video-magazine-1991-10

VIDEOTESTS T5th Anniversary : Bela VCR, : eae

WHEN WE PUT TOGETHER SUPERPAK WE HAD ONLY ONE THING INMIND. The Family Channel Comedy Central* Lifetime Television THE WEATHER CHANNEL® The Learning Channel* FILLING YOUR SCREEN WITH THE MOST * 1CHANNELS. The Nashville Network The Discovery Channel Country Music Television* E! Entertainment Television* Order SuperPak now and get 3 months one low price. You'll love what you see. of your favorite satellite guide FREE! It’s a super deal on super programming. Just Like all great ideas, the idea behind SuperPak with order a prepaid annual subscription to HBO, HBO® and Cinemax® is simple. Filling your TV with Cinemax and SuperPak for $270 and you'll unbeatable value by bringing you the most #1 receive 3 FREE months of the satellite guide of channels you'll find anywhere. Starting with HBO, the your choice. That’s an effective monthly rate of just #1 premium channel, and Cinemax, the #1 channel for $22.50 for SuperPak’s great channel lineup plus your the most movies shown on pay TV (over 1,100 movies free program guide issues. So call 1-800-426-1729, a year). SuperPak with HBO and Cinemax puts 22 of 8 AM-11PM ET, Monday-Saturday. Don’t miss this today’s most requested channels at your fingertips for limited-time offer.** ° CNN The Family Channel PrimeTime 24+: ABC, The Nashville Network i OS i es HBe OS —_ EHeSaPdNli®ne News LCiofmeetidmye TCeelnetvrials*ion BNrBaCvoand CBS EC!ounEtnrtyerMtuasiincmTeenltevision* ==~ = ==OSSee USA NETWORK THE WEATHERCHANNEL® Arts & Entertainment —_‘Televisian* wt Superstation TBS The Learning Channel* The Discovery Channel BET* For adaitional information, circle No. 42 on Reader Service Card. {PrimeTime 24 is available in all areas where network channels are not clearly received. Certain ESPN events are subject to local blackouts. *The HBO Guarantee: If any of the currently unscrambled channels in SuperPak scramble during the life of your SuperPak subscription, you'll continue to receive them free of charge for the duration of your existing SuperPak subscription. (Does not include cost of additional equipment, if necessary.) **Offer ends December 31, 1991. ©1991 HBO Satellite Services, Inc. All rights reserved. HBO and Cinemax are registered service marks of Home Box Office, Inc.

CALL NOW FOR A SUPER DEAL ON | SUPERPAK AND WE’LL THROW IN 3 FREE MONTHS OF YOUR FAVORITE SATELLITE GUIDE -- ONSAT, ORBIT OR SATELLITE TV WEEK! Supercharged savings! Super exciting entertainment! That's the great deal waiting for you when you get an annual subscription to SuperPak today. You'll get a super panes of 22 of today’s most requested channels including HBO and Cinemax. And to make sure you don’t miss a minute of this terrific entertainment, the program listings are on us! Get three months of OnSat, ORBIT or = TV Week -- FREE. Check the pages of OnSat, ORBIT or Satellite TV Week for scheduling of the great selection available through SuperPak with HBO and Cinemax. Whether you're extending your current subscription or starting a new one, we'll give you the guide FREE for 3 months when you order today.* : | YES! |want a super deal on SuperPak. For details on Sign me up ie 12 months of SuperPak for the price of 9 and send orderiHng, me three FREE months of the guide of my choice. ‘I understand that SuperPak includes HBO and Cinemax, plus 20 more -ergat Chane oe one oy aml price of $270 a wee. That’s an : effecttiive monthly iv rate of only 22.50! seecard, :The “M\"a“g(jaGzniSante of my CcJhOoRiBceITis: (Satellite TV Week :Please complete the following: ‘Name _ ree ts core Rhee A opel cr a a MM esas LS : City as es Sit aire oe elie pat So ae a : Service Address (if location of dish is different from billing address.) or call: : Name Phone ( ) GMa OURO eae d BRi Ae a1-800-426- i Unit ID number aes : You must include this number in order to receive ; your programming from HBO Satellite Services, Inc. SEND NO MONEY NOW ‘Turn page for offer details; 1f you're uncertain how to locate your Unit ID 1 understand that | will be billed at a later date ‘ number, please call us at 1-800-426-1729. for my —— from HBO Satellite : ervices, inc.

SUPERPAK Offer Details Offer expires 12/31/91. Allow 6-8 weeks for delivery of your first guide. These savings based on a pre-paid annual subscription of $270, a 25% —? over our monthly rate for 12 months. PrimeTime 24 is available in all areas where network channels are not clearly received and is not available to customers who have received cable in the past 90 days. Certain ESPN events are subject to local blackout. *The HBO Guarantee: If any of the currently unscrambled channels in SuperPak scramble during the life of your SuperPak subscription, you'll continue to receive them free of charge for the duration of your existing SuperPak subscription. (Does not include cost of additional equipment, if necessary.) 1991 HBO Satellite Services, Inc. All Rights Reserved. HBO and Cinemax are registered service marks of Home Box Office, Inc. | ||| UNNNIOETIFCEPIDEMNOSASTISSHTLTAEAEARGDTYEES BUSINESS REPLY MAIL FIRST CLASS MAIL PERMIT NO. 7190 NEW YORK, NY POSTAGE WILL BE PAID BY ADDRESSEE HBO SATELLITE SERVICES, INC. Room 5-02A 1100 Avenue of the Americas New York, NY 10109

VIDEO. PRIME TIME FOR TIMERS 38 We test 6 VCRs and 2 remotes to find the fastest, easiest way to timeshift. 42 By Brent Butterworth 46 50 ON A WING AND A THUMB Sz TAPES \" mises Pluck, luck and an 8mm camcorder help a video adventurer fulfill a dream. By Marek Gajewski BIG BLUE MEETS THE VCR New hardware and software-products turn IBM PCs into home video editing workstations. By Brent Butterworth and Howard Millman VIDEOTAPE’S WONDER YEARS How long will tapes last? New research offers an answer. By Frank Beacham INSTALLATION OF THE MONTH: SPLIT PERSONALITY When invisibility’s the goal, a unique theater’s the answer. By Stan Pinkwas VIDEOTESTS REVIEWS 55 Dances With Wolves, The Doors, The Rescuers Down Under, Shindig!, more 57 EDITOR’S CHOICE / The War of the Roses and Wild at Heart on laserdisc. 62 By Kenneth Korman DIRECTORY / The !atest releases on tape and disc ee SONY SL-HF2100 BETA VCR, JVC AV-3591S monitor/receiver, Sony 12 CCD-TR81 Hi8 camcorder, Panasonic LX-101 combi player. By Berger-Braithwaite Labs DEPARTMENTS 4 6 CHANNEL ONE/ Camcorder justice 8 FEEDBACK / Letters from readers 10 22 LATE NEWS / Widescreen and SuperFlat TVs, videogame war 2G” Croavcemrn:raiee Program 28 Director and Gemstar's GAZETTE / Ray Manzarek’s Doors, fall video releases, more 30 pit pleaces CAMCORNER / InWtheerancti:tviemeCDiss:shAorrte, edit as you shoot 32 vcRs. Photograph by TOMORROW/ they hot..or not? 33 Bob Forrest Q & A/ Technical queries answered 34 Video Magazin; e 36 Volume XV HANDS-ON TEST / Panasonic LCD video projector 112 Number 7 READER FORUM/ A vote of confidence for 3-D video TECHNICALLY SPEAKING / Blue Lagoon’s 8mm difference NEW PRODUCTS/ Minolta VHS camcorder, Sonance shielded speaker, more COLLECTOR’S CLEARINGHOUSE / Letters from readers OFF THE AIR/ How many decoders can TVs hold? The _ VIDEO Magazine (ISSN 1044-7288) is published monthly by Reese Communications, Inc., 460 W. 34 St., New York, NY 10001. Second-class postage paid at New York. NY and additional mailing Audit office. © 1991 Reese Communications. Inc. All rights reserved. © under Universal, International, and Pan American Copyright Conventions. Reproduction of editorial or pictorial content in any manner Bureau is prohibited. Single copy price $2.50: $2.95 in Canada; £2.50 in U.K. One-year subscription (12 issues) $15.; Canada, $22.47 (includes GST #R125938423) U.S.: foreign, air mail, $40 U.S. Canadian international publication permit #546488. Address subscription orders, change of address, correspondence and inquiries to: VIDEO, Box 56293. Boulder. CO 80322-6293. Change of address takes 60 days to process: send old address label. new address, and zip code. All material listed in this magazine is subject to manufacturer's change without notice. and publisher assumes no responsibility for such change. Printed in the U.S.A. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to VIDEO, Box 56293, Boulder, CO 80322-6293. For microform copies of issues or articles. write to: Serials Acquisition Dept.. University Microfilms, Inc., 300 North Zeeb Rd., Ann Arbor, Mi 48106. OCTOBER 1991 VIDEO 3

HOW TO BUY CHANNEL ONE THX A/V Equipment LUCASFILM LTD.’S THX system has been entertaining moviegoers for years with its sensational sound processing that enhances all aspects of movie dialogue, music and sound effects to create the ultimate cin- ematic experience. Now the technology in these systems can Camcorder justice be used to enhance home theaters as well. Item: Worried parents in Tennessee hide a camcorder in their living room and catch a baby sitter slapping their child. The components, however, can only be pro- Item: A visitor to Texas videotapes a patrolman clubbing a motorist duced by licensed manufacturers. To help on the shoulder of an interstate. Her tape, played on Texas TV, leads to the officer’s suspension. you incorporate THX quality into your home Three years ago, video newshounds were taping tornadoes and theater, here is a list of equipment manufac- earthquakes. Two years ago, video comedians were swamping America’s Funniest Home Videos with tapes of clumsy cats. This year, so-called turers as well as a brief description of THX video vigilantes are showing that homemade tapes can get you ar- rested. Or invade your privacy. Or both, as illustrated by the products they offer. experience of a Florida couple charged with public lewdness after a neighbor videotaped their lovemaking through the open blinds of their Altec Lansing — Currently offers the ground-floor apartment. AHT-2100 surround speakers and plans on No laws specifically address the issue of video surveillance, but the question is being raised that perhaps a few should. Is there a need to developing additional THX home theater protect people’s privacy and reputations against intrusive camcorder speaker products as part of a six-unit system. operators? We think not. Federal laws and guidelines now on the books al- Audio Design Associates — Has devel- teady do the job; new statutes at the local level would only create a oped the MPA-5 power amplifier and will muddle of restrictions. And despite the provocative content of some recent videos, there’s little evidence such tapes are being misused. Just soon present the SSD-66 THX-certified sur- as police are finding camcorders to be an excellent tool for recording the reality of roadside arrests, so are citizens, although sometimes with round decoder. dramatically different results. Far from creating a nation of snoops, the widespread use of camcorders “is a protection against Big Brother,” as Duntech Audio — our senior editor Brent Butterworth put it during a recent debate on NBC’s Today Show. Produces a THX speaker While it can be disheartening to watch some of the “amateur” package that includes tapes turning up on television, when they expose wrongdoing, by offi- cials or individuals, we’re better off for their having been made. three front speakers, ® two subwoofers, and Speaking of homemade tapes, check out “On a Wing & a Thumb” in two surround channel this issue. It describes how Marek Gajewski, a visiting Polish journalist, lived out a long-held fantasy: to hitchhike across America by air- Professional wall speakers. pla—snkyheike, as he calls it—and videotape the entire journey. It’s udioVideo Fosgate-Audionics an inspiring adventure that shows how a camcorder can enrich the Retailers very event it’s recording. Association — Manufactures the Model Three surround pit am sound processor, which Stan Pinkwas Managing Editor has a THX cinema mode. The company plans a complete line of THX-certified prod- ucts in the near future. Lexicon, Inc. — Offers the CP-3 Digital Sound Processor which has modes for both Dolby Pro Logic and Lucasfilm Home THX cinema. Miller & Kreisel Sound Corp. — Plans on offering a complete home THX Audio Speaker System. The front left, right, and center speak- ers are Currently available. Surround speakers and subwoofers will be made available later this year. NAD Electronics, Ltd. — This London- based company produces the 100 watts-per- channel 2400THX Power Amplifier. Snell Acoustics, Inc. — Produces high- end THX loudspeakers including front, surround, and subwoofer speakers. All three types are included in the Snell Multimedia Home THX Audio System. Technics Audio Group — Offers the Technics Home THX Audio System which consists of a controller, subwoofer system, front speaker system, and surround speaker system. A power amplifier is also available. Triad Speakers — Currently developing in-wall THX front, surround, and subwoofer speakers in addition to a THX freestanding subwoofer. To find your local PARA dealer, call: @‘JBU“4[DPO/0UO/NI4DOPUADYHODJDODKEOW/SYJPOPJDU! (816) 444-3500

GIVEOR GET YOUR FAVORITE MOVIES ON LASERDISC. ANNOUNCING THE COLUMBIA HOUSE LASERDISC CLUB THE RUSSIA HOUSE 1046042 |} EDWARD SCISSORHANDS 6093052 | MEAN STREETS 3547042 BRUCE witire RETURN OF THE JEDI 8811022 0609052 hideee och BACK TO THE FUTURE PART Il * 0338032 BACK TO THE FUTURE PART Ill 2114092 9213042 4970082 | HARRY CONNICK, JR.: 9681072 SINGIN’ & SWINGIN’ oe 4973052 2360002 | PRESUMED INNOCENT 9621002 MAN WHO WOULD BEKING * 0858032 | ROMANCING THE STONE 0894092 BATMAN (1989) * 6425042 THE BLUES BROTHERS 2117062 | THE GRIFTERS 3830002 PREDATOR 3649012 E.T.: THE EXTRA-TERRESTRIAL 6811062 The Sound Of Music* Star Wars * THE RIGHT STUFF 6043062 0039052 0564082 ALIEN ‘| 0002082 ALIENS 3609092 2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY 0025012 2111022 6021022 Good Felias 5150072 2168042 ey) SUPERMANT:HE MOVIE * 0013052 The Empire Strikes Back* Patton* Goodfellas 0910092 SUPERMAN II 6015002 0043092 9698082 Got some movie fans on your Christmas automatically. If you’d prefer an AN AMERICAN TAIL 2184042 JAWS 1000082 list? Then do your holiday shopping with alternate selection, or none at all, just 1] RoBocoP 2350022| the Columbia House Laserdisc Club. mail the response card always provided | Rosocop2 Just write in the numbers of the 3 by the date specified. And you'll always 8040052 laserdiscs you want for $1.00 each, plus have 14 days to decide; if not, you may AWNERAEMWEORLIFCANIN LONDON 7140062 shipping and handling. In exchange, you return the selection at our expense. DIRTY DANCING simply agree to buy two more laserdiscs There’s a money-saving Bonus Plan. FIX Q&A 4955072 in the next year, at regular Club prices If you continue your membership after MAD MAX (currently as low as $29.95, plus fulfilling your obligation, you'll be eligible 6502002 shipping and handling)—and you may for our generous bonus plan. It enables TBIHLELYSTJOOERLM: EYE OF 3807092 cancel membership at any time after you to enjoy great savings on the 7109052 doing so. movies you want—for as long as you MMIOCOHNAWEALLKJAECRKSON: Every four weeks (up to 13 times a decide to remain a member! DOCTOR ZHIVAGO And there’s a 10-day risk-free trial. THE COLOR PURPLE 9683052 year), you'll receive a Club mailing, BEN-HUR (1959) RAIN MAN reviewing our Director's Selection—plus We’ll send details of the Club’s TANGO & CASH LETHAL WEAPON 4686032 scores of alternate choices, including operation with your introductory LETHAL WEAPON 2 * | 0026002 many lower-priced laserdiscs. And you package. If not satisfied, return BOFORJNULOYN THE FOURTH may also receive Special Selection everything within 10 days for a full * |6301032 mailings up to four times a year. (That's refund and no further obligation. HARD TO KILL % | 2603072 up to 17 buying opportunities a year.) For fastest service, use your ANNAITIMOANLALHOLUASMEPOON'S 2869062 You buy only what you want—when credit card and our toll-free number. % |6474042 you want it! If you want the Director's Selection, do nothing—it will be sent Call 24 hours a day: Dept 6308062 1-800-538-2233 toy % |6427022 Columbia House LASERDISC CLUB # |4891042 Dept. TOY P.O. Box 1112, Terre Haute, Indiana 47811-1112 9535052 Yes, please enroll me under the terms outlined in this advertisement. As a member, |need buy only 2 more selections, at regular Club prices, within the coming year. 2115082 Send me these 3 laserdiscs for $1.00 each plus $1.50 each shipping and handling(total $7.50) FIDDLERONTHEROOF * | 0551032 | ONCE UPON ATIMEINAMERICA |6058082 Please Check How Paying: My check is enclosed 2QY/2QZ THE DEER HUNTER % | 2124072 LJ Charge my introductory laserdiscs and future Club purchases to: TSHTEOODDAYSTTIHLEL EARTH 0576042 (| MasterCard {| Diners Club AMEX VISA AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS |6036052 Acct No. Exp. THE AFRICAN QUEEN 0511022 Signature AMERICAN GRAFFITI 2113002 THE EXORCIST 6003042 Name THE BIBLE * |0747082 Address Apt atlstioy ROAD WARRIOR 6028052 BLUE STEEL (1990) 6965002 City State HOW THE WEST WAS WON * | 2669082 Zip Phone No.( PE clterhox WHATEVER HAPPENED TO cNmoetmbea:dtMiainct.seOrilhtiear isliinined necaicnrceilCnodehis reeeinng.eAlasCklau).b Arepspelrivceasbltehesnalaestttaox raedjedcetdortocancel any ee © 1991, The ColuHomusbe Ciomapany 6109072 ee ee ee ee ee eeee ee ee

FEEDBACKEDITED BY BRIAN CLARK VIDEO World Standard: President and Managing Director, Magnavox's CD-I player Jay Rosenfield uses a format that is “forward upgradable, Managing Editor, Stan Pinkwas backward compatible Technical Editor, Lancelot Braithwaite and horizontally ubi- Senior Editors, Kenneth Korman, Brent quitous.” Butterworth Assistant Editors, Brian Clark, Interactive reaction ously, episodes from the original Star April P. Bernard Contributing Editors: Bob Angus, Mavis Trek series appeared on laserdisc for $30, Arthur, Bob Barlow, Ivan Berger, Warren Berger, James Caruso, Steve Daly, Bruce Jim French’s letter (“Feedback,” Aug. but two episodes were offered per disc. Eder, Mark Fleischmann, Ty Harrington, David Lachenbruch, Frank Lovece, Gordon 91) stating that CD-I is just a player I don’t know what has happened to McComb, Marianne Meyer, Murray Slovick, Stewart Wolpin, Roderick and, therefore, a less flexible technology change the previous pricing policy. Per- Woodcock Editorial Assistant, Lily Schwartzberg than Commodore’s CDTV prompts me haps it is because the series turned up in a number of polls as one of the most Art Director, Lonnie Heller to point out that CD-I is a world stand- Associate Art Director, Kristina Juzaitis highly desired titles to appear on disc or Art Assistant, Luis Ramos Jr. ard providing a common format built as Production Manager, James LoGrasso maybe it’s corporate greed. Either way, I Production Assistant, Gaye Whyte an extension of the compact disc, which Typesetting, Janet M. Holland intend to boycott the episodes until we all know is the fastest growing format Vice President, Circulation their prices are brought back to a rea- and Special Projects, Rena Adler of this type in history. The principles are Newsstand Sales Director, Gerald Levine sonable level. Derek Germano Circulation Assistant, Elizabeth Moss simple. CD-I is an idea, not proprietary Financial Officer, Albert Mineo Commack, NY Business Manager, Janette Evans hardware and restricted software. All Assistant to the President, Leslie Dionicio manufacturers may make players which Boxed in by cable Publisher, Eric C. Schwartz will play all CD-I discs from any pub- Recently, my cable company installed its Associate Publisher/National Advertising box and switched over to a fiber-optics Director, Linda DeRogatis lisher anywhere in the world. It is for- system. I have a 25-inch Sony monitor Marketing Director, Luanne Rao and a late-model VCR. Prior to the East Coast Sales, Dina Redding-Berrigan, ward upgradable, backward compatible, changeover I could watch any one chan- Annette Y. Schnur nel and record any other channel. Now I Classified Sales, Mary Au horizontally ubiquitous and works with Midwest Sales, Milton Gerber, Christine have three remotes and a box, yet I can’t Richardson conventional audio CDs, Kodak’s Pho- tape all the channels I could before West Coast Sales, Cynthia Gallivan (while watching others). To do so, the West Coast Advertising Assistant, Karen to-CD system and video. We believe cable company wants me to rent anoth- DeMarco er box for $6.95 a month. Meanwhile, I Ad Coordinator, Maria Sozio CD-I offers the same potential for opti- have to program the VCR and the cable box and | cannot even get an explana- National Editorial & Sales: 460 West 34 cal publishing that the printing press of- tion from the company as to how its new Street, New York, NY 10001; 212-947-6500, system set me back several years. 212-947-6727 (fax) fered books. Bernard J. Luskin Midwest Sales Office: Gerber/Kamikow, William Fortune Sr. 4409 RFD Stonehaven Drive, Long Grove, President Huntington, New York IL 60047; 708-913-5400, 708-913-5403 (fax) West Coast Sales Office: 1453 Third Street, American Interactive Media Suite 490, Santa Monica, CA 90401; 213-393-5057, 213-393-5538 (fax) Inflation for trekkies Nothing to watch Japan Editorial & Sales: Mike Ueda, Nobuo Shoji, CES International, New Nishishin Laserdisc collectors are a dedicated I recently phoned Super Source Video in Building, 1-18-2 Nishi Shinbashi, Minato- breed; we support our format not with San Francisco regarding new releases on ku, Tokyo 105; 03-3592-1531 (phone), rentals, but with actual purchases. Un- S-VHS tape and was told they are “still 03-3592-1532 (fax) fortunately, this has given many home waiting on the studios.” This format video companies a license to commit should at least be available on a mail-or- Editor-in-Chief, Art Levis (1936-1991) robbery. This time around it is Para- der basis and at affordable prices. mount Home Video and Pioneer LDCA. REESE Single episodes from the series Star Trek: William Keene The Next Generation will be appearing Marysville, Washington COMMUNICATIONS on laserdisc with a $30-per-episode price INCORPORATED tag. The same episodes will appear on Editor’s reply: A Super Source spokes- videocassette priced at only $15. Previ- man told us that S-VHS versions of Mis- ery and The Terminator are now available Video Magazine welcomes your comments. and that other deals are in the works. Please include a phone number, but not a return envelope as the volume of mail does not permit replies. Letters may be edited for clarity and space. Address correspondence to Feedback, Video Magazine, 460 West 34 Street, New York, NY 10001. 6 VIDEO OCTOBER 1991

Fuzzy Logic Artificial Intelligence- Controlled Auto Focus, Auto Iris and 64-Segment Auto White Balance Stable Horizontal Design 25-Key Wireless Infrared Remote ¢ ¢ Control with keys for zoom, shutter, @ AFISHER A fade and title insert. Plus counter, tape functions, scene search and pause/still controls for video operation. Hi-Fi Stereo Audio Recording with Built-in Stereo Microphone Menu-Driven Control System with Viewfinder and LCD Displays for Shutter Speed, Fade In/Out and Title Functions Enclosed Inner Focus Lens System 8:1 Variable-Speed Zoom Lens 8-Color Digital Title Insert -\" Memory with Ir Fader and” Saeeenen Adjus’ Vig TSHERIEO 1/3\" CCU ie /- Flying Erase Head for Noiseless Real life is a one shot deal. And, ifyou're fumbling with a camcorder that's difficult to grasp, you might just miss it. With the perceptive intelligence Editing and Recording of Fuzzy Logic A.I. and a revolutionary horizontal layout, Fisher's compact FVC990 camcorder is as easy to operate as it is Switchable High-Speed Electronic Shutter (1/60, 1/100, 1/250, to hold. Realit. y ifss waitoieng; don't mis. s i/t. 4/1000, 1/4000, 1/10000-see.) | / en a AUDIDGDsSVIDE®S Date/Time Insert ...lrust your senses. Lightweight Design (1.54 Ibs.) For additional information, circle No. 8 on Reader Service Card, Included Accessories: AC adaptor, power acaition cord, RF adaptor, antenna cable, 75/300 ohm adaptor, \" Atrs, rechargeable battery (NP-55), shoulder belt, hand strap and lithium battery

LATE NEWSEDITED BY BRENT BUTTERWORTH | Panasonic launches Widescreen TVs: any time now SuperFlat TVs a The excitement over 16:9 Panasonic will soon bring Ja- widescreen monitor/receivers pan’s best- selling TV set to P = was raised a notch by Thom- son Consumer Electronics’an- the U.S. The SuperFlat, avail- “y nouncement that it has named Bruce Babcock to head a newly able this November in 27- and created “office of widescreen pro- gramming.” Babcock, a former execu- 31-inch sizes, has a tube with 30 tive at NBC and RCA, will be promot- percent less face curvature of stand- ing the idea of widescreen programming ard tubes. The new shape results in a for all media, prerecorded and broad- cast, especially for movies and sports picture more like that of a movie screen. events. Thomson, parent company of RCA and GE, hopes to get widescreen The SuperFlat set we saw produced programs on network broadcasts and ca- a picture with impressive contrast, Plane Truth: Cross-section of Panasonic's SuperFlat ble services as soon as possible, and is working with JVC on a widescreen sharpness and color, thanks to new tube, with 30 percent less curvature than standard tubes. S-VHS format. phosphors, an unusually dark face plate No manufacturer has announced a date for introducing a widescreen TV and an electron gun design that uses an circuitry with a higher sampling rate set in the U.S., but Hitachi and JVC extra focusing lens. It is capable of 750 produces PIP effects with few of the dig- have hinted that they may introduce 16:9 sets early next year. Thomson says lines of horizontal resolution, and in- ital artifacts that plague many other PIP it will market widescreen sets before an HDTV standard for the U-S. is set in cludes thoughtful touches like front | designs. Sound from two-way internal 1993, and Sony and Panasonic have ex- S-video/video/stereo audio inputs and a speakers is piped through front grilles pressed strong interest in the idea. headphone jack. New picture-in-picture that are almost invisible. Mix it up on the spot with a Nady real time portable camcorder mic mixer! =\" Get pro quality audio mixing with your camcorder while you're shooting the video Includes a narrator headset for Another JVC/Sony | voice overs format war Mix between 2 external mics Sony and JVC are going at it again, this including wireless mics and the narrator’s headsets—even add time in the increasingly chaotic video- background music from a game field. JVC plans to offer a $700 personal stereo game console that combines a Sega Genesis videogame with a CD-ROM | Compatible with all camcorders drive. Final specifications have not been set, but JVC is reportedly considering SPECIAL CHRISTMAS OFFER MCM.-400 now only $69.95 such capabilities as interactive multi- media and karaoke. Save 20%! The new game console will compete Offer expires 12/31/91 with Sony’s Play Station, which may be introduced as early as this Christmas. It Save an additional 20% on your MCM-400 with Nady 151 VR will consist of a Super Nintendo Enter- the purchase of a Nady 151 VR lapel or handheld wirelss mic system tainment System and a drive that plays CD-ROM games using Sony’s propri- wir: eless mi:crophone. Call toll free for details. etary Super Disc format. The battle will become even more heated in 1993, when Add $5 per order for shipping and handling. Mostorders shipped within 48 hours. Special delivery services available. Philips will begin supplying a CD-ROM CA residents add applicable sales tax. Visa and MasterCard accepted. Mail check or money order to: drive for SNES systems. With valuable | 1900 Powell Street, Suite 1135 markets for videogames and interactive Emeryville, CA 94608 multimedia at stake, it looks like there’s For additional information, circle No. 3 on Reader Service Card. a furious format war on the horizon. » 8 VIDEO OCTOBER 1991

GRAIGTINA L MASTESD ASECUREINGG ‘THE MOBILE FIDELITY FORMULA* O-M-R +. A/A/D + 24k Au = The Ultimate Audio Experience *(Original Master Recordings mobile fidelity For a complete free Original Master + Analog/Analog/Digital proprietary transfer WUT Recordings catalog and ULTRADISC technology + 24 karat gold plated compact discs) @ S0und lab technical information, call toll free illustration by James Dowlen ©1990 a division of MFSL, inc. 800-423-5759 or write to: Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab, PO Box 1657, Sebastopol, CA 95473-1657.

GALENTEEDITED BY KENNETH KORMAN nh by Manza—rcoembiknes unseen archi- val footage with interviews and musical Brought to Light: The real Jim Morrison can be found in videos directed by Ray Manzarek (inset). segments to create the most intimate ~— look at the band yet. (All three are available individually or in a limited-edi- The Doors unique brand of bluesy psychedelia. De- tion boxed set from MCA/Universal.) are open spite the attention, the real story of the band’s meteoric rise and still-influential Could Manzarek have predicted the music has been largely lost in the media band’s still-growing popularity, 20 years after its untimely demise? “We certainly shuffle. had no idea at the time,” Manzarek told us recently, “but we also had no idea The late ’60s produced a tidal wave of Enter former Doors keyboardist Ray that Morrison was going to die. I guess it all has at least something to do with Jim’s death—the whole James Dean, Marilyn Monroe sort of iconography.” Strange as it now seems, “Jim has be- come the new American Icon.” Though he acknowledges Morrison’s legend has virtually become public prop- erty, Manzarek takes exception to the artistic license some have taken with the facts of the band’s history. “It’s a coinci- dence that The Soft Parade is coming out on video at the same time as Oliver Stone's movie,” Manzarek says. “But it is, in essence, my rebuttal to Stone’s opening argument on the Doors. Now it’s my turn—let me show you the real story.” But setting the record straight may prove a daunting task. “I think Stone was interested in showing Jim Morrison as this wild, drinking sex machine. But Jim was an intellectual, a poet. He was gracious, charming and witty, and he was a wild, drinking sex machine. Do we have to watch another rock ’n’ roller drink himself to death and do terrible things to everyone around him? To play music with Jim Morrison was absolutely marvelous.” Speaking in tongues great music that still thrives today Manzarek. Using the medium of home through reissue CDs, classic-rock radio video, Manzarek has delivered what may Dances With formats — even MTV. But no other band be the only accurate portraits of the Wolves director oe) and star eis from this era can lay claim to the ex- band. First came 1985's Dance on Fire, an traordinary afterlife experienced by the extraordinary tape and laserdisc com- 1 Costner made film pilation of old and new film clips and Doors. Lead singer Jim Morrison’s face music videos; Live at the Hollywood Bowl, = history when he has graced more magazine covers in re- included dialog se- cent times than it ever did when he was released on both formats in 1987, cap- quences in the alive, and director Oliver Stone’s heavi- tures the band in its element, on stage f Native American ly fictionalized 1991 feature-film bio of and unexpurgated. And the just-re- Kevin Costner Lakota language the band (LIVE Home Video) intro- leased The Soft Parade—A Retrospec- duced millions more to the Doors’ tive —like the previous videos, directed (complete with English subtitles) in his Oscar-winning western, but few realized 10 VIDEO OCTOBER 1991

the full significance of this milestone. Until recently, the Lakota people were prevented by federal law from speaking their own language even in private, not to mention in front of millions of viewers around the world. “When I was in school, my parents could have been put in jail ifIused the oee language just among my friends,” ex- plains Doris Leader Charge, now an in- Native Culture: Doris Leader Charge (left, in Dances With Wolves) helps preserve the Lakota language. structor in the Lakota language at Sinte Gleska Community College on South dom of Religion Act in 1973. We just translator, dialog coach and technical Dakota’s Rosebud Reservation. ‘‘No- went underground with it.” But Leader body spoke it in public until the Free- adviser, as well as acting in the film in Charge helped make up for lost time the role of Sioux matriarch Pretty when she served as Dances With Wolves’ Shield. Leader Charge had her work cut out Las Vegas, Nevada—This year’s Video Software Dealers for her, juggling four jobs while working on her very first film. But perhaps the Association (VSDA) convention, held here in July, biggest challenge was teaching a group of actors—many of them Native Ameri- brought a flood of new release announcements and an can—a language none had ever even heard. And she had just three weeks to even greater variety of predictions about the future of pull it off: “Some were very serious home video. New satellite technologies may well put the about learning the language. To others it was just a job and they wanted to do it squeeze on traditional video rental stores in the 90s but, phonetically. I let them write it down the way they heard it, then I’d go back to paraphrase Mark Twain, reports of home video’s death and tell them what every word meant so they’d get the expressions right, too. have been greatly exaggerated. Both tapes and laserdiscs Whoever messed up their lines on a cer- tain day, I'd work with them after supper are burgeoning like never before. until one or two in the morning. But it took Kevin [Costner] chewing some Walt Disney Home Video stole the show by announcing the video release people out before everybody learned the language.” of its classic Fantasia (“Editor's Choice,” Sept. 91), but other announce- Was Leader Charge disappointed ments also piqued the crowd’s interest. Paramount’s October release of The none of her students won individual Godfather Part III will include nine minutes of footage not included in the Academy Awards? “‘These people were all working in a language they hadn’t theatrical version, courtesy of director Francis Ford Coppola. Also set for re- understood before —to me, that’s act- lease is a seven-cassette boxed set of all three Godfather movies plus a “making of ” documentary called The Godfather Family: A Look Inside. ing.” The documentary will only be available with the $150 “Collector’s Edition.” But far more important to Leader The laserdisc format received more attention than ever at VSDA. Disc Charge is the opportunity presented by Dances With Wolves (just released by distributor Image Entertainment celebrated by in- = Orion Home Video) to educate. the American public on issues involving Na- troducing a new catalog of the company’s titles— tive Americans. “I’ve been angry all my life,” she explains. “I’m 61 years old, and on an eight-inch CAV disc. Made of polycarbonate I know what we had at one time and can see what we have now. We [the (the relatively flexible substance compact discs are Lakotas] had the Black Hills stolen from us and have to fight for rights to our own made of), this laserdisc contains more than 3,500 water. And we don’t have enough jobs on the reservatio—na lot of people live still frames and includes not only the cover art for on a $320 government check. At least Dances With Wolves is showing people each title but such vital information as running what a beautiful life we had before it was all taken away. I’d go back to that life in time, number of sides, price and audio data. Image = a minute.” will update the $5 disc quarterly. In a startling show of confidence, Carolco Pic- tures CEO Peter Hoffman announced that the year’s most popular movie, Terminator 2, will be released to video in Decemberev—en though the film had yet to peak at the box office at the time of his announcement. In previ- ous eras, no mention of the video would have been allowed until the movie had run its course in theaters. But the theatrical and home video markets are now seen as distinct, yet synergistic entities. In other words, Hollywood can’t do a thing in 1991 without home video to bring in the big profits. + 4 «6 Shop ’Til You Drop. Where do you go to sell or find a used VCR? A cam- corder? An editing controller? As of now, you can try the local newsstand. Look for the premier issue of Video Shopper, a new bimonthly sourcebook for all manner of things video, with a special classified marketplace for formerly owned equipment. It’s a unique new publication, brought to you by the same folks who bring you Video Magazine and the quarterly Video Buyer’s Guides. OCTOBER 1991 VIDEO 114

au BERGER-BRAITHWAITE LABS STEREO VIDEO CASSETTE A Despite the public nel 3/4 RF output selecter on the back. perception that An edge-lit touch panel on the deck and Sony’s SL-HF2100 is one of the most VIDEOTEST Beta is dead, Sony an LCD touch panel on the remote con- anxiously awaited VCRs in history 605 continues to pro- trol all functions. because it resurrects the Beta Is Sup- duce Beta VCRs The deck control panel has graphics because Beta- er Hi-Band speed, which hasn’t been that designate the function of each spot. available since the SL-HF1000 (“Vid- eotests,” Dec. ’86). Betaphiles won’t philes love them, The graphics on the remote change into be disappointed, because the results at this speed are exceptional, and SONY buy them and one of 12 configurations to suit the oper- picture quality at the other speeds is Bee VOR. clamor for new ation at hand. For example, in normal in line with the best Beta VCRs. ventoofcheones. The latest is operation, it displays standard transport Sound quality is excellent. Ease of controls like play, rewind and stop. But use is good, and improves to excel- lent with familiarity. Overall perfor- when the user hits pause, the panel mance is very good to excellent — Be- taphiles will love it. 15th-anniversary model released in Ja- changes into something like a longitudi- recording and a pair of smaller heads for pan last year. Sony had not planned to nal jog/shuttle dial—moving a finger for- playback. This arrangement produces some noise on special effects, but im- bring it to the U.S., but reconsidered af- ward accesses forward search speeds; ter receiving hundreds of requests for rearward movement sends the deck into the machine from Video Magazine read- reverse. ers Its four heads do not serve the usual The SL-HF2100 breaks new ground functions. Instead of two pairs of heads in user interface design. Unlike any optimized for various speeds and ar- VCR we've seen, it has no buttons or ranged for the best special-effects play- switches, except for a mechanical chan- back, it uses a pair of larger heads for oony SL-HF2100 Price: $1,700 Outputs: 2—S-video/ just, sharpness, + and - Counter Digits: A-8, A-5 to A-1, A to Beta VER Mis audio, 1— (to adjust previous 5—hrs:mins:secs W, W+1 to W+84 Weight & Size (h/w/d): three functions), tone 24.3 Ibs; 4 x 18-3/8 x Front Panel Controls: on/off, tape select, edit, Audio: linear—mono; Timer: 8-event/1-month 18 inches power, eject, stop, play, audio monitor, com- hi-fi AFM—stereo rewind (search), fast mand mode, auto Special Features: still Tape Format & forward (search), record stereo, CATV and SAP Tuning Method: fre- frame, frame advance, Speeds: SuperBeta; (2), quick timer, timer quency synthesis slow motion, dual flying Bls, Bls SHB, Bil, Bill record on/off, record Remote Pause: Control erase heads, speed mode, antenna TV/ S, LANC (Control L) Channel Selectors: play, audio dub, video Video Heads: 4 VTR, counter reset, programmable scan on dub, insert edit, auto counter remain, tape Remote Control: IR VCR; scan plus direct rewind, indexing with Cue & Review Search: return, index, index wireless with backlit access from remote add and erase Bl—5x, Bll—10x, BIll— mark, index erase, in- LCD touch panel that 15x put select, S-video, changes with function; Preset Method: add/ Absent Features: channel + and -, Super bidirectional communi- erase from scan se- front-panel inputs, Fast Forward/Rewind Beta, Bls SHB, stereo cation with VCR; 12 quence headphone jack, titling/ Time: 4 min. for L-500 UR, audio insert, video screens for sleep (inac- graphics insert, synchro edit, tive), monitor/home, Broadcast Tuning Inputs: 2—S-video/vid- tuner add, tuner erase, command, clock set, Range: 2 to 13, 14 to RESULTS eo/stereo audio, 1— auto tracking, record tuner preset, tuner, tun- 69 video/stereo audio, 1— level, tracking/still ad- er 10-key, line in, timer Horizontal Resolution: set, timer check, shuttle Cable Tuning Range: 270-300 lines and index counter 125 channels—2 to 13, VPMLIEHODSORETSOOITGLERLSAOTPHS: 12 VIDEO OCTOBER 1991

Up to Speed: When we first saw HIGHLIGHTS The JVC AV- Sony’s SL-HF2100 Beta 3591S raises 35- VCR offers the Beta Is JVC's AV-3591S, it recording speed, previ- ously available only on VIDEOTEST attracted our at- a inch monitor/re- the discontinued SL- tention because of ggg gg ceiver perfor- HF 1000. 606 its impressive pic- mance to new heights. It has Dolby proves playback quality. Digital video ture and sound. processing also improves the picture. Three-Channel Stereo, which uses a But it held our at- The Beta Is Super Hi-Band speed is center speaker for dialog. We love its a welcome addition —it produces a re- tention because of digital video effects — especially split markably good picture from standard JVC its long list of at- Beta tape. It also records and plays all tractive features. screen, which shows two iil other Beta speeds, but does not record or play ED Beta tapes. Other features Leading the list is full images side by side, include dual flying erase heads, S-video Ai, artificial intel- inputs and outputs, index mark and 35-inch ligence circuitry and retro play, which re- erase, an automatic head cleaner and a LANC (Control L) jack for editing com- plays the last 2.4 seconds patibility with Sony and Canon cam- corders and many Sony VCRs. monitor/ that analyzes the of video in the PIP win- , user’s daytime and The SL-HF2100 barely resembles dow. Its picture and au- most VCRs. A dark brown translucent réecetver panel covers the front. A clock shines evening viewing dio quality are very good through dimly. The illuminated touch panel occupies the other side of this habits and displays to excellent, and its op- panel, which folds down. It includes a full set of controls for transport, audio, simultaneous, periodically updated dis- erational ease is very editing and other functions. The panel plays of the user’s three favorite chan- good. We rate it very nels for that time of day. It does the good to excell—enidteal same for volume, memorizing the levels for an A/V system. used during daytime and evening view- ing. When turned on, it starts with the channel index, freeze and retro play. Its sound system is equally impres- volume set to an appropriate level for sive, especially the Dolby Three-Chan- the time of day. nel Stereo decoder, which searches for sounds (such as dialog) that are in both A category preview function lets a channels of the audio, and routes them to the set’s center speaker. The set has user organize six categories of six chan- capable main speakers that can be posi- tioned at the front or the rear. Spatial ef- nels each for easy preview by type; for fects circuitry provides room-filling sound without using surround speakers. example, you could list MTV, VH-1 and Other audio facilities include an MTS/ the Nashville Network in the music cat- egory. Picture-in-picture (PIP) and split- screen require a second video source— pity there isn’t a second tuner. However. only a single source is needed for multi- S/N Ratios (dB): lumi- dB; linear (-3 dB)—75 Triple Play: JVC’s AV-3591S features Dolby Three-Channel Logic and a center-channel speaker. nance, unweighted— Hz-10 kHz Bls, 75 45.4 Bls SHB, 45.3 Hz-7.5 kHz Bil, 75 Bis, 45.2 BIl, 44 Bill; Hz-5 kHz Bill l5u1.m6inaBnicse,SHBw,eig5h1.t6ed— Sihmealies as Bis, 51.8 Bil, 50.3 Bill; Audio S/N: 43.6 dB video, unweighted--- 42.6 Bls SHB, 42.4 Audio Distortion: hi- Bis, 41.4 Bll, 39.9 BIIl; fi—0.3%; linear—0.9% video, weighted—50.9 RATINGS Bls SHB, 51.5 Bls, 51 Picture: excellent Bil, 50.3 BIll; chroma AM—43.9 Bls SHB, Audio: excellent 43.5 Bls, 43.6 Bil, 40.6 Ease of Use: good Bill; chroma PM—37.4 Overall: Bls SHB, 37.5 Bls, very good/excellent 37.5 Bil, 36.8 Bill Audio Frequency Response: hi-fi—20 Hz-20 kHz, +0.5/-2.3 OCTOBER 1991 VIDEO 13

SAP decoder, mute level preset and JVE AV-35915 Broadcast Tuning video/stereo audio (par- jack variable-level output for feeding an ex- 35-Inch Monitor/ Range: 2 to 13, 14 to allel with video 1); 69 reat—S-video/video/ RESULTS ternal audio system. Receiver stereo (video 1), video/ For improved picture quality there is Cable Tuning Range: stereo audio (video 2), Horizontal Resolution: 180 channels—2 to 13, dual RF 750-800 lines an S-video input, dynamic color en- A-8, A-4 to A-1, A to |, hancement circuitry, a wide-band comb J to W, W+1 to W+84 Outputs: video/fixed- Picture S/N (dB): filter, video noise reduction, a notch fil- level stereo audio, vari- luminance—54.5; vid- ter and wide-band video output. Other Remote Control: IR able-level stereo audio eo—54.7; chroma AM— useful features include a child timer 63.9; chroma PM—63.6 (which shuts off the set at a preset Price: $2,899 wireless with exposed External Speaker time), front panel audio/video inputs, buttons for power, Connectors: main—left Accuracy of Colors: dual RF inputs, recordable line output and right, spring clips very good/excellent menu, digital command and a learning remote. Internal Audio Audio Frequency The cabinet is only three inches Weight & Size (h/w/d):! menu and PIP (on, off, Amplifier Power: Response: line—20 swap, split, retro play, front main—12 watts/ Hz-20 kHz, +1.1/-2.4 larger than the picture tube on the top 185.5 Ibs; 29-1/2 x : freeze); cursor left, channel; front center—6 dB; speaker—50 Hz-15 and the sides. However, mounting the 35-1/4 (45 with speak- watts kHz, +/-3 dB speakers on the front increases overall tight, up and down; 10- width to about 45 inches. In the rear po- ers) x 23-7/8 inches digit keypad, return, Special Features: arti- Audio S/N: 67.9 dB sition, the speakers angle outward and ficial intelligence forward at about 45 degrees and spread Screen Size: 100+, A/V status/reset, channel display and Total Harmonic the sound over a wider area. The center 35 inches diagonally volume control, Dolby Distortion: 0.4% channel is especially useful in this setup. display, mute, channel 3-Channel Stereo, cen- Center-channel sound comes from a + and -, volume + and ter-channel speaker, RATINGS small grille centered below the picture -; under flap—buttons child lock, PIP, split tube. Basic controls sit to its right. A screen, retro play and Picture: compartment cover at left hides A/V in- Speaker Size: for learn, antenna/ca- video noise reduction very good/excellent ble, system on and off, puts and the vertical hold control. main—4-inch round in Absent Features: sur- Audio: The sides have holes for the screws bass reflex enclosures; PIP source, TV, video round amplifier and very good/excellent speakers, headphone on which the speakers hang. The rear center—2 x 5-inch oval 1, video 2, VNR, notch, Ease of Use: jack panel has two F-connectors for RF main/SAP, sound mode, very good input, but no loop-through output to mute and programma- Type of Tuning: ble keys A through L; Overall: frequency synthesis very good/excellent VCR power, channel + and -, rewind, play, fast Method of Tuning: forward, eject, record, programmable scan on stop and pause/still set; scan plus direct Inputs: front—S-video/ access on remote No matter how you take your coffee For addaitional information, circle No. 4 on Reader Service Card. 14 VIDEO OCTOBER 1991

feed a cable box, so an external splitter The set offers impressive horizontal jack, one input and two outputs for may be needed. The other jacks are for one S-video input, columns with video resolution of 750 to 800 lines. Accuracy Control S, and F-connectors for RF in and stereo audio for video 1, video 2 and of colors is very good to excellent. The and out. It also has four sets of S-video/ line out plus a pair for stereo output. picture adjustments cover a wide range, video/stereo audio jacks— two for input, Exposed on the remote control are power, channel, volume, menu system but the steps are a little large. The pic- two for output. There is a third A/V in- and PIP controls. A panel swings to the left to reveal source selecters, program- ture quality of the PIP and other digital put with no S-video connector. mable buttons, VCR controls and spe- cial-purpose buttons like video noise effects is good, but a little grainy. On The remote control is covered by an reduction on/off. some full-screen effects, color noise is LCD screen. It offers two-way commu- It’s easy to attach the speakers, con- noticeable. Picture quality is very good nication with the VCR. At the top is an nect the set to an A/V system, and per- form basic operations. However, making to excellent. alphanumeric display with two lines of picture and sound adjustments by cyc- ling through the options with the func- Audio quality is also very good to ex- eight characters each. Touch panel con- tion key, then making plus or minus adjustments, is a bit tedious. Most of the cellent. The directionality of the sound trols fill the rest of the screen. Space fancier options are adjustable only from the remote. You’ll need some time to and the effects modes are pleasing, but prevents us from listing every control discover and experiment with all the op- tions. Read the manua—lit describes all we miss the surround decoder and am- function on all 12 screens. Suffice it to the options in full, so you won’t miss any. plifiers used in last year’s model. Most say that each screen controls a particu- The set also offers a self-demo fea- ture that is like an onscreen instruction people who go to the trouble of provid- lar function, and all functions you would manual. The most complex operation is teaching the remote the commands for a ing for surround sound seem to prefer a expect are present. VCR or other device, but even this isn’t too hard as long as the manual is nearby. dedicated processor, larger amplifiers The new control panel system is so Operational ease is very good. and speakers, but for a built-in system, unusual it took us some time to get used this one performs well. Overall perfor- to it. It takes practice to hit the touch a pads squarely without triggering a neigh- mance is very good to excellent. boring key. It’s easy to double-trigger the keys—in other words, enter a command BETA VCR twice when you want to enter it once. continued from page 13 This can be a problem with the pause control, when a second, accidental next to the cassette hatch houses a mul- touch restarts the tape. Fortunately, a tifunction display and various indicators, beep signals that a command is accepted including one with rotating vanes that (and yes, the beep can be turned off). show tape direction and speed. The remote’s LCD screen can be The rear panel has a five-pin LANC | continued on page 74 Serve your 35mm slides and negatives any way you like with Fotovix Ill. It's the surprisingly affordable and easy to use photo-to-video processor that perks up business presentations and home photo libraries. Fotovix III also inputs instantly to floppy disks, for sharp computer imaging and desktop publishing. For larger format films, there’s the advanced Fotovix II-X. And ifspecial effects are your cup of tea, there’s Tamron’s Video Editor Il. , For a demonstration see a Tamron dealer or write T;A m R O n to: Tamron Industries, Inc., Box 388, PortWashington, NY 11050. In Canada: Amplis Foto, 22 Telson Road, Markham, Ont. L3R1E5. = OTOV ixX For additional information, circle No. 4 on Reader Service Card. OCTOBER 1991 VIDEO 15

VIDEOTESTS One of the first questions asked VIDEOTEST when Sony intro- 8x duced the 8mm 607 CCD-TR5 two Hi-Fi Stereo years ago was when a Hi8 ver- sion would be SONY available. The dis- appointing reply Hi8 was two years. But now the two years camcorder are up, and Sony’s MiresXe)a tsi subcompact Hi8 is Handycam even better than we expected. We're al- LVSIOEDNNYESO ready on the waiting list. The TR81 performs as well as most larger Hi8 camcorders, but it fits easily into a large purse, under a coat or in one of those soft pouches designed to carry 10 audio cassettes. It is more compact and easier to use than its big brothers, Pocket-Size Punch: Although Sony’s CCD-TR81 is the smallest Hi8 camcorder, it offers a full set of features. Sony’s CCD-V5000 and CCD-V801, but Sot it has all the features serious shooters demand. the-lens design used on most Sony cam- The Sony CCD- corders. At full wide-angle, it focuses al- TR81 is the answer The most striking is a new lens de- most to the face of the lens. Its new to our prayers—a manual focus ring feels like the smooth, camcorder with sign. It delivers full-range autofocu—sa precise rings found on 35mm SLR the convenience of a subcompact and the picture quality of the Hi8 format. first for Son—fyrom infinity to macro continued on page 74 Sony really put a lot of effort into this one, packing it with such useful fea- using an inner focus mechanism that is tures as remote control, manual iris faster and more stable than the through- and a new through-the-lens auto- focus system. The TR81 Sony CCD-TR81 1/4,000, 1/10,000 Microphone: stereo start/stop, tele, wide, has a very good picture, Hi8 Camcorder electret condenser with rewind/search, fast for- good to very good audio White Balance: switch- wind noise switch ward/search, stop, play and excellent opera- Price: $1,500 able—auto, hold, and pause/still tional ease. Overall indoor, outdoor Jacks: ext. mic, mic performance is very Weight & Size power, headphones, re- Counter Digits: good. To say we recom- (h/ wid): Viewfinder: electronic mote, DC power for RF 5—hrs:mins:secs mend it highly is an un- 1.8 Ibs. without battery with diopter, LED indi- adapter and switchable and cassette; 4-1/4 x cators for record, in/out jacks for S-video, Analog Audio: derstatement. 4-3/8 x 7-1/8 inches battery and cassette, video and mono/stereo hi-fi AFM stereo and onscreen indicators audio RESULTS Audio Frequency Image Sensor: 1/3-inch for WB mode, wind Titles/Graphics: one- Response: 20 Hz-7.5 CCD, 410,000 pixels noise switch, manual Tape Formats: Hi8, Page superimposer with Horizontal Resolution: kHz, +0/-3 dB, -12.7 dE focus, Hi8, standby, title 8mm scroll, reverse and 8 Hi8—390-400 lines; at 20 kHz Lens: f/1.6 to 2.2, 8x mode & color, tape colors 8mm—250 lines Audio S/N: 75.8 dB counter, shutter speed, Tape Speeds: SP (re- (7.8-62.4mm) two- zero memory, fader, cord and play), LP Special Features: fly- S/N Ratios (dB): lumi- Audio Distortion: 0.3% zoom/exposure gauge, (play) ing erase head, still nance—41.9 speed power zoom time zone number/day- frame, edit search, unweighted, 50.1 RATINGS light-saving, time zone Video Heads: 4 counter memory, clock weighted; video—40.2 Filter Diameter: 37mm name, date/time and adjustable for time unweighted, 47.2 Picture: very good warnings for dew, low Edit Search: bidirec- zone with daylight-sav- weighted; chroma AM— Autofocus: TTL with battery, cassette, head tional—approx. 1x ing switch, switchable 42.6 Hi8, 44.5 8mm; Audio: good/very good auto macro clog, clock battery and remote control, skip chroma PM—39.9 Hi8, eject Cue & Review Search: search, trigger-operated 39.6 8mm Ease of Use: excellent Minimum Illumination: approx. 7x auto fader, sound chan- Overall: very good rated—2 lux; meas- Viewfinder Controls: nel selector, insert edit ured—2.9 lux for 50 diopter focus, bright- Fast Forward/Rewind IRE ness Time: approx. 8 min. Absent Features: digi- for E6/P6-120 tal audio, digital effects, Iris: auto/manual with VCR Controls: all—re- time code, indexing, in- onscreen indicator wind/search, play, fast Remote Pause: LANC terchangeable lenses, forward/search, stop, PCM digital audio Shutter Speeds (sec.): pause and edit search Remote Control: IR normal (1/60), 1/100, wireless with hold 1/250, 1/1,000, 1/2,000, switch and buttons for 16 VIDEO OCTOBER 1991

A $12.95 value FREE when you purchase Scotch 8mm Videocassette 4-pack (Special promotional package — available in limited quantities) Get instant camcorder power when your rechargeable (Batteries not mchcee) pack runs out. Fits most 8mm camcorders just like your regular NiCad battery pack! (See package for details.) Lasts up to 2 hours with 5 DURACELL replaceable 9-volt alkaline batteries. Scotch 8mm Videocassettes Deliver accurate detail, outstanding sound and bright color. The metal particle (MP) coating produces superior recording density, high magnetic coercivity, and higher signal retention. The special “lock-out” feature pro- tects your treasured recording from accidental erasure or re-recording. For more information about Scotch 8mm Videocassettes write to: 3M Consumer Video and Audio Products Division, 3M Center Building 223-5N-01, St. Paul, MN 55144-1000. Recording is im VIDEOCASSETTES 20 mFadae esaispy with Makes It Easy Videocassettes 36USC380 ©3M 1991 Innovation working for you~ elilem is 216)-7:\\etee Battery Pack. pnal information, circle No. 5 on Reader Service Card. Worldwide Sponsor 1992 Olympic Games

VIDEOTESTS Low-Cost Luxury: Although Panasonic's LX-101 is one of the most affordable laserdisc players, it offers high-end features like a timebase corrector and clear CLV scanning. TTT | Panasonic’s LX- separate luminance and chrominance High-end VCR 101 borrows some features have been (Y/C) signals, laserdisc players require a trickling down to VIDEOTEST of the technology Y/C separator to feed an S-video jack. budget decks for Unless this Y/C separator is better than 608 used in the com- the one already built into your monitor, PANASONIC pany’s $1,400 an S-video jack doesn’t do your laserdisc years, and now the same thing is hap- combi LX-1000, but costs player much good. The LX-101’s digital pening with laserdisc players. Pan- much less. Like asonic’s LX-101 is one of the least expensive combi players available, the LX-1000, it Y/C separator should outperform those of all but the best monitors, making the features a digital yet its capabilities mirror those of timebase correc- deck’s S-video jack a useful plus. It does not deliver special effects like many costly machines. One of its tor, digital Y/C still, step and multispeed playback on nicest features is clear search on CLV separation and M h. ’ CLV discs. However, it features a clear- discs, which is much more useful P layer MASH fie it scan mode that displays clear still frames than than the noisy search produced alternating with black frames, which we by most low-cost disc players. It also digital-to-analog audio conversion. The find much more pleasing than the crude features a timebase corrector, digital timebase corrector produces straight, Y/C separation and a MASH digital- to-analog converter like those used crisp vertical edges and greatly reduces CLV search most budget players pro- in the best Technics CD players. It duce. On CAV discs, it produces still, has very good to excellent picture vertical jitter. The MASH D/A convert- step (frame advance) and multispeed quality, competitive with some of the play, all without sound. It plays five-inch best players available. Its audio is ex- er allows even the faintest sounds to be continued on page 74 delivered virtually free of distortion. Unlike VCRs, which readily produce Panasonic LX-101 Price: $609 time mode, intro scan, stereo/2 ch. with MASH cellent and ease of operation is very laserdisc Player program, recall, clear, good for very good to excellent over- Weight & Size (h/wid): Panasonic 20.3 Ibs; 4-1/2 x 17 x mode, 10+, 10-digit D/A conversion all performance. At $600, it is a bar- 16-3/8 inches keypad, repeat, repeat Special Features: still gain we recommend highly. Disc Formats: A-B, digital/analog/Cx, frame, frame advance, laserdisc—12-inch and audio level, audio se- slow motion (7 steps, Horizontal Resolution: alog—65.6 8-inch CAVs and CLVs; lect, stop, pause, play, as slow as one frame CD—5-inch and 3-inch; speed -, speed + and 420 lines 5-inch CD-V forward/reverse pairs every 3 seconds), for multispeed, still/ speed play to 3x, digital S/N Ratios (dB): tAuadlieo sDistthoarnti0o.n:02%d,igi- Cue & Review Search: step, scan and skip TBC, digital Y/C sep- about 10x for first 2 aration, MASH D/A luminance—49.3 un- analog—0.4% seconds, then about Counter Digits: chap- conversion, shuttle dial 30x; CAV end to end— ter/track—1 through 16 on player, programmed weighted, 49.9 40 secs. max.; CLV with over indicator; in- play up to 20 chapter/ end to end—1 min. 45 dex/program—2, weighted; video—47.2 RATINGS secs. max. frame—5 or time—4 tracks, edit play, warp (mins:secs) and onscreen displays unweighted, 50.2 Maximum Direct including audio level, Search Time: Program Start weighted; chroma AM— 4 seconds Locator/index/Cue: time remaining and to- 44.4; chroma PM—40.4 | Picture: chapter/track, index, tal time very good/excellent Remote Control: IR time or frame, A-B re- Audio Frequency wireless with buttons peat Absent Features: jog Response: digital—20 Audio: excellent for open/close, display, dial, special effects on CLVs, digital effects Hz-20 kHz, +0.3/-0.2 dB; analog—20 Hz-20 | Ease of Use: kHz, +1.3/-1.8 dB very good Audio S/N (dB): Overall: digital—102; an- very good/excellent Audio: analog FM— RESULTS 18 VIDEO OCTOBER 1991

x New Echostar 710 The Smart Choice Satellite System Fisher’s FVC990 camcorder is ina Complete Control From class by itself. It’s lighter, faster, smarter Now NBO (Name Brands and easier to use than FF Only) gives you all the ever before. A unique equipment you need to ] horizontal design experience the latest in 8} comfortably fits the oe ai oe satellite home theater way that most users operate their camcorders — with both entertainment. The new hands. Its advanced, three-way fuzzy logic circuitry Echostar 710 satellite system from guarantees that the automatic focus, white balance and iris Echosphere Corporation, for example, lets virtually select the most accurate and logical settings. The you control an entire satellite system from a i FVC990 also features complete, menu-driven viewfinder single hand remote, silently, easily and from fH controls, stereo Hi Fi recording and a full-function wireless any room in the house. It’s one example of = remote control that operates its high speed shutter (up to the many name brands you can buy from i 1/10,000 second), 8:1 zoom, as well as eight color title and NBO (HTS, RCA, GE, KOSS, and others) with no-money-down superimposition functions. financing for as little as $29 per month. We provide all the equipment and know-how you need — from the satellite dish to For more information contact: Fisher Audio/Video, 21350 an entire RCA home theater audio/video system. Lassen St., Chatsworth, CA 91311; Tel: 818-998-7322. Order our FREE catalog to learn more about our products and about Circle Showcase # 2 the satellite home theater experience. Call: 1-800-346-6466 AV AAAAAAS Circle Showcase # 1 VS3 oesgE he \\ Z_\\) SA/S eee. \\N | SHOP WITH THE VIDEO SHOWCAS Get more information on any advertisers featured in Video Showcase or find out where the nearest dealer isfor that product. Simply cirde the produd number along with your desired shopping option and we'll do the rest! | Showcase #1 Showcase #3 | Plus, in every issue, A. Send me literature A. Send me literature | :essful newsletter that B. Send me dealer information | tlike you who want to buy, | B. Send me dealer information Showcase #4 | ‘ed to video. | Showcase #2 A. Send me literature | A. Send me literature B. Send me dealer information B. Send me dealer information Name State Lip Phone | in receive 6 issues of |} ney order to VIDEO Address City 10001 | Seas

VIDEOTESTS — Low-Cost Luxury: Although Panasonic's LX-101 is one of the most affordable laserdisc players, it offers high-end features like a timebase corrector and clear CLV scanning. ee ; | Panasonic’s LX- | separate luminance and chrominance : 101 borrows some | (Y/C) signals, laserdisc players require a High-end VCR VIDEOTEST of the technology | Y/C separator to feed an S-video jack. features have been 608 used in the com- | Unless this Y/C separator is better than trickling down to PANAS 0)l|( combi pany’s $1,400 | the one already built into your monitor, budget decks for LX-1000, but costs | an S-video jack doesn’t do your laserdisc ||years, and now the same thing is hap- much less. Like | player much good. The LX-101’s digital ||pening with laserdisc players. Pan- the LX-1000, it | Y/C separator should outperform those | | asonic’s LX-101 is one of the least features a digital | of all but the best monitors, making the expensive combi players available, timebase correc- | deck’s S-video jack a useful plus. yet its capabilities mirror those of tor, digital Y/C It does not deliver special effects like ||many costly machines. One of its separation and | still, step and multispeed playback on | | nicest features is clear search on CLV player MMaAtSsHushointea-b’ist || sCcLaVn mdoisdces. tHhoawtedviesrp,layist cfleeaatrurestsillafrclaemaers- | |dtihsacns, which is much more useful than the noisy search produced digital-to-analog audio (ann ale ne tine encieh black feamac hich wo hy mact lauwecact dice nlavers It_alca timebase corrector pro crisp vertical edges and vertical jitter. The MAS] er allows even the fainte delivered virtually free c Unlike VCRs, which LPaasnearsdoinisiec PLlXa-y1e0r1 |ay ei 16-~ magazin\" e 10117-0460 460 WEST 34th STREET Dis lase NEW YORK, NEW YORK 8-in CD- 5-in Caubeo sec 7, Panasonic end sec: Ma) Sez 4s) Ret wire for 18 VIDEO OCTOBER 1991

New Echostar 710 FISHER FVC990 eld Camcorder Satellite System The Smart Choice | Complete Control From SS\\Any Room! Fisher’s FVC990 Now NBO (Name Brands camcorder is ina Only) gives you all the equipment you need to class by itself. It’s experience the latest in satellite home theater lighter, faster, smarter his SHSHER entertainment. The new and easier to use than sg Echostar 710 satellite system from Echosphere Corporation, for example, lets ever before. A unique you control an entire satellite system from a horizontal design single hand remote, silently, easily and from any room in the house. It’s one example of comfortably fits the ' the many name brands you can buy from NBO (HTS, RCA, GE, KOSS, and others) with no-money-down way that most users operate thelt cceee — with both financing for as little as $29 per month. We provide all the equipment and know-how you need — from the satellite dish to hands. Its advanced, three-way fuzzy logic circuitry an entire RCA home theater audio/video system. guarantees that the automatic focus, white balance and iris Order our FREE catalog to learn more about our products and about the satellite home theater experience. Call: 1-800-346-6466 virtually select the most accurate and logical settings. The Circle Showcase # 1 FVC990 also features complete, menu-driven viewfinder controls, stereo Hi Fi recording and a full-function wireless remote control that operates its high speed shutter (up to 1/10,000 second), 8:1 zoom, as well as eight color title and superimposition functions. For more information contact: Fisher Audio/Video, 21350 Lassen St., Chatsworth, CA 91311; Tel: 818-998-7322. Circle Showcase # 2 OP/TECH USA Compact Video Strap All New! VIDEO SHOPPER & Fast Cap Magazine For The Camcorder Hands-On Video User Comfort and Convenience Are you a video enthusiast who rolls up his sleeves and OP/TECH USA's new works with video? Then the Compact Video Strap takes @ new magazine VIDEO the strain out of carrying a SHOPPER is designed for camcorder. Using soft, you. Articles stress durable neoprene and a how-to-do-it unique “comfort stretch” information, editing, backing, this product is the pre- and post most comfortable video production, taping strap available. It makes even the heaviest techniques, program fi@ae camcorders feel 50 percent fighterand 100 percent more comfortable, and is available in seven fashion colors. For even more collecting and new convenience, OP/TECH USA offers the Fat Cap, a revolutionary lens products and cover. It attaches to a lens or filter, the base stays in place while the accessories that help yo! hinged, spring-loaded lid can be flipped open by a flick of the thumb. upgrade and enhance your video system. Plus, in every issue, The Fast Cap is the last cap you'll ever need. you'll find VIDEO TRADER, our very successful newsletter that contains hundreds of ads from people just like you who want to buy, For more information, contact OP/TECH USA, 290 sell or trade anything and everything related to video. Arden Dr., Belgrade, MT 59714; (406) 388-1377. For a $9.97 subscription price, you can receive 6 issues of Circle Showcase # 3 VIDEO SHOPPER. Send check or money order to VIDEO SHOPPER, 460 West 34th St., NY, NY 10001 Circle Showcase # 4

CAMCORNERSTATE OF THE ART When time is short, edit as you shoot. BY JAMES CARUSO time during shooting to concentrate on enhanced with wipes, freeze frames and AND MAVIS ARTHUR the creative side —how shots are to be simulated dissolves. Or shooters can framed, which camera moves to use, sto- freeze a title card, then scroll the art- Editing is a necessary part of making vid- ry pacing and the like. And it more than work or superimpose words over live eotapes, a time-consuming task that can pays for itself in time saved from post- video. be frustrating as well as satisfying. But production tasks. there’s a way to edit home videos that The starting point of an edit-as-you- The technique isn’t appropriate for shoot project is to write out a plan listing can save time, effort and money, while all subjects, and shouldn’t be used to re- all the elements that will require atten- teaching you to see the subjects you’re place conventional editing, which offers tion. In particular, it should include the shooting in a very different light. capabilities and performance levels that can’t always be matched in the field. But title of the production, the dialogue and The way to do this is to edit as you when opportunity knocks, you can save other audio effects (including music), shoot. We used this technique recently time and energy by editing as you the people and places to be shot, and to create a video we were asked to pro- shoot—and experience the unique ex- duce for a local hospital. The hospital hilaration of seeing your tape come to- any title cards, credits, charts or other didn’t have funds for a full-scale produc- gether as it’s being shot. pieces of art needed to help viewers un- tion, but we eliminated most costs by derstand or enjoy the tape. editing as we shot, and finished the tape Moreover, newer camcorders — from much more quickly. ultra minliikse J,VC’s VHS-C GR-AX10, The tape we shot focused on a new facility for expectant mothers and new- The technique is not a replacement to top-of-the-line models, like its born infants. The hospital needed a S-VHS-C GR-S505 — have features that short video to explain how the center for conventional editing, but it’s a pow- make this style of shooting easier. worked, to be used at gatherings of par- erful option to have at your command — ents. We started with a title, The Birth especially because the secret is so sim- Camcorders with flying erase heads, like Center. It’s not an exciting or a clever ti- ple. In fact, it can be summed up in one Ricoh’s Hi8 R-808H, smooth scene tran- tle, but it describes what the tape is word: planning. Plan the order of your sitions. Others allow users to shift auto- about and helped to keep us on track as shots, then shoot them in sequence. matically from record mode to last-shot we shot. Plan the credits, plan the graphics, plan review then back to record at the se- the audio and plan the scene transitions lected edit-in point. Scene Next, we worked through the audio so that all these elements are transitions can be problems. Recording high-quality sound on location is among the most difficult ready when they’re needed. challenges videomakers face because This means extra work there are so many uncontrollable vari- ables. If dialogue is to be recorded, the before shooting starts, first question to ask is: What other but it’s work that sounds are already present in each loca- leaves more tion? If these sounds add to the story, they should be included. If they detract from the story, they should be elimi- nated, if possible. If you plan to record live comments, you'll need a separate microphone. While a camcorder's lens can see as far as the horizon, its built-in microphone can only pick up sounds in the immedi- ate vicinity. A handheld or lavaliere mic will make it possible to reach out and catch the voices you need. A headphone will let you monitor the audio as you shoot. The Birth Center production pre- sented unique audio problems in that a hospital is not a quiet environment. In James Caruso’s and Mavis Arthur's latest book is Video Lighting and Special Ef- fects (Prentice Hall, 1990). RCHEREIDS 22 VIDEO OCTOBER 1991

1990 Thomson Consumer Electronics, Inc. {The new Pro 850 Snam Camcorder Works like Goliath. Looks like David.| The new RCA Pro 850 8mm Camcorder weighs from one subject to the next. Theres a flying erase 1.7 pounds, is the size ofapaperback, and does ¢ head, a filter that cuts wind noise, and a two- absolutely everything, including making people page titler. All of which can go in your pocket, op a feat your RCA dealer will deftly arrange smile. It has a super-fast lens (f1.8) for great - Py color in low light. The infrared focusing re# if you'll just stop by. To find out where to system doesnt blur when you go Changing Entertainment. Again” find him, call 1-800-336-1900.

fact, we felt that snes . phones ring- that’s shot and edited at the same time. in sequence. Then, using the speaking ing, people being paged and the like Most people think a script is hard to times, we wrote out a shot list from the would be so distracting that we decided write. Even the head nurse who had script to use as we were shooting. to omit an audio narration track. At been conducting live tours of the birth For example, the narration welcom- each screening of the video, a represen- center felt this way. We're here to tell ing expectant parents to the hospital tative from the birth center would deliv- you a basic script is not difficult. We and describing what they could expect er the voiceover live. turned the nurse into a scriptwriter just upon their admission took 60 seconds. This approach had several advan- by having her talk into a small audio re- The dialogue told parents to go through tages. It made each presentation more corder on her next tour. With a little | the main entrance if they arrived be- personal. It also kept the production polishing, this became our written script, tween 7 a.m. and II p.m. and to use the within our very limited budget because which was invaluable even though the Emergency Room (ER) entrance if they it eliminated the need for an audio re- text did not go on an audio track. arrived later. cording studio. Most important, it climi- Working out the video was easy at Based on this approach, our shot list nated all the audio problems associated this point because the script gave us the looked like the portion below. We used with location recording. However, we information we needed to complete our standard film abbreviations for terms | decided to lay in a music track under the edit-as-you-shoot production plan. It like close-up (CU), wide shot (WS), me- entire show by doing one edit after the told us: shooting was complete. dium wide shot (MWS) and point of e Which locations to shoot. view (POV). Even though the audio problems @ The shot sequence, from the title SHOT & DESCRIPTION. . LENGTH to “THE END.” ’ 1. Fade in to CU of hospital were resolved, we still could not start shooting because we did not have the e The length of each shot —essen- sign (the title)......... 0:15 seconds most important part of any video pro- tially how long it took to say the words 2. Tilt down and pan to WS duction plan—the script. The script in- describing a particular feature of the cludes not only the words that are going center. ot frontidoorss soci ares ccs 0:08 3. CUT to MWS POV to be said, but other information neces- The next part of the plan was to sary to produce the tape, especially one walking to admission desk ..... 0:07 time the script’s descriptive statements 4. CUT to CU of Emergency Room sign Bpuiveo ritiess from street, pan to ER doors .. .0:07 VIDEO TITLES& 5. CUT to POV through doors-todesksnitaiense sites seis0:10 SPECIAL EFFECTS Now you can add professionally 6. CUT to WS of desk .......... 0:05 duced 3D animated titles to your home 7. CUT to pan of admission videos! It’s as easy as copying a tape! {OTINSsa te ee ee eae es 0:08 END All you need is a camcorder and VCR and you can make your videotapes sparkle Total for sequence.............. 0:60 with a network quality look & sound! We timed all the camcorder moves This ssaseianl titling, music & sound effects package boasts true network quality with a stopwatch before we rolled tape. 3D graphics (notAmiga® or home PC type) with synchronized original music and When we started recording, we used the sound effects to enhance your next home or professional video. counter indicator in the viewfinder to Volume One includes: Wedding (various), Honeymoon, Happy New Year, time the shots so they would match the Valentine’s Day, Happy Birthday, Halloween, Christmas, Vacation, Graduation, narrative time in the script. Hanukkah, Let’s Party, The End, Produced By, Starring, etc. Over 50 animated titles, The timing of a shot is critical, espe- Backgrounds and Special Effects in all! cially if it includes a move. In other 1-800-326-1387 continued on page 100 609-429-7144Or send check or money order to:e |\" MasterCard Creative Video Images 200 W. ® Somerdale Rd. © Suite G » Voorhees, NJ 08043 Specify VHS or Beta Alo Avalloble, SVHS, 8MM & HE8MM (Add $10.00) J‘B“/U9(JDPO9UBODINO4PUIADHDOJDOYEOWIYSIPOPJDU! OUR ENGINEERS HAVE SUCCEEDED DESIGN & ENGINEERING we proudly announce our Newest & Best: THE 50/60 HZ DIGITAL FRAME CONVERTER the only VCR/STANDARDS CONVERTER in the world that e plays PAL & SECAM on any NTSC TV e has no vertical hold problems e allows you to make copies of foreign tapes comes with cable ready tuner & RF modulator retails at $1,295. TOLL FREE 1-800-749-8779 INSTANT REPLAY 2601 S. Bayshore Dr., Miami, FL 33133

Special moments. You relive them each time you They’re packed with the latest features and very remember them. And when a moment is really special, easy to use, so you'll never miss the moment. They’re you celebrate it with something that’s truly befitting. Compact VHS, so you’ll never have to let go of the moment either — the cassettes you record fit right into At JVC, we know. That’s why we create each of our your VHS VCR for easy playback (via ““VHS Playpak”’ Compact VHS camcorders to fit those moments or directly on a JVC F/C-compatible VCR). A natural fit for the way you live. perfectly. Compact enough to fit comfortably in your hand, lightweight for fatigue-free shooting, crafted Special moments. Record them, relive them, and ergonomically so that simple things — like changing celebrate them with JVC Compact VHS camcorders. cassettes — don’t mean you have to change the hand The Perfect Fit. that holds the camcorder. GMIRNI-CAOXM5PAUCT VHS CAMCORDER MGIRNI-ACOXM1P0ACUT VHS CAMCORDER GCHiO-RFMi-PSSATCXET9RE0SO-UVHCSAMCORDER GR-303U GR-S505U CHSAMCORDER HCiO-FMiPSATCETRESO-V COMPACT VHS CAMCORDER

TOMORROW Interactive CDs: Are they hot...or not? BY STEVE DITLEA promising field of videotext. Back then, ture elements (about a quarter of a major corporations were also throwing What if someone introduced a new money at a nascent technology. Unfor- standard TV screen) at 15 frames per home video format and nobody cared? tunately, after several costly false starts, In an era of sophisticated marketing and the sole surviving-consumer videotext second (half the standard video rate) customer testing, it seems unlikely the service in the U.S. is Prodigy, a joint without compression. The addition of consumer electronics industry would venture of IBM and Sears. With many of data compression formulas using the shoot itself in the assets, yet this could today’s interactive video advocates suf- chip standard recently agreed to by happen with the delivery to stores of the fering from “prestalgi—aa”n uncritical MPEG (Motion Picture Expert Group) first new home entertainment format of longing for what hasn’t yet happened— should bring CDTV up to snuff for dis- the ’90s. Spurred by the spectacular suc- their efforts may similarly disappoint cess of CDs, the multinational standard consumers. playing full-length movies. The MPEG bearers of consumer electronics are bet- chip is expected to be available to con- ting that similar digitally encoded, five- The expo spotlighted the imminent sumers by 1992. inch aluminum and plastic platters will face-off between rival CDTV and CD-I heighten viewer involvement with video video formats. Home computer maker In the meantime, leading-edge by giving passive couch potatoes active, Commodore boasted that its CDTV sys- CDTV programs at the expo—like a varied opportunities to control the tem, built around the Amiga 500 com- world atlas with detailed maps and snip- course of new entertainment and educa- puter, had already begun shipping. It tional programs. But after years of also proudly demonstrated the latest pets of traditional music —suffered from tweaking, this could be a format whose CDTV breakthrough: full-motion video a discernible lag time between when in- time has finally come...and already gone. using a resolution grid of 160 by 100 pic- formation is requested and when it is re- trieved from the disc, long enough at Such thoughts came to mind during Games Galore: least for viewers to lose interest. How- NEC’s TurboGrafx CD ever, as Commodore’s Nolan Bushnell a pioneering trade show, the Home- whodunit Sherlock observes, recalling an old joke about two Media Expo, held recently at the Bev- HoJmes, Consulting De- campers confronted by a grizzly bear, erly Hilton Hotel. The expo marked the tective (above) and the first time such leading-edge consumer CD-| offering ABC “We just have to outrun the other guy.” multimedia systems have been exhibited Sports Golf: Palm in the heart of show biz country, in this Springs Open (left). The other guy in this race is Philips, case before blue chip audiences of hard- which is about to launch CD-I, based on ware and programming insiders. an interactive CD video standard al- The atmosphere was reminiscent of ready adopted by most consumer elec- ’80s trade shows devoted to the then- tronics giants, including Sony, Matsu- shita (Panasonic), Pioneer, Sanyo and Yamaha. The first consumer CD-I play- ers, available in October for $1,400, will cost more than their CDTV counter- parts, priced under $1,000, and will also have to wait for MPEG chips to play full-length movies. But CD-I won’t be compatible with CDTV. This means we may see a replay of divisive format wars of the sort that pit- ted Beta against VHS in the early days of VCRs, a situation which is bound to turn off consumers in the mass market, where a uniform standard has to prevail. After all, as Bernard Luskin, president of American Interactive Media (AIM), Philips’ CD-I software development firm, notes: “All toasters toast toast.” There is lots of talk in CD video cir- cles about the need for a so-called killer ap, an application that will make inter- active video irresistible, the way superior classical music reproduction sparked CD player sales. When asked what sort of “ap” might motivate someone to plunk down $1,400 for a CD-I player, AIM 26 VIDEO OCTOBER 1991

Sa faceana chief Gordon Stulberg, former head of velopers who understand interactive mentary sequences and historical back- 20th Century Fox, indicated that no sin- video. grounders on musical styles. ABC News gle program will be enough, but rather a The expo also provided a unique op- Interactive takes a similarly unimagina- combination of applications for an entire portunity to see the best pioneering pro- tive approach with titles like Mission the family. However, he did cite enthusiastic | grams interactive video has to offer. For Moon and Drugs and Substance Abuse reaction at the exhibit to ABC Sports instance, NEC’s new TurboGrafx CD that seem unabashedly targeted at Golf: Palm Springs Open, a golf simula- game Sherlock Holmes, Consulting Detec- boards of education. tion only marginally more vivid than tive incorporates ample video sequences For some observers, rushing into in- | games already on personal computers. | of live actors, shot in period costumes. teractive programming for systems hob- When pressed, Stulberg says CD-I | Even more intriguing is a VCR-based bled as yet by their inability to display players will lead to lower costs for pre- | branching video that toy maker Hasbro full-screen, full-motion video makes lit- recorded videos. Once MPEG chips are never marketed. Night Trap is a B-mov- tle sense, except as hype for the technol- available, 140 minutes of full-motion | ie-style tale about vampires stalking ogy. Technovisionary Ted Nelson, who video on two CDs would cost 40 percent teen-age girls who can only be saved by first wrote about interactive “hyperme- less to manufacture than a comparable |the intervention of a button-pushing dia” more than 20 years ago, criticizes videocassette. In an era when the sale of | game player. X-rated programming too “the Hollywoodization of interactive prerecorded tapes is surpassing rentals, was represente—dby computer artist stuff, the gossip, the deal making, the this could be significant. But would the Mike Saenz with Virtual Valerie, an erot- | stupid catch phrases and the lemming savings be passed on to consumers? ic CD-based cartoon. ; behavior before the technology is ready.” Rival interactive executives Bush- Dollars alone do not guarantee suc- Another critical viewpoint comes from nell and Stulberg agree on one issue: | cess. For example, Warner New Media, Robert Stein, head of the Voyager Co., a Ground-breaking programs will have | a venture of Time-Warner Inc., calls leading developer of interactive laser- to come from new talents. Many of “The Whole Megillah” its ultimate vi- discs. Noting that the standard being set CDTV’s first programs come from com- sion of interactive music videos. But the for CD video is “barely as good as VHS,” Stein cautions against a headlong | puter game publishers like Spectrum snore-inducing result, The Fleetwood plunge into the technology. “Are we | Holobyte, Interplay and Maxis, but Macro Album, only allows viewers the there doesn’t seem to be a killer ap dubious option of switching instantane- willing to have 10 years of limited quali- among them. However, by unleashing ously between concert and MTV-style ty,” he asks, “when the point is not to | CDTV on the popular Amiga platform, video versions of the group’s greatest sell boxes, but to do something people Bushnell hopes to encourage home de- hits, as well as among interviews, docu- will like?” 5 RESTORE YOUR CAMCORDER BATTERY TO FULL CAPACITY — TC200 TURBO se CAMCHARGER™ “ot AC/DC Battery Charger Equipped with and Reconditioner the most advan- The charge capacity of nickle-cadmium (NiCd) Bat- ced circuitry, teries is often reduced thru repeated use and over- 1C200 “recondi- charge. For example, a bat- Viewfinder display on camcorder tions” NiCd batteries tery that used to work for indicatetshe need to replace battery. by reversing the mem- one hour may only run for 15 r Memory Effect minutes. This reduced ory effect. Not only charge capacity is called © 100200300400$00 a “battery memory’ Recharges Times does it give you the 100% charge Now, with TC200 TURBO Change corcapacity is reduced by CAMCHARGER.™ you can memory effect. capacity you expect, it Plug into restore NiCd batteries to ee TURBO CAMCHARGER™ their full capacity and enjoy * also provides overcharge today, and get the maximum power, both in DISCHARGE. and outside your home. protection fo maximize most out of your Memousrey ofefTfuecrtbo isCealmicmhianragteerd. with batteries and battery life Camcorder. Battisererstyored to 1OO% full charge capacity. and perfor- mance. TC200 also offers the convenience of AC/DC operation. ARKON RESOURCES, INC. 11627 Clark St. Ste. 101 » Arcadia * CA * 91006 * USA Tel: (818) 358-1133 * Fax: (818) 303-6157 For additional information, circle No. 6 on Reader Service Card. OCTOBER 1991 VIDEO 27

BY RODERICK WOODCOCK Resolution charts, 8mm VCRs and disc flicker [|]I’m interested in measuring the hor- with it may be confined to Channel 3 or the next frame converts to two fields. Channel 4 for all recordings. Check with izontal resolution of my S-VHS your cable company to ascertain what This process, called “3:2 pulldown,” is its requirements are before you buy camcorder. Can you tell me where I this or any VCR. repeated so that 24 frames of film (one could obtain a test pattern for this pur- second) equal 60 fields (30 frames, or pose? Charles L. Melcher one second) of video. This removes the West Redding, Connecticut black bar, but a related probl—eflmick- er—can crop up if the transfer isn’t done A eee resolution charts are avail- What causes some of the still frames correctly. able from professional video dealers. on my laserdiscs to jitter? Occasion- Flicker occurs when fields from two If you want to purchase one by mail, try Nalpak Sales, 1937-C Friendship Drive, ally, there’s sort of a second image in the different video frames are recorded to- El Cajon, CA 92020. background. Rob Simmons gether as a single disc frame. The effect Ventura, California is compounded if the subjects in the frames don’t move. Careful attention to ‘Ate problem is caused by a poor field dominance— the field on which a transfer. All films transferred to vid- [i]I’ve been considering an 8mm VCR, new picture appears—will solve the specifically the Sony EVS-550. Are eo have to allow for the discrepancy be- tween the framing rates employed by the problem, but the sequencing must be there any other 8mm VCR brands be- two media. Film is shot at 24 frames per sides Sony? Will the EVS-550 give me maintained throughout an entire film, the best possible results off premium ca- second, while video uses 30 fps. If you ble channels like HBO and Showtime? try to transfer film straight from the pro- with careful attention also paid to the Is there any other deck (other than Hi8, jected image to a video camera, this dif- which I’m not interested in) which ference causes flicker and an annoying edit points where the scene changes. would work as well? black bar that floats through the picture. Early VCRs with special effects Ray N. Haliburton Professional film-to-video convert- Montgomery, Alabama ers, or telecines, eliminate the bar by al- would often produce flicker on still ternating the number of frames alloted [}<- Sony’s only other current table- for each video field. The first frame of frames, because the heads would read model 8mm VCRs are the Hi8 film converts to three video fields, while conflicting parts of adjacent frames. But EVS-900 and the EV-C3, which has no tuner. Sony also offers three Video the problem was solved ingeniously, by Walkman TVCRs that come with tun- ers, but have only limited program- designing heads that would read only mability. Kodak and Sanyo made 8mm VCRs in the early days of the format, one field of video instead of two, scan- but those models have long since been discontinued. ning it twice in order to produce a However, the EVS-550 would be frame. rT great for cable recording. Its 194-chan- nel, cable-capable tuner is versatile Flicker Fixer: F(i2l4m FPS) enough to receive all unscrambled chan- To avoid flicker and a nels your system may be transmitting. black bars caused by Oo mismatched frame Oo But be warned that premium channels tates, professional film- Oo are handled differently by various cable Oo to-video converters al- a) companies. If your service uses a con- ternate the numbers of oO verter or decoder box, any VCR you use video fields used to re- Oo Video Magazine welcomes your questions. cord each film frame, a oO Please include a phone number, but not a process called 3:2 pull- Oo return envelope as the volume of mail does a not permit replies. All letters may be edited down. Oo for clarity and space. Address queries to Q Oo & A, Video Magazine, 460 West 34 Street, oO New York, NY 10001. oO ia} ao Qa o Oo Qo Oo KJRUIZASITTIIN 28 VIDEO OCTOBER 1991

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BY FRANK BEACHAM PANASONIC PT-10L LCD mini-projector powers maxi image | Have you ever encountered a new tech- any other conventional video source is) nology and felt immediately that the de- all that’s needed. A mono audio inputis) vice using it could change the way we live? It happened to me in 1968 when I present to serve the projector’s small was working as a cameraman at the 0.8-watt internal speaker. Setup and ad) Democratic National Convention in Chicago. Toting more than 40 pounds of justment are similar to those of a slide film gear, I happened to glance at a young Japanese man carrying a small projector. Find a screen or some blank) portable TV camera and videotape re- corder— the original Sony Portapak. In- wall space, as I did, and aim the projec stantly, I knew I was seeing the future. tor. Turn out the lights. Rotate the front} It’s happened again with Panasonic’s lens assembly until the image is in focus) Palm-Size Revolution: Panasonic’s PT-10L is the Once in focus, tweak the picture with smallest video projector available in the U.S. the side-mounted brightness, color and| PT-10L LCD Video Projector, the first such portable unit available in the U.S. tint controls, if needed. That’s it. | And I’m still not sure I believe it. When The picture is fair, but very watch- introduced to this little gadg—ewhtich would fit loosely inside a basketbal—lI able, both at the largest sizes and at sizes was told it would project a video image SPJZ“‘1UBdO0}IUONI4DOUPNAYDODOIDKAOUISYWDOPjDU) from 14 to 70 inches in size on any wall as small as nine inches. However, the] or screen. It seemed unbelievable. Could room must be dark or the picture all but a video projector really be small enough to lift with my little finger? disappears. And while the picture is) Snug in its oval case, I slung the pro- watchable, it’s not up to the level of con jector over my shoulder and took it home for a run-through. The bus ride ventional projection sets. Resolution, | was an easy tote. Weighing only six SPECIALISTS pounds, the projector is heavier than a based on a laserdisc-generated chart, ap- small camcorder, but lighter and more pears to be 170 to 180 lines. #1 FOR ALL YOUR BATTERY NEEDS compact than most notebook comput- Buy direct and save with ers. A traveler’s dream. I looked at video from a laserdisc,a| quoranteed lowest prices on all camcorder replacement batteries. Hookup was also a piece of cake. A VHS VCR and a TV tuner. The block-| simple RCA video connector plugged in like pixels, which are very noticeable in’ from a VCR, a TV set, a camcorder or images with fine detail and titles, give the picture a chunky “early computer”| #1 Sony 8mm 1500 maH $29.97 look. But this is the downside of using a| #1 VC or Panasonic Hond-Grip $34.97 new technology that’s still rapidly deve- #1 Palmcorder & IVC GRAX7 $34.97 loping. Although Fuji is introducing an even smaller model in November, the! #1 Conon 8mm $34.97 #1 All others in stock CALL PT-10L, available since August, marks a! One year warranty-made in USA massive downsizing of the technology. | (800) ASK-BIRY LCD projectors by Sharp and other| 2. 7:5 2:8 manufacturers weigh 30 pounds or mote | In N.Y. or outside of the U.S. and are much bulkier. call (212)385-4047 Panasonic achieved this miniaturiza- tion by using a single LCD, instead of | the three typically present, and less reso- | Mla paid Charge,rs lution is the price paid for such por| battery eliminators tability. However, the price you'll pay, ooze $1,400, though considerable, is a frac- vi tion of the cost of other LCD projectors. | Just coll us with the moke and model number of your — Panasonic markets the PT-10L| or battery, ond our friendly ond professional sales staff wi happy t0 help you. it’s pte through its industrial products division | as a portable display device for business | applications. But the machine is far| #1 — We ako cany cellular telephone batteries more. Imagine big-screen movies in- |] #1 Al 35mm comera batteries - even hard to find ones #1 Cordless telephone batteries - all makes-$12.97 doors or out, anywhere one can find a fl Add a $3.95 for shipping white wall or string up a sheet. Drive-in | #1 Call 9:30-5:30 ET. Sameday shipping no extra $ #1 M/C, Visa, American Express gladly accepted movies without the drive-in. As LCD |; 4] Or sendcheck or money order. Sony, no C.0.D.’s projection improves, will it do for video #) BATERY SPEGMUSTS 10 WARREN STREET 38D FLOOR what the Walkman did for sound? Look- | WEW YORK, NY 10007 FAX WO. (212)3854952 ing at the PT-1OL, it’s possible. a! FaicN1SRCoodin3eaenr.gfraciovdldtri.eeimcaoretniaoln, 30 VIDEO OCTOBER 1991 _

September 10 was the date the premier issue every issue, you'll find Video Trader, our very of an exciting new magazine made its debut. successful 12-page newsletter that has be- Called VIDEO SHOPPER and published by come the ultimate marketplace for pre-owned VIDEO Magazine, it’s designed for you, the video. It will continue as part of VIDEO enthusiast who rolls up his sleeves and works SHOPPER and contain hundreds of ads from with video! people just like you who want to buy, sell or trade anything and everything related to vid- Articles will stress how-to-do-it information, eo. editing, pre- and post-production, taping tech- niques, program collecting and other topics of Pick up your copy of VIDEO SHOPPER at special interest. An emphasis on new prod- your favorite newsstand and get ready to up- ucts and accessories will help you add on, up- grade, collect, swap, sell, learn, try out, add grade and enhance your video system. And in on, have fun. To order a subscription, send $9.97 for 6 bi-monthly issues to: VIDEO SHOPPER, 460 West 34th Street, New York, NY 10001. ee

EDITED BY BRIAN CLARK READER FORUM Quest or quackery? That’s what we anced projection or both. But one event - of course, is equipped to show most for- asked readers when we ran Steve Dit- changed my opinion of 3-D for life. At a mats of 3-D. And we do so on a regular small San Francisco revival theater, I basis. lea’s “3-D, The Next Generation” in our No one wanted to believe in 3-D August issue. The response over- saw the 3-D film Inferno, perfectly pro- more than I. But all my years of interest whelmingly showed us that readers have jected, and starring a captivating Rhon- have led me to conclude that 3-D will fond memories of 3-D films and even da Fleming. fonder hopes for its future in video. De- never be more than a novelty. The desert photography was breath- Currently, 3-D is the plaything of spite disappointments with some recent taking, and the depth of field and crys- 3-D efforts and doubts about some proc- technicians. To succeed, the technology esses, your letters gave 3-D research a tal-clear relief were so intense that sand has to be given to those who have the strong vote of confidence. Here’s a sam- crystals seemed to sparkle before me. So creative ability to explore new territory. pling of what you had to say: Digging up 40-year-old movies (and the outdated techniques) that didn’t work Steve Ditlea’s article is timely and inter- in 1954 won’t make them look any bet- esting. Like HDTV, 3-D TV would be ter today, even with new wizardry. an advance in realism —and the time to And the best that solidizing movies set standards for 3-D hardware is surely like King Kong would do is to create a now, before the HDTV standard is final- series of cut-out planes like those in pop- ized. HDTV sets should also contain the up books. True 3-D affords a solidity hardware necessary for 3-D TV viewing. that is lifelike and that creates in the I have a pair of LCD-shutter goggles mind an unusual and interesting experi- made by Haitex that I use for my Amiga ence. Al Rush computer. They let me view computer- Toronto, Ontario generated 3-D images by means of field- Picture-perfect, flicker-free, true stereo- scopic 3-D is available right now to any- sequential stereoscopy. The technology one with a camcorder! To create your is better than that used for the Hondo own breathtaking 3-D, do the following: Point a camcorder out the right window broadcast, but it does have the draw- of a car. Set the lens to wide-angle, turn the autofocus off and set the focus to in- backs Ditlea mentions (30 frame/second finity. Have a friend drive about 5 mph and without moving the camcorder, re- flicker and a darkened picture). No cord the passing scenery. doubt these problems could be solved if Next, make your own “Pulfrich 3-D were to be incorporated in the glasses” to view your 3-D video. Take a pair of the darkest, cheapest sunglasses HDTV’s design, rather than treated as you can find, and pop out the left lens. an afterthought. Alan Reed The darkened image hitting the right eye is delayed one video scan by the Rockford, Illinois brain before being combined with the image from the left eye. The two images As a real 3-D fan I would certainly Screen Dream: Rhonda Fleming sizzled in 3-D. are true separate views of the scene watch new 3-D movies. But I will never taken from slightly different perspec- again watch any requiring blue-and-red did the glint in Rhonda Fleming’s beau- tives. |hope videographers recognize the tiful eyes. She was overwhelming, with glasses, such as those needed for the re- skin that delicately glowed in 3-D relief. enormous potential of this simple tech- cent airing of Hondo. This was pure tor- I shall never forget how alluring she nique and make it commonplace on TV. ture. I have no problem with solidizing looked and how, with the help of 3-D conventional movies. However, they projection, Rhonda placed me under her Bob Kallweit would for the most part lack any of the spell in that theater long ago. Katy, Texas special effects (arrows, spears, etc. com- Marc Levy ing out of the screen) which are, after San Diego, California all, the best part of 3-D movies. Since my teens I have had an interest in Mel Schelich 3-D. When I became involved with the World Film Festival (the second largest St. Louis, Missouri film festival in the world), it was as tech- nical director of a 3-D series in 1982. I I was fortunate to grow up in the late am still involved with the festival, and Editor's note: Bob Kallweit sent us a tape 50s and ’60s when interest in 3-D films now also own a repertory house which, and two pairs of glasses and he speaks was keen, if sporadic. Many of the films I saw suffered from poor scripts, unbal- the truth. His tape is crystal-clear and fully dimensional. r 32 VIDEO OCTOBER 1991 -

TECHNIGALLYSTATE OF THE ART Hlaakuoutie OPEAKING SPECIALISTS FOR MORE INFO: CONVENIENT FAX # (201) 696-6531 (201) 633-1476 WE WILL MATCH OR BEAT ANY LEGITIMATE PRICE TOLL FREE:.... 1 (800) 444-6300 Blue Lagoon’s 8mm secret FAST SERVICE, BEST PRICES! BY JAMES CARUSO raincoat ready for instant use during the Canovision 8\". AND MAVIS ARTHUR shoot. Why a raincoat? Because the idyllic locale— meant to represent a de- AUTHORIZED DEALER : You won't see 8mm video footage flash- serted isle the film’s shipwrecked lovers ing off the silver screen if you catch Re- inhab—itwas a remote South Pacific is- turn to the Blue Lagoon, this summer’s land in the Fiji chain, where it rained al- sequel to Blue Lagoon, 1980’s romantic most every one of the film’s 78 shooting smash starring Brooke Shields. But the days. Raincoats (and hard hats for pro- tection from falling coconuts) were the film couldn’t have been made without it, uniform of the day, every day. certainly not within the time and budget its filmmakers had to work with. Viewers Why 8mm? Because it fits easily into actually did see a few seconds of a dra- raincoat pockets, says Graham, a Holly- matic shark attack shot in video, but wood veteran who’s also directed Billy more intriguing than the transfer is the the Kid with Val Kilmer and Mussolini, extent to which consumer-level cam- starring George C. Scott. Graham wasn’t corders, VCRs and TVCRs were relied alone in his choice. In all, 15 crew mem- on for key production jobs. bers brought along personal camcorders (14 8mm units and one S-VHS model) Even in an industry where it’s no to help them in their work. longer uncommon for film crews to em- ploy video, the level of integration was First and foremost, 8mm was used remarkable. Return’s crew used the for the dailies or rushes, which allow di- ' ; ty iedecd 5 i Behind the Scenes: Using 8mm dailies on a Sony Video Walkman, cinematographer Bob | Steadman (left) and di- rector Billy Graham check continuity during }| the production of Re- =| turn to the Blue Lagoon (below), with Brian Krause and Milla Jov- ovich. rectors to screen each day’s shooting to Revolutionary new technology allows make sure all the shots are on the mark. interchangeable lenses. Usually, film from a day’s shoot is devel- oped and printed overnight, then rushed Digital Signal Processor allows 2x back to the director for next-day view- Closeup, Overlap, Gain-up (0.5 lux), ing. In this case, the dailies actually took Freeze, Art Freeze, and strobe effects to be added to videos. a week. The film—all 385,000 feet of it—was shipped in daily batches from True-to-life AFM stereo sound. equipment to track shooting progress, Fiji to Australia, site of the nearest de- A1 DIGITAL H800 E08 E61 scout locations, check continuity, match } lighting situations and prepare the edit. velopment labs, where it was processed =oPRICES ALWAYS COMPETITIVE Their experience demonstrates the sometimes surprising uses to which and transferred, first to one-inch video- fief eta] tape in both NTSC and PAL standards, home video equipment can be applied. then to 8mm. The 8mm PAL version We ship within 24 hours. The key was Sony’s tiny TR4 cam- went back to Fiji, while the NTSC ver- All prices quoted include manufacturer's standard accessories & U.S. Warranty. All units are factory corder, the smallest member of the continued on page 98 sealed. We are an AUTHORIZED DEALER for ALL Handycam family. Billy Graham, Re- NAME BRANDS WE SELL! 10 DAY EXCHANGE. turn’s director, kept one constantly in his S & H NON-REFUNDABLE! FaiN9cCSrodnoiaeenr.rdfraciodvldtr.ieimecaoretniaoln, OCTOBER 1991 VIDEO 33

NEW PRODUCTS:EDITED BYBRIAN CLARK — Blariaonste X C s SPECIALISTS FORMORE INFO: CONVENIENT FAX # (201) 696-6531 (201) 633-1476 WE WILL MATCH OR BEAT ANY LEGITIMATE PRICE TOLL FREE:.... 1 (800) 444-6300 DVVIIIDREEDOCETEEODDTNOPIRLCUS=S - =f @ ARRANGE FAVORITE SCENES Sapa IN ANY ORDER @ BUILT-IN CHARACTER GENERATOR INTERNAL GRAPHICS (12 TYPE STYLES & 64 COLORS) © 12 TYPES OF FADES OR WIPES © INDEX SCENES © WIRELESS REMOTE PROCESSOR * 16 WIPES BY COMBINING 5 BASIC PATTERNS. ® COLOR BALANCING w JOYSTICK CONTROLLER * 8 BACKGROUND COLORS. PLUS COLOR BAR CHART © COMPATIBLE w SUPER VHS Minolta adds full-size camcorder & 8mm HI-BAND Minolta’s Master Series-V 118 full-size VHS camcorder offers plenty of features for @ VIDEO ENHANCER creative videography. Interval recording is available at one, two or five minute-, as well as 30 seconds. One-second recording bursts can also be activated at the touch @ INDEPENDENT A V FADERS JIX-SV55 of a button. The two-page character generator has a 16-character-per-page memo- ry. An f/1.4, 8x power zoom lens uses a 1/3-inch, 270,000-pixel CCD to deliver a RMV-100 picture in light as low as 2 lux. Exposure, white balance and iris are automatic. e EDIT CONTROLLER for Price: $1,153. MATCHING For adaitional information, circle No. 157 on Reader Service Card. e JVC COMPONENTS INTEL LI Csernry PROFESSIONAL EDITOR JVC adds ‘Intelligent’ systems to VCR 200 CUTS — 100 SCENES JVC’s HR-D920 hi-fi VHS VCR uses JVC’s new “Intelligent” systems for display, @ ACCURATE TO WITHIN 3 FRAMES access and control. The Intelligent Control system has a built-in video processor ®@ AUDIO MIXING INCLUDING with five picture mod—eenhansced, tape dub, soft pix, sharp pix and normal. The 920 also has AV Compu Link, a JVC control system that integrates components to FADE IN'OUT cut down on button pushing. For example, turning off the amplifier turns off all @ COMPATIBLE w VH‘>, BETA. other components, except the VCR if it is recording at the time. Additional fea- tures include an MTS decoder and JVC’s oval-cut DA-4 head system. 8mm, SUPER-VHS Price: $549.95. AV SWITCHER REMOTE For additional information, circle No. 158 on Reader Service Card. ® 6 VIDEO IMPUTS VIDEO 3 OUTPUTS @ REMOTE CONTROL PANASONIC WJ-AVES5 Digital A/V Mixer ® BUILT-IN DIGITALSYNCHRONIZER ¢ DIGITAL SPECIAL EFFECTS ¢ SUPERIMPOSE © FADE-IN FADE-OUT ® AUDIO MIXING ¢98 WIPE PATTERNS® PICTURE-TO-PICTURE ¢ JOYSTICK IMAGE POSITIONER CSR1cNiaoFae0ieonodrr.fradcvoid.liretecmireaotniaoln, 34 VIDEO OCTOBER 1991

Ll ataouda CE sreciatists FORMORE INFO: CONVENIENT FAX # (201) 696-6531 (201) 633-1476 WE WILL MATCH OR BEAT ANY LEGITIMATE PRICE TOLL FREE:.... 1 (800) 444-6300 FBAESSTT SPERRIVCIECSE!, Sharp VHS deck cleans automatically HITACHI VT-F: An automatic head-cleaning system that operates each time a tape is inserted or VHS: Eight-segment assembler automates editin ejected is one of the highlights of Sharp’s VC-H870U hi-fi VHS VCR. A Digital chores, placing desired scenes in any order. H Pulse Added Compensation circuit reduces switching noise. The Onscreen Dis- Circuitry and digital auto- play Instruction Coach gives step-by-step instructions for six different program- tracking ensure quality video ming functions. Other features include a double comb filter, blue screen and full and fuss-free playback. automatic playback —just insert a tape and the VCR turns on and goes into play mode. Ee Price: $499.95. | For additional information, circle No. 159 on Reader Service Card. JVC HR-S5800U — Canon 8mm features color viewfinder S-VHS: Feature-laden deck offers the utmost in scene-finding convenience. Full-featured The E09 is the first Canovision 8 camcorder with a color remote with display dupli- LCD viewfinder. The tiny machine uses an f/2, 8x cates on-screen programming power zoom lens, fuzzy logic autofocus and auto- capabilities. matic tracking focus. Autofocus operates from two feet to infinity, while the TER macro mode focuses as close as 4mm. The half-inch, 270,000-pixel CCD JVC HR-SC1000U pickup delivers a low-light rat- ing of2 lux. Audio is enhanced S-VHS: Hi-Fi stereo, VHSC & VHS combo, jog through AFM hi-fi stereo sound. — shuttle, digital A/V track with Additional features include a dual screen programming. character generator, superim- position and auto fade. A HITACHI VT-S7 wireless remote is included. S-VHS: Title/date recording adds personal Price: $2,099. touch. Bargraph-style “tape time remaining” display eliminates recording For additional information, circle No. 160 on Reader Service Card. surprises. Synchro-edit feature simplifies dubbing. Philips monitor features surround TOSHIBA SV-771 Philips’ 31-inch monitor/receiver has a S-VHS: Optical scanner digitizes graphics for 25-watt surround sound system with MTS, along with sound expansion cir- superimposition. Other digital tricks include cuitry. The monitor has Philips’ color color correction, fades, wipes, picture-in-picture feature, dubbed negative/positive, titles, and “Smart Window.” Additional features noise reduction. are personal preference custom tuning memory, channel guide, S-video inputs, = 3 =PRICES ALWAYS COMPETITIVE audio/video inputs and outputs, an on- es screen clock and a universal learning re- — st | mote. We ship within 24 hours. Price: $1,699. All prices quoted include manufacturer's standard For additional information, circle No. 161 on Reader Service Card. accessories & U.S. Warranty. All units are factory sealed. We are an AUTHORIZED DEALER for ALL NAME BRANDS WE SELL! 10 DAY EXCHANGE PBJU‘4BJ[“I2OE}/OUO/DDNZPOUAIDHDJIODOSEYUSyIUPJPODJU! S&H NON-REFUNDABLE OCTOBER 1991 VIDEO 35

EDITED BY APRIL P. BERNARD CCLOELALRIENCGTHOOURSSE Bees 0 era and ne, Two, Three Is there an opera buff who has a copy of Trek: The Next Generation. We’re still Here’s what I need to fill the gaps in my the New York City Opera performance plodding through the first season over video collection: the last episode of The of Puccini’s La Rondine? It was broadcast Mary Tyler Moore Show, where every- in October 1985 on PBS. I will gladly re- here, and features in genre-zines are one— except Ted —is fired; the October imburse all costs for VHS or Beta. driving me bananas! I have a deck that 12, 1990, installment of American Experi- cons my TV into thinking that NTSC ence, a three-hour program on Richard Mary L. Healey equals PAL, but no tapes to play on it. I Nixon; an early 1991 episode of Golden 3710 North Vernon Street will reimburse any expenses incurred, Girls dealing with the death of Dorothy's and prefer VHS at SP speed. brother, Phil; and the episode of All in Arlington, VA 22207 the Family—or was it Archie's Place? — af- John Harwood ter Edith died, and Archie cleaned her ABC broadcast around 53 hours of the 17 Poulton (New) Road things out of their room. 1980 Winter Olympics from Lake Placid, New York, and I am interested in ob- Layton, Blackpool, I will reimburse expenses for VHS taining the complete coverag—eas un- LANCS FY37DS copies of any or all of these shows. cut as possible. I already have coverage United Kingdom of the USA hockey games, but would Don Schwamb like to own tapes of the other events, as Box 769 well. I will trade for a good-quality copy, or reimburse all expenses. Milwaukee, WI 53201 Kevin Totten Attention, magic lovers: I am seeking a Box 7558 VHS copy of a Penn and Teller show which aired on NBC the day after Cross Lanes, WV 25356 Thanksgiving, November 23, 1990. All It seems that Judy Garland’s appear- costs will be reimbursed. ances on The Merv Griffin Show are Charles Brauner 1603 Village Square “over the rainbow,” but if any fans have Danbury, CT 06810 copies, I’ll reimburse costs. Or I'll trade I am an avid collector of country music documentaries and specials, looking for Garbo, Monroe or other Garland tapes Comic Collection: Buster Keaton and Zero Mostel in two programs that aired before I pur- A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum. chased a VCR. On February 24, 1983, in VHS. Robert Wisotsky ABC’s 20/20 ran a segment on Hank Williams Jr. called “His Father’s Son,” 1240 East 91 Street and in December 1985, CBS showed a Johnny Cash special with guest stars Jer- Brooklyn, NY 11236 I have traveled all over the Ozarks and ry Lee Lewis and Roseanne Cash. I will reimburse expenses for a VHS copy. I am trying to locate two foreign films: beyond looking for three movies that Ken Campanile Shock Treatment with Alain Delon and lead my all-time favorite list. The first is 3375 Florence Road Woodbine, MD 21797 Madame Kitty with Helmut Berger. I will One, Two, Three, an early-’60s Jimmy Send those requests for hard-to-find tapes to | pay reproduction and shipping costs for Cagney movie in which he’s a cola sales- Collector’s Clearinghouse, 460 West 34 Street, New York, NY 10001. Describe ex- VHS copies. Courtland Chiolero man in Berlin. Second is A Funny Thing actly what you're looking for, and be sure to include your name and address. Requests 23145 Los Alisos, Apt. 284 Happened on the Way to the Forum, star- for copyrighted material must be for person- al use only. You may offer to reimburse ex- Mission Viejo, CA 92691 ring Zero Mostel among other great penses, but the Clearinghouse is not open to requests for the purchase or sale of tapes. comics. In third place is The Horse's Video Magazine does not locate tapes: This is a reader-to-reader service only, so A couple of years ago, on a New Year's Mouth, starring Sir Alec Guinness as a please do not send a self-addressed enve- lope. night, I copied Die Fledermaus from a slightly mad artist who is hung up on —— PBS broadcast, but unfortunately lost feet. If anyone can help me find VHS quite a bit of the ending. It features a copies of these classic films, I’ll name my German cast and is not quite the same first child after him or her. And I'll pay as any commercially available tapes or expenses to boot. Charles Stauffer laserdiscs. I would like to hear from any- HCR 62 Box 77 one who taped this broadcast in Beta or Clarkridge, AK 72623 VHS. Al Quackenbush Burt Reynolds made his screen debut in Angel Baby, which, according to video 1245 Raleigh Road catalogs, is no longer in print. I am try- ing to locate a VHS copy. Glenview, IL 60025 Dr. Bruce R. Leslie Could some nice, generous person help 1514 Jefferson Highway me? I would sell my soul for NTSC cop- ies ofthe third and fourth seasons of Star New Orleans, LA 70121 36 VIDEO OCTOBER 1991

Vision, Sound and Time: Redefined. Proton offers you the deep satisfaction of a new, more PROTON graceful lifestyle. Savor it in the award-winning picture of our large screen monitor/receiver. Enjoy it wrapped in the rich, brilliant music of our 400 Series Audio Components. Discover it anew each morning with our new clock radio. Each design, carefully crafted, reflects the serene knowledge of a new perspective on pleasure. For a free brochure and the name of your nearest Proton retailer, call 800-829-3444. Or write us at 5630 Cerritos Avenue, Cypress, CA 90630 Industrial Design of the Proton 400 Series and RS-325 Clock Radio: Reinhold Weiss Design, Chicago.

BY BRENT BUTTERWORTH PRIME TIME We test 6 VCRs and nce the darling of the electronics in- solve the nagging programming problem 2 remotes to find dustry, the VCR has become the once and for all. But are the new decks the fastest, easiest brunt of a national joke. From John- and remotes really easy enough for any- way to timeshift. one to use? We decided to find out by ny Carson to George Bush, from conducting a series of timeshifting time Guidance System: City Slickers to Business Week, Ameri- The Philips VR6065 of- cans constantly scoff at the tiny buttons, trials. fers onscreen prompts flashing displays and confusing owner’s We rounded up six of the latest to guide the user manuals that make the machine so hard through programming. for many to program. Public perception decks from major manufacturers, along has it that anyone who can program a with two remotes — Panasonic’s Program VCR must be an engineer or a hopeless Director and Gemstar’s VCR Plus —de- techno-geek. signed just for programming. After con- necting the decks to a switcher and For years, VCR makers have been monitor, we coaxed four skeptical test- scrambling to come up with new ap- proaches, like onscreen menus and bar- ers into learning each system, then code readers, designed to make pro- working with the decks to find out gramming easy enough even for techno- which are almost effortless, and which— phobes. But still the complaints keep coming. Someday, the president recently if any—are almost hopeless. mused, the U.S. education system will As it turned out, confused VCR be so good every American will be able to program a VCR. users may finally have a savior—the dedicated programming remotes proved Now manufacturers have come up unbelievably easy to use. And our com- with another round of supposedly easy-to- parison also showed that those who pre- use programming systems, from specialized fer onscreen programming still have remotes to completely revised on- screen menus. Once again, they prom- ise the new generation of products will VCRs Beat the Clock: From left, Sony’s SLV-686, Panasonic’s PV-S4167, JVC's HR-S6700, Zenith’s VRJ210, Philips’ VR6065 and Mitsubishi’s HS-U65. 38 VIDEO OCTOBER 1991

OR TIMERS some very attractive options. Number Cruncher: Sony’s SLV-686 squeezes all dicators for date, start time, stop time The VCRs we evaluated were JVC’s information for eight programs onto one screen. and channel. Thumbwheels next to the LCDs scroll quickly through the num- S-VHS HR-S6700U, Mitsubishi’s Program to record bers. The programming procedure is S-VHS HS-U65, Philips’ VHS VR6065, simple —turn the remote on, spin the Sony’s VHS SLV-686 and Zenith’s VHS yes Friday16 wheels to the correct settings, hit the VRJ210. We also included Panasonic’s transmit button to send the program to S-VHS PV-S4167, which can be pro- MO TU WE TR FR SA SU the VCR, then hit the timer-on button grammed through both onscreen menus to activate the timer and turn the VCR and with the Panasonic Program Direc- 1192 2103 2114 2125912639102147.1)2158 off. It is included with some of Pan- tor. Although the decks range in price ee Ss asonic’s recent VCRs, and may also be from budget to top-of-the-line models, purchased separately —it works with any manufacturers typically vary their pro- Use ADJUST. and ENTER Panasonic VCR that accepts bar-code gramming systems only slightly, if at all, throughout their lines of VCRs. Video Fil-O-Fax: With Mitsubishi's HS-U65, dates programming. are programmed through an onscreen calendar. Our panelists varied greatly in ex- The Program Director won the trials perience with VCR programming. They comparisons, each panelist conducted a were senior editor Kenneth Korman, as- separate test of the VCR Plus (see “Plus easily, with an average programming sistant editors Brian Clark and April or Minus?”). time of 33 seconds. The panelists all found it very simple to use —“A child P. Bernard, and art assistant Luis Ramos The time trials revealed significant could do this,” one said. Two panelists I. differences among especially enjoyed the fact that they the VCRs, both in didn’t have to look back and forth from Each panelist conducted the test programming the remote to the screen when program- separately. He or she evaluated each speed and ease of ming, although they were both disap- VCR by spending a few minutes getting use. But the win- pointed that recording speed can’t be set to know its programming system, then ner wasn’t a from the Program Director. Only one attempting to program it to record a VCR— it was Pan- panelist preferred onscreen program- ming over the Director. show selected at random from the local asonic’s Program Di- listings (all were late-night shows in the rector remote. The only onscreen system winning middle of the week). Since the panelists The remote has LCD in- universal acclaim among the panelists was that of the Philips VR6065, even might get slightly faster though it ranked a close second in the as the testing progressed, trials, with an average time of 43.5 sec- we shuffled the order of onds. The panelists found its operation, the decks for each panel- triggered by a menu button and carried ist. After completing the out using the numeric keypad, com- pletely intuitive. They enjoyed thought- ful touches like an onscreen “OK” that VBFCORBRSR:EST appears when programming is com- pleted. “Right after you punch in a piece of information, it goes to the next logical step,” one panelist commented. While the panelists were able to pro- gram Panasonic’s PV-S4167 most quickly OCTOBER 1991 VIDEO 39

TIMERS (average time 40.75 seconds), they | Gemstar’s VCR Plus programming remote is probably the didn’t care for its system quite as much | hottest home video product since the VCR itself. Con- as the one on the Philips. Two faulted it for an unwieldy control door on the re- umers desperate to timeshift but confused by their mote that must be held up while pro- gramming. It’s not surprising that the ecks’ programming systems have snapped up the remote Philips and Panasonic VCRs ranked so by the thousands. They've been seduced by the promise closely, because both are made by Mat- that by punching numerical PlusCodes into the VCR sushita, and their programming systems | Plus, they can program their VCRs in seconds, without are similar, which is also the case with other Matsushita-made brands like having to rely on owner’s manuals. Publishers have also Magnavox and Quasar. | been receptive to the remote’s charms—TV Guide and | dozens of local newspapers now publish PlusCodes. JVC’s HR-S6700U pleased the pan- elists and the clock, requiring an aver- We loved VCR Plus when we first tried it, but in the age time of 56 seconds. Most found its | last few months, we’ve received a few letters complaining system, operated with buttons labeled about difficulties in setting up the remote. To find out if its pluses outweigh its minuses, we had each of our pan- — select, set + and set -, not as intuitive as the Matsushita systems, but simple | elists set up the VCR Plus, then program with it. . enough once learned. All wished for di- The basic procedure involves setting the remote’s in- | rect access, or the ability to punch in a ternal clock, then selecting the control code set that | time directly without having to scroll works for your VCR (codes for all major VCR brands are ; through numbers. _| included with the remote). But for some cable subscrib- | The Sony SLV-676 produced the | ers, the job can be tougher. most confusing results. It was the only VCR any panelist needed a manual to Many large cities are served by multiple cable systems program, and three complained that the with varying channel assignments—CNN might be on system was difficult to figure out. Yet it Channel 23 in the center of town, Channel 19 in the suburbs. Often, newspapers publish cable listings based achieved a competitive average time of | on inner-city systems, and provide a channel equivalency 58.5 seconds. The system requires the | chart for readers in other areas. VCR Plus users can get user to press a menu button to start, and around this problem by reprogramming the remote’s channel assignments, so that a PlusCode specifying execute and cursor buttons to enter Channel 23 would actually record Channel 19. This task data. No onscreen instructions appeat is accomplished in much the same way as the other set- to tell the user which buttons to push. up tasks, through a set of buttons under a flap at the The panelists liked the way the Sony front of the remote. system shows all of the programming in- formation on one screen. “It’s really very _ Despite the complaints we’ve been hearing, none of good once you know about the execute our testers had difficulty setting up the VCR Plus. And button,” one commented. all found the remote very easy to program with. “I can’t Mitsubishi’s HS-U65 VCR achieved imagine anything could be simpler than punching in a an average time of 1:06.5. Its unusual - few numbers,” one said. Some expressed fears that ViewPoint system uses the jog/shuttle PlusCodes might be incorrect, but the remote’s review dial on the remote to enter data—the mode, which shows the channel, date and time of shuttle ring moves between start and stop times, date and channel, and the each program to be recorded, made them more jog dial scrolls through numbers for each type of data. Its most remarkable feature confident. is an onscreen calendar. Indeed, the We encountered one problem when setting Mitsubishi was one panelist’s favorite. the command codes—the code listed for Phi- “The calendar is much easier than try- lips VCRs wouldn’t work for Philips’ ing to remember dates,” he said. But . VR6065. Gemstar says it will send a other panelists had difficulty remember- remote with the new Philips ing which dial did what, and didn’t like having to cycle through numbers with codes to any customer who encounters the jog dial. this problem. JVC manufactures Zenith VCRs, so The panelists’ reservation about VCR the systems used on both are similar. But Plus is that most listings only carry codes for the Zenith system fills the screens with certain programs. For example, The New York extra information, a trait the panelists Times daily listings carry codes for all programs, but the weekly listings carry codes for only selected programs. 40 VIDEO OCTOBER 1991 “You'll still end up having to program your VCR occa- sionally, because sometimes you won’t have the code you need,” one panelist noted. —BB Z| fies

What time does the program start? Start time 6:38 PM {-Press numbered keys to set alelelarpevaleanat Example: 61:65 AM e€-Press CHANNEL key: Down for AM7Up for PM 3-Press ENTER key To quit press QUIT key Timeshifting Tricks: JVC accents its menu system with different screen colors (left), while Zenith provides extensive onscreen instructions (right). found annoying and cumbersome. The anyone should be able to use it easily. task of reading the onscreen text slowed the average time to 1:14. “There’s too Spinnin’ Wheels: We recommend reading the owner’s much text onscreen,” said one panelist. Panasonic's easy-to- manual thoroughly, and keeping it by “You read forever and keep wondering if use Program Director you should move on or if you still have remote. your side as you set the remote up. The something left to do on that screen.” manual contains a clear, step-by-step ex- planation of the entire setup procedure. Gemstar also offers a toll-free num- ber for technical assistance, which, un- PICKING A PROGRAMMER like many free help lines, is well-staffed. Although we may not have tested You don’t have to wait half an hour for the VCR brand you’re considering, it’s possible to draw conclusions about any help—when we had problems program- onscreen system using our test results. Most stores don’t have every VCR on ming the remote to work with the Phi- display hooked up, but you should at least be able to find one model of the lips VCR, it only took us about 30 brand you're considering to try out. seconds to get through to a technician Look for the same qualities our test- ers liked. For example, their favorite in the middle of the day. We’re confi- decks, the Philips and the Panasonic, al- low direct entry of programming data dent its staff can help you through any through the remotes’ 10-digit keypads without requiring the user to scroll problems you might encounter with through numbers. A good programming system should, like the one by Philips, VCR Plus. offer a few gentle reminders to tell the Operating VCR Plus may become user if he or she has made a mistake. even simpler when, later this year, RCA However, the system shouldn’t go overboard on onscreen text, because too introduces VCRs with built-in VCR many messages are slow to read and can be confusing. Ideally, the system should Plus circuitry. This way, the user won’t go right to the next step after the user enters information, not wait for the user have to program VCR command codes to push a button to get to the next screen. VCR makers have into.the remote. Zenith plans to follow finally solved After the formal evaluation, we tried the problem of suit next year, and other VCR makers timeshifting. have expressed interest. evaluating an RCA model, the VHS VR685HF, using these criteria, and instruction manual that lists the steps Those who have suitable Panasonic required for programming. Hitachi quickly realized our panelists would makes RCA VCRs, so it’s no surprise VCRs might prefer to use the Program have liked RCA’s programming system. that Hitachi decks carry a similar pro- It is amazingly similar to that used for gramming system. Director, which is just about as simple to the Philips deck, down to the onscreen calendar (which is only for reference, If your local newspaper carries VCR use, if not as fast. Sony fans can get the not for actual programming). Plus codes for most programs, VCR Plus might be for you. It’s also ideal for TV same result with the S-VHS SLV-R5. Its Both allow direct entry of data, and Guide subscribers, because the magazine both immediately ask for the next item publishes codes for all programs. By late remote has a built-in programmer that of information when an entry is made. September, all editions of TV Guide will carry the codes. Our panelists felt that works almost exactly like the Program In addition, the RCA has an onscreen once the remote was properly set up, Director. And if the Program Director VPBCFDMSSRICPOILOHCIDR1TBOURRNES0ETRSETOUCSE/EBT:SPRNIO;TRSRHO:IGRAM proves as popular as we expect, other manufacturers should soon offer similar remotes. After trying the best programming systems video has to offer, we’re im- pressed. We think video manufacturers have finally solved the problem of timeshifting. Now anyone who can spend about $60 for a VCR Plus or a Panasonic Program Director can pro- gram a VCR. The promise of the VCR has finally been fully realiz—ewed'll never have to stay up late to watch The David Letterman Show again. 2 OCTOBER 1991 VIDEO 41

BU ACUI eA popsumer iy,nsCI, i ny \"hy hi ™ _ Footloose: Pluck, luck and an 8mm I was the first in the group to fly. With Marek Gajewski checks camcorder help a v1deo the handbar of a hang glider pressed | against my belly and facing the foot of a | o(uritghth)isacndamcvoirddeeortapes a adventurer fulfill a dream. sand dune, feeling the wind in my sail, I fellow hang-gliding stu- heard the instructor’s command: “Run!” dent (above) on th Using all the power my legs could deliv- oes capa ne er, I raced downhill. At the second com- 42 VIDEO OCTOBER 1991 ma— “n‘Fladre!’”—I pushed the bar | forward. Suddenly, I was airborne. “I’m flying, I am Icarus,” I felt myself shout. Flowing beneath my soaring body, I saw yellow dunes—and a ter- rified instructor. “Pull in,” he screamed. Dizzy from this thrilling new sensa- tion, I pushed out instead. Almost instantly, the glider dipped sharply and crashed. The impact bent the metal handbar, and left me with bruises the size and color of small fruits. “Are you okay?” friends shouted as they ran to help. “Did you manage to tape my flight?” I replied. “If not, I’ll do it again.” This occurred in Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, on the famous sand dunes where the Wright brothers flew their first experimental glider flights. Now, I had Sane solo pera me nas last) time on this trip, although in the coming weeks I would share flights with dozens of pilots on a remarkable variety of air- craft. My journey had begun only a few days before, when I caught the first ride in my attempt to hitchhike across the country by air and videotape the experi- BGIILILLBLUBSOTNRS

ence, diary style, as it unfolded. quality and light, four-pound weight car, where I rarely waited longer than 20 The dream of such a journey came made the difference. The weight was minutes for a ride, had never prepared me for the reality of skyhiking. to me 18 years ago when, still a student crucial. I missed one ride in Columbus, in Warsaw, Poland, I visited the U.S. for My first taste of this new reality was the first time to meet my American rela- Ohio, because my video bag, which immediate. On July 4, no planes de- tives. During the year-long visit, I trav- weighed 30 pounds, was ‘a little too parted Skyhaven. My pictures of fire- eled as much as I could, usually by heavy” for the airplane. I had to wait works that evening were taken from the nearly two days for my next lift. ground, not the clouds. The next day, a hitchhiking. It was an experience weather front was passing through, and I I never forgot, largely be- The rest of that 30- learned the importance of hanging cause of the won- pound bag was filled around an airport and getting to know derful people I with necessities. For the regulars. met along the way. audio, I carried wireless handheld and lapel On the third day, I was offered a lift I wanted to re- microphones by aboard a Beechcraft Kingair, a twin-en- live that experience, gine turboprop, with a lavishly appoint- but with two crucial Azden, as well as a ed cabin suitable for the president of the differences. I was de- shotgun mic and development company that owned the termined to hitchhike Azden’s headset plane. We left so quickly, for a business meeting in Kingston, New York, 250 with a boom mic for miles to the west, that I had across the U.S. by monitoring sound no time to shoot my- self boarding the air—skyhiking as I! at tne OStKO sh Fly\" and adding narra- plane. But once aloft, called it—and to docu- tion while shoot- ment my travels with a grunt pilots in the brilliant morn- ing. Jammed beside the mics ing sun, I could shoot the shining runways of camcorder. One other were wide-angle and tele- the Peas Air Force Base goal was to arrive in Oshkosh, Wiscon- photo conversion lenses by in Portsmouth, the sil- ver-blue Great Bay, sin, at the end ofJuly, in time for the an- VdoPak, a small Casio reaching almost to Dover, nual Experimental Aircraft Association LCD TV set to check my and the beautiful green campus of the University of New Hamp- Convention and Sport Aviation Exhibi- recordings, an Ambico shire in Durham. At last, I was on my way. tion, better known as the Oshkosh Fly- video light with its own From Kingston, I cadged a flight to Mount Pocono in Pennsylvania, then a In, when tiny Oshkosh briefly hosts the batteries, two spare cam- short hitch by car to the Wilkes-Barre Airport, where I spent my first night in a largest collection of airplanes in the corder batteries, three OCTOBER 1991 VIDEO 43 world. chargers, skylight filters, 10 blank I was certain it would be a great ad- Hi8 cassettes (which filled all too soon) venture, but a difficult one. As video’s and a Velbon tripod. version of a one-man band, I had to do I set out on July 4, a day that prom- stand-ups in front of the camera, con- ised good luck, from Skyhaven, a small duct interviews, take care of audio and general aviation airport near Rochester, lighting tasks, and keep my gear in run- New Hampshire. I was certain a month ning order. For a camcorder, I chose would be time enough to reach Oshkosh Sony's CCD-V101. Its superb Hi8 image for the Fly-In. But then hitchhiking by PVCGMPOORIPAHASID1IJORHEN0OETKEOTUWOOKESSRK:HI,/MITSUBISHI

‘Immediately, he flipped the plane very hospitable FBO called Millionaire. upside down. I With the Fly-In growing ever nearer, An FBO, or fixed base operation, is a I hit the road again, going first to Mary- company that provides services to pilots, started to scream passengers and planes. There’s usually at land, then Atlantic City, then to securi- least one at every airport. & kept screaming ty-conscious National Airport in Wash- as we went from ington, D.C., despite warnings that I In the Millionaire’s pilot lounge, I would never be able to hitch my way had an opportunity to check audio lev- one roller-coaster out. The warnings proved accurate. Af- els. Airports and airplanes, especially ter two days and dozens of rejections, cockpits, are extremely noisy, and I was move to another.’ the best I could do was a flight —the worried voices would be drowned out by shortest of my trip—to nearby Dulles loud background sounds. How noisy are i oN bees Se eee Airport. Here, despite equally heavy se- planes? Later in the trip, Vernon Dahl- man, a fine show pilot, suggested we go the FBO for skyhiking. Usually, the an- curity, I was luckier. A pilot instructor for a short spin. Once in the air, he sug- swer was yes. The FBO’s permission was let me skyhike on a short jump to West gested some aerobatics. Immediately, essential because, with fear of hijacking Virginia. Then it was across the Appala- he flipped the plane upside down. I so widespread, I needed time to meet pi- chians to Latrobe, a small, pretty airport lots and let them get to know me a little. near Pittsburgh. started to scream, and kept screaming as we went from one roller-coaster maneu- At Raleigh, I shuttled between two At Latrobe, I naively accepted a ride ver to another. Later, when I watched FBO dispatchers who were working to that too easily could have led to disaster. the tape of myself screaming away while get me moving again. At 2 a.m., the tour the cockpit rotated, I could hardly hear plane for the Grateful Dead touched Two young pilots, Dave and John, who myself above the engine noise. down, but the tour chief gave my pitch a had stopped to refuel their two Cessna firm no. It was just as well. Later that 152s, offered to carry me on to Co- Surprisingly, the built-in Sony mic day, I met a pilot who shuttled me to lumbus, Ohio. With darkness approach- seemed to do the best job. The shotgun Dare County Regional Airport, and ing and no place to stay, I accepted my mic picked up additional noises and the then another with Kitty Hawk Air Tours first night flight. Off we flew, myself with handheld mic proved awkward for my who let me skyhike a ride to aviation’s John, my bags with Dave —the tiny style of shooting. However, I used the la- birthplace, the historic First Flight Air- planes had strict weight limits. The sky pel mic a lot with good results. Later, at port at Kitty Hawk, where the Wright was clear as we passed low over dwell- Oshkosh, I learned about the flight in- brothers first propelled themselves into tercom made by the Flightcom Corp. in the sky. Now, young Air Tour pilots were ings that glowed like jewels beneath the Portland, Oregon. This is a voice-acti- flying passengers around the memorial full moon. vated intercom and headset that makes in bright blue-and-yellow Cessna 172s. it possible to monitor and record cockpit “What’s that town beneath us?” I chatter, both among pilots and with Kitty Hawk is also home to Kitty control towers. It’s invaluable for avia- Hawk Kites, the world’s largest hang- asked. tion videos. Lacking the Flightcom set gliding school. There I met its founder, “Don’t know,” said John. “I’m just for most of my trip, Itended to interview John Harris, who proposed strapping me pilots when they were on the ground or into a glider for a lesson, and Francis following Dave.” And here he pointed with the engine turned off, adding them Regallo, known as the father of hang to a dim twinkle barely visible in the en- or their comments to the visuals as the gliding for his invention of the flexible story required. wing. The lesson proved to be a disaster, compassing darkness. but the experience ended happily as I fi- “Maybe Dave knows the town. SOUTHERN DETOUR nally soared in tan—dcaemcomrder From Wilkes-Barre, I made my way Could you call him over the radio?” clutched to my ches—wtith Greg Ball, “Sorry,” answered John. ‘‘Radio’s to Raleigh, North Carolina, where the my instructor, who was actually piloting air was so hot and thick, I felt like I the glider. broken.” could cut it with a knife. By now, I was Fortunately, the weather stayed getting a feel for FBOs. As soon as I landed, I would introduce myself to the calm and my nerve-wracking, rule- FBO manager and ask permission to use bending flight touched down safely. Marek Gajewski is a Polish journalist, based in Warsaw. 44 VIDEO OCTOBER 1991

ON TO OSHKOSH easier than getting in. Packed and ready found much to record. The airports were With only a few days left before the to move on, I was able to have my re- humming with traffic: Two uniformed messengers rushed by carrying a Sty- Fly-In, my route from Columbus mean- quest for a ride broadcast from the main rofoam box labeled “Human Eyes.” The dered through Cleveland, Ohio State control tower. Within minutes, Vernon University, Midway Airport near Chi- Dalhman appeared to offer me a lift to late Malcolm Forbes’ plane, now owned cago, back to Midway (thanks to a pro- Sacramento, California, more than 1,000 by his son, rolled up to one gate. A pri- miles away, where I stayed briefly as his vate DC7 belonging to an owner of the peller malfunction), Milwaukee and, at guest. Leaving Dalhman, I languished Seattle Blue Hawks rolled up to another. last, Oshkos—hon a bright sunny morn- for more than three days at the Palo One morning, a uniformed servant ap- ing, the field already abuzz with aircraft Alto Airport before finding a ride down peared with a red carpet that he rolled and crowds. the coast to Van Nuys. Lulled by the out for a pretty young lady, age about California sun, I decided I needed a five, who walked down the carpet into a Normally a city of 50,000, Oshkosh break from the rigors of skyhiking. waiting Rolls-Royce. A white-gloved triples in size during the Fly-In, packed with 15,000 planes and nearly a million One afternoon, on the pier in Santa chauffeur closed the door and drove Monica, I heard two people speaking them away. visitors. It is a unique experience, in part Polish. I turned around. One was a dear for the tremendous spirit of volunteer- friend, Anna Slawkowska-Rode, who Five days without a flight. My long- lived a block away from me in Poland. A est layover. ism that seems to be everywhere, from aerobatic pilots who perform for free to teacher at the Academy of Fine Arts in Eventually, I landed a ride with In- many of the technicians who keep the Warsaw, she was spending the summer ternational Flight, a company that equipment working smoothly. in Los Angeles with her husband and transports checks. I boarded the compa- son. Amazed at this unexpected reu- ny’s Cessna Citation, a small, elegant Roaming the grounds, I shot cassette nion, we spent the next few days talking corporate jet, along with millions of dol- after cassette. Among my subjects were and sightseeing. lars in checks. Within eight hours— af- Lee Abbot, a Texas barnstormer in the ter stopovers in Denver, Chicago and 20s, now 83, but still dressed to the Finally, it was time to return—to Cleveland—I landed in Teterboro, New nines in long boots and a silk scarf, re- New York, then to Poland. I skyhiked galing small crowds with tales of the ear- north, guest of a family of four on their Jersey, on the outskirts of New York ly days; Bob Lyjak, a top aerobatics pilot private plane, as far as the Oakland Air- port, where I hit the wall. No luck. I City. (and mathematics professor) who's sur- shuttled to nearby San Francisco Inter- My American skyhike was over. It vived more than one brush with death; national Airport. Still no luck. Back I and one pilot who didn’t. Flying too low, went to Oakland. had lasted two months and left me with he crashed before thousands of horrified unforgettable memories — preserved on spectators on the show’s final day. But even grounded, my camcorder more than 40 hours of video — of a coun- try I had longed to experience in all its Getting out of Oshkosh proved a lot warmth, beauty and infinite variety. = Two ways to create professional quality videos without breaking the bank! AZDEN’S STATE-OF-THE-ART VE-100 AND VPC-10 TURN THOSE HOURS OF : TAPES INTO EXCITING, PROFESSIONAL VIDEOS. Our newest product, the VPC-10 — is truly unique. Combining 3 basic video functions (1) a video enhancer Winner of a Design & Engineering Award and signal processor to improve the picture quality and enhance colors, at the Consumer Electronics Show, the VE-100 allows you to create up to 100 perfectly (2) a Special Effects Generator, to create numerous exciting wipes, such as cut scenes. It’s compatible with all formats. Utilizing the infrared signal of the recording deck, venetian-blind, curtain, and mosaic. (3) a “paint box” for changing the and incorporating the “VITC” time code system, it colors on a segment of the picture. All of these functions can be combined allows you to make seamless edits, with 3 frame accuracy! You can combine several tapes, and in an infinite number of patterns, sizes, colors, and wipes. Additional add audio from an external source. Easy to learn, Features: _1 Compatible with all systems Ci Record from either of 2 sources and easy to use, you can be editing within an hour 1 split-screen for comparing and altering the incoming and outgoing video after connecting the equipment. There is nothing of comparable quality on the market even close to signal O Create positive or negative images 2 outputs for making 2 our Suggested Retail - $459.95. copies simultaneously O Color generator controlled by joystick for creating entire color spectrum 4 Fade between video picture and background color or effect 4 Manual editing can be accomplished by using the fade to black button. Suggested Retail - $459.95 AZDEN 147 New Hyde Park Road, Franklin Square, NY 11010 (516) 328-7500 Distributed in Canada by OPTEX CORPORATION Send your $10.00 check for Azden's 9 minute video with step-by-step explanation of both units. Returnable for refund ifyou purchase either unit. ] For additional information, circle No. 14 on Reader Service Card. OCTOBER: 1091 VIRGO. ste

BY BRENT BUTTERWORTH MicroKkey Genlock:Control AND HOWARD MILLMAN File Presentation Gentock Comb d PC Video Update System Phase Coarse |Ci | |270\" Prine aa cemmcnse Horizontal Phase Coarse (OW Fre 2 Vertical Phase MEETSTHEThe introduction of the Video Toaster and programs videographers need, and early this year turned the long-awaited what those products will do for videos. marriage of video and computers into a Macintosh users can find similar products, but generally at much higher shotgun wedding. The success of the prices. The component most often used in Macintosh desktop video, Truevi- Toaster—a $1,600 multipurpose com- sion’s NuVista videographics board, costs about $3,000. However, Apple’s puter video board —catapulted the interest in video is growing, so we expect once-esoteric realm of computer-aided to see more affordable Mac video prod- ucts in the near future. “desktop” video production into the mainstream. From amateurs to profes- The first problem videographers confront when using IBM PCs is com- sionals, nearly every serious videogra- patibility. With Amigas, hardware and software installation is virtually a plug- pher now wants to add a computer to his in-and-play operation. But working with video on PCs requires some familiarity or her editing setup. Computer-gener- with the many operating systems and graphics standards PCs use. Hardware ated titles and graphics are no longer and software are usually compatible with only certain versions of an operating sys- just snazzy gimmicks — they’ve become tem and with only a couple of graphics elements expected of all but the most standards. For example, to create some of the accompanying graphics, we had to casual productions. cannibalize three of our office PCs, and wade through several hours of trial and Buying a Toaster might seem a sim- error. It’s a lot easier if you start with plenty of computing power (for recom- New hardware and ple solution, but it only works with mendations, see “How Much PC Power Commodore’s Amiga, a computer loved Do You Need For Video?”). by hobbyists but almost unknown to software products mainstream users. Most videographers turn IBM PCs into would prefer to use the computer they already own— usually an IBM PC—for home video editing video work, instead of spending more than $4,000 for an Amiga/Toaster setup. workstations. While Big Blue itself. has been slow to get into the field, a host of third-party hardware and software developers have made PC desktop video a reality. In this article, we'll discuss the PC peripherals 46 VIDEO OCTOBER 1991

Getting in Sync: Video Associates’ Mi- croKey/Genlock syncs computer video to NTSC video, so graph- ics can be superim- posed over video im- ages. ie Freeze Frame: Digital Vision's ComputerEyes RT video digitizer grabs frames from video. BIG BLUE BASICS onto videotape. An encoder simply con- airplane traveling from island to island. Desktop video involves three basic verts computer video to NTSC stand- ards, so it can be recorded on a VCR. A People and places would be tagged with operations: genlock (which usually incorporates an simple text titles, and the video could e Digitizing is the act of bringing a encoder) discards the background color end with scrolling credits over a collage in the graphics and substitutes an in- of digitized images from the video. video image into a computer, so it can coming video signal, so that the comput- be altered and combined with other er’s graphics are superimposed on the While desktop video requires some | graphic elements. video. sense of design, it doesn’t demand draw- e Graphics creation is desktop video’s These three elements give videogra- ing talent. Paint programs use a variety main reason for being. Graphics can phers limitless creative potential. Com- of mouse-driven drawing tools that let take the form of digitized images, draw- puter graphics and titles can be used anyone create attractive graphics, and ings and animations created with a paint anywhere, but experienced editors tend anything you can’t draw can simply be program, and text, which can be gener- to use them at the beginning and end of digitized. With practice, you should be ated using a paint program or titling able to produce simple titles, graphics software. a video, and to introduce new scenes. and animations in minutes. On the oth- er hand, creating a sophisticated graphic e Encoding and genlocking are the For example, a Hawaiian vacation can take hours, and pursuing an ambi- methods used to get computer images video might open with animated coco- tious animation idea can take days. This nuts falling from a swaying palm tree, may sound like a lot of work, but many each coconut cracking open to reveal desktop video producers find it fun, the name of a person in the video. Side trips could be introduced with a dig- even addictive. The main modification you'll have itized map of the area, and an animated to make to your PC is the addition of an Lost in Space: Graphic incorporating digitized im- PC PIP: The ComputerEyes RT software displays Graphics to Go: Deluxe Paint Animation can make ages manipulated with Deluxe Paint Animation. incoming video in a window on the computer screen. original and digitized images spin, flip and fly. VCPSTIPHRCD1OIURE0TENEOUSTOVE:EVINRGSAI/OMNITSUBISHI OCTOBER 1991 VIDEO 47

BiG BLUE With a digitizer, you can create professional- quality graphics. SPhEopVpiedreo's The products needed for PC desktop video can be tough NTSC encoder or genlock. These come to find, and information about them elusive. Below is the in the form of circuit boards that take Guide basic info you need to judge whether the products fea- the place of a PC’s existing graphics tured in the accompanying article will work with your adapter. Each has an output for a color Affordable computer system. Except for ComputerEyes RT and Vid- computer monitor, as well as standard Animation: eo Charley, all the hardware below requires full-size NTSC video jacks. The granddaddy of Electronic Arts’ expansion slo—tsosrry, most laptops won’t work for video. these boards is Truevision’s Targa, which $135 Deluxe Paint has become the standard among pros Animation. HARDWARE using PCs. e Targa + 16 videographics board. Digitizes video images, Truevision has produced many ver- keys computer graphics over or under video, provides sions of the Targa, the latest of which is NTSC output. Works in any PC with at least 640 kilo- the $1,795 Targa+ 16, an all-purpose bytes of random-access memory (RAM) and DOS 3.1 or board that includes a genlock, a digitizer higher. Truevision, 7340 Shadeland Station, Indianapolis, and a chroma keyer. The chroma keyer IN 46256; 317-841-0332. places computer graphics under video subjects, who stand in front of a blue e VideoVGA genlock/encoder. Superimposes computer graphics over video, provides NISC output. Works in Let It Fly: Gold Disk’s Animation Works Interactive any PC with at least 640K RAM and DOS 3.1 or higher. produces complex animations easily. Truevision. backdrop during shooting. You see this e ComputerEyes RT video digitizer. Digitizes images effect every time you watch a TV weath- erman standing in front of a computer- from video. Works in any PC with at least 640K RAM, generated map. Most important, Targas DOS 2.1 or higher, and a VGA, Super VGA or MCGA produce much more realistic images graphics adapter. Digital Vision, 270 Bridge Street, Ded- than most PC video boards. The Tar- ham, MA 02026; 617-329-5400. ga+ 16 can produce 32,756 colors, com- pared to 256 for most VGA-type boards. e MicroKey/A encoder/audio digitizer. Digitizes and The 16.7-million-color Targa 16/32 is plays back audio, synchronizes audio to graphics, pro- available for only $200 more. vides NTSC output. Genlock and digitizer modules available. Works in any 286, 386 or 486 PC with a hard A less expensive alternative is True- drive, DOS 3.1 or higher and at least 640K RAM. Video vision’s $995 VideoVGA, a high-quality Associates, 4926 Spicewood Springs Road, Austin, TX genlock which, like the Targa+ 16, offers 78759; 512-346-5781. composite and S-video inputs and out- puts. Like a conventional VGA, the e TVGA encoder. Provides NTSC output; genlock VideoVGA produces 256 colors with and digitizer modules available. US Video, One Stamford resolution up to 1,024 x 768 pixels. The Landing, 62 Southfield Avenue, Stamford, CT 06902; computer graphics overlay can be 203-964-9000. switched in and out from the keyboard. e Video Charley genlock. Superimposes computer The VideoVGA comes with ver- graphics over video, provides NTSC output. Works in satile titling software that generates any PC equipped with an EGA graphics adapter. Pro- smooth, professional-looking text. It of- gressive Image Technology, 120 Blue Ravine Road, Suite fers one sans-serif typestyle in 15 sizes, 2, Folsom, CA 95630; 916-985-7501. and 17 more typestyles—all designed specifically for NISC video—can be SOFTWARE added for $175. Text can be scrolled and e Animator. Creates and animates images and text. Runs on any 286, 386, 486 or PS/2 PC with DOS 2.0 or higher, at least 640K RAM, a hard drive and a VGA graphics adapter. Autodesk, 2320 Marinship Way, Sausalito, CA 94965; 415-332-2344. @ Deluxe Paint Animation. Creates and animates images and text. Runs on any PC with 640K RAM, a hard drive, DOS 2.1 or higher and an MCGA or VGA graphics adapter. Electronic Arts, 1820 Gateway Drive, San Mateo, CA 94404; 415-571-7171. e Animation Works Interactive. Creates and animates images and text; combines animations and synchronizes them with sound and video. Runs on any 286, 386, 486 continued on page 86 48 VIDEO OCTOBER 1991