at Magazine readers, who presumably possibly even attract the attention of all. spend most of their TV time watching zoning authorities. Like DSS, Primestar is virtually free tapes and laserdiscs, will find plenty Primestar Partners says DigiCipher of interference, and achieves consis- enough viewing options either way. outperforms the MPEG-1 compression tently great reception from channel to Which system is best? For sheer pic- 20 VIDEO NOVEMBER 1994

ture quality, Primestar has obvious remote with Velcro; the receiver has a | to run wires from an A/V receiver in advantages. But that could change if | small antenna and plugs into an AC the living room to an extra set of speak- the DSS service providers (DirecTv outlet. ers in the bedroom, then run a video and USSB) follow through on their The system isn’t perfect—it will line from the receiver’s video ouptut to plans to switch to MPEG-2, which transmit through walls, but sometimes your bedroom TV, and use LeapFrong offers four times the resolution of you have to point the remote in a few with a universal remote. This way, you’d MPEG-1. In terms of sound quality, I different directions to get it to work. I be able to use and control any source think they’re about equal. Both are a got around this by simply pressing a but- component in your living room from big improvement over broadcast and ton and moving the remote a little until your bedroom—a pretty snazzy multi- what I wanted to happen happened. room system, and all for only $70 plus cable. LeapFrog is perfect for simple multi- the price of a few yards of cable. All these videophile concerns don’t add up to a hill of beans, though, com- room systems. One nice setup would be —BB pared to issues of programming, sub- scription fees, Primestar’s larger dish and DSS’ relatively high equipment costs. If you must have a small dish, you have to spend the bucks for DSS. If you can deal with Primestar’s VANDERSTEEN AUDIO larger dish and more limited offerings, its quality and considerably lower start- up costs offer definite advantages over DSS. For me, they’re both a godsend— either one lets me watch The Cartoon In its pursuit of perfection, Channel’s Jonny Quest in my office. high-end audio has established Terk LeapFrog “Superior on both lofty standards that only the best Remote Extender film and music, speakers can reach. Now your VANDERSTEEN's PT A aCULL) CL Since the dawn of consumer electron- can meet these same standards. ics, we’ve been heaped with products full-range speakers Experience open natural voices, and special features that promise added dispel the myth that astonishing definition, powerful convenience. Usually, though, they bass and vivid imaging with deliver only added complexity. But video requires legendary VANDERSTEEN there’s one recently introduced product unique main boxless speakers. that can be set up in about two min- speakers.\" utes, that delivers more convenience than a handful of fancy remotes— Terk’s LeapFrog. The LeapFrog transmitter converts the infrared signals from a remote con- $70 © RATING: \"Ultimate realism!\" For almost 20 years, VANDERSTEEN AUDIO has built affordable loudspeakers true to both science and music. If you are looking for speakers that accurately reproduce the entire frequency range and dimensions of the original sound, we can direct you to your nearest carefully selected \"Amazing VANDERSTEEN dealer. definition, rocks the Please write or call for a brochure lation!\" and name of your nearest dealer. Space Arranger: Terk’s Leapfrog remote. WANDYENPSH)i=S NW-V0]B)(@ im | Three redhat 300 watt amplified cL trol to radio signals, and sends them to 116 West Fourth St, Hanford, CA 93230 a receiver that then converts the radio signals back into infrared. This lets you (209) 582-0324 control a component in one room from another room. The battery-powered Models available from $495. transmitter attaches to the front of a Circle 7 on Reader Service Card. NOVEMBER 1994 VIDEO 21

BY JOE WIESENFELDER N Bose’s Lifestyle 12-- |surround sound cubed If you find Bose’s satellite speakers too watched home theater from another things out, but even when the module obtrusive, you may have to do without room, but let me tell you, it’s a joy to was hidden, it made its presence home theater because speakers just poke at a remote that’s wedged firmly in known audibly. I localized on it every don’t come much smaller. Bose’s swivel- the depths of a La-Z-Boy and have it time. Here’s why: Only sub-bass fre- ing two-cube arrays are part of it’s first actually deliver. I’d love to see more quencies are truly nondirectional, and dedicated home theater system, the companies use RF systems. The only the bass module produces mid- and $2,200 Lifestyle 12, which includes problem is that universal infrared upper-bass sounds for good reason. everything needed for home theater remotes are not compatible. If you buy Satellites as small as the cubes are | short of video source components. Five Lifestyle, you'll be slingin’ from two hol- physically incapable of producing bass of the tiny cube arrays much lower than about team up with an Acousti- 200 Hertz. The bass mass bass module that module has to reproduce carries amplification for some of these sounds or the whole system. Each leave a hole in the fre- satellite receives 40 watts, quency response. Happi- while 80 watts drive the ly, there was no _ hole, module’s two woofers. although there is a trade- The brain of the sys- off regarding bass module tem is the small, sleek positioning. If you are Lifestyle music center, anything but a very casu- which is finished in simu- al listener, you'll need to lated brushed aluminum. put the module near, It holds an AM/FM tuner, preferably between, the a CD player and the satellites. VideoStage decoder that Cute as hell and easier takes the place of a Dolby to place than a phone Pro-Logic decoder for call, the cube arrays mea- processing all programs, sure a scant 3 x 4.8 x 6 be they Dolby encoded or inches, weigh two not. A fluorescent display pounds, and come in is Lifestyle’s only visual; black or white. The top there are no onscreen dis- and bottom cubes pivot, plays or video switching allowing you to cover a faculties. wide listening area with Bose emphasizes set- the center array or to up simplicity. An inte- reflect some left and right grated cable routes audio sound off the side walls, and system-control sig- just like Bose’s Direct- nals from the music cen- Gleaming the Cubes: Lifestyle 12 uses tiny speakers, a tuner/CD player/decoder and a subwoofer. Reflecting speakers. The ter’s fixed RCA outputs design proved most and system control jack to a DIN input sters, pilgrim. effective in surround positions where | on the bass module. Speaker wires are As with its three-piece speaker sys- wide dispersion is desired. I followed labeled and/or color coded at each end tems, Bose claims the bass module can Bose’s suggestion to mount them on for left, center, right, and left and right be placed virtually anywhere, including stands in the corners, and found many surround duty. RCA plugs make the out of sight, because its bass sounds are positions and heights from which to speaker connections at the bass mod- nondirectional. But I found it difficult reflect sound off the rear and side walls ule. The music center sports inputs for to find a place where the module didn’t to excellent effect. I also hung them at aux, video sound (ostensibly for a TV’s sound boomy. Turning the bass tone different positions on the walls (mount- audio outputs) and a tape loop. Video control all the way down helped some. ing brackets are not included). Swivel- switching must be handled by the TV Thankfully, the control seemed to ing the speakers to their limit, almost itself, or its owner. reduce the module’s overall output 180 degrees, created a bipolar effect. Two pairs of speaker outputs can (unlike some products in which a When mounted high on the wall, the feed powered speakers, and a second boost/cut filter is stuck at an arbitrary speakers again performed well. remote can be purchased to control one bass frequency). This is a smart design. With the treble control down slight- speaker pair from another room. Like However, the bass still sounded unnat- ly, the system’s tonal balance was rea- the supplied remote, it’s a radio-fre- ural when reinforced by a corner or a sonably flat, if a tad tubby on male quency (RF) design, so it works through wall. Moving the module to the right of vocals. The system lacked authority on walls and cabinet doors. I’ve never my system near a doorway smoothed continued on page 44 22 VIDEO NOVEMBER 1994

The RCA Home Theatre. It’s big. Its bright. Is powerful. Have we gone too far? A vast metallic shape looms in front of you. An intense pulsing sound surrounds you. A penetrating light probes your living room searching for intelligent life. You're certain that you'll be whisked away at any moment to an alien world. Relax. Don't worry. It’s just the incredible power of the RCA Home Theatre: It’s where the future of television is taking you. Changing Entertainment. Again: ese 94 Thomson Consumer Electronics, Inc.

CAMCORNER BY CLIFF ROTH Using a timebase corrector to clean up home videos Video is based on very precise timing of have so-called infinite or full-frame special-effects generator (SEG) such picture information. As each scan line is swept across the screen, it must stack windows. The idea is that the TBC has as the Video Toaster. Videonics’ MX-1 up perfectly with its predecessors to form an image. If one line should be off enough memory to store a complete video mixer has an integral timebase by a fraction of a second, the image information will shift slightly to the left frame of video—525 scan lines. corrector. or right, creating a minor aberration in the picture. Such timing errors With a full frame of memory, TBCs TBCs used to cost thousands of dol- become especially apparent when there’s a vertical edge in can do something remarkable: They lars, and many pro models still do. But the shot—when edges of build- ings and lampposts look jagged, can take an asynchronous (out of sync) as digital memory prices have dropped, we know something’s wrong. source, such as a VCR or a camcorder, so has the cost of TBCs-they’re now One of the more obscure tech- nical details that divides the world Video Processor Con ¥-Scope Cont is 1 available for less than $1,000 per of professional VCRs from con- tf tector | channel. (You need two channels sumer decks is timing stability. Each horizontal scan line is sup- tvertan | Slit for a Video Toaster.) Perhaps the posed to occur exactly 1/15,750 of | Flaat (a 8 best known of the new crop of low- a second after the previous scan line. A millionth of a second early aApiaDl R1D2Eeal TT ,_ eeUpdate Rate budget TBCs is the Personal TBC or late, and the image distorts. ae IV, from Digital Processing Professional tape formats have Systems. This TBC costs less better inherent timebase stabili- partly because it’s a plug-in com- ty, and the VCRs incorporate special circuits called timebase puter card supplied with soft- correctors, or TBCs, to clean up Video Mode Controls ware. The costs of building a the signal even more. (Federal case, a power supply and a con- Communications Commission trol panel are all eliminated—the regulations require very close tolerances for the timing of computer provides these func- broadcast signals—prior to TBCs, portable video formats could not tions. An optional RC-2000 con- be legally broadcast, except by optically rescanning the picture trol panel accessory can provide with a professional camera.) more traditional control knobs A TBC is essentially a memory device. It creates a ose, slight and buttons. delay between the arrival of the input video signal and the delivery I recently had the opportuni- of the output signal. During this brief interval, the TBC digitizes ty to test a Personal TBC IV. I was the incoming video signal, stores curious to see whether passing a the information in memory, and then pumps the information out a video signal through the TBC dur- fraction of a second later. Because the information coming out of the ing ordinary copying—-such as TBC is being spun out by a digital circuit, not a mechanical tape playback occurs in straight-cut video edit- head, its timing is perfectly consistent. ing, without any — special The amount of memory that a TBC has is called the window. When a VCR effects-would produce a notice- has a TBC built in, the window is usu- ally equivalent to a few scan lines of the able difference in picture quality. picture—just enough to compensate for slight errors from one scan line to the Digitizing a signal inevitably next. But almost all stand-alone TBCs degrades it. But if the digitizing system is good enough, the slight degradation will be outweighed by | the improvements in timing stabil- ity. In technical parlance, the quality of digital conversion, as with audio, is measured by the number of bits recorded in each sample and the frequency of the sampling. The manufacturer says Personal TBC IV has a respectable 58-decibel signal-to-noise ratio, and frequency response to 5.5 Jitter Fixer: The Digital Processing Systems megahertz (about 440 lines of hor- Personal TBC IV is a board (center) that fits in izontal resolution) when the TBC’s IBM-compatible computers and Amigas. It can be controlled through software (top) or an optional comb filter is used. Residual timebase pont olier box (bottom). error is rated at less than 15 billionths of a second. The card installs in either an IBM and get it perfectly synchronized with compatible or an Amiga computer. Up another video device, like a second to four cards can be installed in a single VCR. This is what’s needed when you computer. A single 3.5-inch floppy disk want to do A/B-roll editing using a continued on page 45 24 VIDEO NOVEMBER 1994

Denon’s lifelong philosophy of “Design Integrity” has led us to constantly improve audio quality in all phases of the reproduction chain—including circuitry for Home Theater. As a result, off-the-shelf IC components like those used by our competitors, are no longer good enough for Denon’s AVR-2500 Audio/Video Receiver. The new Denon AVR-2500 features Dynamic Discrete Surround Circuitry, |DD:S-C| which employs discrete surround circuitry plus an 18-bit digital converter in the DSP stage. (Most competitors use lower bit converters.) _SODUONN’DT FOCROMSPURRORMOIUSNED. MATER Just as discrete components allow an audio system to be optimized for better sound, Denon’s DDSC produces more accurate, more realistic surround sound by reducing Total Harmonic Distortion, by increasing Signal-to-Noise and minimizing DSP quantization noise. Naturally, the Denon AVR-2500 also features the latest audio and FM circuitry, sa such as multi-zone capability for playing different programs in different parts of your home and personal memory fields for one-button recall of your favorite, custom tailored surround sound stages. The AVR-2500 and AVR-1500 also feature the RDS Smart Radio System, which lets broadcasters offer you additional, invaluable information, services and conveniences, either on the front panel or via On-Screen Display on the AVR-2500. Denon AV Receivers: DSP surround sound, advanced features and uncompromised High Fidelity. DENON Denon Electronics Division of Denon Corporation (USA), 222 New Road, Parsippany, NJ 07054 (201)575-7810 The First Name in Digital Audio Circle 8 on Reader Service Card.

VIDEO RODERICK WOODCOCK ADVERTISER CCD finder, ad killers & auto- play oddities Arthur S. Pait, Asst. Marketing [Je a strange mark on the side of knowing precisely where a commer- of my camcorder. It looks like a cir- cial begins and ends by mapping its posi- WEEVekcYo(<) acpo) ay.WD)DY. K-Yo) abole)Coleg(21m tion on the tape and compiling a record cle with a straight line through it. of the audio and video fades which act Inc., discusses desktop video. There’s no mention of it in the instruc- as bookmarks for commercials. When tion manual. What does it mean? you play your recording, these index sig- Desktop video has been catch- nals tell the VCR to fast forward ing on like wildfire over the last Paul Smith, through the blocks of commercials. You few years. How do you account for Miami, Florida. can watch this happen onscreen, or this? throw up a blue screen to mask the ads. ‘Af cryptic looking symbol indi- The keyword here is “afford- [i}:-»February issue carried a “Tech able.” The need for video pro- cates the exact position of the sur- Tip” (“Skip the Leader”) that’s not duction has always been there, the face of the CCD pickup inside the fact that desktop video products are camcorder. The surface of the chip cor- entirely correct. It stated that to avoid more affordable has made video responds to the film plane in a 35mm or dust and dirt accumulating on the plas- production possible for those users other film camera. Before reflex cameras tic leader of a tape, you should fast-for- in either local cable TV stations, and other through-the-lens viewfinder ward for a few seconds before pushing community services, schools, corpo- the play button. Many VCRs have an rations, etc. In fact, not only are systems, the symbol helped determine auto-play feature that activates if the re- most of the desktop video products the correct focusing distance for critical cord tab has been removed from the in the market now very affordable, close-up photography. Today it’s more a tape, which is usual with rental tapes. If but they also offer better features, you then hit the fast forward button, as ease-of-use, and the same high- curiosity than anything else, and not all quality standards as traditional camcorders carry it. stated, the VCR will merely scan for- video products. ward, and the heads won't be protected (i):remember seeing ads a few years from dirt. What you should do is insert How would the amateur video- the tape, press stop, press fast forward, grapher, say someone with a back for products that claimed to be press stop, then press play. basic two-VCR editing system, get into desktop at an entry level? able to remove commercials from L. Harold Bullis, Kensington, Maryland Most of the time, what they recordings. All you needed was a VCR really need is just a simple and affordable combination of a PC with remote control. Did the products and an overlay/genlock board with character generating (CG) and work, and is anything like them still editing software for titling and editing effects. For example, creat- available? Brian Sedlak, ing a CG station with a 386-40 MHz PC and our award-winning Springfield, New Jersey Overlay board (VGA AVer Pro), which comes with professional CG [Jeevensne the perfect commercial ‘Afae right, the tip is somewhat software, will cost them less than cutter was once considered to be ambiguous, but the procedure you $1300. the Holy Grail of VCR design. That was recommend isn’t totally correct either. because originally you could only get a The situation depends on how the VCR How advanced can one become maximum of four hours on a single T-120 handles the tape. With most older and with desktop video? tape (the six-hour LP speed appeared in 1979) and the tapes cost up to $20 each. many newer VHS VCRs, the tape There is no limit. With products doesn’t thread against the heads until like AVer Video Producer or Longer tapes like the T-160, T-180 and you press play. But on newer full-load or other desktop video products, you T-200 hadn’t been developed, nor had “quick-start” VCRs, the tape threads as can pretty much do all the things you features like high-speed picture search. soon as the cassette is inserted, regard- can do with the traditional video The video software market was also in less of whether you select play or the equipment. And remember, instead its infancy, so people were trying to build of spending $200,000 like it used to their own libraries of commercial-free VCR does it for you. Once threaded, be, now you only need to spend movies recorded from TV. some designs will pull the clear leader $2000 to $5000 for desktop video products. Few of these factors exist today. The forward, to ensure that the heads con- slowest EP/SLP speed has almost be- tact the tape and not the more abrasive come the standard speed for casual vid- leader. The bottom line is that there are eotaping, and many VCR owners use it many variations in the way VCRs oper- for everything they archive. Tapes are ate, even within the same format. Our cheaper, high-speed search is a standard apologies if this tip confused readers. The feature, and just about any movie you procedure remains valid for many VCRs. want is available on disc or tape for pur- chase or rental. Address questions to Q&A, Video Mag- azine, 460 West 34 Street, New York, Despite this, every now and then an- NY 10001; fax questions to 212-947- 6500 after 5 p.m., EST, weekdays, or all other company takes a stab at a com- day on weekends; or send questions via mercial cutter. The latest is the Compu- Serve to 75147,1255. Questions Commercial Brake from Arista Technol- may be edited for clarity and space. ogy. It claims to overcome the problem 26 VIDEO NOVEMBER 1994

Tor “In the theater of the mind, anything is THE ENERGY HOME THEATER possible. But in Energy's complete home- SURROUND SOUND SPEAKER SYSTEM ‘theater speaker system, only reality counts. Two satellites in front and two ENERC> behind immerse you in refreshing sound. A dialogue speaker at front and center places you face to face with the actors on the screen. Radical dual subwoofers extend all the way down to 35Hz, the bass enveloping you in sonic swell. This is one heart-pounding ride. Catch it if \"you can at your Energy showroom. ENERGY LOUDSPEAKERS 3641 MCNICOLL AVE., SCARBOROONTU.,GCHAN,ADA MIX 1G5. (416) 321-1800 FAX (416) 321-1500 LOUDSPEAKERS i Circle 9 on Reader Service Card. “STC AE TRE

AITACHI VM-E55A RATED #1 JBUYSATLEGAODITNGEVCEONNSUBMEETRTERMA!G.A.Z.INE ND HERE’S WHY “closer to the action.” This year 270,000 PIXEL CCD < A To achieve true engineering they have extended the lens to a This extremely dense 12X optical system. Digital zoom CCD enabled the engineers é£ excellence, a camcorder must further extends the range of the to employ an E.I.S. system ; combine the most important and that does not degrade popular features with a sleek, optical zoom system to an picture quality when in use. x attractive, ergonomic design at an incredible 24X, while the instant Unlike other E.1.S. systems affordable price. The engineers at zoom button magnifies any scene the engineers at Hitachi u Hitachi faced up to this challenge instantly an additional 1.5 times. developed their CCD so that : and were determined to deliver a whether E.I.S. is engaged or not definitive package at a price of And even with the more powerful the image remains sharp. a under $1,000. The result is a true optical lens system Hitachi breakthrough — the VM-E58A. engineers have been able to keep ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE | the minimum illumination The VM-E58A’s autofocus Here’s the inside story on how requirements at 1 lux. So even in system uses a foolproof the engineers at Hitachi created low light situations the VM-E58A through-the-lens approach and its this extraordinary camcorder. will perform flawlessly. white balance and auto iris are both controlled by a highly- COLOR LCD VIEWFINDER DIGITAL ELECTRONIC IMAGE sophisticated artificial The engineers at Hitachi STABILIZATION intelligence circuit. Its digitally determined through their research Last year Hitachi introduced programmed autoexposure system that camcorder users desire the provides perfect pictures with accuracy of a color viewfinder. They the first Electronic Image Stabilizer pinpoint accuracy. increased the number of pixels to with “angular motion sensors” in The VM-E58A’s superlative create a sharp vivid picture that the number 1 rated VM-E55A performance is built into its chips, allows you to see what you are camcorder. This year, Hitachi transport, electronic circuitry and shooting exactly as it is. This engineers have improved the optical system. This is Hitachi — eliminates the need to keep looking system by applying new engineering Excellence in Engineering. over the viewfinder to check what advancements to make our digital you are recording. EIS even better. Hitachi’s digital For more information EIS can improve picture quality 24X ZOOM whenever you are walking, riding on the Hitachi VM-E5S8A, Hitachi’s engineers have been in an automobile, using high please call 1-800-HITACHI pioneers in developing longer zoom powered zoom or any other activity ranges in order to allow you to get that causes your camcorder to be unstable.

ly L 7. bss oe chips, é- Vy | e transport, theVM-E5SAEY Noeee Tub ONTO ig FeOteheofpetcitucansere Hitachi’s excellence in engineering.” 1 Circle 10 on Reader Service Card.

Hi-Fi Stereo DA PRO 4HEAD/AUTO HEAD CLEANER/DIGITAL AUTO TRACKING 3 Z VIDEO. L—AUDIO—R By Stewart Applegath PRICE: $649 systems. Sony’s new top-of-the V-RATING: VVVVV Sony has included a cable box con- line SLV-920HF VHS trol which allows the VCR to operate deck arrives with an BETTER —P most brands of cable box through an impressive picture, VCR included cable “mouse.” This little unit Plus and some solid editing features for PICTURE connects to the VCR with a cable, sits higher-end users, such as a strong on top of your convertor and issues audio/video insert capability. Over the SOUND years, Sony has refined and simplified commands via an infrared control. In its top-end models, paring down the FEATURES this way, the VCR controls channels on | number of features visible while trying the cable box for timer recording. You | to include newer, more useful tools. To VALUE can also use the remote to change 0 1234 5 channels whenever the cable box is on. The SLV-920HF should appeal to RATINGS ARE RELATIVE TO THOSE FOR OTHER VHS/8mm VCRs | home theater buffs. It has stereo sound and can make great dubs from al frame advance buttons (for precisely laserdiscs. It includes a number of slow- locating the beginning and ending motion functions that give you the option of scanning through your tapes frames of scenes), audio/video insert in different ways. and a synchro edit function. With the The VCR Plus feature allows you to Control S cord/jacks, you can control record programs using the Plus Code, a both VCRs from one VCR, should you number series found in TV _ guides. have another Sony VCR. Here, we Once you punch in a number, the VCR would prefer a LANC connection, or one that would accept other control SPECS AND | Fast Forward/Rewind | CATV-A-8 to A-1, A to W, SP, 41.3 EP; weighted MEASUREMENTS Time: less than 4-1/2 min for T-120; less than 3 min. W+1 to W+84 video 49.2 SP, 48.4 EP; Weight & Size (h/w/d): for T-120 in high-speed Multiburst pattern for the SLV-920A VCR shows 11.5 lbs., 4x 17 x 14-7/8 rewind Timer: 8-event/1-month chroma AM 46.8 SP, 42.2 a very good video frequency response for VHS. inches | Key Features: bidirec- Edit Protocol: none | EP; chroma PM 44.4 SP, this day, five years after purchase, I Power Use: 25 watts 42.9 EP don’t quite understand (much less use) Remote Control: IR wire- all the features on my SLV-757’s remote Jacks: front-video/stereo less with multibrand TV tional frame advance, | Clock/Timer Battery and menu systems. Over time they have audio input; rear- controls | bidirectional variable- | Backup: 3 hours become a bit of a visual blur; I simply video/stereo audio input | speed slow motion, pick my way through to the ones I use and output, RF input and _ Program Start most. It’s a relief, relatively speaking, to output, Control S, cable | Locator/Index/Cue: speed play, flying erase use the SLV-920HE box control index with auto mark and head, audio dub, video Audio Frequency For editing enthusiasts, the SLV- Tape Speeds: SP, LP dedicated buttons for for- 920HF offers a flying erase head (for (play only), EP ward and reverse search dub, insert edit, VCR Plus Response: hi-fi 20 Hz-5 clean edits without glitches or rainbow with cable box control, patterns), a shuttle dial and bidirection- Video Heads: 4 Audio: linear mono, hi-fi kHz, +0.06/-3 dB, down - AFM stereo 30-second commercial | 6.2 dB at 20 kHz; linear 30 VIDEO NOVEMBER 1994 Cue & Review Search: skip, auto clock set/sta- locking 7x SP, 27x EP; Preset Method: auto pro- 100 Hz-10 kHz SP, 100 bidirectional shuttle ring gram plus manual | tion ID from EDS broad- Hz-3 kHz EP, -3 dB 1/5x, 1x, 2x, 7x SP/21x EP add/erase casts, adaptive picture | Channel Coverage: | control | Hi-Fi Dynamic Range: VHF-2 to 13, UHF-14-69, _ RESULTS idle Horizontal Resolution: Linear Audio S/N: 43.4 | 240 lines dB _ Picture S/N Ratios (dB): | Audio Distortion: hi-fi | unweighted video 43.9 | 0,3%, linear 0.8% PVLMEHIOSODRTESOI

TESTS BY BERGER-BRAITHWAITE LABS. will be set to HITACHI Hi8 CAMCORDER still functioning flawlessly. Later, I put the VM-H71A through automatically By Scott Wasser Standing 6-foot-6 and more practical tests. Although its per- record the cho- weighing 365 pounds, formance in almost every respect met or you'd expect to see him exceeded my expectations, nothing sen show at the tackling fullbacks or impressed me as much as its initial tor- body-slamming _ profes- ture test. I do a lot of videotaping under appropriate sional wrestlers, not toying with a tiny adverse conditions. These taping ses- camcorder. But who better to test the time. It’s a sin- durability of Hitachi’s Hi8 VM-H71A, Multiburst pattern for the VM-H71A's recorder which is claimed to resist dust, dirt, section reveals a typical Hi8 frequency response. gle-step pro- water and 400 pounds of pressure? After a little urging, my coworker sions are always preceded by long delib- cess. The SLV- placed one of his size-14 sneakers on eration over whether the results will be the camcorder and balanced his bulky worth the risks to which Ill be subject- 920HF can al- frame. Incredibly, nothing happened. ing my hardware. My camcorders have There were no snaps, crackles or pops so be set to from overstressed metal and _ plastic continued on page 38 components. My behemoth buddy’s jaw automatically dropped when I picked up the cam- CASSETTE RECORDER SLV-S20HF (WHS) record stereo corder, which had been recording dur- programs in ing its ordeal, and showed him it was stereo, with an indicator light to that ray on the front display panel. This is the first VCR to include an PRICE: $1,899 V-RATING: | | automatic clock set feature. A time sig- nal is sent out by chosen TV stations on BETTER —P the vertical interval of the broadcast band and is decoded by choosing that PICTURE particular channel under the automatic SOUND | setting in the clock set menu. The whole of the U.S. should have access to FEATURES a local signal by year’s end. VALUE , | With the front panel closed, you can access the shuttle, a high-speed rewind, 4 2 34 5 and stop and pause buttons. To the right of the shuttle knob are record and RATINGS ARE RELATIVE TO THOSE FOR timer indicator lights. Other functions OTHER Hi8 CAMCORDERS are displayed in the window—tape speed, sound mode, AV insert and indi- cators for Sony’s Adaptive Picture Con- trol (APC). With the panel open, you have access to the edit on/off switch, input select, channel control and, on the right, APC, quick timer and record. continued on page 40 Drip Dry: Inset shows how shell protects against water and dust. VM-H71A = NOVEMBER 1994 VIDEO 31

PHILIPS Matched Set: The Matchline TV comes with small side speakers that can double as rear surrounds. PHILIPS 16:9 34-INCH TV (twice the rate of conventional TVs) eeeeeeees and the line doubler is non-defeatable. By Kevin Miller The ProScan and RCA 16:9 sets work PRICE: $5,995 When Video Magazine the same way. As you’d expect for the asked me if I’d like to price, the Matchline is feature-packed, V-RATING: VVV review the Philips Match- line 16:9 direct-view TV, I with picture-in-picture, picture-out- PICTURE BETTER —> side-picture and Dolby Pro-Logic. It SOUND | thought, “Sure! I mean also has an RGB input that accepts FEATURES who wouldn't want to get their hands HDTV and SVGA signals, making it a VALUE OD wee.4 6 on what’s said to be one of the most viable HDTV and computer monitor. expensive and sophisticated TVs in the RATINGS GIVEN ARE RELATIVE TO THOSE world?” The Matchline is distributed by There are five picture-size adjust- FOR OTHER DIRECT-VIEW. TV SETS, Philips’ professional division, but its ments. You can watch a regular 4:3 pic- tuner and surround sound clearly show ture with black bands on the sides. If tions are kept in the center. it was designed for consumers. At the bands bother you, use the expand The expand 16:9 mode also uses lin- $6,000, it’s the most expensive direct- mode, which stretches the picture to fill view consumer set on the market. Is it the screen. The drawback is that people ear expansion, and is intended for worth the hefty price tag? We'll see... look shorter and wider. Or use the future HDTV broadcasts, electronically | panoramic mode, which is better “squeezed” 16:9 camcorder tapes and The Matchline is a line-doubled set. because most of the stretching is at the 16:9 NTSC laserdiscs and tapes, which Its horizontal scan rate is 31.5 kilohertz outer edges so that the correct propor- don’t really exist yet. The theater 1 mode is designed for use with letter- SPECS AND add/delete External Speaker Picture S/N Ratios boxed videos; it expands the image to MEASUREMENTS (dB): luminance 54.6, fill the screen without black bars. The raion iy aries a AChannel Coverage: | Connectors: spring- video 55.1, chroma AM last—and probably least useful—mode is Weight & Size (hiw/d): | loaded clips for front left 63.4, chroma PM 63.1 theater 2, for extremely wide formats | VHF-2 to 13, UHF-14to like CinemaScope and Panavision. It 200 Ibs., 26 x 32-1/4 (not and right, rear left and Screen Brightness: fills the screen vertically and horizon- including speakers) x 24- 68.3 footlamberts tally, but crops the sides off the picture. 1/4 inches right Power Consumption: Color Temperature: The keys to getting the most enjoy- 380 watts Remote Control: IR Internal Audio | 10,000 Kelvin ment and use out of a TV are the Amplifier Power: 5 Screen Size: 34 inches wireless multibrand VCR Audio Frequency remote control and the manual, both of diagonal | and cable box control watts each- front left Response: line 20 Hz- which often impede the consumer’s and right, rear and sub- 20 kHz, +0.5/-0.1 dB; ability to take full advantage of special Aspect Ratio: 16:9 woofer external speaker termi- features. I rate the Matchline’s remote nals 150 Hz-20 kHz, control and manual among the best I Speaker Size: left & Jacks: front-S-video/ Key Features: 16:9 +0.1/-3.0 dB, down 14.9 have encountered. The remote is sim- right 2-1/2 inches, | aspect ratio with various dB at 20 Hz ple and intuitive to use, yet comprehen- woofer 5 inches video/stereo audio; rear— | crop/expand modes, sive in its functionality. The manual | HDTV/RGB input, S- Audio S/N: 62.4 dB Preset Method: auto HDTV/RGB input, inte- continued on page 41 program plus manual video/video/stereo audio gral line doubler, picture- | Total Harmonic | Distortion: line 0.2%, input, video/stereo audio in-picture, picture-out- input and output, vari- speaker 0.6% side picture, Dolby Pro- able-level setereo audio Logic output, RF input, line- | level subwoofer output, peevEle | Philips RC5 control (infrared command relay) Horizontal Resolution: 560 lines input and output 32 VIDEO NOVEMBER 1994

JVC INVITES YOU TO A PREMIERE Introducing your ticket to dazzling home theater— the new JVC Premiere Series TVs. These TVs are truly the brightest stars in the industry offering super advanced picture and sound quality, cordless headphones and advanced PIP. Plus a cast of JVC custom features such as AV Compulink, Full Motion Split- Screen and Super Command Remote. JVC Take home a JVC Premiere Home Theater Television and let the show begin. Call 800-252-5722 for your nearest dealer. INTRODUCING THE JVC PREMIERE HOME THEATER TELEVISIONS Circle 11 on Reader Service Card. JVC COMPANY OF AMERICA DIVISION OF US JVC CORP.

balance e6 lapel fape2 boal/oux +e& & &ceah | cde &tuner main remote both fecord the pro oft e ret. level 9 cinema logic stereo mono e inputievel delay e @ e>: e e ' e call e ee surround mode 400 0.08100 0,08\" Jack City: The Proceed’s aoc COBO 0 OOP elaborate remote control (far PROCEED PAV eecceccce AUDIO/VIDEO PROCESSOR left) and rear panel illustrate PRICE: $4,200 By Corey Greenberg its flexibility. Hardcore audiophiles like V-RATING: VVVVV to bitch that it’s impossi- separate audio/video systems from the ble to put together a single BETTER —P comfort of your La-Z-Boy, allowing you system that sounds just as to choose which audio and video good with music as it does with movies. PICTURE sources get fed to each system. Only the Me, I don’t think it’s impossible, but I main rig enjoys surround sound, do think there are a few links in the typ- SOUND though-the remote system is stereo ical home theater chain that degrade only. The PAV also performs video the sound of music compared with a FEATURES 228 good high-end audio rig. Speakers, for switching, with extremely clean cir- one-if you’ve got THX or other “video- VALUE h | cuits. 1 234 5 The PAV performs Dolby Pro-Logic decoding with the good-sounding Ana- RATINGS ARE RELATIVE TO THOSE FOR log Devices SSM-2125A decoder chip OTHER SURROUND PROCESSORS found in many of the better surround processors. But while most units using best when used for stereo music play- this chip add control and audio circuits back. So when high-end manufacturer around it that are mid-fi at best, the Madrigal designed its $4,200 Proceed PAV marries the SSM-2125A chip with audiophile-grade circuitry and a beefy, Audio/Video processor, or PAV, no- precision power supply. compromise music playback was a chief goal. As a THX-certified processor, the PAV offers a THX surround mode in To call the PAV just another sur- addition to straight Dolby Pro-Logic round processor is selling it way short. processing without the so-called The PAV is a full-function system con- trol center that lets you control two continued on page 42 Multiburst pattern for the Proceed PAV preamp SPECS AND 6 stereo audio inputs (2 _ RESULTS center (crossover off)- MEASUREMENTS balanced XLR), 4 S- 20 Hz- 20 kHz, +0.5/-0.1 shows an excellent video frequency response. | video/video/stereo audio Horizontal Resolution: | dB Weight & Size (h/w/d): | outputs (two for VCRs), 2 more than 800 lines, optimized” speakers, your system is nev- 27 Ibs., 4-3/4 x 17-1/4 x | balanced XLR stereo | bandpass over 10 MHz Crossover: high-pass fil- er going to sound good with music, and 14-1/4 inches ter— 12 dB/octave at 80 that’s why I don’t recommend them. audio outputs, two stereo Picture S/N Ratios (dB): | Hz; low-pass filter- 24 Power Consumption: audio outputs for audio unweighted luminance | dB/octave at 80 Hz Another weak link is the heart of any 40 watts tape decks; line-level out- 63.8, weighted luminance home theater—the surround processor. | puts for left and right sur- | 65.1, unweighted video | Max. Output: main- 10 Audiophiles have long complained that Remote Control: IR | round, center channel | 65.2, weighted video 66, Vrms balanced even the best surround processors on wireless with learning | and subwoofer chroma AM over 75, the market offer so-so sound quality at control of VCR, TV, CD chroma PM 63,3 | Audio S/N: main- player, tape deck, tuner Key Features: balanced | 81.3 dB at OdB output and other components inputs and outputs, music Audio Frequency surround modes, univer- Response: main | Total Harmonic Jacks: 4 S-video/ sal remote, multiroom (crossover off)— 20 Hz- Distortion: main- less video/stereo audio inputs, capability 20 kHz, +0.5/-0.1 dB; | than 0.02% 34 VIDEO NOVEMBER 1994

;CEEC@eLEreEceReesaeSeeenzc\\Sc\"eoeecut“eee‘eeeS4eSeNeueePteeS ceyerecey adlel Vaya em Saiind w -235) -VIDEO MAGAZINE, January, 1994 iS, “Deep bass without the aid of big, expensive amplifiers. si5de rd 4 SSounds panned frS om to side as a= smoothly e—|——n——e— as their corresponding images flew across the screen.” a -SOUNDG& IMAGE, Summer, 1993 iz “We quickly discovered what a difference the right a sound ssyst:em ca7 n make! The : subwoofe=:rs added : tremems ndous excitement to the movie watching expertence. -POPULAR ELECTRONICS, January, 1993* “Cerwin-Vega produces a powerful and taut sound. The impact can be especially felt in the midrange, which will Iv0und A you with rotor blade sweepPss. from ApviocalyLpV.se Now.” -SATELLITE ORBIT, June, 1993 CERWIN-VEGA SENSURROUND! WSNabmen ccoctaoencs snow Turn it up: HOME THEATER PTUeSCEETETLLSeaLLTeEEteLtetE+ DA ©1994 Cerwin-Vega, Inc. SenSurround® is a registered trademark of MCA Systems, Inc. For more information eters or a full-color brochure, please write to us at Cerwin-Vega, 555 East Easy St., Simi Valley, CA 93065, or call SO5-584-9332 tth me aeda ai ty corer ene eebehh =ed 7S er ae “4 SeA aMlell Se liu ne “hel eteaotary

mV DEO GE.VHS TVCR VCR and 13-inch TV-there are also PRICE: $499 eee eceesesecscseee See eweccecesenesceccceeees significant operating conveniences. (Oe By Cliff Roth For most readers of Video Magazine, As a concept, the TVCR PICTURE never excited me much. turning a TV on, determining whether SOUND Following the logic of good it’s set for an antenna or video input, FEATURES stereo equipment, where and switching to the appropriate input VALUE separate components are de rigueur for for the VCR is a simple task. But we’ve serious hi-fi, the combination TVCR all seen people totally dumbfounded by 12 seemed too all-in-one. But what I didn’t such an operation, no matter how many appreciate, prior to testing the GE times it’s explained. For such a person, RATINGS ARE RELATIVE TO THOSE FOR 13TVR40_ KitchenVision, was that the TVCR is a blessing. OTHER DIRECT-VIEW TVs & VHS/8mm VCRs besides the obvious convenience of being able to carry the unit around— Pop in a tape and this TVCR auto- goodbye to the old “TV/VCR” remote compared to schlepping a separate matically turns on and begins playing. control button-this unit always knows Turn it on without a tape inserted, and what it’s doing. What makes the GE it automatically comes up as a TV. Say KitchenVision unique, of course, is its styling— a bright refrigerator-white plas- SPECS AND Channel Coverage: T-120 240 lines tic case, instead of the usual black cab- MEASUREMENTS | VHF2-to 13, UHF- inet. A matching swivel base is Program Start Picture S/N Ratios (dB): included-it attaches securely with four Price: $499 | 14 to 69; CATV- A-8 to Locator/Index/Cue: video 44, chroma AM 44, screws. Pictures on the packing box and | A-1, A to W, W+1 to the instruction manual depict a woman Weight&Size (hiwid): preparing a meal at a kitchen counter | W+84 | hrs:mins. time search chroma while watching a cooking show on her 28.6 Ibs., 15-3/4 x 14- PM 40 KitchenVision. You'll be able to do the 12 x 15-1/8 inches same thing—a VHS cooking tape, Fancy Power Consumption: | VReCirmeRleosatnedTCoVwnitthrol: conItroRl of Audio: linear mono | Screen Brightness: 70.5 Chicken Dishes with Jeff Smith from the 69 watts Timer: 4-event/ foot-lamberts Frugal Gourmet series, is also included. Screen Size: 13 inches diagonal 1-month Color Temperature: Plug the set in, and a tiny green light under the screen starts flashing, and Aspect Ratio: 4:3 Jacks: rear RF input, Special Features: frame | 6,300 kelvins keeps flashing until you set the time. Speaker Size: 2-1/2 vidweios/mono audipoaiihniptuyt The TVCR has a minimum number of inches | advance, slow motion, Accuracy of Colors: controls—power, stop and eject, re- Preset Method: auto Internal Audio Amplifier | speed play, commercial good program plus add/delete Power: 1 watt | skip on playback, swivel Tape Speeds: SP, LP, EP base, cooking tape included Audio Frequency Response: 100 Hz-15 | | kHz (speaker) | Video Heads: 2 | RESULTS | Audio S/N: 48 dB at speaker terminals Cue & Review Search: 7 Horizontal Resolution: XSPOX2L7xESLP: TV 280-290 lines mono- Total Harmonic Distortion: 1% Fast Forward/Rewind | chrome, masked by | bleedy color to 250; VCR Time: 3-1/2 min. for 36 VIDEO NOVEMBER 1994

wind, fast forward, play, record plus about 300 lines. In our lab tests we screen is substituted when the signal channel and volume up/down buttons noticed a lot more cross-interference cleverly arranged in a circle. The 51- between high-resolution picture mater- falls too low-this feature cannot be dis- key remote control makes up for this ial and chroma. Rainbow patterns were apparent wherever the image displayed abled (for tuning in very weak stations). | apparent simplicity. Layout on the finely spaced lines, like a tweed jacket. Technical editor Lancelot Braithwaite Timer programming capability han- remote is good, except that the volume concluded there’s no comb filter in the control buttons are small-the same size TV portion, though there is one in the dles four events. Numbers are entered as the rarely used tracking adjustments. VCR. Screen corners appeared to be slightly rounded. from the remote control keypad. The Convenience features include a time search button that lets you locate Audio is loud enough for a kitchen, one-touch record system offers the any point in a tape by elapsed time, and but not much more. Testing the another button that searches for the KitchenVision in my living room, I had desirable ability to delay recording until next blank spot in a tape to record on- to. A poorly labeled “EADV/C.S.” but- to set the volume near the top of the a later time—up to 11:30 p.m. on the fol- ton advances the tape by about a minute to skip ads during playback. range. (With the volume set to zero, or lowing day. One slight disadvantage of mute, sound remains slightly audible.) The VCR is a basic two-head The speaker is at the bottom. It’s hard- the TVCR, compared with separate | monaural unit. But with EP tapes, still ly high fidelity, but did sound slightly more bassy than we expected. Never- units, is that there’s only one tuner— so frame, slow motion and rapid-search picture quality is quite good-the stills theless, frequencies below about 100 you can’t watch one program while are almost free of noise bars. A double- Hertz were inaudible in our laboratory speed playback feature also provides tests. recording another. A 30- 60- 90-minute very good EP picture quality; the sound gets muted. However, with higher-qual- A channel search feature automati- sleep timer is also provided, but there’s ity SP tapes (like prerecorded movies), cally scans through channels at about the picture becomes filled with noise at one per second. Rabbit ears are provid- no headphone jack. any speed other than normal play. Tape ed for VHE Tuner sensitivity seemed always stays loaded in the VCR-going good. An auto-setup programming A set of monaural A/V input jacks is from stop to play takes half a second. option locates active stations, but the on the back, but there are no output Horizontal resolution, when the screen remains confusingly blue during the minute-long procedure. A blue jacks. We hooked up a laserdisc player TVCR was used as a monitor, measured to this video input and found the image reasonably sharp, though we don’t rec- ommend a 13-inch screen for letter- boxed video viewing! Overall, the KitchenVision is a good 13-inch TVCR, with unique white styling that does indeed make it more at home in a kitchen than in a bedroom. The sound—not stereo, not hi-fi—is clearly the weakest element here. But for casual TV and tape watching in the kitchen, this will do fine. a The Swiss Army Ch areer “Rapid Charge Only” feature 4-level LED battery capacity indicator cael for NoOMEM® Batteries Direct power supply for most 8mm and VHS-C 6V camcorders L10V AC power adaptor Reconditions and charges one or two batteries sequentially Introducing the OmniSource™ Plus. We call it a charger power is concerned, you never know what you'll need But that hardly does justice to the most versatile and convenient, do- until you need it. everything power manager for camcorder enthusiasts. Sure, there are chargers that'll do some of these The OmniSource Plus automatically reconditions and charges one or two nickel-cadmium batteries. It rapidly charges NOMEM® memory- things. But only the OmniSource Plus does all of free batteries. It tests the battery power level. It powers VHS-C and 8mm camcorders directly. It works from the home AC. It works from the car’s these things. Ask your Lenmar dealer about the DC. It does practically everything but edit the footage. Because where OmniSource Plus. It’s the ultimate power tool no camcorder bag should be without. CAMCORDER PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS For the name of your nearest Lenmar dealer, and a catalog of our other Camcorder Performance Products call: 800/424-2703 ©1994 Lenmar Enterprises, Inc. Circle 13 on Reader Service Card. NOVEMBER 1994. VIDEO 37 _

FloDLItGItTyAwLooD continued from page 31 zoom lens with digital magnification and its electronic image stabilization Invites you to save been dropped in the snow while skiing, (EIS). The latter does a surprisingly time & money been rained on during mountain bike good job of reducing shakes and jitters, for the holidays tides and been battered by balls during with little of the image lag caused by soccer games. Sometimes they’ve come some stabilization systems. The EIS BRING HOME through unscathed; other times they’ve delivered remarkably stable footage of THE BIGGEST FILM been put on the disabled list. What a video shot from a bicycle and from a relief to finally get my hands on a cam- moving truck. The auto exposure sys- OF ALL TIME! corder designed to withstand punish- tem works so well that using the back- ment. light compensator is seldom necessary. Mo) For example, the camcorder gave sub- The VM-H71A will not only with- Jurassic Park will be the largest stand the weight of office bullies, it has jects inside a car just enough exposure selling laser disc of all time. Be a a water-resistant chassis that will pro- part of history and enjoy this fan- tect it from the elements and even to reveal shadow detail without wash- tastic laser disc based upon allow it to be submerged up to a foot for ing out the brightly lit background out- Michael Crichton’s best selling up to a minute, according to Hitachi. side the vehicle. novel. Available in CAV and CLV. That doesn’t mean the VM-H71A is made for shooting underwater footage, The auto focusing system also did a Digital Hollywood Entertainment but rather that it won't self-destruct if it good job of honing in on its target, and offers you great, friendly service, happens to get splashed or dropped seemed to have no trouble focusing along with a huge inventory of overboard. even in flat light. There’s also manual laser discs, computerized service focusing, accessible through a wheel and quick, same day shipping. Although it survived several dunk- which, unusually, is at the back of the Our regular discount is 15% off ings in the Hudson River by senior edi- camcorder. Neither its focusing nor list price. Wow! tor Brent Butterworth, the only water exposure capabilities suffer at either torture to which I subjected the VM- extreme of the optical zoom lens. Call today and receive a fantastic H71A was a triathlon held in a pouring price on Jurassic Park. rain. The rain turned my sneakers into The color viewfinder delivers a bright sponges and my shirt and shorts into image in all types of light. Although it Special price... dishrags, but it didn’t affect the VM- looks much more grainy than the final H71A. product, the resolution is good enough | 25% off list for fine focusing. The camcorder carries a number of Available today! features that would make it desirable Press and hold the telephoto button even if it wasn’t the world’s most after it gets to the end of the lens’ opti- resilient camcorder. The features I cal range, and the camcorder will digi- found most valuable are its 12x optical- tally zoom in even closer at the expense of image quality. Or press the instant zoom button at any point within the zoom range and the image will be elec- tronically magnified 1.5 times. The overall maximum magnification is 24x. This provides a little longer “reach” when needed, which can be very useful for shooting sports. ‘AaAdwemtare48 ‘YourbnTheMahle, SPECS AND Minimum Focusing Cue & Review Search: RESULTS MEASUREMENTS Distance: 1.2 inches, 9x forward, 7x reverse Fp sl a wide-angle; 39 inches, Horizontal Resolution: Brand/Model: Hitachi telephoto FastForward/Rewind 370 lines Hi8, 250 lines Digital Hollywood Entertainment VM-H71A Focus: TTL auto switch- Time: less than 10 min- 8mm Weight & Size (h/w/d): 2 able to knob-type manual utes for 120-minute tape 6849 Via Sola Circle Ibs. without ciel or Iris: auto with BLC Picture S/N Ratios (dB): cassette, 4-3/8 x 3-1/2 x Edit Protocol: edit con- unweighted Hi8 lumi- CSR1Coaei4enradcvdl.iec(re800) Buena Park, CA 90620 9 inches Fader: to/from white, ver- troller remote, compatible nance 45.4 ME, 43.6 MP; 994-DISC @ (714) 821-7881 Power Use: 7.2 volts DC, tical curtain to/from black, with most VCRs weighted luminance 48.7 5.8 watts to/from white with zoom ME, 48.2 MP; unweighted Image Sensor: 1/3-inch Remote Control: two- video 44.6, weighted CCD, 470,000 pixels Shutter Speeds: AE only card-sized IR wireless video 48.7, chroma AM Lens: f/1.8, 12x (5-60 White Balance: auto only with camera, playback 41.7, chroma PM 38.3 mm) power zoom with 2x Viewfinder: color LCD and TV controls; wired digital magnification and Viewfinder Controls: edit controller with IR Minimum Illumination: 1.5x instant digital zoom diopter focus emitter for VCR control 9.5 lux for 50 IRE approx- Filter Diameter: 46mm Microphone: stereo elec- imately tret condenser Audio: hi-fi AFM stereo Jacks: mulitpin A/V out- Approx. Battery Life: 52 put, 1/8-inch mic Titles/Graphics: 2 pages min. (manual focus/ no input/edit controller with 2 lines of 16 charac- zoom) Tape Speed: SP ters Video Heads: 4 Audio Frequency Key Features: water- Response: 150 Hz-16 and impact-resistant KHz, +0.3/-3 dB, -23.9 dB chassis, edit controller at 20 Hz, -4.3 dB at 20 remote, electronic image kHz stabilizer, insert edit, fly- ing erase head, lithium Hi-Fi Dynamic Range: battery, 16:9 (letterbox) 68.5 recording AudioDistortion: 0.3% FAX (714) 821-7458 38 VIDEO NOVEMBER 1994

Edit controller remote Otherwise, the VM-H71A’s ergonomic The picture quality is average for design and functionality are excellent, Hi8—with the Sony ME tape we used, it (left) and regular with all the important switches and was slightly better than Sony’s CCD- controls simple to operate and within TR400-and not quite as good as remote for the Hitachi easy reach. Canon’s ES-1000. But all are pretty close, and all earn a three rating. There VM-H71A. The edit controller remote lets you was a small amount of luminance noise, program the start and endpoints of up the usual amount of color noise, which But the VM-H71A has a few limi- to four scenes, and automatically dub almost all camcorders produce, and tations when it comes to shooting fast them to your VCR. The scenes can good but not outstanding detail. Still, a and furious action. For one thing, it even be rearranged in a different order serviceable picture will make all but the doesn’t offer user-adjustable shutter than on the original tape. The proce- most demanding videographers happy. speeds. Secondly, the touch-sensitive, dure is simple—just plug the remote into two-speed zoom controls aren’t espe- the VM-H71A’s mic jack, then program The audio was only fair. The sound cially responsive. The camcorder some- your VCR's codes into the edit con- through the mic was rather thin, either times takes longer than you'd like to troller remote. Use the transport con- a result of a so-so mic or the recorder shift into high-speed zoom mode, and it trols (rewind, fast forward, etc.) on the occasionally shifts into that mode when remote to find the start and end points section’s weak measured bass response, you don’t want it to. A self-retracting on the camcorder tape. Forward and which falls off below 150 Hertz. There’s lens cap would also be welcome, and far reverse buttons on the remote bump more useful to most users than the 16:9 the tape about 10 frames ahead or a watertight cap you put over the mic in (widescreen ratio) record mode option. behind for “fine-tuning.” wet conditions, which we though would largely prevent voice recording. But This method of marking scenes isn’t surprisingly, you can still get usable that accurate, nor is the controller. sound with the cap on. Plug in a good With the Zenith VCR we used, we external mic, which you can’t do in wet achieved accuracy of about plus or conditions (you have to leave one of minus 20 frames. Also, the controller the waterproof hatches open to use the may not work with your VCR. Only 15 mic jack), and the sound will get a lot code sets are listed (Samsung is a note- better. worthy absence), and even the remote Combine the VM-H71A’s function- wouldn’t work with our Panasonic PV- ality with its versatility and durability, and you wind up with a wonderful cam- 54380 VCR. corder that can go places and do things MAKING A GREAT VIDEO After using your camcorder the first time, you realize that the INCLUDES QUALITY SOUND TOO! *:=~--built-in . picks up sounds from all directions, including those you don’t want. And, when shooting from a distance, you can’t hear your subject's voice clearly. Azden, the leader in quality audio for video, offers a full line of microphones to make your sound as good as your pictures. WMS-PRO ] This powerful professional miniature Ff VHF wireless system has a range of a over 300 feet. It allows you to shoot Lapel microphone system. New 7\" long directional A professional VHF handheld Same receiver as mic. Allows you to zoom | from a distance and pick up your microphone system with no WMS-PRO. wires. All the same features, in on subject's voice, | subject's voice clearly. It has 2 and receiver as the WMS-PRO. reducing saide noises. | switchable frequencies, and itcomes Range 35-40 feet. | with 2 mics (handheld and clip-on). The | transmitter clips to the subject’s belt, | and the mini receiver can attach to the , camera (shoe mount & velcro included) ' or be kept in your breast pocket. Amini 3 channel mic mixer for recording Headset with boom mic sound from 2 add-on mics and a personal for adding narration as stereo, while you're shooting. Only 2 you shoot. Your voice becomes the dominant 1/8'x3 1/4\" itcan be attached to your sound recorded. Or, use camera or clipped to the handstrap. itto monitor sound Cables included, needs no batteries. you're recording. Write or call for full line literature AZDEN war YOU CAN HEAR 147 New Hyde Park Road, Franklin Square, NY 11010 (516) 328-7500 Distributed in Canada by GENTEC NOVEMBER 1994 VIDEO Circle 12 on Reader Service Card. 39 a

ImagingScience most others can’t-even if the condi- APC will analyze FYOMU TAB ARTs OONTS Tore Nee tions include being crushed by a Killer the tape and Kowolski look-alike. a heads while wait- VAS VGR ing to com- mence. The rear panel has VHF and UHF con- continued from page 31 nectors for RF (antenna/ cable), Joe Kane the cable box has trained the following mouse control video professionals to use On the far left are RCA input jacks for jack, and a con- test patterns and/or instrumentation to calibrate Line 2. trol-S input jack, YOUR television on delivery. APC or Adaptive Picture Control is in addition to a intended to improve the deck’s record- set of RCA audio ing and playback capabilities. It auto- and video in/out matically adjusts the VCR to the | jacks. condition of the video heads and tape, The remote slightly delaying the start of a recording. control has a lot | I tested just how much APC slows of features, but I WHAT DID YOUR down this interval and found it takes |||p| alSeonsy SLV-920HF remote didn’t find them DEALER DO WHEN about five seconds longer to get up to difficult to navi- ——— speed from a full stop with the feature | gate. The remote includes a shuttle, switched on. From stop to record took about eight seconds with APC. With- VCR Plus controls, eject, a high-speed out APC, it took about three seconds. YOU GOT YOUR | But shifting from pause/record mode to | rewind button and_ still/slow/frame | advance functions that facilitate edit- TELEVISION? ing. The main playback controls—play, @eeaeeeeecoeaeaeaecuaeoeaoeo0e80 record in APC took only one second. ||| pause, stop, record, volume, channel So when you need to get going quickly, selector and search buttons—were all (800) 676-6684 Alta Buena Stereo Designs you can defeat this startup lag by setting } within easy reach of my thumb. Ambrosia Audio & Video (310) 440-5522 | the deck to record/pause mode; the | I was impressed with the accuracy of Architectural Electronics™ (713) 465-6333 CABLE TV | the audio/video insert edit function. It was frame-accurate most of the time. Audio & Video Specialists, Inc. (205) 871-6328 There was a slight vertical bob at the in Better Sounds, Inc. (407) 338-8898 point, but this is normal and it was less Bradford Wells & Associates (310) 575-4895 DESCRAMBLERS pronounced than most of the VCRs we've tested. When the A/V-in point Busch Home Theater (707) 573-9170 Best Prices in the U.S.A.! was examined closely, it was clean. Dream Palaces (800) 786-6832 CUE Te-lajcci-rem com lola. It is not an exaggeration to say that WE WILL BEAT ANY PRICE! the SLV-920HF is at the top of its class. Dream Systems, Inc. (317) 872-7307 | Technical editor Lancelot Braithwaite Electronic Home Consultants, Inc. (305) 229-5177 Encore! Cinema & Sound, Inc. (800) 362-6730 felt the SLV-920HF had a much ETA (800) 382-1560 | smoother picture than most decks in Evolution Audio & Video (818) 879-1312 this category, and was impressed by its First Impressions, Inc. (305) 891-6121 steadiness in pause mode. Both Brent Future Home (310) 274-9393 Hollywood North (707) 575-1225 Butterworth and myself felt its WHS HomeTech (707) 542-1510 Mike Wood (510) 283-7251 picture quality was much more pleasing Jerrold, Scientific Atlanta than Panasonic’s PV-S4380 S-VHS Pioneer, FTB-3, SA3 deck, which we tend to use as a bench- mark VCR and which is better than Pat Bradley's Video Calibrations (612) 894-3161 The Newest & the Latest most. Though it has a sharp image, the Perfect Vision Tuneup (301) 340-6120 PV-S4380 seems more grainy and TVT-3K - Jerrold Impulse & unnatural in VHS mode. The SLV- Performance Imaging (914) 997-1831 Starcom series 920HF also has better color—the Phoenix Systems (415) 367-7100 SA3-DFA - Scientific Atlantas 4380's color was a bit oversaturated in Precision Audio/Video (805) 523-3005 incl. 8536, 8536+, 8580, the film clips we used for A/B testing. Prestige Audio Video (305) 781-1557 Drop-field Audio reproduction was also very good, virtually indistinguishable from the Projection Systems, Inc. (415) 461-3553 PN-3A - Pioneer systems Panasonic, which we rated as very good Panasonic TZPC145G 99 Ch Converters Russell McMurtray (213) 655-8860 Zentek XL2100 99 Channel Converters to excellent. Savant Audio (800) 628-0627 30 DAY MONEY BACK GUARANTEE The new VCR got me thinking about FAST SHIPMENTS & FREE CATALOG the trade-in value of my first Sony. The Sound & Vision Home Entertainment (708) 403-2500 SLV-920HF should outperform most 1-800-772-6244 other comparable decks. It is a simple- Sound By Singer Ltd. (212) 924-8600 to-use, cable-friendly VCR that M-F: 9-6 EST includes some great features and the Sound Productions (317) 844-1103 ability to produce clean, accurate edits U.S. Cable TV, Inc. Dept.:KVM114 with excellent picture and audio. Total Media Systems (516) 424-5957 4100 N. Powerline Rd, Bldg. F-4 Pompano Beach FL 33073 Woodbridge Stereo/Video (908) 636-7777 NO FLORIDA SALES! For ISF training call (407) 997-9073 Circle 16 on Reader Service Card. Circle 17 on Reader Service Card.

WIDESGREEN TV Kelvin from the tough to work with. I spent more than a hour on what should have been a 20- continued from page 32 lowest signal levels minute procedure. Had |spent another couple of hours, I probably could have ability to produce clean, ac-curate edits to the highest. achieved better calibration, but that with excellent picture and audio repro- couple of hours would be expensive if duction. makes it easy to look up any- The picture thing you want to learn about. you're paying a technician. looked good at this I watched a Mitsubishi test disc and Using Reference Recordings’ A Video Standard laserdisc, I set black level setting, but I decid- Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, both (brightness) and white level (contrast), of which have plenty of action and and adjusted the color and tint controls ed to improve it by motion scenes, to spot motion problems to the correct settings, achieving a in the line doubler. I was surprised at much better picture than the set exhib- recalibrating it. As how good the Matchline’s line doubler ited straight out of the box. The con- is-good stand-alone line doublers start vergence pattern on the disc showed a professional home at $3,500. I found it much better than the set was overscanning by approxi- the doubler in the ProScan set, which mately five percent, which is excellent theater installer, I’m exhibits motion artifacts and produces a for a consumer set. The set includes a soft picture. flesh correction circuit, which if trained and equip- engaged changes all shades of red to I then compared the Matchline with fleshtone. Do not use this circuit if you ped to perform the a calibrated ProScan PS27152 27-inch want the best picture. set used as a color reference at Video procedure myself; Magazine. The ProScan trounces the As is typical of consumer TVs, the Matchline in brightness; the ProScan factory presets produce an extremely but it will cost a still looks good even at high brightness blue-gray scale. Using a Philips color and contrast settings. Properly set up, analyzer, I measured color temperatures consumer a couple the Philips set produces only nine foot- | between 9,600 and 10,000 degrees lamberts of light, while the ProScan of hundred dollars. puts out about 30 footlamberts, the norm for a good direct-view set. (Movie PHILIPS Unfortunately, I screens usually reflect about 11 foot- was unable to get a lamberts.) The Matchline should be Philips TV remote perfect gray scale —when I adjusted the top of the scale to 6,500 degrees Kelvin (the NTSC standard), the mid- dle and bottom were thrown way off. I compromised by setting the top end at 9,200 degrees Kelvin, the middle between 7,400 and 7,800, and the bot- tom at 8,200. This achieved a closer approximation of correct color. The coarseness of the control adjustments and the unusually high interaction between the controls makes the set TV screens are NOT simulated. what you see is The original Video TitleMaker made high-quality titles affordable. Now, E Sh E,¢ x ou the what you get. Video TitleMaker 2000 adds THESE ARE ALL more fonts, improved video quality, BExtBence Log and terrific new features. iO) Of deiya tr ifirinte ier 92 font/size combinations. eg itte Maker Over a Million Colors! hi.=..2000 Easy page access. Circle 18 on Reader Service Card. 24 special effects. 18-language capability. 8000 character memory. Advanced, multi-directional scroll and crawl. Easy-to-use full keyboard. Call 1-800-338-EDIT for the name of your nearest dealer or authorized mail order house. Ask about our “MovieMaking” and “Tips & Tricks” seminars. All Videonics products now carry a 2-year limited warranty. Mf VIDEONICS The Video Editing Company 1370 Dell Avenue Campbell, CA * 95008 © 408-866-8300 ©1994 Videonics, Inc. Subject to change without notice. Videonics logo and Videonics Video TitleMaker are registered trademarks of Videonics, Inc. NOVEMBER 1994 VIDEO 41

4 MILLION used in low ambient light to get the I couldn't get it calibrated properly, but most out of it. SATISFIED given that the picture is pleasing and The Matchline’s tiny, hinged front SATELLITE TV stereo speakers and five-inch woofer that it has a good Pro-Logic decoder CUSTOMERS sound tinny and bodiless, among the and can double as a computer monitor, worst I’ve heard from a big-screen TV. INCLUDING The surround sound is where the good- the price no longer strikes me as outra- ies lie. The set has internal amps for EVERY MAJOR NETWORK, rear speakers, with the highly touted geous, as it did at first. For videophiles PMI/Analog Devices Pro-Logic chip EVERY CABLE handling decoding duties. I found no living in tight spaces, the Matchline is | SYSTEM IN AMERICA, fault in the steering, even during Indi- definitely worth a look. E MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL, a ana Jones and the Last Crusade, a disc A/V PROCESSOR THE NBA, with ample surround-sound challenges. THE NHL The set also has matrix, hall and stadi- continued from page 34 um. surround settings. I recommend AND adding a good multichannel amp, a enhancements the THX mode adds. The PAV has several additional sur- THE CIA. decent set of speakers and a powered round modes as well, and here Madrigal subwoofer, all connected to the set’s has wisely avoided the kind of fake They've all got the FULL-VIEW SYSTEM surround outputs. You'll get high-quali- reverb and delay-soaked ambience| installed - and there’s no reason why you ty surround sound without a separate modes so beloved by Cheez-Wiz eaters. shouldn't too. The quality and reliability of the decoder. So the speakers probably rate a The PAV’s stereo surround mode FULL-VIEW SYSTEM has stood the test of time. derives the left-minus-right signal from Over the years we’ve installed over 4 million one; the electronics, a four or five. the stereo music signal and sends it to systems. So we know what we're doing. Back to my original question: Is this the surround speakers—and that’s all it does. For purist playback of stereo And we know what we’re talking about set worth $6,000? While I don’t think music recordings, there’s a bypass mode when we tell you that the FULL-VIEW SYSTEM is the best way to get the most in TV viewing. Over it’s for everyone, I believe it would be a that shuts down all the surround cir- | 350 channels can be beamed directly to your good choice for anyone with a mini- cuitry and simply lets the PAV act as a | home each and every day. You can choose from mum of space looking to build a quality stereo preamp. Family Shows, Premier Sporting Events, Award home theater. It could also be perfect Winning Films, Classic Movies and much more. for people with lots of letterboxed The PAV’s full-function-and-then- | some remote control is unlike any I’ve ASK ABOUT laserdiscs. I’m a little disappointed that seen bundled with a surround processor. THE FULL-VIEW SYSTEM Instead of the usual hand-held black 1,000's of wand with a jillion identical black but- .. the one that MIDI Songs tons, the PAV’s learning remote is more dishes up on Disks like a small PC keyboard you hold with In our new Buyer's both hands, with the buttons laid out in everything. Guide you will see: logical, two-thumbed positions that make it obvious that Madrigal actually 800-31FR8EE-3CA4T7AL4OG $ MIDI Songs tried this thing before okaying it. S Music Software for PC & Mac NBO Name Brands Only’ Besides sound quality, the PAV 5 Sound Cards deserves special mention for its incredi- == Satellite TV/Home Theater Catalog $ MIDI Keyboards ble ease of setup. This is one area that S$ Speakers even the best manufacturers of sur- Circle 19 on Reader Service Card. S Featuring: round processors haven’t addressed | nearly as well. The PAV is so easy to set | ‘Roland Sound! \\ up, I was able to get it running with all the speaker levels perfectly calibrated in | Use your computer under five minutes, without getting up from my seat. With the PAV’s onscreen with music for: menus and channel level setting from S Entertainment the remote, all you need is a $32 Radio $ Education Shack sound pressure level meter to | S Business calibrate your system in no time flat. S Presentations For your Free Buyer's Guide, Call: The PAV’s sound is as good as it gets, and how! It joins that select group of 1-800-380-2580 two (ADA’s $3,000 SSD-66THX and Fosgate’s $2,799 Model 3A) in offering = DIROtE the very best sound quality among the many surround processors I’ve audi- | \"Desktop Music Presentation Products... Direct to you!\" tioned. Because the PAV is based | Edirol Corp. 3rd Floor 1201-4 Ave. S. Seattle, WA 98134 around the same Analog Devices decoder chip as the ADA, I expected the PAV to share the ADA’s ultra- smooth, laid-back sonic character, but the two units couldn’t sound less alike. In fact, the PAV sounds a lot more like Circle 20 on Reader Service Card.

the upfront and gutsy Fosgate than the did I have a clear preference for the 3A unlike most audio/video products that ADA. The sound of the PAV is dynam- over the PAV for movie sound. The ic and bold, with an extremely powerful 70mm mode is Fosgate’s own approach cost this much, this time it’s worth and tight low end and effortless dynam- to decoding Dolby Stereo soundtracks, ics across the range. While very clean and its faster logic steering and wider- every penny. . and open, the PAV’s highs are a bit bandwidth surround channel give it a more closed in and slightly less detailed more focused and detailed soundfield, TEGRGHPSAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA | than the Fosgate Model 3A when both making it my preferred mode when lis- processors are set for straight Pro-Logic. tening to Dolby Stereo-encoded audio Save your money | But where the PAV really shines is in from laserdiscs, tapes or broadcasts.. | its lack of grain and grit through the On most modern VCRs, the tape does- The PAV, however, came out ahead n't touch the video heads while rewind- midrange. Well-recorded dialog, like when it came to straight stereo music ing. Don’t bother buying a separate Martin Sheen’s spoken voiceovers for playback. Even though both processors videotape rewinder. It’s redundant: the the Apocalypse Now laserdisc, really have a stereo bypass mode, the PAV’s VCR can rewind tapes just fine without showed up the PAV’s ultra-clean sounded cleaner and more natural. The wearing out the heads. midrange. The outstanding clarity of 3A sounds good in straight stereo, but the PAV is not subtle compared to the not quite as good as the PAV. If you’re Andrew Fernandez majority of surround processors, even building a dedicated home theater and La Grange Highlands, Illinois some of the best-regarded units. don’t plan on using it for critical audio- phile music listening, the Fosgate Mod- Remote finders Until the PAV, my vote for the best el 3A-especially in 70mm mode-is still | sounding surround processor on the my first choice for a surround processor. A good way to find remote controls But if you want a single audiophile- inthe dark is to affix glow-in-the-dark market has been the Fosgate Model 3A. grade system that’s uncompromised stickers onto them. You can buy these So which processor did I like better? It stickers at most craft or department depended on the situation, because when it comes to movie and music stores. each unit has its own unique set of sound, my nod goes to the PAV. strengths. When it came to straight Matt Shook Pro-Logic decoding, it was pretty much I was really knocked out by the PAV. Madison, Alabama a toss-up between the two. Switching to It’s obvious a lot of thought went into THX mode, the race remained neck’n- this product. Madrigal deserves to be neck. Only when I switched the Fosgate proud of its first foray into home theater to its proprietary 70mm surround mode hardware. At $4,200, it isn’t cheap, but PANASONIC PBS50 Orig. PAN RAPID CHARGERS PANASONIC PB80/88 Orig.PAN... SONY NP77H 2400 mah =|) CAMCORDER CHARGER/DISCHARGER § SONY 8mm 1500 mah... CANON 8mm 2000 mah.. 6V, 7.2V, 9.6V runs from PALMCORDER 2000 mah... house or auto. JVC GR-C9 Type C..... 1 hr. time for Sony, Canon, SHARP BT 21/22............. Panasonic, RCA/Hitachi & most other brands SHARP BT 70/80 2400 mah... RCA/HITACHI 8 mm 2400 mah............39. Charges 1 battery $44 Charges 2 batteries $69 NEW External Power pac+ 5 to 7 hours of recording time. Powerpac+ includes: =6volt @ 10 amps Super Sale sealed lead acid battery. Sima SPM-9 =Heavy duty pouch and belt. Rapid Charger/Discharger #A charger for charging at home / For All 6 Volt Sony, Canon, Sharp/Panasonic/JVC, RCA/ (optional charging cord for car). Hitachi $1 9 =An adaptor of your choice. =12 volt @ 7 amps $95 $85 BATTERY TECH, INC. 800-442-427528-25 215TH PLACE, BAYSIDE, N.Y. 11360 # FAX:718-631-5117 AMERICAN EXPRESS Circle 21 on Reader Service Card. NOVEMBER 1994 VIDEO 43

) » YP HOME THEATER chooses the speaker mode from stereo, LascrwvwisG three-speaker (I/c/r) or full five-speaker continued from page 22 options. That’s it. There’s no test tone weav, ui pa,oeurvktore and no control over individual speaker bass instruments and soundtrack explo- levels or delay time. Surround decoding Ken Crane’s Is The Largest is either on or off. The VideoStage sions; there was none of the bass that decoder mixes surround-channel sound Laser Disc Mail Order can be felt. The sound of the cubes into the front left and right channels, Retailer In The U.S. remained very smooth off axis to the and the surround level up/down but- side, but treble diminished rapidly the tons act as a fader, balancing ambience We Stock slightest bit above or below the axis, sounds between the front and rear Every Title! marring intelligibility. I recommend speakers. I found it an effective design. aiming the satellites at your listening + Fastest Availability On New Titles! position if they’re placed high or low. The surround channel seemed to * Most Orders Shipped Same Day! have more treble than the Pro-Logic * 20% Discount On All Titles! As I was listening to the system, | * Free 2nd Day Air UPS Shipping happened upon a passage of tuba music system, which rolls off the highs at 7 that excited a resonance in the satel- kHz, making for an improvement in my In The Continental U.S.A. lites. One note in particular caused the opinion. VideoStage kept pace with the Visa, Mastercard, Discover, cube array to let out a wail of its own. Pro-Logic on surround-encoded | AMEX, Checks, And C.O.D. To make sure it wasn’t an isolated prob- movies. On stereo material, it bested * $1.50 Handling Charge lem, I swapped the cube with some of Pro-Logic, which weights the center Per Order Shipped. channel too heavily, and joins the ranks the other satellites, and they, too, NOW SAVE of Fosgate/Audionics, Rotel and | howled. I avoided the all-tuba station, Yamaha in providing a subtle surround Suggested Retail On | and the resonance did not make itself mode free of unnecessary reverb. * Every Pre-Ordered evident otherwise. Detail was good One shortcoming was the way the | New Release overall. decoder mixed midrange dialog chan- | nel components into the left and right | ¢ Every Title In Stock The remote control selects the speakers. Bose’s motive was to create a | ¢ Every Back-Order source, controls the CD player, adjusts phantom center image in midscreen to | From October 1st, 1994 | the oyster and surround volumes, and | help anchor the sound of a center | Through January 31st, 1995 speaker above or below the screen. But Includes FREE WASTING this is hardly a problem with the direct- 2nd Day Air Shipping MONEY!!! view sets for which this system is best Titles must ship between suited. Besides, sound/picture disconti- these dates So Order Early 19th Year PIONEER : nuity is more of a problem horizontally inniversary. than vertically; for viewers sitting off- PHONE US AT... center, this design tends to draw dialog 1-800-624-3078 “CABLE, TV ace off the side of the screen. At times, it 1-800-626-1768 also gave a wider sound to what should ASK ABOUT a ster have been hard mono sounds. (In California) 2 BiWE BEOGCKER! *** S16] NC]ANSTS)to @)alad=i I didn’t miss independent control of | 1-714-892-8369 the speaker level or delay, for the most (Fax Number) WE CARRY ALL MAJOR BRAND part, but oddly shaped rooms would ForA Free Catalog probably benefit from more control. As Write Or Visit NAME CABLE TV CONVERTERS * YOUR SATISFACTION IS OUR #1 PRIORITY ! usual, the factors that make a system Our SuperStore * 30 DAY MONEY BACK GUARANTEE ! easy to use also make it less flexible. * 1 YEAR WARRANTY ! WE SHIP C.O.D. ! While onscreen display is largely Ken Crane’s LaserDisc unnecessary in the Lifestyle 12, I would CS2Roiae2enrracdvdl.iecre 15251 Beach Blvd. * OUR UNITS ARE GUARANTEED TO WORK !! have liked some graphical or numerical PLEASE HAVE THE BRAND NAME & MODEL indication of the surround-level setting, Westminster, CA 92683 NUMBER OF YOUR CABLE COMPANIES since formats and programs vary in sur- CONVERTER, BEFORE CALLING. round level. 44 VIDEO NOVEMBER 1994 WE WILL MEET OR BEAT ANY VALID PRICE QUOTE. I compared the Lifestyle 12 to my own Pro-Logic system, the main speak- UNLIKE SOME OF OUR COMPETITORS, WE ARE HAPPY TO ers of which cost $2,000 alone. It was SPEND THE TIME TO ANSWER YOUR QUESTIONS no contest. However, some systems using receivers and bookshelf speakers CONCERNING THE PURCHASING OF OUR EQUIPMENT. would also represent tough competition for the same money. For example, five VFIOSRCUAACLLATLCAOL1MO-GM7U1NO8IR-C2AI2NT9FI-OO2RNM3SA5T8IOINNC. Paradigm ‘Titans, including three shielded models, would total $530. A “ct FOR ORDERS ONLY **FRIENDLY - PROFESSIONAL - SERVICE- SINCE 1975 similarly powered Yamaha A/V receiver featuring comparable music modes 1-800-GO-CABLE would run $500 to $750, and a single- CD player with the programming fea- 20-04 UTOPIA PARKWAY SUITE 236 WHITESTONE, NY 11357 tures the music center lacks would be BY PURCHASING CABLE EQUIPMENT FROM VISUAL COMM.THE CUSTOMER AGREES TO COMPLY WITH THE FEDERAL LAWS REGARDING PRIVA well under $200. Three Titans up front, OWNERSHIP OF CABLE TV EQUIPMENT, IF YOU ARE UNSURE OF THESE LAWS putting out solid bass down to 60 Hz, CHECK WITH YOUR LOCAL OFFICIALS. ANYONE IMPLYING THEFT OF SERVICE would probably keep pace with the WILL BE DENIED SALE OF EQUIPMENT. Circle 23 on Reader Service Card.

at au |iy| ticular adjustment? Are you better off || Acoustimass module, and still leave stituting a portion of a frame stored in memory, to “catch up” with the tape. A passing it through a TBC, with all the plenty of cash for a subwoofer that real- genlock input allows the TBC to syn- chronize with another TBC (as needed proc amp adjustments left at normal? ly could be placed anywhere. for A/B-roll editing), or any other video source. To see just how much difference a TBC But Bose has the right idea. It uses MULTIGENERATION TESTING could make in the picture quality, I five identical speakers that are flexible Sure, it’s fun to play around with made two sets of copies of copies of the thanks to the twin-cube design. The color correction, but what about when you're editing good video that was prop- same video sequence, including a reso- VideoStage decoder is an effective, erly exposed, and doesn’t need any par- lution test pattern. intriguing alternative to Pro-Logic, the The second generation copies were RF remote is a winner and all the pieces not much different. The TBC did add a fit into one 60-pound box. Even the wee bit of noise, visible in the black bookshelf-sized Titans would be too big areas of the picture. By the third gener- and black for some. And for them, Bose’s Lifestyle 12 home theater system might be just the ticket. a continued from page 24 THE VIDEO EDITING & PRO CTION EXPERTS | 800-323-2325 contains software for both IBM and Now Toll Free Amiga computers. I installed the Amiga in Canada version, almost without a hitch. The one thing I foolishly overlooked, 10-12 Charles Street, Glen Cove, NY 11542 FAX 516-671-3092 although the instructions make it quite clear, is that besides plugging into the SUNPAK SUNPAK computer slot, the board must also be MEMORY-FREE °®AP200W connected to the computer’s serial port. The entire installation took less than an NiCad Battery VIDEO hour. with 3 stage LED TRIPOD Once installed, the control screen is Unlike quite intuitive, at least for anyone who has been around video signals for a conventional The new SLIK while. Besides affecting the signal’s tim- U8000 features a ing, the TBC also provides a host of so- rechargeable modern design, called “proc amp” controls. (These get their name from the analog processing NiCad batteries, amplifier, which existed in broadcast video for many years before the digital the new Sunpak titanium finish revolution.) There are slider adjust- RB-80UL is and ultra- ments for video level, chroma satura- smooth fluid tion, etc. For color correction, an excel- RB-8OUL Memory-Free. This head. The lent three-axis graph with red, green sturdy 3 part and blue vectors pops up on the screen. ultra-high capacity (2700 mAh) U8000 You can move the pointer from the cen- ter and observe the tint changes on the battery provides up to 2.5 hours of output. running time on today’s most Remote Control Auto Pan/Tilt Head telescopic legs & gear drive, positive popular 8mm and VHS-C You can store 10 sets of picture Mount your camcorder on Sunpak's elevation center column extend to a adjustments in memory for instant recall. Suppose you're editing a dialog camcorders. Plus, it’s compatible pan head, place on tripod & get in the maximum height of 59\". The space between two people, cutting between with your camcorder's charger and age lightweight design yields a total two different close-up shots and a wide action with everyone else! Infra-red weight of only 3.25 Ibs! Add to this shot, and each needs its own set of the patented dual purpose quick adjustments. As you edit, you can will provide up to 5 times the signal controls pan & tilt plus lens instantly jump to the settings needed for each. number or recharges of other so- zoom & record/pause of Sony, JVC, The card has both S-video and called no memory batteries. Hitachi & Canon camcorders. release that works with both composite video inputs and outputs. camcorders & 35mm An “advanced sync” output connection Comes with LIFETIME WARRANTY Powered by 6v battery § 00 cameras, & you have the $49°5 is provided for use with industrial edit- ing VCRs costing upwards of $2,500. (not included). 149 best value ever for a tripod! The only sacrifice you make using the TBC with a VCR that does not have an Optional 20’ remote sensor cord*L9*> U8000 with SLIK custom tripod case advance sync input is that there’s a gs greater likelihood that the TBC will hea :REG *69\" occasionally need to skip a frame, sub- The Ultimate Editing System! Rated #1 By Our Techs! JXSV55 JXT88 Over the past ten years we have helped What makes this a great editing system? thousands of people get started in video ¢ Color character generator-add titles and scroll credits editing. One system that is easy to hook- in 8 different colors and 4 type sizes up, compatible with all formats, and e Audio mixer- add music and/or narration praised time and time again is the JVC * Special effects generator- fade and wipe to color JXSV55 & JXT88. backgrounds between scenes JVC JXSV55 399.00 ¢ S-VHS/ Hi8 Color processor- correct poor lighting JVC JXT88 249,00 situations or improper white balance Deluxe Cable Kit 29.95 © Video enhancement-make clearer copies “hook-up guide & how-to manual” 6.95 3M Black Watch 4410 Tape 9.95 NC T-shirt 3M B L AC K WATC H 5 Because Memories Were Meant to Last Forever! When 3M set out to design & manufacture 3M Black Watch Tape it created more than just a tape-it created a time capsule worthy of storing your fondest memories. This video tape is so advanced that it is better than professional broadcast quality. Why settle for anything less? Available in all formats * Call for info & pricing! 3M Black Watch is not the least expensive tape, ... it is the best!!! Circle 24 on Reader Service Card. NOVEMBER 1994 VIDEO 45

ation, however, the TBC copies were the tradeoff hardly seemed worth it. emerging as superior. With the fifth- It would appear that the accumulat- and sixth-generation copies, the TBC ed drift of the uncorrected video timing versions looked better, especially when requires the TBC to create a bigger, a straight vertical line appeared in the more noticeable change in the image, FULL-VIEW SYSTEM picture. Circles (on our test pattern) and that beyond a certain point, these | The one that Dishes Up Everything! took on a grotesque out-of-shape dis- changes make the image look worse, | See over 1,000 Sporting tortion in the non-TBC copies, but though the timing may be more stable. Events on 25 Sports Channels looked perfect in the TBC copies. The conclusion for low-budget produc- Every Month! I made my most interesting discov- ers is that you shouldn’t think of the | FULL-VIEW SYSTEM ery when I experimented to find out TBC as a clean-up device which can The one that Dishes Up Everything! what would happen if a TBC was simply be inserted at the end of the Awesome Surround Sound on Movies ¢ Sports * Networks applied after making repeated copies whole video editing process. It is clearly FULL-VIEW SYSTEM without the TBC. This may at first advantageous to have the TBC in the The one that Dishes Up Everything! sound absurd, but it’s exactly what hap- signal chain every step of the way. ¢ 8 HBO/ Cinemax Channels pens if you edit your videos at home The TBC is not a miracle worker, ¢ 5 Showtime / TMC Channels without a TBC, then send them off to a however. The only thing it really fixes is _| e 5 Adult Channels (plus 2 Disney Channels and Classic, professional dubbing facility to make the timing of the video signal. A lot | Pay-Per-View and Children's Channels) copies, where they probably have a more can deteriorate. In the camera | FULL-VIEW SYSTEM TBC in the signal chain. original resolution test pattern, hori- | The one that Dishes Up Everything! Playing the non-TBC fifth-genera- zontal resolution of over 300 lines was NBC « CBS e« ABC « FOX All Three Time Zones! tion copy through the TBC produced | apparent. But by the third generation, FULL-VIEW SYSTEM worse results than anything I had previ- that had dropped to 250, and it was The one that Dishes Up Everything! ously seen, considerably worse than the down under 200 by the sixth. Over 200 FREE TV and Radio sixth-generation copy made without The only way to eliminate all the Channels any help from the TBC. The problems problems of generation loss is with digi- $29.Complete System, All Electronics with Descrambler with this no-TBC-until-the-last-step tal (nonlinear) video editing. But even 800-318-3474CAII for FREE Catalog video occurred around the edges of with the advent of this new technology, » ‘Name Brands Only’ straight lines, which took on a random- there will still be an important role for | == Satellite TV/Home Theater Catalog ly changing staggered quality. The cir- | the TBC, as most nonlinear systems | Circle 25 on Reader Service Card. cles did look slightly more circular, but | work much better if the original tape | signal is first passed through a TBC before recording on hard disk. So the TBC is increasingly becoming a must- have accessory for the semi-pro cam- corder enthusiast. a| AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA Attention VIDEO MAGAZINE readers Push n’ pop | ONLY. Mention this Ad and get a 20% discount off the Suggested Retail Price on: On many VCRs, if you push the rewind button and then the eject button ¢ Jurassic Park (THX®, WS CAV or CLV) almost immediately afterwards, the tape ¢ Schindler’s List (THX®, WS) will finish rewinding and then eject ¢ The Flintstones (THX®, WS) itself automatically. The Paper (WS) Andrew Fernandez ¢ S.I. Swimsuit ‘94 (Uncensored) ¢ The Fugitive (WS) La Grange Highlands, Illinois ¢ The Pelican Brief (WS) ¢ The Three Tenors (Dodger Stadium) Calling all tipsters ¢ Pioneer LaserKaraoke Christmas Songs Do you know something we don’t about | (Volumes 1 & 2) VCRs, TVs, camcorders and the like? Limit: 2 discs per title * Offer expires 12/31/94 We'll share it with our readers as aTech If none of these titles grab YOU... Call for our FREE monthly catalog Tip, and give you credit and a $25 Free Membership & Monthly Catalog! bounty for each one we publish. Tips Every Title Available, including Karaoke! Every title discounted up to 40%! should be informative and to the point. | Free UPS ground shipping! Open 7 days a week! Please include your name, address and phone number. Send tips to Video | Magazine, 460 West 34 Street, New Laserdisc Fan Club, Inc. York, NY 10001. You can also send tips Department V114 via CompuServe to 75147,1255 or by | :1 (800) 801-DISC(3472) fax to 212-947-6500. The fax is open | 7S FAN CLUB FAX (310) 952-3000 for readers after 5 p.m., EST, weekdays, and all day on weekends. a Circle 26 on Reader Service Card.

(and you don’t even have to buy our cables!) It's true: XLO Electric Company's popularly-priced XLO/VDO™ brand cables for home entertainment™ are so much better than what your system probably now uses that, once you learn about them, we think you'll want to own them. That's why, ifyou fill out the coupon printed below, take itto any authorized XLO/VDO dealer, and ask him to tell you about XLO/VDO, the best and only complete line of cables for every audio, video, and Home Theatre application, we'll have him take five bucks off the purchase price of anything af all that you buy from hin—regardless of what itis,or what brand itmay be. We'll even pay him to do you the courtesy. (Check out the fine print in the coupon, below.) If XLO/VDO weren't really \"The Best in the World,\" do you think we could afford to make this offer? Visit your authorized || Yes,Iwant $5.00 Free! || XL0/VDO dealer today! || | I'm going to complete this coupon, take itto my authorized XLO/VDO | 7nLO/VDO | dealer, ask about new XLO/VDO cables, and get $5.00 off anything at all | | that |buy from him, no matter what itis or what brand itmay be! | XLO Electric Company, Inc. | Name | 9480 Utica Street, Suite 612, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730 || Address || Phone (909) 466-0382, FAX (909) 466-3662 | | | Telephone | | | | Mr. Dealer, XLO Electric Co., Inc. promises to pay you $5.00 plus 50 cents handling for each completed | coupon that you send us. Coupons are subject to check for validity. Only one coupon may be redeemed ‘ce customer. Offer is not valid outside the continental United States, and expires December 31, 1994. NOVEMBER 1994 VIDEO 47

ae We compare 5 big-screen Sia shootngmachinesfor ” a) 4 / .,ee BlAS features. a) lhe T j~ CHARGE BY TIMOTHY LIEBE Snap Decision: Sony's 8mm Handycam Snap, a he gauntlet that Sharp threw | fo-frills “guilty pleasure.” down to its competitors last year with the introduction of the ViewCam line of LCD camcorders has been picked up. These camcorders, which either replace or augment the traditional eyepiece viewfinder with a | large color LCD monitor, have proven | so popular that Sony and JVC have jumped into the market, and Sharp has l 48 VIDEO NOVEMBER 1994

Different Strokes: Sharp’s VL-H400U (left) and VL-E36U ViewCams, Hi8 with a 4-inch screen or 8mm with a 3-inch screen. updated its mod- well the camcorders maintained Fuji tape for all the camcorders. els. Panasonic has proper white balance, exposure Our audio tests were conducted in introduced an and focus under various lighting LCD camcorder Video Magazine’s acoustically treated in Japan, but it’s conditions. With each camcorder, home theater room (a moderately dead, not yet available we shot a resolution chart and here. color bars under halogen lighting 5,500-cubic-foot space with a calculat- ed reverberation time of 0.8 seconds). Given the with a color temperature of 3,000 We tested the camcorder microphones number of LCD degrees Kelvin, then shot a still-life camcorders now sequence set up to challenge each cam- for overall sound quality, evenness of on the market— corder with a variety of common “video frequency response, and noise leakage and their widely problems” (i.e., black spots against red- from the zoom, autofocus and tape varying configu- dish-orange, thin blue stripes against transport motors. In each case, we had rations—we deci- a subject appear in the frame suddenly, ded that a face- white) under incandescent light, fluo- both speaking and silent; we zoomed in off between the rescent light and daylight. We then and out—again, while speaking and models was in order. The LCD cam- viewed all the sequences on a calibrat- corders we tested were two 8mm mod- ed ProScan PS27152 monitor, switch- while silent; we recorded two cuts of els from Sony, the $1,200 CCD-SC5 ing between the camcorders in a dou- Handycam Snap and the $999 CCD- ble-blind tes-we didn’t know which camcorder each image was coming FX730V; and Sharp’s $1,195 8mm VL- E36U ViewCam and $2,199 Hi8 VL- from, and noted our initial impressions H400U. We also tested JVC’s $1,099 based on the switcher number. We used GR-SV1U_ SystemMax, which is the only VHS-C LCD camcorder available Ready, Set, Go: Video Magazine viewing panel readies the LCD camcorders for testing. in the U.S. (see “LCDs and VHS-C-A Good Match’). Because each of these camcorders has an LCD screen and a tiny speaker, they let you watch your videos immedi- ately after you shoot them, without hooking up an external monitor. They also work as travel TVCRs, so you can watch tapes dubbed from VHS or other sources. But the best thing about these LCD camcorders is that they’re fun to shoot with. Subjects find them less intimidating, and frequently want to take a turn shooting. The Sharp and JVC models even have screen-reversal modes, so you can point the camera at yourself, and watch as you shoot. We compared each camcorder in five areas: picture quality, audio quality, autofocus, battery life and features (including ergonomics). Participating in the shootout were myself, technical edi- tor Lancelot Braithwaite, senior editor Brent Butterworth, assistant editor Stewart Applegath and editorial intern Janeen Renaghan. HOW WE DID IT Since picture quality is the most important factor to most consumers, we devised a series of tests to gauge image resolution, color accuracy, chromi- nance noise, luminance noise, and how WHCDSGRE4AEOAT0ANLG:0DEENUYME:,ARN; NOVEMBER 1994 VIDEO 49

FAGE-OFF LoDs & JVC’s GR-SV1U SystemMax is being touted not just for music played from high-quality speak- Vit-C: ers and electronics to test frequency A Good its use of VHS-C, but also for two features: Message response; and finally, we recorded a Match? Mode, which allows you to record and play video mes- brief conversation at both six feet and 10 feet to gauge how well “room Swing Shift: sages, and QwikPix, which records five-second sequences tone’”—the natural reverberance and JVC’s VHS-C noise of the room—was balanced against SystemMax in shoot- for rapid-fire cutting. Message Mode also allows you to normal speaking. ing (top) and play- back positions. The monitor your own image being recorded. But neither fea- Autofocus quality was judged by screen pivots up for ture is innovative. All Sharp’s ViewCams can virtually panning between two cards, one at six use as a viewfinder. duplicate Message Mode, and QwikPix duplicates the Hi8 feet, one at 30 feet. The nearer card was VL-H400U’s “snap” (digital still) feature. In addition, the a medium-contrast target—a Kodak 18- | percent gray card with thin and thick SystemMax includes a fixed-focus lens, a 3x (4-12mm) black lines. The far target was a black card on a white wall. We performed the zoom, autoexposure, auto white balance, video/audio test in both standard room light (350 input/output jacks, a three-inch LCD monitor with an lux) and low light (30 lux). on/off switch, and an optical viewfinder. We tested battery life by recording a NonePeeccccccecscceseseeesrcsseeeses of the panelists in our face- test scene continuously with fully- charged batteries until the batteries off (see main story) found the Sys- died out, then noting the tape time temMax enjoyable to shoot with. “It’s elapsed. If a camcorder’s LCD could be shut off, we performed the test twice: uncomfortable to hold, and easy to once with the LCD, once without. stick your fingers in the way of the lens Ergonomics and features were judged by having all participants shoot with when you use the zoom controls—or the camcorders, then write down their even when you're simply shooting,” impressions. said Stewart Applegath. The other panelists concurred. I found it annoy- ing that the only indicator on the LCD screen is a battery dying graphic. All other indicators, even the all-impor- tant record indicator, are either in the optical viewfinder and/or in a tiny LCD \" display clumsily placed on the top | where, if you swing the LCD screen up PICTURE QUALITY for shooting, you'll only be able to read Surprisingly, the only Hi8 model in the lot, Sharp’s VL-H400U, wasn’t the the indicators with difficulty. winner in overall picture quality. As In picture quality, the SystemMax Brent Butterworth observed, “It’s at | paled compared to the other cam- best average for Hi8, with too much corders. Lancelot Braithwaite noted noise, somewhat low resolution, and so- so color accuracy...I’d rather have accu- “chrominance noise indoors and out- rate color and low noise.” Lance Braithwaite and Stewart Applegath doors, along with overexposure of the concurred, preferring the pictures of Sharp's less-expensive 8mm VL-E36U outdoor test sequence. Brent and Sony’s 8mm FX730V. I alone thought the Hi8 ViewCam’s picture the Butterworth added that “the image best, although I expected better than looked washed-out, except outdoors 360 lines of resolution and fair-to-mid- dling color from a Hi8 camcorder cost- where the colors were oversaturated, ing over $2,000. like Technicolor on_ steroids.” | Brent and Lance both preferred the observed pronounced color ghosting in our picture quality of the FX730V, with still-lifes under all lighting conditions; for Stewart, Janeen and myself leaning more toward Sharp’s 8mm ViewCam. example, dark blue bled into a nearby field Lance praised the Sony for its low noise, color accuracy and sharpness, even of brown in one image. The sound fared no under low-light conditions. While better. The mic produced the same sense of Brent concurred, he added that the pic- ture looked “ever so slightly washed exaggerated room tone we heard with the out.” I also thought the FX730V’s color accuracy was better than the 8mm Handycam Snap, and its frequency response was limited, especially on the low end. The Sys-temMax also had a noisy zoom motor that could be heard whenever buttons were pressed. Combining VHS-C’s ease of use with a big viewfinder is a great idea and the SystemMax is the only VHS-format camcorder with an LCD viewfinder. But we can’t recom- mend it. It’s neither as enjoyable nor as easy to use as other LCD models, picture and sound are sub-par, and its fea- eectcucrecseccdeoens'tescdcicsetinguish it enough to compensate. -IL WDAANGN 50 VIDEO NOVEMBER 1994