video-magazine-1990-09

a Vi| D magazine ‘Virtpudeers e Satellites, Flat _ TVs &More oGES-REPORT: PHOT FALL PRODUCTS HDTV'S DARK HORSE | BEATING THE BETAMAZE “Complete Guide VACATION CONTEST WINNERS WSUTS BY U IlSuoer VHS/ VHS-C VCR, So lomel miaicy 70989°37869

It may have taken a musical genius to front of you, in the form of menus that lead write the Toccata and Fugue in D Minor, but you through every function, step by step. it shouldnt take a technical genius to play it. | And confirm what youre doing while youre Or at least, that's the thinking behind doing it. There are menus that cover all the the Mitsubishi M-C6010, the worlds firstCD — usual functions, like programming discs and changer with on-screen commands. recording them to tape. The way we see it,you shouldnt have to And then there are menus for things that spend the best years of your life figuringout —_arent usual at all. For instance, imagine being how to work your audio equipment.So weve able to customize your CD library according put the directions right on the TVscreen in The M-C6010 CD changer. The M-R8010 Home Theater receiver. © 1990 Mitsubishi Electric Sales America, Inc. For the name ofyour authorized dealer, call (800) 527-8888 ext. 145.

i1nthree easy steps. POT to category. You name each magazine, and the high frequencies sometimes present on CDs. CSR1NicFaoaeioendnr.rfaddcvoidl.irteecmieraotniaoln, next time you insert it into the changer, your title —“Sixties Classics’or“Elevator Greats’— Of course, the best way to get the most will appear on the screen. Or ifyou feel like out of all this technology is to make itpart of a Mitsubishi Home Theater System, so browsing, you can call up the names of every your audio and video components can work together as a cohesive unit. Everything in the magazine in your library with a quick flick of system —from our big screen TVs and VCRs to our CD changer and Home Theater the remote control. receiver — operates the same way and can be As apiece of video equipment, our CD controlled by a single learning remote. changer is pretty impressiveB.utwe could With all of this in mind, picking out your next CD changer should be as easy as hardly expect you to buy iton looks alone, so playing “Chopsticks” we gave itall the technology any right-minded audiophile would insist on. Dual 18-bit linear ae MITSUBISHI D/A converters.8-times oversampling during the filtering process. And digital de-emphasis, TECHNICALLY, ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE® a special circuit for accurate playback of the

FEATURES ON THE EDGE 46 From interactive compact discs to virtual reality—video’s hottest tomorrows are shaping up today. By Martin Levine 54 VACATION CONTEST WINNERS 56 Long Island couple grabs Video/Scotch Grand Prize. By Kenneth Korman 64 WINDY CITY WINDFALL From tiny new camcorders to fuzzy TVs, CES delivers a flurry of video surprises. 71 82 THE BETA MAZE 84 A full-service guide to hard-to-find dealers, products, fabulous film bargains— and a hot new high-end VCR. By Mark Fleischmann PROGRAMMING REVIEWS Driving Miss Daisy, Born on the Fourth of July, Blaze, Sweetie, Flashback, Let's Get Lost, Songs for Drella, more KIDVID / Reviews of All Dogs Go to Heaven, Rock & Read and others DIRECTORY / The latest releases on tape and disc PIONEER LD-S2 REFERENCE LASERDISC PLAYER, 18 Ricoh R-808H Hi8 camcorder, Sony CVP-G500 color still video printer, JVC HR-SC1000U Super VHS/VHS-C VCR. By Berger-Braithwaite Labs DEPARTMENTS CHANNEL ONE / Video's three-for-all 6 Cover FEEDBACK / Letters from readers 35> “Tomoriow's tape, disc LATE NEWS / Simpler program timers, tiny new camcorders, more 10 and hardware technolo- GAZETTE / Universal Studios Florida, Timothy Leary, amateur newshounds, more 12 gies: nearer than you TOMORROW / HDTV's dark horse tries a squeeze play 14 tBhoibnk. Photo;graph by NEW PRODUCTS / JVC 27-inch TV, Pioneer A/V receiver, Toshiba VHS VCR, ob Forres Onkyo surround sound receiver, Pulsar video projector, more 29 Video Magazine Q&A / Technical queries answered 44 Volume XIV OFF THE AIR / 40 years before the mast 128 Number 6 ky The 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. © 1990 Reese Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. © under Universal, International, and Pan American Copyright Conventions. Reproduction of editorial or pictorial content in any manner Audit is prohibited. Single copy price $2.50; $2.95 in Canada; £2.50 in U.K. One-year subscription (12 issues) $15.; Canada, $21 U.S.; foreign, air mail, $40 U.S. Address subscription orders, change of Burests address, correspondence and inquiries to: VIDEO, Box 56293, Boulder, CO 80322-6293. Change of address takes 60 days to process: send old address label, new address, and zip code. All material listed in this magazine is subject to manufacturer's change without notice, and publisher assumes no responsibility for such change. Printed in the U.S.A. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to VIDEO, Box 56293, Boulder, CO 80322-6293. For microform copies of issues or articles, write to: Serials Acquisition Dept., University Microfilms, Inc., 300 North Zeeb Rd., Ann Arbor, MI 48106. 4 VIDEO SEPTEMBER 1990

THE GREAT 69¢ MOVIE SALE PICK ANY 6 FOR 69¢ EACH icc WITH MEMBERSHIP IN THE CLUB. SEE DETAILS BELOW. ROLLING STONES 25x5: THE STEEL MAGNOLIAS 5978072 |AN EVENING WITH SAMMY MYSTIC PIZZA 9521012| CONTINUING ADVENTURES 2940092 |TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA DAVIS JR. & JERRY LEWIS 7848012 |DAD 9216012 JANE FONDA: LIGHT TURTLES: THE EPIC BEGINS 7986032 |SHIRLEY VALENTINE 9105052 |NEW KIDS ON THE |9654002 FIELO OF DREAMS 9203062 |BLOCK: HANGIN’ TOUGH AEROB. &STRESS REDUCTION |6432052 |teewaGe MUTANT |THE LONG HOT SUMMER 8830092 |THEFABULOUS BAKER BOYS | 8134022 ‘AN INNOCENT MAN 8505032 |NINJA TURTLES: 8138082 |HARLEM NIGHTS 9118002 |THE BEAR WHEN HARRY MET SALLY 3914002 |COWABUNGA SHREDHEAD 2114092 |HARVEY 5993082 | DO THE RIGHT THING 5840032 |TEENAGE MUTANT BACK TO THE FUTURE }9213042 |NEXT OF KIN 9217002 TURNER & HOOCH 8503052 |NINJA TURTLES: CASE BACK TO THE FUTURE I! 6422072 |THE PAJAMA GAME 6472062 ADRY WHITE SEASON 840082 |OF THE KILLER PIZZAS 8025042 |PINK CADILLAC 6392032 ‘ PICNIC 5971042 |DIRTYDANCING __| 4955152 | PINK FLOYD— DELICATE ~| BIG 3674092 | DEAD POET'S THE TEN COMMANDMENTS 2026552 |MISSISSIPPIBUANING 2374052 |SOUND OF THUNDER 4627052 |EDDIE MURPHY: RAW 4392082 SOCIETY THE WIZARD OF 02 THE GODFATHER 0006512 |CHEYENNE SOCIAL CLUB 6345012 |ON GOLDEN POND 0523572 8506022 (ANNIV. ED.) 2941082 |THE GODFATHER PART It 0018002 |CAHILL, U.S. MARSHAL 6355082 |THE UNTOUCHABLES 4321042 WHO FRAMED ROGER RABBIT? |5499072 |FATAL ATTRACTION 4393072 |THE HORSE SOLDIERS (0802012 |AN OFFICER AND 5810092 |RED RIVER 2021352 |\"THE LAND BEFORE TIME 5622052 | TWINS 7507032 | AGENTLEMAN / BATMAN (1989) 6425042 |COCKTAIL §493032 |K-9 5834012 |SESAME STREET PRESENTS: 6117232 QF COMING TO AMERICA 4416002 |SEE NO EVIL HEAR NO EVIL 5942002 |PET SEMATARY 4479042 |FOLLOW THAT BIRD ; 4 BEACHES 5498082 | LAWRENCE OF BEETLEJUICE 6330082 |PLATOON 6500282 ee THREE MEN AND A BABY 5491052 |ARABIA (RESTORED) 5919092 |THE KARATE KID 1710092 |WEST SIDE STORY 0505912 6308222 |CROCODILE DUNDEE 71 LETHAL WEAPON 4297042 |THE KARATE KID I! 1894072 |CAMELOT | s027482 E.7. THE EXTRA-TERAESTRIAL |6811062 |CROCODILE DUNDEEI) 4415012 |THE KARATE KID Iii 5954052 |CLEOPATRA 0579432 (Ge! 0564652 |WORKING GIRL 3722012 |TOP GUN 4269322 B|EVERLY HILLS COP 2053022 6 / STAR WARS 1025002 |SCARFACE (1983) 2168042 |BEVERLY HILLS COP Ii 4319082 mall MOA THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK 0910092 |GOING MY WAY 4035152|TEQUILA SUNRISE 6389082 |OUT OF AFRICA 2131162 HONE] & HONEY. [RETURN OF THE JED! 3547042 |HOLIDAY INN 5218072 |JANE FONDA'S Se OS 6301032 |THENUTCRACKER ADVENTURES 5486022 ff 1 SHRUNK THE COLOR PURPLE 7345022 |COMPLETE WORKOUT camo 0026182 |WHERE JESUS WALKED 4079082 |MY FAIR LADY _| 6359042 |IN BABYSITTING 4686032 THe Kg |OR-ZHIVAGO 1742012 |17S A WONDERFUL LIFE 3507512 |MICHAEL JACKSON'S [1974000 * 504042 |GHOSTBUSTERS 5944082 |ROMEO & JULIET CHARLOTTE’S WEB 2095282 |MOONWALKER 2603312 |(ROYAL BALLET) 5196032 |MAJOR LEAGUE 4478052 |THELAST EMPEROR 0894252 GHOSTBUSTERS Ii 3676072 |CHOCOLAT 2381052 |ROBOCOP 2350022 |ROMANCING THE STONE 61 47012| BEN-HUR 2184042 |KICKBOXER 6742002 |AMADEUS THE MUSIC MAN 7862132 DIE HARD 8725072 |TINMEN 5483052 |THE CARE BEARS MOVIE Il 0002082 ‘AN AMERICAN TAIL TRUE LOVE 8500082 |GOOD MORNING, VIETNAM 5482062 |ALIEN STAR TREK— 2035052 |NEW YORK STORIES THE MOTION PICTURE 3609252 | 1516132 |ALIENS STAR TREK tl— SHOCKER 9202072 |ANNIE | 2074312 4471022 |GREASE 0043332 THE WRATH OF KHAN 2013012 |LICENCE TO KILL 6802032 |THENAKED GUN 6336022 |PATTON 1533042| STAR TREK Hi— MURMUR OF THE HEART 2380062 |ABOVE THE LAW 1982002 |GANDHI THE SEARCH FOR SPOCK 9108022 |WILLOW 2016082 |RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK 3912012 |TGOHRRIOLWLASMOIMNMTAHE MIST 5804072 STAR TREK IVH—OME 4306032 |TIHNDEIATNEAMPJLOENEOSF & c9o107032 |BEIXLCLEL&LTEENDT'SADVENTURE 6474042 |FROM THE TRAIN 8141032 |TANGO & CASH 5963042 |CHITTY CHITTY BANG BANG aes THE VOYAGE DOOM 5990012 |SEX, LIES & VIDEOTAPE 6436012 |PARENTHOOD 2351012 8831082 |IN COUNTRY STAR TREK V 4486052 |JOHNNY HANDSOME 9204052 |FROM THE TERRACE 0548092 5838072 |TO SIR WITH LOVE 8827042 |SEA OF LOVE 5941022 UNCLE BUCK 9117012 |KEYS OF THE KINGDOM 6811022 |PETER PAN BLACK RAIN 9215022 |THE ABYSS 6754052 |THE BLACK STALLION 8828032 prey 8193032 |SINK THE BISMARK MY LEFT FOOT 5065022 |IMMEDIATE FAMILY BABAR: THE MOVIE 8146082 |ALWAYS 8970092 THE MUSIC BOX 8740082 |CASUALTIES OF WAR 0504012 LOOK WHO'S TALKING 5979062 |KNIGHTS OF THE 5970052 8820022 |ROUND TABLE THE STORY OF RUTH ©1990, CBS Records Inc. All movies available in VHS only. Half-Price Bonus Plan: after fulfill- for any reason you're not satisfied, return ing your membership obligation, you’ll —everything within 10 days fora full,prompt What a sale! Now you can own any six movies here for just 69¢ each (plus ship- automatically become eligible for our Half- refund and no further obligation. ping/handling) with membership in our Price Bonus Plan. With each movie you Video Club. Choose from the best, too. For fastest service: use your credit Dead Poet's Society, Lethal Weapon 2 and buy at regular Club prices, the plan cur- __ rently allows you to take another movie of card and our toll-free number to order. —_equal value or less at 50% off. Call 24-hours 1-800-544-4431 mmoorviee!5 s And you. can even get 2 more 2 day: A , at a savi¢ngs of up to $70 each (see 10-Day Risk-Free Trial: join today and CBS/Columbia House : onesye Advance Selections box in the coupon). There’s no membership fee for _ we'llsend yourintroductory movies, along VIDEO CLUB THE LAST joining, nor do you have to buy a lot of Club works. If 1400 N. Fruitridge, Terre Haute, IN 47811-1112 CRUSADE withmore details onhow the movies. Just six more within the next three years. And you'll have no problem in Ccpsic facabin Advance Selections olumbia House SAVE UP TO $140 MORE— |finding six movies you want, because HAVE LESS TO BUY LATER!library holds over 3,000 titles; from our | VIDEO CLUB Dept. JY7 in this more the | PO. Box 1112, Terre Haute, IN 47811-1112 terms outlined very Onfeurwroemsrte$g7ur9le.al9re5asCeltsoub$t2op9r.ci9lc5ae,sssicpcalluursrfeasnvhtoil-rpy-- | Yes, please enroll me under the need buy just six ites. advertisement. As amember, I range | bodi at regullaarr CluCblub priprices wiitthhiin n th the next thithree You may order one or two more movies now for only $9.99 each—so you can save up to $140! And each discount purchase imme- ping and handling; and we also offer a Send me the6smoveies for 69¢ each dpiraotneely! reduces your membership obligation selection of specially priced videocas- | plus $1.20 each shipping & handling (Total $11.34). settes, down to $14.95. Your only mem- # # : :. | BI oe a aa bership obligation is to buy six movies in | # mya Si aen.pNa}ymaenndtiinag, WhIC$23.0m8). Iaddintg hento | three years for as l.ittle as $29.95 each- | # LETHAL and you may cancel membership anytime | [# # nebeuydonly 5 more (insteaodf6)inthe next | peers als NATIONAL How the Club operates: about every | Please check how paying: M97/M99/L11 |> Aico send still one more selection for an | GEOGRAPHIC four weeks (up to 13 times a year) we send | o My check is enclosed. additional $9.99 pIltuhsen$1n.7e5edshbiupypionngl/yha4ndmloirneg | VIDEO “you our Video Club Magazine, reviewing | ~ Charge my introductory movies M98/L10/L12 ] (total: $34.82). | open of 6) ,, our Director's Selection, plus many alter- and future Club purchases to: | | ()MasterCard [Diners Club ( AMEX [1] VISA NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC: nate movies. And up to four times a year, inthree years. | you may also receive offers of Special | | LOVE oy Selections, usually at a discount off regu- Over has | lar Club prices, for a total of up to 17 | Expiration Date. | buying opportunities. | Account # | Choose only the movies you want: | Signature I | if you want the Director's Selection, don’t | Name. Phone ( ) do a thing-it’ll arrive automatically. If | er Apt. you'd prefer an alternamotviee, or noneat | Address. Zip all, just mail t- he card a,lways provided by City application or cancel any membership. fttuhalepl ewdeabteeekfsosrpteeocidfheiaceviddi.en.gYou('Ihlfalydoaultwweaoveyrswheraeecvkeseivtewtooa | Note: lCimBiSt/eCdotloumcobnitaineHntoaulseU.SV.ide(oexcClluudbinrgesAelravseksa) the right to reject any . residents will be serviced from Offer and Canada, Canadian Toronto (offer may vary). Applicable sales tax added to all orders. decide, just send it back at our expense.)

CHANNEL ONE Your home videos contain some great Video's three-for-all moments. And some not-so-great moments. Now you can make your home videos Industries love standards, a harsh marketplace reality that chased Beta something you'll be proud to show — with out of video's mainstream and into an isolated niche. The VHS-versus- DirectED PLUS; the personal movie maker Beta quality issue will be debated forevermore, but ultimately it wasn’t from Videonics: the merits or deficiencies of either which decided the victor. It was, in- stead, the relentless quest of manufacturers, retailers and others in the DirectED PLUS is the only complete video video industry for a standard. editing solution! DirectED PLUS will automat- ically assemble hundreds of scenes from But in one evolving segment of video— camcorders —the winner this the tapes in your home library and add time may just be us video enthusiasts. Our reward? The continuing brilliant titles, graphics and special effects! choice of at least two and possibly three truly mainstream formats. Vid- eo executives who would never have forecast the equal co-existence of Built-in title generator! Sizzling graphics and two home VCR formats are now speculating that three camcorder stan- special effects! Add titles in 64 colors and 12 dards (full-sized VHS, Compact VHS and 8mm) may well peacefully different title styles. Combine them with and profitably stride through the ’90s together. any of 17 special effects and 22 graphics! Look what’s happened. Thomson, Zenith and Hitachi, which collec- DirectED PLUS is all you need! It works with tively account for roughly 30 percent of camcorders sold in this country, virtually all VCRs and camcorders. have each recently begun to sell all three formats. Thomson’s RCA has added 8mm to its line of full-sized camcorders, while sister GE will be- More for your money! Only DirectED PLUS gin selling VHS-C models; Zenith and Hitachi are rounding out lines to offers full-function editing plus titles, graphics and special effects. include full-sized, VHS-C and 8mm. At the same time, other brands in the camcorder field are known to Put your best foot forward with DirectED PLUS! Call 1-800-338-EDIT for the name of be considering broadening offerings to embrace more than just one or your nearest dealer. two formats. Obviously, we won't see either Sony (8mm) or JVC (VHS) adopting each other’s camcorder systems, but other major players could Edit your best with DirectED PLUS! well decide to cover more bases in the future. For example: Panasonic (now full-sized and VHS-C); Sharp (full-sized); Toshiba (full-sized and VHS-C). If camcorders were dependent for their success on the availability of pre-recorded tapes, as are home VCRs, we’d probably see the quick de- mise of one or even two formats. That’s basically what drove Beta into the corner, and is at least partially responsible for the existence of only one videodisc format in the U.S. Fortunately, the camcorder is an entirely different animal, and is not at the mercy of Hollywood studios and other program producers. This could just mean that, until a brand new video recording technology supplants videotape, we may have more choices in camcorders than byt lowwe've ever had in other video products. Wouldn’t that be nice? M VIDEONICS Art Levis Editor-in-Chief S‘UJZ[|1DPOUO0O9INO4EUADDHPOJDDDYEWSIYJPOPJDU) 1370 Dell Ave, Campbell, CA 95008 408-866-8300 Television screen is simulated. Specifications are subject to change without notice. ©1990 Videonics, Inc. All rights reserved. 6 VIDEO SEPTEMBER 1990

VIDEO The Secret to -— 2 magazine Smooth Moves... President and Managing Director, ytraveling shots. Jay Rosenfield ¢ View with the built-in Editor-in-Chief, Art Levis oversized monitor. Managing Editor, Stan Pinkwas Technical Editor, Lancelot Braithwaite Cinema Products Senior Editor, Kenneth Korman Associate Editor, Brent Butterworth For Sales & Info Call: 1 -800- 955- bs]0-40) CS3RNcioaFaeioenodr.rfadcdvoidli.rteecmieraotniaoln, | Assistant Editors, Brian Clark, 3211 So. La Cienega Bl+Los Angeles, CA 90016*213- 836-7991 SCRN4ciaoFaeioendor.rfradcdvoidl.iretecmireaotniaoln, Stephen Cusick Contributing Editors: Bob Angus, Mavis QwickEdit” Lenmar Enterprises, Inc. Arthur, Bob Barlow, Ivan Berger, Warren 13626 S. Normandie Ave. Berger, Bob Brewin, James Caruso, Steve Daly (Directory), Mark Fleischmann, Ty Gardena, CA 90249 Harrington, Lawrence B. Johnson, David Lachenbruch, Martin Levine, Frank 213.532.0994 Lovece, Gordon McComb, Marianne Meyer (Kidvid), Timothy Onosko, Martin Porter, VIDEO EDITING SYSTEM Murray Slovick, Greg Solman, Roderick USES VCR WIRELESS REMOTE Woodcock Editorial Assistant, Lily Schwartzberg ¢ Simplifies the editing of video tapes Art Director, Lonnie Heller with professional results Associate Art Director, Kristina Juzaitis Art Assistant, Luis Ramos, Jr. ¢ Memorizes 100 scenes Production Manager, James LoGrasso Production Assistant, Janet Barrett * Compatible with all videotape formats Typesetting, Janet M. Holland QE101 Suggested List $249.95 Vice President, Circulation and Special Projects, Rena Adler Newsstand Sales Director, Gerald Levine Circulation Assistant, Elizabeth Moss Financial Officer, Albert Mineo Business Manager, Janette Evans Assistant to the President, Leslie Dionicio Publisher, Eric C. Schwartz National Advertising Director, Linda DeRogatis Marketing Director, Luanne Rao East Coast Sales, Dina Redding-Berrigan, Annette Y. Schnur Classified Sales, Mary Au Midwest Sales, Milton Gerber, Carolyn Bowman West Coast Sales, Cynthia Gallivan West Coast Advertising Assistant, Sharon Millikan Ad Coordinator, Christine Barbieri National Editorial & Sales: 460 West 34 Street, New York, NY 10001; 212-947-6500, 212-947-6727 (fax) Midwest Sales Office: Gerber/Kamikow, 60 Revere Drive, Suite 915, Northbrook, IL 60062; 708-291-8900, 708-291-8905 (fax) West Coast Sales Office: 1453 Third Street, Suite 490, Santa Monica, CA 90401; 213-393-5057, 213-393-5538 (fax) Japan Representative, Call Publisher RCEOEMSMEUNICATIONS @ INCORPORATED

GET FEEDBACKEDITED BY BRIAN CLARK GREAT The big squeeze MOVIES I was deeply distressed to see words like many of us prosumer videophiles would FOR “squeeze” and “skimping” in your article “Hi-Def Horse Race” (July 90). Where like to see soon. High-end VCRs should Look forthe CBS/ once we were promised 1,050 or more Columbia House scanning lines, now we’re down to 787, have separate buttons for “left audio Video Club ad and thanks to “image compression” we fordetails on this can expect to see our highly resolved ac- dub” and “right audio dub.” An editor tors and football players become incom- great movie offer. prehensible blurs whenever they do could then dub music over speech or See page 5. anything interesting—like move. All this to mollify broadcasters and make ambient sound for a nice audio effect. 8 VIDEO SEPTEMBER 1990 high-definition TV fit into a six-mega- hertz channel that was a poor compro- With the linear tracks located on the mise when it was created 50 years ago. edge of the tape, editors won’t have to Ironically, the same issue heralds the “death of broadcasting” (“Off the Air”) “chop up” hi-fi stereo audio, which is at the hands of cable and direct-broad- cast satellites. These new media could buried in the video portion of the tape. | easily carry wider, more informative The VCR's remote unit could also allow channels, but apparently they will not be able to deliver the coup de grace in time audio selection during onscreen pro- to prevent the establishment of another inferior standard that we will be stuck gramming. Kevin G. Cieri with for another 50 years. Tinton Falls, New Jersey | W. Gruneman Ithaca, New York A yen for Polanski Just finished reading “The Lost Picture To each his own Show” (July ’90). Fortunately, Roman Polanski’s The Fearless Vampire Killers is Thanks for your great article on 8mm available in the 107-minute version on (“8mm: How Far, How Fast,” Feb. ’90). the MGM/UA label in Japan for 17,800 I believe the camcorder will do to VHS yen. The three Paul Mazursky films what the car did to the horse and buggy. mentioned are also on video in Japan at For five years, I lugged around my big 14,000 yen each, all on the MGM/UA camcorder before trading it in for a Sony label. I own them all. TR5. History shows a pocket-size tape will be accepted for video. Robert Keilitz Hong Kong John Chilbon Syracuse, New York The madness continues I really enjoyed “Mid-Summer Madness: For the record Our Guide to Video Valhalla” (June 90), but you left out a feature I’m sure Dinah Shore’s leading man in Aaron Slick from Punkin Crick was Alan (Mr. Video Magazine welcomes your comments. Ed) Young, not Dick (Bewitched) York, Please include a phone number, but not a as reported in “The Lost Picture Show” return envelope as the volume of mail does (July '90). not permit replies. Letters may be edited for The phone number mentioned in clarity and space. Address correspondence “Free at Last” (July ’90) for Cinema to Feedback, Video Magazine, 460 West 34 Products Corporation should have read Street, New York, NY 10001. | 800-955-5025. a SMKOIRP ROW

OWNS MOVIES FOR LESS THAN THE PRICE OF ONE (Plus shipping and handling with membership) Se ROBIN WILLIAMS WharBhooey um B x\\ ~ JOGER Rig , 0e ¥ me cz on ‘ oe \\ — igs |HONEY! _ S29%6- | ©) THE KIDS 3 25— Saat: : sah . : ‘FOrRAIN MAN @ 250348 | BULL DURHAM ¢ 253960 / IN COUNTRY 857828 WHO FRAMED ROGER RABBIT #550944 _| VLADIMIR HOROWITZ: 861736 LETHAL WEAPON II ¢ f Qik “batteries not included HONEY, |SHRUNK THE KIDS #553876 | THE LAST ROMANTIC 254258 LEN cle x : 863526 DEAD POETS SOCIETY # THE GREAT ESCAPE BATMAN @ 554814 | CLEOPATRA* 864626 BACK TO THE FUTURE Il 655048 | BUTCH CASSIDY AND 25610 | a eee NATIONAL LAMPOON'S 867532 BEACHES # 752696 | THE SUNDANCE KID PARENTHOOD # 453850 | TEQUILA SUNRISE ¢ 950008 THE DEER HUNTER * 855388 | SEA OF LOVE 656396 | ANIMAL HOUSE 950338 150796 | SHOCKER K-94 151270_|Ex. THE EXTRA-TERRESTRIAL® @ 255028 | DANGEROUS LIAISONS 454692 | DISORDERLIES 661332 | ALIEN NATION 951196 255902 | ENEMY MINE ¢ 455544 | GOOD MORNING, VIETNAM ¢ 661742 | ADVENTURESINBABYSITTING¢ THREE FUGITIVES # 152780 THE ALL NEW NOT-SO-GREAT 951622 NEW YORK STORIES # 257822 | ALIEN 461564 | COCKTAIL 665162 | COCOON: THE RETURN 951864 AN AMERICAN TAIL# 152890 | MOMENTS IN SPORTS 464776 | JANE FONDA’S WORKOUT 952906 153518 | EXCALIBUR 263746 _| PILLOW TALK 667506 BILL & TED’S 953558 HALLOWEEN V 153542 | THEFLY Ile 467272 CHALLENGE LEAN ON ME # 154810 | THE MAN WHO WOULD BE KING PEGGY SUE GOT MARRIED EXCELLENT ADVENTURE # 956206 TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD 156190 | DIEHARD¢ 956294 DIRTY ROTTEN SCOUNDRELS 157130 | TURNER & HOOCH 264114 _| THE WIZARD OF OZ (50TH ANNI- BEETLEJUICE # 750674 | BIGe 157348 | GORILLAS IN THE MIST 956866 TIN MEN 162364 | EIGHT MEN OUT ¢ 264130 | VERSARY LIMITED EDITION) *++ | 550808 | SAY ANYTHING 752198 | PHAR LAP FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE 363474 | MAC AND ME@ 957138 WEST SIDE STORY 363546 | LA BOHEME 350888 | THE LAND BEFORE TIME # 551258 | WHEN HARRY MET SALLY... @ 752986 | BRINGING UP BABY 957716 164066 | THE COUCH TRIP + LETHAL WEAPON @ 650390_| THE RISE AND FALL OF 352900 | THE LAST EMPEROR + 551964_| MOULIN ROUGE 753580 | THE DEAD POOL ¢ 962476 DOCTOR ZHIVAGO ¢ * 353198 | THEUNSINKABLE MOLLY BROWN 551972 | THE MANCHURIAN CANDIDATE |T_HE THIRD REICH 353528 | HER ALIBI 552196 | MADAMA BUTTERFLY 362454 | WILLY WONKA AND 5661 24 | JANE FONDA'S WORKOUT: 566268 | THE CHOCOLATE FACTORY 650472 165262 | MOONSTRUCK @ 651886 LOW IMPACT AEROBIC # 166514 | SHAKEDOWN 354304 | ANNE OF GREEN GABLES ¢ * 552894 | ZULU 556870 | DAD FIDDLER ON THE ROOF ¢ 167374 _| SUPERMAN IV: 962556 167776 | THE QUEST FOR PEACE 354804_| ROLLING STONE PRESENTS MISSISSIPPI BURNING # 557368 _| WOMEN ON THE VERGE 963576 NUTS ¢ 354820 | 20 YEARS OF ROCK 'N ROLL 553296 | AN AFFAIR TO REMEMBER 754728 | OF ANERVOUS BREAKDOWN 964266 MY FAVORITE YEAR 250862 | CHILD'S PLAY ¢ 964362 251866 | BEAUTY AND THE BEAST 356258 | THE ACCIDENTAL TOURIST + 554718 | FIELD OF DREAMS ¢ 755186 | NATIONAL LAMPOON'S 964434 ROBOCOP ¢ 252724 | (TV SERIES—VOL. 1) 357784 _| ALL NEW DAZZLING DUNKS CRIMES AND MISDEMEANORS ¢ 965204 ABOVE THE LAW 252886_| GREAT BALLS OF FIRE! @ 756910 | CHRISTMAS VACATION BACK TO THE FUTURE 253510 | DO THE RIGHT THING + & BASKETBALL BLOOPERS 554942 | AMADEUS ¢ Roa HOUSE ¢ 850810 | JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR UNCLE BUCK ¢ 253584_| PINK CADILLAC 363072_| OUT OF AFRICA ¢ 561356__| WORKING GIRL ¢ THE POSEIDON ADVENTURE 851090_| SPARTACUS 363466 | THREE MEN AND A BABY @ 564254 | FLETCH LIVES # 851228 | PROJECT X 364646 | BROADCAST NEWS 651908 | SCARFACE* 852512 | STARWARS¢ AROUND THE WORLD IN GUNGA DIN 952954 | THE DREAM TEAM 366130 | 80 DAYS ¢ * 653434 | TWINS 854288 | SEVEN BRIDES FOR 54800 | SEVEN BROTHERS 367054 | DIRTY HARRY 653756 _| COOL HAND LUKE MIDNIGHT RUN 653956 | AN INNOCENT MAN 855082_| VICTOR/VICTORIA 450292 _| SESAME STREET PRESENTS: AIDA 856238 | BODY HEAT ¢ 452950 _| FOLLOW THAT BIRD ¢ 654220 | THE BURBS 856398_| ON GOLDEN POND 453512 | THE QUIET MAN 654710 | NEXT OF KIN 856952 | RETURN TO SNOWY RIVER + 453520 | THE ABYSS ¢ 655304_| MY LEFT FOOT 857338 _| CASABLANCA © 1990 Time-Life Home Video, Inc. All rights reserved - TAKE ANY 6 MOVIES FOR 49¢ EACH PLUS TWO MORE FOR UP TO 88% OFF.+ Double Cassette. ++ Purchase of this cassette from Time-Life Home Video does not qualify for any rebate currently being offered by MGM/UA Home Video. # Closed-captioned for the hearing impaired. TmHoEvieBsESTmoPrReICaIfNfGorOdaFblAeNYthMaAnJOevRer.VISDoEOweCLsUaBv.e AytouTimmeo-nLeiyfe,5 wweaysw.ant to make ownin: 8 Prmeg-reeuieFeelHagOMalEloeVIDBEinOet CoLUnBt,aralPl.lOg.reBnoxtra8e520s,tom Halrirriasbaurreg, ePaAe)17105S-an8aa52r0arheogr mem ores I Athlils avdidvertisemielanbtle. Iin agVreHeStfo buy 6 movies at regular Club prices in the next three years. aes F ete (YES, please enroll me in the Time-Life Home Video Club under the terms outlined in b2h1..aunySSdaallvivaneteegr..wwhiTItehfhanyto'upsyroit8uackemesojovaiibnee7.stlho,Pfwiocarkn$dla3esn0esyveton6hnamnatonvwtioh8e-etsthphrinfiorocrwde,s4o9fy¢oofou'enlaaellcl—hsavavipeldguersuoepsa$t1t.oow5f0a8fy8eer%ateocdahbnesidgnhiinhtp.ahpveiengClleuasnbs d.to I VICeOs aval 6 eat Cael plus $1.50 each shiipnppiing and handlin‘ g. (TToottaall:: $$1111..9944) I Send me these moviet s for 49¢ each With prices like these, you can build an extensive video library at home. I ud# Ld 3. Get discounts on all new releases that list for $59.95 and up—get at least 10%, I = often 20%, even up to 50% off. # a 4. Get immediate reductions when studios lower their prices. When they go to Send me my first Club Selection now for $9.95 plus $1.50 shipping and handling. That's $29.95 and $19.95, so do we—no lag. $11.45, which I’m adding to my $11.94 payment above. (Total: $23.39.) |need buy 5. Keep on saving with our Club Bonus Plan. Fulfill your Club enrollment I only 5 movies (instead of 6) in the next # agreement and enjoy our “buy one, get one at half-price” Bonus Plan. three years. , WE MAKE OWNING MOVIES AFFORDABLE. AND EASY. About once a month, up to 15 times a year, you'll receive our Club Catalog, highlighting the Video Main Selection and over 500 I handling. (Total $34.84.) Ithen need buy alternates. If you wish, the Video Main Selection will be sent to you automatically. If you Also send my second Club Selection now for an additional $9.95 plus $1.50 shipping and I only 4 movies (instead of 6) in the next # prefer an alternate selection or none at all, fill in the response card always provided and three years. Payment options: mail it by the date specified. You'll always have 10 days to decide. Should you ever | (] My check/money order for $ isenclosed. 0-Q1 receive a video without having had 10 days, you may return it at our expense. be billed at regular Club prices—currently $19.95 to $79.95 (Applicable sales tax added later to all orders in NY, PA and CA.) The videos you order will to: 0-03 Once you fulfill your enrollment agreement of purchasing I CJ Charge my introductory tapes and future Club purchases plus shipping and handling. ! VISA (MasterCard (] American Express 6 videos in three years, you will become eligible for our Club Bonus Plan. | Card No. 10-DAY RISK-FREE TRIAL. We'll send complete details of the Club's operation with your |i Exp. Date introductory shipment. If you're not completely satisfied, return everything within 10 Signature days for a full refund and no further obligation. I Name (Please print) For fastest service, «HOME; WVIDEOPTEME, LIFE | ci|y ,l A Sat a\"A call toll-free, 24 hours a day, es The We fo huy moaned as)I * Ca, camame |a7 er 9/90 I Phone Number ZY 1.800-445-8118headinPlease have title numbers and l NOTE: Time-Life Home Video Club reserves the right to reject any application or V481-9-1 credit card information ready. cancel any membership. Offer limited to U.S. (excluding Alaska).

LATE NEWSEDITED BY BRENT BUTTERWORTH Minolta minis Revolutionary Remote: VCR Plus has a timer that turns on the VCR, selects the channel starts and stops a VCR automatically. and starts recording, then stops the deck Joining the subcompact camcorder craze when the program is over. It even tells a that began with Sony’s TR5 and ex- ploded at this summer’s CES, Minolta is user how much tape is required for each introducing palm-sized models in both day’s programs. 8mm and Compact VHS formats. The 8mm 8-406 is similar to RCA’s Pro850 Although TV schedule publishers (“Late News,” Aug. 90). The VHS-C have so far shied away from Panasonic’s C-606 can be seen in this issue’s “New Products” department. Minolta rounds bar code programming concept, TV out its 8mm offerings with a more tradi- tional compact camcorder, the 8-308, Guide, the New York Times, the Los An- and a Hi8 model, the 8-808. geles Times and others have agreed to print VCR Plus codes. Gemstar plans to launch VCR Plus in selected markets late this year, and hopes to persuade VCR manufacturers to build the system into their decks. A tamer timer Corporation’s $60 VCR Plus combines a Digital cable coming programmable remote with a 14-event A new type of VCR remote control Some broadcast industry insiders expect promises to purge the public of program- timer. To set the timer, a user enters a cable TV to wither away as direct- ming phobia. Gemstar Development six- or seven-digit code for each pro- broadcast satellite (DBS) transmission | gram. At the proper time, VCR Plus goes online in the mid-1990s. But cable operators plan to fight fire with fire. Within the next ten years, cable com- panies hope to deliver up to 200 chan- nels on one cable, using the same digital compression technology as DBS upstarts K Prime and Sky Cable. Cable industry execs stress that digital cable will have a big advantage over its high-flying com- petitor—sit will be able to carry local programming. ©A1oRtri9fceRrs9gosaa0iue,dsaettrmeicarchrekd Fast scans Movie Theater. Multimedia Madness. Even though AAAAHHHHH! Outside of a movie theatre, never has a scream interactive video is still more a concept been so chilling. Powered Partners amplified speakers turn a TV or VCR into true high-fidelity sound. Plus they're shielded to prevent than an actual product, the field is al- distortion. Watch out! Neighbors may drop in. Free literature, call 1-800-288-AR4U. Powered Partners. Superior Sound Simplified. ready at full boil. Aiwa has announced GPJ‘UOZ|4DOIUE/0DINOD4P9UAYDOJDEYWYSIJPOPJDU! its own format to compete with Philips’ 10 VIDEO SEPTEMBER 1990 CD-I system and Commodore’s CDTV. It’s a digital audio tape (DAT) format that holds 1,400 still images with sound, or two hours of animation, on one tape. The company plans to ship industrial multimedia DAT decks early next year. $600 LCD projector. Matsushita, parent company of Panasonic and Qua- sar, has launched a $600 LCD projector in Japan. The projector produces pic- tures from 14 to 70 inches using a single 11-inch LCD (most LCD projectors use three) with shutters for each primary color. For now, Matsushita has no plans to market it in the U.S. rT

TOSHIBA | ee -Think ofitas “turbocharged TV Now high-performance can be _ will help put all this technology in its Including remote-controlled swivel experienced in a different kind of proper perspective. motors that allow the TV and two of its vehicle. When judged against seven other _ six speakers to each turn 15 degrees The new Toshiba 32-inch Super big screen TVs, the new 32-inch Super __ left or right. TUBE™ TV was unanimously voted as Finally, there's a television for TUBE™ TV with Super Carver Sonic having “...the best picture... As well people who want high-performance in Holography® as being ‘... more than 50% brighter their living-room, as well as in their The Super TUBE! does for TV what turbocharging does for engines. than other sets...\" with “’..great focus, garage. The power comes fromincreased superb edge sharpness, and fine In Touch with Tomorrow voltage, via a dual path electron gun _ brightness...” And itcomes loaded with features, 7 oO toesPs ii A and eight larger lenses. Perhaps, a few quotes from the _ allstandard of course, that make iteasy to February 1990 issue of Video Review control and incredibly responsive. Toshiba America Consumer Products, Inc.,82 Totowa Road, Wayne, N) 07470 For additional information, circle No. 95 on Reader Service Card,

GAZETTEEDITED BY KENNETH KORMAN Leary flies high Gak Attack: Marc Summers (left) slimes Steven Spielberg at the opening of Nickelodeon Studios. Sixties guru Timothy Leary has traded in his drug-cult following for a makeup Universal put together. Audience members serve man and a star over his door. The one- time Harvard professor turned hippie/ Studios’ as the show’s executive producers, trying activist stars in Fatal Skies (AIP Home to beat the clock and finish a Murder She Video), a campy action/adventure film TV treasures about heroes and villains and toxic Wrote episode in time for broadcast. waste. Dr. Leary plays a ruthless busi- Sometimes the magic of the movies is nessman who masterminds a diabolical little more than a flash in the pan. Such First comes a professionally equipped plot to dump the waste into the water was nearly the case at the grand opening supply of a small town. of Universal Studios Florida in June. editing suite, plus a live actor to demon- Most of the theme park’s multi-million “The whole thing is meant to spoof dollar attractions, including those based strate its capabilities and guide you the Moral Majority,” laughs Leary. “I on blockbuster films like Jaws, Earth- play this unspeakably evil person who quake and King Kong, either malfunc- through creative decisons. Subsequent spills acid all over the landscape, killing tioned or weren’t quite ready when the men, women and children. But two doors finally opened. But several imag- rooms are devoted to sound recording handsome heroes set out to foil my ne- inative, if less-celebrated attractions, in- farious plot, and after a ten-minute spired by the worlds of TV and video, (including a full-blown Foley sound-ef- knock-down, drag-out fight atop a huge saved the day. conveyor belt, I plunge into a vat of fects stage) and the final mix, where the acid. I guess you could say there’s some Stars ranging from Jimmy Stewart to Michael J. Fox turned out for the open- completed segment of videotape, reflect- Where Have All ing ceremonies, but real excitement was the Flowers Gone? found on the other side of the park at an Timothy Leary attraction called the FUNtastic World plays a vicious of Hanna-Barbera. An eye-popping criminal in Fatal wide-screen cartoon, billed as the most Skies. expensive animated film ever made, wowed the heat-soaked crowds. In a ing all previous choices, is screened. unique process, the cartoon combines two-dimensional character animation, Another JVC-sponsored attraction, computer-generated 3-D backgrounds, 70mm projection and state-of-the-art the Screen Test Video Adventure surround sound, all experienced while seated in motion-based cars. (opening in October), uses special ef- The Murder She Wrote Post-produc- fects to place attendees inside a short tion Theater, sponsored by JVC, pro- vides a glimpse of how TV programs are “screen test” film. You'll be able to take home proof of your starring role on a custom-made videocassette. Perhaps the happiest faces at the grand opening were those of kids (and adults) taking part in a three-hour party and national live telecast from Nickelo- deon Studios. “The only network de- signed especially for kids” has made Universal Studios the home base for production of its programs. Admission to the park includes not only a tour of Nickelddeon’s impressive facility —in- cluding two 16,500-square-foot sound stages — but a chance for children to au- dition and appear (all on the same day) on Super Sloppy Double Dare, Total Panic and other kid-pleasing programs. All of which goes to show that movie magic— even if made for the small scre—ecrnops up in the unlikeliest places. —KK 12 VIDEO SEPTEMBER 1990

irony there.” need.” Brown hopes to begin sending out satellite feeds of disasters and other “The funniest thing,” says an excited news events as members make them Leary, “is that this is exactly how Richard available. TV stations, which would sub- scribe to the network as if it were a wire Nixon and all his cronies saw me —as service, would be free to pull them from the air for broadcast, according to stand- the ultimate symbol of destruction. But ardized contracts by the AVNN. the joke was on Nixon,” Leary says. “He Once it gets rolling, Brown believes was the destroyer—not I—and history that clients for members’ newsclips will also include insurance companies (who absolved me! Ha!” will want visual records of accidents), In addition to marketing his new au- video archives, even government agen- cies, like the National Transportation tobiography, Flashback, Leary is working Safety Board. Eventually, Brown also on virtual reality software, which he plans to offer an identification system for tracing stolen equipment and insurance claims will change the nature of televi- for items regular policies don’t cover. _ sion, movies and computers, all at the But for now, the goal is to get videos same time. “My motto,” says Leary, “is Funnel Vision: The tornado that destroyed Limon, Col- from camcorders to new des—kfsast. orado, as caught on tape by an AVNN newshound. “There are 20 times more amateurs with Just Say Know.” —Clifford Meth camcorders out there than professio- AVNN credentials. (For membership in- nals,” says Brown. “And the odds keep Newshounds, Inc. formation contact the AVNN at Box growing that an amateur is likelier to be 4625, Englewood, CO 80155; on a disaster scene first. The time has Everyone’s seen them— the car plunging 303-369-4848). through San Francisco’s quake-shat- come for AVNN.” —Stan Pinkwas tered Bay Bridge, the Aloha plane land- Brown says he’s been surprised by ing with its fuselage ripped open, the the response from local TV stations. “I always knew amateurs could use an or- furious funnel of a killer tornado. ganization, but news directors say Unforgettable amateur videos broadcast they’re happy to be able to deal with on evening news programs. But getting someone who understands what they such news clips aired is often still a mat- ter of luck. Camcorder newshounds Twentieth Century Facts. ABC News has an- don’t understand how TV news works, nounced plans to create “the definitive history of the and most TV stations lack rules for deal- 20th century,” a mammoth project to be packaged in a variety of forms, including videocassette and interactive ing with amateurs. laserdiscs. ABC is soliciting footage from news organiza- Ron Brown’s ambition is to end the tions and governments all over the world, and has made long-term deals with the Soviet Union’s national broad- chaos. A Denver-based marketing con- cast system and NHK of Japan. The material, which sultant and videotape engineer, Brown ABC hopes will include “stuff that has never before seen has decided the time is ripe for an Ama- the light of day,” will also be reassembled to suit individ- ual countries, audiences and topics. teur Video News Network (AVNN), open to all the country’s ten million London Calling. The Vacation Video Challenge camcorder owners. The network’s goal is contest, sponsored by the 8mm Video Council and The simple, says Brown. “It’s to help mem- Travel Channel, is accepting entries of any length bers make money. There’s no way now through September 15. The grand prize is a week for two for amateurs to get their footage to news in London, an appearance on The Travel Channel and organizations. We'll do it for them —or teach them how to do it themselves.” It 8mm hardware. Call 800-TRAVEL-5 (operator 162) for will also help negotiate fees from sta- information and an entry form. tions that use AVNN clips. Rubles For Rentals. Soviet citizens recently used “We're not looking for pros,” says protests and hunger strikes to demonstrate their desire Brown. “Our people will just happen to for VCRs (see “Video Flashes,” Apr. 90). Now Los An- be at the right place at the right time.” geles-based J2 Communications has announced an But if they’re members, they’ll also know agreement with the Soviet-American International Com- what to do with their cassettes. For the $89.95 membership fee, which includes pany to introduce the first U.S. videocassette rental first-year dues of $18, members get a do- outlets in the Soviet Union. Moscow’s Hotel Ukraine it-yourself newshound kit. The contents will house the first of these vending machines, to be fol- include an instructional tape showing lowed by others in 12 additional hotels and in office how to shoot newsworthy events, an buildings and embassies across the country. But another AVNN identification logo to add to the uprising may be on the way: The machines will be tape, a color bar chart to help TV engi- stocked with tapes targeted at foreign visitors, in several neers cope with amateur footage, and languages other than Russian. BDTPBILAHOOEVONALTRETUONENOS;RCAT:HDRAAORTIDON: SEPTEMBER 1990 VIDEO 13

TOMORROWSTATE OF THE ART ||| | HDTV's dark horse tries a squeeze play can, digital high-definition TV system | that its system could be running by 1993, BY ROBERT ANGUS that some observers think looks better |were it to receive FCC approval. than several competing HDTV systems, GI recently demonstrated DigiCi- Remember back in the 70s when televi- including MUSE, D2-MAC and the sys- | pher, in the form of a computer simula- sion for most viewers meant a choice | tems proposed by Philips, Zenith and | tion, for Video Magazine at GI’s San among three off-the-air channels? And Faroudja Laboratories. The second part |Diego headquarters. The results were signal reception, In numerous commu- | of DigiCipher holds out the promise of |impressive. Motion, a problem for rival nities, of dubious quality? The solution | multiplying the number of available TV | systems, seemed to create none for Dig- for many came In 1976 when a premium | channels by up to an order of magnitude | iCipher. Even MUSE, an acknowledged movie service named HBO turned to virtually overnight, while also improving |HDTV leader, tends to blur rapidly satellites and launched the era of nat- the channels’ pictures and sound. | moving objects. But speeding objects in Towcasting, with cable companies build- Let's start with the HDTV side. You | DigiCipher looked as natural as those in ing 32-channel systems. haven't heard about DigiCipher before |35mm film. | It’s about to happen again; the birth, |because General Instrument caught the Background details, which are not that is, of a new era of seemingly unlim- |video world by surprise. First word of the |always as crisp and sharp as they should ited choices in television viewing. But | system came as GI raced to meet a June | be in other HDTV systems, were just as this time the explosion in channels and |1 filing deadline by the Federal Commu- | lifelike as foreground figures, beating out | channel quality will be fueled by digital |nications Commission. The FCC was | all the competition with the exception compression technology and high-defi- |closing the entry window for participat- | of MUSE. Blacks looked really black, nition TV signals. | ing in the upcoming tests of HDTV sys- | whites were snow-white and large areas The system that may pull this off is | tems at its Advanced TV Test Center in | of color were mercifully free of noise. | called DigiCipher, a creation of General | Washington, D.C. Of the five compan- Best of all, DigiCipher fits comforta- | Instrument, a major maker of home sat- | ies that paid $175,000 testing fees, none | bly in a single cable or broadcast chan- ellite systems and cable antenna hard- |have systems that claim to be fully digi- |nel. According to GI, it could coexist ware. In fact, DigiCipher is actually two | tal, although Zenith says its system uses |easily with analog video transmissions inventions in one, and each is capable of |some digital signal processing. With the | for a period of perhaps ten years by ex- revolutionizing video as we know it. clock ticking, GI showed up with its | ploiting unused UHF, VHF or cable The first invention is an all-Ameri- |check, its application and a statement | channels—an idea originally proposed | SYJ‘/ AMOMIVMFIIEYNSOGU TYHROEEUYN'TTROEO! y‘ When playing back a rented movie you may notice annoying flashes, streaks, color lightening and darkening, etc. jamming embedded in the video. . The Video-2010 will spot and completely eliminate # “ Macrovision and all current copy protection and jamming a“ Giving you a crystal clear picture. So good, we back it 100% \"Model #V-2010 with our 3 year warranty. *100% guaranteed and effective Highest Quality - 3 Year Warranty -30 day money back guarantee i Battery Included - Durable Metal Case *Works on all TV'S, VCR's, Beta, Cable *Completely automatic no adjustments ORDER TOLL FREE *Uses one 9 volt battery, lasts over a year 1-800-624-1150 FOR INFORMATION AND OUR FREE *No‘OJU“B/JOFDPU/ODINDO4PUADJYDOIDOOOHBW/YSIPOPJDUY AC adaptor to take up valuable plug space CATALOG CALL 402-554-0383 OR WRITE “No power supply cable to ad to the wire jungle EVERQUEST CO. 875 So. 72nd St. Omaha, Ne. 68114 14 VIDEO SEPTEMBER 1990

Now there’s ja ~—=sCsLranisform images to a simple way to improve your home black and white, solarize, videos: The Video Equalizer convert to color negative, combines a video processor, color corrector, enhancer, f generate color bars. audio mixer and more — all in one amazing unit! The Video Equalizer is compatible with all videotape The Video Equalizer uses the latest technology to make your videos more formats — including VHS, Super VHS, crisp, more colorful and more fun! 8mm and Hi8. It comes with S-Video Remarkably versatile Change connectors. control lets you change the color of a your neighbor’s few objects — or the entire screen. car from blue to red. Give the kids The Video Equalizer is ideal for purple hair! Or simply remove the simple tape copying or video greenish tint from a poorly lit video. editing! Call 1-800-338-EDIT for the name of your nearest dealer. Clean up your copies Vf VIDEONICS with the built-in enhancer and the separate brightness, contrast, color and tint controls. 1370 Dell Ave., Campbell, CA 95008 408-866-8300 Add music or *Patent pending. Not intended for illegal tape duplication. Television narration to your videos. screens simulated. Specifications are subject to change without notice Videonics logo, Digital Paintbrush and Video Equalizer are trademarks of Videonics, Inc. ©1990 Videonics, Inc. All rights reserved For additional information, circle No. 6 on Reader Service Card.

STATE OF THE ART by Zenith. Initially, GI says it would sup- doesn’t need FCC Fe aulfor DigiCi- ply set-top decoders, manufactured at its pher transmissions by satellites or cable. plant in Puerto Rico, that could convert In other words, it’s ready to go as soon as the high-definition DigiCipher signal for a cable or satellite system programmer reception on ordinary NTSC TV sets. signs on the dotted line. . Of course, the picture would lack the —O—_improved definition and wide aspect ra- tio of the full signal. TECHTIPSBecause GI doesn’t make TV te- ceivers, presumably it would license its technology to companies that do, as- suming the FCC accepts DigiCipher. Yet the cost of such a receiver would be no Establishing shots more than $100 higher than a conven- tional analog set (excluding the cost of a I have found an interesting way to begin wide display tube), according to GI vice taping a home video that establishes president Jerrold Heller, who helped de- both place and date. Shoot the front page mast and dateline of a local news- velop DigiCipher. paper, including close-ups of headlines The effects of DigiCipher’s signal and some articles. Years from now, the compression could be even more far- beginning may well be the most interest- reaching. According to Heller, nothing ing part of the tape. You'll be able to re- call not only where you were, but where other than FCC approval prevents the world was. broadcasters from using DigiCipher to Bruce Smithwick split their single 6-megahertz-wide channels into up to five compressed New York, New York channels. If every broadcaster in a four- station market were to do this, non-ca- ‘The effects of Cooling a hot light DigiCipher’s signal compression could When transferring home movies to vid- be far-reaching.” eo, film projectors are sometimes too ble households could experience the bright for camcorders to handle. In such same 20-channel variety their cabled neighbors now enjoy. cases, put a neutral density filter on the Or a cable operator could use Digi- camcorder. This helps prevent washout Cipher to split half of its 36 channels into ten separate programs each, for a and gives the video’s colors a more even mind-boggling 198 channels. Satellite broadcasters, plagued now by the lim- appearance. Jerry De Pinto ited channel capacity of single satellites, Ifyou want to get could offer people with small fixed dish- Kent, Washington more out of your es the same kind of choices as large ca- video camera, put ble systems. Interactive TV, a technol- Candid camcorder ogy that has been limited so far by lack more under it. of channel capacity, would be able to You can make home videos more candid take off. by covering your camcorder’s tally light When the action starts, count on the with a fun sticker. Anything will work— Bogen 3165 Cine-Video Tripod’s un- Indeed, Rupert Murdoch’s Sky Ca- a happy face or a cartoon character, for shakeable stability, smooth pans and ble plan depends upon the availability of example. Your subjects won't be able to tilts and rugged strength. DigiCipher to make possible the 108 tell when you're recording, and might channels it hopes to start operating in even smile at the sticker. It features tubular hard-finish alu- 1993. In fact, GI is so confident that dig- minum legs with sure-grip locks for itally compressed satellite broadcasting Jaime A. Ontiveros easy set-up and quick adjustments. And is on the way that it plans to start turn- Phoenix, Arizona a precision-built Bogen 3160 XL Fluid ing out set-top decoders by the end of Head features a quick release plate and is 1991. Low-cost labels designed for video cameras up to 9 pounds. The decoders won’t handle HDTV I use five or six tapes to record daily tele- For the full story, see your dealer or signals, but they will convert digitized write: Bogen Photo Corp., 565 E. signals for display by conventional TV vision programs for viewing later in the Crescent Ave., P.O. Box 506, Ramsey, sets. While DigiCipher is said to be NJ 07446-0506. equally friendly to satellite, cable and week. But I needed a way to relabel the over-the-air transmissions, GI says it tapes easily after watching them, be- cause the labels that come with blank tapes are difficult to remove. My solu- tion was to use black electrical tape cut to 5-1/2-inch lengths. I write the name of a program on the tape with a silver marker, and apply a fresh strip when | E‘CU‘JJB[PDOZ/UOFNIJDUOPDAsO|DDJOYDEO/WYSPOPJDU! want to relabel. Nancy Clemens We don't sell anything Grover City, California we wouldn't buy ourselves. 16 VIDEO SEPTEMBER 1990

@) HITACHI to lifebecause it’s the first TV with 850 li esof resolution.» Satisfy your own curiosity. | Call 1-800-HITACHI and find out where to see Ultravision for yourself. © HITACHI ©1990 Hitachi, Ltd, Ultravision is a trademark of Hitachi, Ltd, For additional information, circle No. 9 on Reader Service Card.

VIDEOTESTS mfeasconadrees ® PIONEER Super-Heavyweight: Pioneer gave the LD-S2 a double-shielded, 61.6-pound chassis to improve stability and cut mechanical noise. VIDEOTEST NUMBER 552 | oneer showed an LD-S2 picture next to time of any consumer LV player. a picture from the digital (D2) tape from Pioneer also achieved impressive im- Pioneer reference which the laserdisc was mastered, and laserdisc player many journalists couldn’t tell the differ- provements in sound quality by using a ence. real 20-bit direct linear D/A converter with 8x oversampling, 20-by-22-bit digi- Other features that improve video tal filters, jitter cancellation, indepen- dent R-core power transformers for | performance include an improved S/N audio and video circuits, vibration isola- tion, acoustic door shielding and a sup- The LD-S2 Reference LaserVision Play- for the pickup section, highly accurate er-rigid, 12-pound high-carbon steel chassis. Some of these features also im- er supercedes the LD-S1 (‘‘Videotests,” digital-to-analog (D/A) conversion at prove video quality. June ’87) as the state-of-the-art, labora- four times the sub-carrier frequency, ox- Special effects —like still frame, tory-grade LV player. It uses digital cir- ygen-free copper circuitry, fully digital frame advance, slow motion, speed play and visible search—were always avail- cuitry to raise the video signal-to-noise signal processing and minimized vibra- able on CAV discs, which hold 30 min- utes of programming per side but cost ratio 6 decibels, to improve the chroma tion noise. The deck’s new thick-shaft S/N, to separate luminance and chromi- spindle motor and the direct drive pick- nance signals, and to perform time-base up with intelligent search allow an ac- correction. The result is a terrific pic- cess time of two seconds on CAV and ture. At a recent press conference, Pi- four seconds on CLV, the fastest access i te Power Requirements: 2 seconds for CAV alog, display, CX, clear, Video Outputs: audio, video and S-vid- Pioneer lia2 120 VAC, 60 Hz chapter/frame/time se- 2—one BNC and one eo, and RCA-to-BNC Reference discs; 4 seconds for lector, program, search, RCA-type pin jack adapter Power Consumption: 10-digit keypad and laserdise Player CLV discs +10 $-Video Outputs: RESULTS & RATINGS | 55. 2—four-pin DIN mini DATA Remote: Counter Digits: jack Horizontal Resolution: Disc Format: IR wireless with jog/ 2 for chapter, 2 for in- rated—425 lines; mea- Suggested Price: LV 12- and 8-inch discs shuttle dial and indica- dex and 5 for frame Stereo Audio Outputs: sured—425 lines tor, plus buttons for (CAV) or time (CLV) 2—gold-plated RCA- $3,500 Disc Speeds: power, jog mode, last type pin jacks Luminance S/N, Weight: CAV, CLV memory, one-shot Program Start Unweighted: 61.6 pounds memory, index skip for- Locator/Index/Cue: Other Connectors: 50.7 dB Aivsen anaes: Slow Motion: ward and reverse, keypad direct access optical audio output, 5-3/8 x 18 x 18-1/2 1/90x, 1/30x, 1/16x, pause, stop/eject, still bychapter, frame system remote input Luminance S/N, inches (h/w/d) 1/8x, 1/4x, and 1/2x at (CAV) or time (CLV); and output Weighted: all disc speeds, without with sound, still step programmed sequence 54,7 dB VPLMEIHOSDROESTOIOTLGELRSOATPHS: sound forward and reverse, by chapter (max. 10 Special Features: chapter skip forward entries), repeat A/B, re- auto play speed select, Video S/N, Speed Play: and reverse, multi- peat chapter, repeat still frame and frame Unweighted: speed minus and plus, side advance on CAV and rated—52 dB; mea- normal, 2x and 3x at all multi-speed forward and CLV discs, separate sured—51.9 dB reverse, Scan reverse, Analog Audio: eject disc speeds, without play, scan forward, re- stereo Video S/N, Weighted: peat A, repeat Accessories: 55.3 dB sca B/chapter/side/program, Digital Audio: remote control with bat- Rapid Search: stereo/left/right audio teries, patch cords for Chroma AM SIN: 90 seconds, end-to-end monitor, auto digital/an- stereo 53.8 dB Maximum Direct Access Time: 18 VIDEO SEPTEMBER 1990

Get 8 COMPACT DISCS FOR THE PRICE OF 4 with nothing more to buy...EVER! The ultimate in sound...The ultimate in savings... Milli Vanilli: Girl You Taylor Dayne: Can't Fight Elvis Presley, others: The Reba McEntire: Reba David Benoit: Waiting For Know It’s True (Arista) Million Dollar Quartet Live (MCA) 44602 01048 Fate (Arista) 01114 (RCA) 44624 Make A Difference Spring (GRP Digital) 54067 Foundation: Stairway To Richard Marx: Repeat The London Quireboys: Pavarotti: Volare (London) Heaven (Mercury) 44573 Gun: Taking On The Offender (EMI) 01118 A Bit Of What You Fancy 25102 Diana Ross & The World (A&M) 82473 (Capitol) 14798 Supremes: 20 Greatest Tears For Fears: The Hits (Motown) 63867 Great Love Songs Of The Seeds Of Love (Fontana) Dion & The Belmonts: Keith Whitley: |Wonder 50s & ’60s, Vol. 1 (Laurie) 33653 Rod Stewart's Greatest 20768 The Wanderer (18 Janet Jackson’s Rhythm Do You Think Of Me Hits (Warner Bros.) 33779 Quincy Jones: Back On Nation 1814 (A&M) 72386 (RCA) 33768 Dirty Dancing/ An Evening With Louis The Block (Warner Bros.) Greatest Hits) (Laurie/3C) Soundtrack (RCA) 82522 Armstrong (GNP 64116 00999 Marvin Gaye: 15 Greatest Bobby Brown: Poco: Legacy (RCA) Crescendo) 70106 Hits (Motown) 53534 Dance!...Ya Know It 54060 Best Of Dire Straits: The Cure: Disintegration (MCA) 73660 Frank Sinatra: Capitol 20 Years Of Jethro Tull Money For Nothing (Elektra) 01109 Collector's Series (Chrysalis) 00817 (Warner Bros.) 00713 (Capitol) 64362 Madonna: Like A Prayer Oceans: Ridin’ The Tide Chick Corea Elektric Enya: Watermark (Geffen) Happy Anniversary, (Sire) 01029 (Pro Jazz) 33577 Band: Inside Out (GRP) Slaughter: Stick It To Ya 01041 Charlie Brown (GRP (Chrysalis) 42308 Artists) (GRP Digital) Bruce Hornsby & The Solti: Tchaikovsky, 1812 72743 Simon & Garfunkel: The 64278 Range: A Night On The Overture (London) 25179 Allman Bros. Band: Eat A David Lanz: Cristofori’s Concert In Central Park Dream (Narada/MCA) (Warner Bros.) 44006 Supertramp: Classics Town (RCA) 63689 Grateful Dead: Built To Peach (Polydor) 63353 00853 (14 Greatest Hits) (A&M) Anderson, Bruford, 04891 Lee Ritenour: Color Rit Last (Arista) 72230 Tone-Léc: Léc-Ed After The Big Chill/Soundtrack Wakeman, Howe (Arista) (Motown) 33970 01115 Cher: Heart Of Stone (GRP) 53959 Motley Criie: Dr. Feelgood Dark (Delicious) 01033 (Geffen) 42874 Billy Idol: Charmed Life Yes: Fragile (Atlantic) The Black Crowes: Shake (Elektra Dig) 33928 Duke Ellington w/Erich (Chrysalis) 62264 53807 Buffalo Springfield: Fleetwood Mac: Greatest Retrospective Your Moneymaker Randy Travis: No Holdin’ Kunzel & Cincinnati TOOT] Hits (Warner Bros.) 00796 (Atco) 00844 (Geffen) 52142 Back (Warner Bros.) Orch.: Orchestral Works Steve Winwood: Chicago: Greatest Hits Kentucky Headhunters: 34766 (MCA) 53780 Chronicles (Island) 34501 1982-89 (Reprise) 63363 Pickin’ On Nashville Vangelis: Direct (Arista) Scorpions: Best Of Restless Heart: Fast Neil Young: Freedom (Mercury) 24740 00470 Rockers 'N’ Ballads Movin’ Train (RCA) 10802 (Reprise) 54012 James Taylor: Greatest (Mercury) 63492 The Glenn Miller Crosby, Stills, Nash & Hits (Reprise) 23790 ZZ Top: Afterburner Orchestra: In The Digital Young: Greatest Hits (So Mood (GRP Digital) 43293 Far) (Atlantic) 30230 Hank Williams, Jr.: Lone (Warner Bros.) 64042 Wolf (Warner Bros.) 64311 Elvis Presley: 18 Number Guns N’ Roses: GN’R The Judds: River Of Time Lies (Geffen) 00805 (RCA) 01027 Nat “King” Cole: Capitol One Hits (RCA) 72190 Collector's Series Jazz CD Sampler The Police: Every Breath , Tom Petty: Full Moon Fever (MCA) 33911 Kitaro: The Kojiki (Capitol) 54428 (PolyGram) 73406 me meeeYou Take—The Singles (Record Of Ancient George Harrison: Best Of Eric Clapton: John Cougar Mellencamp: (A&M) 73924 Dark Horse, 1976-89 (Dark Matters) (Geffen) 43758 Journeyman (Warner Big Daddy (Mercury) Horse) 80307 Bros.) 53940 80064 Roy Orbison: Black and White Night (Virgin) 64495 Clint Black: Killin’ Time (RCA) 01112 The Traveling Wilburys: _ Vol. One (Warner/Wilbury) Led Zeppelin IV (Runes) | 00711 aialadaede [Scana(Atlantic) 12014 _ Prince: Batman/ Eric Clapton: Time R.E.M.: Green (Warner _ Soundtrack (Warmer Bros.) Pieces (Polydor) 23385 Bros.) 00715 — 60344 Stanley Jordan: | YES, please accept my membership in the BMG Compact Disc Club and send my first four Dave Grusin: Migration Cornucopia selections, as | have indicated here, under the terms of this offer. |need buy just one more CD at | (GRP) 23957 (Blue Note) 73847 | The Beach Boys: Made In regular Club prices during the next year—after which |can choose another CD FREE! In addition, as U.S.A. (Capitol) 64143 a member in good standing, | can get 2 more selections FREE after completing my first year of membership. That's 8 CDs for the price of one...with nothing more to buy, ever! (A shipping/handling Guns N’ Roses: Appetite charge is added to each shipment.) For Destruction (Geffen) 70348 RUSH ME ee Fs arhnrehotce yi 1 _)EASY LISTENING (instrumentals/Vocal Moods) THESE 4CDs oiaanepracaaay eabona=z Horowitz At Home (DG) (indicate NbyOWnumber): 2 LICOUNTRY 3()HARD ROCK 25211 (check one only): 4\\_) POP/SOFT ROCK 5 |_|)CLASSICAL Fine Young Cannibals: | The Raw And The MR. First Name Initial Last Name (PLEASE PRINT) _ Cooked (I.R.S.) 01068 MRS. MISS | Miles Davis: The Address Apt. Complete Birth Of The _ Cool (Capitol Jazz) 54138 Don Henley: The City State Zip End Of The Tina Turner: Foreign Telephone ( _ Affair (Capitol) 32900 Innocence (Geffen) 01064 Area Code Peter Murphy: Deep (RCA | Beggars) 44638 Eagles: Their Greatest Hits 1971-75 (Asylum) Signature 23481 We reserve the right to request additional information or reject any application. Limited to new members, Styx: Classics continental USA onlyy.. One membership pp per familyy.. Local taxes, if anyy,, will be added. 2JU56 2) (14 Greatest Hits) (A&M) 14822

Get 8com PACT DISCS FOR THE PRICE OF 1 with nothing more to buy...EVER! es _ =P Enjoy Spectacular Savings On Compact Discs! Nitty Gritty Dirt Band: Charlie Parker: Bird/ Peter Gabriel: Passion Roxette: Look Sharp! Born On The 4th Of Will The Circle Be Original Recordings Of (Geffen) 63668 (EMI) 01106 July/Soundtrack (MCA) Unbroken, Vol. 2 Charlie Parker (Verve) 50084 (Universal) 93648 01044 Peter Gabriel: So (Geffen) Norrington: Beethoven, The Cars: Greatest Hits 14764 Symphony No. 9 (Choral) James Galway: Greatest | | They Might Be Giants: (Elektra) 53702 U2: Rattle And Hum (Angel) 00467 Hits (RCA) 73233 Flood (Elektra) 14772 Tanita Tikaram: The (Island) 00596 Elton John: Greatest Sweet Keeper (Reprise) Kunzel: Leroy Anderson, Jane Child (Warner Bros.) Whitesnake: Slip Of The Hits, Vol. 1 (MCA) 63322 Barry Manilow Live On 34359 Syncopated Clock & 60204 Tongue (Geffen) 01147 Genesis: Invisible Touch Broadway (Arista) 24805 Other Favorites (Pro Arte) (Atlantic) 53740 Classic Rock, Vol. 2 24767 Metallica: ...And Justice Linda Ronstadt: Cry Like ' Pat Benatar: Best Shots Van Halen: OU812 (MCA) 44314 Jive Presents Yo! MTV For All (Elektra) 00478 A Rainstorm, Howl Like (Chrysalis) 44319 (Warner Bros.) 50913 Raps (Jive) 64407 The Wind 52221 The Who: Who’s Better, MiyHrmorte, Hugh Masekela: The Church: Gold Who's Best (MCA) 00790 Def Leppard: Hysteria Uptownship (Novus) Afternoon Fix (Arista) Tesla: The Great Radio Bon Jovi: New Jersey (Mercury) 00927 ll 73607 71667 (Mercury) 00516 oh Rickie Lee Jones: Flying Controversy (Geffen) The Moody Blues: The Dizzy Gillespie Cowboys (Geffen) 94110 Kenny G Live (Arista) 00839 Greatest Hits (Threshold) Symphony Sessions Carly Simon: My Lenny Kravitz: Let Love 64505 34284 (Pro Jazz) 44022 Romance (Arista) 24824 Rule (Virgin) 54439 Soul Il Soul: Keep On Cowboy Junkies: The Julia Fordham: Porcelain Movin’ (Virgin) 14823 Bonnie Raitt: Nick Of Phil Collins: 12 Inchers Stevie Nicks: The Other Caution Horses (RCA) (Virgin) 50098 Time (Capitol) 54410 (Atlantic) 44300 Side Of The Mirror 54612 J.R. Baker: Everybody’s (Modern) 70946 The Best Of Steely Dan— Start with COMPACT DISCS Favorite Synthesizer Neil Diamond: The Jazz Tracy Chapman: Decade (MCA) 54135 Buy just Pieces (Newport Classic) Singer (Capitol) 32877 Crossroads (Elektra) M.C. Hammer: Please Then get plus shipping & handling with membership 44611 42496 Hammer, Don’t Hurt ’Em Whitney Houston: Lorrie Morgan: Leave Pat Metheny Group: (Capitol) 34791 Plus choose smash hit in one year’s time. Whitney (Arista) 52854 The Light On (RCA) 01111 Letter From Home Technotronic: Pump Up Enjoy (Geffen) 50395 The Jam—The Album CD of your choice, FREE* The Fabulous Baker Marcus Roberts: Deep In (SBK) 34781 more FREE* after completing Boys/Soundtrack (GRP) The Shed (RCA/Novus) The Doobie Brothers: your 1st year of membership. 44637 73646 Cycles (Capitol) 73187 Skid Row (Atlantic) 01038 Best Of The Doobie CDs for the price of one. Elton John: Sleeping Brothers (Warner Bros.) With The Past (MCA) The Jimi Hendrix 43738 START WITH 4 COMPACT DISCS NOW! 10469 Experience: Electric Ladyland (Reprise) 23362 NO POSTAGE Yes, start with any 4 compact discs shown here! } Dolly Parton, Linda NECESSARY You need buy just 1 more hit at regular Club prices Ronstadt, Emmylou (usually $14.98-$15.98), and take up to one full year Harris: Trio (Warner Bros.) IF MAILED to do it. Then choose another CD free. In addition, as 14804 IN THE j a member in good standing, you can get 2 more selections Free after completing your first year of Dionne Warwick: UNITED STATES membership. That's 8 CDs for the price of 1 with Greatest Hits (Arista) i nothing more to buy...ever! (A shipping and handling 00667 charge is added to each shipment.) Alabama: Greatest Hits (RCA) 20247 HOW THE CLUB OPERATES BUSINESS REPLY MAIL You select from hundreds of exciting CDs described in the Club’s magazine and mailed to you approx- FIRST CLASS PERMIT NO. 5071 INDIANAPOLIS IN. imately every three weeks (19 times a year). Each issue highlights a Featured Selection in your prefer- POSTAGE WILL BE PAID BY ADDRESSEE i red music category, plus alternate selections. If you'd like the Featured Selection, do nothing. It will BMG COMPACT DISC CLUB be sent to you automatically. If you’d prefer an alter- PO. BOX 91412 nate selection or none at all, just return the card, INDIANAPOLIS IN 46209-9758 enclosed with each issue of your magazine, by the date specified on the card. You will have at least 10 days to decide or you may return your Featured Selection at our expense. Cancel your membership at any time after completing your enrollment agree- ment, simply by writing to us, or remain and take i advantage of bonus savings FREE 10-DAY TRIAL Listen to your 4 introductory selections for a full 10 days. If not satisfied, return them with no further Obligation. You send no money now, so complete the postpaid card and mail ittoday. ’ *A shipping and handling charge is added to each shipment. CD657A BMG Compact Disc Club, 6550 E. 30th St., Indi- anapolis, IN 46219-1194. TRADEMARKS USED IN THE ADVT ARE THE PROPERTY OF VARIOUS TRADEMARK OWNERS g

more than CLV discs, which hold 60 Ricoh Hi8 camcorder short, if you understand the principles of minutes per side. The LD-S2’s digital photography or are willing to learn circuitry produces these effects on both Ricoh’s new top-of-the line R-808H of- them, the R-808H offers the greatest CAV and CLV discs. fers the widest range of camcorder expo- range of picture control of any cam- sure controls we’ve seen. Still photogra- corder yet produced. A special Accu-Focus system for the phers will immediately recognize the laser pickup reduces distortion to im- value of its aperture priority and shutter Description. The R-808H fits eas- prove both resolution and signal-to- priority modes, and should be among the ily in the hand, but at 13-1/8 inches it is noise ratios. The LD-S2’s horizontal res- first to seek out this model. Its portrait as long as earlier 8mm camcorders. The olution is 425 lines and its video S/N is mode uses wide apertures to soften background focus, combined with high- long LCD indicator on the left side is as rated at 52 dB, which makes it the best er shutter speeds for correct exposure full of information as any we’ve seen. consumer picture source available. Vid- and backlight compensation to prevent Many of the indications are duplicated eo equipment falls into four general light backgrounds from making faces in the viewfinder. Buttons for title 1, title grades: consumer, professional/indus- look dark. The R-808H also features a 2, memory and title color/mode sit trial, broadcast and laboratory. The LD- sports mode that automatically selects a above the LCD. Forward of the LCD S2 delivers laboratory-grade perfor- high shutter speed and adjusts the aper- panel are buttons for time and date. ture to compensate for the resulting de- mance. crease in light. This mode produces Below are a spring-loaded adjust- Description. The LD-S2 is black crisper moving and frozen images of ment thumbwheel, a full auto lock moving subjects. switch and buttons for programmed with wood side panels and brass trim. Its auto exposure, iris, shutter speed, gain, gold legends are large enough to read fade, focus, one-shot autofocus in manu- easily, but don’t spoil its classic good al mode, white balance and a white bal- looks. It is Pioneer’s largest and heaviest ance lock. consumer LV player. eect The automated disc hatch occupies almost the full width of the front panel. A large open/close button sits to its tight. Smaller square buttons for power, play/still and stop surround the display below. LED indicators for display off and play/standby occupy the display’s gold surround. The black area of the display contains the remote sensor; readouts for chapter, index and frame/time; and indi- cators for digital sound, CX (analog au- dio noise reduction), I/left channel and 2/right channel. All remaining controls continued on page 22 Chroma PM S/N: Stereo Separation: Bright Idea: Ricoh’s R-808H offers portrait, sports and selectable-priority exposure modes. 47.6 dB digital: rated—110 dB; measured—better than The aperture priority mode lets a The top surface holds three groups Audio Frequency 103 dB, our instrument user select a specific aperture between of controls. The group above the trans- Response: limit; analog: mea- f/1.4 and f/16 and automatically adjusts port includes a camera/off/VTR switch digital: rated—4 Hz to sured—74.1 dB the shutter speed for correct exposure. with a safety catch, a spring-loaded slide 20 kHz, +/-0.2 dB; mea- for record, and buttons for stop, rewind/ sured—10 Hz to 20 Total Harmonic The shutter priority mode lets a user se- search, play, fast forward/search, pause kHz, +0.4/-0.1 dB (no Distortion: lect a specific speed and automatically and data screen. Next to these, buttons test signals below 10 digital: rated—0.0015%: adjusts the aperture for correct expo- Hz, see text); analog: measured—better than sure. The full manual mode allows man- for menu, left cursor, right cursor, down measured—20 Hz to 20 0.02%, our measure- ual adjustment of all functions. The gain cursor, execute, slow, frame advance for- kHz, +1.8/-1.7 dB ment limit; analog: may be set from -3 to +18 decibels in ward and frame advance reverse hide measured—0.08% eight steps, like selecting films of differ- under a flap. Dynamic Range, ent speeds. The variable gain produces Digital Audio: Overall Picture higher contrast images in low light but A second group over the camera rated and measured— Quality: increases picture noise. All of these ad- section comprises buttons for subsidiary 100 dB excellent justments affect the viewfinder image, so run/stop, counter reset, return to zero Audio S/N: Audio Quality: what you see in the viewfinder is what and index, plus a forward/reverse edit digital: rated—115 dB; excellent you get (except for color). search rocker. The third group occupies measured—exceeds the the grip area, and includes the wide an- 103 dB range of our in- Ease of Operation: A user can even adjust contrast, col- gle/tele rocker, the main run/stop button struments; analog: excellent and a standby switch, which covers that measured—76 dB or, hue (tint) and sharpness of the pic- Overall Performance: ture to look best on a specific set. In continued on page 23 excellent SEPTEMBER 1990 VIDEO 21

GET continued from page 21 Operation. Hooking up the LD-S2 MORE is simple, but because there is no RF are concealed in a compartment across output, it can’t feed a standard TV set. (or less) the bottom, including buttons for dis- Your system must have video and audio play and picture, and forward/reverse inputs. The audio outputs should be FROM YOUR pairs for chapter, index and scan. connected to a hi-fi system, because the CAMCORDER digital sound is as good or better than ZOOM LENS The rear panel holds one BNC and the best CD players. one RCA-type pin jack for video, two @ 0.5X gives you # S-video connectors and two mini jacks Using the player is also simple. Turn for SR control input and output. For au- on the player and open the disc drawer. twice as much 4iff dio, there are two pairs of gold-plated Insert a disc, then touch the drawer, or RCA-type stereo output jacks and a press open/close or play, and it will close in your shot covered connector for optical digital automatically. Pressing play to close the output. The LD-S2 has no RF output— door starts the play sequence. Most of @ Keeps sharp its high-resolution video requires more the machine's features are intuitive. bandwidth than the NTSC RF format Lines on the remote from the multi- focus for the \\ allows, and the video stretches way speed rocker to the plus/minus rocker above the frequencies allocated for the and the onscreen indicator remind users whole zoom range sound carrier. to select an appropriate speed. Keypad, search, program, display and clear func- @ Autofocus with most The remote control is identical to tions are also obvious, and are rein- the one for Pioneer’s CLD-91 (‘‘Vid- forced with onscreen prompts. camcorder models eotests,” Dec. ’89) except for one miss- ing button and a few function changes. Though easy to use, the remaining @ Distortion-free really bright image Most commands are the same ones used controls may have only LED indicators for the last few Pioneer LV players, but RAYNOX tele the digital tricks and side-changing rather than onscreen prompts, so the mechanism are absent. The jog/shuttle user may have to glance at the machine converters give you less — of dial sits near the front, along with its ac- to confirm their operation. The machine your subject — just like being tivator button and indicator, and an or- starts out in the auto digital mode, set closer, but without moving ange power button. Below is a row of for stereo and CX, with the digital cir- buttons including last memory, one-shot super quality cuitry activated. There are no CD fea- converters from Ultra memory, index skip reverse, index skip tures to worry about because the LD-S2 forward, pause and stop/eject. doesn’t play CDs. Wide to Long Tele — all with adapter rings A group at the left contains buttons The digital circuitry provides not and protective cases only special effects from CLV discs but for still frame with sound, and rockers time-base correction, Y/C separation Distributed irn ai for multi-speed forward/reverse and and separate luminance and chromi- nance noise reduction. The only things 10490 W. 164th Place speed change. The speed change rocker we might wish for are two-sided play and offers choices of 1/90x (one frame every CD capability, but they would compro- Orland Park, lll.60462 three seconds), 1/30x (one frame every mise quality or raise cost. With fewer Fi Tel (708) 349 1570 digital tricks and single-sided operation, second), 1/16x, 1/8x, 1/4x, 1/2x, normal, the LD-S2 is even easier to operate than LTD. Fax (708) 349 1559 2x and 3x. At the right are forward/re- some less expensive players. Operational verse rockers for still/step and chapter ease is excellent. ‘GUSOJBBPOUO/NOIFOPOUIDYAODDOIHSBWIYSIPOPJDUR)aynox is the registered TM of skip, plus buttons for reverse scan, play Yoshida Industry Co Ltd Tokyo Japan and forward scan. Performance. The LD-S2 offers today’s ultimate in home video and au- Both remaining groups of controls dio quality. We said the same thing occupy a matte black area. One group when we tested the LD-SI three years comprises a ten-digit keypad and but- tons for clear, chapter or frame/time, ago, but we knew eventually there program and search. The program but- would be another reference player. Hori- ton lets a user sequence the playing of up to ten chapters. The chapter or zontal resolution is rated at, and mea- frame/time button determines which sures, 425 lines based on the best test counter the direct access feature will use. There are also buttons for audio disc, the VTC-015 from the Electronic monitor (analog only stereo/left/right), Industries Association of Japan. We CX on/off, auto digital/analog audio out- have no doubt that with the best soft- put, repeat A and repeat B. ware the LD-S2 will deliver its 425-line The repeat A button selects the star- rating. ting point of a selection to be repeated. The repeat B button selects the out The video S/N, which is rated at 52 point if an A selection has been entered. decibels, measures 51.9 dB unweighted; If B alone is pushed once, it repeats the and 55.3 dB weighted using our test current chapter. If B alone is pushed condition—sa 4.2 megahertz low pass twice, it repeats the entire side. Three filter, 10 kilohertz high pass filter, with pushes repeat a programmed sequence. both the subcarrier trap and the sag compensation off. Using EIAJ condi- tions, the unweighted video S/N is 54.1 dB. (EIAJ conditions are 4.2 mHz low pass, 100 kHz high pass, with both the SC trap and the sag compensation on.)

The luminance S/N is 50.7 dB un- S-video, video, stereo audio and DC is needed. Buttons like autofocus and weighted and 54.7 dB weighted. The output, plus a switch that determines white balance operate as on other cam- whether the signal jacks are inputs or corders, switching between modes as the chroma AM S/N is 53.8 dB and the outputs. Near the front are the stereo user pushes the button. The shutter but- microphone, a wind noise switch and ton selects one of three speeds: 1/100- chroma PM S/N is 47.6 dB. The time- jacks for an external stereo mic and mic second, 1/1000-second and normal power. (1/60). The control thumbwheel allows base corrector and variable-level noise reduction, combined with these excep- tional numbers, provide excellent pic- The remote control has a zoom access to incremental speeds. ture quality. The player delivers excellent analog rocker and buttons for start/stop, index, To manually control aperture or (AFM) audio from all current discs plus data screen, index mark and erase, mul- gain, the user must enter one of the auto digital audio from appropriately encoded ti-picture, flash motion, digital zoom, exposure modes like aperture priority, digital clear, rewind/search, play, fast shutter priority or full manual. Auto- discs. The improvements in the audio circuitry affect both types of audio, but forward/search, stop, pause, frame ad- focus and white balance operate inde- their effects on analog discs are more vance, slow and record with safety. An pendently of exposure, but Ricoh modest because of the inherent limita- unusual hold switch disables the remote recommends adjusting them manually tions of analog sound. In analog mode, to prevent accidental operation. A sin- for some exposure options. Fade and the frequency response is 20 Hertz to 20 gle sensor at the front of the camcorder time/date imprinting may be selected in- kHz, +1.8/-1.7 dB, with less than 0.08 faces forward, which is ideal for control- dependently of other operations. A digi- percent total harmonic distortion, a 76 ling the camcorder when the operator is tal superimposer allows titling in color. dB S/N, and 74.1 dB channel separation. in the picture, but not as good for oper- Titles can be scrolled and two titles can The digital audio is also excellent, ating from the side. be shown at once, a feature we haven't rated for a frequency response of 4 Hz to Operation. Using the R-808H in seen before. 20 kHz, +/-0.2 dB, but our test disc sig- full auto mode is as easy as using the Informative displays onscreen and nals only go down to 10 Hz. The mea- simplest camcorders. Set it in auto lock, on the LCD note options and flash sured frequency response is 10 Hz to 20 put in a tape and a battery, set it in cam- warnings. Edit search shows the picture kHz, +0.4/-0.1 dB, with a dynamic era mode and switch the lock to stand- at normal speed, forward or reverse, range of 100 dB. The following charac- by. The run/stop button starts the without leaving camera mode. Menus teristics exceed our measurement lim- recording. let the user select auto Hi8, the remote Using manual options is not difficult, control, four-frame record, a custom its—over 103 dB S/N, total harmonic but some knowledge or experimentation continued on page 106 distortion less than 0.02 percent, and stereo separation better than 103 dB. See This level of performance is better than THINK that for some CD players, and excellent for consumer video hardware. Conclusion. If you’ve noticed the LD-S2’s suggested price of $3,500, you may still be recovering. However, if you've read about all of its refinements, you may appreciate how difficult it is to GLOBAL deliver such quality. The simple fact is that quality costs. We've gotten over the price, but we’re still awed by the picture, the sound, the full special effects on CLV discs, the digital memory stills and the still picture with sound. It is all so good it can’t travel on RF lines, and its audio is good enough to put some CD players to shame. It is a must-see. When Would you buy a computer, a fax or a disk player you run out for a demonstration, make that operates in the USA only? sure the showroom monitor and sound Then why would you settle for a VCR without system are good enough to keep up with international capacities? this player. If you can’t afford one now, Our VCRs have all the bells & whistles ofother lux- ury VCRs, but in addition they will play PAL or the experience will still give immediate SECAM tapes from overseas, as well as your American NTSC tapes, on most standard Ameri- pleasure and something to dream about can TV sets. and save for. Bi continued from page 21 One day soon Global Video Communication will be as common as sending letters. button in the locked position. A catch Make sure that your next VCR is prepared for the nearby releases the electronic viewfinder 90’s to handle tapes from all over the world. so it can swing up. The outer edge of the Call the exclusive manufacturers of Global VCRs: handgrip holds jacks for the LANC re- mote and stereo earphones. Instant Replay, 2601 S. Bayshore Dr., Ste. 1050, Miami, FL 33133, Ph: (305) 854-8777 Fx: 858-9053 A covered compartment near the 1CSRNicaFo2eaionednrr.fdacvdoidli.rteecmireaotniaoln, back of the right side holds jacks for | SEPTEMBER 1990 VIDEO 23—

VIDEOTESTS \\NPUT SELECT UNE 1 i} LINE 2 vies Ce) Color COLOR VIDEO PRINTER CVP-G500 Video Printer Little Prints: In addition to full-size images, Sony's CVP-G500 can produce multiple prints comprising four, 25 or 100 tiny pictures. VIDEOTEST NUMBER 554 tal memory. It transfers the image to pa- | can even print a four-in-one image using per by transferring yellow, cyan and | the 25-image multi-frame, creating 100 ' magenta dyes, each with 64 levels of in- | really tiny pictures. Of course, as an im- ae color still tensity. Three print passes are made over | age shrinks, it loses detail. v1aeo printer the paper, one for each color. The dyes Standard picture quality controls let , P€ are supplied in ribbon cartridges. The | a user adjust hue (tint), color, bright- process is somewhat like the separation | ness, picture and sharpness before an Almost everyone has seen something | process used to print magazines, but | image is memorized. You can also com- from a home movie, a pre-recorded vid- | there is no dye for a black colorplate. pare the video source with what is in eotape or a TV show that would be nice Because the printer uses an elec- |memory before printing. The CVP-G500 to carry as a wallet picture or put in an | tronic image, many tricks common to | produces a print in about 70 seconds. It album. Sony’s CVP-G500 makes this | video can be used to make the prints. A | also makes up to nine prints of the same wish a reality. It prints from any source | user can put four small, separate images memorized image automatically. that can be displayed on a conventional | on the same sheet of paper by capturing Description. The black CVP- NTSC video monitor. The CVP-G500 | a different image on each quadrant of | G500 is about the same size as a typical delivers a 3-by-4-inch image on a | the print before printing them together |VCR. There’s a slot right of center 4-by-5-5/8-inch sheet of special paper | ina single pass. The mirror function can | through which finished prints emerge. A through a sublimation heat transfer pro- | electronically reverse the picture. Im- | column at the far left contains the pow- cess. ages may be reduced and split so that a | er button with indicator, a line I/line 2 The printer captures a full field of | print can hold up to 25 small replica- | input select switch and both video and video in a dynamic random access digi- | tions of a single image. The CVP-G500 | S-video connectors for line 2. Another control group com- prises buttons for memory, print, print quality set and reset, source/memory out- put, reduce, mirror and split plus the re- mote sensor and a display area. LEDs indicate no ribbon, no paper, steps in the printing process | and print quality. | The area between the print slot and screen Shols: the controls is occupied by a door to the Two CVP-G500 prints ribbon compartment. Below the print slot, a second door hides the print paper taken from a LaserVi- tray, and controls for a four-in-one print sion demonstration disc. | and color adjusments. 24 VIDEO SEPTEMBER 1990

The sides and top are bare. The back CSoolnoyr CVViPde-oG5P0r0inter Paper Size: color—yellow, cyan and RESULTS panel holds the power cord and video 4 x 5-5/8 inches (h/w) magenta and S-video connectors for output and DATA Horiz. Resolution: line 1 input. The slim remote control has Suggested Price: Image Size: Printing Time: over 400 lines buttons for power, print quantity, quan- printer—$1,500; sup- tegular—3 x 4 inches; approx. 70 seconds tity reset, split memory, reduce, mirror plies (paper and color teduced—2-1/4 x 3 Snowiness; split, source/memory, memory and print. ribbon)—30 prints, $30; inches; 4-in-1—1-1/2 x Remote Control: Video S/N: 12 prints, $18 1-15/16 inches each IR wireless with buttons about 55 dB Operation. Using the printer is re- Weight: 17.6 pounds with white dividers; 25 for power, print quantity, ally easy. Simply plug it in, slip in a rib- Dimensions: multi-frame—19/32 x quantity reset, reduce, Chroma AM S/N: bon cartridge and put paper in the tray. 4-3/8 x 17 x 14-7/8 13/16 inches each mirror (image), split, over 65 dB (The ribbon cartridge, which is dispos- inches (h/w/d) source/memory, memo- able, and the paper are sold together in Power Requirements: Picture Elements: ry, print and split- Chroma PM S/N: packs suitable for 12 or 30 prints.) Make 120 VAC, 60 Hz tegular—448 x 580; re- memory 1, 2, 3 and 4 over 65 dB sure the corners and ends of the paper Power Consumption: duced—336 x 435; are not caught. Attach a signal source 135 W max. 4-in-1—224 x 286; 25 Video Inputs: Accuracy of Colors: and a monitor. There is no RF input or multi-frame—90 x 116 2—RCA-type pin jacks, excellent output. Turn on the printer and select (all horizontal/vertical) one on front panel the appropriate input. RATINGS Printing System: $-Video Inputs: When the desired scene appears, sublimation heat 2—mini 4-pin DIN, one Picture Quality: press the print button. The CVP-G500 transfer on front panel very good will grab the frame and begin printing. To confirm the scene before printing, Gradation: Video Output: 1 Operational Ease: capture the frame by hitting the memory 64 levels for each ink excellent in button. Push the memory/source but- §-Video Output: 1 ton to alternate between viewing the Overall Performance: memorized image and the video source. excellent Once you are satisfied with the mem- orized scene, hit the print button. the same print separately using the dedi- scene have no effect on print quality. cated buttons. Remember to have the To get 25 of the memorized images For a four-in-one print, open the source/memory switch in source mode compartment below the print slot and when making selections. After selecting on one sheet of paper, press both reduce and split at the same time. If the mem- memorize the four pictures you want on four images, you can preview the print orized picture is a four-in-one, the result by switching to the memory position. To is 25 times that four-image set. The mir- adjust picture quality, use the rotary ror button reverses the picture. The quantity button produces up to nine controls before memorizing a scene. Ad- justments made after memorizing a continued on page 103 Ed/it’| and Ed/it 2 Mini Ed/it 1 The Easiest Way to Edit Home Ed/it 2 ivesyou can transform ho-hum videos into ex King productions with effortless ease and am aid's Ed/itseries system, all editingis accomplis simplicity, enabling you to add, delete, combine o you choose, with pre-programmed 3-second vid Laedit point. Both units feature instant switching.between t sources, a bypass button toquickly locate scenes, _ signal booster to enhance picture quality. All nec are included. With Ed/it2,you can also add music an separate slidecontrolsHh each sound in microphone isincluded. Ed/it 1and Ed/it2,at suggested retailprices of $ _ now make home video editing more affordablte h _ out these state-of-the-art products, along with o video necessities, at your local photo orvideo st VIDEO NECESSITIE: SimaProducts Corp., 8707 Skokie Blvd, Skokie, Illinois 60077 (.708) 6 Distributedin Canada by: Nadel Enterprises Inc., 7290 Torb For additional information, circle No. 13 on

VIDEOTESTS = BREO VIDEO CASSETTE asccane No Assembly Required: Using powered cassette tray,JVC's HR-SC1000U plays and records VHS-C and S-VHS-C cassettes without an adapter. VIDEOTEST NUMBER 555 out an adapter and also offers Super | The LCD remote remembers 20 tim- | VHS capability. Another model, the | er programs independent of the VCR's | HR-FC100, also plays VHS-C tapes 8-event/14-day timer. This may be a JVC Compact- without an adapter, but does not record | boon to those who can’t get the hang of Compatible VCR or play S-VHS tapes. VHS-C compati- | setting the timer. Once those 20 pro- bility without an adapter is one of the grams are entered, programming be- | major advancements in this year’s crop comes as simple as selecting a program Compact VHS has been around longer of VCRs. than consumer camcorders. Its strength letter and pressing the remote’s transmit The HR-SCIO00U has many attrac- button. JVC even supplies little cards for is compatibility with VHS hardware. tive features, including jog/shuttle dials noting program names and letters, and a Among its weaknesses is the adapter on both the VCR and the remote, a vid- pocket in the remote to hold the card. used to play the compact tapes in full- eo stabilizer to reduce jitter, a full range Additional features include an sized machines. This adapter sometimes of editing features to control compatible MTS/SAP cable-ready tuner, an instant ruins a tape. JVC’s latest offering, the JVC decks, index search, multi-speed timer with delay, noiseless stills and slow HR-SCIO00U, plays VHS-C tapes with- playback and a flying erase head. motion, five slow-motion speeds, accu- dVC HA-SCIOOOU Power Requirements: Remote: Program Start Loca- Special Features: Chroma AM SIN: o-VHS VER 120 VAC, 60 Hz tor/index/Cue: flying erase head, auto IR wireless with LCD index with mark and play speed select, still SP—43.8 dB; DATA Power Consumption: display, jog/shuttle dial erase; up to 99 marks | frame, remote pause EP—40.5 dB Suggested Price: 30 W (on front), separate $1,599 and exposed VCR but- Linear Audio: eject, audio dub, insert Chroma PM S/N: Weight: Tape Format: | tons for channel set/ mono edit, counter memory SP—40.5 dB; 20.7 pounds VHS/VHS-C/S-VHS/ (go-to), auto rewind, EP—38.1 dB Dimensions: S-VHS-C | select, jog/shuttle, pro- Hi-Fi AFM Audio: channel lock, auto 4-3/8 x 18-5/8 x 15-1/2 Stereo channel-change, switch- Audio Frequency inches (h/w/d) Tape Speeds: SP, EP gram, transmit, timer, able AFC Response: Tuning Method: hi-fi—20_Hz-18 kHz, Video Heads: 4 cancel, power, TV/moni- frequency synthesis RESULTS +0.3/-3 dB, down 3.7 tor, eject, variable dB at 20 kHz; linear, -3 Frame Advance: Channel Selectors: Horizontal Resolution: dB—100 Hz-12 kHz, forward with pause/still search reverse, pause/ menu-driven up/down S-VHS—400 lines; SP; 100 Hz-4 kHz, EP button: bi-directional still, variable search for- buttons on VCR; up/ VHS—240+ lines using jog dial ward, rewind/search, down and direct access Hi-Fi Dynamic Range: play/2x, fast forward/ buttons on remote Luminance S/N, 90.2 dB Slow Motion: Unweighted: 1/6x to 1/30x search, record, stop Preset Method: SP—42.6 dB; Linear Audio S/N: auto set plus add and EP—39.9 dB 44 dB Speed Play: and skip/blank search, erase 2x using play/x2 button; | Luminance S/N, Audio Distortion: multi-speed, bi-direc- TV/video, SP/EP, minus Broadcast Tuning Weighted: hi-fi-0.3%, linear-1.2% tional to 11x SP and and plus tracking, 10- Range: SP—48.0 dB; 31x EP using variable digit keypad, enter/add, 2 to 13, 14 to 69 EP—47.8 dB RATINGS search or shuttle ring mark, erase, index, in- Cable Tuning Range: Video S/N, Un- Picture Quality: Cue & Review 2 to 13 and 113 other weighted: very good (Search): tro, go-to, display, audio channels—A-8, A-5 to SP—42.6 dB; bi-directional 11x SP monitor, A/B code, A-1, A to W, W+1 to EP—39.9 dB Audio Quality: and 21x EP clock adjust, minus and W+84 very good Video S/N, Weighted: Fast Forward/Rewind plus set, select, menu, Timer: SP—48.5 dB; Operational Ease: Time: counter reset/cancel/ 8-event/14-day EP—45.8 dB very good 2-3/4 min for T-120 skip and duet editing— Overall Performance: mode, standby and very good start; exposed TV but- tons for power, TV/ video monitor, volume minus, volume plus, channel up and channel down 26 VIDEO SEPTEMBER 1990

rate zero frame editing, intro search, distinct control areas. The forward area ward/search, record, stop, skip/blank real-time search, 99-mark index search, has power, source, volume and channel search, eject, TV/monitor and VCR skip search and a quick-response full- controls for compatible JVC TVs. The power. The bare area surrounding the LCD loading mechanism. back area is home for the jog/shuttle dial is a compartment cover, with program- Description. The HR-SC1O00U is and buttons to determine whether it ming information in a transparent pock- et on its underside. Buttons in that titanium gray with wood sides and black functions in jog/shuttle, channel select compartment include a ten-digit key- and brass trim. At over 20 pounds, it is a or set/select modes. Buttons for pro- pad, enter/add, TV/video, SP/EP, minus and plus tracking, index, mark, erase, bit heavier than simpler machines. The gram, timer, cancel and transmit sit continued on page 110 wood sides make it slightly wider than nearby. To the right are buttons for Turbo Camcharger not usual, but they can be removed. pause/still, variable search reverse and only charges but also reconditions batteries to The front is very simple. The only forward, rewind/search, play/2x, fast for- eliminate the memory build- up that occurs in nicd bat- exposed controls are power, open/close, |— teries used by camcorders. “Memory build-up” prevents the jog/shuttle dial, fast forward/search PUT FULL POWER your battery from receiving and rewind search, stop, play/2x and BACK IN YOUR a full charge, causing it to go dead in a short period pause/still . The main display carries in- of time. By using Turbo formation about the counter, the clock, Camcharger, you will in- the timer, channels, tape function and crease the life of your bat- teries. It’s that simple. audio. A window in the cassette drawer CAMCORDER Turbo Camcharger also BATTERY offers the convenience of door hides discrete indicators for stereo, AC/DC operation so you can use it away from home. SAP, SAP record, S-VHS, VHS, VHS- ARKON RESOURCES, INC. C, the video stabilizer, digital tracking 41627 Clark St., Ste. 104 and S-video in. Arcadia, CA 91006, USA When a user presses open/close, the TURBO.Introducing: Tel: (848) 358-1133 door lowers and a drawer slides out to FAX: (818) 303-6157 accept either a standard or VHS-C cas- sette. Inside the drawer, a sloping panel positions VHS-C cassettes correctly. Standard VHS cassettes depress the panel as the drawer retracts. The drawer CAMCHARGER™ will close if pushed and a cassette is loaded, but JVC discourages the prac- tice. A catch near the shuttle ring drops a Advanced Camcorder strip below the cassette hatch to reveal Battery Charger more jacks and controls. The door has buttons for add/repeat, skip/cancel/ & Reconditioner counter reset, counter memory, counter/ time remaining, SP/EP, TV/video, TV & Automatically recondi- tions and 100% recharges monitor, audio dub, insert, start (instant timer record delay), record/ITR length, menu, timer, plus, minus and select. The your camcorder batteries. select button adjusts channel/tracking Eliminates “battery and vertical lock depending on what the machine is doing at the time. memory” for longer The compartment wall holds rotary battery life. controls for phones level, sharpness, manual hi-fi audio level and balance; > Quick-charge mode for switches for auto level control (ALC), fast, turbo charging. level indicator tracking/off/audio, edit/ SNC (switching noise compensator), Works from vehicle AC online and tape remaining; buttons cigarette lighter socket or for S-VHS, simulcast and video/S-video AC wall outlet with power input select; and more jacks for micro- supply. phone, remote pause, S-video, video, Provides overcharge stereo audio and headphones. The rear panel comprises three sepa- rate depressions. The left depression protection for battery. holds jacks for remote pause, swap (edi- ting), a stereo pair for audio input and Model Numbers: two pairs for audio output. The middle depression contains video, S-video and TC200-6PS AC/DC Charger/Reconditioner for 6V Sony and Canon-lype. .. .Sug. Retail $119,95 RF connectors for input and output plus TC200-12PS AC/DC Charger/Reconditioner, C1NaiSRFcoa4oinedenr.rfdacdovild.riteemciraeotniaoln, a channel 3/4/off RF output selector. for 12V Panasonic/RCAlype. .. .Sug, Retail $129 95 The depression at right holds the power TC200-6 DC Only (for 6V cord and AC outlet, which is switched Sony and Canon-Type or unswitched depending on the front- TC200-12 DC Only (for 12V Panasonic/RCA-Type) panel's “AC online” switch position. The wide remote control has three | SEPTEMBER 1990 VIDEO 27

When the government planned to trade drugs for arms, they forgot one thing... an honest cop. IN STORE SEPTEMBER 27th.

EDITED BY BRIAN CLARK Blaakaonda NEW PRODUCTS SPECIALISTS FOR MORE INFO: CONVENIENT FAX # (201) 696-6531 (201) 633-1476 WE WILL MATCH OR BEAT ANY LEGITIMATE PRICE TOLL FREE:.... 1 (800) 444-6300 FAST SERVICE, BEST PRICES! Canovision 8° We know what ittakes to make a great video 8x ZOOM WIRELESS JVC TV targets picture quality Hi 8 HI-BAND VIDEO 10x ZOOM LENS | JVC's 27-inch AV-2779S TV set boasts more than 600 lines of resolution and sev- HI-FI STEREO eral features designed to improve picture quality, including a comb filter, a notch SOUND filter and video noise reduction circuitry. It has a 180-channel frequency synthe- sizer tuner, and uses JVC’s Master Command III remote control. The remote is a PALM SIZE learning remote with such features as audio/video status memory, home sitter and STEREOUHI-FI channel guard. On the audio side, the AV-2779S has a hyper-bass sound system REMOTE that improves ultra-low frequency sounds. Matrix surround and biphonic sound (which re-creates stereo from mono) are also featured, as well as an MTS/SAP de- All prices quoted include manufacturer's standard iCSR1NcaFnaei5oedfr:.rgaocdv0irldi.netmeciaerotniaoln, coder. The set has an S-video input and terminals for external speakers with a main/surround switch. Its dimensions are 25-3/4 by 22-3/4 by 20-1/2 inches. accessories & U.S. Warranty. All units are facto sealed. We are an AUTHORIZED DEALER for AL Price: $929. NAME BRANDS WE SELL! 10 DAY EXCHANGE. For additional information, circle No. 150 on Reader Service Card. S & H NON-REFUNDABLE! | Minolta brings letterboxing to camcorders A cinema recording mode is the most unusual feature on Minolta’s new C-606 Compact VHS camcorder. In this mode, the top and bottom of frames are masked, changing the aspect ratio of the picture from 3:4 to 9:16. Focus, white balance, exposure and macro functions are all automatic. The camcorder has a 6x, f/1.4 zoom lens that ranges from 7mm to 42mm. A 1/3-inch, 270,000-pix- el CCD yields a 4-lux rating. Other fea- tures include digital tracking, automatic head cleaning, synchro edit, a flying erase head and digital title memory. Price: not available. For additional information, circle no. 151 on Reader Service Card.

#Plageaoata NEW PRODUCTS SPECIALISTS Onkyo receiver offers two surround modes FORMORE INFO: CONVENIENT FAX # Onkyo's TX-SV70 Pro AV Surround Sound Receiver uses Dolby Pro-Logic decod- (201) 696-6531 (201) 633-1476 ing. It delivers 85 watts-per-channel to front and center speakers and 30 watts-per- channel rear. There are outputs for three front channels, surround channels and a WE WILL MATCH OR BEAT ANY LEGITIMATE PRICE subwoofer. A “phantom-center” mode is available when a separate center speaker is not. There are two different surround modes, and the rear-channel digital delay TOLL FREE:.... 1 (800) 444-6300 is adjustable. The TX-SV70 is also capable of running separate programs in two rooms. There are four video inputs in addition to six audio inputs. A/V inputs on FAST SERVICE the front panel make it simple to connect a camcorder. BEST PRICES! Price: $875. YO viWEpAEREoAnics For additional information, circle No. 152 on Reader Service Card. FRANCHISE DEALER! LCD TV has AM/FM receiver © 16 WIPES BY COMBINING 5 BASIC PATTERNS © COLOR BALANCING w/JOYSTICK CONTROLLER Citizen’s T530 color LCD TV is NTSC and PAL compat- ible, and includes an AM/FM stereo receiver. The unit © 8 BACKGROUND COLORS, PLUS has a 2.9-inch screen featuring automatic onscreen COLOR BAR CHART tuning, and receives the full range of VHF and UHF signals. It includes jacks for au- © COMPATIBLE w/SUPER VHS dio/video input, an earphone, an external , & 8mm HI-BAND antenna and DC power. Optional acces- sories are an A/V connection cable, an ¢ @ VIDEO ENHANCER AC adapter and a car battery adapter. \\ The T1530 comes with a soft case. * INDEPENDENT A/V FADERS JIX-SV55 Price: $219.99. GENERATOR For additional information, circle No. 153 on Reader Service Card. © 6-SPEED VERTICAL & TYPEWRITER SCROLLING Toshiba offers camcorder-friendly VCR @ TITLE ZOOMING © 8-PAGE MEMORY Front audio/video terminals make dubbing from a camcorder easy with the Toshiba M-441 VHS VCR. In addition, the deck’s programming function automat- @ 200 CUTS — 100 SCENES ically sets a tape’s recording speed by taking into account the amount of tape re- @ ACCURATE TO WITHIN 3 FRAMES maining. The unit has a four-head double-azimuth design and uses a quick access @ AUDIO MIXING INCLUDING system to reduce the time it takes to shift modes. Other features include digital tracking, an eight-event/one-year programming timer, index search, channel FADE IN/OUT memory, onscreen programming and a tape remaining indicator. @ COMPATIBLE w/VHS, BETA, Price: $369.95. 8mm, SUPER-VHS Qucx Access is Ho ® 6 VIDEO INPUTS/ 3 OUTPUTS For additional information, circle No. 154 on Reader Service Card. @ TOP OF THE LINE © VHF WIRELESS SYSTEM © 1500 ft. RANGE © COMES W/2 MICROPHONES. oa =s'=PRICES ALWAYS COMPETITIVE All prices quoted include manufacturer's standard accessories & U.S. Warranty. All units are factory sealed. We are an AUTHORIZED DEALER for ALL FiacN1RCSoondio6aeenrfd.racoidvldrti.eNemicaroeAtnMiaoEln, BRANDS & WE SELL! |0 DAY EXCHANGE. S H NON-REFUNDABLE!

. Panasonic S Sev TIS Editing » On TheTable. Make your next video soar to even greater heights. With the Panasonic® AG1960 SVHS Editing VCR. By bringing e exceptional resolution of SVHS anda host of professional editing capabilities to your table. For starters, the AG-1960 SVHS Editing VCR delivers over 400 lines of resolution. And it’s upwardly compatible with VHS. But that’s not all that makes it so special. Because the AG-1960 lets you arrange videos into any sequence you desire. With professional editing capabilities like insert and assembly editing, and audio dubbing when coupled with a Panasonic AG-A95 Editing Controller. To speed up the editing process, the AG-1960 incorporates a jog/shuttle dial, auto digital tracking and an innovative High Response Mechanism. Which dramatically reduces its fast forward and rewind times. And brings up images from “stop” in less than three seconds. So if you’re ready to do more than just play and record, put a Panasonic AG-1960 SVHS Editing VCK on your table. For more information, see your Panasonic Professional/Industrial Video Dealer, or call: Eastern Zone: (201) 348-7620 Central Zone: (708) 981-4826 Southern Zone: Dallas Region: (817) 685-1117 Atlanta Region: (404) 925-6841 Western Zone: Seattle Region: (206) 285-8885 Los Angeles Region: (714) 373-7275 Panasonic Professional/Industrial Video For additional information, circle No. 18 on Reader Service Card.

Kluwtaonde __NEW PRODUCTS SPECIALISTS FOR MORE INFO: CONVENIENT FAX # (201) 696-6531 (201) 633-1476 WE WILL MATCH OR BEAT ANY LEGITIMATE PRICE TOLL FREE:.... 1 (800) 444-6300 FAST SERVICE. VHS: Eight-segment assembler automates editin Radio Shack enters laser arena chores, placing desired scenes in any order. H Circuitry and digital auto- Radio Shack’s Realistic MD-1000 combination laserdisc/CD playe—rits first laser- tracking ensure quality video disc product—handles eight- and 12-inch laserdiscs, CD-Videos, standard CDs and fuss-free playback. and three-inch CD singles. The programmable unit has 4x oversampling, a 16-bit digital-to-analog converter, and generates 425 lines of resolution. Features include S-VHS: Feature-laden deck offers the utmost in intro-scan, repeat, random play and still-frame. A wireless remote is included. scene-finding convenience. Full-featured remote with display dupli- Price: $499.95. cates on-screen programming capabilities. For adgitional information, circle No. 155 on Reader Service Card. S-VHS: Automatic assemble and insert editing with Optonica TV boasts 750 lines of resolution eight-scene memory and preview mode for editing ease. Video-on-sound feature Optonica’s 32-inch 32NL601 TV set dubs video over prerecorded hi- promises 750 lines of resolution and has fi tracks. a special circuit that locks in on flesh tones to maintain color consistency S-VHS: Title/date recording adds personal when flipping through channels. Audio touch. Bargraph-style “tape time remaining” features include an MTS decoder and display eliminates recording hall matrix surround sound. An on- surprises. Synchro-edit screen menu has step-by-step program- feature simplifies dubbing. ming directions for the channel memory and clock. Picture quality is improved =VHS: Optical scanner digitizes graphics for through the use of a notch filter. Other Biercarasiions: Other digital tricks include features include a parental lock, dual RF inputs, rear speaker outputs and a de- correction, fades, wipes, gaussing button. negativelpositive, titles, and noise reduction. Price: $1,700. PRICES ALWAYS COMPETITIVE For additional information, circle No. 156 on Reader Service Card. Ea ee Pioneer introduces A/V receiver VISA’ | ea aseaaa Dolby Pro-Logic surrround sound and digital signal processing (DSP) highlight Pi- We ship within 24 hours. oneer’s VSX-DIS audio/video receiver. The DSP permits five sound-field effects: All prices quoted include manufacturer's standard accessories & U.S. Warranty. All units are factory theater, dance, jazz, concert hall and church. A jog dial on the front panel gives iaFN1cRSCnodi7ea.rfd-racoi0vdldrstnei.meeicaaroetlneiadol.n, We are an AUTHORIZED DEALER for ALL NAME BRANDS WE SELL! 10 DAY EXCHANGE. users the opportunity to design their own listening environments. There are two S & H NON-REFUNDABLE! modes of surround. Mode A delivers 130 watts through the front channel and 40 each through the rear and center channels. Mode B sends 70 watts through the front and center channels and 40 through the rear. : Price: $1,350 For additional information, circle No. 157 on Reader Service Card. |

When yOu & -Wwanta moment & to last, GENERAL USI use a videotape A) VHS that will. AL os ny ui aver eh mY Caeewe See More than just a pretty picture. © 1990 Maxell Corporation of America, 22-08 Route 208, Fair Lawn, N.J. 07410 For additional Information, circle No. 96 on Reader Service Card.

Flimfiam NEW PRODUCTS AND IT'S A GRIME Pulsar projector comes in two versions Conviction could bring up to Pulsar Video’s Prodigy video projector interfaces with several different video and five years in jail, a $250,000 computer signals: NTSC video, Super VHS, RGB TTL and RGB analog. And all can be controlled by a wireless remote. The Prodigy delivers 600 lines of resolution fine or both. and can be used as a front- or rear-screen projector. Picture size can be adjusted from five to 15 feet. A version is also available with a 178-channel tuner that adds Ifyou suspect video MTS stereo sound. piracy call the Price: $3,950 without tuner; $4,300 with tuner. MPAA PIRACY HOTLINE For additional information, circle No. 158 on Reader Service Card. Aarons6/97 Winegard fields smaller antenna Confidentiality Assured Winegard’s new QuadStar 7.5-foot antenna is a four-piece assembled unit that OUS‘J6|s/UOD}PEODON/I4PUJYADJDOWIDOEYOW/YSWPJPOJDU) preserves all the features of its ten-foot model. Winegard has made the mesh petals smoother and flatter, and shrunk the mesh openings for better Ku-band reception. An inner support ring distributes stress more evenly. The mount also comes fully assembled and has an adjustable declination setting. The antenna comes with a quad feed support; a buttonhook feed is optional. Price: $350. For additional information, circle No. 159 on Reader Service Card. Remote transmits through walls The MasterMind UHF Universal Remote Control from HTS uses UHF radio sig- nals to transmit through walls over a range of up to 200 feet. The MasterMind is a learning remote that will replace up to four infrared remotes. It can eliminate the need for a second cable box, and allow a satellite receiver to be used with more than one TV set. Price: $199. For additional information, circle No. 160 on Reader Service Card. Arkor solves battery problem Arkor’s TC-200 Turbo Camcharger has circuitry that ends the memory build-up problem prevalent in nickel cadmium batteries. The circuitry monitors the dis- charge and recharge process, cancelling battery memory to give a full charge. Even batteries that have already built up so-called ghost memories can be re- stored Price: $99.95. For additional information, circle no. 161 on Reader Service Card. MOTION PICTUREASSOCIATIONOF AMERICA (te 34 VIDEO SEPTEMBER 1990

See ee eae | ioe) Slee eet tee ed eee pe ee | oD OM a R ae es V S |O »

When a speaker is placed either behind the CX3288J, or situated to the rear of the room, behind you, the result is a three-dimensional effect, making the sound come towards you from every point of the room with stunning realism. TOSHIBA: TOMORROW'S TELEVISION TODAY The new television’s Super Carver System also gives you complete control over the When you decide to get really serious about quality include a dual high-voltage path clarity of the dialogue by allowing you to television, you need look no further than electron gun (conventional tubes use a sin- zoom into the voice signal and augment it. Toshiba. gle high-voltage path), and eight lenses rath- Additionally, the System’s Precognition Ma- er than the traditional four. Combined with trix Circuitry automatically enhances dialogue Their CX3288J 32-inch monitor/receiver or background sound effects, depending on combines the futuristic with the functional in ““vEXCEPTIONAL BRIGHTNESS, which is supposed to dominate. one extremely high-tech, user-friendly unit COLOR PURITY AND CON- that transports the most advanced denizens TRAST...” Other features include a 63-key universal re- of TV technology into your living room. With mote control, programmable channel scan, the largest FST ‘Super Tube”’ available, this other technical enhancements, the result is a 700 lines of horizontal resolution and an unit combines space-age styling with the picture that will stun you with its exceptional S-Video terminal. You'll find nothing left out. most advanced sound system available for brightness, color purity and contrast. For a direct-view television that adds a sty- television — Toshiba’s Super Carver System. lish element to your home decor while lav- ishing viewers with the best in sight and For ultimate convenience, this model fea- Of course, audio is half the viewing experi- sound, this is the set to buy. tures a motorized remote control swivel that ence — and this model wins blue ribbons in lets you enjoy unprecedented picture and the sound department. The Super Carver —VvvVv sound quality from virtually any location in System combines Carver Sonic Holography, the room. which reproduces stereo sound that’s nearly The CX3288J provides an audio identical to live sound, with a Dipole Sur- output of 10 watts into two The science goes beyond high-end conve- round Speaker for 3-D audio that will send channels; a subwoofer output nience, though. Major innovations in picture shivers up your spine. of 20 watts, and a surround sound output of 10 watts. Oth- er highlights include MTS re- ception, 181-channel cable compatibility, variable audio output and a CCD comb filter for increased picture purity. it, iit, TO M0 f 8 6 Ww.

Anyone who has invested in 8mm video is XRM axell. obviously concerned with picture quality. This diminutive format offers some of the ¥‘a 120 NOESTE most stunning picture reproduction in home electronics, with Hi-8 taking the cake as the MAXELL HI-8 AND SMM CASSETTES richest, most lavish home taping medium around. Yet the hardware is only as good as MAXELL the software, and that’s where Maxell comes into play. MAXELL MAXIMIZES 8MM QUALITY Why trust your videos to anything else? For coercivity increase the video and color sig- tem is housed by a precision crafted shell. professional studio recording quality, Maxell nal-to-noise ratio. The results are sharp, bril- Like all Maxell tapes, it delivers consistently offers the latest in 8mm videotape technolo- liant colors and crystal clear sound sharp, accurate and brilliant picture repro- gy. reception. Picture fluctuations are nonexi- duction. So remember — what you tape is stent with HGX-M. That’s because a multi- only as good as the tape you put it on. The company presents a revolution with their carbon construction back coating decreases XR-M Hi-8 videocassettes. It records a VWVvVv broadcast-quality picture with more than & 400 lines of resolution. You see, Hi-8 video \"*..-EXTRA DURABILITY, HEAT When you think about video- systems operate at higher recording fre- AND OXIDATION RESIS- tape, you have to think about quencies where noise levels tend to in- TANCE...” the possibility of oxidation — crease. Super-fine Ceramic Armor Metal which can degrade tapes and particles of completely uniform size and co- low frequency jitter and improves tape ruin your archives. There’s no ercivity provide XR-M with the ultra low transport. better way to protect yourself noise characteristics needed for Hi-8 re- than using Maxell tape; they cording. Maxell’s EX-M is the perfect 8mm tape when put checks in every step of extra high grade isn’t needed. Its particles manufacturing to make sure Ceramic Armor Metal technology was origi- are bonded with Maxell’s exclusive Heavy they deliver a product that will nally developed for Digital Audio Tape. It Binding Treatment and Dispersible Anchor last. Their super strong ceramic provides extra durability, heat and oxidation binder system for superior durability and layer actually improves the in- resistance. Toughness and longevity are high performance. The tape’s smooth low- dividual particles’ resistance to boosted even further by the use of an HDA friction back coating substantially reduces oxidation and the durability of (High Dispersible Anchor) binder. jitter to deliver solid images and clear hi-fi the overall magnetic layer. sound, while an intemal tape guidance sys- For high-end 8mm taping without the Hi-8 sll, Mts, bes touch, Maxell HGX-M delivers every possible ounce of quality. It uses Fine Ceramic Armor Metal Particles to deliver high output and low noise from a magnetic layer that is also extremely durable. Meanwhile, sharper particle distribution and | oO Mm. © R Ww 3

convenient, twisting panel positioned high on the rear of the set for all inputs and out- puts. Access to two video inputs, an S-VHS jack, tuner output, subwoofer output and stereo audio output is easy. Meanwhile, a Fine Pitch CRT and Large Aperture multi-step focus electron gun are complemented by the exclusive circuitry for vivid, unparalleled picture reproduction. MITSUBISHI CS-3521R The CS-3521R’s futuristic feature menu in- cludes a built-in modular telephone jack that MITSUBISHI lets you attach the TV to your phone line and dial pay-per-view from the remote. On- MITSUBISHI: THE FUTURE IN A 35-INCH TUBE screen displays are extensive (they even in- clude a five-band graphic equalizer), and One simple fact becomes immediately ap- horizontal resolution. But the finer nuances you can manipulate color temperature and parent when you sit down in front of a 35- come from special image enhancement with color bias for tints to taste. The final touch is inch monitor/receiver for the first time. It’s Mitsubishi-proprietary circuitry; Dynamic digital picture-in-picture that lets you watch big — very big. It’s amazing how much of a Beam Forming, Velocity Scan Modulation, Dy- two channels at once (if you have a second difference in the drama and impact of televi- namic Black Level, Black Level Expansion, tuner source). sion those extra inches make. And no one maximizes that added viewing area more 6 Take a test drive and you'll see it for yourself. than Mitsubishi. \"\"...THE CENTERPIECE OF A Big is not only just beautiful; it’s better. WORLD-CLASS ENTERTAINMENT They were the original manufacturers of the SYSTEM...” VvVvVVv 35-inch picture tube, and to date, five years after bowing their innovation to the public, Horizontal Image Delineation and an Aberra- Mitsubishi’s new top-of-the-line Mitsubishi remains the only manufacturer in tion-Free Deflection Yoke all tweak the sig- CS-3521R direct-view color the world to produce these oversized CRIs nals to finely-tuned perfection. television generates exciting with fine pitch picture screens, now includ- big screen performance with ed in the new models CK-3531R, CS-3521R, For those who want first rate performance in 650 lines of horizontal resolu- and CS-3506R. a modem tabletop design, the CS-3521R is tion. Its audio system, with two- built with the exacting demands of Super way detachable stereo speak- On the cutting edge of TV technology, the VHS and LaserDisc in mind. This model was ers pumping out 10 watts per new CK-3531R 35-inch stereo console moni- designed to be the centerpiece of a world- channel yields resounding bass tor/receiver offers a scintillating 700 lines of class home entertainment system. There’s a and crystal clear highs. 7 0 MeO hk 6 ws

There is very little doubt that we will see a TAMRON’S FOTOVIX “TAMRON phase of dramatic expansion of electronic imaging within the next few years. There has TAMRON AND THE IMAGE OF TOMORROW been remarkable progress in the develop- ment of imaging components over the past ence in quality will significantly lessen. This tronic imaging. This small, advanced unit can several years, including CCD chips and in- means there will be an increasing number of bring the world of the home photo album creasingly-popular optical discs. films added to the existing stock as well. and home videos into the same arena once and for all. Better yet, it is something you It's no wonder, then, that innovative prod- For a simple use, Tamron’s Fotovix can serve can start using now and something you will ucts like Tamron’s Fotovix Ill are bridging the be able to use for many seasons down the gap between video and photographic film. “BRIDGING THE GAP BETWEEN road. With Fotovix, you can not only view photo- VIDEO AND PHOTOGRAPHIC graphs on your television screen, but you FILM...” vVvvVv can record them for posterity on videotape or floppy disk. as a handy and convenient viewing device. For even more features, try the Instead of using magnifiers, you can view and Fotovix II-X film-video pro- The term “‘electronic imaging” can cover a search images on a TV or monitor. For archi- cessor. It packs a 6X zoom lens lot of ground — from a high-end professio- val purposes, you can create “electronic al- with its standard negative-posi- nal use to general consumer applications. bums’”’ or image files on video tapes, tive converter. It can handle But Fotovix is a product that you can use at computer disks, or on optical laser discs. large-format films as well as your home or in your office, even connected 35mm, making it the perfect to your computer system, that is as afford- Fotovix from Tamron is a unique product that choice for professional or semi- able as it is easy to use. foreshadows the coming age of home elec- professional photographers who want to preserve their Fotovix Ill lets you adjust brightness and col- work on tape. or balance via a convenient joystick control, and it can handle either vertically or horizon- ee we tally aligned pictures. Its 3X zoom offers dy- namic cropping and magnification for the perfect look. No matter how you look at it, there will be an ongoing requirement for a product like Tamron’s Fotovix Film Video Processor. For one thing, there is a tremendous number of existing photographic images. Besides which, there is still a definite gap in image quality between “‘silver halide imaging”’ vs. “electronic imaging’’, and it is not foresee- able in the immediate future that this differ- 7 OM 0 Rie

PIONEER PRO-93 tionally bright images of 400 foot-lamberts on the PRO-93 and 460 on the PRO-73. For PIONEER final signal cleanup, a video noise reduction circuit eliminates signal static for clear on- PIONEER’S ELITE PROJECTIONS screen images, while new high current green and blue phosphors provide higher lumi- Pioneer’s line of Elite projection televisions adds ambient depth and realism to your nance and maintain color purity. A double has always been associated with the best soundtracks in a choice of three modes: the- lenticular grooved screen is a final quality and the brightest in home theater viewing. ater (for movies and sports), music (for con- control, intensifying light projection and This month, though, Elite gets even more certs and operas), and simulated stereo (for making sure less ambient light gets reflected. elite with the introduction of two reference mono broadcasts). projection TV’s that feature a new high con- You won't need to worry about packing in an trast coupling system for more accurate fo- e audience, either. With horizontal viewing an- cus and improved color definition. ‘*...DYNAMIC SOUND EXPAN- gles of 140 degrees and vertical angles at 50 SION ADDS AMBIENT DEPTH degrees, the PRO monitors show undis- The PRO-93 (50-inch) and PRO-73 (45-inch) AND REALISM...” torted images even at the very edges of the sets both boast increases in brightness and screen. No matter where you sit, you'll have resolution, and incorporate video noise re- All this adds up to make the PRO-93 and a front-row view of the action. duction and a new linear white circuit for PRO-73 the perfect companions for a Laser- Making the move to the big screen is the big- clarity and balanced color output. The re- Disc player; with the PRO-93’s 800 and the gest step you can take into the home enter- sults are immediately apparent — color you PRO-73’s 750 lines of horizontal resolution, tainment environment of the future. can taste and stunning picture quality that you can rest assured that these sets will max- approaches reality. imize the performance of this highest-resolu- VvvVv tion consumer format. Pioneer has made improve- Also elite on the audio end, these sets fea- The secret is in three liquid-cooled, optically ments all along the optical ture a dynamic sound expansion system that coupled picture tubes that generate excep- path to ensure that their latest Elite monitors break new ground in picture perfection. They've developed an exclu- sive alumite coating, used in- side their high contrast coupling system. It minimizes reflection and increases con- trast. By combining this coup- ling system with a new linear white circuit, the PRO models achieve more balanced color output and brilliant color tone reproduction. T O M O R kK ©O WS

Panasonic calls it ‘‘furthering the cause of worldwide video communication.” Those with friends or family overseas — or anyone with international interests — will call it a dream come true. The Panasonic AG-W1 Universal VTR (VCR) can record and play back tapes in any televi- sion broadcasting system used around the globe — PAL, SECAM, or NTSC — without costly system conversion. PAL is used in most Western European and PANASONIC'S AG-W1 Asian countries, while SECAM is found in France, the Soviet Union, most of Eastem Eu- PANASONIC rope and the Middle East. NTSC, meanwhile, is used here at home in the United States, as PANASONIC MAKES THE WORLD A LITTLE SMALLER well as in Canada, Japan, Central America and parts of South America. people who correspond with others around Today, a new global outlook is taking over the globe via video. Using this machine will the world. Never has international communi- Until now, different broadcasting systems let you make tapes that you can actually cations and cultural exchange been such an have been an obstacle to the free world- send to friends and family in points afar — important part of our daily lives. Machines wide exchange of video tapes. Each system be it Italy or Istanbul. like the Panasonic AG-W1 will help bring uses a different number of scanning lines and people from all comers of the earth a little fields, as well as different methods for trans- “,-RECORDS AND PLAYS TAPES closer together. And that’s something to ap- mitting color signals. So PAL tapes, for ex- IN ANY SYSTEM AROUND THE plaud. ample, can’t be played back on NTSC or GLOBE...” SECAM television sets. wWvVv Meanwhile, when you receive tapes from The AG-W1 uses advanced digital technolo- abroad — or even ifyou purchase them here If you don’t see the AG-W1 on gy to solve the problem of incompatibility in the United States — you’ll be able to pop your video store shelves imme- due to different TV broadcasting systems. them in your VCR and watch them without diately, don’t worry. This excit- This Universal VCR employs a newly-devel- delay. Previously, it was necessary to go to a ing product is on its way. The oped LSI and redesigned VIR (video tape standards conversion house, and such facili- new system will be marketed recorder) section to handle the playback ties typically charge dearly for their services here within a few months. For problem caused by different signals. and technology. more information, call Pan- asonic at (201) 348-7000. Simply put, the result will be that the world will become a little smaller — especially for 4» fn, fm,

@urracni macolor video print kit (EPI-30) exclusively for use with the VY-15A. The prints resist HITACHI'S VY-1SA VIDEO PRINTER curling, are long-lasting, and the quality can be compared to 35mm still prints. The kit HITACHI consists of thermal paper and color car- tridge, and each package will produce 30 HITACHI BRINGS THE VIDEO SNAPSHOT HOME prints. Hitachi’s advanced photo processing circuit- The technology to turn video images into show, sports event or local news item). Pre- ry and automatic white balance make it easy snapshots has been around for a few years. serving the on-screen action in a photo is as to consistently reproduce beautiful color For the ability to bring it home at a reason- easy as pushing a button. with every print. “It is as simple as pressing a able price, you can thank Hitachi. button — the printer automatically grabs a “Literally, video snapshots can be taken from video frame, and in 100 seconds, a crystal Their VY-15A is a color video printer that sells clear, 3-1/2 x 5-inch print rolls out,” com- for under $1,000 that uses a high-definition, © ments Schoenegge. dye-thermal transfer method to produce \"..~REPRODUCES BEAUTIFUL standard-sized prints from a variety of video COLOR WITH EVERY PRINT...” The printer’s interpolated frame technology sources. reproduces the highest resolution available @ from a given video source — 463 (vertical) x The applications of such a device are limited 496 (horizontal) “dots,”’ each dot capable only by the imagination. Say, for example, any TV, VCR, camcorder, or any S-Video Y/C of reproducing 260,000 hues of color. you taped your child’s birthday party, and (including S-VHS) source,” says Bruce Schoe- no one got a good 35mm shot of him blow- negge, vice president of product manage- The family photo album will never be the ing out the candles. You can go back to the ment, commenting on this revolutionary new same. Today, what you see in motion you tape and get a “hard copy” of that or any consumer tool. “This printer is capable of can easily see in stills, helping you to create other special moment you desire. Or, imag- changing the way people record their family and keep precious moments in whatever ine that you're watching something on televi- events and at the same time provide enter- media suits you best. The video snapshot is sion that grabs your interest (a cooking tainment for family and friends.” sure to be a major force on the market in the seasons to come. You needn’t worry about quality, either. Eas- tman Kodak has developed a special Ther- —VvVvVVv The VY-15A can help you keep track of time and place, too. Dates, titles — even illustrations or messages in eight select- able colors can be superim- posed over any video frame. All the controls as well as ink and paper loading bays are conveniently located in the unit’s front panel. ; Oo M O R R O WwW >:

:‘FUTURE TECH5xADvERT| { Nn ¢& S hu P F |EM EN T | Let’s face it — that 2/3-inch, black and white electronic viewfinder is stone-age technolo- gy when it comes to using a camcorder in the field. You have to squint and strain to see the action, and even under the best con- ditions, you won’t get an accurate idea of what the images you're saving on tape really look like. Any devoted camcorder user knows this sim- ple fact: what seems okay in the viewfinder might look like a disaster at home. The modem videographer requires on-the- — scene colors as viewed from a larger screen, and there’s no better — or lighter — way to PROFESSIONAL VIDEO WAREHOUSE broaden your portable video horizons than with Citizen’s M329 LCD Color Video Moni- THE FUTURE THROUGH A VIEWFINDER tor. 3:5 hour battery pack, DC power cord, mon- makes sure you see the entire picture. Barely tipping the scales at less than five itor stand (for tabletop viewing), tilt mount- ounces, this diminutive liquid crystal display ing bracket, and 8-pin cords as well as the One waming: once you've tried taping with television mounts on any 8mm or VHS cam- RCA-type connector. An attachable viewing the help of a large color viewfinder, you'll corder, allowing you to view and review never be able to squint into the “black hole” what you’re shooting on the spot. The large, “MAKES SURE VIEWING CON- again. 2.9-inch screen makes such a difference in DITIONS ARE ALWAYS OPTI- the creative videographic process that Pro- MAL...” »Oo 4 fessional Video Warehouse, which sells the unit by mail-order, claims that the M329 is 6 Owning a Citizen M329 is as more than an accessory — it’s a ‘‘necesso- easy as picking up your phone. hood, also a standard accessory, keeps the Call Professional Video Ware- ry.” sun’s glare away from the screen to ensure house at 1-800-736-6677, or fax that your viewing conditions are always opti- them at 714-772-9694. The This slim, modemistic monitor makes it easy mal. M329 costs $169.95. Free with to keep track of color balance and double- your order is a catalog of over check your lighting and focus. You can re- Today’s LCD video technology is more ad- 300 indispensable products view a scene right after shooting; if it didn’t vanced than ever before, and mini-sets like and accessories. You can pay come out as planned, you can go for “take the Citizen deliver clear, sterling pictures in a by MasterCard, Visa, check or two” rather than waiting until you get home package much slimmer than ever could be money order. to find out you missed a major memory. possible with a standard cathode ray tube (CRT) design. With 94,608 pixels, the M329 The Citizen includes accessories, such as a TO Me OR fo oes

BY RODERICK WOODCOCK scramble and that will not cause distor- better, although readers who have writ- tion when viewers play the tape. ten to complain about Macrovision’s Searching for security side effects may disagree. Nor is the sys- Eric Stewart tem 100-percent effective. It can be de- f Where can I get a signal scrambling Manassas, Virginia feated by many older VCRs, most Beta «, device for VHS tapes? I want to and 8mm VCRs, and an assortment of produce videotapes to be sold at a profit, The type of anti-copying system you black boxes and add-ons. and I don’t want my tapes to be copied. describe has been the Holy Grail of Cost isn’t as important as quality: I want the video software industry ever since Your best bet is to have the tapes a dependable scrambling product that consumer VCRs were introduced. Sev- dubbed by a duplicating house equipped will put a professional-quality signal on eral systems have been tried over the with a Macrovision encoding system. the tape that will be difficult to un- years, but the most successful has been The Macrovision fee goes down with Macrovision, invented by former Am- volume. Contact Macrovision, Inc. at Video Magazine welcomes your questions. pex engineer John Ryan. Please include a phone number. Letters may The Macrovision system uses a mod- 415-691-2900 for more information. be edited for clarity and space. Address ified vertical sync pulse to interfere with queries to Q & A, Video Magazine, 460 the video gain control of any VCR used Compact rewinders West 34 Street, New York, NY 10001. to copy a tape. It has found acceptance with most movie studios, who share your I’ve seen small videotape rewinders concerns about illegal copying. “. and erasers for 8mm cassettes in my You're not likely to find anything local video store. Does anyone make similar models just for Compact VHS cassettes? Roger Podlubny Calgary, Canada To my knowledge, no such re- winder, with or without an erase feature, is available. You can, however, rewind VHS-C cassettes in a full-size VHS rewinder, provided you insert the tape in a PlayPak adapter first. rT] | oo JVC RX-703VBK CD Multi-Changer PIONEER CLD-1070 SHERWOOD CDM-1260R Surround Sound Receiver Laserdisc™/CD Player 6-Disc CD Changer with Remote ¢6 + 1 CD Changer Player * Remote * AMIFM Stereo Digital Receiver * 200 Control * Random Access Program up to * All-Disc Talents * High Quality Picture * 4X oversampling * 16 bits * 2DA Convertors watt (100x2) * Dolby Surround Sound 32 steps ¢ 18 bit DAC * 4x oversampling * High Quality Sound « 4x oversampling * 18 * 32 track random programming * Built-in Synthesizer-Tuner * 40 memory * Digital Filter bit “ompact OEIC * Remote Control * 10 key remote presets * 7 band EQ « 2pr. speaker CALL FOR PRICE CALL FOR PRICE List: $319.95 SALE: $249.95 connections CALL FOR PRICE JVC TDR-431 TECHNICS SL-P370 Rotary TECCoHmNpIaCcSt SDiLs-cPCC2h5an SHERWOOD CD-1182 Programmable Remote Control Compact Disc Player Auto Reverse Cassette Deck . Ghonoe alser aunng play with oeionainge Sameer Disc Player 5-disc rotary design * Completely program- ¢ Full function remote control with 10 key * Bi-Directional/Record/Playback oA Ae peteese of CD player using pad * 3 beam laser * 8X oversampling * Auto reverse * Dolby® B&C NR mable; repeat and random play for 5 discs Digital-to-Analog converter * Multi-function, 25 key wireless remote control * 4way repat function * HX Pro * Timer rec/play f¢ heLinNeSar Motor transport * 10 key direct * Quadruple oversampling ¢ 20 step random access on front panel & remote control List: $269.95 SALE: $439.95 CALL FOR PRICE access programming CALL FOR PRICE CALL FOR PRICE BLANK AUDIO TAPE PHONO CARTRIDGES STEREO HEADPHONES MAXELL XLII-400—100 minutes perfect TDK MA-90—Metal alloy cassette SHURE M114HE—High fidelity, SONY MDR CD-6—Adjustable GhiagrhtitdraocmkiabaiilpitsyidPs-iMaountecole: $57.00 closed-ear digital ready... .... .$79.00 for CD recording * Improved perfor- * high-bias « hi coercivity mance hi-bias........... AO fOr PARSON een eis apse te aol «rs 10 for $22.00 SENNHEISER HD450—Digital * Open Air Design ¢ CD Perfect TDK SAX 90—Super Avilyn MAXELL XL-IIS90—Extended UDIO TECHNICA AT-432EP—High x, eiajesatice LIST: $79.00 Sate: $59.00 High Bias ...,...........10 for $20.99 range hi-bias cassette. .. . .10 for $23.50 Pein ses Leal us 4 SONY SR-90—Top of the line metal MAXELL MX-90—Perfect for oanncige 65 cys es esis - $59.95 KOSS SST-7—The best. Open air, cassettetape ...........10 for $20.00 digital recordings—Metal SHURE V15-VMR—Micro ridge light /comfortable, digital Particle: ... seve se: M0 for $27.50 standard mount cartridge. . . . .$429.95 ready. . ; é $44.95 ‘lineu eudie iz — Send for Free Price List!—— — — Name. 12 E. Delaware Pl., Chicago 60611 Picwercor Address. 16 YEARS OF MEETING THE NATION’S STEREO NEEDS WITH State. Zip. THE ABSOLUTE BEST PRICES ON TOP NAME NATIONAL BRANDS a) City. Call Mon. thru Sat. 10 to 5 (342) 664-0020 - 4 (800) 621-8042 VI | | ee) Phone iis.) aFi1cNRCSoodi0noeaenr8d.fracoivdldrti.eemicaroetn Pricesin this ad are for mail-order only. Freight charges not included in prices. All merchandise shipped brand new, factory fresh with full warranty. Not respon- *NOTE: This is just a partial listing of extensive inventory, please call for quotes on sible for typographical errors. Prices and availability subject to change. additional items or fill out and return the attached price list request. > GB ) DGD GD Gp: aD Gp isssssssssse ecsceece ps | GD (DED D ED 2D | DP =D 4S GS 2 € GD 4D: ag VIDEO SEPTEMBER 1990

JOIN THE NETWORK News happens everywhere. Every day. If you and your e Production Flip Chartincluding: AVNN logo, your name for titles camcorder are in the right place at the right time, youcan catch at story orsegment start, color bars for broadcast signal standard it allon tape. But where do you go from there? compliance Now, there’s professional help in getting amateur news videos e AVNN Newsletter every other month on the air. The Amateur Video News Network (AVNN) is an organization of camcorder owners who are enjoying the fun, e Exclusive AVNN support items including caps, jackets, logos, excitement and personal rewards of videotaping newsworthy equipment cases, training tapes, jewelry, books and video events and happenings. Just think about getting your video on accessories available for purchase alocal, regional or even national news report. Amateur news stories can earn from $25 to thousands of dollars, depending ¢ Considerfaortiniclousnion in regional and national ‘“The Year on their importance, timeliness, execution and quality. In Amateur News’ videos, including royalty and residual possibilities The kids, the dog and the family reunion are great for videotaping. But when you want to get into something more You never know when you'll be in the exciting, join AVNN and find out how to make the news. How right place at the right time. So, join to shoot, howto edit, and howto market . . . inshort, howto get AVNN today. And be ready to catch your news on the air. the big story. AnAVNN membership isjust $89.95 forthe first year and $18 Yes! |want to make news with myvideotapes. Please ae annually thereafter. And here’s what it includes: meupasamemobfeAVrNN and send my Membership kit today. My $89.95 payment includes my membership fee and e The right to be represented for brokering of your videotaped news-related materials |first year's annual dues. ¢ Negotiating equitable usage fees |To join now with Visa or MasterCard call 1-800-521-1961 or e Video Instruction Guide and Technical Standards Manual for producing quality videotaped news stories stations and |Send check or money order for $89.95 payable to AVNN to networks are looking for AVNN, PO. Box 4625, Englewood, CO 80155, ATTN: New | e Inclusion in our video archive library which presents opportunity Member Department. Please allow 4-6 weeks for delivery. for additional exposure and revenue |No CO.D. | e¢ AVNN Official Press Credentials Name | ¢ Equipment Decals identifying your AVNN affiliation Address City State Zip i Phone | For further information on AVNN services, call 1-900-860-8600. $1.50 for first [rane and 75¢ for each additional minute. (3 minute recording.) J /SVINN AMATEUR VIDEO NEWS NETWORK..... The News..... When It Happens ™ For additional information, circle No. 11 on Reader Service Card.

BY MARTIN LEVINE UN Tht Ht From CD-I to virtual reality— video's hottest tomorrows are shaping up today. rystal-clear laptop video monitors, advanced products is going to be appear- um. All these uses may soon merge in a flat wall-mounted television sets, variation called Compact Disc-Interac- full-color videophones— they’re all ing in stores, not movies. Our tour d’ho- tive, developed by Philips and due out part of Arnold Schwarzenegger’s rizon will survey what’s coming your way next June. distant future in Total Recall. But the in interactive discs, digital processing, film’s flamboyant video devices are be- still video components, satellite anten- Think of CD-I as a technological lievable because of the real, just emerg- melting pot that can store digital audio, ing technologies they're based on. nas, desktop post-production gear, flat full-motion digital video, animation, We're going to take you on a trip in screens, even a new field called virtual text and graphics on a standard five- this article, not to Mars, but over the real—iwthiych may possess the power to inch compact disc. Each disc can store next horizon, where a new generation of let you experience Mars the same way up to 648 megabytes of information— Schwarzenegger first attempts in Total enough for 72 minutes of full motion Martin Levine is the former editor of Con- Recall, without leaving home. video (initially with resolution equal to sumer Electronics magazine. He writes standard VHS video) or up to 7,000 about high technology issues for several na- Let’s start with optical discs. We photograph-quality still images, or up to tional publications and daily newspapers. know the large ones as a video medium 19 hours of 16-channel digital audio. Be- and the small ones, through compact discs, as an audio medium and, through cause CD-] is interactive, all its informa- CD-ROMs, as an informational medi- ZIUNMOIUE 46 VIDEO SEPTEMBER 1990

tion can be accessed in any order, and Ved The surest sign that CD-I has poten- CD-I players will also play standard tial? It has at least two competing for- CDs. However the technology isn’t eA training disc on home repairs ma—tDisgital Video Interactive and nearly as exciting as the potential appli- with diagrams, video sequences, step-by- Commodore Dynamic Total Vision from cations. Some examples: step instructions and troubleshooting Commodore Business Machines. The latter system is based on Commodore’s e Movies and TV programs released tips. Amiga computer and is said to provide on CDs, although it may take more than Software developers won’t reach half-screen full-motion video along with one disc to contain a two-hour epic. quality graphics and interactivity. Com- CD-I's full potential for several years as modore executives say they expect to e Interactive videogames with better they attempt first to figure out what they have the first CDTV machines in stores action and more options than conven- have, then tinker with new ways to pre- this fall for less than $1,000, along with tional game systems. sent entertainment and educational pro- at least 100 program discs. DVI, on the grams. ‘‘The initial offerings will be other hand, is going after commercial e An audio/video tour of the Louvre, heavily slanted toward children’s pro- and industrial customers first. A DVI complete with commentary on the art grams and games,” says Gerry Calabrese, machine for consumer—sif it ever and the artists. Visit any portion of the Philips Interactive Media Systems vice museum, stay as long as you like, learn president. “But because of the research as much as you want. we've done we also feel it’s an adult product for self-enhancement.” SEPTEMBER 1990 VIDEO 47

ONTHE EDGE comes —is several years away. NSas oe This interactive arena shows all the ees signs of turning into another Beta-VHS | format war. But Philips reportedly has at | least two powerful allies, Sony and Pan- asonic, on its side. And as co-developer | of the CD, it has a deep and broad tech- nological base in optical disc technolo- gies. |RECORDABLE DISCS CD-1 is only one of several advances in basic optical technology that are Corporate Image: Commodore Amigas bring computer graphics to Hewlett-Packard’s corporate TV studio. nearing the product stage. Philips, Sony, Q Panasonic, Thomson Consumer Elec- “digital features.” With less subterfuge, | century, we will be thinking increasingly tronics and many other manufacturers digital has been applied to a variety of | are working on recordable optical discs special effects and features that are ac- not only in terms of digital features, as for video and audio. Philips alone has | tually analog. we do today, nor even fully digital prod- | developed three separate recordable sys- | Conventional analog video records ucts, but digital systems.” signals in wave patterns much like stan- tems. dard audio cassette recorders, although These systems will record informa- tion digitally at the camera, process it Many of the systems are based on a video's writing speed—the pace at digitally through the recorder and play | variation of one basic technique: A re- which a recording head passes over mag- back through a fully digital TV receiver. cording optical laser beam heats a metal netic tape —is much faster than audio’s. But, as Garcin noted, manufacturers are layer embedded in the disc, whether CD still developing the components neces- or video, to create the pits that are read Digital video records and plays through sary to complete the system. Among the by a playback laser. Since the playback a binary system: bits of information issues they face: developing video chips | beam emits less heat than the recording equivalent to computer processing. fast enough to handle the demands of beam, it can read the pits without de- Since the process is more exact than |digital processing, reducing the cost of | stroying the information. analog, digital video leaves behind all | memory chips so that digital TV sets can The trick is to do all this while main- the artifacts of analog video and TV: be made at affordable prices and, per- taining compatibility with current CD ghosting, picture smear, line crawl and haps most significant, agreeing on a sin- and laserdisc standards. Laserdisc, in other imperfections. And the tenth- or particular, is only now catching on with | hundredth-generation copy of a digitally gle digital standard. consumers, and manufacturers are not recorded image —theoretically, at “Anyone can show a prototype,” about to toy with such long-sought suc- lea—sshotuld be indistinguishable from notes a senior executive at a major video cess by unveiling a ne—wand incompat- the original. By moving to a digital sys- manufacturer. But no manufacturer is about to introduce a package of digital ible —system. Although several manu- | tem of recording, playing and displaying video products without clear support | facturers have demonstrated prototype video, manufacturers may solve most of from at least a few other high-volume recorders for laserdiscs and CDs there’s | their technological problems. ; manufacturers. JVC, as developer of the little chance finished machines will ap- “Digital technology is going to per- | dominant VHS video recording system, pear on store shelves within the next vade the industry,’ Pierre Garcin, would be a logical leader. But JVC ap- year or two. Thomson Consumer Electronics chair- pears reluctant to push anything that DIGITAL PROGRESS man, said in his keynote address to the would threaten VHS, which now adds | Summer Consumer Electronics Show in up to well over 200 CD-I is also the harbinger of the | Chicago. “As we move toward the 2st million VCRs in evolution of home video from analog to digital processing. Digital video re- corders, TV sets and camcorders will represent a major break with the system that has dominated video since the first television broadcasts in 1939. For this reason it’s also the most complicated is- | | sue —technologically and politically— manufacturers are struggling with. “Digital” is already one of the most overused —and misused —terms in | home entertainment. Manufacturers | that include digital displays in their products have been known to tout their | Another Format War? Commodore’s CDTV will compete with Philips’ CD-I in the interactive video field. 48 VIDEO SEPTEMBER 1990

Future Fowl: Sesame Street's Big Bird in a sample scene generated by a Philips’ CD-I disc. homes around the world. seen as a driving factor in the develop- onds of audio for each of 25 frames on a “It's impossible to effect a complete ment of digital video (since almost all single disc. proposed HDTV systems use digital sig- transition,” says JVC Video Division nal compressing and storage technolo- Both Sony and Canon sell complete general manager Yoshihiro Ueno, noting gies), Ueno says Super VHS or another systems that include record/playback that any digital video system is almost upgraded analog format should be able decks, phone transmission units, inter- sure to be incompatible with VHS and to record HDTV signals while manufac- changeable lenses, and editing decks any other analog recording systems. And turers develop a digital standard. that can dump still video images to while the advent of high-definition is VCRs and computer-based desktop vid- * eo sources. But after more than four Hand-Eye - Coordination: years on the market, and ten years after Virtual reality system S a i= a Sony first showed a prototype, still video STILL VIDEO is anything but a hit among consumers. using an electronic glove to track hand It takes only modest artistic license, Sales, by unofficial estimates, are well movements, so that a though, to suggest that a form of digital short of projections and it’s unclear user wearing special video is already in the hands of some whether the two major proponents— video goggles sees a consumers. Still video, in all its permu- Sony and Canon— remain fully commit- moving graphic image tations, records images digitally, al- ted to the system. of the gloved hand. though the information is converted to analog for playback. Consumer apathy toward still video also may have slowed the progress of two Still video equipment for sale in the competing still video formats. Toshiba — U.S. is based on a Japanese standard a leading semiconductor manufacturer agreed to by Sony, Canon, Kodak, in Japan—and Fuji have developed a Hitachi, Matsushita, Minolta, Olympus, digital still video system that stores im- Toshiba and 34 other companies. In ages on an EEPRAM IC card rather place of videotape recording, still video than a floppy disc. EEPRAM is short for cameras and players employ a two-inch electronically erasable programmable floppy disc. The images, 25 to 50 per random access memory. disc with picture quality equivalent to that of a good laserdisc, can be displayed Thomson Consumer Electronics last on a TV monitor, converted to hard August demonstrated an optical disc- copies by thermal color printers and based still video syste—man outgrowth transmitted over phone lines. Still video ofits work on recordable CDs — that can cameras can also record up to ten sec- store up to 1,500 images on a CD with a special metal layer. Thomson claims its MOD Still Video system can display RGB-quality video. But neither Thom- son, Toshiba nor Fuji appear driven to bring their systems to market soon. Both systems still require some technical re- finements, but there’s another issue more to the point: Do consumers, at least enough of them to matter, want still video? No one really knows. DIRECT FROM SPACE One technology that’s experienced more than its share of ups and downs, direct satellite broadcasting, has en- SEPTEMBER 1990 VIDEO 49

trusted its success to the attraction of | average cable service. that just as major programmers now de- downsizing. Unlike conventional At least they will once direct broad- | liver shows through cable, satellites, mi- C-band satellite services, which can de- |cast services begin. The first stage |crowave dishes and other systems, they liver clear signals to satellite dishes |should come late this year or early in | will one day just add direct broadcast about eight feet in diameter, so-called | 1991 when K Prime, a partnership of | satellites to the mix. direct broadcast satellites will beam | some of the largest cable operators in clear pictures and digital audio to re- | the country, launches a lower-powered |DESKTOP VIDEO ceiving dishes about one-foot round—or | direct broadcast bird that will work with Back on earth, pro video producers in some cases, square. The fact that it’s |three-foot dishes. K Prime expects to of- |and serious hobbyists are dabbling in taken such services a decade longer | fer seven superstations and up to three | desktop video, a close relative in many than expected to launch says more | pay-per-view channels. respects to CD-I in that it combines vid- about the political and financial com- State-of-the-art direct broadcasts | eo, animation, audio, text and graphics. plexities that surround any new way to | aren’t expected until 1994 when several | But where CD-I is a playback-only sys- deliver video programming to homes. _| program services launch satellites capa- |tem, desktop video describes a creative What’s revolutionary about direct | ble of beaming clear signals to one-foot | tool using a personal computer to assem- broadcast technology is that it’s the first |dishes. And this, argue satellite adher- | ble multimedia video presentations. The satellite medium designed to send pro- | ents, will bring the medium long sought | authoring systems CD-I software devel- grams to individual homes, rather than | vindication. ‘We believe satellite ser- |opers use, in fact, are desktop video sys- to network and cable TV downlink sta- | vices will be the preferred delivery medi- |tems. tions. Unlike C-band satellites, which |um for home video programming by the Desktop video is as much an exten- operate between 3.7 and 4.2 gigahertz |end of the decade,’’ says Harry | sion of personal computing as it is of with a power output of 5 to 9 watts, di- |Thibedeau, director of broadcasting for |home video. Indeed, most advances in rect broadcast satellites have been allo- |the SBCA, a satellite industry trade | this area come from PC manufacturers cated the 12.2- to 12.7-gHz range by the | group. and a legion of software and peripheral Federal Communications Commission, Incidentally, the advent of direct |makers. Apple’s Macintosh and Com- with a power output of 100 to 200 watts. | broadcasting shouldn’t necessarily doom |modore’s Amiga computers have be- They will be able to combine a more effi: |C-band. A new generation of C-band |come the two major platforms for cient portion of the radio spectrum with | satellites, with 10- to 17-watt trans- | desktop video, for professionals and con- 10 to 20 times the power output. As are- | ponders, is scheduled to go in service |sumers, because of their abilities to pro- sult, satellite dishes the size of dinner- |next year and the satellites will work | cess video and sound as well as graphics. plates will deliver better signals than the | with six-foot dishes. Thibedeau suggests |At least one company, U.S. Video, has MCORDER, April 1990. “tyou VIDEO, February 1990. ‘Conclusion. VIDEOMAKER, March/April 1990. ofediting, this product gives you The VE-100 is more accurate than other “The VE-100 is incredibly accurate. Using itis antagtehepros have: easy VITC Editors we've tested. With this unit _ relatively painless and the unit will work with almost decisions and completely it's easier to mark edit-in and out points. any VCR-Camcorder combination.” nical assembling of your master t'sactually fun to sit back and Audio and Video quality are excellent.” itdo it’s thing.” — The VE-100 is a pure editor, allowing you to —_about the edit-in or edit-out point of a scene? nake extremely accurate edits. Unlike many No problem, just go back to that point and er editors, the VE-100 is compatible with ©make the change. Rewind the tape, and rtually all VCR’s having infrared remote. preview your edits before final assembly (you Easy to follow instructions have you editing can watch in “fast forward” to save time). within an hour or two. After hook-up, the Now you're ready to make the Final VE-100 learns the infrared code, and then the Mastered Tape, and during this step you can 147 New Hyde Perk Raa am pre-roll of your recording deck. You then fade the audio, or add audio from an external Distributed in Canadaby make a working copy, and you're ready for source. Within a short time you'll be showing 50 VIDEO SEPTEMBER 1990 “one-button editing’. Change your mind off those professionally edited tapes! For additional information, circle No. 21 on Reader Service Card.