video-magazine-1995-01

$2.95 * JANUARY 1995 We Pick The Top TVs, Camcorders, Home Theater Speakers, VCRs, More Pee eeeeeeeeeeesesseseeeseseseseseeeeses POPP S CeO OEE HEH H HEHEHE EEO EEEHEOEEEEEES eececeeee

AITACHI VM-E55. RATED #1 JBUYSATLEGAODITNGEVCEONNSUBMEETRTEMRA!G.A.Z.INE ND HERE’S WHY “closer to the action.” This year 270,000 PIXEL CCD | A To achieve true engineering they have extended the lens to a This extremely dense 12X optical system. Digital zoom CCD enabled the engineers excellence, a camcorder must further extends the range of the to employ an E.I.S. system combine the most important and that does not degrade popular features with a sleek, optical zoom system to an picture quality when in use. attractive, ergonomic design at an incredible 24X, while the instant Unlike other E.I.S. systems affordable price. The engineers at zoom button magnifies any scene the engineers at Hitachi Hitachi faced up to this challenge instantly an additional 1.5 times. developed their CCD so that and were determined to deliver a And even with the more powerful whether E.LS. is engaged or not definitive package at a price of optical lens system Hitachi the image remains sharp. under $1,000. The result is a true - engineers have been able to keep breakthrough — the VM-E58A. the minimum illumination ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE requirements at 1 lux. So even in The VM-E58A’s autofocus Here’s the inside story on how low light situations the VM-E58A system uses a foolproof the engineers at Hitachi created will perform flawlessly. through-the-lens approach and its this extraordinary camcorder. white balance and auto iris are DIGITAL ELECTRONIC IMAGE both controlled by a highly- COLOR LCD VIEWFINDER STABILIZATION sophisticated artificial The engineers at Hitachi Last year Hitachi introduced intelligence circuit. Its digitally determined through their research programmed autoexposure system that camcorder users desire the the first Electronic Image Stabilizer provides perfect pictures with accuracy of a color viewfinder. They with “angular motion sensors” in pinpoint accuracy. increased the number of pixels to the number 1 rated VM-E55A The VM-E58A’s superlative create a sharp vivid picture that camcorder. This year, Hitachi performance is built into its chips, allows you to see what you are engineers have improved the transport, electronic circuitry and shooting exactly as it is. This system by applying new engineering optical system. This is Hitachi — eliminates the need to keep looking advancements to make our digital Excellence in Engineering. over the viewfinder to check what EIS even better. Hitachi’s digital you are recording. EIS can improve picture quality For more information whenever you are walking, riding on the Hitachi VM-E58A, 24X Z00M in an automobile, using high please call 1-800-HITACHI Hitachi’s engineers have been powered zoom or any other activity pioneers in developing longer zoom that causes your camcorder to ranges in order to allow you to get be unstable.

“The chips, the transport, the electronic circuitry, and the optics are proof of Hitachi’s excellence in engineering.” Circle 1 on Reader Service Card.

magazine Panasonic FEATURES THE YEAR’S BEST eed 3 46 52 The 17 top products that define home video's state of the art. By Brent Butterworth 56 DESKTOP CINEMATHEQUES 60 Our Thumbs-up, Thumbs-down guide to multimedia CD-ROM movie finders. By Scott Wasser_ THE NEXT SOUND YOU HEAR Techniques for turning off-center audio into super sounding tracks. By Timothy Liebe VIDEO MAGICIANS How three high-tech artists are widening video's horizons with talking heads, TV walls and 3-D. By Frank Beacham TAPES G DISCS—“REVIEWS /The Client, Maverick, Blown Away on tape; Dances With Wolves, ee | Snow White and Midnight Cowboy on laserdisc; Cartoon History on CD-ROM, more EDITOR’S CHOICE / Secrets of Stargate CD-ROM. By Ken Korman 65 DIRECTORY / The latest releases on tape and disc 72 VIDEOTESTS PANASONIC PV-S4480S-VHSVCR i —t”™” ies 28 Hitachi VM-H59A Hi8 Camcorder, Marantz LV-510 Combi Player, Cover: Three of the Sony CCD-FX730V 8mm Camcorder, Aiwa VX-S201 20-inch TV/VCR year’s best prod- ucts: RCA’s Digital DEPARTMENTS ‘CHANNEL ON/EThe year’s best and the yeartocome x 6 Satellite System, 8 Goldstar’s VHS/ FEEDBACK / Letters from readers 8mm dual-deck 2 VCR and JVC’s FAST FORWARD / Magic Link, rare tape finders, onscreen video guide, GR-SZ1 S-VHS-C 16 camcorder. 10 Years Ago, Late Breaking News, more Photograph by 20 Dan Wagner NEW PRODUCTS / Editing aid, diver’s tool, Starsight TV,new ViewCam, more. % Video Magazine HANDS-ON TEST / Definitive and AMC subwoofers, and RomeBlack xTransit Volume XVIII for Windows __ a # ( eos fe 22 Number 10 HOME THEATER / Home theater headphones with a gyroscopic twist 24 26 CAMCORNER / Filters and adapters, low-tech solutions for high-tech effect 106 Q & A/ Technical queries answered %¥ OFF THE AIR / A modest proposal for a perfect remote R VIDEO Magazine (ISSN 1044-7288) is published monthly by Reese Communications, Inc., 460 W. 34 St., New York, NY 10001. Second-class postage paid at New York, NY and additional mailing office. © 1994 Reese Communications, Inc, All rights reserved. © under Universal, International, and Pan American Copyright Conventions. Reproduction of editorial or pictorial content in any manner is prohibited. Single copy price $2.95; Audit Bureau $3.50 in Canada: £2.50 in U.K. One-year subscription (12 issues) $15; Canada, $22.47 (includes GST #R125938423) U.S.; foreign, air mail, $40 U.S. Canadian international publication permit #546488. Address sub- scription orders, change of address, correspondence and inquiries to: VIDEO, Box 56293, Boulder, CO 80322-6293, or call toll-free 800-365-1008 Change of address takes 60 days to process: send old address label, of Circulations new address, and zip code. All material listed in this magazine is subject to manufacturer's change without notice, and publisher assumes no responsibility for such change. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to VIDEO, Box 56293, Boulder, CO 80322-6293. For microform copies of issues or articles, write to: Serials Acquisition Dept., University Microfilms, Inc., 300 North Zeeb Rd., Ann Arbor, MI 48106. 4 VIDEO JANUARY 1995

Ace Ventura: *1242908 Star Trek: *0203505 Pet Detective _ The Motion Picture Star Trek Il: “0201301 The Pelican Brief_ *1251305 The Wrath Of Khan Star Trek III: *0201608 Top Gun ae 0426908 The Search for Spock 0430603 Beethoven’s 2nd __*1241504 Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home schisn Monty Python's TheStar TFirneekl VF:rontier : The MeaningOfLife _—_-0523902 yp y 1001007 See Details Below. Star Trek Vi: The Monty Python's & Now 4 Undiscovered Country __*1134006 DifierentSomething Completely ‘0177204 Plus 1 More At Great SaviHngs! *1207109 Falling Down “1188903 Pink Floyd: The Wall *1293802 : i j re * Letterbox Fearless 0162503 Beverly HillsCop _—*1239003 ene Indochine (Subtitled) Body Snatchers (1993) _ *4251800 *1261106 On The Waterfront Das Boot (Subtitled) *1232800 —.* Of The World \"1261205 a FERS CLUB FAVORITES “1200708 jad Max — The Roa In the Name Of The *1247709 , 1221407 Father Warrior *1097906 r+ 273002\" 0073502 z Mad Max Beyond *0847103 ; gh5 ee aThge eDirnector’s Cut Thunderdome “1189406 5z Striking Distance 4147008 Tecminaton.2: *0970608 Visions Of Light Raasits aus pay aaeer Arsenic And Old Lace ny ebets In The LineOfFire *1190107 The Prince Of Tides *1206903 Demolition Man *1199306 Runaway Train Unforgiven (1992) *1084003 Sliver Rising Sun *1174804 Hamlet (1990) Pe Srcin Bridge On The River 1143809 Kwai Restored *1154806 iseatsnrayttttanan Murder The Last Action Hero We're Back eBartman: Mask Of The salam Phantasm *1238906 The Getaway (1994) “1260405 The Abyss_ *0881102 Star Wars afi! *0056408 Moonstruck \"1252204 The Hunt For The Empire Strikes Back _*0091009 NEW RELEASES My Life *1246305 Red October ___*0825000 The Bodyguard \"4105907 Reality Bites 1260900 The Last Of The E.T.: The Extra- *0681106 Crocodile Dundee *1294107 _ 0805309 Remains Of The Day \"1232503 Mohicans (1992) 1071406 Terrestrial Kalifornia 1302405 0220509 BSeoabrbcyhiFngiscFhoerr _ \"1255207 Gondfellas —— -these808 The Silence Of The Lambs Monty Python And The anes ; — eae _*0854307 Holy Grail shadowlar __*1239201 Conan The Barbarian *0192005 aay areen re = Hook nya 0734905 The Sound Of Music. 0* 003905 The Naked Gun 33 1/3 — Ea je Ful NoneTDnA Wizards __ 0630806 The Final Insult 1286707 Predator _ 0364901 Back To The Future *0642702 Lethal Weapon _ Romeo Is Bleeding 1302801 Predator 2 70104307 Partill __*0497008 \"1051507 Lethal Weapon 2_ 10,000 Maniacs — 1300607 i pre Nothing ea The Firm ats *1154400 “1237205 2 Hard Targ Lethal Weapon 3 Unplugged Scent Of AWoman_ 0633008 &EoInmdecent Proposal *1142009 __*1121300 A Perfect World GOniPUDYea.dly OldGrMouonnd **112255311590039 ¢ Aliens“ A Bronx Tale_ ___ “e 1221506 The Pianox! OSEUSU2 Point Of No Re—tuern cou Neen\"1127109 Beetlejuice *1237809 3) Alien 3 \"1042506 Robotech — Volume 1 __ 1146604 8g aPaoCKaEISIfE t -- *0559005 —Dragon: The Bruce Lee SearipsiG HTuoemEeXGtAcliosnea: ae ns 2800304, Starman : *E 0172304 = = eee Odyssey saa Stopyi Aer, Lost In New York _*1104900 Watership Down 0615005 ___*1150705 a 309 Rambo: First Blood *0650309 2 Patriot Game: Robin Hood: BblueodThauandEe: :a *a0c1e5a17n0e4 § Basic Instinct _*1033208 Prince Of Thieves *0976803 ©[e} The Wizard Of Oz 0001404 My Cousin Vinny 1033109 owards Eng _ sox EricClapton: Unplugged __1038405 The Good Son _1198803 Tommy ___ 10151506 = Batman (1989) \"0642504 Chinatown __*0202507 Midnight Express _ 0150003 Dave 4 ____*4449400 Citizen Kane (Remastered/ 0911107 <¢ Batman Returns *4029909 Addams Family Values *1232701 50th Anniversary 1207307 3 Biam Stokers Dracula \"1102904 Age Of Innocence 0382309 © Die Hard *0367607 SleeplessIn Seattle _ *4154905 Jaws) Oo __ 0844605 Highlander Die Hard 2: Die Harder *0041806 A Few Good Men *1106301 Carlito’s Way “1229301 Here’s a great way to build a collection by the date specified. 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A toast to the VIDEO year’s best Traditionally, our January issue presents the winners of our Video Magazine President, Jay Rosenfield Awards for the year’s best new products, and this issue is no exception. Editor, Stan Pinkwas The awards themselves are presented in a ceremony at the annual Senior Editor, Peter Barry Consumer Electronics Show held in Las Vegas. This year, the 17 products Technical Editor, Lancelot Braithwaite our editors have selected represent one of the most varied, sophisticated Associate Editor, Stewart Applegath groups of components in many a year. Two winners, RCA’s Digital Satellite Assistant Editor, Josef Krebs System and StarSight Telecast, showcase new technologies that are making Entertainment Editor, Ken Korman debuts after many years of development and promises. And, lo and behold, Contributing Editors: Bob Angus, Frank Beacham, Brent Butterworth, Bruce Eder, M. Faust, Ty they deliver. Harrington, Tom Heald, David Lachenbruch, DSS, with its tiny satellite dish and digital processing, ushers in a new Timothy Liebe, George Mannes, Marianne Meyer, Cliff Roth, Sol Louis Siegel, Jon Silberg, Tom way for viewers to receive programs and for producers to market them. Soter, Jonathan Takiff, John Walker, Rich Warren, With the system flying off shelves faster than any new video product in his- Stewart Wolpin, Roderick Woodcock tory, cable operators are right to be concerned over the prospect, finally, of real competition. StarSight is also the leading edge of a new type of ser- Art Director, Marshall Moseley vice-the onscreen program guide. It’s very user friendly and viewers should Assistant Art Director, Nadira Abdul-Kadir quickly adapt to scrolling through clear menus of program choices with Art Assistant, Gary French instant-record options and other convenient features. Neither product will Production Manager, Gary M. Krystofiak be alone for long. Competitors to StarSight are fine-tuning their own Production Assistant, Kim Lau onscreen guides (DSS even includes one), and Sony will field its own small Typesetting, Janet M. Holland dish and receiver later this year to take advantage of the DirecTv and USSB programing services. DSS and StarSight are clearly the start of Publisher, Jay Rosenfield something new. Associate Publisher, Linda DeRogatis Our other winners include a pair of overdue innovations. Hitachi’s Vice President, Business Development, waterproof, shock-resistant Hi8 camcorder is a boon to outdoor Alan Deitch Director of Advertising, Video Pro, videophiles, and Goldstar’s dual-format VHS/8mm VCR is so useful, it’s Mike Trerotoli Circulation Director, Rodney Bell only a shame it took this long for a company to wake up and smell the Circulation Assistant, Jesse Schneider videotape. Our two speaker selections, the NHT SuperZeros and the Classifieds Representative, Lydia Ferrante Counterpoints, show there’s solid performance to be found across a broad Newsstand Sales Director, Gerald Levine range of prices. You don’t have to be wealthy to enjoy great home theater Marketing Director, Luanne Rao although the choices are that much better if you are. Financial Officer, Mark C. Spector, C.RA. The 56-inch widescreen TV that earned Toshiba a Video Magazine Business Manager, Janette Evans Award is unusual in that it represents a technology viewers that has not Assistant Business Manager, yet caught on (except in Japan). High prices and the limited supply of Lily Schwartzberg widescreen programs are significant hurdles. Toshiba and the other manu- Advertising Coordinator, Karen Pellino facturers fielding widescreen sets deserve a lot of credit for teaching NTSC Assistant to the President, So Hee Kim technology a.few new tricks, and for braving a small market to make a big Corporate Offices, Editorial & Sales: statement. Linda Futterman, Christine Barbieri, 460 West 34 St., New York, NY 10001; This year’s winners display an aggressive, optimistic approach by apply- 212-947-6500; 212-947-6727 (fax) ing new technologies to achieve the familiar goals of improved picture, West Coast Sales Office: sound, transmission, reception and editing. They bode well for the future Linda DeRogatis, Susan Kay Moses, of home entertainment. 1453 Third Street, Suite 490, Santa Monica, CA 90401; 310-393-5057; 310-393-5538 (fax) Stan Pinkwas Chicago Sales Office: Milton Gerber, Kristene Richardson, Media Plus, Editor 135 N. Arlington Heights Road, Suite 106, Buffalo Grove, IL 60089; 708-913-5400, VIDEO JANUARY 1995 708-913-5403 (fax) Editor-in-Chief, Art Levis (1936-1991) RCEOEMSMEUNICATIONS @ INCORPORATED PRINTED IN THE U.S.A.

JVC aIgeNsVITES YOU TO=A PREMIERE Introducing your ticket to dazzling home theater— the new JVC Premiere Series TVs. These TVs are truly the brightest stars in the industry offering super advanced picture and sound quality, cordless headphones and advanced PIP. Plus a cast of JVC custom features such as AV Compulink, Full Motion Split- Screen and Super Command Remote. JVC Take home a JVC Premiere Home Theater Television and let the show begin. Call 800-252-5722 for your nearest dealer. INTRODUCING THE JVC PREMIERE HOME THEATER TELEVISIONS Ci.rcle 2 on Reader Servi.ce Card. JVC DCOIMVPAINOYFSUISOJFOVACNMCOERRPI.CA

Letters from our readers. Alive and kicking prehistoric giant bird. Maybe someday Home remedies l’'ll be jealous-when they come out with Concerning “A Few Good Decks” | a three-inch dish you can put on your I read with interest “Wire Straits” (Nov.), S-VHS is not only alive and well window sill. in the U.S., but it also enjoys a very Andy Glade (Oct.) concerning the listening quali- healthy consumer demand elsewhere. Mountain Lakes, New Jersey In Japan, estimated household penetra- | ties of various types of speaker cable. I Kick back and wait tion is between 60 and 70 percent. In have tried to convince my friends that | Europe, it’s about 30 percent and grow- Having followed the release of the DSS differences in cable produce audible ing. Prerecorded American software for the format is widely available in these | small-dish system (“Dawn of the Small results. Here are some easy tests: If the regions, although dubbed in the native Dish,” Oct.), it does my heart good to languages. It’s difficult to understand see the Philadelphia area chosen as one cable is producing harsh sound, cover why American software suppliers won't of the first larger markets. Judging from conversations I’ve heard at the local two feet of it with an angora sweater. If sell the same S-VHS titles here, despite the smaller consumer appreciation 1 this doesn’t tame it, run two loops of level. I thought niche not nicht market- | cable through a bowl of warm milk. If ing was in these days. Craig Hubler your cable lacks highs, sprinkle it with cayenne pepper. In extreme cases, recit- ing the Lord’s Prayer over the cable (a full exorcism) will do the trick. With an | open mind, you will hear the differences immediately. Jean Arnold New York, New York Burbank, California Market controls Dream on I concur with Stan Pinkwas (“Channel When I began reading “Toys ‘R’ Art” | RCA’s DSS: One,” Oct.) that the Department of (Oct.) about the Fisher-Price PXL-2000 | Small dish, Energy should not impose power con- camcorder, I thought what a great prod- sumption requirements on TV _ sets. uct. But reading on, I was disappointed | big hit. The government usually fouls thing up to learn that this camcorder is no longer available. A simple-to-operate, inex- when it imposes ridiculous require- pensive camcorder like this is a dream ments. Power consumption should be for those of us who cannot yet afford a determined by manufacturers, not by full-featured standard camcorder. Let’s DOE mandate. The marketplace and hope someone has enough sense to manufacture James Wickstead’s newest consumers like myself should decide version of the PXL-2000. what a TV’s appropriate power con- _ sumption should be. B,J. Dreisbach Cincinnati, Ohio Dinosaurs David Casciello | For the record Bronx, New York audio/video retailer, people are very “in the know” already. In fact, the system | & dishes | When we evaluated the performance of looks so good that I’m going to sit back the JVC GR-SVIU Systemax cam- In response to Dan Schillinger’s letter and wait for my wife to beg me to buy it. corder (“LCD Camcorder Face-Off,” “Dissing DBS” (Nov.), I have to assume Try this with that new center channel that Schillinger is angry, most likely at speaker you’ve had your eye on. Noy.), we were not made aware the unit himself for spending about a millon dol- lars on some enormous satellite dish Ron Andretta || we tested was a pre-production sample. that takes up most of his yard. I’ve Philadelphia, Pennsylvania It is the policy of Video Magazine not to owned the new RCA system, which I Sound surround review pre-production samples. We rec- installed myself in about three hours, for about three weeks. The picture is I want to thank you because I followed | ommend that readers evaluate the cur- | rent model at stores. We will update our evaluation as soon as possible with a fully certified production unit. 2 awesome and the sound incredible. I’ve your advice on two purchases and love — experienced none of the glitches I’ve | Send letters to Feedback, Video Magazine, read about, even on rainy days. As for both products. I’m _ referring to programming, the packages are so 460 West 34 Street, New York, NY diverse, I can’t imagine complaining | Definitive Technologies’ BP-10 speakers 10001; or fax to 212-947-6727 after 5 about having to take one. | and the Fosgate Model 5 surround p.m., EST, weekdays, or all day on week- Don’t worry, Mr. Schillinger, you'll | decoder. I ordered the Model 5 without ends; or send via CompuServe to hearing it based on your positive review. 75147,1255 or via the Internet to I am not disappointed. Shawn Fogg buy one too when your 12-foot monster East Greenwich, Rhode Island [email protected]. Letters rusts out or becomes a nest for some 71201,2435 may be edited for clarity and space. 8 VIDEO JANUARY 1995

TROUBLE GETTING YOUR < KIDS TO LEAVE THE NEST? INTRODUCING PIONEER’S \\ LASER KARAOKE PLAYERS. ‘ : V|E LOPE1 IN Prato,IN’ FEEL Few things get a bigger rise out of kids than a song that's off the charts. Particularly ifyoure the one singing it. With a Pioneer® Laser Karaoke Player, though, everyone can unleash their vocal talents. It gives you CD-quality backup music to over 1500 tunes while showing the lyrics and a vid)eo on your TV. What's more, should the crooning reach critical mass, it also lets you listen to CDs or watch laserdisc movies. So check one of these players out. Then cue up an old favorite. And deliver a rendition your kids are sure to find really stirring. Opel (ead ps The Art of Entertainment For the nearest dealer, call I-800-Pioneer, ext. 715. ©1004 Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc., Long Beach, CA

4) Phantom Speakers Only Yamaha Yamaha Cinema DSP gives dialogue more definition. Music, more Cinema DSP dimension. And sound effects, far greater realism, more graphic detail creates phantom and superior placement. This breakthrough in realism is no small feat. speakers that It’s accomplished by multiplying the effects of Digital Sound Field fully replicate the experience Processing and Dolby Pro Logic* you get in multi- Digital Sound Field Processing isYamaha's unique technology that speaker movie electronically recreates some of the finest performance spaces in the world. theaters. It While Dolby Pro Logic places sound around the room, matching the sounds so real, you'll swear you dialogue and sound effects with the action on the screen. hear sounds Together, these two technologies allow Yamaha to offer a complete line from places you don't even have speakers. ©1994 Yamaha Electronics Corporation, USA. Cinema DSP is a trademark of Yamaha Electronics Corporation, Dolby Pro Logic is a registered trademark of Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation.

ching a movie and actually being in one. of home theater components that outperform other comparatively priced products on the market. After reading this ad, ifyou get the feeling that watching a movie with Cinema DSP makes a world of difference, you're absolutely right. But don't just take our word for it. Hear it for yourself. Stop by your local Yamaha dealer for a demonstration today. It’s one demo that’s bound to change the way you look at YAM AH A movies forever, Or at least for a very, very long time. For the dealer nearest you, call 1-800-4YAMAHA. Yamaha Electronics Corporation, USA. PO, Box 6660, Buena Park, CA 90622 Circle 3 on Reader Service Card.

FORWARD >> Pr Video gumshoes MAGIC LINK’S Are you a frustrated video collec- VIDEO tor? Do rental clerks shake their heads FUTURE at your pleas for offbeat films like Alakazam the Great, insisting they’re out Sony’s new of print, sold out or on moratorium? Do they insist no one has what you’re look- 1.2-pound ing for? Whatever the excuse, Barbara Lambert, founder and chief detective of Magic Link Per- A Million and One World-Wide Videos (800-849-7309), has heard them all. The sonal Intelligent Atlanta-based company will buy, sell, trade, rent, broker, auction or search for Communicator any video in the world, no matter how hard to find. That includes Alakazam, an is designed for animated feature it recently found for a customer. travelers who Although only five percent of all film need to stay in Magic Link titles are available from dealers at any given moment, Lambert says she can touch. But hid- Magic Link with the Magic Cap desktop. track down virtually any title, no matter den inside are how elusive, through her extensive net- work of collectors. No stranger to col- video-oriented lectibles, Lambert started as an art and antiques auctioneer. Frequent exasper- functions like a remote control and a software engine that’s expected to play a ated requests for unusual films convinced her of the need for a video-locating ser- big role in video’s future. Magic Link is based on General Magic’s intuitive new vice. Magic Cap and Telescript programs, which integrate electronic mail, fax, The only thing World-Wide asks is the title of the film, the star’s or direc- phone, and online and nationwide paging services with personal information programs. In the future, expect to see these programs in a new generation of _THE NUMBER “smart” TVs that will help viewers navigate a vast library of program choices. Magic Cap’s interface uses a desktop metaphor with icons for card files, date books, telephones, file cabinets and the like. It also has sound recording capability, animated characters, and an amazing array of virtual tools. Magic Link connects to AT&T's new PersonaLink Services network, the first online service that lets subscribers communicate with the help of electronic agents, mobile programs that travel inside a network to carry out owners’ instructions. An agent could search in an electronic mall for the best price for, say, a new VCR, as described in the Magic Cap manual. “If you don’t need it right away,” read the directions, “you could even instruct your agent to wait for a sale before making the purchase.” In a smart TV, agents could help viewers find programs they’d like without having to surf through hundreds of titles, according to Kevin Lynch, manager of General Magic’s Core Technology Group. Magic Link includes an infrared port and software that can turn it into a remote control for Sony devices, including TVs and VCRs. However, it’s no ordinary remote. The controls are icons on the touch-sensitive screen. Because they’re implemented in software, Magic Linkers can edit the controls for their PerfccaeomnnittAlarmigeiesber,uitcoeaafsc’csvoitroeRdweietsnrhesgeabrtwcrohheoaakGsbrdueoorlvuwiepenyv.e0 a own A/V systems, although this is hardly a primary use. y Magic Cap and Telescript were designed to be video-ready. With more memory and a better screen, Lynch said, a computing device with Magic Cap could handle live-action video. Since the LCD display on the Link only has four levels of gray, picture quality would not equal that of a CRT, but “you can send video in and out,” said Lynch. “We’ve done it on a prototype screen.” A port on the side allows Magic Link to be hooked to a special TV monitor, which tor’s name and your credit card number. Lynch said may be offered later by other companies. However, World-Wide only bills for the Magic Link’s $995 price includes a built-in fax and a modem. It accepts an cost of the video, typically about $20 plus shipping and handling, and only if it suc- optional pager card for wireless SkyTel messages. Magic Cap and Telescript will ceeds. There’s no fee for failed searches. be available for PC and Macintosh computers later this year and are expected How long you'll wait depends on the difficulty of your request, the age of the to spread to products by Apple, AT&T, Matsushita and Philips. No word yet film, and other factors. Don’t expect overnight service if your favorite film is on who'll build that first smart TV. —Frank Beacham holed up in someone’s living room in Rouen. However, if the source is in the World-Wide first determines whether the film is in the public domain. If so, it finds U.S., a search usually takes about a someone with an original print and a month. The toughest hunts are for films video copy. —Janeen Renaghan that were never released on video. 12 VIDEO JANUARY 1995

Fanfare _ then 15 and so on. There are for the also tracks for 10 family minutes of “walk- room out” music, a 15- BP Home the- minute intermis- ater is more than sion and a cur- a big TV screen, tain-raising fan- an array of sur- fare. Put the CD round speakers, a plush chair and the on your combi scent of fresh popcorn. To Harley player and you Toberman, home theater is a state of mind. For years this recording engineer have an amusingly pretentious count- from Minneapolis has been using down to showtime. (It’s available for “walk-in” music, culled from his com- $16.95 plus shipping by direct mail mercial sound library, to set the stage from Toby’s Tunes in Minneapolis; for a neighborhood night at the movies, phone, 612-377-0690.) when he entertains friends with select- ed shorts and a feature. Which famous themes will you hear? “Exodus?” “Bridge on the River In the golden age of movie palaces, Kwai?” Actually, not a one. But you'll Toberman says, such music routinely still recognize the music. The selections accompanied patrons to their seats. cannily echo familiar strains in popular “There’s no more glamour attached to movies, from comedies to epics. They going to the movies,” he laments, “so I may not be precisely what was com- wanted to recapture a little of it.” posed and copyrighted by Mancini, Morricone and their brethren, but you Now he’s letting other movie lovers will be forgiven for being reminded of in on the fun with a CD of movie mood tunes from The Pink Panther, E.T., music called The Show Starts in 45 Lawrence of Arabia and many others. Minutes. It’s a compilation of orchestral movie themes punctuated by a melliflu- It’s perfectly legal. “This is all pub- ous announcer politely advising you the lished music, written for all types of show starts in 45 minutes, then 30, commercial uses,” says Toberman. The CD is an evocative invitation to forget your cares and immerse yourself in movie magic. —Andy Wickstrom [im TV Friday O system, the uncertain. We yey we VideoGuide is an onscreen TV guide with sports and news updates that hopes to give Starsight a run for its money. Received through a set-top device (inset) that picks up data from a wireless pag- ing service, it brings a week’s worth of info to your TV on bright, scrollable pages. Look for the receivers later this year for under $100, with a basic subscription starting at $4.99 a month. JANUARY 1995 VIDEO 13

CAN YOUR ment consultants can devise. The working on a C-band dish that will babys first Auditioner has already been used to ad- measure only two feet square by eight video get your just the audio characteristics of a 2,000- inches deep. Vice president Jeffrey R. doctor in speaker church, a sports stadium, a Jones says the technology will be trouble? The hockey arena and a parliament building. ready later this year and that it can be FDAis warn- No word yet on home use. applied to Ku-band and DSS systems ‘B ing against ca- in the future. . | sually making PANASONIC WILL JOIN THE LCD ultrasound camcorder club this summer with a LABORATORY TESTING OF THE videos of fe- VHS-C model featuring a three-inch Grand Alliance’s full high-definition -tuses in the viewscreen. [he camcorder will also in- TV system begins next month. This womb for parents who would like clude a light, a speaker and electronic | could put the epic effort to achieve a unusual “keepsakes.” A letter to image stabilization. Price of the new national HDTV. transmission stan- shooter is expected to be about $1,000. dard on a track for final approval by health professionals from the e _ the FCC by the end of 95. The Grand agency's Center for Devices and Radiological Health says this is “an STARMAKER MICHAEL OVITZ, Alliance is a consortium of U.S. com- unapproved use of a medical de- head of Hollywood’s mega-powerful panies working to develop a single vice” and that it will take “action Creative Artists Agency, has been hired HDTV standard. . against those who engage in such — by Bell Atlantic, Nynex and Pacific misuse of medical equipment.” Telesis to help them better compete MOST INTRIGUING NEW CD- e with cable TV in video and interactive ROM announcement comes from THE MASSACHUSETIS-BASED services. The $300-million deal will Magnet Interactive Studios. Its disc, Bose Corp. has come up with a system lead, in part, to the creation of a com- The Wall: A Living Memorial, due later for designing theater acoustics that pany to develop video services for deliv- this year will include info about each helps engineers predict the results of ery over phone lines. of the 50,000 vets whose names are in- their work with startling accuracy. e sctibed on the Vietnam Veterans Nine years in development, the DIGITAL SCIENTIFIC, A TECHNOLOGY Memorial, as well as video clips, news- Auditioner uses a special Bose sound company based in Salt Lake City, thinks reel footage, songs, letters and narra- card in an Apple Macintosh to dupli- there’s plenty of room to further shrink tion by radio DJ Adrian “Gooooood cate virtually any acoustic environ- satellite dishes. The company says it’s Morning Vietnam’ Cronauer. . The Swiss Army Charger “Rapid Charge Only” feature 4-level LED battery capacity indicator cae scanners for NoOMEM” Batteries Direct power supply for most 8mm and VHS-C 6V camcorders Reconditions and charges one or two batteries sequentially Introducing the OmniSource™ Plus. We call it a charger. power is concerned, you never know what you'll need But that hardly does justice to the most versatile and convenient, do- everything power manager for camcorder enthusiasts. until you need it. The OmniSource Plus automatically reconditions and charges one Sure, there are chargers that'll do some of these or two nickel-cadmium batteries. It rapidly charges NoMEM” memory- free batteries. It tests the battery power level. It powers VHS-C and 8mm things. But only the OmniSource Plus does all of camcorders directly. It works from the home AC. It works from the car’s DC. It does practically everything but edit the footage. Because where these things. Ask your Lenmar dealer about the OmniSource Plus. It’s the ultimate power tool no camcorder bag should be without. CAMCORDER PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS For the name of your nearest Lenmar dealer, and a catalog of our other Camcorder Performance Products call: 800/424-2703 ©1994 Lenmar Enterprises, Inc. 14 VIDEO JANUARY 1995 Circle 4 on Reader Service Card.

YOU NOW FROM YOUR VIDEO STORE. Introducing DIRECTV,™ an amazing INTRODUCING a theater. You can also choose breakthrough that turns your TV from tons of pro and college sports, into a video store, where you can oe. and the newest and most popular always get hit movies at the touch cable networks. CNN, ESPN, The DIRECTY. IT’S PERSONALIZED TV™ of aremote. Through a tiny satellite the Hollywood hits you want, start- Disney Channel, and a lot more. dish, only 18 inches wide, DIRECTV ing as often as every 30 minutes. No Probably for less than you pay for delivers tons of movies to more trips to the video cable now. Check out the afford- choose from. The latest store. No more disappoint- able 18-inch RCA brand DSS™ dish releases, well before they're ments when the movie you and DIRECTV at your Consumer on the premium movie channels. want is out of stock. And with Electronics or Satellite TV dealer. Plus classics and independent films DIRECTV’s totally digital picture Or call |-800-345-4388 for the near- too. For just $2.99 each, you get and sound, you'll feel like you're in est authorized DIRECTV dealer. ©1994 DIRECTV Inc. DIRECTV, DSS, and “DIRECTV. Its Personalized TV” are official trademarks of DIRECTY, Inc. a unit of GM Hughes Electronics. Circle 5 on Reader Service Card.

BY STEWART APPLEGATH SONY’S ALL-IN-ONE Sony’s XV-AL100 Video Editing System ($699) combines an edit controller, a titler and, for the first time, an audio mixer. With a range of fonts, type sizes and colors, it is intended to simplify the home editing process. The controller is compatible with 8mm RC time code, and identifies each video frame by hour, minute, second and frame number. The XV-AL100 can store informa- tion for up to 20 scenes for quick recall and offers a dual-mode shuttle for greater playback control. (For more info, circle 100 on the Reader Service Card) SEA SHOOTER Seaturtle Submersibles’ Sport Diver ($340) is an 8mm/VHS-C underwa- ter video housing designed to amy STARSIGHT, STARBRIGHT provide a dry berth for if camcorders down to Mitsubishi's CS-35803 35-inch TV ($3,199) is one of the first to fea- Frc ture the new Starsight onscreen program guide. Starsight lets you 130 feet. Claimed to access up to 90 minutes of program information at a time on the screen from its be the first such week-long data- housing compatible base, which is with a variety of updated daily. You can also use camcorders, the Starsight’s guide Sport Diver's flex- to record with a ibility is achieved single command through a special any show, and adjustable control. customize it to The flat port win- match your viewing prefer- dow allows a 50- ences. (For more info, circle 104 degree _ field-of-view on the Reader Service Card) with a wide-angle zoom setting. Adjustable handles, lockable latches and internal water ballasts complete the package. (For more info, circle 109 on the Reader Service Card) NEW VIEWCAM The VL-H410U is Sharp’s newest Hi8 Viewcam ($2,500). It is designed to be compatible with Sharp’s new Viewcamteleport, and comes with it’s own port for permanent connection to a TV or VCR. It also boasts an improved 16x variable zoom lens, and a digital quick zoom that doubles your zoom ratio. Sharp says its new LCD screen is easier to see in bright environments. (For more info, circle 107 on the Reader Service Card) ALL IN THE CIRCUITRY ! | NAD’s AV716 A/V Receiver ($749) features video inputs and j switching, five-channel amplification and high-performance AM/FM tuning in a design intended to maximize simplicity. Keeping multi- } | ple surround-sound modes to a minimum, NAD has focused on audio circuitry and its Dolby Pro-Logic processor. The receiver has a multiroom mode that gives users full control from a secondary room. (For more info, circle 101 on the Reader Service Card) 16 VIDEO JANUARY 1995

Reaching , Heights as.Wiet \\ We hope you have high expectations. Because | w wan JVC's HR-S7100 is prepared to meet and surpass them. | \\, ‘ roy High quality goes into every detail. Like the high- | \\\\ resolution picture that's perfect for today’s advanced aN big-screen TVs, and is an ideal way to record hi-res :\\ satellite and cable broadcasts.* The luxurious styling Oe exemplifies its status as a first class video product. And a vast collection of valuable features maximize your R entertainment — including instant timer programming » with built-in VCR Plus+ and Cable Box Control, fully automatic editing with Random Assemble Editing j technology, and a multi-functional Multi-Brand Jog/Shuttle Remote, just to name a few. .N And the quality is built to last, based on some of the \\os ‘ most stringent quality control standards in the industry — the standards of JVC, the company that invented VHS. A higher level of video is waiting for you at JVC. The HR-S7100 High Resolution Super VHS VCR. *Must be connected to external satellite or cable system. VCR Plus+ and PlusCode are trademarks of Gemstar Development Corp. VCR Plus+ system is manulacturedunder license from Gemstar Development Corporation. HR-S7100U Super VH Svs Frei 2 STEREO . rc... \\ ~‘ Technically Perfect. Perfectly Simple. Circle 6 on Reader Service Card.

Oe Ge BS Gp Ge ib Gs FLAT AND ADJUSTABLE v | Toshiba says the CN35D90 FST Perfect TV ($2,799) has the flattest screen in town. In addition, a color LOOK, NO HANDSY temperature selection Using the HeadTrip Hands Free Video Camera System ($4,795), you can shoot control allows you to while engaging in sports or activities that select picture require two hands. The camera and micro- warmth.\" Theater and phone components are built into the head- normal settings allow band, while an 8mm recorder/playback unit, with a 4-inch color LCD, rides your you to match the pic- back in a durable fanny pack. A one-but- ton remote on the waist belt turns it on ture to the viewing | and off. Weighing just environment. With pic- five pounds, it car- ture-in-picture audio ries easily, and is available output, a second view- with a variety er can listen to the inset’s audio on of acces- optional wireless head- sories. (For phones. (For more more info, call 800-443-2387) info, circle 112 on the Reader Service Card). SMART AMP Y Soundstream’s C-3 THX A/V Preamp/Controller with an RC-3 “smart” remote ($1,500) should integrate well with almost any combination of loudspeakers. It has three center-channel modes, a Dolby Pro-Logic decoder and a surround-chan- nel delay that is adjustable from 15 to 30 milliseconds. A precision test microphone and a built-in sound level indicator allow optimal calibration without extra equipment. The remote can be programmed to control up to 10 components, including room lights. (For more info, circle 103 on ;7 the Reader Service Card) FOREIGN AFFAIR 4 Ten-Lab’s Multicombo I! ($3,100) is a top-of-the-line combination 20-inch TVCR which combines a complete NTSC system with one that can playback, transfer and record to or from PAL and SECAM. A built-in digital converter and timebase corrector improve picture signal stabilization, while four video heads and VHS hi- fi stereo sound will bring your friends and relations abroad that much closer. (For more info, circle 110 on the Reader Service Card) SOUND CANON Y Canon's S-C10 Center Channel Loudspeaker ($199) incorporates a grille tweeter design, which Canon says produces smooth high-frequency response. The S-C10 can be used with most surround-sound receivers or processors. (For more info, 9 oe circle 111 on the Reader aN Service Card) MASTER MESSAGE TAKER4 Minolta’s Master C-513 VHS-C camcorder ($1,195) combines easy shooting with practicality. With its color LCD screen, it can see duty as a camera, a video message taker, a video player or a TV (with optional tuner). You can see and record yourself with the LCD in the regular position, or flip it up and use it as a large color viewfinder. (For more info, circle 105 on the Reader Service Card) VIDEO JANUARY 1995

Event, Deskt op, High-End Consum er & Small BusiinnesnsuGusTVIG19e8e4 From the publisher of Video Magazine comes a new publication for the professional videographer, desktop video editor and small-business entrepreneur. KY-19 Coming i ayrst nard-ed ee and analysts ees | «pro cam a oe WViAdReEoShRopEV2.J0EW THE VIDEOGRAPHERS esuccess stories reUTT e VIDEO PRO is a major new publication covering the latest in pro equipment — from cameras to DTV software, from VTRs to computer storage systems, from video accessories to editing software. What else? New and noteworthy products. Hands-on hardware and software evaluations. Inspiring success stories. Practical business advice. Technical how-to. All this and more, month after month after month. Lock in your savings now. VIDEO PRO becomes a free-standing publication with the February 1995 issue. aE Sub-scribe at the special pre- publication price of only SH, $23.97 a year (less than $2 an EMYSTIFYING issue) — a savings of almost 50% DESKTOP VIDEO off the newsstand price. But act Thspaneofthao | NOW. This special offer ends ™ | January 31, 1995 | For faster service call | toll free 1-800-365-1008.

HANDS-ON | TEST Big and little subwoofers, and a special-effects gem. Definitive PowerField 1800 | I tried the PowerField 1800 and a I did, the PowerField and the & AMC B1-20 subwoofers | pair of B1-20s in Video Magazine’s Counterpoints produced some of the | 5,500-cubic-foot home theater room, best, loudest sound I’ve heard from any eo cececcccccscseses with Counterpoint home theater speak- | speakers at any price. If you have bass- When the largest and smallest powered ers handling the highs. My first listen to less minispeakers like NHT SuperZeros, subwoofers I’ve tried landed on our the PowerField 1800 showed it is indeed | though, I seriously doubt you'll get their loading dock, I couldn’t resist seeing a Godzilla-esque, take-no-prisoners, | tiny woofers to blend with the how they’d compare. Would it be a | rompin’-stompin’ couch shaker. Turned | PowerField’s 18-inch driver. David and Goliath upset? Or a Bambi | up only a quarter of the way, it provided The pair of B1-20 subs, however, let vs. Godzilla rout? | usable response to between 20 and 25 me achieve an almost perfect blend on The PowerField 1800 my first try. This is probably by Definitive Technology because using two subs packs a huge 18-inch dri- | helps cancel the effects of ver and a 500-watt ampli- | fier. Its crossover offers | line-level operation (con- | nected between your | room modes, natural reso- processor and amp, or nances that emphasize plugged into your receiv- some bass notes and con- er’s preamp/amp loop) or sume others. But in our big room, even two Bl-20s couldn’t muster the needed speaker-level operation oomph. The response fell off quickly below 40 Hz, (connected between your and the Bl-20s distorted amp or receiver and your at Dolby reference level. main speakers). Boom Boxes: Definitive’s PowerField 1800 (left) and AMC’s B1-20 subwoofer. (Less costly subs like the Energy AS-90 and the On the other hand, = unless your home theater is a atk Hertz in our room. It wasn’t as punchy | NHT SW-2P have proven up to the closet, you'll probably want two of the | as ultra-fast subs like the B&W THX | task.) AMC B1-20s, because the sub’s tiny, | model, but its sound seemed more musi- However, the B1-20s sounded great eight-inch driver and 50-watt amp don’t | cal and natural. I loved it. at moderate volumes, with very smooth play very low or very loud. The B1-20s | It proved difficult, though, to match response throughout the mid- and offer only line-level (RCA) connec- | its response to that of the Counterpoint upper-bass regions. In rooms under tions. I groaned when I unpacked them, | speakers. The PowerField’s big driver 2,500 cubic feet, and at neighbor-pleas- wondering where I could scrounge starts to sound a bit bloated above ing volumes, their small size and non- interconnect cables long enough to run about 70 Hz, and the Counterpoint’s | tweaky setup makes them attractive, from the processor to the sub and back. response falls off below 60 Hz. It took | although $750 is a steep price for such a But AMC thoughtfully includes enough hours of experimenting with the small sub and you really need two. Steer decent-quality cable so you can place crossover and the sub’s position in the | clear of the B1-20 if you like it loud. the sub up to 15 feet from your rack. | room to achieve a good blend. But once -Brent en Rometiager!xTransit found in many multimedia F/X Maker: xTransit’s interface, morphs and special effects. For Windows presentations. xTransit’s system require- Designed for multimedia work, Rome- Black’s xTransit allows you to perform | ments are listed as a 386 PC image transitions like morphs and other with at least 4 megabytes of special effects, which can be then copied either to Microsoft’s Video for RAM, Windows 3.1 or high- Windows format (.AVI) or to popular er, and a 256-color VGA dis- graphics formats like .BMP .PCX, play. I noticed occasional .TGA, .GIR or .TIE Many can be sluggishness with 400 x 400 blended together to create exotic transi- tions and effects. You can’t get NT'SC- pixel or larger files on my quality video from xTransit, but you can 486/66 use it for the digital video windows PC with | 16 MB of RAM, so if you install |xTransit on a 386 computer, continued on page 42 20 VIDEO JANUARY 1995

| a introduces the WJ-AVE7 Digital Video Mixer. With Luminance Keying and over 100 special effects, it makes your videos especially effective. Think of the new Panasonic WJ-AVE7 Video Mixer as a way to turbo- charge Dual PIP your imagination. Its sophisticated technology lets you do almost anything you can imagine at a price that’s so afforda- ble it’s unimaginable. For instance, its Luminance Keying feature lets you alter reality by superimposing video images. Its auto take feature creates flawless transitions, auto- matically. Add dual picture-in-pic- ture, a color corrector, over 100 digital effects, a built-in audio mixing board and the optional video titler, WJ-TTL7, and this Panasonic Video Mixer lets you do almost anything you can conceive. And unlike other sys- tems, the WJ-AVE7’'s digital synchronizer lets you dissolve or wipe between any 2 NTSC signals. And our AV Mixer can do even more—to find out how much more, speak to your nearest Panasonic RBUDim Dealer, at 1-800-365-1515, TV picture simulated. ext. 333. a “INSTEAD OF YO W4J-AVES Damen just slightly ahead of our time.®

THEATER :)ina? oo ii a a Ris Sie SE: BY FRANK BEACHAM Home theater headphones with a gyroscopic twist For movie buffs who don’t have the a viewing session by adjusting the head- vidual receivers in the lobby. When a space to outfit a room with proper set for a proper fit, then looking toward listener held receivers from each micro- speakers for home theater viewing, Sony the screen. You then press a button, phone to his ears, the result was stun- has created a new personal headphone locking this position in as the center. ningly realistic three-dimensional system designed to simulate a surround From this point, the Orbit’s gyroscope sound. It was called binaural, which sound environment. The VIP-1000 reacts to each degree of physical head simply means “hearing with two ears.” Orbit Video headphones ($699) is the movement by changing the perspective Binaural technology is simple in its first consumer listening device to com- of the audio to cue your ears to move- fundamentals. The recording micro- bine 360-degree binaural audio tech- ment away from the center of the phone is shaped like a human head and nology with a gyroscopic positioning action. has capsules embedded at the position system to place the listener in a virtual The Orbit headphones embody a of each ear. The concept is that if a envelope of sound. It consists of head- blend of some very old and very new sound is recorded in this fashion and phones, a standalone digital signal audio technologies. To create the 360- played back on headphones, a listener processor and an_ infrared will experience the same transmitter. The headphones acoustic pressures at the are designed for movie watch- eardrum positions as would ing, since the chief idea is to have occurred naturally. In create a home theater experi- this manner, the binaural ence for a single listener using technique yields a dramatic a pair of headphones. spatial quality not found in Traditional headphones traditional stereo sound. are unable to duplicate the For the past five years, a audio imaging of speakers Sony engineering team in because much of the spatial Japan has worked with a localization is missing. dummy head set up in front of Typically, when we clamp a a pair of stereo speakers to pair of headphones over our measure the delay times asso- ears, the brain doesn’t experi- ciated with different frequen- ence the normal time delays cies. The goal was to acquire that cue it to the directions data to create software that from which sounds are arriv- could take sound from any ing. This missing sonic infor- video source, monaural or mation results in a sensation stereo, and convert it to bi- that the sound is closed in or naural form. The simulated trapped inside the head. binaural sound would serve as Using digital signal pro- the basis of a 3-D headphone cessing and a design that system that would give a lis- allows the Orbit’s transducers tener the illusion of hearing to rest about an inch away speakers. from the ears, the Sony head- Only recently, however, phones begin their spatial could such a product be man- gymnastics by attempting to ufactured. Two developments duplicate the aural environ- made it possible-the finite ment of stereo speakers in a 9 impulse response (FIR) x 12 foot room. From this Simulated Surround: Orbit headphones, which include a digital processor processor and the gyroscope. starting point, a listener can and an infrared transmitter, duplicate the imaging effect of speakers. — The FIR chip, prior to Orbit, use the Orbit’s controls to was used only in professional expand the apparent size and reflections degree surround sound effect inside a audio mixing consoles and processing of this virtual space through additional pair of headphones, Sony engineers equipment. The gyroscope, which is processors and reverb. returned to one of the oldest dimen- actually a vibrating crystal that senses To prevent a viewer from becoming sional sound techniques. It’s called bi- movement, was used first in Sony’s disoriented in a sea of unanchored naural sound and it dates back to 1881 Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) sys- sounds, Orbit breaks new ground by when an engineer named Clement Ader tem. Later, it became the basis for the employing an electronic gyroscope to decided to use the Paris Opera House to electronic image stabilizers in Sony and ensure that the sounds always have a demonstrate three-dimensional sound Canon camcorders. “center.” And the center position is the reproduction. Ader set up a pair of TV screen. In Orbit, the FIR processor is used closely spaced telephone transmitters to convert any signal source into a sim- When you turn Orbit on, you begin on the stage, and linked them to indi- continued on page 42 MLEOSRSIL 22 VIDEO JANUARY 1995

SAMSUNG Look Ma, No Wires. A Marriage of Convenience. Hang-ups about A TV and VCR need each other. So hookups? No Samsung united them. As a result, problem. Just you live happily ever after. plug in the : The Perfect Babysitter. Combo and it’s The Combo rewinds and replays ready to go. tapes automatically. And it won't eat all your snacks or call U eS boyfriends named Ridge. A Great Game Plan. The Combo is kid-friendly. Video input jacks are up front, not way in the back. So playing games is all fun, no work. SAMSUNG samme THE SAMSUNG 'T'VCR COMBO. How CONVENIENT. If we made the Samsung TVCR Combo any more convenient, we'd have to watch it for you. The Combo is more than just a TV. It’s a TV with a built-in VCR. And it has the features that every couch potato loves. On-screen programming. Video input jacks. Auto repeat. Auto tracking. TECHNOLOGY THAT WORKS And full-function remote. ites Hate wiring? We do too. That’s why the TVCR sets up anywhere with a single plug. And whether you choose the 13\" or 19\" screen, it’ll look great wherever you put it. We've even made it easy for you to learn more about the Combo and find the Samsung dealer nearest you. Just call 1-800-SO-SIMPLE (1-800-767-4675), ext. 303. ELECTRONICS CSR7oaieenradcvdl.iecre

CAMCORNER BY CLIFF ROTH Filters & adapters— low-tech solutions for high-tech effects. Manipulating video images using com- shooting at the docks on a clear sunny from the sky, the ground, nearby walls, puters and other high-tech digital toys day, but wish you had a more misty, etc. Flare can sometimes be a desirable may be the sexiest way to achieve spe- mysterious underworld look, a fog filter effect, such as when shooting a car dri- cial effects, but you can also alter video is just the ticket. For maximum effect, ving off into the sunset. images effectively and inexpensively try a double fog filter. Outdoor shots can also be improved using a variety of low-tech lens filters A polarizing filter can make clouds with sky and haze filters, also called UV and adapters. These devices alter the appear more visible, and reduce reflect- filters. They reduce the blue haze that image at the source, before the light ed glare from windows, lakes, chrome appears in the distance on clear days. even enters the lens. Long the province and other shiny surfaces. Many still The filter also protects the surface of of still photographers and cinematogra- photographers leave polarizing filters on your camcorder’s lens. It’s better to phers, they work equally well on cam- their cameras all the time because of the scratch a $10 throwaway filter than a corders. Even better, they’re widely slight visual improvement it creates. permanently mounted lens that would available, relatively inexpensive, and Rotating the filter in front of the lens cost hundreds of dollars, and a trip to deliver proven results. They screw into varies the effect, especially for glare the repair shop, to replace. the front of the lens, and most cam- problems. So some experimentation is A neutral density (ND) filter darkens corders include the appropriate threads. needed to find the best setting. the image without otherwise changing it. Thread size varies from When shooting out- about 45- to 60mm doors in bright light, it in diameter, and the can give you better number is usually control over the cam- printed on the lens. corder’s aperture set- Filters and adap- ting (even though the ters are also fun to use MADE IN JAPAN=PAT.P iris is automatic), and and easy to experi- thus over the depth of ment with. Perhaps field. ND filters are the most fun I ever calibrated in f-stops of had with a filter was light reduction. An during a shoot for a ND-1 filter, for exam- home shopping come- ple, requires the aper- dy segment in which a ture to open up by rhinestone-studded one f-stop. porcelain “collec- Color filters, espe- table” was spinning cially in the orange, around on a_ slow yellow and red range, turntable I built. This can give videos a cliched situation warmer look, which called for a star filter might be helpful for to make the faux dia- shooting sunsets. Se- monds scatter rays of When Lens Is More: Add versatility to shoots with Lenmar’s QuickClip telephoto (top left) and pia filters can give light as the figurine wide-angle (bottom ody adapters, and Ambico’s two-lens-in-one Mini Auto Eh (right). your video the look of swiveled. an old movie. (You Star filters are measured by how Speaking of glare, one of the most can play‘with your white balance con- many rays can be made to emanate from useful lens accessories you can add is a trol for similar effects.) Gradient filters a point of light. The most common are lens hood. It’s a tube that extends about let you alter just part of a picture; for four-, six- and eight-point star filters. an inch in front of the lens’ surface, or example, by adding orange to the sky in You frequently see them at work in as far as possible without vignetting the a sunset shot without affecting the high-gloss TV specials, such as award edges of the picture. Its purpose is to ground. Color and fog filters with clear ceremonies, beauty pageants and vari- reduce or eliminate the stray light that centers are also available, as are zanier ety shows—events where stage lights are causes glare and flares. Professional cin- filters that create kaleidoscopic multi- visible in the frame. They’re also used to ematographers say that 90 precent of all images and rainbow effects. add romance to candlelight dinners in outdoor images can be improved just by To get a clear sense of the effects fil- soap operas and dramas. adding a hood. ters create, check out Which Filter Lens flare is the repetition of ghost Should I Use?, a videocassette that FOG, FLARE AND GLARE images of the camera’s iris. It usually shows examples of filters in action. It’s resembles a series of hexagonal white available from Tiffen (800-645-2522 for Steamy romance scenes can also be spots. Flare is caused by direct light, a Tiffen dealer), a major filter manufac- enhanced, optically speaking, by putting turer, for $24.95. a fog filterin front of the lens. If you're usually from the sun, while glare is caused by more subtle reflected light continued on page 43 24 VIDEO JANUARY 1995

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BY RODERICK WOODCOCK The Academy for the Advancement of Your technical High End Audio believes that great queries answered sound provides the vital difference between “merely good” and the [i]: noticed that some brands of the stereo capabilities of the format, but “best” home theatre systems. Getting blank videotape are labelled because the two audio channels are eas- the sound right is a simple process, ily dubbed and replaced, either together really, if you follow our advice. *stereo” and that others are not. This or one at a time, without having to dis- First, the better audio stores under- hasn’t been a problem for me up to now turb the video signal, which resides in a stand sound better than the mass because I don’t have a stereo VHS separate part of the tape. market retailers who sell the most VCR. But I’m going to be getting one video equipment. You probably soon. Should I buy only stereo video- If this is a little more than you want- won't pay more for getting much bet- tape to use in it? ter “sound advice.” ed to know about stereo recording, just Second, insist on a good demonstra- R. J. Simmons remember, any name-brand videotape tion. If the store can’t perform a con- Denver, Colorado will record in VHS hi-fi, as will the so- vincing demo, you should at least called bargain brands. But better quali- suspect that store’s ability to pro- fySome tape manufacturers continue ty tape will always give you better qual- vide the best system for your home to exploit consumer misunder- ity recordings, in terms of both audio (and money). and video. Third, expect to be impressed and be standing Be the way that stereo a critic. Trust your eyes and ears. sound is recorded in video. While there A friend lent me a copy of a British Remember, shopping for the best may be good videotape and bad video- wl video magazine he brought back equipment is a matter of shopping tape, all videotape is capable of record- from a trip to England. One article in it for the best dealer. The better deal- ing stereo audio. that caught my eye claims that the let- ers generally carry the better brands. ters VHS originally referred to the More importantly, the complexity of This includes the split-track stereo phrase vertical helical scanning, which these larger, multi-channel home audio system that was much more was later changed to Video Home theatre systems requires a greater prevalent a decade ago (and which is System at the time the format was emphasis on expertise which the still used on many industrial VHS introduced for sale. Is there any truth to better stores provide. machines) as well as the VHS hi-fi sys- this report? You'll get it right, the first time! tem, which just celebrated its tenth anniversary in 1994. In each case, it is Mike J. Clarke Chris Browder, B&W Loudspeakers, the design of the VCR, not the video- President of the Academy for the tape, that determines whether the Santa Monica, California Advancement of High End Audio machine can record in stereo. []:.- collected thousands of THE ACADEMY For the rare split-track machines FOR THE that are still around, this means that brochures, technical papers, press two tiny audio heads record a pair of ADVANCEMENT very narrow longitudinal tracks in a releases, books and magazines about OF space that’s only one millimeter wide near the top edge of the videotape. video, and spoken to representatives of This column is presented by The Academy for the Ad- Since the fidelity that was provided by vancement of High End Audio, an organization dedi- this earlier system was very low, due to JVC, Sony, Panasonic and most other cated to the recognition of excellence and the promo- the low linear speed of the tape, JVC tion of greater awareness of high end audio. developed the much better VHS hi-fi major video companies. In all that time, format, which records the audio signal beneath the video signal, using cus- I’ve never come across the phrase verti- tomized rotating audio heads that tra- verse the entire width of the tape just cal helical scanning as an early term for ahead of the video heads. VHS. In fact, JVC’s own history of the One of the problems with this for- mat, however, is that since the audio format always refers to VHS as the signal is buried beneath the video sig- nal, it’s not possible to replace the audio Video Home System, and that’s what it without also replacing the video. This process makes post-production work was called in the matrix design drawn difficult because it necessitates a loss of one video generation if the entire tape up in 1976 when VHS was in develop- is dubbed to replace or mix the audio. ment. In my view, the phrase vertical Ironically, this is why the technolog- ically inferior split-track system survives helical scanning as the original meaning on industrial VCRs. It’s not so much for of VHS is an ingenius but apocryphal derivation. . Address questions to Q&A, Video Mag- azine, 460 West 34 Street, New York, NY 10001; or fax questions to 212- 947-6727 after 5 p.m., EST, weekdays, or all day on weekends; or send via CompuServe to 75147,1255 or via the Internet to 75147.1255@compuserve .com. Questions may be edited for space. 26 VIDEO JANUARY 1995

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POWER PAUSE REW/S FF/@ REC/TIME i By Timothy Liebe PANASSO-NVIHSC VPCVR-S4480__ with one notable exception, just what The PV-S4480 S-VHS you'd expect from a VCR in this price VCR is Panasonic’s top- ececccos range. There are linear audio and of-the-line model for video/hi-fi audio dub so you can per- consumer VCRs. Similar PRICE: $1,099 form insert edits, a jog/shuttle wheel on in design to the PV-4464 (“Videotests,” Sept. ‘94), the 4480 incorporates V-RATING: VY¥VVV\\ the unit itself and on the remote to cue advanced editing features that the up visual edits precisely, and flying erase lower-end model lacked, as well as a BETTER —} heads for glitch-free cuts. built-in timebase corrector (TBC) for PICTURE The exceptional feature is the cleaning unstable images. With a sug- SOUND gested price of $1,099, the unit has FEATURES 4480's ability to play back sound while been designed for video hobbyists and- VALUE in jog/shuttle search, provided you’ve low-end professionals. set it up to play back linear audio only the automatic/manual audio record and you're shuttling at above-normal At first glance the 4480 appears to level controls, and the TBC on/off tape speed. This should help you search have few controls on the front except switch. Regrettably, there’s no S-Video out sound cues, although it would be for power and eject buttons and a more useful if it could also play back input jack in front. That’s in back, audio at below-normal speeds so you Multiburst waveforms for S-VHS (left) and VHS along with the A/V outputs. could set sound as well as picture edit (right) signals show the superiority of S-VHS. points. But then that’s another story. jog/shuttle dial. Hidden, however, Editing features on the 4480 are, We’re glad to see this unusual feature. behind a panel on the left-hand side of the unit are all the basic VCR controls, SPECS AND | locking/non-locking 9x, Cable Tuning Range: | unweighted video 43.9, along with standard VHS audio/video 5A, 2 to 13, Ato W, AA to SP; 44.3, SLP; weighted in jacks, audio and video dub buttons, MEASUREMENTS | SP; 13x, LP; 27x, SLP; EEE, Ultraband 65 to 94, video 48.1, SP; 47.2, A-5 to A-1, Ultraband 100 SLP; unweighted video 28 VIDEO JANUARY 1995 | variable with shuttle dial to 125 44.8, SP; 44.3, LP; 44.4, c SLP; weighted video PVMLEHIOSODRTESOI Weight & Size (h/w/d): Fast Forward/Rewind Timer: 8-event/1-month 47.3, SP; 49.9, LP; 46.4, 9.9 pounds; 3-1/2 x 17 x SLP; chroma AM 49.4, 11-1/2 inches Time: approx. 2-1/2 min. | Clock/Timer Battery SP; 44.2, LP; 42.4, SLP; for 120 min. tape Backup: about 4 hours chroma PM 41.3, SP; 38.2, LP; 39 SLP Power Use: 28 Watts Edit Protocol: Key Features: TBC, digi- tal auto picture, jog/shut- Audio Frequency synchro edit tle dial, synchro edit, Response: hi-fi 20 Hz-20 VCR Plus+, time search, Jacks: front input video, | auto daylight savings kHz, +0.7/-0.1 dB; linear | time, head cleaner 70 Hz-9 kHz, SP; 70 Hz- left audio, right audio; | Remote Control: 4 kHz, LP; 70 Hz-4 kHz ase sae R aces IR wireless with video, left and right audio; | ; j rear output RF, S-video, —— video, left and right audio; Program Start rear bi-directional synchro | {oeator/index/Cue: edit index with auto mark RESULTS SLP Hi-Fi Dynamic Range: Tape Format & Speeds: |audio: linear mono Horizontal Resolution: 82.3 dB linear audio S-VHS 400 lines; [SP-.VHSSLP SP, SLP; VHS SP, | hii-ffii AFAFM stereo 4 VHS 250 lines SIN: 40.4 dB y Preset Method: S/N Ratios (dB): Audio Distortion: hi-fi Video/FE Heads: 4/1 automatic channel set 0.3%; linear 0.8% Cue & Review Search: plus add/delete

_ TESTSBY BERGER-BRAITHWAITE LABS The only edit control protocol that HITACHI Hi8 CAMCORDER Waveform patterns show that Hi8 signal (left) the 4480 recognizes the Panasonic syn- chro edit, which slaves both the record By Timothy Liebe delivers greater detail than 8mm signal (right). and playback decks to each other, pro- vided both units have the same synch The second of Hitachi’s end features. polarity, which effectively means both new Hi8 camcorders, the The H59A’s overall picture quali- VCRs were built by Matsushita, VM-H59A, is the less Panasonic’s parent company. Although expensive (and more vul- ty is better than you'll get from any it may be a bit presumptous, I wish nerable) cousin to its water- and shock- standard 8mm or VHS camcorders. But Panasonic had designed the 4480 to resistant H-71A camcorder. The H59A it looks a little below average for Hi8. recognize either 8mm’s widely-used is offered as an entry-level Hi8 cam- The horizontal resolution is low for a LANC protocol, or its own industrial corder for those ready to move up from line’s Control-M editing protocol. standard 8mm or VHS camcorders. It is unit of this format and colors are some There’s also an assemble edit feature a mostly automatic, high-end format what muted. There’s a tendency , | which, ironically, requires that the 4480 model that carries the low suggested toward chrominance noise and bleed price of $1,299. To facilitate ease of use, with saturated colors, and the continued on page 40 it offers a color LCD viewfinder, auto- image is vulnerable to low-light focus, auto white balance and electron- ic image stabilization (EIS). Its continued on page 36 strengths include surprisingly good audio and a couple of unexpected high- PRICE: $1,299 V- RATING: BETTER Ss PICTURE | SOUND FEATURES | VALUE BD 4 e es @ s&s | RATINFGOSR GOITVHEENR ARHiEs RCEALMACTIOVREDETROSTHOSE wwe HE SiS VM-H59A ELECTRONIC IMAGE STABILIZER t— auTosman— -O-

VIDEO BB SR OUR RE lr Cae cme maven ivino f WGT GO LORRI InCRTEM By Brent Butterworth PRICE: $79V9VVV buttons (as with some Pioneer players). Laserdisc players chal- Instead it should produce clean search- lenge even the best engi- V-RATING: BETTER —> ing on CAVs at all speeds, with no neers. The machines must flashing. Still, you can get clean search- spin heavy discs at up to PICTURE ing by using one of the shuttle dials. 1,800 rpm while focusing on microscop- There’s one on the front panel and one ic pits that move at speeds as high as 90 SOUND on the remote. feet per second. That’s why most com- panies that sell laserdisc players don’t FEATURES || I prefer using search buttons to make their own. Instead, they rely on VALUE | the shuttle dial, and I believe most larger companies, most often Pioneer. 12345 people feel the same way. Using the The Marantz LV-510 laser combi shuttle ring is a two-handed job. player shows just such a Pioneer her- RATINGS ARE RELATIVE TO THOSE Using the buttons is easier. Leaving itage. Hardcore gearheads might notice FOR OTHER COMBI PLAYERS out the buttons was evident with it strongly resembles the Pioneer CLD- Pioneer players last year, too. I hope D503. The only differences are that the you to employ still frames, slow motion, Pioneer changes this on its 1995 play- LV-510 uses Marantz’s own digital-to- speed play and clear search on CLV ers, and that this doesn’t become an analog convertors for the audio stage, discs, by far the most common disc type. industry trend. and it has RCA jacks to relay remote (Any laserdisc player will give you these control commands between Marantz effects on CAV discs.) Instead of digital The LV-510 has a dedicated draw- and Philips components. (Pioneer has a er for CDs that slides out when you similar system called SR, which uses effects, the LV-510 offers clear scan activate its CD Direct mode. This 1/8-inch minijacks and works only with which shows flashing still frames in for- cuts a few seconds off the loading time Pioneer components.) ward and reverse search modes. This because the CD drawer opens faster looks better than the rolling, noisy CLV than the laserdisc drawer. The CD Waveform pattern for Marantz LV-510 shows search on some laserdisc players. Direct mode also shuts off all the excellent high-frequency output. video circuitry to keep it from inter- However, the LV-510 also produces fering with the sound. The LV-510, at $799, occupies the the clear scan effect on CAV discs when middle strata of laserdisc players—those you use the forward and reverse scan continued on page 37 offering automatic side-changing, but not digital effects. Digital effects enable SPECS AND CDV 5-inch; CD 5- & 3- Program Start Locator/ | Picture S/N in dB: MEASUREMENTS inch Index/Cue: CAV frame unweighted luminance Weight & Dimensions Play Speed Select: (h/w/d): 17.7 pounds; 5- automatic or chapter; CLV/CDV/CD §2.3, weighted lumi- 1/2 x 17 x 17 inches Rapid Search: time or chapter/track; all nance 55.5, unweighted Power Use: 40 Watts by time/frame, chapter/track, point A-B point A, programmed video 48.3; weighted Jacks: front -1 stereo headphone; rear-1 S- Remote Control: IR chapter/ track, or random video 54.7; chroma AM video, 2 each for video, wireless with shuttle dial left and right audio, 1 chapter track 51.9; chroma PM 46 RC-5 input, 1 RC-5 out- Cue & Review Search: put, 1 optical digital out- approx. 5x, 10x, 20x Hi-Fi AFM Audio: Audio Frequency put stereo or 2 independent Response: digital 10 Counter Digits/ tracks Hz-20 kHz, +0.0/-1 dB; Disc Formats & Memory: CAV frame 5; analog 20 Hz-20 kHz, Speeds: LD 12- & 8- CLV/CDVICD time 4 Digital Audio: stereo or +3.3/-2.2 dB inch, CAV and CLV; (mins: secs.); 2 independent tracks chapter/track 2 plus Dynamic Range: visual calendar up to 19; Key Features: auto 88.6 dB memory points A & B side-changing, CD direct mode, clear scan Audio S/N: analog 72.6 dB RESULTS Audio Distortion: digital Horizontal Resolution: less than 0.003%; ana- 410 lines log 0.03% 30 VIDEO JANUARY 1995

$5.0E0!! (and you don’t even have to buy our cables!) It's true: XLO Electric Company's popularly-priced XLO/VDO™ brand cables for home entertainment™ are so much better than what your system probably now uses that, once you learn about them, we think you'll want to own them. That's why, ifyou fill out the coupon printed below, take itto any authorized XLO/VDO dealer, and ask him to tell you about XLO/VDO, the best and only complete line of cables for every audio, video, and Home Theatre application, we'll have him take five bucks off the purchase price of anything at all that you buy from him—regardless of what itis,or what brand it may be. We'll even pay him to do you the courtesy. (Check out the fine print in the coupon, below.) If XLO/VDO weren't really \"The Best in the World,\" do you think we could afford to make this offer? Visit your authorized ' Yes. Iwant $5.00 Free!|| | XLO/VDO dealer today! I'm going to complete this coupon, take itto my authorized XLO/VDO | XLO Electric Company, Inc. dealer, ask about new XLO/VDO cables, and get $5.00 off anything at all | that |buy from him, no matter what itisor what brand itmay be! 9480 Utica Street, Suite 612, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730 | Phone (909) 466-0382, FAX (909) 466-3662 Name Bee Address || | Telephone | Mr. Dealer, XLO Electric Co., Inc. promises to pay you $5.00 plus 50 cents handling for each completed | coupon that you send us. Coupons are subject to check for validity. Only one coupon may be redeemed per customer. Offer is not valid outside the continental United States, and expires December 31, 1994. |

VID EOWETE SONY 8MM CAMCORDER SPECS AND for 50 IRE units for video, and mono mode AE, beep warning MEASUREMENTS | audio By Stewart Applegath Auto Fade: to or from RESULTS Sony’s CCD-FX730V black or mosaic Tap~e cefFormatl & pee Speed: 8mm _ camcorder has | Horizontal Resolution: responded well to the Weight & Size (h/w/d): Shutter Speeds (sec.): o Pu camera 330 lines; challenge offered by the 2.5 pounds; 4-1/2 x 4-5/8 | normal and twilight 1/60, recorder 240-250 lines; Sharp ViewCam. Though Sony has yet x 10-1/4 inches | portrait 1/60-1/2,000; Video/FE Heads: 4/1 LCD screen 240-250 to produce a camcorder that relies Power Use: 6 VDC, 7.5 | sports 1/60-1/500; high exclusively on a large color LCD screen, Watts | speed 1/4,000 Edit Search: 1x | mee the FX730V is a solid fusion of multiple viewing possibilities. Additionally, Sony Image Sensor: 1/3-inch White Balance: auto Cue & Review Search: | SIN Ratios (dB): has thrown in a great 8mm picture, a CCD, 270,000 pixels 12x zoom and some handy practical Viewfinders: 3-inch color 9x/7x noted vdeo 0. features such as a sliding lens cover and Lens: f/1.8; 12x (5.4- | LCD, and B&W electronic 64.8mm), 2-speed zoom | Fast Forward/Rewind | chroma AM 42.4: chroma Multiburst pattern for the Sony FX730V shows sports-type with diopter very good detail for an 8mm signal. Filter Diameter: 52mm Time: 6-1/2 for 120 min. rE Viewfinder Controls: inputs for headphones and an external Minimum Focusing LCD screen brightness, tape Audio Frequency microphone. Distance: WA -1/2 inch; color and hue, diopter | Response: 40 Hz-7.55 tele-32 inches focus, positioning WRneBmloetese Control: IR By combining a_ side-mounted, aktHz2,0 +H0z.,1/--63.1dBd;B -a1t1.260dB swing-out color LCD screen, a tradi- Microphone: electret Analog Audio: linear tional black-and-white viewfinder and none; hi-fi AFM stereo | kHz an external audio monitor, the $999 Auto Focus: TTL inner condenser | Key Features: LCD | FX730V gives you a number of new | screen, speaker with vol- | Hi-Fi Dynamic Range: shooting and playback options. You may focus wide macro system | Jacks: mic, stereo- ume control, frame advance, 1/5x slow 68.2 dB Minimum Illumination: | | phones, LANC, DC for rated 2 lux; measured 3.2 | RFU; switchable in/out motion, auto rewind, 5- | Audio Distortion: 0.3% be comfortable shooting the way you izontal movement, about 120 and 180 always have, but maybe you’d like to be degrees respectively. While it’s not pos- able to see, or show friends, the results sible to turn it far enough to simultane- on the spot? Perhaps you want an LCD continued on page 38 for shooting low or high angles? Perhaps you worry about shooting outside on SONY CCD-FX730V CAMCORDEF bright days, where the sun tends to wash LCD screens out? These seem to PRICE: $1,000 be the questions Sony considered in designing the FX730V. V-RATING: VVVV» The camcorder looks like Sony’s BETTER —> other family-series models until you pop out the three-inch LCD screen. It’s PICTURE mounted on a very solid coupling that allows a wide range of vertical and hor- SOUND FEATURES aie 32 VIDEO JANUARY 1995

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Playback For Me: | The remote control for Aiwa’s VX-S201 features a one-touch playback button for viewing recordings. By Cliff Roth PRICE: $1,100 not think twice about hooking up a hi- fi VCR to a monitor/receiver, using the Aiwa’s VX-S201 is a sur- V-RATING: VVV standard yellow, white and red line prisingly capable, high input/output connections. But many BETTER —P people miss the benefit of hi-fi sound quality, compact combi- from their VCRs because they use the nation unit that helps PICTURE simpler RF connection. For them, this redefine exactly what these all-in-one Aiwa TVCR will make hi-fi videocas- systems can do. The TV/VCR category SOUND settes come sonically alive. Even began by combining the most basic, no- videophiles can appreciate its other frills components—usually a 13-inch FEATURES TV with a simple monaural VCR. For Waveform pattern for VCR in VX-S201 shows VALUE picture detail typical for VHS machines. serious video, the early models were not worth considering. But this $1,100 20- 1 >34 5 advantages. For example, just slide a inch system teams an MTS stereo tape in and everything turns on auto- RATINGS ARE RELATIVE TO THOSE matically. Press record, and whatever receiver and monitor with a hi-fi VCR, FOR OTHER TVCRs. you're watching on TV gets taped. and a good deal of synergy flows from Aiwa’s innovative “one-touch play- the combination of the units. back” system makes viewing recordings made with the timer a breeze. Instead of Most Video Magazine readers would turning the TV on, turning the timer off, rewinding the tape, and pressing SPECS AND CATV 5A, A-5 to A-1, Ato Cue & Review Search: | Picture S/N Ratios (dB): play after it’s rewound—a time consum- SP 3x, EP 5x MEASUREMENTS | W:+11 (A-8), W+12 to unweighted video 46 SP, Fast Forward/Rewind 42.7 EP; weighted video W+84 Time: 4-1/3 min. for T-120 | 52.2 SP, 49.8 EP; chro- ma AM 44.9 SP, 38.2 EP; Weight & Size (hiw/d): Remote Control: IR Analog Audio: linear chroma PM 39.2 SP, 35.7 wireless with control of mono; hi-fi AFM stereo EP | 66 pounds: 20-3/4 x 21- |VCR and TV Timer: 4 event/1-year Audio Frequency 3/4 x 19-1/4 inches plus QTR | Response: TV 100 Hz- Inputs: front video, left Power Use: 150 Watts, audio and right audio; Key Features: one-touch 15 kHz; VCR hi-fi 20 Hz- max. rear RF, video, left audio playback, auto rewind off 7.5 kHz, +0.3/-3 dB, and right audio timer, caption decoder down -5.6 dB at 20 kHz; Screen Size: 20 inches with full text mode, VCR linear, -3 dB 50 Hz- repeat mode, control of S kHz SP, 50 Hz-4 kHz Aspect Ratio: 4 x 3 Outputs: rear video, left some Aiwa A/V equip- E Speaker Size: 4-3/4 x 2- audio and right audio ment from remote 3/8 inches oval Headphone Jack: front Hi-Fi Dynamic Range: stereo mini plug | RESULTS | 67.1 dB Type of Tuning: Quartz PLL frequency synthesis Internal Audio Amplifier Horizontal Resolution: | Linear Audio S/N: 44.3 Power: 5 Watts TV 410 lines; VCR 230- dB Preset Method: auto 240 lines preset plus add/erase Tape Speeds: SP, LP, Audio Distortion: EP | hi-fi 0.3%; linear 0.9% Channel Coverage: VHF 2 to 13, UHF 14-69, Video/FE Heads: 2/0 34 VIDEO JANUARY 1995

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ing sequence that can baffle the techno- quick access to playback. If there’s no phobic—pressing this one button does it all, automatically. This feature is built activity for five minutes, the mechanism into both the remote control and the panel under the screen, making things disengages. even easier to understand. The TV’s one-touch playback button lights up The layout of the remote control is whenever a recording has been made. a little quirky. The power button—usu- The timer system has four events. A noteworthy feature is its ability to ally near the top on most other record from the line input jacks, as well as from the built-in tuner. This is useful remotes—is at the bottom, next to the for making timer recordings from satel- lite dishes, a cable descrambler box, or volume control. The channel buttons, radio programs (VCRs have timers). usually located next to volume, are at The onscreen menu system is a bit the opposite end of the remote, near the cumbersome, but workable. Rather than making you scroll through selec- top, and these buttons are unusually tions (the way most contemporary small, considering their importance. Ken Busch, Vice President of Sales VCRs work), it presents the viewer with a series of multiple choice questions But it’s easy enough to get used to. The MV Va s¢clanete mimeyay.WAe(-)8mOre)gene requiring you to enter numbers. Thus, you press 2 for every day, 3 for Monday very top of the remote has several but- discusses wireless microphones. to Friday, 4 for Monday to Saturday, and tons for operating an Aiwa brand A/V What are the benefits of using a so on. wireless mic as opposed to the The sleep timer automatically shuts stereo receiver. camcorder's built-in mic? Styling is very attractive and com- The camera’s built-in mic is off both the TV and VCR, thus stop- extremely limited in that it picks ping the tape you’re watching, too. But pact. The law now requires that the up all sounds indiscriminately from around the camera, and usually you it takes some figuring out to use: it’s power/standby light stay illuminated, can't hear your subject’s voices clearly. A wireless mic eliminates this prob- called the “off timer,” and requires but it’s slightly distracting. If it bothers lem, giving you clear, sharp sound, all pressing three different buttons to acti- the way up to 300 feet or more. | vate—a needlessly complicated proce- you, cover it with tape. (There are also How reliable are today’s wire- dure. lights for record, timer record, and less mics? The video adjustments are old-fash- Today’s VHF wireless mics are tracking adjustment.) Grips on the sides very reliable. The original units | ioned rotary knobs for brightness, color, sold for videography were 49 MHz, hue, and picture located on the right of the set make it easy to carry. and it was very difficult to get con- side of the set. You can’t adjust the pic- sistent quality sound reproduction. ture using the remote. The tracking Picture quality is good to very good This was further complicated by the adjustments for the VCR are also not circuitry and poor shielding of some for a 20-inch screen. The corners are of the earlier camcorders. available on the remote; pushbuttons are available behind a hinged panel in very square, and the picture tube is ver- What are the important features and specs to look for when buy- front. tically flat; it appears to be a Trinitron- ing a wireless mic? For videography, it’s best to use a Two sets of A/V inputs are available; type tube (Aiwa is owned by Sony). wireless system that’s been one in front, and one in the back. A/V designed for use with video cameras output jacks are also provided in back, Horizontal resolution of the monitor and to get a two-channel system. In and there’s a stereo headphone mini- this way, if someone else is using one measured 410 lines, just good enough of your frequencies in the area, you can jack in front. switch to your second channel. Also, Absent from the televisionset is a for viewing high-quality laserdisc or Hi8 buy an established brand and not a cheap “knock-off.” Better to spend a second auxiliary antenna input. Living camcorder images. The monitor picture little more for a quality product than to in an apartment where I get both a mas- get something that may not be usable. ter antenna and a cable-T’V signal (and is free of excessive noise, has good considering the unit’s price), 1 found What are the benefits to using a depth, and is generally pleasing. dual-channel model as opposed this omission somewhat egregious, par- to a single-channel one? ticularly since many 20-inch monitor/ The VCR's picture performance is I believe the previous answer | receivers have dual antenna inputs. gives the best reason for getting good for the VHS format at SP tape a two-channel unit. Azden also However, tuner sensitivity seemed makes a “discrete” two-channel speed. But at EP speed, chroma noise receiver, the WR2-PRO. This is actu- good, based on subjective tests in a ally two receivers in one case, and high-signal strength urban environ- becomes more noticeable (as our tech- you can use two wireless mics simul- taneously. It is the only such unit on ment. As with vritually all TVCRs, nical tests confirmed). At rapid search the market. there’s only one tuner, so you can’t watch one program while taping a sec- speeds, the picture only appears clear JANUARY 1995 VIDEO 35 ond one. for recordings made at EP speed; with The Aiwa VCR lacks slow motion, editing features (such as audio dub), SP recordings wide noise bands appear and a real-time counter: It has the old- fashioned four-digit system. But it is during searching. otherwise equipped with a good selec- The hi-fi VCR provides very decent tion of features. The VCR keeps the tape loaded in the stop position for audio quality via the line input/output jacks, but its dynamic range and fidelity are a notch below the performance lev- els that would be obtained from a sepa- rate hi-fi VCR. The television has one speaker on each side, powered by five- watt amplifiers. They provide better audio than one might expect from an all-in-one component. No tonal adjust- ment is available. A monitor button on the remote lets you choose left, right, or stereo signals. Overall this is a very good TVCR. It’s priced slightly high when judged against comparable separate TV and VCR components, but then so are most TVCRs. This unit has clear advantages in simplicity and convenience. Besides the obvious uses of the VX- S201 in a bedroom, den, or guest room, the two sets of audio/video input jacks and its line-input timer capability could make the VX-S201 of particular interest to the video enthusiast. :

HoLDAtCyGwAToAoLDD continued from page 29 built-in stereo microphone is pretty good. There’s little discernible noise WE’RE THE graininess. from the tape transport, the autofocus The H59A’s electronic image stabi- or the zoom mechanisms, which is a LARGEST sign of good quality at this price level. lization feature softens the picture In addition, the microphone’s ability to LASER DISC noticeably. There is also an increase in WHOLESALER IN THE dot crawl, especially when dealing with pick up normal conversations, even at a brightly lit objects like neon signs, when U.S.A. the the stabilizer is engaged. I also distance of 12 feet, without drowning noticed a slight tremor in shots where I the voices in room tone is better than NOW offering held the camcorder as still as I could average. wholesale prices and fully zoomed out the lens with the EIS engaged, although to be fair no Not surprising, given the unit’s low to the consumer image stabilizers are intended to cost, is that the audio is analog AFM achieve a perfect degree of stability. only. Like so many other camcorder @®eeeeoeeeeeeeee | And I confess to being the original Mr. manufacturers, Hitachi chose not to Coffee-nerves. include external microphone or head- Over 7,000 titles phone jacks on the H59A, which limits in stock The autofocus system on the H59A your sound recording options | shows a tendency to hunt even when it call us toll free Audio/video output functions are from anywhere in the is fully zoomed out. However, the auto- handled by a proprietary 16-pin jack on focus has a manual override (making it (800) U9.S9.4a-tDISC the only automatic feature on the the camcorder’s right hand side, at the rx(714) 821-7458 | H59A with manual override). The two back just below the viewfinder, that manual control buttons are on the left requires a special cable that is packaged ecevecceecvcce with the unit. Should you lose or dam- NOW THROUGH hand side near the front, directly above age this cable, you'll have to purchase a MARCH 31, 1995 the fade and electronic stabilizer con- new cable for approximately $40 from trols. the manufacturer. RECEIVE 20% OFF ALL LASER DISCS, To disengage the autofocus, you Even though it’s billed as an entry have to push both buttons simultane- level Hi8 camcorder, the H59A offers INCLUDING THESE ously, then manipulate the buttons two special high-end features: a three- TWO HOT NEW much as you would an automatic zoom way fade control and a two-page titler. RELEASES!!! lens to focus up. While the idea of hav- Oddly, two of the three fades (including ing a manual focus that works like an the standard “fade in/out”) go to or from white instead of the normally used automatic zoom is a good one, putting it black. The only transition to black is a on the top of the camcorder opposite horizontal top-and-bottom wipe. the zoom controls might make more sense. Operating the titler requires using the small infrared remote that comes with the H59A. Remote controls are an increasingly standard accessory with camcorders, so I suppose it was inevitable that, as with many VCRs, |Hig/8mm, SP |: instant 1.5xzoom, digital Video/FE Heads:4/1 |PRZOOM ie iss |, Cue&Review Search: | 9x forward, 7x reverse Hie -RFeawsitinnFdorTwiarmde/:6iin. 10 Digital Hollywood Entertainment 36 VIDEO JANUARY 1995 6849 Via Sola Circle Buena Park, CA 90620 (800) 994-DISC (714) 821-7881 FAX (714) 821-7458 C1RSCoi2eanrracdvdl.iecre

manufacturers would include features coaxial on its high-end players; Philips that’s like racing a Geo Metro against a has always had it.) Porsche 911. But in the case of the $799 on the remote that aren’t also accessible LV-510, it was more like pitting a Toyota This player has the usual pro- Supra against a 911. I found the LV- on the unit itself. |have never liked this grammed playback features of 510’s picture very pleasing, with almost trend in video equipment: If you lose or CD/laserdisc and a switch that turns off no noise and no ugly digital artifacts the fluorescent display. All in all, it’s not (almost all laserdisc players have some break the remote, you'll be unable to much different from players you could digital circuitry nowadays, which can perform certain functions that, presum- buy five years ago. After experiencing mar the picture). The CLD-D703 gets the unparalleled picture and sound of ahead, though, in the areas of resolu- ably, were among the reasons you Pioneer’s $1,220 CLD-D703, I began tion and noise. The LV-510 is a little bought that particular piece of equip- noisier than the D703 in all areas: lumi- using it as the comparison standard for ment in the first place. alllaserdisc players ‘test. iymany cases, With an estimated street price of around $900, Hitachi’s VM-H59A camcorder is one of the least expensive SES eas Seis ne || Power Card: | | Hitachi’s ||| remote || | | includes 800-323-2325 || StreGleentC,ove, NY 11542 FAX 516-6 titling func- )| tions not || found on the camcorder ) itself. | aid > PP A/V DUB STOP PA LCD Camcorder Color Monitor Monitor Your Videos in Full Color as You Tape! No more squinting into a tiny black and white viewfinder!!The NEW Casio 2.2” monitor features full color high quality matrix (HQM) technology to produce the most vivid, clearest images HITACHI possible. The only monitor that is truly “all-in-one, ” the VM570 Hi8 models on the market. Hitachi features built-in sunsheild, built-in speaker with adjustable deserves praise for bringing Hi8 into the price range of the average video con- volume, built-in battery pack holder, and adjustable brightness sumer. Its unremarkable picture quality for Hi8 is a drawback, as are its non- control. Plus, the built-in monitor stand allows monitor to stand freely! The unique set-in standard A/V jacks and overreliance on its remote for some special features. housing offers a clearer, brighter picture in all shooting situations-including outdoors! $499 However, given its cost and ease of use, Complete with camcorder mounting bracket, earphone jack, audio jack, and it may be just right for weekend shoot- ers who want a better picture than the connection cables. standard 8mm camcorder delivers. ou Color Video Printer print Images Right Off Your TV Screen! COMBI PLAYER = Now you can print beautiful, clear images from home movies, continued from page 30 video tapes, TV shows and computer games. You can The rear panel holds two video/ stereo audio outputs, an S-video out- even make stickers, cards and posters of the video put, the remote control relay jacks, and a Toslink optical digital audio output for images! The NEW Casio VG100 Video Printer lets driving an external D/A converter. The Toslink output disappoints me, especial- you take a photograph of anything on screen, ly given Marantz’s reputation as an audio company. Audiophiles prefer the easily. Make a photo of a favorite scene from sound of coaxial digital audio outputs, which produce measurably less jitter, your party or wedding, or of your favorite star thus more accurate D/A conversion. from a TV show or VCR movie. You can even print Engineers tell me the coaxial output actually costs less to implement and, an image of your favorite video game character, a because all outboard D/A converters have coaxial inputs, the only people recipe from a TV cooking show, or put together an who benefit from Toslink are those whose receivers have Toslink inputs. It’s album of prints from videos of the kids! The NEW time laserdisc player manufacturers switched to coaxial. (Pioneer now offers VG100 opens up a whole new $599 world of creativity for the entire family. »Video Editor Edit Your Videos Easily & Economically! Now you can edit from any two VCRs (or IR equipped camcorder) regardless of format or brand! Sima’s SED-IR gives you glitch free assemble edits plus you can add fades to black between scenes. Perform the entire editing sequence automatically with the touch of a single button! Dual IR control lets you control both the record and playback deck from the SED-IR, $449” so previewing scenes and checking your edits is a breeze. Built in audio mixer REG. *179 (mic included) lets you add music or narration to create an exciting soundtrack. Also Available: Sima SFX-L Automatic Control L Editor and Special Effects Generator-Automatically edits your home videos with professional color fades and wipes plus audio mixing. $299 Features an on-screen Edit Decision List, and can store up to 23 scenes! Circle 13 on Reader Service Card. JANUARY 1995 VIDEO 37

nance, chroma AM (color level) and one should be able to hear. The LV-510’s biggest competition Sou*CABLE TV CONVERTERS* chroma PM (color hue). It also lacks a should come from the LX-600 (and, of ASK ABOUT OUR FREE bit of detail compared to the D703. course, the CLD-D503). But I really don’t think one’s better than the other. er SEVUE BEOGKER -<** But it’s still a very pleasing picture: I'd be happy with either, although being S16] NCCTNSSS)SSO) alad= We rate it a four, but it’s a borderline Speed Control: WE CARRY ALL MAJOR BRAND five. It’s about as good as the Panasonic Marantz’s NAME CABLE TV CONVERTERS remote con- * YOUR SATISFACTION IS OUR #1 PRIORITY ! LX-600, but different. The LX-600 dis- trol has a * 30 DAY MONEY BACK GUARANTEE ! shuttle dial plays a slight pulsating effect in solid for clean * 1 YEAR WARRANTY ! WE SHIP C.O.D. ! searching at * OUR UNITS ARE GUARANTEED TO WORK !! blue areas, probably a result of chroma any speed. PLEASE HAVE THE BRAND NAME & MODEL AM noise. But the LX-600 we tested an audiophile, I wouldn’t be happy with either as a CD player. Honestly, if I had NUMBER OF YOUR CABLE COMPANIES (“Videotests,” Aug. ‘94) produced a to decide between them, I’d probably CONVERTER, BEFORE CALLING. just flip a coin. (CAV fans should buy WE WILL MEET OR BEAT ANY VALID PRICE QUOTE slightly sharper picture. The LV-510 the LX-600.) Don’t call me a fence-sit- UNLIKE SOME OF OUR COMPETITORS, WE ARE HAPPY TO ter, though: I think anyone who can SPEND THE TIME TO ANSWER YOUR QUESTIONS also scores a four for sound. afford a CLD-D703 should buy one. At CSR1Coi4eanrracvddl.iecre CONCERNING THE PURCHASING OF OUR EQUIPMENT. street prices, it'll probably cost $300 Technical editor Lancelot more than an LV-510 or an LX-600. But VISUAL COMMUNICATIONS INC. that’s $300 I'd spend for the sonic FOR CATALOG OR INFORMATION Braithwaite and | used ultra-high-end improvement alone, not to mention the digital effects and sharper picture. . CALL 1-718-229-2358 ($13,000!) Cello electronics and B&W wore SORRY NO NEW YORK SALES ***** 803 speakers to compare the LV-510 ** FOR ORDERS ONLY **FRIENDLY - PROFESSIONAL - SERVICE- SINCE 1975 and the CLD-D703. The LV-510 1-800-GO-CABLE sounds like a good $300 CD player: rea- 20-04 UTOPIA PARKWAY SUITE 236 WHITESTONE, NY 11357 BY PURCHASING CABLE EQUIPMENT FROM VISUAL COMM. THE CUSTOMER sonably smooth, with a nice tonal bal- AGREES TO COMPLY WITH THE FEDERAL LAWS REGARDING PRIVATE OWNERSHIP OF CABLE TV EQUIPMENT, IF YOU ARE UNSURE OF THESE LAWS ance, but not especially detailed or CHECK WITH YOUR LOCAL OFFICIALS. ANYONE IMPLYING THEFT OF SERVICE WILL BE DENIED SALE OF EQUIPMENT. ambient. The D703, in contrast, sounds like a high-end CD player: very smooth, very natural and very musical. The CD Direct switch on the LV-510 really works. We noticed as big an improve- ment in the sound when switching on the CD Direct mode as we did when switching from the LV-510 to the CLD- D703. Use the CD Direct mode when- ever you can. It’s an improvement any- HITACHI VM-H39A SONY BNM GANCORDER HANDYCAM CAMCORDERS Berger Bros. Camera and Video Exchange continued from page 32 Specializes in both Photographic and Video Equipment. We carry the Largest Selection of ously shoot and see yourself, it has a Camcorders and Accessories in stock and at the good range of movement for most lowest prices. We'll help you make the right shooting and viewing situations. The choice over the phone, that’s why we can offer a screen is adjustable for color and hue full money back guarantee. We could list all of through a menu, and for brightness with our Equipment in our ads like everyone else...but a screen-mounted thumbwheel. we Call that our 192-page Catalog. The resolution of the color LCD is 1-800-262-4160 approximately 240-250 lines, which is fine for the general purposes intended We Compete With Any Legitimate Price & We Ship Anywhere for this camera. You don’t have to be concerned about LCD's color accuracy When Tomorrow Won't Do. Call Us Today. and resolution because there are no controls for focus and white balance. (5 16)-264-4 160 FAX (5 16)-264-1007 Your tape will accurately reflect what you see. 209 BROADWAY (ROUTE 110) AMITYVILLE, N.Y. 11701 The LCD swings to reveal other ancillary function buttons on the side of the camcorder: date, “event dates” (birthdays, anniversaries, etc.), menu, counter and display buttons as well as a thumbwheel for audio monitor volume. | 38 VIDEO JANUARY 1995

Sony has made the viewfinder and side The FX730V relies on a full-range ual focus. Sony offers the 730V with a 12x screen work alternatively; the EVF autofocus which, except for a little bit of clicks off when you open the: LCD hunting, did its job well—the best of the zoom, which will give you a little more screen from the side of the camcorder. five LCD-type camcorders tested in our This makes good sense, as you won't November shootout—a good thing, as bang for the buck. The zoom mecha- need both simultaneously and this func- Sony has left off any provision for man- nism itself is a two-speed mechanism that gets the job done, slow or fast. The tion will prolong battery life. 730V also featuresa fader (to black or a mosaic) which kicks in at the beginning With the addition of the color LCD, and/or end of a take; audio fades up and battery life does become an issue; these down in tandem with the picture. screens burn more juice. The 730V is Though this camcorder is a regular 8mm model, we were impressed with | outfitted with a two-hour NP-66 nickel- the FX730V’s picture. It was a favorite cadmium battery. This is a good thing with panelists in the LCD shootout. There was little luminance noise, with because battery life is halved with the good color accuracy and sharpness (if a LCD switched on (the Sony SC-5 bit muted) even in low-light situations. We saw approximately 240-250 lines of Snap’s battery duration declined by resolution in the recorded image. In this department, the Sony fared better than almost two-thirds), and these figures the Sharp VL-E36U ViewCam, and at a lower cost. did not reflect duration with the autofo- The 730V didn’t fare nearly as well cus or zoom engaged. Video 8 when it came to audio performance— A big bonus with the 730V is its AC for a $1,000 camcorder, it’s not quite as | Shooting Aid: good as it could be. There was notice- adapter configuration—I wish it came Sony’s remote able tape transport noise which could | with all models. Most of Sony’s A/C is simply laid even be heard on recorded material shot outdoors. We measured it as being power adapters are ungainly affairs; out and rests a bit more noticeable than the CCD- solidly in your FX620, the 730V’s _ predecessor. cords everywhere, and more to carry in hand. your equipment bag. Here, as on the previous CCD-FX620, Sony combines the power unit and camcorder adapter: one side of the power unit has battery charge terminals, the other side con- nects to the back of the camcorder like a regular battery. Only one cord and | one unit to worry about. MAKING A GREAT VIDEO After using your camcorder the first time, you realize that the INCLUDES QUALITY SOUND TOO! ©:built-in i picks up sounds from all directions, including those you don’t want. And, when shooting from a distance, you can’t hear your subject’s voice clearly. Azden, the leader in quality audio for video, offers a full line otmicrophones to make your sound as good asyour RCS This powerful professional miniature — |a 4 New 7\" long directional VHF wireless system has a range of | over 300 feet. Itallows you to shoot A professional VHF handheld Lapel microphone asin mic. Allows you to zoom microphone system with no Same receiver as in on subject's voice, from a distance and pick up your WMS-PRO. reducing saide noises. | subject’s voice clearly. It has 2 wires. All the same features, Range 35-40 feet. and receiver as the WMS-PRO. switchable frequencies, and itcomes with 2 mics (handheld and clip-on). The transmitter clips to the subject's belt, ' and the mini receiver can attach to the camera (shoe mount & velcro included) or be kept in your breast pocket. A mini 3 channel mic mixer for recording Headset with boom mic sound from 2 add-on mics and a personal for adding narration as stereo, while you're shooting. Only 2 you shoot. Your voice 1/8'x3 1/4\" itcan be attached to your becomes the dominant camera or clipped to the handstrap. sound recorded. Or, use Cables included, needs no batteries. itto monitor sound | you're recording. Write or call for full line literature Distributed in Canada by GENTEC A Zz D E ie “QUALITY YOU CAN HEAR 147 New Hyde Park Road, Franklin Square, NY 11010 (516) 328-7500 Circle 15 on Reader Service Card. JANUARY 1995 VIDEO 39

Fortunately, Sony has included external ly analyze the video signal and video- tape to ensure, Panasonic says, “opti- microphone and headphone jacks when mum picture quality.” I did notice a slight improvement in some instances many other manufacturers are leaving with the IQ feature. One thing that should be noted about IQ recording: these features out of their lineups. At For the feature to work properly, once it's engaged you're required to record least you can overcome its onboard mic about ten seconds of each new tape you place in the machine, then play the tape problems by taking advantage of the back. If you don’t, each subsequent attempt at recording will be delayed jacks. while the VCR resets itself for IQ recording. As with the 4464, the 4480's The camcorder features mono remote is capable of controlling most, though not all, makes of televisions and sound, with RF and mono audio/video cable boxes. jacks situated near the front. It should Ergonomically, I found the remote a also be noted that the audio little challenging at first although it proved easy and intuitive to learn. monitor/speaker did a very good job, Considering all the controls it has, get- ting them to fit comfortably on one demonstrating sufficient volume and An Adventure clarity to take care of any show-and-tell | 65 Million Years In The Making. vide projects that you might want to undertake. The 730V includes the auto expo- sure presets that seem ubiquitous on Sony’s new line of camcorders. The four settings—portrait, sports, high-speed shutter and twilight—together with the backlight button should cover most shooting situations. The controls are well laid out, though the edit/search button is a bit difficult to use easily. The menu system | Panasonic for ancillary controls is straightforward: |@@e@ei we*n voTuVs B-TUME DISPLAY You can control clock set, auto date, SURROUND trigger “beep,” remote mode, and LCD color and hue. Too Much & Just Enough: ® & ©1993 Universal City Studios, Inc. and Amblin Entertainment, Sony’s FX730V is probably the Panasonic's Inc, All Rights Reserved remote packs nicest “hybrid” camcorder we’ve tried. lots of useful Mention this Ad and get a 20% discount off the fe It does a good job of straddling the line sLow/ © features into a Suggested Retail Price on: RP. functional urassic Park (CAV, WS) between older and newer technologies. Tia design. urassic Park (CLV, WS) The adjustable color LCD unit and its Schindler’s List ¢ The Flintstones ¢ In the coupling mechanism are well-designed Name of the Father * The Getaway (unrated) and should absorb most punishment. In Dragon: Bruce Lee Story Signature Collection Sp. Ed. additon, the camcorder offers a good The Cowboy Way ¢ The Who: 30 years of picture and some other bonuses, like a Maximum R&B Live * Crooklyn ¢ Carlito's Way 12x zoom, an integral lens cover and a Jimi Hendrix: Woodstock great AC adapter. The FX730V is worth ALEC BALDWIN The Shadow a long look 8 ; Available City Studios, Inc. continued from page 29 and Bregman/Baer Productions, Inc. be used as the playback deck—not All Rights especially useful if you’re editing from a camcorder tape to your VCR. Reserved. “The Shadow” is regis- The timebase corrector, as with tered trademark of other TBCs built into high-end con- Advance Magazine} sumer VCRs, is not the full-frame vari- Publishers Inc. ety needed for A/B-roll editing. Its pur- pose is simply to correct playback pic- FREE membership & ; @EVERY title available & dis- ture flagging and jitter, which it handles remote must have been quite a task. monthly catalog! ; counted up to 40%. reasonably well. But don’t expect mira- Fortunately, day-to-day VCR Each monthly catalog has cles from it: If you begin with a video hundreds of new and recent : that was poorly recorded onto cheap remote functions can be recognized by tape, your picture will show some but any universal remote—or, for that mat- releases-all at least 15% off : not much improvement. To further ben- ter, many Panasonic VCR remotes. The efit recording and playback, the 4480 VCR-Plus with cable channel changer suggested retail and with also comes with Panasonic’s dynamor- feature has been designed to be used in phus metal heads, color noise reduc- conjunction with many of the common detailed information on No matter how many you tion, advanced noise reduction, digital makes of cable boxes. Utilizing a built-in auto picture, and the IQ recording IR remote signal, the VCR communi- virtually every title. order! *Continental U.S. only option. cates with the cable box to switch to the Get up to date new release : (some areas may require an appropriate channel when you use information and special pre : extra business day) Orders can These last two features automatical- VCR-Plus programming. order and clearance deals with: —_even include pre-orders and each shipment. : back-orders. The 4480 does share one minor but annoying trait with many newer VCRs HOURS Weekdays ~ 7 am-6 pm Saturday ~ 8 am-5 pm(PST) If none of these titles grab you... = Call for the most informative monthly i catalog in the business! FREE! e4/5 FAN ¢1yg_(800) 801-DISC (3472) 1CRSoC6inearracavdi.ieecre LASERDISC FAN CLUB, INC. #Department V15 (800) 801-3472 =FAX (310) 952-3000 40 VIDEO JANUARY 1995

ai SRR ae a ls ;CABLE TV premenerss ocean sii: 2 aaa i DESCRAMBLERS | in that it defaults to SLP speed whenev- | = Best Prices in the U.S.A.! er it’s plugged in. While it’s true that (OTUE-Ve-lalcci-rem com Ace) ad WE WILL BEAT ANY PRICE! consumers frequently use the slow speed for time-shifting and other casual PTS a ET Ml=vage)(ommved(=laldjirem Narl:a}c| taping, it’stillseems odd that aunit/tar- | sigesssstsstecseseereccureeseieseteee :a Pioneer, FTB-3, SA3 geted at those who'll likely use it for The Newest & the Latest simple postproduction work as well as 4 52 Stealth - Jeroldlinpulee®. regular recording would do this. Video persuasion Starcom series se (adv. ver. of TNT &TVT) Just how much each of these fea- ‘ ;) f | tures contributes to the 4480's picture is Consider using video to get your point - Scientific Atlantas incl. | difficult to judge—but there’s no deny- of view across to local governments. 8536/+, 8580, Drop-field ing that the overall picture quality is Most nition ees eae ete Super-Pio- Pioneer systems (adv. very good, with little chrominance or | 59 COUnCcH Members Can [OOK at tapes pre bhaagi noise or blooming, and that help them better understand par- wet OP Poricer Creel\") sharp, clear resolution. Audio is equally ticular problems. A videotape can help Panasonic TZPC145G 99 Ch Converters good iPnORESeither linear stereo or hi--¢fi | illustrate fyoouers point of viewi. ayDePints Zentek XL2100 99 Channel Converters modes. However, don’t plan on hooking Byoars 30 DAY MONEY BACK GUARANTEE up your headphones to check out the Kent, Washington FAST SHIPMENTS & FREE CATALOG sound quality, however, since Panasonic |Heoglogy ra | -800-81 sine letste} | elected not to include a headphone ay ee jack. Instead of opening a new cassette pack- U.S. Cable TVM,-F:In9c-6. EDSTept.: KVM015 Although a few of the Panasonic | age by pulling on the embedded plastic PV-S4480’s limitations and design | string and shredding the plastic cover choices keep it from receiving Video | when you pull it off, very carefully cut Magazine’s top V rating of 5, this VCR around the cassette opening with a nonetheless rates a very high 4. Given | sharp blade. The plastic wrap can be its probable street price of between | kept in place to protect the tape’s card- $700-$750, it is an excellent value for | board case from oily, dirty or food-cov- anyone who needs an editing deck that | eT: ercetd. fingers. It’s alsohencologoicta: lely ecor- = be easily used by the whole | seed pet s Ue ce! 4100 N. Powerline Rd. Bldg. F-4 Pompano Beach FL 33073 “BJ9U{/d1POa9Ipe1AeD1Na9ayS NO FLORIDA SALES! PANASONIC PB50 Orig. PAN.......... RAPI D Cc HARG E RS PANASONIC PB80/88 Orig.PAN........39. CAMCORDER CHARGER/DISCHARGER SONY NP77H 2400 Mabh........sssseeen39) 6V, 7.2V, 9.6V runs from SONY 8mm 1500 Mab... i house or auto. 1 hr. time for Sony, Canon, CANON 8mm 2000 mah.. sede Panasonic, RCA/Hitachi & most other brands PALMCORDER 2000 ma Charges 1 battery $44 JVC GR-C9 Type C. Charges 2 batteries $69 | SHARP BT 21/22... § SHARP BT 70/80 2: RCA/HITACHI 8 mm 2400 mal NEW External Powerpac+ 5 to 7 hours of recording time. ORIGHIONLAILDAYPANSAASLOENIC Powerpac+ includes: PB-80/88 12V 2.3 AH $35 =6volt @ 10 amps PB-50 12V2AH_ $35 sealed lead acid battery. RAPID CHARGER AC/DC $39 .AEA tamdbobelt. ePwo*wSOeNYrpac+Ne (optional charging cord for car). LoFnorgesNtP-5Ru0n0H Ti(mleithAivumaillaobnl)e #An adaptor of your choice. Sensibly Priced * Includes Charger =12 volt @ 7 amps $95 $85 BATTE RY TE C H, IN Cc. 28-25 215TH PLACE, BAYSIDE, N.Y. 11360 = FAX:718631-51 17 8 Oo 0-4 4 2-4 2 y|5 american. Circle 17 on Reader Service Card.

nen Craie’s HOME THEATER for most broadcast and cable television LAaADSCI WMIDSWU continued from page 22 fare. This is the setting that creates a 9 Super wtVvic ulated binaural soundfield. In this role, x 12 listening room. For movies, I pre- the chip is called a Static Binaural Ken Crane’s Is The Largest Processor. Once the sound is converted ferred the livelier “theater” setting with Laser Disc Mail Order to binaural form, a listener sets the Retailer In The U.S. gyroscope to the center position. The minimum reverb. Feature films are gyroscope’s crystal, which is in the right We Stock ear cup, senses head movements and mixed to be heard in larger spaces, a Every Title! compensates with sound processing. Additional signal processing technology reality that immediately becomes appar- * Fastest Availability On New Titles! allows users to adjust the apparent ¢ Most Orders Shipped Same Day! soundfield. You can change the room ent when using Orbit. Though surround * 20% Discount On All Titles! environment to represent standard, * Free 2nd Day Air UPS Shipping theater or live modes, and there are also effects are woven into the Orbit’s three settings to vary the amount of In The Continental U.S.A. reverberation. soundfield, the simulated binaural sys- « Visa, Mastercard, Discover, AMEX, Checks, And C.O.D. Because of its unique software, tem does not delineate rear-channel * $1.50 Handling Charge Orbit does not process Dolby surround Per Order Shipped. or Pro-Logic sound. It would not make sound as precisely as Dolby Pro-Logic. a significant difference in the sound, NOW SAVE The most dramatic improvement in according to a Sony engineering source, Suggested Retail On because the gyroscope and the fixed sound came while using Orbit on con- position of the headphones negate the * Every Pre-Ordered need for the Dolby three-speaker front ventional TV programs with monaural New Release array, and because the binaural process- ing fulfills the surround experience. audio. Although Orbit did not deliver * Every Title In Stock ¢ Every Back-Order Orbit can be connected to a home what could be described as genuine sur- Through May 31st, 1995 system in two ways. For best audio qual- Includes FREE ity, the central processing unit can be round sound from mono programs, it 2nd Day Air Shipping hooked directly to the output jack of a Titles must ship between VCR, a laserdisc player or an amplifier. did produce a fuller, richer soundfield these dates So Order Early For added flexibility, a supplied infrared transmitter can be connected to the than conventional built-in TV speakers. PHONE US AT... sound source. The signal from the 1-800-624-3078 transmitter can be received anywhere in Orbit delivered as promised. It simulat- 1-800-626-1768 the line of sight by a receiving bubble on 1-714-892-8369 top of the processor. ed the sound of a good stereo speaker (Fax Number) Listening tests with the Orbit sys- system on headphones. tem provided a satisfying experience. ForA Free Catalog The headphones live up to their billing Orbit is not the equal of a good by creating the illusion of listening to Write Or Visit full-size speakers. The gyroscope is so Dolby Pro-Logic speaker installation. Our SuperStore uncannily accurate that it fools the senses. I found myself trying to trick it However, it comes close, and this alone Ken Crane’s LaserDisc but couldn’t without removing the 15251 Beach Blvd. phones. And while the dynamic range is a remarkable feat for any headphones. of the direct hookup is said to be slight- Westminster, CA 92683 ly better, I could detect no significant Orbit represents a notable break- difference in the audio quality of the two hookup methods. through in personal listening technolo- The headset is among the most gy, and I suspect it will be the first in a comfortable I’ve ever worn. There is no question that the one-inch distance of series of new headphone processing the speakers from the ears lessens fatigue and makes listening a more products. For viewers who want a home agreeable experience. With most head- phones, I usually feel discomfort after theater experience despite space or an hour. With Orbit, I actually fell asleep one night wearing the head- noise constraints, Orbit deserves a seri- phones and woke up several hours later without the slightest amount of unease. ous audition. . After experimenting with the DSP continued from page 20 processing, I quickly settled into the “normal” position with minimum reverb be prepared for some wait time. Overall, xTransit is very impressive for its $80 introductory price. It can do several different types of dissolves, and distortion effects like “wave” (similar to dream sequences in old movies) and “whirlpool” (swirling your images around). It can tint frames to any color you choose and, yes, it even allows you to morph, just like in Terminator 2. However, it has difficulty handling larg- er files due to its use of Windows’ mem- ory manager, and its morphing feature is a bit less intuitive than I would like. Dan Schwartz of RomeBlack says the upgrade version of xTransit will include both an improved memory manager and easier morphing controls. RomeBlack’s xTransit is a real bar- gain—an inexpensive program that capably performs a broad range of snazzy effects to spice up your multime- dia presentations. Now, if only someone could come out with software and A/V capture/output boards capable of 30 frame-per-second VHS quality images for under $1,000.... —Timothy Liebe Circle 18 on Reader Service Card. 42 VIDEO JANUARY 1995

continued from page 24 LENS ADAPTERS LSSePeSt\"aersaeass, One feature that distinguishes Ambico, the leader in camcorder and editing products brings you the remark- consumer camcorders from pro models is the permanently attached lens. The able V 6350 color video titler. It provides multiple options and titling effects for only consumer models with inter- changeable lenses are Canon’s L1 and unlimited creativityinyour videos. L2 camcorders, although in terms of ¢ Built-in “demo” program illustrates the Video Titler's capabilities and features. price, they’re in the semipro camp. On-screen displays enable easy operation. Professional video and film cameras offer a standard mounting system that ¢ 10 page memory through manual and automatic playback modes. accepts a variety of lenses, from 70x ¢ Titles can appear over live video or internally generated color backgrounds. super-telephoto zooms used in sports coverage to 180-degree panoramic e Titles can cut in and out, wipe in and out in a variety of ways, scroll up and fish-eye super-wide angle lenses. But camcorders usually only carry down and tickertape across the screen in 3 seconds. midrange 8x, 10x or 12x zooms. And e Titles and characters can flash on and off. most of their range is usually devoted to the telephoto side. Even at full wide e Character options include upper/lower cases, two fonts, 4 sizes, 3 borders angle, most camcorder zoom lenses provide an image that’s barely wider and 8 colors. than the photograp hically normal field of view. (Normal is what you see when e Lettering in Spanish, French and English. 99 you put a piece of clear glass in front of ¢ Hi-8 and S-VHS compatible. $4 your eye.) Only So what do you do when you have FREE! “ Call for our free accessories catalog seven people sitting across a long couch, but you can only step far A set of Recoton SS. 800-231-0031 enough back to fit five in the picture? V468-3 gold con- Put on a wide-angle adapter, and nection video ‘\\ == HAVEN everyone will fit. Wide-angle adapters cables (valued INDUSTRIES are rated by magnification. A 0.6x at bende: with adapter oURIEES a wider field of view 46-23 Crane Street, LIC,NY 11101 than a 0.7x or 0.8x adapter. But as eVv6e3r5y0 TAimtbleirc.o Satisfaction guaranteed or your money back images get wider, their edges tend to curve. On the other side of the equation, a telephoto adapter, also called a tele- converter, can help make distant sub- jects appear closer by magnifying your lens’ zoom range. The most common magnification factors are 2x and 3x. Lenmar offers a variety of adapters, including QuickClip models that don’t need screw threads. Ambico offers adapters with more than 5x magnifica- tion, including a Super Spy model for deep telephoto assignments. You can also. find infrared night vision adapters, like the ones the TV net- works used to cover the Gulf War, but they’re costly. When using telephoto and wide- angle adapters, you'll generally set the lens all the way at the appropriate extreme, either zoomed in or out. Don’t expect your zoom to work nor- mally. It won't. And watch for vignetting, or darkening in the corners of the picture. Finding the right lens adapter for your camcorder may take a bit of searching. If possible, get one made by the manufacturer of the camcorder J Circle 19 on Reader Service Card. JANUARY 1995 VIDEO 43

you own so you'll be assured of a per- video images (compared with photo- AMAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA fect fit. Some adapters are sold with tings that fit different thread diame- graphic or 35mm cinematic images) Ultimate remote ters, but you're best off with one designed specifically for your lens’ tends to hide these problems. A secondary use for the VCR Plus threads. The more pieces to screw remote control is a couch potato’s together, the more opportunity there is Professional cinematographers rent dream. If you watch several different for optical distortions. channels during an evening, you can the exact lenses they need. But since use your VCR Plus remote to change All lenses have aberrations, or the channels for you. Program it in the optical imperfections that produce dis- most camcorders don’t have inter- usual way, but do not put a tape in the tortion. Fortunately for low-budget VCR. When your programs are about to video producers, the crude detail of changeable lenses, the question of start, VCR Plus will turn on the VCR, using non-zooming, more optically change to the channel of your choice, perfect “prime lenses” is moot. For and change for the rest of your selec- tions. In this way you only need to ref- camcorders, optical adapters are a erence the TV guide once, then forget about it for the rest of the night. The godsend, and frequently the only way method should work for most VCRs. to get the shot you want. . D. Prestholt Salem, Oregon FREE BUYER'S GUIDE! Interactive Music for your PC or Mac Dangerous labels Now you can enjoy premium quality music on your computer. Choose from Next time you rip open a new videocas- sette, watch out for the included label thousands of beautiful MIDI music arrangements on disks, sound sheet. It can all too easily stick to the modules, music & presentation software, MIDI Keyboards, mixers and bottom of the cassette and end up speakers. inside your VCR, where it can damage Give a popular family-oriented alternative to violent computer the tape transport mechanism. games. Don Hicke The Edirol Buyer's Guide will show you how prosounding Roland sound San Diego, California C2RSCoi0eanrracdvdl.iecre modules and innovative software can enhance creativity and musical Back on track experience in your home. Call Toll Free, to our 24 hour If you record a program on one VCR “EDIROEorderline at: and try to play it on another brand or 1-800-380-2580 model, you may experience tracking \"Desktop Music Presentation problems, especially with tapes recorded Products... Direct to you!\" at the EP setting. To remedy the prob- lem, you can purchase a video/comput- Is your Cable Company er RF modulator, and use it on the VCR you use to view the tapes. The modula- \\ Alienating You? tor is available from Radio Shack. Say NO to unearthly David Casciello The Bronx, New York rental fees! JERROLD Owning your cable equipment saves you the high cost of monthly equipment rental charges, and gives you control of your TV. We have the Best in CONVERTERS and DESCRAMBLERS! Everquest ¢ Panasonic ¢ Jerrold ¢ Zenith ¢ Pioneer Power preserver 1 800 = 150C2RSCoi1eanrracdvdl.iecre Scientific Atlanta ¢ Oak ¢ Eagle « Hamlin ¢ Tocom Have you ever returned home from a vacation and found your VCR blinking [aovens Seapets Nee “12:00” with only half of your videotape — used? Try buying an uninterruptable is ~ Member of power supply. They’re intended for National Consumer computers, and cost about $140 to 875 S. 72 Street © Omaha, NE 68114 Cable Association $200. The unit doesn’t kick in unless there’s a power outage for more than a few milliseconds. Hi Sawada Montréal, Canada 44 VIDEO JANUARY 1995

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Sometimes it’s easy, sometimes it’s ly to RCA for the home-based tough. Sometimes it seems impossi- components that bring the con- ble. But every year, we pool our cept to life. RCA’s advanced $700 impressions, reread our reviews, try Digital Satellite System is easy to set promising equipment we hadn't yet gotten up, and its 18-inch gray dish is the to, then pick the winners of the Video least intrusive outdoor antenna you Magazine Awards for the best products of can buy. The something-for-everyone the year . program offerings, great picture and outstanding sound make DSS a solid What makes a product best? The key choice for sophisticated home theater words are innovation, performance, market- programming or just plain TV watching. place impact and value. The strongest candi- dates rate well in all areas, although innova- Starsight Telecast tion and high performance count for the most With so many program choices avail- in our evaluations. Occasionally, an extraor- able these days, we really need a way to dinary value asserts itself. But all the prod- separate wheat like Space Ghost from ucts we honor must be ones we feel Video chaff like The McLaughlin Group. Magazine readers will want to own and use. BY BRENT BUTTERWORTH Starsight does the job beautifully, and This year’s selection, 17 products in 16 with no extra hardware. It’s an onscreen categories, are distinguished by their useful- eeeerececcreeeeeeeses ness, variety and technological pizazz. As a TV menu, transmitted over the vertical group, they let videophiles watch TV in new, BEST blanking interval of PBS stations. It lets imaginative ways on better, bigger, more TECHNOLOGICAL you select shows by category, and record diverse kinds of screens. They enhance the ACHIEVEMENT them automatically, and it’s addictive in emotional power of tapes and laserdiscs, sim- the best sense. Once you get used to it, plify editing and increase the value of com- RCA Digital you may not want to go back to printed puters in home editing systems. And they Satellite System TV guides. Zenith and Mitsubishi now demonstrate the extraordinary vitality of an We've heard promises of small-dish satellite incorporate Starsight receivers into ||industry that just keeps reinventing its best TV for more than a inventions. So without further ado, the decade. For the most some of their television sets, and envelopes please... part, they were empty Uniden in a satellite receiver. Other promises. This year a major companies will follow in the com- 46 VIDEO JANUARY 1995 consortium consisting ing year. There’s a small monthly sub- of GM _— Hughes, scription fee, but it’s well worth it for DirecTyv, USSB and the extra convenience. RCA delivered. We tip our hats to all the companies involved for an impressive dis- play of technological prowess, but especial-

BEST HI8/8MM CAMCORDER GR-SZ7’s onscreen menus, you can pull VCR and also deserves credit for its off amazing scene transitions that would dual-format effort, but Goldstar came Hitachi VM-H71A through first. Hi8 Camcorder normally require a Outdoor sports enthusiasts video mixer. The BEST LASERDISC PLAYER rejoice! Hitachi’s VM-H71A has special effects come up with the sturdiest make the usual Pioneer CLD-D703 Combi Player design of any camcorder yet paint-and-mosa- Pioneer’s CLD-D703 combi player is made. It survives dunks in the lake, the year’s biggest shoe-in, beating every moderate impacts and crushing weight ic features on other other laserdisc player we've tried. Its without complaint, and it also offers picture is as perfect as we've seen, and useful such useful features as an elec- camcorders look cheap the sound rivals that of many $1,000 tronic image stabilizer, a microphone and outdated. The GR- stand-alone digital-to-analog conver- jack and a plug-in edit controller tors, especially in the CD Direct mode. SZ7 includes an edit con- With digital CLV effects, automatic remote.Sony’s CCD-TR700 Hi8 cam- troller remote for automat- side-changing, and coaxial and Toslink corder was a close contender, thanks ed editing with almost any digital audio outputs, it packs every fea- largely to its superb picture quality. But VCR. And it aced most of ture you could ask for. This year, spend- if you want pictures from places to our picture and sound qual- which you wouldn’t dare take any other eS camcorder, if you want to be able to ity tests. As a bonus, the MOET CARRE EREAR spend less time coping with the ele- design is clear and remark- ments and more time capturing them ably uncluttered for so on tape, get a VM-H71A. capable a machine. BEST S-VHS/VHS CAMCORDER BEST VCR ing more for a high-end player or less for a machine with fewer features looks a JVC GR-SZ7 S-VHS-C Camcorder CH OOH HHSC EHHESH RESO EHHHEESOSHTEEEEES bit less advisable. A laundry list of special effects and cool features makes JVC’s S- : Goldstar GVR-DD1 BEST DIRECT-VIEW TV VHS-C GR-SZ7 the most VHS/ 8mm VCR remarkable subcompact The first combination VHS/8mm Mitsubishi 27-Inch CS-27701 TV camcorder ever. VCR sold in the U.S., Goldstar’s This has been such a good year for TVs Using the GVR-DD1 offers unparalleled edit- that picking this category’s winner ing convenience for owners of Hi8 proved to be one of our most challeng- and 8mm camcorders. Slap in a ing tasks. Other TVs offered stiff com- recorded 8mm tape and a blank petition, but Mitsubishi’s CS-27701 offers the most pleasing direct-view pic- VHS videotape, fire up the ture. It strikes a fine balance between GVR-DDI1’s integral edit con- the depth and detail of a Panasonic troller, and you can put together Gaoo TV and the color fidelity of a a decent edit quickly without ProScan. The comb filter is simply having to connect a single cable. great, eliminating all traces of dot crawl Other VCRs have plenty to when you feed the TV a composite sig- offer, but their refinements can- not match the GVR-DD1’s JANUARY 1995 VIDEO 47 innovation and usefulness. Go- Video also introduced a VHS/8mm

YEAR'S BEST nal. The sound ranks among the best in depth and detail impressed us. |the 27-inch category, and gadget freaks The set’s lami- will love the extensive feature package. nated contrast screen clears the image of scan lines and makes you forget that the set you're watching is a rear-projection model.The sound is solid. Overall, it’s a very good system for casual and critical viewing. BEST PROJECTION TV BEST WIDE- came along. At $230 a pair, the SCREEN TV SuperZeros offer all the neutrality and Sony 53-Inch KV-53XBR35 TV imaging that you would expect in A contrast screen and a slimmed-down eoeeecreccccccoce speakers costing $2,000 a pair. The only chassis make the 53-inch KV-53XBR35 thing the speakers lack is bass, but a one of today’s user-friendliest rear-projec- Toshiba 56- tion sets. Even better, we can’t remember good powered subwoofer like the $600 seeing a finer rear-projection picture. The ‘ ect ratio, outstanding color SW-2P fills that in easily. You can even color is almost dead-on, and the picture’s substitute NHT’s HDP-1 dipolar sur- fidelity and terrific sound make Tosh- round speakers in the rear and still keep iba’s stately 56-inch TW56D90 the most cinematic TV set we’ve seen, and the bill below $1,400. dramatically illustrates the power that a wide aspect ratio can add to home the- ater viewing. The picture shines. It has brightness and big-screen impact. Widescreen cropping and picture-out- side-picture modes accommodate almost any viewing preference. The sound system beats any other we've heard in a TV set, and Toshiba even throws in a pair of surround sound speak- ers. The 34-inch Philips MatchLine widescreen £ TV impressed us just as much, but Toshiba’s cinematic feel won us over in the end. HOME THEATER SPEAKERS UNDER $2,500 Coeoeeeseeesesseeeseeee NHT SuperZero Speakers with SW-2P Subwoofer We've heard quite a few good inexpensive speakers, but never a great inexpensive speaker until the SuperZeros 48 VIDEO JANUARY 1995