video-magazine-1985-06

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June 1985 Contents Volume IX, Number 3 Features Program Guide Columns Eyes On; 25-Inch Screens News & Views Channel One In which the magazine’s editors By Ken Winslow.53 Tsukuba Doo.6 tackle the complex task of rating four top-notch video monitors. Top 10 Fast Forward By the Editors.76 Tape & Disc Sales & Rentals.55 Tape Shortage in ’85?.8 Video to Go Reviews Feedback Our annual report from the portable- Film & Video Clips/Quick Takes.56 Going Public (Domain).10 video front finds the battle lines in an interesting transition state. Directory New Products By Roderick Woodcock.82 What’s New on Tape & Disc.65 Pioneer’s Midline LV Player.16 Hitchcock Videotests Fine Tuning MCA’s release of Rear Window and Spotting Time Codes others completes the videography NAD MR20 20-inch Monitor/Receiver By Roderick Woodcock.22 of the master’s major titles. Panasonic Omnimovie VHS Camcorder By Mark Fleischmann.92 Sharp VC-487U VHS Hi-Fi VCR Videogram SCI-coustics Model 100 Enhancer Video (Up) Dating Plottertudes By Berger-Braithwaite Labs.115 By William Wolfe.38 What? You still haven’t bought a LaserVision disc player? Here are TV Den 10 good reasons to get off your duff. Fancy Threads By Frank Lovece.96 By. Roderick Woodcock.40 Wedding Shoots Random Access Done right, a video-recorded wedding Electronic Banking & Flying is like any other shoot: to do it By Doug Garr & Julia Lisella.46 right, you’ve got to do your homework. By Roderick Woodcock.102 New Channels Captain USA’s Groovy Tube Buyer Beware By Tim Onosko.48 Video salesmen don’t have much to say; here’s what you should Dateline Tokyo know before you buy. Japan’s Ad Blizzard By Martin Porter.106 By Ichiro Kakehashi..158 No Strings Attached Video Bookshelf Pinocchio—one of the Disney studio’s ‘Video Moviemaker’s Handbook’ three major masterpieces of animation By George L. George.160 art—has finally come to video. People By Ron Smith.112 Robert Blake Clears His Head By Lorenzo Carcaterra.162 Off the Air Booze Ads: Get Smart By Bob Brewin.164 About the Cover. Whither portables? Will camcorders wipe them out? Are there any good two-piece systems left? Cover photo by Walter Wick.

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Channel One Tsukuba Doo Our editor who is sometimes affectionately known as the young curmudgeon was recently seen galavanting around Japan and other ports in the Far East. One reason for his far-flung sojourn was a short visit to the international science fair, know as Expo ’85. The technology extravaganza began with a bang (literally a loud, celebratory firework that jarred the nerves of tens of thousands of people at exactly 9:30 a. m.) on a rainy March 16. It continues for the next 183 days through September 16. Expo covers 252 acres in the Ibaraki prefecture, an hour and a half north of Tokyo. Some 45 countries built exhibits costing around $2.6 billion, though as you might expect, the Japanese pavilions are omnipresent. , ,, The formal theme of Expo is “Dwellings and Surroundings—Science and 1 echnology for Man at Home. ” The fair had been touted for several months byJapanese organizers as a showcase for state-of-the-art technology. Our young curmudgeon, however, turned in a notice that could only be summed up with the word “disappointing.” “I guess I plead guilty for expecting too much. I had hoped to be dazzled by science and research; that is, what’s in the labs now that we’ll see in the future, ” our editor reported. “Instead,\" there were too many multi-screen projections with surprisingly pedestrian presentations. The theme seemed worthy enough. I figured it translated into something like celebrating man’s collaboration with technology and his surroundings. Yet it seemed like the exhibitors were more interested in telling us why the mating habits of fiddler crabs were so crucial to understanding how we live. I think the Japanese were confused. They didn’t know whether they wanted a Disneyland pr a science fair, and so an unsatisfying compromise emerged. ” This point of view was also expressed by Ichiro Kakehashi, VIDEO’S Tokyo correspondent, who patiently watched Expo’s progress during the early part of this year. Newsday, the Long Island paper, hinted at what caused this schizophrenic reaction. “A March 1984 poll indicated that 40 percent of the Japanese people who knew about Expo ’85 didn’t plan to attend,” said Newsday. “The sponsors—which is to say the government—at that point decided to aim more for a festival than a science show. ” So the Japanese, perhaps learning a bit from America, decided to go for boffo box-office. Commerce wins out once again, our curmudgeon sighed. The specific shortcomings? “I’m referring to things like the world’s tallest Ferris wheel (hardly an engineering feat) and a mag-lev train that travels at less than 20 mph (not exactly new). Artificial intelligence usually meant robot displays that were big on kinetic arms and smaU on intelligent application ideas. The emphasis seemed to be on cute, as one robot could sketch fairgoers’ portraits from digitized camera images.” The young curmudgeon mentioned that there were far more impressive robots in TDK’s tape factories, including a few brainy types that could manage to load and unload cartons on assembly lines. Of course, there was stuff to write home about. “Perhaps the brashest idea was Sony’s 80-by-130-foot Jumbotron TV screen which loomed ominously on the horizon. It looked large even when you were a half mile away. Reporters were continually wearing out jokes to Lance Braithwaite, our technical maven, about when he was going to ‘videotest’ the beast. ..... “My favorite part was the architecture. World's fair building design is usually chancy and unconventional, and Expo is no different. There were several notable edifices, including Mitsubishi’s (with a long, angled mirror-like facade), the IBM pavilion (a triangle enclosing a sphere), the Gas pavilion (large circle structures), the Fuyo Robot Theater (a sphere inside a half shell), the Sumitomo pavilion (with a ‘suspended’ cube in the front), and the Ibaraki pavilion (with its two mountainous pyramids). And that satellite dish built by Nippon Electric Corporation—does anyone know of a bigger one? You could get a whole lot of visual satisfaction without once entering an exhibit, said our only-sometimes-crabby correspondent. So if you’re headed to the Far East, bring a wide angle lens for your camera. —The Editors

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Fast Forward Late-Breaking News Tape Famine way of predicting Soviet officials recently to the given ninnber (1- whether—or how soon— aimounced that a Pana¬ 800-327-6330) produced start burying those some bright pay cable sonic-licensed plant is no answer—and no in¬ blank cassettes in your company will seek to set to start VCR produc¬ dication as to who had backyard—there may be bolster its sagging fiscal tion near Moscow. Its re¬ ordered the inflamma- a shortage by the end of health with just one or corders are all targeted toiy (and possibly bogus) 1985. That was the pre¬ two tiny little paid ad for domestic consump¬ ad in the first place. diction of executives spots. Or three. Or.... tion. from JVC, Maxell, and Sharp has no plans for other manufacturers at a Beyond Beta Anti-scramble a U.S. version of the recent conference in machine. It makes only Florida. Toshiba, formerly a Be¬ As cable programmers PAL-SBCAM versions which sell in the Middle The worldwide ava¬ ta-only company, hais like HBO gear up to Bast for up to $1500. For lanche of VCR sales is that price, enterprising causing an enormous de¬ annoimced plans to mar¬ scramble their satellite pirates could buy 3, 4, or mand for blank tape, both mary cheap standard from VCR owners and pro¬ ket “a complete line” of feeds this Pall, two new VCRs. gram duplicators—200 million blanks may be VHS VCRs in the U.S.—in¬ congressional bills are Death Rays sold this year alone. But competition has caused cluding a 4-head wireless aimed at foiling them— TV and radio broadcast prices to fall—at times to produces RF radiation— such low levels that tapes remote model (M-8400) and at protecting the at times more than na¬ become a profitless item. tional guidelines say is So manufacturers aren’t for $649. rights of backyard dish safe. Since 1969, the FCC likely to expand plant has had the power to reg¬ capacities in the near That leaves Sony as the owners. Cablers want to ulate radiation levels future. Thby’U just cool under provisions of the their heels and wait for last purely Beta manu¬ stop dish users from Bnvironmental Policy the inexorable laws of Act. But until recently it supply and demand to facturer, and even Sony’s stealing their signals. had no rules as to how it drive prices back up. Way would Implement its up. purity is now officially in But one bill (introduced power. Cable Turkeys question. Its 8mm cam¬ by Rep. Gregg, R-N.H.) Beginning in October, it will require license ap¬ First the bad news, corder (CCD-V8; $1695) would stop scrambling plicants to submit Bn¬ then the worse news. vironmental Impact Business is lousy in pay finally arrives here this for 2 years or until pro¬ Statements if there’s an cableland. With typical indication of possible understatement HBO month. The V8 has only grammers develop a valid high-radiation levels. claims new subscrip¬ The new FCC policy may tions for 1985 have not one speed; and its camera system for selling de¬ have been prompted by a been “as robust as we recent action of the BPA. hoped,” and a Showtime/ section delivers 240 lines coders—no scrambling The agency found that Movie Channel executive two radio towers in says early ’85 was “veiy, of horizontal resolution allowed until pay cable Hawaii produced radia¬ very bad.” tion above safe levels set —30 less than Panasonic’s companies give dish own¬ by federal guidelines. But the cable advertis¬ ing business is booming. Omnimovie Camcorder/ ers a way to buy their Hi-Fi Chrome Cable ad revenues were over $500 million in Player (see “Videotests,” services. BASF will announce a 1984, and are expected to Hi-Fi tape this month pass $1 billion by 1986. elsewhere in this issue), The second bill called, imaginatively The dangers and the enough. Super High temptations are clear. A which uses a full-size (introduced by Rep. Grade Hi-Fi. It’s the first drift toward increased all-chrome tape specifi¬ commercialization is VHS cassette. And yes, Tauzin, D-La.) would reg¬ cally engineered for Hi-Fi already well underway, machines, and is said to making cable chaimels you can see the dif¬ ulate rates dish owners be different both in for¬ look much like the pitch- mulation and coating cluttered networks they ference. could be charged—gear¬ from other chrome tapes. came to bury. There’s no ing them to average cable a Waking Giants subscription fees, and allowing the PCC to step China and Russia are in if cablers don’t price joining the video revolu¬ fairly. tion in a big but conserva¬ tive way. Hitachi, Toshi¬ Twin Deck Terror ba, and JVC are all open¬ That dreaded twin ing color TV factories in deck—^the Sharp VCR Chinese cities, with com¬ bined yearly output with two-cassette capac¬ potential in the millions. ity for tape copsdng so RCA Matsushita, Mitsu¬ simple even a brain-dam¬ bishi, and others hope to aged pirate can do it—^has win billion dollar color been raising tempests of tube plant contracts in rage from Hollywood China; and significantly, (“Fast Forward,” April, Phillips now reports 1985). orders for LV players In a bizarre turn of (200,000 over the next events, a recent classified few years), LV discs, and ad in the Los Angeles disc production equip¬ Times—right in the heart ment. of Hollywood—offered to Russia has been slower sell “famous make” twin decks. But repeated calls to join the revolution; but

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Feedback Readers Air Their Views Going Public section, again contrasting var¬ if real quality can be achieved films hail from Chicago, as he Speaking as a recent VCR ious versions. Thanks and with 8mm, perhaps there is does himself. Eight of his convert and lifelong film buff, keep up the good work. hope that the half-inch for¬ films were horror films. His I want to commend you for mats can be upgraded to pro¬ movies dealt with monsters, producing the most informa¬ AlanJ. Abrams vide more decent quality as madness, ghosts, a magician, tive and entertaining video New York well. There is clearly a strong a vampire, sex-starved magazine around. I found and growing demand for this teenagers, hippies, a nudie your tape tests helpful and Thanks for the encouragement among consumers. It may be Western, and even an all¬ look forward to updates and the idea. Thanks also for hard to convince manufactur¬ female motorcycle gang that and future features. I an opportunity to remind our ers to upgrade while their would make the Hell’s Angels especially appreciate your readers to exercise caution in current inferior products are cringe. The unadulterated transfer grading and com¬ buying PD titles. While some selling like the proverbial hot- king of exploitation and god¬ ments in the “Film Clips” sec¬ companies are producing tapes cakes, but if enough people father of gore, Lewis de¬ tion. Too many video maga¬ that range from acceptable to complain in letters to national serves a place in the indepen¬ zines give their readers good, such as Kartes Video magazines like yours and dent filmmaker’s hall of fame straight film reviews rather Communications with its enough purchasers return with the likes of Roger Gor¬ than what should be film-on- $19.95 line of Video Film machines that are virtually man and Ed Wood. tape reviews. Classics, some of the releases unusable, perhaps we might we have seen priced at $14.95 see some change. Build a bet¬ After all, who can forget I would like to see a com¬ have been abysmal. Sometimes ter video mousetrap and the the man who gave us such prehensive article on the it’s a better idea to go to a high¬ world will beat a path to your great lines as “A Ghastly Tale rapidly expanding area of er-priced supplier such as door. Drenched with Gouts of Blood public-domain films on tape. I Blackhawk, Cable Films, or Kenneth M. Robbins, M.D. Spurting from the Writhing have seen as many as five Video Dimensions for higher Victims of a Madman’s Lust”? different editions of the same quality. Video Dimensions, for Middletown, Conn. “Gouts, ” believe it or not, is film priced from $14.95 to instance, charges $29.95 for in the dictionary. $19.95. They vary widely in many of its titles but duplicates You Want Taste? quality and running time. I re¬ from clean prints onto high- The reviews in VIDEO Maga¬ Bill Eversale cently bought one plainly grade tape. See the lead item in zine are one of my favorite Latrobe, Pa. labeled as running 85 Ken Winslow’s May 1985 features. I am at times both minutes; it ran 62 when I “News & Views” column for impressed and surprised at Eight Million Stories clocked it. Luckily, the store more on this subject. As for their depth of knowledge and I enjoyed Tom Soter’s “The refunded my money without our review section, we consid¬ openmindedness, e.g. Mark Greatest Stories Ever Told” argument. However, I have er any fresh release of a title Fleischmann’s review of the [April 1985], but he forgot recently noticed signs saying we’ve never reviewed— Residents’ Mole Show or John many titles: Spartacus with no refunds are available for whether previously released or Leland’s comparison with Kirk Douglas (which just these tapes. not—as a new release, and we U.S. “straight edge” in his re¬ came out), Barabbas with tend to avoid reviewing any view of the punk documen¬ Anthony Quinn, most films by Though I know it would be product of unacceptable tary UKIDK. But Tom Ray Harryhausen, The Bible, impossible to do a complete quality. Soter’s “The Best of the The Great Heroes of the Bible, rundown on all public-domain Worst” was at best a fleeting The Search for Historic Jesus, tapes available, you would- do Up the Resolution glimpse of this genre of film¬ Life of Christ, Search for your readers a great service I am writing to echo J. Neil making, and Harvey Elliott’s Noah’s Ark—the list goes on by comparing different ver¬ Makaroffs sentiments in his background comments on the and on and on. sions of some more popular February 1985 letter [No films of H. G. Lewis were in¬ titles. Perhaps you could also Baloney]. He is angry that the accurate. M.L. Mutolese include some of these re¬ 8mm format now gives us Havertown, Pa. leases in your regular review three formats of equally poor Lewis made 37 films be¬ picture quality. The 8mm tween 1960 and 1972, of We know, we know, we know. manufacturers are bragging which only 10 were shot in The author was aiming for a that they can get results as Florida. The majority of his representative survey of a vast good as with half-inch. I do field and limited himself to not think they should be so what was available at press¬ pleased with themselves. But time.

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Feedback ■ Hardware Q&A 1. Both Dolby and dbx made standalone has done an explicit and useful survey of blank tapes. Why not do the same with Please answer the following question, processors for audio some years back. VCRs, starting with the basic no-frills- or-frippery VCR? This is where most because I have been asking professionals They were intended only for use with prop¬ newcomers make their first buying de¬ cision. The present articles about the for months and nobody seems to know. If erly encoded signals. For your application newest VCRs remind me of the enthu¬ siasm car magazines have always shown I order laser videodiscs from France, try a Dynamic Noise Reduction system for the sort of cars hardly anyone ever buys. They are lots of fun to try out, but England, or Germany, would I be able to such as the DNR 450 by Advanced Audio the guy buying his first car and wonder¬ Systems International (VIDEO, October ing if it will hold together until the final play them here in the United States on 1981) or the KLH DNF 1201A Dynamic payment comes due gets no considera¬ tion when he picks out a frugal econo¬ Pioneer equipment? I. Kalimenor box. So let’s see a comparable series of tests on econobox VCRs at least once a Washington, D.C. Noise Filter (VIDEO, December 1981). year. It should include comparison shop¬ ping for actual selling prices. List prices These systems cut noise without the need are an outrageous fiction in this market. Technical Editor Lancelot Braithwaite re¬ for encoding. Kenneth O’Meara Holland, Mich. plies: The simple answer is “no, but....” 2. Sounds like your signal may be both Our annual no-frills VCR survey will European LV discs (and CED videodiscs weak and noisy. You can’t do anything appear in an issue later this year. as well as videotapes) are made for dif¬ about the noise buildup but you can reduce Beaming Up ferent television systems—PAL and the effect of a weak signal with an ampli¬ As an LV owner I’m gratified by the over¬ whelmingly enthusiastic response SECAM. The system we use in the U.S. is fier from your local Radio Shack. It will Pioneer’s new hybrid LV/CD player is getting from video and audiophiles alike. NTSC, which is not compatible with those clear up the quivering and fuzziness—but And that special digital-audio LV discs are already appearing (e.g. Star Trek HD signal formats. Why, then, the “but\"? Be¬ it will probably be a bit more grainy. shows software suppliers are giving this new capability immediate attention—in cause: (1) A few NTSC discs and tapes do 3. You can record “audio only” on some contrast to VHS Hi-Fi, which was com¬ paratively slow getting off the ground. find their way to Europe. (2) Ifyou’re Hi-Fi VCRs with special provision for Now, with Sony opening a disc-pressing plant and both Sony and Teac reportedly willing to buy a PAL player and a multi¬ that. On other VCRs speed regulation planning to market LV/CD players, LV is ple-standard TV, you can view PAL-for- partly depends on picture sync, so you slowly but ever more steadily carving out mat software in this country—at consider¬ might want to put on some kind of video a comfortable and permanent place for itself. As an early believer in the laser able expense. (3) If the software is not and record as if it were a simulcast or an system, I feel vindicated. available in NTSC format, you can have it audio dub—even ifyou don’t watch the Anthony De Cosa Clinton, N.C. transferred to NTSC—again very expen¬ video. But 'Seriously/ Folks sive. Beware of copyright problems in 4. Sounds like leakage of sync into the This question is often asked among my friends. I don’t believe it has been dis¬ making transfers and get permission. audio. We’re not familiar with that model, cussed yet in your magazine. What is a good source for “foreign” or “se¬ so we don’t know what can be done about rious” films on Beta and VHS? By this I mean films by people like Bergman, I wish to introduce myself as a 1980s it. Fassbinder, and Wenders. Are they Audio-Videophile. I have attached a 5. What format is “better” changes back available? Or are they just being ignored sheet listing the equipment that I pos¬ by the video boutique purveyors who are sess. I have a few unanswered questions and forth. The new Super Beta is probably pandering to the tastes of the masses? I ahead at this point. That format has all of read you all the time. pertaining to my system. I have tried the benefits of Hi-Fi sound and improve¬ Curt Neitzke asking professionals in the field of audio/ ments in both picture noise and resolution. Dawson, Ill. video within the south Florida area, but Watch out for Super VHS, though. Embassy Home Entertainment has issued no one appears competent or sufficiently a lot of Bergman movies in the past year. versed to supply me with the information A Beta Value MGMIUA has released Fassbinder’s Ber¬ lin Alexanderplatz opus—a massive I need to try to perfect the overall quality After reading the “Beta’d Traps” letters undertaking. We reviewed Wenders’ American Friend, out from Pacific Arts, of the components I am using. in your March 1985 issue I find myself last October. Full-catalogue video re¬ tailers—the relatively rare breed that are 1. Is there a special or individual “Dol- asking questions regarding the Beta vs. willing to order things for customers—are by/dbx” on the market for specific use VHS battle. In my arduous VCR-buying the places to look for these releases, and with VCRs? Or audio receivers? (Even research I have found little reason to buy though my VCR has Dolby, when the a VHS machine, which was my original audio signal is being channeled through intention. Beta is simply a better value. my stereo receiver and equalizer, I still Prices for a full-featured Beta Hi-Fi deck experience a noticeable hiss, which such as Toshiba’s V-S46 are lower than destroys the quality that I desire. any similarly featured VHS machine. 2. I was informed by my cable com¬ Looking at budget VCRs, compare the pany that I am 20 amplifiers down the under-$300 pricetag of Toshiba’s VM-41 line. I experience light picture quivering to any budget VHS machine. The VM-41 and light fuzziness. Is there a video en¬ has a five-motor transport. I’ve yet to hancer available to eliminate or deaden find a Beta with less than five motors. this problem? Due to the VHS format’s lower writing 3. Is it possible to record audio from speed and narrower bandwidth, which cassette to VCR? (My equalizer has two forced VHS designers to write AFM Hi- tape monitors—#1 for the Cassette Fi audio with an extra set of heads, it now Deck, #2 for the VCR.) seems that compatibility and production 4. My 45-inch rear-projection TV has a of VHS Hi-Fi tapes is a problem, to say faint high-pitch hum when it is on. The nothing of how the VHS camp is going to hum is heard from the speakers. I was deal with Super Beta. informed by the TV technician that there Travis McKenzie is nothing to correct it. Is this true? Ashland, Mo. 5. In your opinion, which produces the VCR and Driver best qudity picture and sound (stereo)— Lancelot Braithwaite’s “Blank Tape Beta format or VHS format? Steve Sherman Tests” were a lovely example of how N. Lauderdale, Fla. VIDEO can best serve its readers. In a free and openly competitive market the Technical Editor Lancelot Braithwaite manufacturers should expect to be replies: I judged against one another, and VIDEO

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M/NDS Feedback This is not a how«-to tape on breaking bricks or ' you can always write to the manufacturers vwod. TAI CHI CH'UAN is an exercise tape that for more information. The only thing we’re can give you total strength, both physical and not sure of is what you mean by \"serious.” mental strength. A lot of us take American-made movies \"seriously. ” physical Titled Nobility TAI CHI CH'UAN An atrocious version of the cult classic King ofHearts is now playing on cable (involves full body movement (and available on tape), and it prompts a question. Am I the only film buff who which elevates the heart rate and improves car- wants to hear actors speak with their diovascular functions. The resistive exercises own voices? Is there an alternative for stress specific muscle groups which help tone those of us who are not too lazy to read the body and improve weight distribution. T'AI subtitles and enjoy the subtlety of a CHI CH'UAN is an excellent way to achieve movie? Where can we find subtitled ver¬ more flexibility in an easy exercise that takes sions of film classics and foreign films? onlv minutes a dav. Joseph C. Zawacki CHI CH'UAN Willingboro, N.J. requires a commitment toward a sense a well being, both in the body and the Hs up to the releasing companies, and mind. It's graceful movements are combined reader letters may be one way to influence with slow breathing, balance and a relaxed them. We are gratified to note that Embas¬ posture. These elements tend to relieve stress sy, for instance, has made available titled and improve your mental capabilities. versions of such recent foreign-film gems as Fanny & Alexander and The Return of T'AI CHI CH'UAN has been practiced for Martin Guerre, reviewed by VIDEO’S over a thousand years. It improves your physical Harvey Elliott in \"Quick TakesIFilm” last and mental wellness, and it can also be used month and this month, respectively. as a very effective seif-defense aid. Timeliness Demonstrated by NANCY KWAN, Interna¬ Recently one of my favorite films. Battle tional Film Star and T'AI CHI Instructor, and of the Bulge, came out on tape firom War¬ BERNIE POCK, Martial Arts Expert and Movie ner Home Video. I couldn’t find it for Stuntman. sale, so I rented it from one of my tape clubs. The length of the original movie is This special 75 min. instructional video tape 163 minutes. The Warner version is 142 will teach you T'AI CHI CH'UAN in the privacy minutes. At least two scenes important to the story context were cut out. If I had your own home. This tape includes special bought this tape, I would have returned self-defense applications and siow- it. motion segments for extra ease in movements of T'AI CHI Neal P. Forman Englewood, Colo. Through no fault of Warner Home Video, the original version of this film has been lost, according to a Warner spokesman. When studio executives decide a film must be cut and recut, archival integrity is not uppermost in their minds. Battle of the Bulge is only one victim of slovenly studio practices. Wameris video people issued the best (longest) version they could find, but barring a miracle, video viewers will never see the roadshow version shown in theaters. \"Thais terrible!” we exclaimed to the spokesman. \"That is terrible, ” he agreed. He’s already read a lot of mail on the subject. (Public-domain films are often another story; ifs best to look up the official running time of a title be¬ fore laying down your money, ifyou want the completest possible version.) State_ Zip_ ti order by VIS^MC



New Products Pioneer Mid-Line LV Player features: one-touch recording, channel viewfinder allows viewing of recently Preserves Laser Virtues lock, and transition editing. shot footage right on location, and its half-inch Newvicon pickup tube is de¬ All the laser verities are present in a The VR8418GY is a front-loading signed to minimize ghosting. Other items new middle-of-the-line LaserVision model with 14-day/4-event timer. It fea¬ on the six-pound unit include forward/ videodisc player from Pioneer. The tures a 14-position 107-channel tuner, reverse picture search, 20-lux low-light PR8210 joins an already distinguished one-touch recording, and picture-sharp¬ sensitivity, and fl.4 6:1 power zoom lens line of players ranging from the LD-660 ness control. with macro capability. The unit can be ($299) to the CLD-900 (the famed com¬ powered by rechargeable battery, AC bination LV/CD video/audio player). Prices: open list. (with adapter), or car cord. For additional information, Features include fast scan at three Price: to be announced. times normal speed in either forward or circle No. 151 on Reader Service Card. For additional information, reverse, slow motion, numbered frame access, chapter and frame search, and JVC Introduces Mono circle No. 153 on Reader Service Card. CX noise reduction for the player’s high- 4-Head Front-Load VHS quality two-channel sound. The LV Sanyo Adds Autofocus specs are all there too, including 70dB The JVC HR-D130U is a four-head To Betamovie Camcorder audio dynamic range and 350 lines of hori¬ VHS VCR with front loading. Though not zontal image resolution. stereo, it does offer noiseless special- Sanyo’s second-generation Betamovie effects reproduction due to its four-head adds autofocus to the one-piece camera/ Price: $499. design. The roster of features includes recorder. Like other Betamovie units, For additional information, l-event/14-day programming, 12 station this one records up to three hours of presets, fluorescent display with elapsed footage at the Beta II speed using an circle No. 150 on Reader Service Card. recording time counter, auto rewind, L-750 cassette. Playback requires a picture search at seven times normal standard Beta VCR, but no adapters. Magnavox Adds 2 Models speed at both SP and EP speeds, wire¬ The unit comes with a half-inch SMF To Low-Budget VHS Line less remote control, and picture-sharp¬ Trinicon pickup tube that shoots in light ness control. levels down to 28 lux. Other features Magnavox has two additions to its include optical viewfinder, 6:1 power Matsushita-made line of VHS VCRs. Price: $599. zoom lens with macro capability, and an Both are low-budget mono machines. For additional information, AC adapter (included) that recharges the battery in an hour and powers the unit on Model VR8408GY is a top-loading unit circle No. 152 on Reader Service Card. household current. with 14-day/2-event programmability and 14-function remote control. Its soft- Quasar Calls Its Price: $1599.95. touch controls include frame advance, Camcorder 'VHS Movie' For additional information, still frame, and slow motion. Other Quasar’s variation on VHS VideoMov- circle No. 154 on Reader Service Card. Magnavox VR8408GY ie is called VHS Movie. The one-piece 16 VIdM camcorder uses a full-size VHS cassette. Solid-State NEC Camera Uses CCD Image Sensor VHS Movie’s half-inch electronic NEC’s contribution to the growing number of mini video cameras is the TC- llOE, a featherweight solid-state unit us¬ ing a charge coupled device (CCD) image sensor in place of a pickup tube. Among the unit’s specs are excellent low-light sensitivity of 9 lux, high image resolution (250 lines horizontal, 350 ver¬ tical), signal-to-noise ratio of more than

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New Products 50dB (luminance), and power consump¬ Emerson Brings Out Prices: MS30R, $799.95; M20R, tion of about four watts. 'Monitor Design' TVs $699.95; MR13R, $529.95. The camera’s electronic viewfinder Though not known for exploring the Emerson M13R uses a newly developed 0.7-inch black & high-tech end of the electronics Rhoades Teledapter white cathode ray tube with mode dis¬ business, Emerson has introduced three Enhances Sound play. Other notable characteristics in¬ “monitor design” TVs with high-tech clude one-touch auto white balance and features. Two have 20-inch screens, and The Rhoades TE-600 Teledapter is a 6X zoom with macro capability. The the last is a 13-incher. multifunction audio processor designed camera will work with either Beta or with video users in mind. It offers noise- VHS portable VCRs, and any adaptability The 20-inch MS30R has built-in de¬ reduction, stereo-synthesis, and “am¬ problem can be solved by changing the coding for the dawning age of stereo bience” processing. camera cable. (With both Beta and VHS broadcast TV. Other audio-related fea¬ VCRs appearing under its brandname, tures include dual front-mounted two- The Dynamic Noise Reduction (DNR) NEC is apparently sensitive to such way speakers (with tweeters): treble, circuit requires no prior encoding of the problems.) bass, and balance controls; and stereo/ audio signal. It selectively reduces hiss in mono switching. The five-watt audio amp a signal by monitoring the volume. When Price: $949. can power the built-in speakers or supply the volume is low and hiss is conspic¬ For additional information, external ones via external speaker jacks. uous, it reduces the noise. When the The tuner receives 139 channels and is volume is high enough to mask the noise, circle No. 155 on Reader Service Card. cable ready. Other features include 90- the circuit reduces its noise-reduction minute sleep timer, on-screen time and effect. The degree of noise reduction can Harmon-Kardon Monitor channel display, and wireless remote Whets Video Appetite control. Harmon Kardon, known for its audio Emerson describes its other 20-inch products, has followed the introduction set as “stereo adaptable. ” It has a 24- of its first VCR (the VHS Hi-Fi VCD- hour auto on/off control system, sleep 1000) with the unveiling of a 25-inch timer, audio and video ins/outs, on¬ high-resolution monitor. The VM-100 screen clock/channel display, and 11- function remote control. The 13-incher, like the other two, tunes 139 channels and has on-screen time/channel plus au¬ dio/video inputs/outputs. It also includes a front-mounted TV/Video selector switch. Emerson MS30R be determined with an adjustment knob, and the circuit switched with an in/out looked good when displayed at a trade button. show earlier this year. In addition to a comb filter for optimum image sharpness The stereo synthesizer turns monau¬ (400 lines), it employs other sophisti¬ ral sound—whether from TV, VCR, or cated circuitry. Harmon Kardon points to some other source—into simulated three design features in particular that stereo. More unusual is the “ambience help reduce geometric distortion (incor¬ processor, ” which according to the rect reproduction of shapes). Automatic manufacturer adds “concert hall effects. color-temperature control provides Vocals tend to reverberate, and bounce stable color balance, and three video in¬ off the walls, as in a live performance.” puts are available to meet the demands of This circuit does not work with a mono an expanding video system. signal. Price: $1095. The unit also provides switching of up For additional Information, to three stereo or four mono inputs, a tape monitor loop for audio-system con¬ circle No. 156 on Reader Service Card. nections, and an isolated mono input for direct connection to a TV-speaker

SONY TAPE. PERFECT PITCH. PERFECT PICTURE. Today'!! Lillra sniUjiltve (iquitjnuaii demand;, a lagh grade qualdy tape to c.')pti.ir(' every color and every iiound rnal s why Sony develotaed it:! Dltta Hiijjh (jr.ade Hi- f i videotape. And be-onriao ir le'Sony, it goes without loakirig tt'iat tlitj pictute will he perfoci ricl'i iri color and rosolution. for e>afnpl(3. our high rruif^netic jDariiclC' derit.iiy nujans you got a viiJeo .and ITF output pel forinianoe that double:; oi ir '•.landaid grade. Froin iti(! de]ic;nlc tiuie:: of “Swan Lake\" to ltie dtiviiig decibel;! of MTV, S>ony UHG ha:,-, ihe dyiiainio range and fietiucmcy le&prjustj to lake it all m Tlteii di;;h it oi.il wiiti r(;.ili:!iri surpasriiug even rciel-to reel deck:! In addition, we taack (.loat emcti c.fisaetie wiifi black c;art)on :.-.o that tlie tape ruh'! t.rnoothei, witti lewiir drop-out:; and will la;!! Icingoi with le:;:; wear on your V(ifF And in order to inayirniza Ihe reciDpiion of ever iinpioving TV :;ign.a!:;-;, Sony UHGia|v=, ■ witti great.;!'audio and video S)/N ratio;! i;! a niu;!t lor fiicturo perleci picture;! arid picture peifect f:)ilcfi. All in all, no or it: know:! n loic- about l,)ro.Hdca;;ting a aicin.al, playiiut it .at fiorne ,ind recortiinq it foi Il ian Sony New Sony UTKi fti-l-'i videt) (.casr.idte:;. It's music to your ears And ytxir eyes

New Products terminal. and VE-32 dustcovers, which fit most Bogen Clamps Down with Price. $149.95. full-size tabletop recorders. 'Mini' and 'Clip' Clamps For additional information, circle No. 158 on Reader Service Card. Price: $12.95. Clamps have a variety of uses for the For additional information, videographer who’s getting into fancy Bib Dustcover Protects setups. Bogen has two new clamp mod¬ Slimline-Design VCRs circle No. 159 on Reader Service Card. els. The Mini Clamp (2940) is a light¬ weight, sturdy device that opens to 1-1/8 VCRs hate dust. When enough of the VDO-Pak Car Cord inches. It is also available with a double- stuff gums one up badly enough, it will Powers Portable VCRs ended 5/8-inch stud (2941). The Clip cheerfully go on strike. So if your home is Clamp (2936) fits on the Bogen Magic prey to this problem, you might want to Sometimes powering a portable video Arm, Bogen Articulated Arm, and Mini check out the Bib VE-32D dustcover, system from a car battery is more conve¬ Clamp. It can be attached to poles, sized to fit slimline tabletop machines nient than using VCR batteries or battery stands, or other items to hold flats, re¬ made by Matsushita (covering Panason¬ packs. To that end, VDO-Pak’s CLM-11 flectors, etc. ic, Quasar, Magnavox, and a multitude package provides a cigarette-lighter of other brandnames). adapter and cord with a built-in three- Prices: 2940 Mini Clamp, $9.95; 2941 amp negative ground fuse and a six-foot Mini Clamp with double-ended stud, The cover, measuring 17-1/2 by 11-3/4 cable. It functions with the following $12.95; 2936 CUp Clamp, $7.95. by 4-1/4 inches, is made of “leatherlike VCRs: Panasonic 5800, 8110, 8484, cushion-backed vinyl in a contemporary 8500, 9600; Magnavox 8474, 8475; J.C. circle No. 161 on Reader Service Card. brown,” according to Bib, including a Penney 5110, 5115; Canon 30A; Sylva- see-through front cover and custom-cut nia 4525, 4540; General Electric 5022, Bogen 2936 (left); 2941_Q back cover that respectively allow visual 5024, 5026, 5028; Olympus 105, 106; access to displays on the VCR’s front Philco 1728; Quasar 5440, 5442, 5740, panel and connection access to its back. 5747. Bib will continue to make its VE-16 Price: $21.95. For additional information. nun msoiTS tu amazing SHMimK hdeo bag Because you shouldn’t have to buy two bags to do the job of one. Or vice versa. For a free catalog and the name ofyour nearest dealer write Tenba, Dept. V185,503 Broadway, New York, N.Y, 10012. information, cin Reader Service Card.

MAKE SURE YOU WORKOUT WITH THE REAL JANE FONDA Karl-Lorimar Announces The First Non-Counterfeitable Video Tapes CERTIFICATE OF AUTHENTICITY ENCLOSED If Not Write: Jane Fonda, P.O. Box 52, l-os Angeles, CA 90051 ^ 13 LIGHT SIGNATURES PROTECTED Making pirate tapes is as lucrative as it is illegal. That's tracking down the source of the bogus copies. why counterfeiters continue to flood the market The Certificate ofAuthenticity accompanying your video with inferior copies of best-selling video tapes like Jane Fonda's Workout. But now you have a way of knowing if tape is computer-coded by Light Signatures. The Light what you buy is the real thing. Signatures system® used by Karl • Lorimar also protects pro¬ ducts made by Chrysalis Records, MCA Records, Arista Using technology developed by Light Signatures, Records, Levi Strauss, and many other companies. The KarMorimar Home Video protects you against counterfeit¬ system works; when counterfeiters know a product uses ing when you buy Jane Fonda's Workout and other the Light Signatures technology, they are deterred from selected releases. even trying to produce illegal copies. Inside the cassette you'll find a Certificate ofAuthentic¬ Help stop counterfeiting by buying Jane Fonda's Work¬ ity. Just fill it out and mail it back to us. We'll verify that out released under the Karl*Lorimar label. The Certificate what you bought is the genuine article. If it turns out to be of Authenticity is your assurance of getting what you paid fake, the information you supplied will be very helpful in for. One more thing. Have a nice workout. KARLIDJ^MAR Selected releases protected by HOME VIDEO,. LIGHT SIGNATURES, INC. on video tapes shipped after June 1, 1985 For additional Information. 1 on Reader Service Card.

Fine Tuning Your Video Questions Answered by Roderick winding or fast-forwarding. the center of the picture, even and was told it had a loading Woodcock problem. It was fixed, but the I've noticed, though, that while with the tracking control ad¬ problem returned after a cou¬ QSmall and Square ple of days. I asked for a re¬ / was watching Life’s it always computes accurately justed to its maximum posi¬ placement machine, but was Most Embarrassing Mo¬ told that there were no more in ments on TV recently and when I’m in play or record, it tion. The tape plays fine if I put Europe. Do you think there’s a noticed that in some of the problem with the video heads blooper clips they ran, there sometimes gets confused when it back in the VCR that re¬ or the tape I’m using? was a small colored square in the comer of the picture. What I’m just winding the tape—if corded it in the first place. I’m Jeffrey Thomas was that for? Bitburg AFB, Germany I’m looking for a certain spot using Sony L-500 UHG tape. Kirk Collins A I’d go with the original West Covina, Calif on a tape I’ve recorded at SP, Why am I getting this effect? diagnosis and suspect A A lot of these blooper for example, but the VCR is set Jack Baron that the machine has a prob¬ lem with the threading ring. clips come from the pri¬ at LP or SLP, the display will Plantation, Fla. It’s either loading the tape in¬ vate collections of the stars accurately around the drum, and celebrities who appear in be inaccurate. Why is this? Alt seems clear that one of creating the little creases them. In the case of bloopers Tony Michaels you’ve noticed or, once the from sitcoms and TV shows, tape is loaded, it’s not flowing the original blooper was nev¬ Brooklyn, N.Y. your two machines is smoothly past the guides and er aired, so all that remains is drum. Either way, the dam¬ a copy of the original tape. A As you’ve noticed, the significantly “out of spec” for age to the tape is significant Invariably, these tapes are tape tracking. This could be —with a Hi-Fi machine, large imprinted with a series of creases or dropouts will im¬ numbers called “time-code, ’’ time-remaining feature due to back tension problems pair not only the picture but which assist the video editor the Hi-Fi soundtrack as well. in locating specific scenes works most accurately when or some sort of misalignment when they edit the final, Take it back to the club you finished production. The you’re recording or playing in the transport. Did one of bought it from and assert squares you saw were super¬ your rights under the guaran¬ imposed to remove these back a tape. As long as the the units get a shock or jolt tee. If they can’t get it fixed time code displays, which locally, they should foot the would have cluttered up the tape is laced up around the recently? Make a few more bill for sending it to a service picture and confused the facility that can. I wouldn’t ex¬ viewer if they had been left in .video drum, the VCR proper¬ “interchange” tests with pect a replacement machine, the picture. however. ly interprets the control track some prerecorded tapes or QShuttle Bug QScrambled Video My new RCA VKT700 signals being recorded or tapes you can borrow from I recently purchased a \"Dimensia” VCR has a Zenith VR-3010 VHS useful feature called tape re¬ played back from the tape, friends and see how they VCR. During speed search (at maining which automatically all speeds) the picture is com¬ displays the length of time left and computes the time re- track on your machines. With pletely scrambled. The picture on a videotape in the upper waves from the top during right hand comer of my TV maining'accordingly. In the BII tapes especially, you- playback at the beginning and screen. It does this when I'm end of the tape. When I stop playing back or recording a regular shuttle mode, should have little difficulty in recording and then start tape, even when Vm just re¬ again, I notice during play¬ however, the tape is un¬ eliminating noisebars by us¬ back that I’ve either taped over the end of the last scene or there loaded back into the cassette ing the tracking control. Bill and the VCR can’t read the tapes are more difficult to control track pulses. Instead track due to the narrower it takes its information about pitch of the video tracks. the tape from the type of tape Once you’ve determined you’re using (T-120 or T-60) which machine is out of as well as the speed at which spec—the one that has trou¬ you’ve set the VCR. So when ble playing “objective” third- you’re shuttling through a party tapes—take it in for tape recorded at SP and have service, describing the na¬ the VCR set at SLP, the dis¬ ture of the difficulty to the play is based on how long a serviceman. tape recorded at that speed QFollow the Thread would last. I have a Sony SL-2700 The solution is easy. Just set the speed switch on the which I bought here in VCR to match the speed at Europe at the base audiolvideo which the tape was recorded. club. Right after I bought the Not a bad trade-off for such a machine, I noticed that it dis¬ convenient feature. torts the Hi-Fi sound and pic¬ ture, though the regular audio QBack on Track tracks sound fine. I can see I have two Sony SL-2000 little creases on my tapes, and VCRs and each is excel¬ the problem appears more ob¬ lent. Sometimes, though, vious with L^30 and L-750 when I take a tape made on one tapes. I took it in for service unit and play it back on the other I get a large white bar in

Now mere digestible on videotape. Share the success secrets how you are able to develop of 1984 French Open Cham¬ ideal fat-to-muscle ratio. pion Ivan Lendl. A 14-day diet plan. Rules From the people who for eating out. And a com¬ brought you the Jane Fonda plete 20-minute daily aerobic Workout tape, the other halfof program. Information and the fitness story, “Eat To Win!’ insights that simply aren’t The best seller, by Dr. Robert contained in the book. Haas, is now a videotape. Available at Walden, B. It is, perhaps, the first Dalton, and other better book videotape that can totally and video stores everywhere. change your life. Why read it? Now you can See how you can achieve watch what you eat. Literally. peak performance. Look at how much you can eat and For location nearest you, still lose weight. And watch caU 1-800-852-5000. KARL- LORIMAR HOME VIDEO IRVINE, CALIFORNIA 92714 For additior)al mformatior}. circle No. 12 on Reader Service Card.

Fine Tuning is a blank space between where I stopped will add a Sanyo brand VHS format to you’ve got to rewind the cassette before their American line or, like NEC, sell viewing it and, unless you plan to archive and where I started. Are these problems both formats. lots of cassettes like so many unread books, you’re going to view it within a common to VCRs? Bob McEtwain day or so, which makes the manner of storage irrelevant. George AFB, Calif. Video rental clubs turn over their cas¬ A You don’t indicate what sort of TV QGrade in the Shade settes so quickly that their compulsory I have a NEC Beta VCR and I’ve rewind policy (some stores exact a small you’re using with your VCR, but I’ll tried so-called \"high-grade\" video fine if they have to rewind the tape for bet it’s an older model. Many color sets tapes, which cost considerably more than you) is a convenience for them and the manufactured before 1977-78 don’t have standard grade ones. However, I’ve not next customer renting the tape. The poli¬ the necessary stability in their horizontal found any appreciable difference in the cy varies of course, and some dealers scanning circuits to work well with quality of the tapes I make with them. Do like to get the tape back tail-out so they VCRs, especially when you’re using spe¬ your test results differ? can rewind it themselves and inspect for cial effects features like fast scan. The damage. Note that on some VCRs the waving or bending is a sure tipoff that I'm also looking for a bidirectional tape auto-rewind feature is disabled in the your set is old. It’s a common complaint, rewinder. Are they available and where timer or “instant record” mode and can and invariably comes from people who can I get one? be switched off altogether on a few have just purchased a VCR and have it hooked up to a vintage TV. A TV ser¬ Frederick H. Schumacher machines. viceman should be able to adjust the Sunrise, Fla. scanning circuits of your TV so that it QSpeed Cleaning won’t lose its horizontal or vertical sync A There definitely are qualitative dif¬ I have a Scotch VHS head-cleaning when you activate the search button. cassette. It is recorded at the SP speed ferences between one brand of tape and therefore runs through my machine at As for the overlap/gap effect you’re and another, as well as different grades that speed. Since I have a 4-head VCR, noticing between two different shows, of tape under the same brand. (For the does this mean that my EP heads are not this too is a fairly common attribute of whole story, see our “Blank Tape Test” getting cleaned? If they aren’t, is there a VHS-format VCRs. Whenever you press features in the February, VHS, and head-cleaning cassette designed to work at stop, the tape unthreads from around the March, Beta, 1985 issues.) These differ¬ video heads and goes back into the cas¬ ences can be objectively measured the EP speed? sette. Pressing record rethreads the though the differences may often be so tape, but where it lands around the video subtle that, given other variables—like Robert Simandl heads can be very arbitrary, depending the speed at which you record, the quali¬ Florissant, Mo. on how far you are into the tape as well as ty of the signal you’re recording, and the the design of the VCR. To make “seam¬ age and type of TV or monitor you use— A3M chose the SP speed for its clean¬ less” edits between programs use this you may or may not be able to see them. technique: Rewind the end of the pro¬ If you’re happy with the recordings ing cassette because it is the only gram already recorded—slightly. Play you’re making on standard tape, don’t back the end of that program. When you spend the extra dough for high grade, speed that’s found on every make and reach the point where you want to begin even if it’s for the “psychological” assur¬ the new recording, hit the pause button. ance of better quality. I do recommend model of VHS recorder/player sold. Now hold down both the record and play liigh grade tape for all one-shot portable buttons at the same time. The still frame tapings, where you don’t get the chance Some VHS machines don’t offer LP re¬ picture will disappear from your TV to reshoot. cording/playback or EP recording/play¬ screen and be replaced by a signal from the VCR’s tuner—that’s the show you Yes, there are a few bidirectional Beta back, which would make a special head¬ are about to record. When you’re ready and VHS tape rewinders. Contact to record, release the pause button. Now Broadax International Trading in Whit¬ cleaning cassette recorded at those you’re back into record, and without the tier, Calif. (213-698-6277) for informa¬ speeds incompatible with some pro¬ glitch or overlap you’ve described. For tion on its Ginga MK III, or try D & L best results, keep the record speed be¬ Trading in Bensenville, Ill. (312-766- ducts. In any event, remember that with tween one show and the next consistent, 7444) for its Utopia model, which also or you’ll notice some picture disturbance features a built-in three-digit counter. multiple head VCRs, all the heads make during playback when the VCR has to contact with the videotape all the time. suddenly speed up or slow down. QMove Your Tail So even if you have a four-head VCR and In your review of videotapes (“Blank never use the high speed (or slow speed), the heads are wearing at the same rate and in the case of a head¬ cleaning cassette, they’re getting cleaned at the same rate too. Tape Tests, ” February and March 1985), the author pointed out that it's best QLoad the Canon to store tape in a tail-out position. Yet l've seen a catalogue ad for the Canon VR-30A recorder and VT-30A tuner QFisher Story manufacturers insist on including auto¬ which claims that the unit offers “true A few months ago, I purchased a broadcast quality performance. ” The ad Fisher FVH-725 VCR. I bought a rewind features on their VCRs, and movie was written by the catalogue company, not Fisher because I trusted the name and rental clubs insist that you return rented by Canon. If I’ve been reading your col¬ have had good luck with its audio pro¬ tapes fully rewound. How critical is the umn and other articles in VIDEO cor¬ ducts. Later, a friend told me that Fisher rectly, no consumer VCR offers broadcast VCRs are made by Sanyo. Is this true? storage method? quality. First, isn’t the Canon just one of many Matsushita products sold under a Matt Hines Mary Ellen Padod variety of brand names? Second, isn’t the Mesa, Ariz. Elk's Village, N. Y. primary difference between consumer and professional cameras their horizontal res¬ A Fisher VCRs are manufactured in A For longterm storage of cassettes olution? Ami in the ballpark? What is “broadcast quality, ” and how does it com¬ Japan by Tokyo Sanyo, which also that are watched infrequently pare to consumer units? sells Sanyo brand VHS VCRs in Japan as well as building similar VCRs for other (perhaps once a year), I recommend the Ross Hunter companies, including Radio Shack. Sanyo Orange, Va. U.S.A. continues to support and sell the tail-out storage—having to rewind the Beta format. Time will tell whether they tape before you view it the next time helps even out the windings in the tape and limber it up prior to playback. I still judge VCRs with automatic end-of-tape rewind a convenience, though, since

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A I’m sure that Canon would not used. But even here the pictures have to dings, reunions, etc. Is it feasible to create be enhanced through secondary signal good qualify audio/video productions us¬ approve such an unequivocal state¬ processing techniques. ing consumer level equipment like the ment about its product’s “broadcast qual¬ Canon VR-30A (proclaiming broadcast ity.” And you’re right in that the Canon The Canon VHS recorders, especially qualify)? VHS portable is genetically almost identi¬ the 4-head VR-30A and VR-40A, are fine cal to other portables built by Matsushi¬ recorders, but are no more “broadcast Mark Wengler ta. If consumer VCRs and cameras could quality” than any other consumer equip¬ Houston, Tex. offer “broadcast quality” recording, we ment. Nice ads, though. would see them being used by network A What a coincidence! We have a fea¬ news crews, wouldn’t we? But we don’t. QProper Conduct It is true that in some special situations As the operator of a small photo stu¬ ture on that subject in this month’s like the Olympics and “blooper” shows, dio, I would like to offer video cover¬ issue (see “Wedding Shoots”). As the consumer tapes or cameras have been age of events like business meetings, wed- story indicates, you can get good re¬ sults with consumer equipment—if A FORCE OF EVIL you use it carefully. But don’t expect IS UNLEASHED your finished productions to be “broad¬ cast quality.” I’ve seen “amateur” videotapes made on half-inch equipment on local cable channels, but in most cases the quality is far less than what you ex¬ pect from the networks. But even if you don’t use “professional” equipment, you can still conduct yourself as a profes¬ sional when videotaping special events. Hence, our article. Helen Benton, Terry Brown, Claudia Peytc QTrue-Value Taping The operating instructions with my BLOODBEAT Panasonic PV-1430 indicate that with James FilzGibbons, Dana Day, Peter Spelson. \"while adjusting tracking control, the Hi- Director of Photography, Wladimir Maule. Produced by Helen A. Boley and Henry Zaphiratot Fi audio sound may revert to normal au¬ Written and Directed by Fabrice A. Zaphiratos. Music by Prokofiev and Vivaldi. dio. This is normal. ” And “in LP mode, there may be no compatibility with Hi-Fi audio from tapes recorded on other model Hi-Fi VCRs. ” I’m concluding that if I record at the LP speed (which I find to be the best all-around compromise on my non-Hi-Fi VHS VCR), I may not be able to play my old library of Hi-Fi tapes on a new VCR. Also, if I record at either the 2-hour or 6-hour speeds and my future VCRs need a large amount of tracking adjustment to play my old tapes, will I be able to play them at all on my new VCR? Are these conclusions correct? I also have a Sony SL-5200 Beta Hi-Fi. Its instruction manual has no such warning. Is Beta Hi-Fi technically superior to VHS Hi-Fi? S.V. Bronx, N. Y. A As we reported in our evaluation of both Beta and VHS Hi-Fi systems (“Hi-Fi Standoff,” December 1984), mis- tracking will introduce audible noise into the audio smce the audio and video sig¬ nals are either mixed together (Beta Hi- Fi) or one overlays the other (video over audio, as in the VHS Hi-Fi system). If a tape mistracks severely, then many Hi- Fi VCRs (like the PV-1430) are designed to switch from the impaired Hi-Fi track to the linear audio tracks, which aren’t sus¬ ceptible to tracking errors but are son- ically inferior to the Hi-Fi signals. The assumption behind this strategy is that any audio is better than none at all. LP incompatibility occurs because manufacturers who offer LP recording do so with a wide range of video head widths, generating more potential inter-

NO OTHER HI-FI VCR CAN GIVE YOU THIS KIND OF MENU tures. In addition to incredible hi-fi sound and remote input capability, you get the flexibility of programming directly through the machine. Four heads provide picture-perfect record, playback and special effects. A cable- ready 139-channel tuner provides 28-day/8 event programmability; a lighted tape area allows tape usage monitoring. And if there’s a power outage during the night, the VS-603 is one VCR you won’t have to reprogram in the morning. Because instead of the normal one hour back-up memory, there’s 7-day back-up power. So if you’re looking for the best in VHS hi-fi VCR’s, look ■ no further. AKAI’s new VS-603 is really going to open some ears. And eyes. AKAI’s new Hi-Fi VS-603 may of 8 programs. All at one time. AKAI well make ordinary VCR program¬ So there’s no waiting for that ming seem obsolete. missed portion to reappear Hi-Fi on the display. And no more Because now, the combination missed shows due to program¬ of convenient full-function wire¬ ming accidents. less remote programming and an interactive monitor system What’s more, the new AKAI allows you to see the full menu VS-603 comes jam-packed with plenty of other impressive fea- For additional information, circle No. 9 on Reader Servic

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Fine Tuning change problems. As a general rule, tape lot of airborne pollution (like Pittsburgh), slower LP and SLP speeds. If you do interchangeability—which affects a the rubber can deteriorate prematurely, most of your recording at SLP, I would VCR’s ability to play back the video (and becoming hard and brittle. This causes say that the two-head VCRs you didn’t Hi-Fi audio) signals recorded on a differ¬ the idler to slip against the reels rather buy would have served as well as your ent machine accurately—is more vulner¬ than rotating them. Zenith. On the other hand, the second able at slower speeds. The problem set of heads is a definite plus when view¬ afflicts Beta Hi-Fi recordings as well, so I I suspect that this is what has hap¬ ing or scanning prerecorded tapes, which wouldn’t judge the Beta system to be pened in your case. You might be able to are always recorded at SP. I would have superior on this basis. carry out an interim fix by removing the taken the Zenith. cover of your VCR (power disconnected) My recommendation is to make your and swab the rubber surface of the idler QBreakout! valued recordings—those you intend to with acetone or carbon tetrachloride, I own a Magnavox VR-8481 VHS keep for a long time—at the fastest cleaning agents which will soften up the portable VCR and its matching speed, SP for VHS and BII for Beta. rubber and restore the lost bite. This is tuner. I want to purchase a monitor and Lesser speeds can also be used, but with an interim fix and you should replace the use the VCR’s tuner to feed it a signal. The the expected drop in audio and video worn idler (or the outer rubber tire) problem is that all of the audio and video quality. With attractive tape prices (less affixed to the plastic hub with a brand outputs are on the recorder and not on the than $5 for many name brand T-120s or new one. If that’s beyond you, take the tuner, so there seems to be no way to use it L-750s), high-speed taping is more cost- VCR into a shop and have them do it. It all by itself Is there some way to have the efficient than ever. doesn’t take long and the part is relative¬ tuner modified so it can be used without ly inexpensive, so it shouldn’t cost that the recorded? QIdle Problems much. Make sure you ask how much up My Panasonic PV-1265 is about 15 front, though. Brian Clark months old and won’t scan back¬ Rensselar, N.Y. wards. For the first year it worked fine, QYou Name It but now ifI try to scan backwards I get a I have a Zenith VR-2000 VHS VCR. Awhile the audio and video signals still picture for about five seconds and then Would you explain the difference be¬ the machine shuts itself off—as if I had coming out of the tuner are available pressed the stop button. Now, to see some¬ tween it and other four-head machines? 1 on the multi-pin connector that normally thing over again I have to press stop, re¬ feeds into the VCR, I’m not aware of any wind the tape a bit, and press play again. can’t tell the difference between it and two- “breakout” box accessory that would Is there something I can do to fix this allow you to feed that information into problem myself? head machines made by several other com¬ your monitor without the companion VCR. It’s possible that a skillftil service¬ Raymond Furtivo panies. Would it have been better to buy man with access to the correct schematic Pittsburgh, Pa. diagrams could build such a device, but I one of the two-head models for about have no idea what he would charge for A Many VCRs employ small plastic such a modification. $100 less? Hugh Tinsley wheels with rubberized surfaces as Unless size is a consideration, it would “idlers”—gadgets that are pushed up Gumming, Ga. be cheaper to shop around for a used against the base of the take-up or supply VCR that—while no longer useful as a reel to make them rotate in the right A I can’t do justice to the subject of VCR (shot video heads, bad motors, direction when fast forwarding or re¬ etc.)—could still serve as a useful tuner. winding a tape. When the VCR is new, multi-head VCRs in this column, so There were also tuners made a few years the idler has a rubber surface with a lot of you’ll have to wait for a feature on this ago (like Sony’s TT-2000) that provided “bite” and friction, enabling it to grab audio and video outputs from the tuner onto the plastic base of the reel. But as topic. For the moment, it’s enough to rather than the VCR. If you could find the VCR ages, especially in areas with a point out that four-head VCRs outper¬ form two head VCRs in recording, play¬ back, and in generating special effects for tapes recorded at the fastest SP speed. Multi-speed VHS VCRs with only two heads can’t deliver the same quality at the SP speed since their heads are opti¬ mized for recording and playback at the

Fine Tuning one of these at an attractive price, it would serve your purpose quite well. Now you can watch the Cowboys QRetirement Feature and the Indians. Can turning a VCR off while it is operating harm either the machine or the tape? I did that recently when I was rewinding a cassette by pressing the wrong button on the remote control. Christina Stan New York, N. Y. A Unless there’s some unforeseen slippage in the way the VCR winds the tape when the power goes off, I doubt that any serious harm can be caused. Some VCRs, in fact, have a con¬ venience feature that’s close to what you’ve done accidentally. The Hitachi VT-89A can be placed into the rewind mode and then turned off. The VCR will, however, continue to rewind the tape to the leader and only then will the power actually shut off. It’s a nice feature if you don’t want to wait to rewind a tape before retiring for the night. 'E>shiba introduces Digital TV It has more new features than you QThe Pits I was taken aback by the Editors' can point a wireless remote at. You can even watch a movie and a reply to the letter entitled “Beta vs. LV\" (“Feedback, ” December 1984) football game at the same time. And thanks to a built-in microcomputer, in which they say “LV has always recorded images digitally, but until now it has re¬ get a sharper picture than with a conventional set. Toshiba's Digital TV, corded the sound via the analog method. ” / could have sworn that those microscopic with FST® picture tube, is the most advanced mrouch withTomorrow pits on LV discs are not binary digits but an analog representation (FM, to be pre¬ television ever made. It's so advanced, you Trt C LJIR A cise) of the video signal. Have I misunder¬ may never turn it off. ■ WwrllDrm stood the fundamental principle of LV re¬ cording for all these years, or have you? W. Rivers Alexandria, Va. A You’re right. LV audio and video re¬ cording has always been based on microscopic “pits” etched into the sur¬ face of the disc by a laser and read back the same way. That information is then processed as an FM signal. The new Pioneer CLD-900, however, does in¬ corporate the capability of reproducing digitally-encoded stereo audio provided it has been placed on the original video¬ disc when it was pressed. The CLD-900 will also play back digital audio discs using a separate motor mechanism and dis¬ crete circuitry. RECOTON GOLD CONNECTION® VIDEO CABLES QA Piece of the Rock HAVE BECOME THE INDUSTRY STANDARD FOR HIGH Can you tell me if there is such a thing PERFORMANCE VIDEO RECORDING AND HOOKUP BECAUSE as insurance for video recorders? I’ve ■ Gold is the most conductive of all metals and, therefore, got a lot of money tied up in equipment and eliminates interference and improves picture and sound quality. ■ Recoton offers specially designed cables for video, audio and I would really hate to see it stolen or lost in RF application to insure optimum performance. a fire. Sam Holmes For the best possible picture insist on Recoton Gold Connection® Vanceboro, N.C. high performance video hookup cables. A Yes, you can get “video insurance. ” Recoton....Setting New Standards of Technical Excellence in Video, Audio, Computer, Telephone and Stereo Headphone Accessories. Assuming you’ve got the rest of For more information, contact: nrECDTon* your household goods insured already, Recoton Corporation, 46-23 Crane Street, Long City, New York 11101, 718-392-6442 just contact your agent and have your video acquisitions added to your inven-

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THE RECOTON V615 STEREO COLOR PROCESSOR ALLOWS YOU TO PRODUCE QThe Price Is Debatable UP TO 4 HIGH QUALITY VIDEO TAPE COPIES SIMULTANEOUSLY FROM ONE In “Fine Tuning’ (December 1984) ORIGINAL WHILE ADJUSTING THE COLOR, CONTRAST, TINT, AND DETAIL OF you stated that it wasn’t possible to VIDEOTAPES YOU WISH TO DUPLICATE OR RECORD OFF THE AIR. Hi-Fi audio on a tape after it has been recorded. It can be done, Video Magazine’s October 1983 Test Report stated: however, ifyou use another Hi-Fi VCR to dub both the video and the new audio “The Recoton V615 is an effective color processor with a wide range... we recommend together onto a separate tape. it for its flexibility and cost.” Wayne London For the best possible picture insist on Recoton “Gold Connection\" Buffalo, N.Y. high performance Video Hookup Cables. A Good point. With those VCRs that Recoton....Setting New Standards of Technical Excellence in Video, Audio Computer, Telephone, and Stereo Headphone Accessories. offer “simulcast” recording switches, you can re-record an old video H re c DTD n® signal onto a new tape along with a sepa¬ rate audio signal, which will become the Recoton Corporation. 46-23 Crane Street, Long Island City, New York 11101, 718-392-6442 new Hi-Fi signal. The price you pay is in the loss of video quality when you go down one generation through the dub¬ bing process. There will be losses in the Hi-Fi audio as well, but they’ll be less noticeable. QWe Are Servo In an ad for the Pioneer LD-700 LaserDisc player it states “tracking control plays even warped discs. ” Does this remove crosstalk? Warped discs are enough to drive you crazy. Bill Donaldson Windsor, Conn. A Both the LD-700 and the newer CLD-900 incorporate two new ser¬ vo mechanisms designed to tilt the laser assembly as needed in order to minimize crosstalk. The new design works well in eliminating most minor cases of crosstalk but won’t be of any help with severely distorted discs, which may require pressing between two heavy boards or sheets of glass to render them playable. Pioneer is continuing to refine both their players and the means they use to press discs, so it’s likely that newer releases will be less susceptible to this sort of visual annoyance. QThe Peak I just bought a Sony SL-2700 Beta Hi-Fi VCR. About the 16 LEDs on the peak level meters—they flash in se¬ quence from left to right as the sound level increases, but when they return to the left as the sound drops the peak LED of both meters remains lit for about three seconds while all the others turn off. Is there a purpose to this design, or is my

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Fine Tuning i— VOO-PAK PRESENTS _ VCR defective? Myron Schulman Brooklyn, N. V. pOTi/SR for A Sony has built into its SL-2700 what THE LONG are known as “peak hold meters.” RUN After they register the peak audio positions, the maximum setting is identi¬ fied by letting the LED remain lit for a VIDEOUP TO 8*H0URS OF PORTABLE POWER few seconds or until it’s altered by another higher audio signal. This makes CAPTURE THE ACTION it easier to adjust the levels so that the ANYTIME - ANYPLACE! audio is peaking just slightly below the red areas. Some other VCRs, including the Hitachi VT-89A and RCA VKT-700, have similar peak hold meters while most other Hi-Fi decks have peak level meters only (no holds). If you've seen the major¬ ity of decks without the peak-hold feature, I can understand why you thought that the Sony machine had a flaw. FREEDOM LONG LASTING NI-PAK QClear the Clog LETS YOL> ROAM FREELY /’m a new owner of a Sony BMC- SAFETY BUILT-IN CIRCUIT llOK Betamovie. Can the same video BREAKER SYSTEM PROTECTS head cleaner device be used for both the YOU AND YOUR EQUIPMENT Sony Betamovie and my Sony Betamax FROM HIGH AMPERAGE SHOCK; AUTOMATIC RESET; FLAME VCR? RETARDANT VERSATILITY UNIVERSAL CIGARETTE John D. Solon LIGHTER STYLE POWER El Paso, Tex. CONNECTOR DURABILITY HIGH IMPACT ABS A Yes. Betamovie, which doesn’t offer PLASTIC CASE; HEAVY DUTY WIRING AND COMPONENTS any sort of video playback of its own COMFORT LIGHTWEIGHT (ONLY (a design disadvantage compared to other camcorders) even has a special 3H LBS.); COMPACT AND warning light in the viewfinder to alert CONVENIENT TO USE WITH you to a clogged video head—which BELT OR SHOULDER STRAP; could impair the quality of your record¬ COMPATIBLE WITH ALL TYPES OF CONSUMER ELECTRONIC ings. EQUIPMENT NICKEL CADMIUM POWER SOURCE, QBlack Box l've had a Zenith VR-2000 VMS for 4.8 AH about six months. The other night I ONE-YEAR WARRANTY (LIMITED) turned it off and instead of the regular LONG-LIFE RECHARGE UP TO 1 500 picture coming on my TV the screen was TIMES! black. I had to push the TapelTV button manually for it to come back. After 1 had Designed by an expert group of video professionais who understand consumer needs. finished recording I played the tape back only to find that I recorded nothing. What [VDO-PAI^] happened? I’m also hooked into cable. How do I watch one channel and record THE COMPLETE another with this hookup? Video Accessories Line VDO-PAK PRODUCTS Earline Gamble P.O. Box 67 Port Orange, Florida 32019 Gardena, Calif. Toll Free: 1/800/874/5906 In Fla. 1/800/342/4900 A I suspect the problem is with your TWX 810/832/6229 cable system. Since you’ve indi¬ cated that you have difficulty recording For additiorral information, cii one channel and watching another, you’re obviously wired into a decoder box of some sort. Many cable systems now use addressable decoder boxes that receive impulses from the cable office to turn certain signals (usually premium channels) on or off, depending on what you’ve paid for. Many boxes also have a “time out” feature that disables them completely if you turn off the power to them or disconnect their cable input. And unfortunately, they sometimes turn the signal off by themselves or flutter inter-

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Fine Tuning ... mittently. I suspect your box did just this black recorded on it—and to dub that as audio decks is secondary to the job of while you were taping, resulting in a tape signal onto the end of the tape. This recording audio and video at the same with nothing on it at all. When you pushed assumes, of course, that you’ve got a time. the Tape/TV button you bad a picture second VCR to dub from. because you went from the Tape mode For these and other instances (where (no signal) to TV mode, which is the You can make a black tape by covering the video signal is irrelevant to the audio normal channel 3 or 4 signal unimpaired the lens cap of a camera, disconnecting you intend to record) use the audio only by the cable box. the audio inputs, and recording thirty switch to generate a stable, all-black minutes or an hour of total black. Do it at video signal. With or without a picture, As for wiring up your VCR to record the fast speed since you can always dub it the VCR has to be fed a coherent video one show while watching another, see down to other speeds later on. signal to record the control track pulses our recent wiring article (“Getting needed to stabilize playback later on. Au¬ Wired,” May 1985). QAudios, Amigo dio only recording still requires a stable I have a Panasonic PV-1730 VMS video signal for it to work. In the case of QBlackout Hi-Fi VCR which I sometimes use as the RCA VKP-950, no switch is provided Regarding a question that appeared an audio deck. It has a record mode switch but as you point out, if you don’t intend to in the January '85 “Fine Tuning’ for audio only or audiolvideo on the back watch the picture it doesn’t matter what panel, but 1 notice that some other makes sort of video you record—as long as the column on switching a VCR into the (such as the RCA VKP-950) have no such signal is strong and stable. A glitch in the “aux\" mode to erase the end of a tape switch. Although I have not tried it, it video signal will cause the control track without a signal: I find that this technique seems that audio-only recording should to “burp” and that will impair the Hi-Fi work even if this switch is not used. What audio track. The idea of the built-in black just doesn’t work with my Fisher FV-715. is the function of this switch and how does generator makes sense, but with care it’s When there is no signal on the tape, the it differ from the RCA? not absolutely essential. (Note also that a speed fluctuates randomly from EP to SP few VCRs, like RCA’s VKT-700 and to LP. The result is not only snow on the David Brandt-Erichsen Hitachi’s VT-89A, generate a stable tape, but also a lot of work on the motor. Tucson, Ariz. black signal for audio recording when switched into their “aux” modes, pro¬ Any other suggestions? A Both Beta and VHS Hi-Fi VCRs can vided no active video signal is plugged into their video input jacks.) Ernie Bial be used as “audio only” recorders, and the results are far better than can be In any event, the prospect of making Westbury, N.Y. obtained with even top-of-the-line audio 8-hour party tapes is a tempting one. O cassette decks or reel-to-reel audio re¬ A Try waiting until after a station has signed off at the end of the day (or just before they start programming) and record a stable broadcast signal like col- orbars or a test pattern. It might be PERSONAL COLOR TV BROADCASTING SYSTEM!

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Videoqram The Electronic Intelligencer by William Wolfe VideoUpdating Sculpture by Ajin/Photo by Hero lhara Dating services often use as affection, mellowness, Pickervision with new materials, though videotaped profiles of clients emotion, playfulness; men It’s a long way from Flat- he doesn’t expect to use to help others find “love at seem more accurate in judg¬ video equipment in his pro¬ first sight, ” but do they help? ing women on leadership, task- bush to Hollywood, but ductions. “Video animation California psychologists Stan¬ orientation things such as Brooklyn-based Jimmy Pick¬ can be done, but it’s so expen¬ ley Woll and Paul Cozby independence, [whether] er has made the trip twice, sive it’s ridiculous. At first I tested 100 dating service they take responsibility. ” and last time he came back was dead set against it all— members to find out, and with an Academy Award for y’know, who needs this stuff? there are a few surprises. Videotaped interviews can Best Animated Short of 1983. Now I have a VHS recorder. • Video hurts as much as it help, Woll found, but only Picker, 35, snatched the stat¬ It’s a convenience. I use it to helps. “A combination of writ¬ when dating-service clients ue for Sundae in New York, a show tapes of my work.” ten and videotaped informa¬ keep things in perspective: four-minute short featuring a tion clearly results in in¬ “Videotapes convey a lot of clay puppet of New York Up next for the guy who creased confidence in an information, and are much Mayor Ed Koch crooning calls his business Motionpick- accurate judgment, ” Woll better than written materials “New York, New York. ’’ er Studios is a foray into says. “Unfortunately, this is alone. But people can put on Now Sundae, which N.Y. longer shorts and maybe not based on any correspond¬ some kind of act. It’s a five- critics called “one of the fun¬ feature-film writing. “What ing increase in accuracy. ” minute slice of their lives, niest four minutes on film, ” is I’d really like, ” Picker says, • Men do better with conducted by a profes¬ available as a Vestron video “is to do a romantic Christ¬ videodating. “Men seem to sional—so don’t expect too along with five other mas special.” With clay? “Of be more accurate in judging much. ” Academy Award-winning ani¬ course.” women on video, and they re¬ mated shorts. member more, more accurate¬ Stop-n-Spend ly, than in judging by writ¬ Picker’s first trip was in Would you buy a GE VCR ing. Men are not necessarily 1977, when his Jimmy the better judges of character C—featuring a clay Jimmy in the store where you buy [however]. Women could be Carter warbling “Georgia on Veal Scallopine Lean Cuisine? better at conveying informa¬ My Mind\"—was nominated Residents of Cleveland, Ohio tion nonverbally—they’re for an Oscar. Sundae pro¬ will answer this question if better ‘senders. ’ ” vided for a triumphant return. and when they use Touch-n- • The sexes differ in the attri¬ “Getting the award was ter¬ Save, an electronic shopping butes they judge most accu¬ rific,” Picker says. “I’m kiosk from CompuSave that’s rately on video. “Women bet¬ still high on it.” That doesn’t sprung up in all of the city’s ter judge such characteristics mean he’s been idle. In the Stop-n-Shop supermarkets. feature film Better Off Dead, Picker's 'Sundae in New York': from Flatbush to Hollywood. “a nutty teen comedy” due Touch-n-Save looks like an 38 video out this fall. Picker fills a 90- arcade video game, but it second dream sequence with swallows credit cards instead a singing hamburger. of quarters and takes orders for up to 3000 products, Picker is experimenting which are delivered by mail in

3 to 7 days. Shoppers will everything, carry the service The star of‘In the Shadow ofBigfoot’: available for inspection. probably like CompuSave’s from start to finish. Nobody “deep discount” pricing else can do that. ” Bigfoot on Tape Dr. Warren L. Cook, policy: “We are competitive Scotland has the Loch with the lowest prices you So far, Cleveland is the Ph.D. thinks so. Cook, pro¬ can find,” says Larry Mayle, only place you can find Ness monster and Easter Is¬ CompuSave’s chief executive Touch-n-Save, but hush-hush land has its statues. In the fessor of history and an¬ officer. negotiations are in progress U.S., the object of some with supermarket and con¬ mystery and a lot of hooey is thropology at Vermont’s CompuSave is one of sev¬ venience-store chains nation¬ Bigfoot. Now Amazing Hori¬ eral companies hawking elec¬ wide. zons has a home video which Castleton State College, says tronic kiosks (see “Video¬ it says shows full-motion gram,” “Cathode Catalogue,” Tubular Triumph footage of the legendary “with grippingly dramatic, au¬ March 1985 and “Inter-Activ¬ Audio and video pioneer creature. ity,” April ’85 for details on thentic, lengthy, and beautiful units from R.R. Donnelley & Henry Kloss has been named In the Shadow of Bigfoot Sons and NCR), but Mayle 1985 New England Inventor (85 min., $49.95; from AHI, footage of this extraordinary thinks Touch-n-Save will be of the Year. Kloss, founder Box 61662, Sunnyvale, Calif. the first to appear in a nontest and president of Kloss Cor¬ 94088) follows the Amazing species, [the video] shifts the situation. “We’re the only one poration in Cambridge, Mas¬ Horizons “team” around the operating,” he says. “We do sachusetts, was picked over country as they investigate debate from whether or not more than 200 rivals for his Bigfoot sightings. On two Bye Bye Buying work on large-screen projec¬ occasions cinematographer the creature exists to ‘what If you bought a prere¬ tion TV. Ivan L. Marx—who’s worked on documentaries for Disney can we learn about it, from corded video last week, Kloss first gained notoriety and Bill Burrud—filmed what you’re in a select group. A in audio circles, where he he claims is a pointy-headed it’. ... I cannot escape con¬ whopping 98 percent of all cofounded Acoustic Research Bigfoot. At close range. Is it business done in video retail (AR) and Advent. He was truly the hairy phenomenon? cluding that there is such a stores is rentals, according also the “K” in KLH. From to preliminary results top-quality consumer-level creature living in North Amer¬ from a survey adminis¬ loudspeakers and other stereo tered by A.C. Nielsen. A equipment Kloss turned to ica. ” A healthy dose of skep¬ Nielsen spokesman empha¬ television. Ignoring estab¬ sized that these are prelimi¬ lished TV makers—which ticism makes for a less kind nary results, and said the said large-screen TVs would numbers may change since be unwatchable—Kloss in¬ conclusion, yet the video— only one-third of the sur¬ sisted that “important visual veys have been fed into the images were made trivial” on and the “creature”—are conventional TVs and plowed on. The result was the available for inspection. patented Novatron tube used in all Novabeam projection Either way, it’s hard to re¬ TVs. sist the companion poster: The awards ceremony at the Boston Museum of Sci¬ “Bigfoot—He’s always ence gave Kloss the opportuni¬ ty to caution fellow inventors: there, watching, waiting, “Getting the idea and making the first of something is the wanting. ” O easy part. Actually manufac¬ turing the product means Vidbits ___ hours and hours of pure drudgery. ” In this case at Disc-overy—Laser- Sharpshooter to its collec¬ least, it also means some philes who want to keep tion. A spokesman said the good-looking big-screen up on the latest news games won’t be a passive pictures. about home video’s best¬ exhibition—they’ll be avail¬ looking (and great-sound¬ able for “scholarly study. ” service’s computer. ing) format may want to The numbers probably check out the LaserDisc But con it cook? Israeli Newsletter. The monthly scientists are developing a won’t change too much, publication includes equip¬ robot that brings you a bowl however, and if they are to ment news, program re¬ of soup from the kitchen if change at all in favor of sales, views, “Letters to the Edi¬ you’re sick. Then it trun¬ prices will have to come tor,” and classifieds. And dles off to change tapes in down. A quick glance at the don’t miss the “Dead Side your VCR. This robot won’t Top 10 Sales/Rentals charts Database,” where readers go for just anyone, though for the last few months makes tell what they’ve found on —the projected cost is that clear—seven to nine of the unused sides of MCA $10,000. the top ten best-selling DiscoVision discs—like videos are priced at a sug¬ ancient Oldsmobile and Cops and camcorders gested list of $40 or less, Buick training films starring —Massachusetts State while eight to nine of the top minor celebrities. Police are using video ten best-renting videos list at cameras to record images $79.95. Vidgames go down of people arrested in alco¬ again, but tliis time they’re hol-related incidents. In going down in history—the one tape, a besotted man Smithsonian’s National stumbles as he tries to walk Museum of American His¬ a straight line and lurches tory, that is. The Museum into a wall, laughing hyster¬ recently added Pong, Pac- ically all the way. A spokes¬ Man, Dragon’s Lair, and man said “it’s going to save a lot of time in the courts. ” video 39

TV Pen Techniques and Technology Fancy Threads The new 8mm format has As videographers become offering the option of inter¬ by Roderick finally arrived in the form of more sophisticated, one fea¬ changeable lenses. Examples Woodcock video entries from photo¬ ture that’s more in demand is include the JVC GX-N4 and graphic giants Kodak, Polar¬ the interchangeable lens. GX-N7, which are also avail¬ Pull in elusive images, or oid, and Canon—along with While many early cameras, able as slightly different mod¬ attach your video camera to a G.E. and Sanyo, with more to and most inexpensive ones els selling under the Magna- microscope (from left): 0.5X follow. And now the gap be- today, still come with a fixed- vox brand name. wide conversion, super wide- range zoom lens that’s built angle extender, 1.5X tele¬ tween stores that sell video into the camera and can’t be By industry convention, a conversion lens. gear, and camera stores sell¬ removed, many others have C-mount lens uses a 1-inch- ing video and photo gear, is interchangeable optics that diameter (25.4mm) -32 I finally beginning to narrow. can be unscrewed and re¬ thread. In addition, the dis¬ placed with other optical sys¬ tance from the banking shoul¬ o After a few years of looking tems offering a more versa¬ der of the lens-mounting at new electronic gadgets like tile range of picture-taking thread to the image plane portable VCRs and video options. (surface of the pickup tube or cameras as rivals to the long- imaging device) is 0.69 inches. undisputed supremacy of film Consider the possibilities. But don’t assume that photography, more camera If you can remove the lens on because the threads happen stores than ever are rushing your camera, you can replace to coincide between your to embrace the electronic it with a super telephoto that camera body and the lens medium, opening sophisti¬ can pull in distant images of you’ve bought, everything cated audio and video depart¬ rare birds or other elusive will work out. The crucial test ments that are in many ways wildlife. With the right adapt¬ is whether the new lens fo¬ more specialized than those er you can even attach your cuses accurately at infinity of the established video camera to a telescope to when the lens lines up with stores. While many camera obtain even more magnifica¬ that reference mark on the stores won't hesitate to sell tion. With Halley’s comet • lens barrel. If it focuses you a table-model VCR, many scheduled to return to earth slightly before or after that also carry portable VCRs, in 1986 after a 76-year point, you may still be able to cameras, and most recently absence, optical dealers use it—but within a more re¬ camcorders—including Be- around the country already stricted focusing range. tamovie, the lighter-weight report a surge in telescope VHS VideoMovie, the new sales. Going in the opposite Another thing to watch out 8mm system, and (starting direction, you can use the for is “vignetting”—darken¬ this month) the newer VHS appropriate accessory to ing of the picture’s corners. camcorders that accept full- attach your video camera to a An improperly mounted lens size cassettes. The emphasis microscope—and then dis¬ can cause this effect (so can a is definitely on video as an play on closed-circuit TV, or large lens hood), and it may electronic replacement for capture on tape, images nor¬ be more pronounced as the the nearly dead interest in su¬ lens “stops down” to a small¬ per 8 filmmaking. mally invisible to the naked er aperture when used under eye. bright light. Note also that many cameras offering inter¬ Exploiting either of these changeable lenses still offer potentials requires the features like automatic expo¬ appropriate camera. Com¬ sure control and power zoom, panies like Canon, Pentax, usually through a short um¬ and Minolta have been selling bilical cable that goes be¬ cameras with “C-mounts” as tween lens and camera body. well as adapters enabling a Your surrogate telephoto customer with an established probably won’t have a similar investment in 35mm-camera cable, so remember to check lenses to use them on his the exposure carefully, since video camera as well. Other video manufacturers includ¬ you’ll be adjusting it manually. ing JVC and Panasonic have What can you do if your also recently deployed a wider range of cameras camera doesn’t have an inter-

When you wish upon a star, your dream comes true* It’s the original Pinocchio, ^TUc A tradition no one should miss. Walt Disney’s masterpiece of ^ \" Now you can relive your animation and music. A memories of Pinocchio classic you never dreamed you’d see on videocassette. again and again. And cherish its magic forever.

TV Den changeable lens? There’s hope, though you’ve got to remove the metal or rubber cameras, and any differences in thread the solution offers less versatility than lens hood that comes with the lens. A size between the lenses you buy and the can be obtained from interchangeable stiff twist counterclockwise should re¬ thread size of your camera are easily optics. For cameras having the lens fixed move it. overcome by clever double-threaded to the camera body, you must resort to gadgets called “stepping rings.” Using add-on or supplementary lenses which While C-mount lenses all conform to the one of these, you can easily make a sup¬ screw into the threads on the lens front. same basic thread size, there’s no stan¬ plementary wide-angle or telephoto lens On some cameras, you can see these dardization with supplementary lenses, with a 58mm thread fit a camera with a 55 threads (on the inside of the front edge of and you’ll find the diameter of the or 52mm thread, just by slipping the the lens, just above the manufacturer’s threads on the front of the lens varying adapter between the two. It’s as easy name) and occasionally the serial num¬ anywhere from 49mm to 58mm. Popular as that. ber, focal-length range, and maximum intermediate sizes include 52mm and aperture of the optic. With others. 55mm. Fortunately, these sizes are com¬ Companies making and selling sup¬ mon enough in the world of 35mm SLR plementary telephoto and wide-angle lenses include Sony (VCL-1558A Tele Coop Uniform, and -0758A Wide lens). Canon (VC-200A Color Perfect Lighting Tele), and JVC as well as independent suppliers like Ambico. But it doesn’t mat¬ Mini-Cool ter what brand you buy as long as you get Heat-Free the right size of stepping ring to make the Video Light lens work. It’s still a good idea to check out your potential purchase before plunk¬ Selected by ing down your money, though, since you’ll want to make sure everything fo¬ fUABA cuses correctly before you take home the new lens. • Dramatically improves camera color performance Usually there won’t be any problem. Slipping on a wide-angle adapter, for ex¬ • Enriches color brilliance ample, will generally expand viewing • Quartz-halogen lamp angle and depth of field enough to cover • Entirely portable up any slight differences in focus be¬ • 2 mounts standard tween the normal lens and the new com¬ bination. Since, with the majority of equipment cameras, “what you see is what you get” • Choice of AC/DC operations via the electronic or optical viewfinder, • Built-in safety features any major incompatibilities will be appar¬ • Teflon coated ent immediately. • Wide range of accessories Going to the opposite extreme, adding For pure...true... pth of fielqi a telephoto adapter will reduce the view¬ projection don't lie ; it up withojit it! ing angle of the camera and narrow the depth-of-field. With a few telephoto rbOL-LUX (8; 3) ACDC-LUX i adapters you may notice that when you’ve set the original lens at “infinity” (that sideways figure 8 engraved on the lens barrel), the image isn’t completely sharp. If it gets even less sharp as you “rack” the lens to a shorter distance, you won’t be able to use it for photographing distant objects—though it may be useful for obtaining a magnified image of some¬ thing closer by, but difficult to approach nevertheless (animals in a zoo come to mind). If the lens comes to a sharp focus at infinity before the regular lens reaches that setting, then your impressive new telephoto-combo is “for-focusing. ” This is less of a problem since you’ll still be able to use it for general telephoto pic¬ ture taking, though it will reduce the closest distance you’ll be able to focus otherwise. When that situation arises, it’s an easy matter to remove the sup¬ plementary lens and go back to the prime lens. Not all of the exotic glass you might want to add to your video arsenal will be as heavy (or expensive) as an entirely new interchangeable or supplementary lens. Interesting changes in viewpoint and perspective can be had for a lot less money simply by buying a few filters or

Go ahead and try to resist him. From the first moment Paddington Bear stepped off the boat in England from Darkest Peru, there isn’t a heart he hasn’t melted. And now Walt Disney Home Video presents Paddington Bear on video. Eleven warm and cuddly little adventures and misadventures. From Paddington’s adoption by the Brown family of London to his first bubble bath... his first subway nde... his first haircut. With Paddin^on playing everything from detective to fortune teller along the way. Since Paddin^on leaves no marmalade jar unturned in his pursuit of aeature comforts, he’ll be a barrel of belly laughs for your children. And the charming little chap will keep you equally entertained with bear wit alone. So, don’t be surprised when you and your family discover that Paddington is unbearably huggable. All we ask is that you tty not to crush the cassette. WALT DISNEY HOME VIDEO PRESENTS

When was the last time you looked at your movi^ slides or photos? See them now complicated projectors, faded or cracked photos, or onlV. buckled slides. with yourVCR. All you do is select your movies, slides and pictures Are your precious memories gathering dust, stored away for your video show. Arrange them in the order you want in a shoebox somewhere in your closet? Is it too much of and bring them to us. Our trained technical personnel will a hassle to dig them out? enhance the color of weak originals, and select special effects such as fades, wipes, dissolves, titles, and captions. Nowall your memories, 8mm or 16mm movies, color We can even add background music of your choice. You slides and photos, can be transferred onto videocassette be the director, we’ll do the rest. for easy viewing on your TV. Once your memories are on videotape, they wiii be preserved forever. You’il never have Our sophisticated transfer system is comprised of the to be bothered again with ciumsy projection screens. most advanced, professional recording components avaii- able, and is operated by taiented technicians who value your family’s memories. After your transfer is compieted, we return your originals, along with your own video production. Don’t risk those irreplaceable memories becoming faded or damaged - let us put them on videocassette today. Phone the Froehlich FotoVideo Transfer Center nearest you and ask for the video transfer specialist to set started ^ on your own video production* © 1985 Froehlich FotoVideo ■ additional information, circle No.

TV Den_ Call your local closeup lenses. Colored filters come in a Frochlidi Foto Video Transfer Center today: wide range of sizes—the same sizes, in Missouri fact, that you’ve already determined Columbia-Columbia Photo & Video (314) 443-0503 (wik-Kbpy (205) 428-1143 Kansas City-ELKO Camera Store* (816) 931-2290 you’d need for those supplementary ige-Fast Fbto-VIdeo Studio (907) 274-3686 Springfield-One Hour Photo Vdeo Transfer Center lenses already discussed. Use filters for (417) 866-3400 Nevada special effects, to alter the tint of a cer¬ Las Vesas-Films/Video Transfer (702) 347-3653 Reno-Video Station (702) 329-5350 tain scene, or to create a trick shot by New Hampshire Concord-Concord Camera (603) 225-5891 separating the image into three, four, or Nashua-Turcotte Warld of Photo and Video five different elements using prism-faced (603)888-1101 optics. Englevrood-Herbert’s Camera House, Inc. (201) 568-2828 One of the most common, and virtually Holly>Niood-^le Laboratory Inc, (213) 464-6181 Midland Park-Wholesale Photo Supply (201) 444-0777 indispensable, filters that every video Los Angeles-One Hour Moto Photo (213) 275-4685 Montclair-Magicolor Photo Lab (201) 783-3033 Napa & Rohnert Park -49 Minute Photo Watchung-U.V.T., Inc (201) 561-6388 camera should have looks like nothing New Itork_ (707) 584-4920 Buffalo-Prints Charming Photo Lab (716) 895-1925 more than a piece of screw-mounted flat Palmdale-G.M. Video (805) 273-4827 Canandaigua-Video Memories (716) 394-1374 San Diego-Orisinal 60 Minute Photo (619) 270-6662 Fishkill-Hudson ValleyVideo (914) 896-8716 glass. Whenever anyone buys a 35mm San Rancisco-Brooks Camera (415) 392-1900 Glenvvood Landing-Glenwood Studios Ltd. San Jose-Video Plus (408) 238-1970 camera, a conscientious photo salesman r San Mateo-X-Press Copies and Printing (415) 570-7999 (516)676-7604 will make a pitch for this inexpensive Sherman Oaks-Hooper Camera (818) 784-9020 Great Neck-Phototech 60 (516) 487-0804 I Ventura-Jaffe's Camera Center (805) 643-2231 Huntington-Electraprint/60 Min. Photo* (516) 421-3444 (about $10 or less) glass insurance. Vibodland Hllls-A4agnicolor Photo Labs Inc. Jamestown-Camera Infirmary, Inc. (716) 483-0343 Malveme-Vbnder Color Corp. (516) 887-9222 Screw it onto the front of the lens on (818) 702-8632 Mamaroneck-1 Hour Fotolabs (914) 381-4944 your video camera to protect the latter Colorado New York City-AAAWest Side Camera (212) 877-8760 New York City-City Camera Exchange (212) 349-2956 against dirt, sand, fingerprints, or New itork CIty-Marvin’s Camera (212) 425-3613 New York CIty-Willoughby’s Camera (212) 564-1600 scratches. If it becomes significantly Rochester-Photogenesis Camera and Vdeo Darien-RoxyVideo (203) 655-6650 damaged, it’s easily replaced—unlike feiifleld-Jay James, Inc. (203)259-7801 (716) 586-3250 your original lens. These shields come Greenwich-The Photo Shop (203) 869-4325 Syracuse-Syracuse Movie Lab (315) 422-5001 Connecticut & Mass.-The Camera Shops* White Plalns-Colortone* (914) 949-7884 double-threaded as well, enabling you to North Carolina (203) 247-6984 fiayettevillc-One Hour Photo, Inc. (919) 484-4683 add other filters on top of them, or to Ohio_ Delaware_ CincInnatl-Jack-s Camera Center (513) 721-6458 replace the lens hood that came with Wilmington-Chan Davies Photo Lab, Inc. (302)656-3841 Cleveland-Oodd Camera and Video (216) 292-2825 Dayton-1 Hr. Moto Photo (513) 439-5157 your camera. Dist. of Columbia_ A*Uinsfield-Top Flite (419) 526-4565 All Locations-Ritz Camera Centers* (703) 548-7312 Closeup lenses are still another possi¬ bility. Yes, they let you get “closer” to : Fotovideo (305) 532-0300 the object—but no, that doesn’t mean _____nera Shop (305) 842-5555 they have any telephoto characteristics. ■Pfeemnspaac-oGlao-lPdehnotTorwiaongrlled (904) 477-5657 1 Hr. Photo & Sfldeo Closeup lenses look a lot like filters, but (813)876-5211 with a visible curvature to the glass. _Moto Photo (405) 755-8965 Usually they’re sold in a little kit of three, Oklahoma City-Lawrence Photo & Video marked -t-1, -1-2, and -t-3 in order of (405)272-0791 Oklahoma City-One Hour Moto Photo (405) 755-8965 ascending strength. If your camera TUIsa-Fromex 1 Hr. Photo (918) 250-0609 Danville-Cunningham Photo Service (217) 442-4707 doesn’t offer a “macro” setting, you can Deerfield-Helix Ltd (312) 944-4400 Orcson Chicago-Chicago Video Transfer (312) 938-3660 Alsea-lake One Video (503) 486-4681 use one or two of these lenses to reduce Oaklawn-Watlands Camera and Video* (312) 424-7373 its normal focusing range. They’re ideal Rolling Meadovys-S&E Video Transfer (312) 577-3909 PennsyKania Schaumburg-P.D.Q. 1 Hr. Photo (312) 843-8430 Abinslon-Larmon Photo, inc.' (215) 887-1248 for framing small objects like photo¬ Wheaton-Du Rage Photo and Camera (312) 668-2762 Allentown-Home TV Productions (215) 433-5001 \\ Carmel-Hot Shots (317) 844-7468 Greater Phila.-The Camera Shop, Inc.* (215) 544-8700 graphs and flowers. Even if your camera FdrtWayne-Mc Jon Camera (219) 484-8657 Pittsbuigh-Vbik's Kamera Exchange (412) 281-2677 Evansville-Schmitt Photo (812) 424-8203 West Chester-All Video Plus (215) 436-6410 does have a macro feature, you may find Indianapoiis-Photo Pops (317) 846-6446 Indianapolis-The Camera Hut (317) 297-1498 Puerto Rico that—while it’s great for super-powerful Rio Piedras-Magna-Fbto ColorLab Inc. * (809) 762-4600 lar Rapids-Video Biz (319) 393-4039 magnification ranges (some focus as Overland Park-Felix Camera and Video (913) 341-9818 Rhode Island Ibpeka-V^lfe's Camera and Video (913) 235-1386 Cranston-Silver Screen Inc. (401) 943-9250 close as the surface of the lens!)—it’s Wichita-Southwest Photo & Video (316) 688-1414 East Greenwich-Videorama (401) 885-4910 less useful for photographing objects of Tennessee an intermediate size. Closeup lenses to Nashville-Barbara AAandrell One Hour Photo* the rescue! (615) 865-1360 Where can you buy all these optical gizmos? Nowadays, many of the larger Austin-IWin Oaks Camera Shops (512) 442-2103 video stores have recognized the con¬ Conroe-The Photo Lab (409) 756-9255 Oallas-Barry’s Camera & Video (214) 241-3091 sumer’s interest in this sort of accessory El Paso-Reed's Camera Centers (915) 532-2461 and have started to stock them. Also --ra, Inc. (512)349-6012 check out your largest local camera Utah_ Salt Lake City-Inkley’s* (801) 486-5901 store. Even if it hasn’t started to stock video gear (which is unlikely), it will still rer Spring-Industrial Photo Products, Inc Thetford-Vdeo Transfer of\\fermont (802) 785-4820 keep a line of filters and closeup lenses in Massachusetts stock for the established 35mm cameras. And if you don’t happen to live near either one of these two types of outlet (a Kentwood-Showcase 1 Hour Photo (616) 949-1302 Whshlngton_ letter writer recently chided me for al¬ Grosse POinte V«>ods-Speedi Photo (313) 881-7330 Everett-Ken’s Camera Inc. (206) 353-5533 ways assuming that all of our readers live W. Bloomfield-Vdeo Cheers (313) 851-0195 ypsilanti-Vdeo Source Inc. (313) 973-0704 Milwaukee-Family Photo* (414) 786-0640 in or near the “big city”), try mail order. Mllwaukee-Mike Crivello's Camera* (414) 782-4303 Mllwaukee-Kolor Krome Labs (414) 545-1411 Another inexpensive source of filters and Canada lenses (at least in the Los Angeles area) British Colombia Vancouver-Williams Color-Photo (604) 291-7122 are the various photographic flea mar¬ kets and swap meets that are held from time to time throughout the year. Similar events pop up in other “big cities” around on call (914) 834-5411. ©1985 Froehlich FotoVideo the country. O

Random Access Personal Computers, News, and Games Home Banking amount of time (and even computer owners are sophis¬ Fly by Night In the past few months this is questionable) and a ticated people. We had to Banking isn’t the only few cents on postage. give value, and we didn’t four of New York City’s larg¬ want to give a laundry list of service going home electron¬ est banks have offered var¬ Say you sign up for Chem¬ services that the customer ic. TWA and CompuServe ious forms of home banking ical’s Pronto at $12. A first- didn’t want. ” To its credit. recently introduced for account holders. The class stamp is now 22 cents. Chase lowballs the opposition TravelShopper, yet another premise is simple; if you own That means you have to with a charge of $5 a month shop-at-home idea, this time a personal computer and write a total of 55 checks a which includes the basic ser¬ for airline seats. If you are modem (some banks are month (nobody I know writes vices, a bulletin board (no already on the CompuServe offering rebates or discounts half that many) just to break chat mode), and electronic- network (as with home bank¬ on this essential telephone even. Does the .system save mail capability involving other ing, you need a PC and a coupling device), you can you money? I think not. How subscribers. The system is modem), you may check check your balance, pay bills, can it save you time? You do graphics-based (not ASCII), TWA’s as well as several and transfer money among all the keyboard input—it’s which means rank computer other airlines’ latest informa¬ your accounts at any time your labor, not the bank’s— beginners will understand it. tion on domestic and in¬ during the day or night, all at and you pay for the privilege. The bank pays for the access ternational flights, including the touch of a few buttons on time via 800 number. the basic booking rules for your keyboard. Other systems (Citibank, each fare among 1(X),000 Manufacturer’s Hanover, and So far, home banking cities. Then you can book a It all sounds very handy Chase Manhattan) all assume seems like a fable. Look at it seat, buy a ticket with your until you look at the fine that consumers with comput¬ this way. Your favorite res¬ credit card, and have it wait¬ print. The banks’ charges for ers will flock to this idea. taurateur charges $20 for a ing for you at the airline this service range from $5 to Why, I don’t know. It is great meal. One night he counter (as long as at least $12 a month—far cheaper nearly as convenient to use tells you: “Sir. We’re giving one leg is on TWA). than cable TV. But look at it an automated teller card. you an option since you like this way: The total cost is our food so much. If you Like home banking, this $60 to $144 yearly for some¬ When I posed the “why do want, you can eat at the res¬ sounds good until you check thing you already get free. we need this?” question to taurant at 3 a.m., while further. CompuServe’s basic Banks rightfully plug the Chase Manhattan Vice- we’re closed. Of course, connect rates cost $12.50 an “convenience” aspect of President Kathy Biro, she since we’re not here at that hour by day, $6 at night and home banking in their said, “We did a lot of re¬ hour, you must cook the on weekends. The marketing literature, but all search on that. It isn’t home meal, serve it, clean up, and TravelShopper service costs you really save is a small banking. Until you can deliver wash the dishes. And we’re more: $20 during the day, cash, it won’t be. We know only going to charge you $25 $15 at night. The regular 46 Video for dinner.” Who would fall OAG service used by travel for something like that? agents lists all available flights on line (you can’t book —Doug Gan- or buy a ticket, however).

and runs $32 an hour by day, product. In other words, makes the computer easy to be ready when the computer $21 at night. we’re not going to rush with write for.) There are two anything simply because a reasons for this: one, they is, but who knows how good OK, let’s assume you’re on competitor is already doing distrust Tramiel because he’s TravelShopper with a 300- it. It takes our own agents announced products that nev¬ they’ll be? Tramiel may have baud modem. Let’s say it’s 40 hours of classroom work er materialized; and two, no¬ nighttime, around 7 p.m. You to use the system. We’re body wants to spend a lot of tipped his hand when he access the system to arrange trying to come up with a s time writing software for a for a domestic flight and re¬ pier system. ” He wouldn’t machine that doesn’t have an made a rare public appear¬ turn. Let’s say it takes five confirm whether American installed base (industry jargon to ten minutes to search for would actually implement, meaning nobody’s bought it ance at an industry trade the cheapest fare and find an anything. yet). open nonsmoking aisle seat. show where he appealed to It might take another five to TravelShopper seems like And therein lies the rub. ten minutes to actually book a waste of time and money Who’s going to buy a comput¬ independent software authors the seat (punch in your card for all but a few people who er with no software? Atari number and expiration date) can’t get enough gratification says 25 to 30 programs will for their support. He said and tell the system where from their computers. If you you want the ticket waiting. absolutely must book each he’d be able to help them It could cost you as much as leg of a Des Moines-to-Tel $5, and you’ve done all the Aviv flight at 2 a.m. and (construed by authors as pro¬ work. You could call the don’t mind doing all the work TWA reservations clerk (who (not to mention paying ex¬ viding royalty advances), but can do it faster and more tra), it may appeal to you. thoroughly than you because Otherwise, it’s another one respected company pres¬ he does it for a living—he’ll nonuse of the machine. even check American’s ident said privately, “Atari schedule if you ask nicely) or —Doug Garr and wait in the morning until your Julia Lisella hasn’t returned any phone travel agent can do it (no fuss, no charge except a local The New Atari calls. ” —Doug Garr Q phone call). By the way, if By the time you read this, you designate a travel agent Rest sellers/home on the system, he still gets we’ll know whether Atari has his 10 percent booking com¬ made good on its promise to 1. Print Shop. AP, C64. Broderbund. mission though he does no get its much-heralded ST 2. Home Acct. AP, APc, IBM. MAC, C64, AT, EPS, TIP. work. series computer into K-Marts and other discount stores. Arrays/Cont. Why bother with all this? It The company, now headed 3. Print Shop Graphics Library. AP. Broderbund. begins to resemble the res¬ by the notorious Jack Tramiel 4. Doilars & Sense. AP, APc, IBM, MAC, TIP. Monogram. taurant fable. We asked (he founded Commodore as a 5. Bank Street Writer. AP, APc, IBM, C64, AT. Broderbund. TWA’s senior vice president typewriter repair company in 6. Micro Cookbook. AP, APc, APe, IBM, Virtual Combinatics. of marketing and sales, Stew¬ the 1950s), desperately 7. Tax Advantage. AP, IBM, PCjr, C64, AT. Arrays/Cont. art G. Long, and he too needs a hit product and in¬ 8. Newsroom. AP. Springboard. wondered: “I don’t know why dustry pundits agree that the 9. Homeword. AP, IBM, C64, AT. Sierra On-Line. they [his customers] don’t “Jackintosh” will be Atari’s 10. Mac the Knife. MAC. Miles Computing. call the airline. ” But people— savior, if anything. The com¬ 4000 so far, out of Com¬ puter was so nicknamed be¬ Rest sellers/recreation puServe’s 185,000 cause it resembles Apple’s subscribers—seemed to want Macintosh. Tramiel claims his 1. Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. AP, IBM, MAC, C64, the service, he said, and system will do as much as, if AT. Infocom. they most often accessed not more than, the Mac—for TravelShopper at 9 p.m. one-±ird to one-half the 2. Microsoft Flight Simuiator. IBM. Microsoft. when they could still call price. The “Fat Jack” fea¬ 3. Lode Runner. AP, IBM, MAC, C64, AT. Broderbund. TWA’s reservations clerk. tures 512K RAM, a 3.5-inch 4. Flight Simuiator II. AP, C64, AT. Sublogic. floppy-disk drive, 12-inch hi¬ 5. Zork I. AP, IBM, MAC, AT, CP/M, DEC, TIP. Infocom. Other airlines apparently res color monitor, and a color 6. Sargon III. AP, IBM, MAC, C64. Hayden Software. don’t think much of the idea. dot-matrix printer. The soft¬ 7. King's Quest. APe, IBM. Sierra On-Line. We polled American, United, ware is mouse-driven. All 8. Trivia Fever. AP, IBM, MAC, C64. Professional Software. Eastern, and Delta. Chuck this is supposed to run under 9. Gato. IBM. Spectrum Holobyte. Novak, a spokesman for $1000. 10. Wizardry. AP, IBM. Sir-Tech Software. United, said, “We’re abso¬ lutely not getting into the Tramiel is noted for his LEGEND; AP = Apple, APc = Apple lie, APe = Apple He, AT = Atari, Cfi4 = Cnmmodorf TravelShopper at all. We “computers for the masses” 64, COM = Commodore Pet/CBM, CP/M = 5V4\" and 8\" formats, DEC-DEC Rainbow, turned it down. We’re not philosophy but there is con¬ EPS = Epson QX-10, IBM = IBM-PC, MAC = Apple Macintosh, PCjr-IBM PCjr, TIP allowing people to get into siderable doubt as to wheth¬ = Texas Instruments Professional. TRS = TRS-80, VIC = Commodore Vic-liO. our inventory,” he added, er the masses will flock to the VTR = Victor 9000, WNG = Wang Personal Computer, ZEN = Zenith 100. perhaps alluding to the data¬ cathedral of the High Priest ©1985 Softsel® Computer Products. Inc. base security problem. of the Low End. Most software people I’ve spoken American Airlines may be with won’t write for the ST working on something differ¬ machine even though they’ve ent. Said Joe Stroop, an seen it and like its GEM op¬ American executive, “We’re erating system. (One soft¬ not going public on anything ware author even admitted until we’re satisfied with our that the Motorola 68000 in it

New Channels Covering Cable, Pay-Per-View, STY and DBS Captain USAs Isn’t it a bit strange that But cable has produced a Saturday-aftemoon show GroovyTube cable TV has yet to produce fair number of “cult” per¬ Commander USA’s Groovy by Tim Onosko its first star? Back in the sonalities. The first was prob¬ Movies. Before you flip the 1940s, when there were far ably Bill Tush (whose last page, check this guy out. Jim Hendricks, of the fewer TV sets than the num¬ name, he insists, rhymes USA Network’s ‘Commander ber of homes connected to with “rush”). Tush and Tina Hendricks, as the cigar¬ USA’s Groovy Movies’: cable today, Milton Berle be- Seldin gathered an intensely smoking Commander, is prob¬ sheer stupidity, brilliant loyal audience in the late ably the hippest kid-show surrealist humor. came so popular that movie 1970s vdth their hip and host since Soupy Sales. Ev¬ theaters were virtually empty goofy Late News Early in the ery Saturday (noon. Eastern) every Tuesday night when he Morning show on the Turner he walks a fine line between was on the air. Hard as it superstation WTBS. At the sheer stupidity and brilliant may be to believe, Berle’s peak of his cult period Tush surrealist humor. Thrown in lispy drag-queen imitations was awarded his own hour- along the way, just to keep and low comedy routines on long Saturday-night comedy the adults listening, are a few the Texaco Star Theater series on the channel, only to wisecracks that would never actually made people run out prove he was no comic. Now make it past the censors at and buy sets. Tush’s cable career is drifting CBS, NBC, or even ABC. and he anchors CNN’s Show Some of the Commander’s The best cable can seem Biz Today, the network’s jokes would have been called to do, though, is to nudge generic Entertainment “barracks humor” in another the careers of a few per¬ Tonight ripoff. day and age. sonalities. Kathleen Sullivan was a fixture on the Cable Today’s cable cult figures The Commander is, News Network before mov¬ include Justin Wilson, the ostensibly, a movie host. But ing to ABC’s early-morning funny host of Cookin’ Cajun most of the “groovy” movies news show. Pat Buchanan, on the Learning Channel, on his series are so bad, so former Nixon speechwriter WGN’s Bozo the Clown, and wretchedly awful, so and conservative spokes¬ the world’s worst talk-show nauseous (you get the idea) man, did a little better. He host, WOR’s eternal Joe that the five-hour program is went directly from CNN’s Franklin. Of course we can’t best viewed on tape with a Crossfire talk show (with forget wrestler “Hulk” finger on the “scan” button. Tom Braden) to the Reagan Hogan, who hopscotched his For movie masochists, the White House, where he’s way from the USA Network’s USA film package includes now the administration’s di¬ Tuesday Night Titans to MTV public-domain features and rector of communications— to a berth as chief geek of serial episodes, a few okay sort of a super press secre¬ the new (and certainly weird) Hammer gothic vampire pic¬ tary. pop music/pro grappling cult. tures, and what must be the (Actually, Hogan—who entire output of Mexico’s appeared onstage at the Azteca Pictures—cheap, bad¬ Grammy awards with car- ly dubbed horror movies that toony rock chirper Cyndi virtually redefine film’s low Lauper—may already have end all by themselves. transcended his cult status to become a full-fledged media Still, Hendricks is so good personality bigger, even, that you can waste an entire than Pat Buchanan.) afternoon wading through this cinematic wreckage. Of And who will be cable’s course, that’s the idea: Chil¬ next cult personality? An dren with enough time to almost sure bet is a largely waste have their fertile little unknown 38-year-old New minds poisoned by this won¬ York actor named Jim Hen¬ derful garbage, while adults dricks, whose fans know him with even the slightest sense only as the character he of responsibility are out doing plays on the USA Network’s something productive with their weekends, like installing a shower massage spray or building a patio deck. That’s

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New Channels HOME VIDEO where your VCR comes in. You can see shows during which people exercised PRODUCTIONS JUST GOT EASIER how the other half—15 years of age and and exercise shows during which people ^iZ/t/eocAecAer\" under, that is—lives. talked. There was even a weird gene¬ CHARTS The story behind Commander USA is splitting experiment that produced Regis ~’A a simple one. He’s a retired superhero Philbin. Regis cracked jokes, talked, and frustration of poor who does some part-time messenger exercised. Finally, somebody at Lifetime playback. Use this work and lives in his secret headquarters recognized that none of this was work¬ directly beneath a Paramus, New Jersey ing. Nobody was watching. shopping mall. (An inside joke, the Com¬ So earlier this year Lifetime hauled mander’s order and rank are “Legion of out the bloody axe of cancellation and Decency, Retired. ’’ The Legion of De¬ gave a taste of the blade to all the orig¬ cency was the powerful Catholic film inal hosts on the channel (except Regis rating office of the 1950s and ’60s.) Philbin). Lifetime, it was decreed, would One of the most bizaare characters on pursue a new program genre: talk and the program is Lefty, the Commander’s participation. This meant, apparently, “righthand man. ’’ Literally a handpuppet. that there would be more talk, less ex¬ Lefty is the palm of Hendricks’ right ercise, and a toll-free number so that hand—on which he draws eyes, nose, viewers could talk back. They even and mouth with cigar ash. Another odd gave Regis Philbin a telephone. player is Norman, the Lost Entertainer of At the core of Lifetime’s programming Atlantis, whose peculiar talent is speak¬ were four new shows built around more- ing in a voice that sounds like he is un¬ or-less known TV personalities. Dr. derwater. Then there’s an irregular pa¬ Ruth Westheimer—a sure thing, her rade of performers including the belly success on network radio and as a guest dancer that the Commander hyped to his on network talk shows like David young audience with an appropriate leer. Letterman demonstrated her quirky Hendricks got the job via an open au¬ appeal—received an hour for Good Sex, dition which invited actors to attend with a call-in sex-counseling show. Stanley their ideas for the program’s host. But Siegel, the once-controversial New York the Commander was not the character talk host, was shipped to Los Angeles Hendricks auditioned with. He was origi¬ for Talk Back America. And former nally Uncle Willie, an older gentleman Minnesota Vikings quarterback Fran Tar- dressed in a button-up raincoat who kenton (with his obvious qualifications) lived in a trailer. “Willie, ’’ says Hen¬ was given the job of hosting Smart dricks, “was very...uh...strict with the Money, a kind of drool session for yup¬ children. But the network thought the pies featuring other yuppies who made it character was a little...well...a little big in businesses like shoes and wall¬ ‘dark’ for the kids, you know?” A USA paper. spokesman says that much of Uncle Wil¬ The most curious departure from Life¬ lie made it into the present incarnation time’s previous format was Hot Proper¬ and, while the network “cleaned up his ties, a showbiz and gossip program act, ” the Commander still “has a past. ” hosted by Fred Newman, late of Nick¬ The show is written by Hendricks along elodeon’s Livewire teenage talk show, with the program’s creators, Hilary and actress Tovah Feldshuh. Fred and Schacter and Pam Bagot. Tovah put on the glitz and dug into For the future, Hendricks promises “who’s hot” and “who’s not,” in¬ more of the same humor, some “lady terspersed with “hot” music videos and bodybuilders and karate experts, ” and “hot” guests. Not only were the guests “lots of good solid Mexican horror mov¬ often much hotter than the hosts, but ies.” one, comedian Richard Belzer, was so hot that Lifetime dumped Fred and Lifetime Waits for No One Tovah and installed the Belz as the When writing about the Lifetime cable show’s new host. network, you never know whether it will Belzer, however, looked like a keen end up as news or history. Lifetime, you watchdog on a leash in Hot Properties. see, has this terrible identity crisis. His usually irrepressible humor was un¬ Once upon a time it was two different, usually repressed by the hangovers from separately owned services: Daytime, a the program’s previous regime and writ¬ “women’s” channel, and the Cable ers. Belzer, whose reputation as a Health Network. Daytime grew out of a “comic’s comic” is legendary, may need seamless afternoon cable talkfest hosted only a minor tuneup before he’s ready by Barbara Feldon (Agent 99 in the old for a permanent place on television, but Get Smart series). The Cable Health Net¬ Hot Properties looked at presstime as if it work was the brainchild of Dr. Art Ul- needed a major overhaul or, better still, ene, a TV physician and longtime main¬ a little remodeling in one of those big stay on NBC’s Today Show. It was de¬ junkyard crusher machines. voted, naturally, to topics of health and All of this, however, may be academ¬ fitness. ic. By the time you read this, none of When the two services merged, the these programs or hosts (save Regis Phil¬ channel became Lifetime and kept its dual personalities. There were talk bin, who seems indestructable) may be left on Lifetime. O