video-magazine-1987-04

Galaxy OfGear. New VCRs, TV And Camcorders Britain’s Love Affair With Video

DEPEWNHDASTOYNOIUWHGAEI’ panting JANE RINT : NDA'S J ANE EC PREGNANCY, FERTH, AND LOWERY y ‘omy JaseFaseantFernyOaLee ACADEMY AWARD BESTWIFONRENIEGNR FILM

YOUUT OPFUTTEILNETVOISIIT.ON LILY WOUTE NY ia ae miroryooCare Bears [earring ae About the Wort! Because there’s more to Give your children a head And enjoy many new fea- HAALLONIM start with Colorforms ture films, Broadway shows, home video than just movies, Learn’N Play educational and music videos. Holywood Legends OFTha (] Karl-Lorimar has created entertainment. KLV-TV: A collection of Look for the official OUIBU) hundreds of quality enter- Benefit from important Karl-Lorimar KLV-TV sym- tainment and information lifestyle information com- bol wherever video cassettes Or THe cassettes to help you get piled by the editors of are rented or sold. ATURD, more out of the time you’re Parents, Consumer Reports, watching TV. And, more out Working Woman, and other And watch your TV, ATI of the time you're not. leading magazines. KLANand what you get out of it, RaKF Develop total fitness with Find new success in the Jane Fonda’s Workouts. The business world with a grow into something big. videos that changed the way career-developing Road to America looks and feels. Achievement series. Your Personal Network ©1986 Karl-Lorimar Home Video, Inc. All Rights Reserved. For additional information, circle No. 100 on Reader Service Card.

APRIL 1987 Contents Volume X 1 Number 1 58 Programming Departments Features Super VHS—A Great Leap Forward? News & Views Channel One If JVC’s new sub-format lives First Impressions......1......00+.s000.s00+0 6 up to its promises, we may be on By Mark Fleischmamn...........0000.... 69 the brink of a major advance Fast Forward in half-inch video picture quality. Reviews The Fly, Stand by Me, Stereo‘ Unready 0. been ee 8 By Murray Slovick.........000....000e0e- 40 Ruthless People, Top Gun, My Beautiful Laundrette, Feedback Galaxy of Gear Letters from Readers ...........006..005 10 Our semi-annual report on the Directory next wave of space-age equipment: The Gazette new VCRs, viewscreens, camcorders and New Releases on Tape & Disc........ 76 Penn and Teller, Stuart Gordon, accessories heading your way. Top Gun launch, more By Roderick Woodcock.............100.+. 45 Videotests Edited by Ira Robbins............00000... 14 Laser Rot Minolta CR-8000S AF 8mm Camcorder Long thought indestructible, some Radio Shack Hi-Fi HQ VHS VCR Top 40 videodiscs are mysteriously Canon VM-E2 8mm Camcorder deteriorating. An exclusive report on Magnavox VR8297AV01 VHS-C Tape & Disc Sales & Rentals ......... 18 how it happens and what you can do. By Roderick Woodcock Camcorder New Products ‘The Gatest'Gear. (series 20 and Marc Wielage .............c00000000 48 By Berger-Braithwaite Labs............ 85 Fine Tuning Beating the Beeb Tube Blues Video Questions & Answers........... 30 Britain’s love affair with home video and the reason why. Hint: TV Den despite a quality image, U.K. Transferring Films to Tape TV leaves a lot to be desired. By Mick Farven..c.cccc.ccsccceveveccseses 54 By Roderick Woodcoch.................+. 32 1987 Blank Tape Tests The Camcorner Part lil: Compact VHS and 8mm Full-Size Face Off Mini-formats yield the final chapter in our complete look at the By Roderick Woodcock......00........0+ 36 state of the videocassette’s art. By Lancelot Braithwaite........0....06.. 58 The Mystery Of Videodise About the Cover. Super VHS may be the tape format of tomorrow. Illustration by Tommy Soloski. 4 Video April 1987

mi O) | 0] im | iedN TEN BEST.”’ —Roger Ebert,.NEW YORK POST & CHICAGO SUN TIMES —Robert Osborne, KTTV-LOS ANGELES —Desmond Ryan, PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER —James Verniere & Nat Segaloff, BOSTON HERALD —Robert Trussel, KANSAS CITY STAR “A GREAT FILM. Powerful, hilarious, frightening, entertaining...”—siskel & Ebert & THE MOVIES r FILM BY ALEX COX THE SAMUEL GOLDWYN COMPANY PRESENTS GARY OLDMAN GS CHLOE WEBB Hin SID AND NANCY &AN EMBASSY HOME ENTERTAINMENT PRESENTATION of A ZENITH PRODUCTION in association with initia ricTURES A titm by ALEX COX Director of Photography ROGER DEAKINS @ Editor DAVID MARTIN Music JOE STRUMMER, PRAY FOR RAIN AND THE POGUES WOOL @ Producer ERIC FELLNER @ Director ALEX COX @ 0 Re& Co-Producer PETER McCARTHY @ Written by ALEX COX & ABBE G ‘THE SAMUEL GOLDWYN COMPANY \"AVAILABLE ON VIDEOCASSETTE AND LASER VIDEODISC, APRIL 29, 1987 ® EMBASSY HOME ENTERTAINMENT® 1901 Avenue of the Stars, Los Angeles, California 90067 Artwork and Design © 1987 Embassy Home Entertainment; For additional information, circle No. 1 on Reader Service Card.

Channel One Editor Judith H. Sawyer First Impressions Managing Editor Stan Pinkwas Technical Editor Lancelot Braithwaite This month, after three years at VIDEO, Doug Garr doffs his editor’s hat in favor West Coast Editor Roderick Woodcock of life in the freelance lane. As I take the helm, fresh from a similar post at Meetings and Conventions magazine, I know one thing: I will be riding the electronic wave of Senior Editor Ira Robbins the future. Home video has come into its own. With the fresh perspective of a Acting Art Director Carol Dietz relative newcomer and the zeal of an enthusiast, I intend to help keep it that way. Associate Editor Lou Kesten My initiation into the brave new world of home video came suddenly, by immersion, at the gigantic Winter Consumer Electronics Show (now in its 15th Assistant Editor Dan Wishnoff year) in Las Vegas, where aisle upon aisle of the best and latest in consumer Contributing Editors electronics gear clamored for attention. The good news is that much of this expanding universe of gear is still available at reasonable prices, prices that have Ivan Berger, Bob Brewin, Steve Daly dipped lower every year, even as the equipment itself has improved. It’s likely that (Directory), Mark Fleischmann, Frank Lovece, competition-driven price wars, coupled with overproduction, will keep prices down in 1987, but consumers may find companies cutting back on new features and/or Tim Onosko, Murray Slovick quality to maintain profitability if the dollar continues to devaluate against the yen. Asst. to the Editor Adam Philips With one big exception—the subject of this month’s cover story on Super VHS—no astounding new products are likely to take the U.S. by storm this year. Asst. Art Director Patricia Quon In our feature “Galaxy of Gear,” we survey what’s new in VCRs, camcorders, big Art Assistant Julie Thurer screen TVs, monitor/receivers, and accessories. For the most part, manufactur- ers have produced models noteworthy for newly digitized components, improved Typesetting Janet M. Holland engineering, or simple repackaging. In the case of camcorders, several more Editorial Assistant Lily Schwartzberg manufacturers have entered the fray with competing new models. REESE A number of promising new products and systems are waiting hungrily in the a COMMUNICATIONS wings. First and foremost are digital audio tape and the machines that play it. At presstime, Aiwa had announced it would start selling DAT systems in Japan in INCORPORATED March, and enter the U.S. later this year. Until now, DAT decks have been held back by their controversial ability to record (hence dupe) in digital sound every- President and Jay Rosenfield thing from radio broadcasts to compact discs. For similar reasons, the Motion Managing Director Picture Association of America has kept the dual-deck VCR at bay. Its ability to play and duplicate videotapes on one machine is seen as an encouragement to film Publisher Debra Halpert piracy. Production Manager Linda M. Vallely This brings us to the one real advance scheduled to appear in 1987—and to our cover story on JVC’s new subformat: Super VHS. If it delivers, as promised, Production Assistant Lisa Paisal 430 lines of resolution and a VCR-generated picture that beats even broadcast quality, Super VHS could hasten the introduction of high definition TV in this Circulation Director Joseph Muccigrosso country, despite the revolution in broadcasting it would cause. There is one caution, of course. The history of home video is littered with the corpses of great Circulation Manager Rena Adler ideas that died aborning. We don’t think this will be one of those, but as we haven’t actually seen or tested Super VHS, we'll keep our eyes and judgement open until Fulfillment Manager Sue Wirtz the final returns are in. Financial Officer Albert Mineo On the other hand, in this month’s VIDEO exclusive, “Laser Rot,” we alert videophiles to an ominous flaw in the videodisc format: a phenomenon called laser Business Manager Janette Evans rot, a malady invisible on the disc itself that turns initially excellent disc-generated pictures into virtually unwatchable colored snow. Although we have been unable to Assistant to the Gabrielle Macari determine just how widespread the ailment is, Pioneer, whose discs have been President most frequently affected, has earnestly set about to correct the problem and has guaranteed it will replace all defective discs. Don’t take this report as a reason to National Editorial 460 West 34 Street stop buying discs. But do familiarize yourself with the symptoms so you can & Sales N.Y., N.Y. 10001 recognize the disease if it affects any of your discs. (212) 947-6500 Advertising Director Eric C. Schwartz With these stories, plus the last of a comprehensive three-part series of tape tests (this month’s on Compact VHS and 8mm), we have served up a meal hearty Promotion Manager Luanne Rao foton the technical side. Next month, watch for our annual software special. Ad Coordinator Noel Boyle 6 Video April 1987 East Coast Sales Beth Cahill Linda DeRogatis Classified Sales Janet Rubin Midwest Sales Milton Gerber, Gerber & Associates, 1309 North Rand Rd., Arlington Heights, Ill. 60004 (312) 253-7500 West Coast Sales Sales Manager: Deborah Kern. Adv. Asst.: Ellyn Rubin, 16661 Ventura Blvd., Encino, Calif. 91436 (818) 905-5303 VIDEO (ISSN 0147-8907) is published monthly by Reese Communications Inc., 460 West 34th Street, New York, N.Y. 10001. Second-class postage paid at York, N.Y. and additional mailing office. ' 1987 by Reese Communications Inc. All rights reserved. * under Universal, International, and Pan American Copyright Conventions. Reproduction of edito- nial or pictorial content ir copy price $ $2.50 One-year subscription ).S.; foreign, air mail, $37.00 U.S. Address subscription orders, change of adc respondence and inquiries to: VIDEO, P. O. Box & Boulder, Colorado 80322- 6293. Chanofgaeddress takes 60 days to process: send old address label, new address, and zip code. All material listed in this magazine is subject to manufacturer's change without notice, and publisher assumes no responsibility for such change. Printed in the U.S.A. POSTMASTER: Send Address changes to VIDEO, P. O. Box 56293, Boulder, Colorado 80322-6293.

SOMETIMES THE MAN WHO HAS EVERYTHING HAS A FEW THINGS TOO MANY. iat=\\counola\\>y o)cele)(lanwiiianare nine] even supervise a Sony® Trinitron® It’s time to show your com- fellbiaresx=ore)an) ole)a\\=iairyan ele accyi(>a8F AAVAsiinoalN olelexcaimalsrere hie) a\\-10(e) fexela\\=ialenalewy axere)alice)h Allthose remotes in your way, And WYMiakellaslosime lava lalice|(oce| PM iahis-2e1 Ore)alice) trying to find the right one when Central remote. you needit can really test your remote, press the self-control. ragrelcoraliave |eelarelacne lace) melaialsyarelanskelaelvlmai-volcril itlearns the operatin dealer, call The GE Answer That's why General Electric® codes inminutes, putting Center® at 800-626-2000, (oi(=1e}(=1o nialo 1@Xo)alice) @X~1a)ce|i your entire system in the | iciaarei= a@)at=9a)icel(=1e) (=1gale()= exe||aakelayelulaare laren We bring good things to life. that does the work of three. Andi ifyour system Evenif they‘re not GE's. changes, Control Central See, we're not afraid will change right with it, to turn ofaffew com- ec evceye|ce]anlaaliae hielgel any petitors. Or turn them on. new addition. | Forthose with more com- Nok @ve]aii(e)k@i- alco] ,exe|a) power a Pioneer® | ponents, we present the audio system, fast I @o sire h@ia lionaiiauaae) (=) ' functions-model RRC600. forwaaFrishder® VCR, oPifoPneieorn,geFrisEhleer,ctroSnoincysaCnodrTp,r, FiisnheairrCetorrergpi.ostaennreddSotnraydCeomraprokrsation ofAmerica, respectively. GM AAEGISTERED TRADEMARK OFGENERAL ELECTRIC COMPANY — For additional information, circle No. 2 on Reader Service Card.

Fast Forwar Late-Breaking News Stereo planned for next year, portent of major changes blank videotapes and Unready to come. Maxell’s offer of one free with additional, probably audio cassette to buyers New York Super Bowl larger, models to follow. Born To Rent of two EX, HGX, or HGX fans would have fared Gold videocassettes. better watching their he- They'll use what is The cynical movie di- roes in Denver, where known as a flat tension rector in Sweet.Liberty Half-inch KMGH-TV successfully mask (FTM) to square off insists teenagers only Milestone and completely flatten want to see characters in raced to install a genera- the monitor’s faceplate. a film do three things: More than half of all tor able to broadcast the The flat mask replaces defy authority, destroy British homes have bone-crunching action in property, and take off VCRs, according to a new surround sound stereo. the conventional curved their clothes. But, if they survey by Screen Digest. New York affiliate WCBS- shadow mask that directs see Sweet Liberty (which The news came just as TV thought better of its the cathode ray gun’s has a little of each), this month’s feature own effort to do likewise electron beam onto the chances are it will be on about Britain’s love affair when confronted with monitor’s red, green, and tape. Teenagers are rabid with home video, “Beat- the $50,000 cost of the blue phosphors. The flat- renters, according to a ing the Beeb Tube Blues,” conversion. The station tening, says Zenith, study by Teen-age Re- went to press. VCR own- may want to reconsider search Unlimited, with ership in the U.S. is about for Super Bowl XXII if, makes it possible to in- 41 percent renting at 10 points less. as industry watchers pre- crease a monitor’s least five prerecorded dict, 28 percent of this brightness and contrast tapes a month and Cola-rising year’s color TVs are sold by 80 and 70 percent, re- spending, in all, $3 bil- TV Classics with MTS stereo—and if lion a year on the habit. the Giants are still in the spectively, with no fall-off Colorizing’s on a roll. running. Rear-view Video Now Coca Cola is teaming in other characteristics. up with Color Systems Reinventing Since it is less suscepti- First-time visitors to Technology to tint a slew The Picture Tube Japan are often startled of old black & white TV ble to distortion, colors to see small video moni- series, including Ivanhoe One of the most excit- should also read truer. tors above bus drivers’ (with Roger Moore), ing contests in home vid- Expect to pay what heads. They’re electronic Wyatt Earp, Casey Jones, eo research is the quest Zenith says will be a rear-view mirrors, fed by and Jungle Jim. for a better TV picture. “modest” premium for wide-angle video cameras Toshiba is using digital the visual sizzle. affixed to the back of the Introducing processing to increase bus. But we may soon be The Kidcorder resolution, Mitsubishi is New Player In seeing them here, too. A adding scandium oxide to The Ratings Game company called Clarion is Camcording may never cathode ray guns to boost demonstrating a six-inch be the same. Come fall, brightness, inventor Yves The VCR’s impact on closed-circuit dashboard toy-maker Fisher-Price Faroudja is perfecting the way we watch televi- monitor and rear camera will be tempting kids and circuitry that enhances sion is partly responsible for the U.S. It’s intended their folks with a work- edge sharpness, and Sony primarily for campers ing ‘toy’ camcorder cost- is promoting its High for two recent tremors in and other recreational ing a tenth the price of Definition TV system. the way TV-watching is vehicles. adult versions. The PXL- Now add Zenith to the measured: A.C. Nielsen’s 2000 weighs two pounds, contenders. The U.S. com- decision to substitute Coupons with tape and batteries, pany is beginning pro- “people meters” for dia- For Cassettes features point-and-shoot duction of what it calls a ries, and ABC’s decision simplicity, and packs 11 “revolutionary” new pic- to substitute another Videotape companies minutes of black & white ture tube it claims will company, preferably one are growing more aggres- video, with sound, on a improve brightness, con- sive, and consumers standard 90-minute audio trast, color fidelity, and that already uses people should be pleased. cassette. The picture’s resolution, while reduc- meters, for Nielsen. Peo- Videophiles who may not the best but Fisher- ing glare. ple meters, say its propo- have missed JVC’s recent Price is betting its sug- nents, more accurately giveaway of two vid- gested price of $150 can The first tubes, due lat- measure such VCR-in- eotapes on purchases of carve a new low-end er this spring, will go in- duced TV habits as zip- six can still take advan- niche in the video biz. A to Zenith computers, ping, zapping, and tage of TDK’s $3 rebate deluxe version, with a partly because of their timeshifting, all of which on purchases of four five-inch TV, will cost $200. impact on text legibility. can affect program rat- But a 14-inch TV is ings. So far, people me- ters have suggested that viewers may be watching less TV than advertisers are paying for using dia- ry-based ratings, which is why the devices’ wide- spread use could be a 8 Video April 1987

BUY FUul VIDEOTAPE AND WELL — SEND YOU A BILL. FU VIDEOCASSETTE Now through June 30, 1987, for every Fuji videocassette you buy, Fuji will send you a dollar back. The offer’s good on all grades of Fuji videotape, including our top-rated Super XG. See your local Fuji retailer for details and restrictionsAn.d hurry, ' because after June 30, the only kind of bills people will send you are the kind you don't want. FUJI Put the good stuff on the good stuff.® ©1987 Fuji Photo FilmU.S.A., Inc., Magnetic Products Div., 555 Taxter Rd., ElmsfoNrYd10,523

Feedback Readers Air Their Views Digital Dollars It could easily have been a Negro film- PD Perils maker commenting on some idiocy of In response to Michael Harding’s letter black politics in Africa, or a novice at- I enjoyed your article on public domain about the price of Indiana Jones and the tempt to make a light comedy about the tapes (“The $10 Gamble,” Dec. ’86). Temple of Doom in February’s “Feed- ways of the Bushmen going up against Here’s another caveat for public domain back,” here’s one reason the LaserDisc the less primitive world. tape buyers: some companies misrepre- version is more expensive than the moy- sent the length of their tapes. I have a ie version: The disc has a digital sound- I could not find anything racist in The 55-minute tape of The Cabinet of Doctor track. The maximum playing time for Gods Must Be Crazy, as hard as I tried. Caligari that is described as 90 minutes discs with digital soundtracks is 55 min- We must leave that to knee-jerks such long on its linear notes. There’s also a utes, rather than the usual 60. This for- as Stevenson. Stevenson whines that 185-minute Crown Movie Classics ver- ces any movie that runs over 110 min- the blacks in this film are not allowed “a sion of Birth of a Nation which, in fact, utes, like this one, onto three sides. shred of the individuality necessary for runs 119 minutes. Naturally, a two-disc movie will cost character comedy.” I saw little evidence more than a one-disc movie. this film was ever intended to be a char- Jerry Rutledge acter comedy. Indeed, Stevenson Waseca, Minn. Ronald Felder proves, with his self-righteous attitude, Philadelphia, Penn. the position of his closing statement: Camcorder that the need to feel superior to some- Complaint More Info, Please body, somewhere, is worldwide. I have been employed in the television Frank Vizard’s article on 19- and 20-inch Stephen M. Kranz New Orleans, La. and motion picture industry for a number televisions (“Stereo Finally Catches on,” of years and have seen many tech- Dec. ’86) would have been much more nological breakthroughs. But those that helpful if the resolution of each TV had revolutionized the video industry have been included. Jack Stotzer M. George Stevenson replies: Anyone given the manufacturers of home video Milwaukee, Wis. failing to see the racism in The Gods Must Be Crazy is ignoring the obvious. A camcorders serious problems. These Camcorder film in which black people automatically Comes Through believe that a white culture’s trash (the companies are so obsessed with high- empty Coke bottle) is a gift from the gods technology that they feel every camcor- and that whites, when first they meet, are I wasn’t that impressed with the Sony der must be loaded with worthless fea- Pak 8 HandyCam system I bought a few the gods themselves, is implicitly saying months ago, but I am now. I tried ex- whites are superior. I found this offensive, tures simply because they are chic. For perimenting with various lenses from tel- escopes and binoculars and found that and merely wished to point out the emper- example, autofocus on a camcorder is this camera is great for copying photos, or's clothes for what they are. coins, flowers, and so forth. With the useless. Also, there should be a manual right lenses and techniques you can do anything. I taped 300 photographs and override on the auto-iris with f-stop they look better on tape than they did originally, and they’re 200 times larger readings somewhere. The backlight con- as well. I also dubbed in music. trol button can’t help you in situations David Miller Sun Valley, Nev. Romance’s Rewrites when your auto iris makes your video too hot. I do not own a camcorder and Would it be too much to ask Toby Gold- from what I have seen I do not want stein to view films before writing about one. I will continue to shoot my personal them? In the first paragraph of “Ro- films in Super 8 as long as Kodak keeps mance’s Renaissance,” in February’s the format alive. Martin Hamrick VIDEO, she rewrites the ending of West Jacksonville, Fla. Side Story by having Maria, rather than Railing Against the Gods Correction Tony, slain. What really happened was The Gods Must Be Crazy was the sub- ject of something purporting to be a re- that Tony was seriously wounded but In the VHS section of “Video Magazine’s view by M. George Stevenson in your probably would have survived had Maria February issue. Is Stevenson’s article 1987 Blank Tape Tests” (Feb. ’87), the your magazine’s contribution to the cur- not tried to force him to sing one more video signal-to-noise rating for Fuji Su- rent trend of immature and irresponsible verse of “There’s a Place for Us.” He journalists who think they are making should have been told to lie still! But no, per HG T-120 and the audio S/N rating some lofty contribution to the cause of for Maxell HGX Gold Hi-Fi T-120 should bringing South Africa to its knees by de- riding anything having to do with white she wanted to sing! So, Maria really both have read Very Good. iV] South Africa? killed Tony. Of course there wasn’t a Until I read Stevenson’s review I real- dry eye in the house. (Had the film been VIDEO welcomes your comments and questions. Please do not enclose self-addressed envelopes with ly didn’t know the filmmaker was white. made a few years later, Tony would letters as the volume of mail does not pennit doubtless have replied by croaking out a personal replies. All letters may be edited for clarity verse of “Killing Me Softly with Bern- and space. Address correspondence to Feedback, VIDEO Magazine, 460 West 34th Street, stein’s Song.”) Dr. Gerard J. Grzyb New York, N.Y. 10001. Oshkosh, Wis. 10 Video April 1987

Che Laser News NOW OVER 100 TITLES ON DIGITAL SOUND LA ISION ‘J 7 ‘ mp -— - _ i Fe or ‘ = The home video experience without equal! Videos, Concerts, Opera, and Jazz. laecatiics Compact disc quality Digital Audio and Laser Only on LaserVision. meeeres ae nVoildoegoiesRescoolmubtiionne.d Tiwnoto sotnaet.e-oMfo-vtihee-sa,rt Mtuescihc- __ iFnorAlMaosrkea 1I-n8f0o0r-m4a4t7i-o0n890please call 1-800-255-2550 © 1987 LDC America. 200 W. Grand Ave., Montvale, N.J. 07645 LaserDise is a trademark of Pioneer Electronic Corp. For additional information, circle No. 3 on Reader Service Card. ' eeaeee .

FOR VCR OWNERS WHO KNOW A | TAKE ANY THREE MOVIES, PICK FROM OVER 200 MOVIES ON THESE TWO PAGES. | SELECTION SELECTION | NUMBER TITLE NUMBER THE BRIDGE ON THE |THE NATURAL 1649052 RIVER KWAI 1606062 |ELENI 3196082 TO CATCH A THIEF | 2050052 |THE CLAN OF THE CAVE BEAR [3583092 ENEMY MINE | 3584082 |FRIGHT NIGHT | 1820062 MOONRAKER | 0677102 | ROMANCING THE STONE JANE FONDA'S NEW WORKOUT | 5112042 | FANTASTIC VOYAGE 0894092 |WUTHERING HEIGHTS 0607152 [A VIEW TO A KILL 3126032 STAR WARS 564162 |THE GREAT ESCAPE 3555032 [OR, STRANGELOVE 0989052 | COMMANDO 6072002 ‘584122 ANIGHTMARE ON 0638002 | BONNIE AND CLYDE 4847092 ELM STREET 2 0043092 1521082 |SOME LIKE iT HOT 6033082| CRUISING 3208042 RE-ANIMATOR: 5423082 THE GOLDEN VOYAGE OF SINBAD 3382022 | PATTON 7ig052 5361102 ‘The straromontthgetae, SMOOTH TALK 3500252 | RISKY BUSINESS 4001272 1653082 | THE BEST OF TIMES | 0895082 4858052 | ALICE IN WONDERLAND 0502032 4101002 SPIES LIKE US THE TRIP TO BOUNTIFUL RUTHLESS PEOPLE COBRA seal eTaio? ePINGECHIO 3103002 5119072 b fode me see Bruits WEST SIDE STORY 0505342 CABARET 4803072 THE TEXAS CHAINSAW ] SELECTION TILE SELECTION TILE SELECTION |DEATH WISH | 2027132 | YENTL sbi | MASSACRE NUMBER NUMBER NUMBER | THE COTTON CLUB | 3100032 | ANNIE HALL THE HOWLING Oe THE BiG CHILL 0563172 | BUTCH CASSIDY AND THE WARGAMES 0828002 | ROCKY IV 0563172 | STALAG 17 nw | THE CARE BEARS MOVIE SUNDANCE KID 0617302 |GREMLINS 6062082 | PORKY'S O775112 | THE GRADUATE seigige TRUE GAIT 3256052 |LOVE STORY SUPERMAN 3305062 | CHARLOTTE'S WEB 2095022 | IT'S AWONDERFUL LIFE 5251052 |POLICE ACADEMY 2040082 | POWER 3507022 2085182 |COCOON 0935002 CITY LIGHTS (0527202 | FORT APACHE 5506042 |DUMBO 6049002 | ST. ELMO’S FIRE 6020032 OLD YELLER 1527022 |THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE UGLY | 0582222 |EDDIE MURPHY—DELIRIOUS 6043062 A CHORUS LINE 3553052 |20,000 LEAGUES 2025152 THE PARENT TRAP. 0579012 A SOLDIER'S STORY GUYS AND DOLLS 3533002 UNDER THE SEA 6115092 JANE FONDA'S WORKOUT 0856212 CHALLENGE 6048012 | STARMAN 6097012 ey STAR TREK— 6080002 TO LIVE AND DIE IN L.A. 2042062 MARY POPPINS [7110082 |PALE RIDER 1511002 Lisl abelbi 3288072 AT CLOSE RANGE 2028122 |FRIDAY THE 13TH CLOSE ENCOUNTERS OF 4503002 EATING RAOUL 0013132 |FUNNY GIRL 4857062 THE THIRD KIND BODY DOUBLE ee 0669022 | TWICE IN A LIFETIME MY FAIR LADY cil 0855062 5289012 | REDS 2029032 BILL COSBY—HIMSELF SESAME STREET PRESENTS: FOLLOW THAT BIRD 3193012 | THE BLACK STALLION 0504012 = 4 “4 BODY HEAT 5288022 | AGAINST ALL ODDS :s THE RIGHT STUFF 1733282 | TERMS OF ENDEARMENT 2014182 4 gts CHINATOWN RED RIVER 1507032 CLEOPATRA 5260042 | MISTER ROBERTS 6095032 REVOLUTION 7225042 | CHARIOTS OF FIRE 6014012 OCTOPUSSY 276062 | PRIZZI'S HONOR 4802022 GIANT 4881062 | THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK 0910092 A NIGHTMARE ON 0793012 | THE CARE BEARS MOVIE ti 1862052 a STREET 4713062 _|BLADE RUNNER KRAMER VS. KRAMER Guess WHO'SCOMING ee THE TEN COMMANDMENTS JEWEL OF THE NILE oo 0 819 2026062 9571032 THE GREATEST STORY 6117072 |ARTHUR 6024092 EVER TOLD A lot of savvy VCR owners just for joining the Club. We’ll even SAVE 50% WITH paki been finding out how good our pay the shipping and handling. deal is. And how good our movies are. OUR BONUS PLAN. Just keep reading and you'll see for You can also order a fourth Once you’ve bought five yourself four reasons why the CBS movie right now and save up to $60 Video Club has the best deal around on more (see box at right). And that’s only movies at regular Club prices, you can the movies you want to own. And you the beginning. cancel your membership at any time. can get in on that deal right here But most members prefer to keep and now. PAY NO buying from the Club. Because under our current generous Bonus Plan, each 3547042 MEMBERSHIP FEE. movie you buy allows you to take THREE MOVIES Even with an upfront deal as a, good as ours, there’s no mem- OWITNH LMEYMBER$SH3IP.30 EACH. bership fee. All we ask is that Seems too good to be true? you buy five more movies at regular Club prices within the Then take a good look at the listing next two above. We'll send you any three of over years—movies 200 terrific movies here for $3.30 each, you’d probably buy anyway. Club prices cur- rently range from $29.95 to $79.95, phlaunsdlisnhgipp(ienxgtraan-dlong films and specials may cost a bit more). Then you can start saving all over again with our Bonus Plan.

GOOD DEAL WHEN THEY SEE ONE. JUST $3.30 EACH. WITH MEMBERSHIP PICK FROM OVER 200 MOVIES ON THESE TWO PAGES. TITLE SELECTION THLE SELECTION : ERs is NUMBER NUMBER HALLOWEEN 3250012 |THE THING (ORIGINAL) FUA STOP MAKING SENSE 7759192 _|ARSENIC AND OLD LACE 0735102 ‘AIRPLANE 2033232 |CAT BALLOU Biscie TEEN WOLF 4104072 | AMERICAN GIGOLO STAR TREK I THE SWORD IN THE STONE 5409062 ‘THE SEARCH FOR SPOCK 2016162 |jaan MAX: BEYOND NORTH TO ALASKA 7310002 |THUNDERDOME THE SEVEN SAMURAI 3108052 | ROBIN ROOD sy THE KARATE KID. 1710092 | GHOSTBUSTERS ALL ABOUT EVE 0044082 “10” HELLO DOLLY a B0ss00e;iees THE GODFATHER—PART W FOOTLOOSE ogqs0s2 |SSPLAPSH L= AS: H| BORNE THE RUSSIANS ARE COMING [osraoee [WiNESS | THE LONGEST DAY AHO YANKEE DOODLE DANDY SHO3R6T07C0I12RCUIT : PRETTY“? IN PINK & SoPeACECAMP Ea o77032. 4224022 4886012 RETURN OF THE DRAGON MUSTBE SELECTIONbcTHE SOUND OF MUSIC SELECTION THLE SELECTION WILE 603 9212NUMBER THE MAN WHO SHOT LIBERTY NUMBER eepingItDISNEYS UO [[oRxeinaencoownar SYaaNUMBER VALANCI 6167062 Beatty PRIVATE BENJAMIN 6018072 DAS BOOT 1520092 2092052 THE POSTMAN ALWAYS 4000022 THE MUPPETS TAKE 0923122 THE ROAD WARRIOR 6028052 RMNGS TWIC! E 7516052 | MANHATTAN 2003032 RICHARD PRYOR—LIVE ON ANNIE THE SUNSET STRIP. 1603092 6027222 THE PINK PANTHER THE KILLING FIELDS 6084062 CCAARMNEALLOT KNOWLEDGE 3122072 ‘SUNSET BOULEVARD [THEAFRICAN QUEEN 0511022 FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE 9690212 GANDHI CASABLANCA 1933042 TRADING PLACES 2017152 TOOTSIE ‘MAD MAX 0507362 THE FRENCH CONNECTION 0042422 1509042 6096022 iNATIONA , l EUROPEAN VACATION SLEEPING BEAUTY THE GODS MUST BE CRAZY THE DAY THE EARTH 0876042 DELTA FORCE 3383012 5437022 7340042 SYOOD STILL 5501032 2s aize gx LAWRENCE OF ARABIA 1514072 THE WAY WE WERE WITNESS FOR THE THE FALCON AND KING KONG (ORIGINAL) PEE WEE’S BIG PROSECUTION THE SNOWMAN 2053102 SATURDAY NIGHT FEVER 5 =02022 ‘BEVERLY HILLS COP 2018142 nm74072 0717122 _|FLASHDANCE 0008022 |THE MAGNIFICENT SEVEN 0534212 Be =oS ADVENTURE nose _—-—“(i‘at Oe6098002 [THE GODFATHER 0055122 LOSTIN AMERICA 4173032 KISS OF THE 3112092 THE MAN WHO WOULD BE KING 0858032. SPIDER WOMAN [[eDus31ee8ia7oi09se2e2 |UcaameonvsenaauckxFOLLES || 0esa12s0e12[aPaAnNoYunAsNDALEXANDER] g2022182 THE MALTESE FALCON 9908072 ‘ON GOLDEN POND GOONIES 4225042 THE ALAMO 0583052 NOTORIOUS 3145002 NEVER SAY NEVER AGAIN 6017082 7104002 THE WOMAN IN RED 0567132 SOUTH PACIFIC 3506112 | GUNG HO DOWN AND OUT INBEVERLY HILLS illSHE WORE A YELLOW RIBBON 5504002 5426052 1741022 6042072 AN OFFICER AND 2021192 THE EMERALD FOREST A PASSAGE TO INDIA 2000142 7105092 A GENTLEMAN DIRTY HARRY MOMMIE DEAREST |Pak another movie of equal value or less Advance Selection I CBS VIDEO CLUB 1400 North Fruitridge Avenue at 50% off. And we'll see to it that | Dept. 764, P.O. Box 1111, Terre Haute, IN 47811 you always have plenty to choose SAVE UP TO $60 MORE— from. HAVE LESS TO BUY LATER! Please enroll me in the CBS Video Club under the terms HUNDREDS OF Order a fourth movie now for only $19.95 I outlined in this advertisement. As a member, I need to buy HIT MOVIES. (that’s up to $60 savings! )—and your mem- I just five more movies at regular Club prices within the next bership obligation is immediately reduced I two years. About every four weeks (up to (you then need buy only 4 more, instead of5). I 13 times a year), we'll send you our 3 MOVIES FOR # CBS Video Club Magazine, reviewing See coupon at right. our Director’s Selection plus a wide I ONLY $3.30 EACH. choice of alternate movies. Including specified. (If you ever receive a tape I That's only $9.90 for all 3! recent hits like Ruthless People and before having had a full two weeks to I Check one: []VHS Return ofthe Jedi. Classics like Casa- decide, send it back at our expense.) BETA | # | blanca and The African Queen. And You can also call us toll free with any I Please check how paying: family favorites like The Sound of questions or service requests. I My check is enclosed. Music and Sleeping Beauty. X19/X21 Join today and we'll send your In addition, up to four times a first three movies for just $3.30 each —] Charge my introductory movies and future Club purchases to: year, you may receive offers of special along with more details on how the I (MasterCard (] Diners Club selections, usually at a discount off Club works. I American Express [J VISA X20/X22 regular Club prices, for a total of up to 17 buying opportunities. If you’re not satisfied, re- I turn everything within 10 days for a 1 Account # If you want the Director's Se- full, prompt refund—no further I Expiration Date lection, don’t do a thing. It will arrive obligation. i Signature automatically. If you prefer an alternate I Also send my first selection for $19.95 plus $3.00 for or none at all, just let us know by For faster service, use your I shipping/handling, which I’m mailing the enclosed card by the date credit card to order and call toll free 1 1-800-CBS-4804 (in Indiana, call 1-800-742-1200). Or mail the coupon. I adding to payment above. I # | then need buy only 4 more CBS VIDEO CLUB (instead of 5) in two years. 1400 North Fruitridge Avenue, Terre Haute, IN 47811 I I Name I Address. I City. State I Zip Phone ) 1 NOTE: CBS Video Club reserves the right to reject any application or I cancel any membership. Offer limited to continental U.S. and Canada (excluding Alaska). Canadian residents will be serviced from Toronto I1 (offer may vary). Applicable sales tax added to all orders.

Top Gun’s $26.95. Now that home video Jackson and Michael J. Fox revenues often match or ex- as a Pepsi spokesperson.) ceed theatrical income, it’s There is a price to pay: the high time video spending 60-second Top Gun-inspired Diet Pepsi commercial at the caught up to the level of ma- jor motion pictures. beginning of every Top Gun cassette. So it’s two steps The deal involves the forward, and one back. But $26.95 pricetag, TV ads for the tape, and a Maverick-like maybe you can get a good deal on a leather bomber character named Mustang do- jacket now that the weather’s ing barrel rolls for Diet Pepsi getting warmer. as a tie-in. (No, Tom Cruise —Wolf Schneider will not be following Michael Calling All Newshounds D oes it seem like the dom’s sexiest fly-boy since “The Zapruder film is the If the footage is used, the buzz about Top best example of an amateur network will pay the contrib- Sam Shepard portrayed a photographer being in the utor. Gun—a monster summer young Chuck Yeager in The right place at the right time,” hit—is happening again? No Right Stuff. But there’s more Last year, CNN ran ama- mystery: the videocassette says Judi Borza, spokeswom- to it. ian for the Cable News Net- teur footage from a California just came out. The most pop- work. She’s talking about the woman who grabbed her vid- ular motion picture of 1986 Paramount is really push- eo gear when a Titan missile did more than $172 million at historic 8mm home movie of exploded shortly after launch ing the edge of the envelope from nearby Vandenberg Air the box office and was still on this one. The studio has the assassination of President Force Base. CNN picked up playing at more than 400 partnered with Pepsi-Cola on her videocassette by helicop- an unprecedented $8 million Kennedy taken by a Dallas theaters in early 1987. Tom advertising/marketing cam- resident. With video now el- ter, then fed the footage by Cruise’s self-confident paign to support the video bowing movie cameras aside, satellite to its Atlanta opera- Maverick character was film- CNN hopes to encourage am- tions base. “This case really release, which is priced at bull’s-eyed our attention to ateur video enthusiasts to people out there with those cameras,” says Managing Ed- gather news footage for the itor Earl Casey. “The News- network by instituting the hound line is a way to let “CNN Newshound” cam- paign. Anyone with a home people know how to get hold video camera or camcorder of us without it even costing -and the presence of mind to them a quarter.” The CNN reach for it when something Newshound office is open 24 newsworthy happens can of- fer the tape to CNN by call- hours a day and can be ing a national toll-free hotline. reached at 1-800-544-NEWS. CNN editors will evaluate the footage and verify the story. —Timothy Onosko 14 Video April 1987

Haute Video Secrets of “We'll do anything to do a good show. We’ve used For several years, leading Penn and camera tricks to fool peo- fashion designers have under- stood the value of video in Teller ple,” he allows. displaying and promoting their products. Up to now, enn Jillette describes Versatility is their game. however, the fashion tapes himself and his part- As Penn notes, “We could available to consumers have ner Teller, whose first have made more money mostly covered naughty lin- name fell out of use 15 years sooner if we had put a label gerie or swimsuits, not the ago, as “a couple of very on the show and said we are latest hemlines from Paris or eccentric guys who know doing magic.” Instead they Milan. Enter Videofashion! how to do a couple of cool Monthly, the world’s first things.” Make that a couple remained unrestricted, and fashion magazine on vid- of dozen cool things: in have put in appearances on eotape, which profiles design- their eponymous show, Saturday Night Live and The ers and models, reports on David Letterman Show. Penn shows, and interviews glam- has also acted in such films orous celebrities. The thor- as Off Beat and My Chauf- oughly style-conscious cas- settes run 35 minutes and feur, as well as on Miami are available in stores ($9.95 Vice. per issue) and by subscrip- tion ($79 for six months). The pair’s Showtime cable special, The Invisible Thread, which they wrote and star in, Rerunning the Living-Room War GOEORDRSYTEIN ts hard to believe al- dium other than video can Teller and Penn plot their next devious adventure. most two decades have match, Vietnam: A Television passed since Vietnam was History covers the years which has recently hit the doesn’t even involve magic. America’s constant, painful 1946 through 1975, with a road after several years In the story, aliens invade nightmare. No one who lived 1983 coda entitled Legacies. off-Broadway, the dynamic Earth, but decide the planet through the era could deny duo juggle, eat fire, and per- that the conflict affected each Another important video form card tricks, escape rou- is totally without originality one of us profoundly. But event concerning the war is tines, sleight of hand, and and so decide to destroy it. what actually happened in the original songs. It’s up to Penn and Teller to first televised war? Many Vestron’s forthcoming re- save the day, along with who remember the endless lease of Platoon, a 1986 Their Emmy award-win- guests G. Gordon Liddy, An- TV coverage don’t recall the theatrical film written and ning public television special, dy Warhol, Dick Cavett, Iggy history; the next generation directed by Oliver Stone Penn and Teller Go Public, has little chance of under- (Salvador), himself a Vietnam features a video card trick Pop, Joe Franklin, Peter standing the events at all. vet. —Ira Robbins you can do at home, provided Wolf, and the Fabulous Thun- you’ve set up your VCR as derbirds. In a bold, significant move, instructed. After failing to Sony has released all 13 find your friend’s card, Penn Penn seems puzzled by the hours of the Emmy award- shows the card himself on winning PBS documentary, your video screen. That’s only reaction to their use of video. Vietnam: A Television Histo- the beginning, though. Cruel “Every time we get one of Tricks for Dear Friends, a these ideas and start to do it ry, on seven cassettes and new videocassette release, I can’t believe we're the first will soon issue five additional takes the gag even further. ones. It seems like we Vietnam titles, including a should be five years late. conservative rebuttal to the Why such extremes? “Tell- And we are the absolute series by Charlton Heston, er and I are obsessed with first. I really don’t think it’s and a 90-minute discussion of this video thing,” garrulous Penn says simply. They’re because we're that smart.” their experiences by several determined to use video’s Maybe, but when it comes to Vietnam veterans. Detailed special abilities to the fullest. creating unique material, and powerful in a way no me- they’re miles ahead of the competition. —Adam Philips April 1987 Video 15

Starring: MARK GREGORY, KAREN REEL and BO SVENSON as the Sheriff Produced By: FULVIA INTERNATIONAL FILMS SRL Directed By: LARRY LUDMAN YA) {_f lor NKOlee 7.¥40,0) WAV PREBOOK DATE: APRIL 28 PRICE $79.95 TRANS WORLD ENTERTAINMENT (USA) O N SALE Dy-NG a: ave A ]2) 6464 Sunset Bivd., Penthouse Suite, Hollywood, CA 90028 For additional information, circle No. 4 on Reader Service Card.

BE A WINNER! TRANS WORLD ENTERTAINMENS (U.5.A.) Don’t Miss the Excitement! » ano EWXACTICTHINGTHE THUNDER WARRIOR II ogi VIDEO STORE! NSWER THE4 QUESTIONS BELOW 2 SECOND PRIZES DOVER 1000 HANCES TO WIN! IT’S THAT EASY! |ie) GRAND PRIZE SUZUKI SAMURAI 4 x 4 America’s Hottest 4 x 4—Fun for the entire family. Nothing else comes close. Selly \\O35 ory u-JK, A complete set of Coleman PLUS 1,000 FOURTH PRIZES 5 THIRD PRIZES “aaa Touanoa .oi Join in the THUNDER WARRIOR IIaction with Regency Scanner. The latest in hi- di:ffer due : to availmabeinltity). ann ofOffificciial THUND ER WARR IOR a -sshihrtr!t (To ha-\\[e-lYee1ctr(Koe)nics. Watch the action-packed THUNDER WARRIOR II and answer the questions below. » Cfprceal f a Sa TThHeUnNDtaEkRe yoWuArReRnItrOyRto IyIoSuWr EpEarPtSicTiApaKtiEnSg vididsepolasyt.orIet'satnhdat deeapsoys!it itin the L1. iNospusrchbasaeciinpeclaeessshaOrey.raTioe5entteor,stcionmpsloeFteFtthetoeffniceiatlsentnray mbalannck eanrdsde4posgitusatttohnessawesekpsetdabkeesldoiyspolauytrloacamtéead dat complete address on a plain piece of paper, 3x5\", and mail to: Thunder Warrior IlSweepstakes, P.O. Box 667, Lowell, THUNDER WARRIOR il SWEEPSTAKES esolZooper entries must be received by August 10, 1987. The sponsor is not responsible for late, lost or » 2. A list of correct answers can be obtained by sending a els self-addressed envelope to: Thunder Warrior II Answers, c/o Trans World Entertainment 6464 Sunset Blvd. Hollywood, CA 90028. Residents of WA and VT send an is the corrupt deputy sheriff who has itin for Thunder. unstamped, self-addressed envelope. Requests must be received by July 15, 1987. Gene NEE RARCL CAI baler crew fom among all cored wid received b' oe 31, 1987, by THUNDER WARRIOR 5 IATES, .. an independent judging organization whose decisions are final. All prizes are IItakes place in the state of _..-.-_~~_=-_- guaranteed to be awarded. Winners will be notified b al and may be required to complete an affidavit of eligibility ei nes 9 which must be returned within 21 days of date on notification. No duplicate major prize winners and noEntsruybstciotnusttiiotnutefosr prizes except as may be necessary due to availability. All taxes are the responsibility of the winners. is the nickname of the vicious head prison guard. permission to use of winners’ names and likenesses for publicity purposes without additional compensation. 3 ; is the name of Thunder's wife. a retail value of the prizes are as follows: Grand ($8000.), Second ($355. each), Third ($280. each), Fourth each). Name 5. Odds of winning are determined by the total number of correct entries received. Sweepstakes open to residents of the United States. Awards to minors must be accepted by parent or guardian. Employees and their families of Trans World Address Entertainment, its affiliates, subsidiaries, participating retailers, Gilat agencies and VENTURA ASSOCIATES, < INC., are not eligible. All Federal, State and local rules and regulations apply. Void where prohibited by law. City a entri.es mstine { 5 6. For a list of major prize winners, send a stamped, self-addressed envelope before August 15, 1987 to: Thunder ————______—- Warrior IlWinners, c/o Trans World Entertainment 6464 Sunset Blvd. Hollywood, CA 90028. sited by July 31, 1987 ———- 7. Questionstoanswer: Note: use esler oeLegis names ant thecee EVE (olel-] ae NSeae is rrupt deputy sheriff who hajass iittiinnforforThuTnhdunedrer.. 2. ieexciittiinng Thunder WarriorWarrior lIltakes pIlace is the nickname of the vicious head prison guard. 4. is the name of Thunders’ wife. VIDEO DEALERS WIN YOUR OWN SUZUKI-IT’S EASY! DETAILS COMING IN YOUR MAIL AND TRADE! For additional information, circle No. 104 on Reader Service Card.

Re-Animator’s Re-Edit As if April 15 weren’t any film not ruled obscene by Director Stuart Gordon fers the uncut Last House on scary enough, that’s the day a court. Even Vestron presi- the Left, MCA released the horror director Stuart Gor- Re-Animator does seem a bit uncut, 1931 Frankenstein on don’s From Beyond arrives dent Jon Peisinger admits padded—at 95 minutes it’s videodisc, and Criterion did on video. Gordon is best that asking for an R-rated six-plus minutes longer than likewise with probably the known to aficionados of glori- version “was a matter of the original. most complete version possi- ous gore for the 1985 comic ble of 1933’s King Kong. horror hit, Re-Animator, also marketing, not law.” Re-Animator isn’t by any on Vestron. Many of his fans “T wasn't really happy means the only horror movie —Frank Lovece are confused, however, be- with a “special home-video cause two versions of that about it,” says Gordon, “but version” —Vestron itself of- headless-body grossout ap- pear on tape and disc: the since I was away in Rome unrated original and an [shooting From Beyond and R-rated video-only edit. the upcoming Dolls], I happi- ly wasn’t involved. I thought Gordon says he under- the R-rated version took all stands that some communi- the juice out of the mo- ties object to unrated movies vie—literally! Then [producer on video, despite the volun- Empire Pictures] added all tary nature of the movie rat- these exposition scenes I’d ings system, and the fact that originally cut because they horror movies are as legal as slowed the movie down. I tell my friends we ended up with the Masterpiece Theatre ver- sion,” he jokes. The tamer TOP 40 SALES AND RENTALS CASSETTE CASSETTE VIDEODISC KIDVID RENTALS SALES SALES SALES 1. Short Circuit (4). 1986. 99m. : 1. Jane Fonda’s Low Impact 1. Indiana Jones and the Tem- : 1. Sleeping Beauty (1). 1959. (PG) $79.98. CBS/Fox. : Aerobic Workout (3). 1986. 2. Cobra (1). 1986. 87m. (R) : 50m. $39.95. Karl. : ple of Doom (1). 1984. 118m. : 75m. $29.95. Disney. : 2. Jane Fonda’s New Workout : (PG) LV $39.95. Paramount. : 2. Pinocchio (2). 1940. 87m. $79.95. Warner. 3. Indiana Jones and the Tem- : (5). 1985. 90m. $39.95. Karl. : 2. Cobra (—). 1986. 87m. (R) : $29.95. Disney. ple of Doom (2). 1984. 118m. : 3. Indiana Jones and the Tem- (PG) $29.95. Paramount. : LV $34.98. Warner. : 3. Alice in Wonderland (3). 4. Poltergeist Il: The Other Side ple of Doom (2). 1984. : 3. Out of Africa (2). 1986. $ 1951. 75m. $29.95. Disney. (5). 1986. (PG-13) $79.95. MGM/UA. : 118m.(PG) $29.95. Paramount. : 161m. (PG) LV $34.98. MCA. : 4. The Sword in the Stone (5). 5. Maximum Overdrive (—). : 4. Sleeping Beauty (1). 1959. $ 75m. (G) $29.95. Disney. : 4. Pretty In Pink (—). 1986. : 1963. 79m. $79.98. Disney. 1986. 94m. (R) $79.95. Karl. : 5. Secrets of the Titanic (—). : 96m. (PG-13) LV $39.95. : 5. Dumbo (4). 1941. 64m. 6. Down and Out in Beverly Hills (6). 1986. 103m. (R) : 1986. 60m. $29.95. Vestron : Paramount. : $29.95. Disney. : 6. Star Trek Il—The Wrath of 5. Runaway Train (—). 1985. : 6. Robin Hood (6). 1973. 83m. $79.95. Touchstone. 7. The Manhattan Project (—). : Khan (8). 1982. 113m. (PG) > 112m. (R) LV $39.95. MGM/ : $29.95. Disney. : $19.95. Paramount. 1986. 117m. (PG) $79.95. : 7. Star Trek Ill—The Search for 3 5UA i 7. Winnie the Pooh and Tigger HBO/Cannon. : Spock (10). 1984. 105m. (PG) : 6. Legend (5). 1986. 89m. (PG) : Too (8). 1974. 25m. $14.95. 8. The Money Pit (7). 1986. : $19.95. Paramount. : L7.V Po$l3t4e.r9g8e.istMCIAl:. The Other Side : Disney. Puppies (7). 1985. 91m. (PG) $34.98. MCA. : 8. The Sound of Music (7). : (—). 1986. 91m. (PG-13) LV 8. Pound 9. 9 1/2 Weeks (—). 1986. $ 1965. 174m. (G) $29.98. CBS/ : 37m. $14.95. Family. 116m. (R) $79.95. MGM/UA. 10. Raw Deal (3). 1986. 90m. Fox. : $39.95. MGM/UA. :; 9. The Adventures of Teddy : 8. Back to the Future (4). 1985. : Ruxpin (—). 1986. 46m. (R) $79.95. HBO/Cannon. : 9. Callanetics (—). 1986. 60m. : $19.95. MCA. : 116m. (PG) LV $34.98. MCA. : $24.95. Vestron. 10. Raiders of the Lost Ark : 9. The Money Pit (—). 1986. 10. Charlotte’s Web (8). 1973. (6). 1981. 115m. (PG) $39.95. * 91m. (PG) LV $39.98. MCA. : 94m. $14.95. Paramount. : Paramount. : 10. Gung Ho (9). 1986. 111m. * (PG-13) LV $29.95. : Paramount. Number in parenthesis indicates position last month; (—) indicates a new listing. Copyright 1987 by Billboard Publications. Reprinted by permission. 18 Video April 1987

FROM THE SAME NOBLE LINE THAT BROUGHT YOU “NATIONAL VELVET” AND “THE BLACK STALLION?’ The spirit of a timeless tale lives again. Mickey Rooney stars as a lovable, down-on-his-luck gambler in this free-spirited, sensitive story of a beautiful _ young girl and the priceless white stallion she loves. Together, they risk their lives to keep him. ” Bring this new cinematic legend home for your entire family to enjoy. Lightning, the White Stallion—a new a Holes champion in the classic tradition. , 2 MEDIA HOME ENTERTAINMENT A Heron Communications, Inc. Company Los Angeles, Califoforrnia Closed captioned by the National Captioning institute. Used with permission. | era CAPTIONED THE W/HITE STALLION On videocassette. For additional information. circle No. 17 on Reader Service Card

New Products 5- and 19-Inch Goldstar GVT9000M MovieBox Brighter Projection TVCRs from Goldstar TVs from Panasonic VHS videocassette player with a 5-inch Goldstar’s KMV-9002 ViewMax com- color monitor that has a square-cornered Panasonic’s two new rear-projection bines a 19-inch television and VHS VCR tube. An audio amplifier and speaker are TVs feature a hybrid lens system that reduces the number of surfaces in the in one unit operable from a single re- built in. The MovieBox weighs 17.5 path of the image, boosting color fidelity mote control. A user need only attach an pounds and plays SP tapes only. and picture brightness. A liquid cooling — system allows the use of higher power antenna and plug the unit in to install. Prices: ViewMax, $650; MovieBox, electron beanis in each set’s three CRT $600. bulbs, increasing screen brightness to The TV has a quick-start picture tube 250 footlamberts. Black matrix screens For additional information, further improve the sets’ contrast. and 105-channel capability with 12 pre- circle no. 147 on Reader Service Card. sets, while the VCR features automatic The 45-inch PTJ-4578R and the 40- play and rewind. inch PTJ-4064R sets both have 155-chan- Goldstar’s GVT-9000M MovieBox is a nel cable-compatible tuners with MTS stereo capability and programmable scan Yamaha Introduces Yamaha YV-700 HQ VHS VCR Panasonic PTJ-4064R TV Second VHS VCR dio output with a headphone jack and a tuning. Additional features on both models Yamaha’s new four-head VHS VCR level control. include automatic color control, three features 111-channel cable-compatible tuning, an MTS stereo decoder, HQ cir- The YV-700’s record mute inserts a sets of audio/video inputs, two sets cuitry, and VHS Hi-Fi. The YV-700, a five-second blank into the tape’s au- of A/V outputs, a dual VHF antenna, follow-up to Yamaha’s flagship YV-1000, diotrack to allow the deck’s Music Scan also has instant record, automatic back- feature to locate the beginning of up to and a 22-function remote that also con- space recording, simulcast recording, nine selections. Counter “go-to” fast-for- trols most Panasonic VHS VCRs. In and high-speed picture search. Its wards or rewinds the tape to any select- flourescent display monitors the Hi-Fi ed point. addition, the 4578 has a 10-watt-per- record level, picture sharpness, and channel amplifier, two 6 1/2-inch tracking controls along with the usual Price: $749. functions. The deck has a selectable au- woofers, and two 2-1/2-inch tweet- For additional information, ers, while the 4064 has a 5-watt- 20 Video April 1987 circle no. 148 on Reader Service Card. per-channel amp and two 6-1/2-inch speakers. Variable audio output jacks allow connection to an external hi-fi system. Prices: PTJ-4578R, not available; PTJ-4064R, $2700. For additional information, circle no. 149 on Reader Service Card.

ENHANCER il a cxeal Pioneer’ Revolutionary Au Thisisall you need to turn your existing electronic confused by what others may promise, because this equipment into a superior A/V system. Because this machine delivers Dolby Surround\" Sound, the finest revolutionary invention not only makes all of your _in the world. audio and video components work better. It makes Yet even with all these dramatic improvements, them work better...together. your individual components have never been easier | For example, you'll see a better picture, due to _ to operate. The reason: Pioneer’s ultra-sophisticated ~ aone-of-a-kind split-screen video enhancer that 59-function system remote control: actually sharpens and focuses every video image. Pioneer’s Revolutionary Audio/Video Receiver. You'll hear a eat sound too, due to three surround _It makes all the components you already own, all sound listening environments. And please, don’tbe _ together better. Oe el(eaadey CATCH THE SPIRIT OF A TRUE PIONEER. ©1986 Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc., Long Beach, CA “Pioneer’s VSX5000 remote controls all Pioneer SR™ components. ®Dolby is a trademark of Dolby Labs, Inc. Fiac6NCSRodnioaeenrdf.raciodvldtr.ieeimcoraentailon.

New Products py Three Tiny TVs Proton VT-210 monitor/receiver From Casio PICTURE F Hi-Res Monitor/ Casio has introduced three 2-inch Receiver from Proton SERIOUS LCD TVs with 69-channel tuning and VIDEOPHILES rod antennas. The black & white TV- Proton’s 20-inch VT-210 monitor/re- KNOW THAT 200 weighs 7 ounces, transmits audio ceiver uses a video bandwidth of 6.4 CHECKING OUT through an earphone only, and has an megaHertz to produce a manufactur- A FEW BARS optional backlight. The color TV-300 er-rated 500 lines of horizontal resolu- WILL ALTER weighs 7.8 ounces and also requires an tion. The flat-screen set also features WHAT THEY SEE earphone and has an optional backlight. Proton’s Video Noise Reduction, which AND HEAR. The color TV-400 weighs 9.7 ounces, filters snow from dark parts of the pic- and includes a speaker and a backlight. ture, while a high-frequency video peak- All three TVs have an external power ing circuit enhances picture clarity and jack and can be powered by AA batter- reduces overly sharp outlines. The VT- ies, an AC adapter, or a car adapter. 210 includes an MTS/SAP decoder and stereo speakers, 139-channel cable-com- Prices: TV-200, $80; TV-300, $160; patible tuning, on-screen channel display, TV-400, $200. and three pairs of audio/video inputs and outputs. Its programmable memory al- d ee ie lows rapid channel selection, search, and <— last channel recall. Introducing Picture Perfect Labs Casio TV-200 Price: $849. answer to optimum performance for all your video components. Optimum For additional information, For additional information, performance through the use of 16 circle no. 150 on Reader Service Card. circle no. 152 on Reader Service Card. sequences on our high quality 1/2” Video Alignment Tape with Hi-Fi Audio. New VHS Decks such special effects as visual search, still From Akai frame, frame advance, and slow motion. ¢ Insure proper color levels for TV/Moni- The 220 has 4-event/14-day program- tors, Video Cameras and Video Tape Akai has introduced two new VHS ming and 14 station presets. Recording. VCRs featuring HQ circuitry and a sim- plified on-screen programming system. Prices: VS-270U, $399; VS-220U, ¢ Check performance of new equip- Both the VS-270U and the VS-220U are $369. ment before and after purchase two-head machines with 107-channel ca- Detect problems while under warranty, ble-compatible tuning, a comb filter to For additional information, and in the future improve picture resolution, and a sleep circle no, 151 on Reader Service Card. timer. The 270 also has 14-day/6-event ¢ Help to determine when heads need programming, 32 station presets, and cleaning Akai VS-270U HQ VHS VCR ¢ Determine proper levels, and EQ when recording music tracks onto video tape and playback into audio system e All Picture Perfect Tapes are ‘st generation, made directly from state- of-the-art 1” master. All are made on premium name-brand tape in real time When it comes to your viewing and recording pleasure it won't be a pleasure if it’s not Picture Perfect 5 | Picture Perfect Labs Inc. VM : o Iof 4B/r1o2oklAyvn,enuN.eY. N11S2u3it4e 354 & Jf Please rush me ___ copies of Alignment - 5 Tape at $54.95 peerr tape. |i 3 | (NY Res. add 8%% tax) VHS _Beta caOo | 5 | Name | t Apt : © sg -Address. ® | City. ub State i oO § | Zip. Phone A] __Checkormo fl PB ucivisa = B acctt EXP i 3 ilCall toll free: 1-800-628-4665 EXT. 2 | S a (New York Res, call 1-212-239-2268 EXT. 2 i 3S @ Please allow 3-4 weeks for delivery. e | Satisfaction guaranteed or your money back. © hw coe ee eB 22 Video April 1987

ay (DRM \\ SAK NOW AVAILABLE in Video Stores Naeln VJ E> | OVER 400,000 SOLD Share the adventure as three contemporary youngsters travel back through time and relive the classic stories of... MOSES, DAVID AND | GOLIATH, NOAH’S ARK, SAMSO!I AND DELILAH, DANIEL AND THE LION’S DEN, and JOSHUA AND T BATTLE OF JERICHO. Action, excitement, suspense-fille tales with larger than life heros from the leaders in family entertainment.. Hanna-Barbera. Six episodes, approximately 30 minutes each, with the voice talen of Edward Asner, Robby Benson. Herschel Bernardi, Lorne Greene, Mariette Hartley, James Earl Jones, Perry King, Gavin Macleod, Linda Pi Charlotte Rae and James Whitmore. Full Animation! oo. $19. 95 each Available in VHS or BETA To order direct, phone 1-800-346-3000 Add $2.95 for shipping and handling. For additional information, circle No. 128 on Reader

SUPERIMPOSE New Products Hitachi’s Hi-Res TITLES ON VIDEO 22-Inch TVs 20- and 31-Inch Square A stand-alone color titler Sets From Quasar Hitachi's 22-inch CT-2260 television with true GENLOCK, deluxe uses a wide-band video amplifier to elec- Quasar’s 31-inch TS9980BK is a di- tronically increase horizontal resolution keyboard, expansion port rect-view console TV featuring a flat to 480 lines, according to the manufac- and the ability to interface square picture tube with a 110-degree turer. The set also features an MTS with PCs... for $599.95. deflection angle and a tinted face plate jack, audio/video input and output jacks, for improved contrast. The set also has random access electronic tuning, on- Mb DEO EPFECTS TITLER a 22-function remote, a 155-channel tun- er, a stereo and SAP decoder, a comb Hitachi CT-2262 TV VIDEO EFFECTS TITLER filter, channel check, a sleep timer, and screen channel and volume display, a (VET) ...just $599.95 on-screen function displays. The oak tinted picture tube, and Hitachi’s Signal cabinet also houses four loudspeakers. Tracker System. The MFJ-1480B Video Effects Titler (VET) lets you The TT6267AW is a 20-inch square- The CT-2262 is a console version of superimpose color titles over a camera image or add tube console with a 19-function remote, the same set, with a swivel base and titles to existing video footage while editing. Each a sleep timer, channel check, and a walnut finish. page will display eight lines of 28 small or 14 large stereo/SAP adapter jack, housed in a characters in upper and lower case with each line slim horizontal cabinet. Prices: CT-2260, $599; CT-2262, and page in one of 15 colors. The VET retains up to $729. 30 pages of titles in memory, has direct page access, Prices: TS9980BK, n.a.; TT6267AW, scrolling and auto centering. $439.95. For additional information, circle no. 156 on Reader Service Card. And because it is expandable, the VET is never For additional information, circle no. 154 on Reader Service Card. outdated. An external port lets you plug in creative add-on cartridges coming from MFJ that permit Goldstar Unveils special effects, more fonts, flashing, special logos, Stereo TV with PIP other languages and more! Goldstar’s CMT-9388 TV offers digital An optional RS-232 interface (MFJ-1481, $169.95) picture-in-picture with two frequen- cy-synthesized tuners for simultaneous lets you interface with personal computers. With viewing of two programs. The PIP can be displayed in four different positions. some programming you can superimpose animated The unit also features an MTS/SAP graphics, stored text and countless other effects stereo decoder and two speakers. The from an IBM, Apple, Tandy, Commodore and other 19-inch Flat Square Tube set receives PCs. You're only limited by your imagination. 139 channels, is cable-compatible, and displays time and channel on-screen. All this technology for only $599.95! The CMT-9388 can also be connected to TV going crazy from a personal computer or a teletext ma- copyguarded tapes? chine. Don't you wish you could enjoy all the great new Price: $900 movies on rental tapes without your picture going For additional information, crazy? Crazy like -- picture tearing, brightness circle no. 153 on Reader Service Card. variations, rolling, loss of color and other evils. The new MFJ-1401 Video Stabilizer, $99.95, lets you restore your copyguarded tapes to normal so you can enjoy watching your movies again. It simply connects between your VCR and monitor or between 7 two VCRs for TV viewing. Stop copyguard Please note that jitter! duplicating copyrighted material is a violation of Federal law. This device is sold only for restoring “viewability\" to copyguarded tapes. Famous Guarantee All MFJ Video products come with a double guarantee we think is unmatched. Order from MFJ and try any product for 30 days. If you're not delighted, just return it for a full refund, less ea shipping. No hassles. And MFJ's One Year Unconditional Guarantee assures you of continued service. Call toll-free and charge the products you need to your VISA or MasterCard, or send a check or money order, plus $6.00 shipping. Order now and enjoy. ea Goldstar CMT-9388 TV Free Call. Free Catalog. KA -800-647-1800 MFUJ Enterprises, Inc. 39759 921 Louisville Rd./Starkville, MS CS7cRiNaFoaieondenr.rfdacdvoidl.irteecimreoantailon, 24 Video April 1987

HAVE BRIGHTER, SHARPER KIDS. OTS at=M allelalzx-1me|r-(e(-t-e) mmm DB) video cassettes in your camcorder. VHS-C Our E-HG cassette has a high THE ART OF PERFORMANCE. resolution formulation that delivers an extra TDK is the world’s leading manufacturer of audio & video cassettes and floppy disk products. measure of performance for brighter, shar- per pictures and crisper, clearer sound. And for your most demanding in-camera record- ing requirements, theres TDK HD-X PRO. It provides the ultimate in color, picture and sound detail, making it ideal for mastering, so you can make transfers which are identi- (or-| Com tal -melga(téeU 8mm For unmatched 8mm performance, there's no finer cassette than TDK MP Our exclusive Super Finavinx metal particle for- mulation makes superior 8mm recording a reality with the most dramatic and enjoyable color pictures imaginable. For brighter, sharper kids, make the smart- est choice in VHS-C and 8mm video cas- settes: TDK. We deliver performance that lasts a lifetime. © 1987 TDK Electronics Corp. Simulated TV Picture For additional information, circle No. 85 on Reader Service Card.

New Products Hitachi VM-C50A Hitachi’s First Compact Camcorder Hitachi has entered the Compact VHS field with the VM-C50A camcorder. It features a 2/3-inch MOS (MID IV) image sensor that produces a manufacturer-rat- ed 350 lines of horizontal resolution and resists smear, lag, and burn. Its f/1.4, 6x power zoom lens has autofocus, auto iris, and macro capability. The unit re- cords in light as low as 10 lux and also features auto white balance and a 2/3- inch black & white viewfinder with on- screen display. The VM-C50A weighs 3.1 pounds without the battery. Price: n.a. For additional information, circle no. 157 on Reader Service Card. © 1987 Movies Unlimited, Inc Zenith PV851P TV C) Enclosed is $7.95 ($5.95 + $2 shipping) cash, check 6736 Castor Avenue « Philadelphia, PA 19149 Zenith’s First Front- Or money order. Send your new Video Catalog, plus 215/722-8298 Projection TV periodic updates. NOTE: Foreign orders (except APO, Canada, Mexico) add $20 shipping/handling. Zenith’s front-projection PV851P casts an 8-foot diagonal picture on a flat wall © Enclosed is additional $3.50 ($11.45 total, $31.45 or screen using self-converging, liquid- foreign). Include your Adult Video Catalog. | am over cooled picture tubes with optically cou- 18 years old. pled lenses. The system includes a 178-channel tuner with programmable Name channel scan, an MTS stereo decoder, a Address stereo amplifier and speakers, and infra- City red remote control. The PV851P is de- signed for floor mounting but adjusts for ceiling mounting or rear projection. Op- tions include a matching wood grain stand with casters, ceiling mounts, and a 100-inch diagonal screen. Price: under $2500. For additional information, circle no. 158 on Reader Service Card. 26 Video April 1987

Of the five basic food groups, Murray prefers Italians. NEW WORLD VIDEO Now on videocassette ©) 1987 New World Video

New Products BTarpae ndxso™o©%™ Sharp VCRs Have ci Blue Screens, MTS CREE Cea ay SHARP Sharp’s top-of-the-line VHS VCRs, the Sharp VC-799U VHS VCR VC-799U and VC-798U, feature “blue screen noise elimination,” which turns Sansui Video Processor the screen blue and mutes the audio at For Sophisticated Effects the end of a videotape. Both decks can record MTS stereo or two-channel linear Sansui’s VX-99 video processor ac- stereo, and come with Sharp’s Super commodates three video inputs and one Remote control, featuring an LCD dis- audio input, along with a time base cor- play with prompts for remote program- rector, a personal computer, or a char- ming. The 14-day/6-event timer can be acter generator, to allow sophisticated set to repeat daily or weekly. Special ef- wipes, fades, and other video effects. fects include still, frame advance, slow The VX-99 lets users wipe the screen, motion, double-speed playback, and 9x with either hard or soft edges, to red, and 15x picture search in EP. green, blue, white, black, yellow, magen- ta, or cyan. Two sources can be wiped The 799 has a 140-channel direct ca- co'\" AllofMVaijdoero ble tuner and a 40-function remote with variable slow-motion, while the 798 has vax\" 110-channel direct cable tuning and a 38-function remote. Full Line of SONY Prices: VC-799U, $750; VC-798U, Discman, Walkman $700. —— Watchman and TV's For additional information, ~~ Sharp VCR 4 circle no. 159 on Reader Service Card. Sansui VX-99 video processor — 2-Head cable Sm More Surround simultaneously in eight different pat- es Sound from NEC terns, with a slant function expanding ready wireless —— the variety of wipes. es, The AV-250 is NEC’s fourth and least remote- $219. Sg expensive audio/video surround sound With the attachment of a computer, a 7 DLL VSSSS processor. The processor decodes Dol- picture from any source can be digitized / my Nici by, matrix, and hall surround systems, and posterized or reversed into a nega- and has a 30-watt-per-channel stereo tive. The VX-99 also has audio fade and Dealer Inquiries Invited. amplifier. The AV-250 also features a mix controls. “Soy plate” that lets users adjust channel FULL USA WARRANTY balance to the left, right, front, rear, or Price: n.a. ON ALL PRODUCTS. anywhere in between. The joy plate re- appears on the remote, which also con- For additional information, trols any NEC VHS VCR. The AV-250 circle no. 161 on Reader Service Card. has three volume/balance memory pre- We Carry a Full Line of sets along with five sets of audio inputs, For additional information, ; 220 Volt PAL/SECAM Video Machines. four video inputs, and two complete sets circle no. 160 on Reader Service Card. ’ of audio/video outputs with dubbing ca- | Any famous brand name tape $3.99-min. order 10 pability. ; All Major Credit Cards Price: $299. And COD Accepted. FAIR DEAL APPLIANCES INC. RO RR eR a es 76-11A Broadway, Elmhurst, N.Y. 11373 INFORMATION 718-457-8328 FaiRN1cSCooidnae4enr.dfracdiovdl.trieeimcroaentailon, NEC AV-250 28 Video April 1987

sae ra¢ The<REa. iE“ »‘ ; THE LEGEND OF SHERWOOD oneIn omladnEnsgylmabnodl'iszeddarhkoepset, hjouusrt,ice and SEBRAVTATNLTESOFTHEEVIL! Robin Hood...The Legend: THE light. : TIME OF THE WOLE Available late April on videocassette from Playhouse It was a time of tyranny... A time of treachery... AVi{o(=lop A time of wicked sorcery... You can also see Robin in these It was THE TIME OF THE WOLF. . other titles ofthis series: ROBIN HOOD A defeated enemy returns with a savage scheme to conquer all of & THE peedipets oe OF Britain and Robin Hood faces his greatest challenge! Jason Connery NVENGOAN NOR 1\\\\} Soe l@)\\\\i a stars as Robin in a thrilling adventure bubbling over with swashbuckling AG oS}only pe (WeenAfy. 4 o5e . Fleia(ovemmoviaveliacemiarnaceie(cm-laom-lagtevalele| ' special effects that will dazzle the Suggested Retail PLAYHOUSE entire family! Copyright © 1987 The CBS/FOX Company. All Rights Reserved, Printed in U.S.A. Playhouse Video is a trademark of The CBS/FOX Company. ©MCMLXXXV Goldcrest Films and Television Production in Association with HTV.

Fine Tuning Your Video Questions Answered Tarnished Image you get from different sta- machines. The adapter loads and computer disks. How tions, therefore, is influenced much of a risk they are to When President Reagan by how well your antenna (or easily into both machines—a any of these magnetically re- the antenna your cable sys- corded media depends on the goes on TV, it’s usually tem uses to pick up local sta- Zenith VR-4100 and a strength and proximity of the tions) receives each channel. motors in the surrounding ap- on several local channels at Finally, stations differ in the Hitachi VT-89A—but when I paratus. I suspect that a vid- type and age of their elec- eotape, tightly wound on a the same time. If the same tronic equipment. fast forward or rewind tape in half-inch thick plastic spool that’s three inches in diame- camera 1s being used to take Zoom-Speed Limit the Hitachi, it makes a lot ter, is not as vulnerable as a computer disk or a microcas- his picture, why do the color, When I use the zoom lens more noise than ifI do so sette, which are smaller, or Qi: my new Quasar cam- offer a larger magnetic area brightness, sharpness, and corder, I sometimes bypass the on the Zenith. with less shielding to protect power zoom buttons and zoom them. other factors vary so much manually. This lets me vary Why is there a difference? the zoom speed from slow to Airport x-ray machines al- from one channel to another? fast, instead of just relying on Don’t the adapters fit every So vary in intensity, depend- the motorized zoom, which on- ing on how they’re operated Shouldn’t they all look the ly works at one speed. Am I VHS machine, regardless of and set up. As with photo- risking damaging the zoom by graphic film, the bottom line same? Scott Martin operating it manually this brand? Robert Locke is to avoid taking any risks: way? Mrs. K. Santiago ask that your hand luggage Glendale, Calif. Chicago, Ill. containing the tapes be man- San Francisco, Calif. ually inspected, or wrap them If everything was equal, The adapter is made by in a lead-foil pouch or shield, There’s no risk of dam- JVC (adapters by other such as Sima’s FilmShield, then the President’s aging the power zoom VHS companies are forth- which is available at photo televised image would pro- motor by manually zooming coming) and should work well bably look the same on your the lens. But if you’re trying with virtually every brand stores. TV regardless of channel. a super-fast zoom (similar to and model of VHS machine. But that single camera image the opening of the old Hawaii Still, the adapter is more Tape Fixers is distributed to the net- Five-O TV show), be careful complicated than a regular works via a variety of different you don’t rack the lens too VHS cassette—so some vari- Many years ago, VIDEO routes before it ends up on roughly from one end of the ations in construction, or in your home screen. In almost focal length to the other. the VCRs you use it in, may mentioned a company all cases, the signal is sent to There is a slight risk that too cause incompatibilities. a satellite for distribution to rapid a movement may cause We haven't noticed any that fixes audio and video cas- TV stations in other parts of the zoom lens to bind. But problems with the original C- the country. Areas closer to any slower movements are P1U, which operated me- Washington, D.C., may get quite acceptable. For best ef- chanically, or the newer C- their signal by a “land line” fect, attach the camcorder to P3U, which is motorized. But instead. Each network a tripod. This eliminates improved versions of the chooses the route depending vibrations, and gives you adapter will soon be availa- on a number of factors, in- more flexibility to accurately cluding cost, speed, and the control the zoom speed. ble, eliminating all the bugs. availability of a satellite tran- sponder to carry the net- Made to Fit? settes. Are they still in busi- work’s signal. I have aJVC Compact X-Ray Specs ness? J. Carruthers Once the signal is re- VHS camcorder that uses ceived, more differences the smaller TC-20 videocas- Sometime ago, you an- New York, N.Y. arise in the way each local settes. I also have the latest Q swered a reader's ques- C-P3U adapter so I can play tion about airport x-ray ma- The company is The Na- station processes and re- the tapes in my regular VHS chines by stating that they tional Cassette Service. broadcasts it. In some cases, don’t affect videotapes. While Write to 6753 Santa Monica the TV station may receive that’s true, what about the Boulevard, Los Angeles, the signal directly from the motors and other electrical de- Calif. 90038 for prices and a satellite before sending it out vices that surround the x-ray catalogue of their services. over its own frequency, usu- machine? Couldn’t they ad- ally via microwave to trans- versely affect a tape? VIDEO welcomes your questions. mitters at a high elevation. In Please do not enclose self-addressed Gene Black Los Angeles, that’s invariably New Orleans, La. envelopes with letters as the volume Mount Wilson. In New York City, it’s often the top of the You're right, and more of mail does not permit personal re- Empire State Building. than one reader pointed out this peripheral risk to plies. Questions may be edited for The quality of the signal videotapes, audio cassettes, clarity and space. Address corre- spondence to Fine Tuning, VIDEO Magazine, 460 West 34th Street, New York, N.Y. 10001. 30 Video April 1987

me eVUAD 10.BE STOPPED BECAUSE THEY STOPPED AWNG In the most sedate part of the country lived the most sadistic savages. A clan of backwoods killers who ran the town until they ran into an 18-year-old boy who faced two choices—grow up fast or don’t grow up at all. Single-handedly he stands up to the Bullies after they brutally assault his mother, stepfather and girlfriend. Bullies offers edge-of-the-seat excitement from beginning to end. So get ready for some action-packed drama. Just go down to your nearest video retailer and ask for Bullies, the powerful new movie that’s now available on videocassette from MCA. a Closed captioned by the National Captioning Institute. STaES raneme Used with permission. Color/1 Hr. 36 Mins. IR] Soon Available onLaser Videodisc $79.95 Suggested Retail Price NOW AVAILABLE ON VIDEOCASSETTE (HOMMEAVIyDEO] Fe For additional information, circle No. 190 on Reader Service Card.

TV Den Techniques and Technology Video Albums Now that the new genera- pod. Be sure to light the pic- small collection of photos, tion of lightweight camcord- tures evenly to eliminate re- Renew Pics ers has relegated the Super 8 movies, and slides to trans- movie camera to the dustier flections, and balance the by Roderick corners of the attic, more camera’s color controls to ob- fer, why bother to buy all people than ever are looking sorts of esoteric equipment? Woodcock for ways to “video-ize” their tain the right hues. If you're like most people, family albums. What of slides and movies? you’d probably rather just A Froehlich video transfer center But while the idea is ap- You can, of course, copy the hire someone else to do the that specializes in image from a slide projection transferring home pealing, getting those original job. In fact, as home video movies to videotape. photos, slides, and movies screen, but some sort of ge- onto videotape is not so sim- becomes more widespread, ple. There’s more to it than ometric distortion invariably more companies are getting just aiming the camcorder at into the business of transfer- a fading snapshot of Aunt results, since the video ring movies, slides, photos, Emma. There are two ways camera and the slide projec- and other images onto vid- to do the job: by yourself or tor are rarely aligned on the with the help of a new type same axis. Picture brightness eotape. of video service—the trans- One of the pioneering fer shop. suffers as well, and what looks fine to the human eye names behind this movement On your own, you'll proba- bly need a set of close-up usually looks terrible on tape. is Henry Froehlich, who, for lenses to be able to focus the past five years, has been your camcorder on images A common problem is the that may vary in size from “hot spot” in the center of selling his complete, ready- three inches square to eight to-run, audio/video transfer by ten and up. How do you the screen image, caused by system to enterprising cam- steady those pictures while era and video stores around the camera does its work? the concentrated light of the You can let gravity take its projector bulb and inadequate the country. The idea has course and just videotape proven popular. As of Janu- them while they’re spread diffusion. ary more than 450 of these out on the living room car- You'll need certain acces- “FotoVideo” transfer centers pet, or attach them to a ver- had been installed throughout tical support and shoot them sories to do the job nght. the U.S. horizontally from a steady tri- Boxy gadgets called “telecine One such installation is convertors,” for example, owned by a company called simplify the task of aligning Identicolor, in North Holly- wood, Calif. Identicolor, the video camera and the which specialized in photo- slide projector lenses. The finishing for more than 25 image from the projector is years, added the FotoVideo aimed at one window of the unit a few years ago in re- sponse to increasing custom- converter, while the video er inquiries about putting camera focuses on the image home movies on tape. bounced off a screen or mir- Identicolor charges 8 cents ror inside the box. per foot to transfer movie Transferring movie films film to tape, so a regular 50- requires more elaborate tech- foot film reel costs $4. Thir- ty-five millimeter slides or 3- niques, since their “framing 1/2 by 5 inch photos cost 25 rates” of 16 frames per sec- ond for standard 8mm, 18 fps cents each for the first 500, for Super 8mm, and 24 fps for Super 8mm or 16mm 23 cents for the next 500, sound film differ from video’s and 20 cents each thereafter. Larger photos cost $2.25 30 fps. An objectionable flick- each, while 35mm negatives ering effect occurs if the rate transferred to tape as posi- difference isn’t corrected by tives go for 50 to 35 cents, depending on quantity. the equipment used to pro- There’s also a minimum ject the film. Five-bladed SS shutters are available for this purpose, as are some special integrated telecine transfer devices. But if you only have a eea SS 32 Video April 1987



“Wireless VCRs and a cordless headset TV Den Wonders” model for the ultimate in WIRE-FREE convenience. charge of $30 per order. Video Magazine Sept. 1986 For slide transfers you must specify For additional information Convenience and Quality... or the name of your nearest how long you want the slide image to Now you can listen to music or WIRE-FREE dealer, call stay on the TV screen. Usually that’s 1-800-367-0366. five seconds, but longer or shorter times watch TV without disturbing can be specified. Using a five-second in- others and still be free of restrict- Audiophile quality. Sensibly terval, a standard T-120 VHS or L-500 ing cords — with WIRE-FREE priced...from $59.95. Beta videotape will hold 1440 slides. Cordless Audio Systems. As each user can adjust individual is Slide transfers are made using two volume level, it is the perfect way Kodak Carousel projectors connected by to provide quality audio for the (1e- CE a dissolve unit. This eliminates bursts of hearing impaired. light between shots as well as the need Cordless Audio Systems to pause the VCR while it’s recording. Advanced Infrared Technology... With WIRE-FREE you get high Berkey Marketing Companies Slides are also transferred in a hori- quality personal sound from your 75 Holly Hill Lane, Greenwich, CT 06830 BMC zontal format, to make the most of the 3 TV, VCR, CD, Stereo — any by 4 aspect ratio of the TV screen. Cus- audio source — without wires! Tel. © 203-622-5000 Reeceee tomers with a lot of vertical slides WIRE-FREE Systems transmit hi- should group them together to eliminate fidelity signals over a 50-foot © 1987, Berkey, Inc. the need to frequently readjust the line-of-sight range. And they con- transfer equipment for a full-frame im- nect in seconds — without tools. age. But even with the readjustment, there will still be some image loss at the A Selection of Systems... top and bottom of the frame, because The WIRE-FREE line includes the image is sized to fill the TV screen. an economical monaural model Identicolor also offers a variety of vis- perfect for standard TVs and ual enhancements—including fades, wipes, and dissolves—at no extra Fiac1RNSCooidnaoe0nrdfr.racidovdl.trieeimcroaentailon, charge. Background music and titles are available for a small additional charge, CHIVAS REGAL and they will also duplicate your original videotape for you. Identicolor uses pro- SAVE ARE YOUR PICTURE AND SOUND fessional-quality Panasonic VHS ma- UP TO 50% THEIR BEST? chines, usually the NV-8950. But if Beta ON CLASSIC or 8mm is your format, they can handle The VIDEO TEST TAPE, from J.S. James Video that as well. For the Froehlich Video FILMS Labs, is designed for the average to advanced video nearest you, contact Froehlich at 6 Depot Choose from a special selec- hobbyist. It helps you get the most out of your enter- Way West, Larchmont, N.Y. 10538. tion of 20 videos (VHS only) that tainment system. Although Henry Froehlich may have are individually packaged in handsome library cases from The VIDEO TEST TAPE offers video and audio been the first with the idea, several oth- Chivas Regal, perfect for the VCR er companies, such as Show-Tek, owner who enjoys classic films. tests to assist you in fine tuning your stereo sound Compu-Vision, Premiere Video Trans- fer, and Hybrid Image Technology, are This classic video collection system, TV. projector, color monitor or tuner. The promoting comparable installations. Like includes everything from the VIDEO TEST TAPE package includes a non- Froehlich, most are complete mini-video epic “Gone With the Wind” to the variable reference standard, instruction booklet, production centers, offering titling, edit- zany “Night at the Opera” to the standards viewen, and video testing cassette. ing, and other visual embellishments as ultimate thriller “North by North- well as the transfer of photographic im- west”. All at substantial savings. TESTS INCLUDE: $49.95 splhuisppi$4n.g00 ages to videotape. * Chroma Phase and Saturation and handlieg Act now, and call: Fotomat has offered a film-to-tape (Hue and Color) _ (es) Ea transfer service for years, and Ambico 1-800-426-1114 recently introduced its TransVideo ser- * Chroma Saturation and vice through a network of participating weekdays between 8 am and video, camera, and department stores, 5 pm through April 30, 1987, Gauss Level where customers can drop off films and for complete details and your slides for duplication at a central facility. catalogue. Or, look for the Chivas * Black Level While almost all the transfer companies Regal Video Club display at accept mail orders, that’s not a favored participating liquor stores. * Alignment Grid option for many customers, who don’t want to risk losing their irreplaceable *Number does not apply in Alaska or Hawaii. '* System Response family archives in the mail. 12 YEARS OLD WORLDWIDE + BLENDED SCOTCH WHISKY ¢ Surround Balance With VCRs now installed in some 40 86 PROOF © 1987, 375 SPIRITS COMPANY, NEW YORK, NY percent of American homes, the demand NaSRi1cFCoiodnea1enr.rdfacdiovdl.trieeimcroaentailon, and Phase for film-to-tape transfers and related ser- 34 Video April 1987 vices is likely to increase dramatically as * Step Tone and Phase Unconditional Guarantee customers re-discover the photographic ¢ Cross Talk Tones Please allow 4-6 weeks for delivery treasures they stashed away in closets and bureau drawers years ago. It should TO ORDER: Send to INDICATE PAYMENT CHOICE: be reassuring to know that video albums J.S. James Video Labs Enclosed check/money order can be assembled so painlessly. 3600 N. Hayden Rd. Suite 2902 payable to JS. James Enterprises COD. Scottsdale, Arizona 85251 Charge my Credit Card PHONE ORDERS Call: VISA — MasterCard “|Am Express (602) 949-5661 Card # Exp. Date Signature SHIP TO: State Zip Name Address City “All orders subject to credit approval V Fai8NRScCoodnoie6aenr.dfraciodvldtr.ieeimcroaent*ai*Slotant,e and local taxes if any will be added, plus postage and handling

ANNOUNCING STAR TREK: THE COLLECTOR’S EDITION Here at last is the Collector’s Edition video- breakthrough STAR cassette includes two TREK fans have been complete episodes in consecutive Stardates. waiting for: the exclusive Collectors’ Edition from CBS Video Library of the BUILD A STAR TREK original famed TV series. COLLECTOR’S LIBRARY. Complete and uncut — Beam aboard the Enter- without the commercial prise when Kirk battles a interruptions and crude mutated superman and editing of reruns. outwits a deadly space probe. Visit the planet SAVE $20 ON YOUR Vulcan, where Spock must FIRST VIDEOCASSETTE. fight Kirk to the death. Meet Spock’s parents in Your charter voyage VIDTEAPOKACERATSYSSOEU1TRTAENF,DIR“2ST”THESFTOMARERNOTANRGLEYEKRIE begins with two of STAR “Journey to Babel.” Kirk’s TREK’s most memorable plus shipping & handling Romulan counterpart in episodes — “Menagerie with subscription “Balance of Terror.” And Parts 1 and 2”— on a single the dangerous Khan in Collector’s Edition “The Space Seed.” cassette. Each double-adventure videocassette is yours to Stardate 3012.4. Spock preview for 10 days risk- free. Each is yours to keep is accused of mutiny when for only $24.95 plus $2.45 he takes control of the shipping, handling and Enterprise then defends applicable sales tax. There himself with an astounding reenactment of the first is no minimum number journey of the Starship. you must buy and you Preview this double-adventure cassette for 10 days risk-free. If you’re not delighted, simply may cancel at any time. return it within 10 days for a full refund. Or For fastest service, keep it and save $20 off the regular price. Pay use your credit card just $4.95 plus $2.45 shipping, handling and to order and call toll applicable sales tax. free 1-800/CBS-4804. Thereafter, you'll receive anew STAR (In Indiana, call TREK cassette about every six weeks. Each 1-800/742-1200.) Pee eee eee eee ee Sees se FEOF ESOTHE SOE SEH SEE HEHESEH HEEL EHE HEE EEE eee eee eee ee eee eee es eeeeeeseseseeeese [1] YES, transport “The Menagerie— Parts 1 and 2” to my home for only $4.95 plus $2.45 shipping and handling (and applicable sales tax) and enter my subscription to STAR TREK: The Collector’s Edition under the terms described in this ad. Check one: Send (VHS CIBETA $15 Check method of payment: 1 Check enclosed made payable to CBS Video Library. (1) Charge my STAR TREK purchases, beginning with my first cassette, to: S16 (1) American Express 1 Visa 1) MasterCard O Diner's Club Account No. Exp. Date Name Signature Address Apt. Phone Number City State Zip If Ido not choose to keep “The Menag' ie”, I will return it within 10 days for a full refund or for credit to my charge account. to continental U.S. Note: All SubscripItions subject to review. CBS Video Library reserves the right to reject or cancel any subscription. Offer limited Applicable sales tax added to all orders. Mail to: CBS Video Library, STAR TREK Collector’s Edition, Dept. ZA3, 1400 N. Fruitridge Avenue, Terre Haute, IN 47811 SsT-1 seeeeeereseeeeeesesese eee ePeeTeererrersrersrereTsresrer srersressesrererseerseeeseee ssese seseeseeeee ee eee eee ee ee ee

The Camcorner New Equipment & Shooting Tips Full-Size It’s time to cut through the sar, Magnavox, and General storage. Face Off confusion about camcorders. Electric. What we'll be see- Unlike some handheld by Roderick Although more than a dozen ing about the RCA and Pana- companies sell VHS camcord- sonic units also pertain to camcorders (either 8mm or Woodcock ers, only three companies ac- Compact VHS), which have tually manufacture them: JVC camcorders from the same electronic viewfinders built RCA’s CMR 300 (top) (which is concentrating on manufacturers that are sold into the body, both the RCA and Panasonic’s PV- the smaller Compact VHS under different brand names. and the Panasonic let you ad- 300 are comparable format, although it continues just the EVF’s angle to suit full-sized VHS to make full-size VHS camer- Of necessity, all camcord- shooting conditions. Both tilt camcorders. ers are compact, and their up a full 90 degrees for low as for Zenith), Hitachi, and size makes design changes 36 Video April 1987 Matsushita. Aside from cos- difficult. RCA’s CMR-300 level shooting, too. Pana- metics, it’s difficult to spot doesn’t differ greatly in ap- sonic’s EVF also tilts 180 de- real differences in design, op- pearance from its predeces- grees in the opposite direc- eration, and performance sors, the CMR-100 and the tion, for sighting and shooting among camcorders made by CMR-200. On the other directly overhead. The the same manufacturer but hand, the Panasonic PV-300 RCA EVF can only twist 45 sold under different brand represents a radical change names. This month we’ve from the unappealing Pana- degrees below horizontal, chosen two representative sonic boxes of two years making it useful but not as camcorders, RCA’s Hitachi- ago, which ejected their vid- versatile. made CMR-300 and Pana- eocassettes into your right sonic’s Matsushita-made ear if you didn’t set them For optimum exposure PV-300, for comparison. down first. The new model is control under varied lighting conditions, RCA provides an The CMR-300 is very sim- slimmer and sleeker, and has auto-iris control that can be ilar to Hitachi's own VM- rounded corners instead of 5000, and also to models sold sharp protrusions. manually operated and adjust- by Pentax, Minolta, and Mit- ed from full open to com- subishi. The PV-300, Pana- Neither machine qualifies pletely stopped down. Pana- sonic’s top-of-the-line cam- as lightweight, however. The sonic’s auto-iris is more corder, is nearly identical to Panasonic is slightly smaller limited, but provides a fixed other Matsushita-supplied than the RCA, measuring 14- backlight compensation of machines sold by NEC, Qua- 1/8 inches long by 7-1/2 inch- about two f-stops. es deep by 6-1/2 inches high. It weighs 5.6 pounds, minus The Panasonic and the battery and tape, or about RCA performed equally well one-tenth of a pound more at their maximum telephoto than the RCA. settings with focal lengths of 68 and 69mm, respectively. Both camcorders can be The Panasonic’s f/1.2 zoom used by right- or left-eyed lens starts out at 8.5mm, a viewers, and their electronic wider setting than the RCA’s viewfinders (EVFs) can be 11.5mm, which is potentially extended along a bar in a more useful when taping in convenient position. The cramped quarters. Neither viewfinders can both be un- lens is interchangeable, plugged to free a socket for however, so the only way to connecting a character gener- obtain wider shots or in- ator or, in the case of the creased telephoto magnifica- RCA, to make room for the tion is by using adapters VAAO002 adapter, which lets which screw into threads you record audio or video (49mm on the Panasonic, signals from an external 52mm on the RCA) on the source, such as another lenses. VCR, tuner or monitor/re- ceiver. RCA’s EVF is remov- While both units are rated able, while Panasonic’s is at 7 lux (at f/1.2), RCA’s permanently attached, al- MOS chip created grainier though it twists sideways for images than Panasonic’s CCD pickup under equivalent con- ditions. RCA’s MOS did man-

. ||ue x || | wet } || al - | il ~ , \\ {| nw | ~ MOUIE TIME oe en REMOTE VIDEO CONTROL SYSTEM ¥-4204 Tv. MeN | C4 (=) oo gs 1 23‘ ver pea s sranah nov Ae STEREO TV SOUND DECODER v-620 MOVIE TI vores os LECT MORE { Mi stone — sare a cL a \" <a a Ko COMO 2A21ER AHO :s3 . new | / ne jes 4AS | TAViewstor V430 REMOTE VIDEO SYSTEM V620 MTS STEREO TV DECODER The V430 enables you to send any of four (4) input signal sources to any or all True TV Stereo has arrived. Wait until you hear the sound. It’s like switching from a pocket portable AM radio to a FM Stereo receiver running thru a full hi- of three (3) TV's or VCR’s by remote control. fidelity stereo system. To say the least, it’s an astonishing experience that’s in- Any video equipment that can be connected directly to the VHF terminals of a TV, can be controlled by the V430, such as a cable converter or decoder, a satel- stantly apparent. lite antenna, a video game, a VCR or a video disk player or a video camera, etc. It has a dynamic theatre like sound. But, in your home, you choose the seat put- ting you in the middle of the action, making it sound better than a theater. It By using the V430 you can monitor the baby’s room or see who is at your front changes dull monotone TV sound into dramatic 3-D life like action. When the bullets on Miami Vice start flying, you duck ... It sounds that real. door, at the same time that you're recording HBO via satellite or cable, and watch- ing a ballgame on local TV .... It’s better than Stereo TVs because their speakers, generally, do not have suffi- Any or all of the above can be done without leaving your chair. a Video Control cient distance between the left and right channels for a true stereo effect. And the The addition of a V430 to your present video system will create $ 99.45 quality of the speakers supplied with your TV ... well? System, that is limited in flexibility, only by your imagination The V620 will extract two distinctly separate sound channels that will give the MOVIETIME V7200 REMOTE CABLE CONVERTER same stereo separation in your home as it was produced in the recording studio. The V620 is versatile enough to be used with any amplifier or VCR, because it Fine Tuning HRC Switch has a variable output matching network that is externally controlled. Favorite Channel Memory If you use your existing stereo system the V620 TV Stereo will equal the sound Switchable AC outlet Output Channel 2 or 3 (switchable) of your FM stereo receiver. the MPX out of a TV or V620 can extract a true stereo signal from either Guaranteed to work with any cable system anywhere $ 64.95 The be hooked up by anyone in or the output of a cable converter or VCR. It can love it $ 89.95 REFURBISHED JERROLD JSX-3 VCR, minutes. No Probes, to play with ... Try it you'll a few 36 CHANNEL CONVERTERS ones eeeeeee 30 DAY MONEY BACK GUARANTEE / 1 YEAR WARRANTY ON ALL ITEMS seamen eee The JRX-3 IS A TWO PIECE WIRED REMOTE. The JSX-3 is one piece settop. Great for connec- Mail Order Form to: MOVIETIME, 20203 NE 15 Ct., Miami, FL, 33179 ( )Check ( )COD ( ) Money Order ting a second set to cable, or for making your VCR _ V430 . $9995 2 Total Purchase __ V620 cable ready $ 34.95 8995 ______— FL Residents - Name ____ Remote Control Hand Units for the JERROLD 7200 5% Sales Tax ~ Address $ 19.95 400 and 450 .. E 64.95 __ _ Shipping Chg. VIEWSTAR XCT 2501 JSX-3 ( )JRX-3 ( } 2a PER UNIT $3.95 ci Ch _State__ Total Amount 67 Channel Wireless Remote Cable Tuner with __ Hand Unit 400 19.95); Volume Control And Mute Control Audio and Video Outputs. Last Channel Recall Decoder Input / Out- Hand Unit 450 1995 _ ZAYeNONG ee 2 stick Viewstar Chan. 3( ) put Jacks makes this unit compatible with all or 2 ) American Express (800) # can't be called in FL) Exp: Date 22\" 1-800-843-9845 decoders . Fine tuning. Fine Tuning Centering VSC2500 90.95 yooh eves Acct. # 1-305-652-1981 Control . $119.95 _ XCT2501 Lhe eckoeayad eae CLOSEOVSCU2T500-3 Total: Signature 1-305-652-3971 No extra charge for COD orders. COD & American Express orders Same as above less audio / video outputs $ 99.95 ee ial For additional information, circle No. 8 on Reader Service Card.

The Camcorner age to avoid the cascading effect in which EVF must be unplugged so its socket can Talent lights—red lights mounted on the pinpoints of light turn vertical columns of be used for the AV adapter. The Panason- pixels into an annoying white bar. ic, however, has a socket at its back that camera’s front that light up when tape is carries AV inputs and outputs, allowing the Each machine made excellent tapes at use of the EVF as a mini-monitor. rolling—were common on Super 8mm SP (their only speed), which played back on other VHS VCRs with no problems. Both camcorders share many features movie cameras. While this may seem a Neither uses flying-erase heads, but the that perform similarly, such as fade in/out, RCA’s backspace edits were better than a date/time/counter, record/review, macro minor feature, Panasonic’s PV-300 has the Panasonic’s. focus, an optional wired remote pause con- one, while RCA’s CMR-300 doesn’t. trol, and multi-voltage AC adapters, useful Both can be used as either camcorders Panasonic’s addition of an audio dub or VCRs. To do that with the RCA, the for travelling overseas. mode is a substantial design change, ena- bling you to replace the original audio chan- nel with a new signal. The usefulness of the feature is arguable, since most VCRs have audio dub controls that could be used in- stead. RCA’s machine does not have the dub. Size, shape, and location of batteries pose a crucial problem in camcorder de- sign. These units offer different solutions. THE POWER While Panasonic’s older models used an NG Ge] = external battery pack that clipped to the A new line of products de- Revitalize your camcorder or portable VCR unit’s back, the new design has a longer, signed to extend with the replacement batteries you've been the performance searching for! bar-shaped battery that slips into a slot at of your cam- corder through POWER EXTENSION its rear. This lessens the risk of damaging innovation, the exposed terminal lugs of the camcorder (now located inside the casing), and pre- quality, and de- pendability. vents the battery from slipping off. ANTE RCA’s unit uses the clip-on battery, Manufactured VDO-PAK's complete line of replacement batteries supplement the life of which is compatible with the batteries from even the oldest camcorder and portable VCR. These are the batteries you RCA’s two previous camcorders. Batter- only by ies for Panasonic’s previous models won't Viplor 7:\\.4 haven't been able to find before that will keep your camcorder/VCR in Products fit the new one, but you can use the batter- top shape for a guaranteed year! Ifyou can't locate VDO-PAK’s extensive (vp0-PAk) ies from its earlier line of two-piece VHS replacement battery line—ask your dealer. Tell him VDO-PAK has the portables. power extension your camcorder/VCR needs! Panasonic’s AC adapter/charger is also lighter than RCA’s. For indoor use, the RB-(XX) EQUIVALENT TO heavy RCA adapter must be plugged into Sony NP-1 the camcorder’s back, while Panasonic’s RCA NB-009 JVC NBP-1 connects witha cord, so it can be left on the JVC NBP-4 JVC NBP-8 floor. The Panasonic adapter also includes JVC PBP-1 RF capability, an A/B switch, and the Sony NP-22 Sony BP-60 aforementioned A/V input and output PanasonicLCR-1812 jacks, all of which plug into the rear socket. Panasonic LCS-2012 The RCA and the Panasonic both have a Panasonic PV-BP80 full complement of top-mounted controls. The RCA uses membrane-type switches, Panasonic PV-BP20M RCACB-120 color-coded with inset status lights. Pan- asonic uses raised function buttons, also with status lights, which are easier to find Available Soon =Matsushita (Olympus) 8mm without looking. Both also have playback 73 Hitachi (Pentax) 8mm 93 and VCR modes. In the VCR mode, insert- ing a tape and switching it on puts it in record/standby mode. Panasonic goes one better, however, by providing a sliding cover for the transport buttons. Compared to the RCA, Panasonic’s placement of the trigger switch is very inconvenient. It’s on top of the grip, just behind the zoom buttons, separated by a small ridge. RCA’s trigger is on the rear of the grip, under your right thumb, where any size hand can reach. P.O. Box 67 However, the Panasonic comes out Port Orange, Florida 32029 *not pictured ahead on looks and overall control place- Toll Free U.S.A. ment, although as usual, not all the desira- 800-874-5906 Outfit your camcorder and portable VCR with the products that support Fla.C1SRcNaiFoaoie9endon.rrfdacdvoidl.irteecmireaotniaoln, 800-342-4900 the professionalism of your video hobby—only from VDO-PAK Products. ble features are available in one machine. 38 Video April 1987 Don’t rely just on our trials, however. Try out both models at your local video store, compare the results, pick the features you need, and decide for yourself. 2

Spectacular Introductory Offer... LIONEL Take COMPACT DISCS DANCING aAny For CEILINEG | Only plus shipping & handling with Club membership. Itzhak Periman INSTANT 50%-OFF BONUS PLAN MOZART Unlike other clubs, you’re eligible for half-price bonus Violin Concertos savings with the very first purchase you make at regular Club prices. The more you buy, the more you’ll save! What Nos. 3 & $ an inexpensive and fast way to build a large CD library! 143811 Handel | TCHAIKOVSKY |SYMPHONY NO.6 || ROSSINI WATER MUSIC | “Pathetique” Overtures PINNOCK‘The English Concert F334 Chicago Symphony Orpheus Chamber 115306 Orchestra eager PRS S27 || Pops In Space 154570 | Boston Pops | James Galway John Williams | Henry Mancini Conductor In The Pink 105392 RED SEAL DIGITAL | Savant 151758 Dresden State Orch. James Galway || SCHaeRmbEenIensER Bsee Yamashita 120247 (sexo) 115310 173824 173392 164042 LED ZEPPELIN FREE 10-DAY TRIAL! Listen to your 3 introductory selections for a full 10 days. If not satisfied, return them with no BEETHOVEN further obligation. You send no money now; you risk nothing. Symphonies Nos.1 So complete the coupon and mail ittoday. 3 (Eroica) esl 154381 piace ya TOMITA'S | R‘OTHCEKIRNH’YWTIHTMH =—_— — YOUR SAVINGS START HERE- Greatest 154265 *Mail to: Compact Disc Club Hits P.O. Box 91412 ¢ Indianapolis, IN 46291 253955 YES, please accept my membership in the Compact Disc Club and send me the three CDs I've indicated below for only $1, under the terms THE ULTIMATE IN SOUND AND SAVINGS! outlined in this ad. |need buy as few as two more CDs at regular Club prices during the next two years...without obligation to buy anything Yes, take any 3 CDs for only $1 plus shipping/handling. You need buy just two more selections at regular Club prices (usually $14.98— further! (Shipping & handling added to each shipment.) $15.98) in the next two years. RUSH ME THESE 3 SELECTIONS (indicate By Number): HOW THE CLUB WORKS D [o natal | Approximately every four weeks, you’ll receive the Club’s exclu- sive CD magazine highlighting the Featured Selection in your pre- |am most interested in the following type 1 1) CLASSICAL ferred musical category, plus alternate selections. You'll also receive six special sale issues during the year. In all, you’ll have 19 convenient of music—but am always free to choose from 2 () POP/SOFT ROCK shop-at-home opportunities a year. If you’d like the Featured Selec- both categories (check one only) tion, do nothing. It will be sent to you automatically. If you’d prefer an alternate selection, or none at all, just return the card enclosed with C] MR. First Name Initial Last Name (PLEASE PRINT) each issue of your magazine by the date specified on the card. You LC) MRS. will have at least 10 days to decide, or you may return your Featured 2 MISS Selection at our expense. Cancel your membership at any time after completing your membership agreement, simply by writing to us, or Address remain a member and continue to get 50%-off bonus plan savings! City State Zip Telephone ( ) Area Code Limited to new members; continental U.S.A. only; one member- ship per family. We reserve the right to request additional infor- mation or reject any application. Local taxes, if any, will be added. CD 649 CD Club, 6550 E. 30th St. Indianapolis, IN 46219-1194

JVC Promises Major Improvements In Picture Quality With New Subformat hat’s sharper than a speeding ventional tape, but—and it’s a big but—Su- Betamax, more powerful than per VHS tapes cannot be played back on broadcast television, able to leap old formats in a single standard VHS VCRs, though standard bound? Get ready for Super VHS, a modi- VHS tapes will play on Super VHS ma- fied VHS recording system that promises chines. to outperform not only all earlier consumer The limited compatibility is perhaps the video formats, but off-the-air reception as most surprising element of Super VHS, well. given JVC’s prior insistence that it would VHS can now safely be considered the never compromise earlier VHS machines. In 1985, JVC attacked Sony’s new Super- world standard for home video, with VHS Beta format, claiming it was incompatible VCRs having defeated Beta in sales and with Compact VHS units gaining a firm with existing Beta machines (an accusation beachhead in the camcorder market. De- Sony denied). It countered by adding HQ circuitry that was completely compatible spite its domination, however, the format with older VHS VCRs. Super VHS’s partial incompatibility with its parent format may has been dogged by accusations of techni- impede sales of the new subformat. Even- cal inferiority to both Beta and 8mm. VHS tually, some sources indicate, Super VHS will be incorporated into a Compact VHS makers first answered the accusation by camcorder offered for sale here. Such a adding High Quality (HQ) picture enhance- move might require a new marketing strat- ment circuits, which gave sharper images and cleaned up noisy video signals. Super VHS, though, takes a giant step forward by egy for Compact VHS, since its major ap- improving picture resolution by about 80 peal has been that its tapes can be played percent. on any VHS VCR. According to JVC, the VHS format licen- The Super VHS technology won’t come sor, Super VHS will be able to produce up cheap. Initial reports suggest the new to 430 lines of horizontal resolution, a quali- VCRs will sell for about $200 more than ty comparable to professional one-inch vid- eotape recorders. Current VHS machines current top-of-the-line models. The Super offer 230 to 240 lines of resolution. JVC VHS decks will include recent advances such as VHS Hi-Fi audio and HQ picture also claims that picture quality will be main- enhancement. tained in the extended play (EP) mode; NEW RESOLUTIONS tapes recorded in EP now offer a consider- While details about Super VHS are still ably poorer image than those recorded at the standard play (SP) speed. Super VHS scarce, we can take an educated guess as also promises to reduce interference from to how it was achieved. A color TV signal adjacent tracks on the tape by using nar- has two parts: chrominance, or color infor- rower video heads, thereby eliminating distortions of color and brightness. mation, and luminance, or brightness infor- mation. In the VHS video signal spectrum, DOWNWARD IMMOBILITY Super VHS will require an improved the chrominance AM carrier wave has a high-density oxide tape in a standard cas- center frequency of 629 kilohertz (kHz), while the luminance FM carrier has a devi- ation of 3.4 to 4.4 megahertz (mHz). This sette shell. The shell will be notched to tell yields the standard 230 to 240 lines of reso- lution. the recorder what kind of tape—standard When Sony introduced SuperBeta, it ex- or Super—is being used as well as the panded the video luminance carrier signal length of the tape. All Super VHS VCRs to capture and reproduce fine detail on will have a switch to allow recording and screen: the luminance carrier signal fre- playback with either the improved or con- vw 40 Video April 1987

< a = 1987 Video 41

quency was shifted higher by 800 kHz, Super VHS, definition television (HDTV). The latter, from its usual 3.6 to 4.8 mHz range to 4.4 developed in Japan under the auspices of to 5.6 mHz. The rule of thumb, say video say its creators, the NHK broadcast network, produces a engineers, is that for each 1 mHz of ex- striking picture, but would require changes panded bandwidth you can add 50 to 60 will be able to in TV studio cameras, electronics, trans- lines of resolution; indeed, the SuperBeta produce up mitters, broadcast signals, and home re- shift resulted in a 20 percent improvement ceivers. Although the basic development in picture quality. to 430 lines work on HDTV has been completed, regu- latory rulings, standardization meetings, Unlike Super VHS, however, SuperBe- of horizontal ta tapes can be played on conventional Beta resolution, and broadcast equipment changes needed VCRs. Since Super VHS tapes will not play will insure that HDTV will not be feasible on standard VHS decks, it is reasonable to an 80 percent until the 1990s. EDTV, on the other hand assume that Super VHS not only extends uses digital storage techniques to produce the luminance signal but shifts the signal to wmprovement better pictures with existing TV signals a higher frequency allocation. A VHS engi- and the existing TV frequency band. neer, who requested anonymity, con- over VHS. firmed that the Super VHS luminance carri- SELLERS’ MARKET er signal is in the 6 mHz neighborhood. could be developed—one closer to Beta Final standardization talks are continuing in Hi-Fi, which uses the video heads to lay JVC developed its Super subformat out Japan between JVC and the four other orig- down both audio and video signals, instead of more than just a desire to produce a inal VHS licensees: Hitachi, Sharp, Mat- of mounting two independent rotary FM better picture, say some industry insiders. sushita, and Mitsubishi. audio heads on the cylinder in the manner Only the five original VHS manufacturers of VHS Hi-Fi. are participating in the specification talks Just as SuperBeta reduces interference for Super VHS. Recent converts like from adjacent tracks by using a narrower Because the depth multiplex system de- Sanyo and Toshiba, as well as Korean man- video head, Super VHS reduces the head veloped for VHS Hi-Fi is relatively expen- ufacturers Goldstar, Samsung, and gap to 0.2 microns. Chrominance sive to add to VCRs, consumers must of- Daewoo, seem to be out in the cold. Their crosstalk—the unwanted breakthrough ten choose between, say, digitally-en- exclusion indicates that JVC may be more between parallel signals that can distort the hanced special video effects and high fideli- selective about granting licenses for Super relative colors of a picture—is also said to ty audio, because both features would re- VHS to forestall an influx of low-priced be significantly reduced in Super VHS. sult in a prohibitively expensive VCR. A machines from Korea and to restore a simpler, less expensive VHS Hi-Fi system healthier profit margin to high-end VCRs. HIGH-FIVES would make high fidelity sound a more pop- Of course, fewer companies in competition war VHS feature. will mean higher prices for consumers. That Super VHS is said to have little or no crosstalk interference suggests there BETTER THAN BROADCAST Super VHS also seems certain to put may be a gap between the frequencies allo- more pressure on Sony, the last manufac- cated for VHS luminance and chrominance By creating a home recording format turer of Beta VCRs and one of the creators signals. That, in turn, has audio implica- with a better picture than broadcast televi- of the 8mm format. Beta’s chief claim to tions: If there is room between those fre- sion (Super VHS’s 400-plus lines of hori- fame is its superior picture quality, which is quencies large enough to accommodate zontal resolution promises to beat broad- still an attractive feature to discriminating two carrier waves, a simpler VHS Hi-Fi cast’s 330), JVC will have met several videophiles. With the advent of Super 42 Video April 1987 goals. Videophiles will be able to record TV VHS, however, Beta may become hard to broadcasts with almost no signal loss and, when applied to camcorders, the new tech- justify. Moreover, the time has passed nology will enable home videographers to when Sony can pour serious re- make tapes with better-than-broadcast search-and-development money into im- quality. Prerecorded cassettes will also proving the format. Super VHS may also have higher quality than broadcast pro- appear on Compact VHS camcorders, forc- grams when played on high-resolution ing the 8mm camp to either come up witha monitors. countermove or try and survive as the camcorder format with the second best Indeed, Super VHS has the secondary picture quality. In effect, Super VHS can assignment of providing the higher quality be viewed as a “Sony buster.” films needed to create a demand for better TV receivers. According to sources in Ja- Most important, however, Super VHS pan, extended definition television promises to be the most sophisticated vid- (EDTV) sets will be marketed shortly after eo home delivery system to date. JVC is introduction of the first Super VHS VCRs. gambling that fans of VHS will ignore the new subformat’s partial incompatibility for EDTVs should not be confused with high the sake of a vastly superior picture. At first, Super VHS will also undoubtedly in- crease consumer confusion about the rival formats. But with more videophiles buying second VCRs and demanding more fea- tures and enhancements, JVC’s calculated risk may be on the money. Until the dawn of all-digital video recording—still several years away, it seems—Super VHS, should it live up to its advance billing, promises to be the standard by which all other VCRs will have to be judged.

be oad poet esate” im at a ; WFRLI te % \\ REMOMTOEDELCON4T2AC. wo RECORD | G REALISTIC. MODEL 32 REMOTE CONTRO, Send for FREE 1987 Radio Shack Catalog Mail to Radio Shack, Department 87-A-276, 300 One Tandy Center, Fort Worth TX 7610: NAME STREET

Shoot Steady. ©1986 Sima Sima VideoProp Plus™ The Walking Tripod. This unique video accessory virtually eliminates camera shake, even when you zoom, and helps reduce arm fatigue so you can produce smooth-looking tapes from beginning to end. VideoProp Plus telescopes fo assure a comfortable fit and its built-in quick release lets you snap the camera on and off in seconds. VideoProp Plus also provides a convenient way to carry your camera. It weighs only 14 oz. and fits all of today’s video cameras, camcorders and 35mm SLR’s. Record Remote. Sima SoundCatcher™ Wireless remote microphone for video cameras. Just clip the SoundCatcher wireless microphone to the subject you're taping and pick up the sound at the source—not at your camera. The lightweight receiver attaches easily to any video camera or camcorder and can record up to 200 feet away, professionally capturing all those important events. SoundCatcher comes complete with 3 LED indicators assuring foolproof operation, an earphone monitor, batteries and a compartmented soft case. Lighter Light. Sima CamLight™ Mini Quartz Video Light. This ultra-compact CamLight emits the exact amount of super-bright quariz illumination needed to ensure brilliant, true color video tapes from your video camera or camcorder under all conditions. Super-light at 7 oz. and only 3%\" long, you'll hardly notice CamLight once it’s attached to your camera. Also, CamLight stays cooler longer than any other light in its class. An ingenious bracket mounts CamLight to your camera shoe, or lets it sit anywhere. AC-only and AC/DC models available. DC conversion kit available separately. Transfer Treasures. Sima CopykKit™ Transfers home movies and slides onto video tape. Imagine the pleasures of watching those precious memories on yourTV set and never again having to set up cumbersome pro- jectors and screens. All you have to do is project your films or slides onto the high-contrast, distortion-free mirror of the CopyKit and tape them from its rear-projection screen using any video camera. No special lens attachments, no fuss, no bother. The Copykit even folds flat for compact storage. Title Tapes. Sima Video TitleTabs™ Video Tape Identification Kit. Unify the look of your growing and ever-changing video library. Dispos- able TitleTabs simply slip in or out of their clear pockets so you can make changes easily as old programs are erased and new ones added, without having to write on the edges of tape cartons or cassettes. The TitleTab starter kit, for 20 tapes, is packaged in a handy wallet you can store right next to your tapes. For Beta or VHS. Expansion kits available. Sima...Making your video life a lot easier. MeFor more information and the name of your nearest SIMA dealer, contact: Sima Products Corp., 4001 W. Devon Ave., Chicago, IL 60646 For additional information, circle No. 21 on Reader Service Card.

Oo = =meaw!l ~s oO oO aJ > [ee] w oEeO Oo ne a Spring’s brightest video stars include (top to bottom): Panasonic’s “‘dusty rose’ PV-2700 VHS HQ VCR; JVC’s HR-D570 VHS VCR, alaxywith digital freeze, and solarization; and Canon’s VR-HF710 VHS VCR (and remote) with HQ circuitry and MTS stereo. Another season of major product introductions is begin- ning, with equipment and fea- tures that only a few years ago would have seemed more ap- Of Gear propriate for Star Trek than, say, Radio Shack. In this semi- annual survey of things to come we'll be looking at everything from VCRs to home editors. The news, however, is ina fleet of small refinements rather than a handful of starship-sized What's New In VCRs, Camcorders, Big TVs, breakthroughs. In VCRs, more companies Monitor/Receivers, And Accessories are adding digital circuits and digital special effects. You'll be By Roderick Woodcock able to use them to simplify pro- gramming tasks—with a light April 1987 Video 45

Three of the latest screens: Proton’s 20-inch VT-210 monitorireceiver (left), Toshiba’s 26-inch CZ-2697 with non-interlaced scanning (top right), and NEC’s 41-inch PJ4100A rear-projection set (bottom). pen, for example—or to divide the screen The camcorder circuitry, Hi-Fi sound with MTS, and a into quarters, if you can handle that many is video’s hottest shows. A few are donning designer double-azimuth four-head video drum. Hi- cabinets, following the trail TVs blazed product, with tachi’s new VT-1350 VHS VCR has HQ over the past few years. new Compact VHS, circuitry, a 107-channel tuner, and three Meanwhile, one format war is waning 8mm, Beta and video heads, but also includes the compa- as another rages on. With Beta all but maybe even 4mm vanquished by VHS, the field is shifting to ny’s new “Touch N’ View” programmable Compact VHS and 8mm. The skirmishes machines to come. that accompanied the introduction of the LCD remote control. twin mini-formats have widened into a @- Sharp’s VC-799 ($749) is its new top-of- head-to-toe competition. Now, the Com- pact camp is charging forward with new ming through a light pen that plugs into the the-line VHS VCR. It features MTS linear camcorders by RCA, JVC, Quasar, Mag- front panel. Instead of keying in long lists of stereo with Dolby noise reduction, an LCD navox, and Panasonic, among others, giv- program dates and times, it’s only neces- ing virtually every VHS-oriented company sary to touch the tip of the pen to the remote control, and a unique “blue screen” a model to throw into the fray. surface of the TV screen displaying the needed information. The DX-900 also fea- feature that automatically replaces the In screens, the new rule seems to be tures “Quadrant” special effects, which al- noise at the end of a recording with a silent bigger is better. Consumers can look for- low pictures from four different channels blue field on the TV. (It’s aimed at viewers ward to a surge in 30-inch and larger moni- or video sources to be displayed at once. tor/receivers and projection TVs. With Digitally-processed reverse slow motion is who doze off before tapes end.) The VC- state-of-the-art video and audio features, available as well. 799 has a dual-speed search mode that they’re sure to have an impact, despite relatively high cost. Panasonic has a new digital-effects VCR runs at 9x and 15x normal speed. on the way that will offer comparable digital Sharp also plans to introduce its new Beam us down, Scotty. There’s a planet special effects, including still frame, TV full of video gear waiting to be scanned. freeze, variable speed slow motion, pic- VC-Q77 later this spring. The Q77 is a ture-in-picture, quad picture, on-screen four-head VHS VCR with digital effects and FIT TO BE DECKED channel display, picture strobe, and image a proprietary microchip that lets the deck update (but no model number, as yet). While camcorders have grabbed the offer double speed video with negligible home video spotlight, table-model VCRs Canon has announced the VR-HF710 remain the backbone of the industry, and VHS VCR ($950), aless expensive version audio distortion. manufacturers continue to introduce new of its VR-HF720. The newcomer omits Goldstar has two new TV/VCR combos. models and features. One of the most ex- on-screen programming, but retains HQ citing is Toshiba’s new DX-900 VHS VCR. The KMV-9002 ViewMax ($650) is a 19- It combines digital special effects like inch TV and three-speed VHS VCR built freeze frame, slow motion, and pic- into a single cabinet. For on-the-go use, ture-in-picture with on-screen program- Goldstar is introducing the GVT-9000M MovieBox, a relatively light (at 17.5 46 Video April 1987 pounds) VHS videocassette player with a 5-inch monitor priced at $599.95. It’s de- signed to be toted from room to room, or used in a van or RV. The VCP only plays SP tapes, but has still frame and slow mo- tion. A new video entry is the Audiovox AVP-1000, a portable three-speed VHS VCP designed for cars, vans, and RVs.

Hitachi’s VHS VMC50A (top left) and Magnavox’s VR8295 ‘Video Escort’ (top right) use the Compact VHS format; Canon’s VME2 (lower right) is one of the new 8mm models. The VHS format licensor, JVC, has an- Other full-size camcorders will also be essential component in compact VHS ma- nounced a new indexing system that places appearing, especially since they continue chines. binary codes on a tape’s existing control to dominate the field, despite the growing track. The system, which will be standard- popularity of the mini formats. Among the While 1986 saw only JVC, Zenith, and ized for all VHS brands, does not interfere most notable is Zenith’s $1799 VM-7100 Toshiba carrying the Compact flag, most of with the existing control track or distort (see “Videotests,” Feb. ’87), the first and, the other important VHS companies are existing audio or video signals, as some so far, only VHS camcorder with Hi-Fi now supporting the tiny format. New Com- indexing systems do. A cue point can be sound. Because VHS Hi-Fi VCRs use two pact VHS camcorders have been an- inserted anywhere on the tape, programs audio heads mounted alongside the video nounced by RCA, Hitachi, Quasar, Magna- can be numbered in any order, and the heads to record and play back Hi-Fi signals, vox, General Electric, Samsung, Panason- signals can be erased if desired. The sys- this camcorder uses a 62mm video drum ic, and Toshiba, along with a new model tem can also be used for an accurate tape rather than the smaller four-head drum fa- from JVC. time readout, based on control track pulses vored by other VHS camcorders, and an which can be counted to determine how JVC’s GR-C9 ($1150) will certainly be much time has elapsed (or remains) on a New Camcorder continued on page 98 tape. Format Due in ’87 Samsung’s 4mm camcorder. CAMCORDERS TO COME or watch off-the-air programs from the There should soon be a new contend- camcorder’s built-in tuner. The price While videophiles can look forward to er in the format wars: Samsung’s revo- will be about $1300. new VCRs with some unusual features, the lutionary 4mm “4 Vision” camcorder. big news in coming months is the flood of The mighty mini inscribes up to 60 min- Ultimately, 4mm offers “the attrac- new camcorders—most using the Com- utes of video on a digital audio tape tion of a universal medium for audio and pact VHS format that’s so aggressively (DAT) cassette, letting a small 2.5 video,” according to Samsung engineer pairing off against 8mm. But there are en- pound machine pack an unusually full Tea Won Mun, who helped develop the tries in all the established formats. range of features. new format. For fastidious home movie mavens, Samsung plans to release a line of April 1987 Video 47 Sony is introducing the BMC-1000K, an 4mm products over the next few years, improved Betamovie Pro that records only starting later this year in Korea and in at the BI-S speed, with a 1.2 megahertz the U.S. early next year. The first mod- carrier shift. Sony has replaced the optical elis expected to have an f/1.6 zoom lens viewfinder of earlier Betamovies with a with a 6:1 ratio, auto focus and white one-inch electronic viewfinder. Although balance, a black & white EVF, and an useful for more precise focusing, framing, optional color LCD TV to monitor shots and previewing, it won’t play back your tapes. Like previous Betamovies, there’s no separate playback or tape-winding abili- ty. It will be available in May.

48 Video April 1987

VIDEO Exclusive Laser Rot Videodiscs, t was a simple silver disc the size of a does not begin until a disc is played several phonograph record that promised to times. Once Thought be as bold and exciting as anything | Indestructible, ever developed in the competitive, If you're a laserphile and have recently high-tech world of consumer electronics. noticed that your copy of Twilight Zone— May Suffer The laser videodisc, announced by Magna- The Movie, My Fair Lady, Greystoke Progressive vox in December, 1978, could play movies (pressed by TechniDisc), or one or more Image Decay with incredibly high-resolution images, ac- titles in the Star Trek movie series has companied by super stereophonic sound begun to look startingly grainier than it did EEEO and a roster of flawless still-frame and at first, you may be one of the unfortunate slow-motion special effects. It offered fea- victims of laser rot. If so, you’re not alone. IBLJIYLUMLDTUKSETRATIONS tures no VCR could match, except for one: In our own library of videodiscs, at least 30 it couldn’t record. titles out of more than 200 show signs of Still, it fulfilled the dreams of videophiles decay. Included is the collector’s edition everywhere; it was the closest thing to a of Raiders of the Lost Ark. The James Bond “perfect” format ever developed. In addi- movie, Octopussy, seems to have been par- tion, it was virtually indestructible under ticularly hard hit. “Disc Deals” reported normal everyday use and abuse. More that its copy of Octopussy had almost com- important, people believed it would last plete loss of chroma, or color, information and that “both audio tracks were nothing forever. One of the manufacturer’s own but noise, as if you had tuned your radio to brochures described the videodisc’s life- a place between stations.” span as “indefinite.” PARADISC LOST Now, however, videophiles’ faith in the longevity of laser-based videodiscs is being Industry watchers suggest that as many severely tested. In the last few years, a as 50 titles, representing several hundred strange malady known as “laser rot”—a thousand discs, may be contaminated. Pio- snowy speckling of the image that makes neer Electronics, by far the biggest manu- films virtually unwatchable—has been re- facturer of laser videodiscs here and in ported by videodisc collectors across the Japan, won't say how many bad discs may country. Numerous small newsletters have been pressed—if, indeed, the compa- and catalogs devoted to selling and collect- ny knows, nor would they issue a list of ing videodiscs, including “The LaserDisc problem titles. But the company has Newsletter,” “The Laser Beam,” “Laser admitted replacing more than 20,000 be- News,” and “Disc Deals,” have also com- tween October, 1985 and May, 1986. plained about the problem. “Disc Deals” even published a special issue on the sub- Pioneer acknowledged the seriousness ject. of the problem in an exclusive interview with VIDEO. In doing so, Pioneer main- What makes laser rot so pernicious is tained it has gone to great lengths and that, even under a microscope, you can’t expense to identify the exact cause of laser tell by looking at the disc itself whether it’s rot and end it. To Pioneer’s credit, it is defective. Furthermore, you never know replacing or making good on each and ev- just when the “rot” will actually set in. ery defective disc if the customer cannot get satisfaction from his local dealer. When Sometimes, the defects are apparent the problem was first brought to the com- immediately. Sometimes the deterioriation By Roderick Woodcock and Marc Wielage

hLnaasaer aRoat nn oS Cross-section of aVideodisc the reflective properties that enable the laser beam to “read” the microscopic pits Laser rot is believed to be caused by imperfections in the adhesive that bonds the molded into its surfaces. According to Kai, halves of a videodisc, in the water used during production, or in the bonding process. a batch of bad glue was inadvertently used to assemble an unspecified number of pany’s attention, said Pioneer Executive nothing to indicate whether it will retain its discs. Instead of remaining chemically Vice President Ken Kai, employees “went image and sound quality over time. Discs inert and acting as a neutral bonding agent, into not only our warehouse, but every that have “rotted” look no different from studio’s warehouse and checked every good discs, even under high magnification. the glue started a chemical reaction. disc. And if we found any mistakes, even It’s only when they’ve been played several “You might make one side first, and some transfer mistakes, we fixed them.” times that the visual noise becomes obvi- Despite official assurances, many laser- ous, though the playing itself does not the other side at another time,” Kai ex- philes are still worried that their collections contribute to the deterioration. What is plained, “and each disc gets some moisture may not withstand the test of time. worse is that the problem increases as time from the air. If the whole disc isn’t made at passes, insidiously and slowly turning one about the same time, and the wrong glue is No one knows who coined the phrase or both sides of a given disc into a blizzard “laser rot,” though Starship Industries, of colored snow. used, the different moisture contents do publisher of “The Laser Beam” newslet- not perfectly match on the A side and the B ter, claims it was one of its customers. But CAUSES AND CURES side. Sometimes the glue absorbs some of it’s an eerily apt shorthand tag. Laser rot’s the excess moisture from one side. We are causes involve various problems in the The reasons why are difficult to pin now doing a better job of checking the manufacturing process: bad glue, bad wa- down. Pioneer has offered more than one incoming glue and other materials, such as ter, and inadequate bonding of the two explanation. Foremost are the twin prob- plastics, and we’re making the A and B sides of the disc are among the leading lems of bad glue and bad water. Since laser sides on the same shift. So that problem discs are manufactured in halves, which seems to be gone.” suspects. are then sandwiched to create a finished The most insidious aspect of laser rot is disc, the quality of the glue is critical. In- The “bad water” problem also appears side each disc an aluminum coating gives it to have been solved. For some pressings, that often the defects are not immediately glue had been mixed with contaminat- apparent. When you buy a disc, there is ed water that is also used to wash the metal stampers after the etching process. Now, says Kai, “the water is 110 percent purified, de-ionized water, and we check it every day.” Whether the cause was bad water or bad glue, the results were the same. The chemical reaction harmed the aluminum coat, causing glitches in the disc’s image. As the aluminum changed into aluminum oxide, the amount of pure metal remaining to reflect the laser diminished accordingly. This led to a loss of signal-to-noise ratio the video output level of the disc. Kai's explanation agrees with one given by a source at another disc manufacturer. The source, who asked that his name not be used, called the problem oxidation. When exposed iron gets wet and is left in the air for some time, it rusts, or oxidizes. The rust is simply a superficial red coating called iron oxide. Similarly, if you bite into a new apple and leave the remainder for a few minutes, the white pulp rapidly forms What To Do If Your Disc Goes Bad If you have an extensive collection of distributed by many movie studios ing to replace any genuinely defective videodiscs, with titles you haven't re- viewed in some time, you should check through their own channels. disc even if the problem occurs years them. Pay particular attention to titles Pioneer’s dealers should replace de- you know have caused problems with after the date on the sales slip. In fact, it other laserphiles. fective discs, or, if the title is unavaila- will replace the disc without a sales slip. While companies like 3M, Tech- ble, refund your money. Remember, The company has even exchanged bad nidisc, and Laser Video also manufac- bad discs cannot be fixed, only re- ture laser discs, Pioneer produces by placed. If your dealer doesn’t cooper- discs made by 3M, though the defects far the most. Its Carson plant in Califor- ate, or if the store you dealt with has nia turns out most of the discs sold and gone out of business, you can call the were not laser rot. “I’ve got enough distributed by its subsidiary, the Laser- LaserDisc Corp. (201-573-1122) for as- Disc Corporation of America, based in sistance. discs that have come back from 3M, and Montvale, N.J., as well as the discs Even though the warranty on new yet who am I to call 3M to exchange?” discs is just 10 days from purchase date (MCA’s is 30 days), Pioneer is will- says Pioneer Exec. V.P. Ken Kai. “I have an old business relationship with 3M, so as long as that movie becomes available under Pioneer’s pressing, we'll replace it.” —RW, MW 50 Video April 1987