video-magazine-1992-02

VidWORLD ‘S BIGGEST VIDEO PUBLICATION magazine LASER PLAVER SHOOTOUT ' Features Define | Performance WIDESCREEN{ HIDEAWAY EDITING Clean Up Your lapes |FH/OXLLLYEWGOEONDD'S VIDEOTESTS 2 Midmount VCIes Giant Rear Projection TV

The Mitsubishi LR TV features a fine eiteekvercoenei(eir| am eoelobilicae invar shadow mask, Wie @xelaraceta renee luleluCeaNeiyar-lenlen beam forming,and an anti-static coating. Circle 1 on Reader Service Card.

Tavetetomvercecs “Wow, what a picture!” 20% while forming an anti- static shield against dust. It also absorbs ambient room light rather than reflecting it,so your picture never looks washed out. Our Dynamic Beam Form- ing technology resulted from the fact that electron beams be- come distorted as they reach the edges and corners of the screen. Reshaping and refocusing the beams results in. a much sharper overall picture. ; Also contributing gener- as MITSUBISHI ously to a sharper picture is our exclusive Fine Pitch Screen. By reducing the pitch, or horizon- tal distance between the phos- phor stripes, it delivers a 20% improvement in detail. We could go on and on about the picture enhancing advantages of our digital comb filters, invar shadow masks and When we introduced the Take, for example, our ex- quote from a considerable list first 35” direct view TV back in clusive Diamond Visior picture 1986, people couldn't believe tube. A direct descendant of our of other technical specifications. that a picture that big could also stadium display screens, itdeliv- be that sharp and that beautiful. ers optimum contrast and color But to really appreciate the even under the most challeng- It's a reaction that has be- ing light conditions. remarkable picture you get with come more pronounced with every passing year. And this And this year, were treat- the CS-3535R direct view 35” year is no exception, thanks to Mitsubishi's commitment to ing selected Diamond Vision you need to do some basic re- technical innovation. tubes with a special coating that boosts contrast an additional search of your own. Turn it on and watch it. 2’s MITSUBISHI TECHNICALLY, ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE” © 1991 Mitsubishi Electronics America, Inc. For more information on Mitsubishi Home Theater Systems and the name of your nearest dealer, call toll-free (800) 527-8888, ext. 245. Circle 1 on Reader Service Card.

FEATURES HOME THEATER VCRs 32 Picking the perfect den-ready deck and why it will cost 40 TAPES & DISCS less than you think. By Richard Warren 44 VIDEOTESTS LASER WAR GAMES 46 DEPARTMENTS 5 leading laserdisc players take our Eyes-On challenge. By Brent Butterworth and Kenneth Korman 51 F/X AUTEUR 53 Ray Harryhausen’s pioneering creature features enjoy 62 a small-screen revival. By Bruce Eder WIDESCREEN HIDEAWAY 12 Basement theater eliminates the bands from letterboxed videos. By Stan Pinkwas Cover: REVIEWS The Nasty Girl, Doc Hollywood, Jungle Fever, The Vanishing, more 6 Picking the perfect EDITOR’S CHOICE / The Spirit of 76. By Kenneth Korman home theater VCR. DIRECTORY / The latest releases on tape and disc 8 Shown here is RCA’s SHARP VC-H85U MIDMOUNT VHS VCR, 9 VR660HF and Para- Toshiba TP5580 55-inch projection TV, Fisher FVH-8901 midmount VHS VCR, Hughes AK-100 Sound Retrieval System. By Berger-Braithwaite Labs 10 mount Home Video's Indiana Jones and the CHANNEL ONE / Warding off winter’s chill 25 Last Crusade. Photo- FEEDBACK / Letters from readers LATE NEWS / Latest products from CES 26 graph by Bob Forrest GAZETTE / A new ending for Fatal Attraction, Ben Kingsley, more YOUR MONEY’S WORTH / Charge it! Video credit cards 28 Video Magazine NEW PRODUCTS / Proton 31-inch monitor/receiver, Mitsubishi VHS VCR, more Volume XV COLLECTOR’S CLEARINGHOUSE / Ann Miller and John Waters 48 HANDS-ON TEST / Hitachi editing system helps clean up your tapes OFF THE AIR / The strange case of the dumped displays 104 Number 11 VIDEO Magazine (ISSN 1044-7288) is published monthly by Reese Communications, Inc., 460 W. 34 St., New York, NY 10001. Second-class postage paid at New York, NY and additional mailing office. © 1992 Reese Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. © under Universal, International, and Pan American Copyright Conventions. Reproduction of editorial or pictorial content in any manner The 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 ky Audit —_ international publication permit #546488. Address subscription orders, change of address, correspondence and inquiries to: VIDEO, Box 56293, Boulder, CO 80322-6293, or call toll-free 800-365-1008. ea Change of address takes 60 days to process: send old address label, new address, and zip code. All material listed in this magazine is subject to manufacturer's change without notice, and publisher assumes no responsibility for such change. Printed in the U.S.A. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to VIDEO, Box 56293, Boulder, CO 80322-6293. For microform copies of issues or articles, write to: Serials Acquisition Dept., University Microfilms, Inc., 300 North Zeeb Rd., Ann Arbor, MI 48106. 4 VIDEO FEBRUARY 1992

BRUCE WiLLISs Here's a great way to build a collection of your favorite movies—on laserdiscs! Just write in the numbers of the 3 laserdiscs you want for $1.00 each, plus shipping and handling. In exchange, you simply agree to buy two more laserdiscs in the next year, at regular Club Die Hard 2* Home Alone* The Godfather prices (currently as low as $29.95, plus 0418062 1042082 0008022 shipping and handling)—and you may cancel membership at any time after doing so. Free Magazine sent every four weeks (up to 13 times a year), reviewing our Directors Selection—plus scores of alternate choices, including many lower-priced laserdiscs. And you may also receive Special Selection mailings up to four times a year. (That's up to 17 buying opportunities a year). Buy only what you want! If you want the 0564082 Ghost* Dances With Wolves* Director's Selection, do nothing-—it will be sent THE ABYSS 8260082 8052002 automatically. If you'd prefer an alternate BACKDRAFT selection, or none at all, just mail the response * |8811022 | GOODFELLAS 9698082 card always provided by the date specified. And * |5590052 | ey; THE EMPIRE STRIKES BACK x |0910092 |THEEXTRA-TERRESTRIAL |6811062 you'll always have 14 days to decide; if not, you KINDERGARTEN COP 5234072 | PREDATOR 2 * |1043072 may return the selection at our expense. RETURN OF THE JEDI * |3547042 | HENRY & JUNE 4993012 | Money-Saving Bonus Plan. If you continue BACK TO THE FUTURE * |2114092 | LETHAL WEAPON 6308062 your membership after fulfilling your obligation, x |6427022 you'll be eligible for our generous bonus plan. BACK TO THE FUTURE I! x |9213042 | LETHAL WEAPON 2 x |4891042 It enables you to enjoy great savings on the BACK TO THE FUTURE III___% | 4970082 | goRN ON THE movies you want—for as long as you decide to HARRY CONNICK, JR. : | FOURTH OF JULY SINGIN’ & SWINGIN’ 9681072 | HARD TO KILL 9535052 remain a member! 10-Day Risk-Free Trial. 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HOW TO BUY ~ CHANNEL ONE CD-Interactive Looking for anew CD player? There’s a new “CD” player on the shelves boasting audiophile characteristics and interactive audio/visual tech- nology. CD-Interactive (CD-I) isanew Warding g Off Winitnetre’r’ss ChCihlil optical disc technology that combines CD-quality audio with video, text, animation, and graphics, resulting in a revolutionary new format. CD-I players are capable of playing CD-Audio, CD-I and CD+Graphics discs so they can be used to play your sissies osmesesnsnisinsonsiesseniesesssssmaaseiosennipensemsmnne favorite CD tracks or allow you to With much of the nation iced down in the annual midwinter chill, interact with new CD-I discs. there’s no better time than now to warm ourselves with thoughts of building or upgrading that home-theater system. In this vein, this Audio is recorded in 16-bit PCM for CD-I as it is for CD-Audio. But with month’s issue is jam-packed with valuable information designed to CD-I, a compression method is used maximize your system’s entertainment value. to squeeze the 16-bit PCM into whatis known as 8-bit ADPCM to make room In “Home Theater VCRs,” our cover story, you'll see how to gen- erate the most bang for your VHS buck, as contributing editor Richard for visual information, before it is Warren describes the features you must have and— equally impor- recorded onto a CD-I disc. Each CD-I player has a decoder built in that will tant—some you might want to forgo as your budget dictates. This is decode the 8-bit audio in real time an article that should satisfy readers who are hungry for just the right VCR to round out their system. back into 16-bit PCM. The quality of what you will eventuallheyar depends on which ADPCM fidelity level is used. We also address the optimum home-theater program sourc—ethe laserdisc player. In the latest of Video Magazine's exclusive series of A-level stereo, being the best “Eyes-On” shootouts, we put five popular laserdisc players through their paces in a rigorous head-to-head competition before a panel of of these, has a seven judges. While the results strongly reinforce the widely held per- ception that all laserdisc players deliver great picture and sound, many frequency re- Fy sponse range readers will be surprised at the results of this particular laserdisc duke- (Oto 18.9 kHz) out. Professional that rivals CD- AudioVideo Retailers Audio’s range. Association A-level ste- And if you’re looking for some stunning cinematic special effects to run your system through its paces, test drive a few of Ray Harry- reo uses 5O- percent of the compact disc’s data hausen’s films. The legendary F/X wizard was responsible for many of delivery bandwidth. If more room is required for visual information — the most memorable film creatures of the ’50s and ’60s, and we’re sure which is quite often the case — the you'll recognize at least a few of those featured in contributing editor Bruce Eder’s profile. next level will be used. B-level stereo is 16-bit PCM compressed to 4-bit and There’s plenty here to warm your home theater on a cold winter’s night. takes up only 25-percent of the bandwidth. C-level is the most com- pact of the ADPCM processes, and it uses a lower sampling rate, 4-bits, and has a frequency response rating up to 9.45 kHz. It uses only 12.5-percent of the bandwidth and is only used for narrative discs. If data is prepared in mono, the bandwidth requirements are cut in half. CD-I titles are currently available at retail outlets and run the gamut of James M. Barry J\"BBZuzPdoa1sIpeAe9DIaiAnySterests from educational to sports to Editor children’s programming. However, offerings like a new Verve package tribute to Louis Armstrong show that CD-I will add a new dimension to the CD format, adding pictures, lyrics and liner notes to augment the digital music. The opportunities for creative producers and listeners are endless. PARA is an association of specialty audio/video retailers. To locate a PARA dealer near you, call: (816) 444-3500 6 VIDEO FEBRUARY 1992

/ Co ST, hh nina E PPROCE7 Se ADEE 4CASSE TTE THE ONLY HEAD CLEANER THAT TELLS YOU WHEN YOUR VCR OR CAMCORDER HEADS ARE CLEAN! P Sooner or later clogged or dirty heads will make your picture appear dirty or snowy and create distorted sounds. P With the patented one-step process, , all you do is pop itinto your VCR or | camcorder as you would any ordinary videocassette. The magnetic-based tape | is exactly what your VCR and camcorder are designed to use! > In only a few seconds of playing time, _the pre-recorded message will appear, telling you when your heads are clean— without damaging delicate heads. > With no messy liquids or harsh abrasives, its 100% safe and easy to use! For more information write: 3M Consumer Video and Audio Products Division 3M Center Building 223-5N-01, St. Paul, MN 55144-1000 Scotch Head Cleaning Videocassettes. Easy. Safe. Sure. Innovation working for you\" 3M IQD : Circle 3 on Reader Service Card. Worldwide Sponsor 1992 Olympic Games

FEEDBACKEDITED BY BRIAN CLARK magazine Defending 8mm President and Managing Director, Jay Rosenfield In the “Technically Speaking” column, For Privileged Owners: What becomes a legend “VHS vs. 8mm: Is Smaller Really Bet- most? An irregular box that requires a special shelf. Editor, James M. Barry ter” (Nov. ’91), Roderick Woodcock tries to portray 8mm as being so suscept- set with the packaging. The disc comes Managing Editor, Stan Pinkwas ible to dropouts that he just can’t rely on in an obese box measuring 15 by 13-1/2 Technical Editor, Lancelot Braithwaite it. It’s true 8mm has dropout problems, inches, far bigger than normal packaging Senior Editors, Kenneth Korman, but they are no worse than VHS. Eight which fits so neatly in my record cabi- Brent Butterworth millimeter has a higher recording densi- net. Doesn’t Disney realize people are Assistant Editors, Brian Clark, ty, but it also has far less tape exposure going to want to keep and store this April P. Bernard area for dust to gather. Its advantages disc? There is not one shelf in my entire Contributing Editors: Bob Angus, Mavis come from its small size and such fea- home big enough to store it in a proper Arthur, Bob Barlow, Frank Beacham, Ivan tures as flying erase heads, edit switches, vertical orientation. For $99.95 I think Berger, Warren Berger, James Caruso, Steve multiple channel digital-audio-only re- we deserve better! Daly, Steve Ditlea, Bruce Eder, Ty cording and ease of storage. Harrington, David Lachenbruch, Frank Bob Staudenmaier Lovece, Gordon McComb, Marianne I am more than happy carrying my Goleta, California Meyer, Murray Slovick, Richard Warren, new 2.7-pound 8mm camcorder with a Stewart Wolpin, Roderick Woodcock couple of 8mm tapes stuffed in my back First, the good news Editorial Assistant, Lily Schwartzberg pockets. For me, 8mm is what video should have been in the first place, while The good news about the $150 letter- Art Director, Lonnie Heller VHS is good for what it was designed Associate Art Director, Vera Naughton for — watching rental movies and off- boxed, laserdisc Star Trek movie collec- Art Assistant, Luis Ramos Jr. the-air recording. Yudhveer S. Bagga Production Manager, James LoGrasso tion is gorgeous transfers and color Production Assistant, Gaye Whyte Gahanna, Ohio Typesetting, Janet M. Holland balance. The bad news: no chapter Someone woke up Executive Vice President, stops, no additional production notes on Edward M. Milarsky I’m becoming frustrated with the low Vice President, Circulation quantity of material available in S-VHS. the disc. The souvenir booklet is merely and Special Projects, Rena Adler You'd think that with the VCR market Newsstand Sales Director, Gerald Levine reaching the saturation point, VCR the album-cover art and their skimpy Circulation Assistant, Elizabeth Moss manufacturers would take the first step Financial Officer, Albert Mineo by trying to push S-VHS into the mass liner notes of the five re-released mov- Business Manager, Janette Evans market. Your “Late News” column (Jan. Assistant to the President, Leslie Dionicio 91) mentioned Japanese decks that play ies, with no additional information. Star but don’t record S-VHS tapes (for only a Publisher, Eric C. Schwartz few more dollars). Now, a year later, I Trek: The Motion Picture is the older, have yet to see one of these decks. Associate Publisher/National Advertising These decks would be perfect for anyone theatrical version, not the “special, 12- Director, Linda DeRogatis with an S-VHS camcorder, and would Marketing Director, Luanne Rao also penetrate the mass market due to minutes-added” video version. All the East Coast Sales, Dina Redding-Berrigan, the added quality at a low price. Will Annette Y. Schnur someone please wake up! discs are CLV, and although two films Classified Sales, Mary Au Midwest Sales, Milton Gerber, Christine Jeff Peeters run to three sides each, there are seven, Richardson Little Chute, Wisconsin West Coast Sales, Cynthia Gallivan not six, discs included (with only 12 West Coast Advertising Assistant, Karen Editor's reply: Current models from Pan- DeMarco asonic and Hitachi feature quasi S-VHS sides used!). And no indication of any of Ad Coordinator, Maria Sozio playback, with others expected to follow suit. the above on the box exterior. Ah, Para- Nationai Editorial & Sales: 460 West 34 mount, celebrating a quarter-century as Street, New York, NY 10001; 212-947-6500, 212-947-6727 (fax) mega-milkers of this cash-cow fran- Midwest Sales Office: Media Plus, 4409 RFD Stonehaven Drive, Long Grove, chi—sboeldly going where no one has IL 60047;708-913-5400, 708-913-5403 (fax); 405 North Wabash, Chicago, IL 60611; gone before. Bruce Fisher 312-644-0001, 312-644-0930 (fax) West Coast Sales Office: 1453 Third Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Suite 490, Santa Monica, CA 90401; 213-393-5057, 213-393-5538 (fax) A very big release For the record Editor-in-Chief, Art Levis (1936-1991) I just purchased the deluxe CAV laser- January’s “ViVA Gold!” article incor- disc version of Fantasia and am very up- rectly identified JVC’s HR-S6700U r REESE S-VHS VCR as the HR-S6900U. @ CIONMCMOURPNOIRCAATTEIDONS 8 VIDEO FEBRUARY 1992

LATE NEWS_.EDITED BY BRENT BUTTERWORTH MIX SOUND AS YOU SHOOT! a The new Azden CAM-3 is a mini 3 channel mic mixer for recording the sound from 2 add-on microphones and a personal stereo, while you're shooting! Sharp new products, straight from CES January’s semiannual Able & Stable: 7 Consumer Electronics Mitsubishi’s S-VHS-C HS-CX7U. 2 1/8\" x 3 1/4 Show added a little extra the CAM-3, can be dazzle to Las Vegas and a sonal video with a laptop TVCR that attached to your camera, lot to the world of video. combines a four-inch LCD screen with a or clipped to the handstrap. Here’s a peek at some of VHS VCR and a TV tuner. The 6.5- Comes with connecting the hotter products just pound machine displays its operating cables. Needs no batteries. introduced. (We’ll have status in onscreen displays. Goldstar also more next month.) joined the small group of companies Suggested Retail: $59.95 with consumer video printers by intro- Tiny new VHS-C camcorders caught ducing a model with S-video and RGB AZDEN’ one of the show’s big spotlights. After a inputs. two-year absence from the camcorder 147 New Hyde Park Road wars, Mitsubishi returned with a trio of For game buffs, NEC showed a sleek Franklin Square, New York 11010 tiny shooters, including the 1.4-pound module that plays TurboGrafx-16 games HS-CX7U, an S-VHS-C model that has on either credit-card-sized cartridges or Private a digital gyroscope to compensate for CD-ROM discs. It has quadruple the Listening camera motion and exposure settings for memory of the current TurboGrafx-CD six different shooting situations, like system, so it doesn’t interrupt game play New INFRASOUND sports and twilight. Panasonic, mean- as often to pull fresh data from a disc. IR500 Cordless while, fielded its first-ever S-VHS-C Games for the new system, called PC Headset lets you compact, a hi-fi model, as part of a new Engine Duo in Japan, are now being de- listen privately line of Palmcorders. veloped for the U.S. TurboGrafx-CD to TV, as loud owners will be able to upgrade their ma- as you like, Power Up Front: Sony's VPH-1000Q front video projector. chines with an expanded memory card. without distur- bing others. Panasonic also took aim at VCRs by Meanwhile, the Game Genie, a pop- adding S-VHS playback to all its new ular device that lets Nintendo users AC-powered trans- decks and, on some, such features as bi- electronically modify their games, is lingual onscreen displays and automatic branching out. Galoob has a new version mitter connects IR500 daylight-saving time adjustment. It also for the Sega Genesis system that will in- easily to any brand of added a version of the Program Director clude codes for about 50 games, includ- TV, VCR, or TV video game. remote control to the front panels of ing Sonic the Hedgehog. By punching in three new VCRs. Under its Optonica the codes through an onscreen menu, Lightweight, battery-powered headset ‘brand, Sharp introduced the VC- Sega fans will be able to go to any level provides maximum listening comfort. Built G975U, a center-mounted hi-fi VCR of a game they choose, or make a game with titanium-coated heads designed to easier or harder in a variety of ways. m in volume control lets you adjust volume improve playback and reduce wear. 4 from headset without getting up. Addi- Sony set out in a new direction with its first consumer-grade front video pro- ROM to Spare: tional headsets may be purchased jector. The $6,000 VPH-1000Q can op- NEC's new Turbo- separately. UL Listed. Limited one year erate using NTSC, PAL and SECAM standards and produces pictures from 70 , Grafx-16 module plays warranty. to 250 inches diagonally. It has a hori- games on both card- zontal resolution of 650 lines. sized cartridges and ARKON RESOURCES, INC. CD-ROM discs. 11627 Clark St. * Suite 101 Goldstar advanced the state of per- Arcadia * CA * 91006 * USA Tel: (818) 358-1133 * Fax: 818-3036157 FEBRUARY 1992, VIDEO 9 Circle 4 on Reader Service Card.

GAZETTEEDITED BY KENNETH KORMAN \"| On Location: | Michael Douglas and Glenn Close confer ~) with director Adrian | Lyne during filming of Fatal Attraction—now available on video with an alternate ending. An Fatal Attraction | there making up their minds on this nation. In 1985, producer Mark Sottnick thing,” Lyne told us. “But it was just me, recorded Meryl Streep reading The Vel- the producer [Stanley R. Jaffe] and the veteen Rabbit and paired it with the mu- revisited writer [James Deardon], the three of us sic of pianist George Winston. The album became the year’s best-selling kind of depressed because the movie children’s release and, with its classy sto- tybook visuals, the start of a major kid- Director Adrian Lyne’s Fatal Attraction worked so well until the last 10 minutes. vid project. In subsequent years, The caught film and video audiences by sur- Rabbit Ears Storybook Classics collection, prise in 1987, quickly becoming the most Then it just went flat. The [reshot] end- using star actors, top-notch illustrators talked about movie of the era. Was it and chart-topping musicians, has aired ing is just more dramatically success- on cable, sold strongly on video and merely an enticing thriller? Or did this earned critical and parental hurrahs. cautionary tale of marital infidelity ful—I much prefer it to the original.” strike a chord with audiences because it Audiences can now decide for them- Last year, Rabbit Ears began another captured the spirit—and fears—of the series, We All Have Tales, an ongoing set greed-soaked ’80s? In any case, rumors selves about the best way to resolve the of international children’s folk stories. of an alternate ending for the film, vastly Some, like Jack and the Beanstalk (told by different and supposedly dropped in fa- film’s nail-biting tension. But Lyne, who Monty Python’s Michael Palin) are fa- vor of the more “commercial” one we’ve miliar; most are not. The Fool and the all seen, kept people talking even after also directed Jacob’s Ladder, 9-1/2 Weeks the movie ran its course. the animated legend, The Tiger and the Brahmin. and Flashdance, is very confident about While the meaning of the film is still open to debate, questions surrounding the overall value of his most popular the alternate ending should finally be put to rest with the first installment of movie. “People are always searching for Paramount Home Video’s “Director’s commercial formulas, but the truth is that all this year [1991] we’ve seen films not working because these formulas don’t lead to good movies. They come from someone's idea of what people will come and see, instead of from good sto- ties. Fatal Attraction is just a damn good story.” —KK Cut” series. Due in stores in March, the Ben Kingsley’snew $29.95 VHS edition of Fatal Attrac- tion includes a lengthy interview with tall talethe director and rehearsal footage, as well as the previously unseen ending. But director Lyne bristles at the sugges- What is an Oscar-winning actor doing tion that commerc—enot legitimate ar- half-dressed, dripping wet and talking tistic concerns— inspired him to reshoot about tigers? “I’ve just stepped out of the final scenes several months after the shower, love,” Ben Kingsley admits wrapping production. on the long-distance phone line from “Everybody likes to think that there Bristol, England. were ranks of marketing people sitting The tigers require a bit more expla- 10 VIDEO FEBRUARY 1992

Flying Ship, from Russia, uses Robin Wil- Hot Stuff: The Bare Facts guide catalogs Melanie out in an expanded second edition. liams’ manic characterizations to bridge Griffith's “topless dancing” in Body Double. The guide lists 1,200 actresses and the culture gap. For The Tiger and the Brahmin, an Indian legend, Sottnick sion of Howard the Duck star Leah 500 actors and the G- through R-rated asked sitar master Ravi Shankar for mu- Thompson's previous credit —and nude films in which they show, by Hosoda’s sic and Kingsley, the man who won an scene —in a Tom Cruise film spawned an criteria, “parts you wouldn't see at the Academy Award for his portrayal of beach.” Each performer is listed with all Gandhi, to narrate. idea. Almost five years later, his book is of his/her films, including release dates Despite extensive filming of that role in India, Kingsley concedes he wasn’t fa- and roles played. But it’s the bold-faced type that provides the most surrealistic miliar with the Brahmin’s tale, in which sex talk since the Thomas confirmation a seemingly dim-witted jackal helps a hearings. kind but not worldly holy man to escape a tiger. Kingsley does confess, though, “I “Brief left breast in bathtub” isn’t a based the voices in the story on several of my colleagues whom I filmed with.” ribald tongue-twister, but a note on De- He won’t reveal their names, but chuck- bra Winger in Mike's Murder (1984). les as he says, “I cast it very well.” And where else would you learn that Jeff Goldblum was the inooning “Freak 1” in More surprisingly, voicing more than the first Death Wish movie? (The laca- a half-dozen characters and juggling tion of naughty bits is clocked in min- their dialog with a narrative, Kingsley utes after the film company’s logo fades.) recorded the whole tale in just one take. Perhaps it’s the reading he does to his Hosoda says his family’s delighted at own kids (the youngest is 3-1/2) or the the one-time hobby which now lets him children’s audio tapes he’s recorded in the past that made it so easy. Shortly be- work full-time at home. Besides, he ex- fore talking to Video Magazine, he also plains, “My wife is French.” The book, completed voicing the role of Freddy the which retails for $9.95, is available in Frog for what he describes as “a very big stores or by calling 408-249-2021. international animation cartoon.” —MM The Brahmin’s more quietly told tale Taking It to the Streets. Sony’s and Matsushita’s describes his search for compassion in the world, but offers no childish answers purchases of Columbia and Universal studios, respec- about its existence. “It’s only the person he thinks useless who is of help to him,” tively, were widely perceived as an attempt by these Kingsley muses. “So I guess [the story] consumer electronics giants to exert control over the means don’t anticipate what you think is going to happen, don’t map out in your way movies are presented on home video. But Philips, life who you think is good for you and the huge Dutch company behind the new CD-I inter- who isn’t, because life is full of sur- prises.” — active disc format, may Like having reporters call you in the : have found an even bet- bath. —Marianne Meyer ter way of making sure Bare necessities its products reach a captive audience. Philips Craig Hosoda doesn’t seem like a dirty old man. Still, the 32-year-old husband has invested $66 million in Blockbuster Video, and father-of-two's self-appointed duty is sitting at the VCR, cataloging exposed by far the biggest chain of video rental stores private parts. Thanks to Hosoda’s un- selfish research, The Bare Facts Video in America. A Blockbuster spokesman said Guide helps you uncover the moments when your favorite performers got naked the chain “will promote CD-I systems and for the camera. cnet enn eae re os software in its [1,010] company-owned stores.” Hosoda was working at Industrial Light and Magic studios when a discus- CD-I’s Treasures of the Smithsonian Selling and renting CD-I technology in neigh- borhood outlets across the country may provide just what the fledgling format needs to become the entertainment and information system of the ’90s. A “Vision” Shared. Sony and the American Film Institute have an- nounced the winners of last year’s Visions of U.S. home video contest. New York documentarian Barry Strongin won the grand prize for Gray Rocks, an intimate portrait of senior citizens Aida and A.J. Snow on their annual Ca- nadian ski trip. For the 1992 Visions of U.S. contest, a new Young People’s category —for entrants 17 and younger —has been added to last year's Fic- tion, Non-fiction, Experimental and Music Video categories. Maximum length for this year’s submissions is 20 minutes, and the deadline is June 15, 1992. Judges include Francis Coppola, Mario Van Peebles and Shelley Du- vall, and a state-of-the-art Sony Hi8 camcorder will again serve as the top prize. For more information or an entry brochure, call 213-856-7743, or write to Visions of U.S., Box 200, Hollywood, CA 90078. FEBRUARY 1992 VIDEO 11

BERGER-BRAITHWAITE LABS Hi-Fi MTS STEREO TV/VGH 9 REW PLAY Flee a S1OP @ REG CENTMEIRDMO-UDNTRELIVMEECHANION AHEAD /AL PICTURE CONTROL SYSTEM (VIS) HO. POWER 2PIDET Tamper Proof: The remote control on Sharp's VC-H85U may be locked to prevent accidental triggering. VVSHCHARSRP Sharp calls its VC- hi-fi sound, four video heads for clear The midmount H85U a mid-drive stills, slow motion and speed play, and video noise reduction. transport, which VCR, but its oper- centers the tape ating principle is Its other features include an on- drive mechanism the same as that of screen instruction manual, front-panel to reduce vibration and improve pic- midmount VCRs audio/video inputs, automatic head from Toshiba and cleaning, auto tracking, digital program ture stability, is becoming one of the (index) search, skip search, segment re- hottest VCR features. One of the lat- Fisher. The trans- peat, full auto playback and a tamper- est converts is Sharp, which incorpo- port and cassette proof system to lock the VCR into the rated midmount design in its VHS current operating mode. It also has an hi-fi VC-H85U. It is an elegant deck eehatch are cen- 181-channel frequency synthesis tuner with many useful features, like an on- tered to balance with MTS/SAP decoder, an eight-event/ screen instruction manual, control locking, skip and index search, and easthe VCR better, one-year timer, a quick-start transport front-panel inputs for easy camcorder and a blue screen on/off switch. Among hookup. Its picture and audio quality picture quality. It is a relatively inexpen- the features a buff might miss are a flying are both good, ease of use is very sive deck without some of the features a erase head, microphone input, audio good, and overall performance is video buff might seek, but it has every- dub, video dub and insert edit. good to very good. At $569, it is a thing you need for home theater, such as strong competitor in its price class. Sharp VC-H85U Price: $569 wind/search, record, search; TV controls— Tuning Method: quick timer with VHS VCR TVIVCR, -, +, auto power, TV/video, mute, frequency synthesis standby Weight & Size (h/w/d): memory, SAP, audio channel up and down, 10.4 Ibs.; 3-5/8 x 15 x volume up and down Channel Selectors: Special Features: 12-3/4 inches out programmable up/down Still frame, frame ad- Inputs: video/stereo scan on VCR; scan vance, slow motion, 2x Tape Format & Remote Control: IR audio (front and rear), plus direct access on speed play, auto re- Speeds: wireless with buttons remote wind, auto head VHS; SP, LP, EP for VCR power, eject, F cleaner, switchable vid- TV/VCR, menu, call, on Preset Method: auto eo noise reduction, Video Heads: 4 screen, a 10-digit key- Outputs: video/stereo program with manual front A/V input, tamper pad, 100, -, +, TV audio, RF add/erase proof (control lock), skip Cue & Review Search: mode, auto memory, search, counter SP—5x; LP—5x; EP— Counter Digits: Cable Tuning Range: memory 15x add/erase, SAP, audio 5—hrs:mins:secs. A-8, 2 to 13, A to W, out, display, cancel, AA to ZZ, AAA, BBB, Absent Features: fiy- Fast Forward/Rewind SP/LP/EP, record, Program Start 65 to 94, A-5 to A-1, ing erase head, Time: approx. 4 min. standby, stop, pause/ Locator/Index/Cue: 100 to 125 microphone input, re- for T-120 still, frame advance, index search with auto mote pause, audio dub, play, rewind/search, fast mark Timer: 8-event/1-year video dub, insert edit, Front-Panel Controls: forward/search, 2x, including daily and titles/graphics, recording buttons for power, slow, slow speed/digital Analog Audio: linear weekly options, plus level control, audio lev- eject, TV mode, zero program search - and mono, hi-fi AFM stereo el indicators, head- back, stop, play, pause, +, tamper proof, zero fast forward/search, re- back, repeat and skip VPMLIEHOSDRO 12 VIDEO FEBRUARY 1992

The front panel is spare and grace- Tio; s hitib:acts The Toshiba ful. A shiny black display sits below the TP5580A 55-inch cassette hatch. The only exposed con- TP5580A rear- trols are for power and eject. On the left rear-projection side are exposed jacks for video and ster- projection moni- monitor/receiver eo audio input. The bare right side is a compartment door that conceals but- tor/receiver is one features one of the most advanced tons for transport functions (such as play of the few 55-inch sound systems we've seen in a big- and rewind), tuner controls and linear/ screen TV set. Its digital surround hi-fi audio output. Switches for blue sets available. It processor simulates the sound of a screen and noise reduction also hide be- theater, a nightclub, a concert hall hind the cover. uses digital sur- and a stadium, while its cyclone sub- woofer produces full bass you can re- The rear panel is conventional, ex- TOSHIBA round processing ally feel. In addition, a second tuner cept for its detachable power cord. It has (DSP) and a cy- lets viewers watch two broadcast F-connectors for antenna input and out- clone subwoofer sources at the same time. Both pic- put, and RCA jacks for video and stereo ture and ease of operation are very audio input and output. The front panel for unusually good good and audio is very good to excel- A/V inputs take priority and automat- lent, so overall performance is very ically disable those on the rear jacks rear- oe without ex- good. At $4,000, it is an attractive when plugs are inserted in front. option, especially if you don’t want to :: ternal speakers. connect your set to an audio system. The remote control has buttons grouped by function with background projection Currently, your hearing is, how much you have to color emphasizing the groups. It has the spend and how much of a perfectionist usual buttons for transport and tuner TY set there are three you are. control, plus an unusually high number main systems that This set offers five DSP modes: thea- of dedicated buttons, such as those for create a three-dimensional sound field: ter, stadium, club, concert hall and off. audio output, recording speed, program It also has a variable-level audio output search and control lock. In many low- Dolby Surround/Pro-Logic, Hughes to feed an external SRS or Dolby sys- priced VCRs, these functions are hidden tem. Its stereo speakers are powered by in the menu system. Having dedicated SRS and DSP. 14-watt-per-channel amplifiers. A sepa- buttons makes the remote more clut- tate 20-watt amp powers the subwoofer. tered, but easier and faster to use. It also Dolby systems use several speakers has buttons to control most Sharp TV On the video side, it offers picture- sets produced since 1984. to mirror the systems used in movie in-picture (PIP) with a separate tuner so you can watch two broadcast sources (or Using the VCR is straightforward, houses. SRS uses established acoustic one broadcast source and one video principles to recover the original ambi- continued on page 83 source) at the same time, PIP contrast ence of stereo recordings. DSP uses digi- control, an off timer, channel captions, tal processing to add measured effects of 24-hour lockout for up to four channels, reflection and reverberation to simulate continued on page 90 actual sound spaces. Which system is best for you? That depends on the type of material you play most, how acute phone jack er RESULTS Hi-Fi Dynamic Range: Horizontal Resolution: | 86.4 dB 240 lines Linear Audio S/N: S/N Ratios (dB): un- 43.4 dB weighted video—42.4 Audio Distortion: SP, 40.5 LP, 40.7 EP; hi-fi0.3%; linear— weighted video—50.7 1.2% SP, 50.4 LP, 49.8 EP; chroma AM—43.4 SP, RATINGS 45.2 LP, 41.7 EP; Picture: good chroma PM—39.7 SP, 37 LP, 37.5 EP Audio Frequency — hR-efs-p-o2n0se:He-ookHs,...., |Same mf Uae: very Bass Boom: +0.1/-2.5, all speeds; good Toshiba's TP5580 incor- porates a subwoofer linear (-3 dB)—75 with useful response Hz-10 kHz SP, 75 Hz-5 | Overall: down to 12.5 Hertz. kHz LP, 75 Hz-4 kHz good/very good FEBRUARY 1992 VIDEO 13

VIDEQTESTS VHS} 4DAHeaos Hi-Fi FLYING ERASE HEAL FISHER 30/idé2-S indir Jitter Proofed: Stabilizing tape rollers and a midmount cassette design improve the signal-to-noise ratios for Fisher's top-of-the-line FVH-8901. When we tested midmount layout. The end result is a Fisher’s FVH-8901 more stable picture, higher signal-to- Toshiba’s SV-771 noise ratios and an appealing, symmetri- is a midpriced hi-fi cal look. VCR with a mid- midmount VCR a mount transport. The FVH-8901 is Fisher’s top-of-the- year ago, we pre- line VCR. Its long list of features in- Its symmetrical design minimizes vi- cludes a flying erase head, audio/video bration, resulting in a steadier pic- dicted that its de- ture. It is also equipped with such dubbing, four video heads, front A/V in- useful features as a flying erase head, sign would soon index and blank tape search, and a put, index search with auto marking, wealth of special playback modes. become common. digital auto tracking and auto head The picture is very good to excellent cleaning. Its synchro pause connector at the SP speed, and good to average FISHER It has taken a year, facilitates easy editing when combined but two other with a synchro edit-equipped Fisher or at EP. Audio and ease of use are both Sanyo VCR or camcorder. It also offers very good, so overall performance is manufacturers, onscreen menus in English or Spanish. very good. This $700 deck is a good VHS 2Sharp and Fisher, The symmetry of the FVH-8901’s lisevalue if you seek the features it offers. have picked up on continued on page 78 .M VCR oftfee :s ae including the hi-fi Fisher FVH-8901 tested here, add stabilizing rollers to en- hance the jitter-eliminating effect of the Fisher Price: $700 Remote Control: IR Outputs: video/stereo Special Features: still 39.1 LP, 37.5 EP FVH-8901 wireless with buttons audio, RF frame, frame advance, Audio Frequency VHS VCR Weight & Size (h/w/d): for VCR, set, TV and variable slow motion, Response: 12.3 Ibs.; 4 x 16-5/8 x CATV mode; power, TV Counter Digits: skip search (in fast for- hi-fi—20 Hz-20 kHz, 15-5/8 inches monitor, input, VCR/TV, 5—hrs:mins:secs. ward and rewind), blank +0.1/-1.4 dB, all program, clear, QTR tape search, synchro speeds; linear (-3 dB)— Tape Format & Program Start edit, audio dub, video 100 Hz-12.5 kHz SP, Speeds: (quick timer) on time, Locator/Index/Cue: dub, auto rewind, digital 100 Hz-5 kHz LP, 100 VHS; SP, LP, EP QTR off time, 10-digit index with auto mark auto tracking, auto Hz-4 kHz EP keypad, 100/enter, head cleaner and front- Video Heads: 4 channel scan, channel Audio: lineas mono/ panel A/V input Hi-Fi Dynamic Range: up and down, volume stereo, hi-fi AFM stereo 81.5 dB Fast Forward/Rewind up and down, channel Absent Features: Time: 2-1/4 min. for Tuning Method: play effects at LP Linear Audio S/N: T-120 tecall, mute, blank frequency synthesis . speed, headphone jack, 43.7 dB search, index, reset, jog/shuttle dial, titles/ Remote Pause: front memory, rewind/search, Channel Selectors: graphics Audio Distortion: panel, synchronized play, fast forward/ programmable scan on hi-fi—0.3%, search, record, stop, VCR, scan plus direct RESULTS linear—1.1% Front-Panel Controls; pause/still, tape speed, access on remote power, eject, play, stop, auto tracking, video Horizontal Resolution: RATINGS rewind/search, fast for- dub, audio dub, audio Preset Method: 240 lines Picture: good/excellent ward/search, pause, out, slow, slow speed auto/manual program, Audio: very good record, tape remaining, up and down, channel manual add/erase S/N Ratios (dB): un- Ease of Use: still/slow tracking up program, auto, add and weighted video—45.8 very good and down, TV/CATV, erase Cable Tuning Range: SP, 42.9 LP, 40.7 EP; Overall: very good input select, front/rear 125 channels weighted video—51.8 input, tape length, Inputs: two video/ster- SP, 49.8 LP, 48.7 EP; mono/stereo/SAP audio eo audio (front and Timer: 6-event/1-year, chroma AM—46.5 SP, output, daylight-saving tear), RF, synchro edit, with daily and weekly 43.4 LP, 40.1 EP; time, and channel up microphone options chroma PM—40.8 SP, and down 14 VIDEO FEBRUARY 1992

A picture so real itcould fool the Audubon Society. |,this a television set or a nearest dealer and see how digital ultimate home theater. After all, in tropical bird act? convergence, fine definition and this case, a picture really is worth a horizontal resolution up to thousand words. Actually, it’s a tropical bird act 1,000 lines make Ultravision the as seen on a Hitachi big screen TV. But thanks to Ultravision, even the most avid bird watchers (and TV watchers) can’t tell the difference. Ultravision is an unprecedented combination of advanced technol- ogies that create a picture so ultra clear, ultra bright and ultra sharp itlooks like real life. And since a great picture deserves great sound, Ultravision comes with 4-way Surround Sound including Dolby Pro Logic; the ultimate in audio. Call 1-800-HITACHI for your © 1992 Hitachi Home Electronics (America), Inc. Dolby Surround is a registered trademark of Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corporation. Circle 57 on Reader Service Card.

(C@) sound petRIEVAL system MODEL AK-100 CENTER REV TRIM 3-D MONO FILTER LOOP SEL BAR/DOT DISPLAY Acoustic Alchemy: Hughes’ AK-100 Sound Retrieval System adds audio realism by restoring ambience information lost in the recording process. The Hughes restoration with the unit’s space control. The Hughes AK- 100 SRS Sound Sound Retrieval It also extracts center information, Retrieval System VIDEOTEST System is an audio which comprises mostly direct sound is an unusual de- processor that re- picked up equally by both left and right vice that produces surround-sound 624 constitutes the effects using a standard, two-channel microphones. This information, too, is audio system, without resorting to ar- tificial-sounding effects. It works with ambience lost in restored and under the user’s control mono and stereo sources. SRS is not a substitute for Dolby Pro-Logic de- recordings be- with the center knob. The directivity coding, but does a decent job of re- covering directional sound from HUGHES cause of the inher- servo, which detects and isolates moving Dolby-encoded movies. Audio quali- sound sources from stationary ones and ty, operational ease and overall per- ent inadequacies separately steers the reflective sound formance are all very good. This $449 of microphones. device is a pleasing alternative to a full surround system. Sound Even the best mi- wave to its correct position, is not under crophones are user control. fundamentally dis- The AK-100 also restores ambience Retrieval to mono sound sources, using an ad- similar from the vanced stereo synthesis circuit that does .: human ear be- not arbitrarily assign frequencies. The YS em cause the pinna, or outer ear, collects some sounds and result is a solidly centered image that reflects others. SRS attempts to com- does not pull to one side or the other. pensate for this difference. The device is more flexible than the Hughes AK-100 RESULTS Live sound consists of direct and in- SRS circuitry built into some Sony and Audio Frequency Response: direct waves. The strong direct waves let RCA TV sets, which cannot be ad- | Sound Retrieval you identify the piece of music and the justed. system 20 Hz-20 kHz, bypass mode; inapplicable in placement and types of instruments. A display covers most of the upper The indirect sound waves confirm the half of the front panel. The display forms Price: $449 SRS mode because it size of the room and its acoustic quality. a grid that tapers into the distance and is intended to modify Weight & Size (h/w/d): frequency and phase Direct waves dominate musical perfor- is calibrated in steps of 10, from zero to 8.4 Ibs.; 4 x 17 x 11-1/2 inches mances and are the major component of 100 for right and left of center, and from Audio S/N: bypass—93 | dB at max. level as rat- sound recorded with microphones, 20 to 100 for front to back. Across the Inputs: 2—unit and ed; SRS mode—98 dB which mask most indirect waves. lower half of the panel are switches with loop in, max. level 1.4 rated, 97.3 dB meas- However, these indirect waves carry indicators for power, SRS, reverb trim, Vrms | ured direction, loudness and frequency infor- 3-D mono and filter. Next are switches Outputs: 2—unit and Total Harmonic loop out, max. level 3.9 Distortion: mation essential for live-sounding repro- without indicators for loop select, bar/ Vrms bypass—0.01%, rated and measured; SRS duction. SRS restores the proper dot display type and display on/off fol- Special Features: mode—0.25%, rated, mono surround mode, 0.21%, measured frequencies and proportions of direct lowed by three large knobs for center, effect depth and level controls, filter, graphic RATINGS and indirect sound waves so that the space and level. level display Audio: excellent mix is closer to that of the original per- The rear panel has a power cord, a formance. user-replaceable fuse and four sets of SRS uses the difference between the | stereo jacks for unit in and out, and loop left and right (L-R) recorded signals to | in and out. Those labeled “unit” are the Absent Features: Ease of Use: headphone jack, remote’ very good extract ambience information, such as main connections. The loop jacks are control, internal ampli- fiers Overall: excellent reflected waves, reverberation and echo. used to connect a tape player or a VCR The user can control the degree of the | when the AK-100 is inserted into the 16 VIDEO FEBRUARY 1992

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Ithen need buy only 5 more l Ifyou want the Director's Selection, do nothing—it | # (instead of 6) in 3 years. i,be pact angome seisIfyale‘d prefer an aging selection, or none at | # (_) And also send still one more selection for an , just mail the response card always provided by the date specified. And 4pj, heck h ing: 2TL/2TN/2TQ |additional $9.99 plus $1.75 shipping/handling (ota rupee I wen ne 4 you'll always have 14 days to decide; if not, you may return the selection at 4“My.ieee issathtotad |ofuy6)oinnly3 4yemarosr.e (instea our expense. If you continue your membership after | Ch-arge my introductroer:y movies and futu~—re Club purchases to: fulfilling your obligation, you'll be eligible for our generous bonus plan. It } (MasterCard [J Diners Club AMEX — CJVISA’ enables you to enjoy great savings on the movies you want-for as long as IAccount # 2TM/2TP/2TR you decide to remain a member! I é We'll send details of the Club’s operation with IExpiration Date Signature your introductory package. If not satisfied, return everything within 10 | days for a full refund and no further obligation. [Name. Apt. City use your credit card and our toll-free number. Call I jAddress 24 hours a day. 1. Dept. ZK7 Ictate Zip Phone ( ) * ENote: Columbia House Video Club reserves the right to reject any application or cancel any membership. Offer limited to continental U.S Columbia House Video Club 848/IS9(2excluding Alaska) and Canada. Canadian residents will be serviced from Toronto (offer may vary). Applicable sales tax added to all orders. 1400 N. Fruitridge Avenue, Terre Haute, IN 47811-1112

tape ieué of an integrated srplifee or |eevhich removes low- Hasntacy Pica le: control adjusts the quantity of L-R and | receiver. The loop in jacks may also be R-L ambience information in the output | used as an extra input. but decreases bass response). The filter and has a slight effect on the L+ R level. option disables the reverb trim mode The last knob controls output level with The AK-100 is purely a two-channel and the 3-D option disables the other unity gain at its midpoint (12 o’clock) device, and in bypass mode, it is almost two. The loop switch selects the active transparent to the audio system. Using it input and the other two switches con- position. With so few controls, the trol the display. AK-100 is easy to use and adjust. The is fairly straightforward. The SRS switch enables or bypasses the unit. If SRS is se- | The center knob adjusts the quan- display helps guide the user and allows | | lected, three more options can be cho- tity of left plus right (L+R) signal in repeat settings, but your ears should be sen: reverb trim (which decreases reverb each channel for control of the apparent your real guide. and ambience), 3-D mono and filter width of the stereo image. The space Because the SRS processor modifies the original signal, measuring its output does not tell much about how it per- forms. To evaluate it, we listened to re- HERE TODAY. cordings made in concert halls in New York City with which we were familiar. We also compared live broadcasts of op- HERE TOMORROW. eras, processed through the AK-100, with performances of the same operas we had seen within a few days of the broadcast. We then tried SRS with two movie soundtracks we know well from | having heard the unmixed sound, one at Skywalker Ranch and the other at Uni- versal Studios. On the audio recordings and the op- | era broadcasts, the ambience recovery | made us think we were actually in the performance spaces. On the movies, the sound filled the entire space, and even | produced some feeling of front to back movement. However, sounds at the rear were not strongly focused. Sound place- ment across the front is fairly accurate. Although the system uses only two | speakers, the phantom center channel seemed solid and did not wander. A user can make the center sound image seem to move forward or backward with the center control. With many other movies, the results | | nearly matched the sound of a movie house or a home Pro-Logic system. In a few movies, some effects seemed to be Me, incorrectly placed. Audio quality varied between excellent on music and good to “WHC very good on movies for a combined rat- ~A ing of very good. SRS doesn’t replace | Pro-Logic surround, but it does produce Welevelellb4=te RtelarolgacT Nolet icieley pleasing effects. zB PNate Keoftia craslaticol este)elelane[kell]Ke]c- vays available.. With all these TECH TIP tages, Our company may be just he disiibulor source your company fetes) AS: tomorrow: Roce the. needs. Today and tomorrow, company thathastnadea commitment ~~ Call 1-718-258-0004 in people, products and inventory Or write: Warren's World Laserdisc protectors unmatched in the industry. 2655 Nostrand Avenue Our comprehensive line includes Brooklyn, NY 11210 To protect your laserdiscs and their jack- Sony video tape, audio tape, computer ets, use clear record album covers. They | els ccucrxeure fel Keliar-iar-rolreliarepunterelfe) ONLY fit perfectly, and they only cost about a as they become available. Our * dime each. It works best if you slide warren’s q world them in bottom-to-top, so the covers | don’t come off when you slide them be- fo) mVALe-o mealo mci(-Yeucelalre RECORDING MEDIA tween other discs, and the disc can’t roll out of the jacket. Tom Stoeger Sony and Only on Sony Recording Media are registered trademarks of Sony Circle 6 on Reader Service Card. Manitowoc, Wisconsin 18 VIDEO FEBRUARY 1992

——————— VALIO FROM. oi/ei/? Ld To find out more, turn the page. Please Use A Ballpoint Pen 0 Citibank Classic MasterCard, Rev. 11-91 Please Tell Us About Yourself C Citibank Classic Visa® card| 1 [Please Select One: Check Here If You Are A Student. 2 Please Print Your Full Name As You Wish ItTo Appear On The Card (First, Middle, Last) Your Home Address, Number & Street Apt. # |City Or Town ee |Zip Code Years At Own Home Rent Other | Social Security Number | stude Address | Cur Date of Birth (Month/Day/Year) Own Condo/Co-Op C Live w/Parents Name Home Phone Is Listed Under Home Phone Number And Area Code Previous Home Address, Number & Street (Students: School Address) Apt. # City Or Town State |Zip Code Years There as School Phone Number And Area Code Name School Phone Is Listed Under Are You A Permanent U.S. Resident? Send Card And Billing Statement To: =z () Yes (CINo OHome [1] School |} Please Tell Us About Your Job (Students: Please Supply School Information Only) MASH.ENTARDELEN, Name Of Employer (Students: Please Supply School Name) Campus Zip Code Position (Students: Class Year & Graduation Date) Years At Job |Work Phone Number And Area Code F! OLD, ve) Check Here If You Are If Retired Or Self-Employed, Enter Bank Name Bank Phone Number And Area Code Bank Account Number DCRetired (1 Self-Employed () About Your Income Important Account Information You need not include your spouse's income, alimony, child support, or maintenance payments paid to 6 Please Check Those That Apply. Be Sure To Specify Institution/Bank Name. you if you are not relying on them to establish fcorredciatrwdormtehmibneersss.hipY.our(Nototsatludyeenatrlmyiniinmcuomm.e) from all et liad z sources must be at least $8,000 to be considered Institution Name: Your Total Personal Yearly Income $ Other Yearly Household Income $ C1 Checking Account Institution Name: Other Yearly Income Source = Would You Like An Additional Card At No Charge? _| Savings Account Institution Name: 5 firYes, Print The Full Name Of The User (First, Middle, Last) Visa/MasterCard (JAmerican Express Card (Gasoline Diner’s Club Department Store/Sears (Other Please Sign This Authorization BcpCbiairinyrtonfdidvos.biriianmdgngae|nktdiainuooCgtntnlhhaobesmrpeseir.ilrzcooeevwp|iocdrmah|teryasdadv.ueteiahmIsnrofpderala|icodzcaydeuneerarysan,iCtdigertn,emiaunbtynea|ewdnuaekbnlraadsnn(etkyoSr,arosnuatdftauauhntnthdtduohDrreeaaitknzhdoyeeaitxtdsatco)eIlt,nfuohssse|eiNruuro.rssAnee,r.eftobtcehfoorerexcedcrnicheotcadenericdstbk.tuhorlermIiefsyaatbu|euasdtcacrshkeko.adm,rbiiaotTzy|veeehwriimlrsisltettscooebruaierysnveeedltaeonalocadsdronenddwedohixaertnceitdnhpo/ohaontoenrsrrgtceaavoanrercceriecinlnfofsoyuoutnmrbitmjycneafoctaiotinnrcosfmcntuoaoomrtuaemincbaorthotnauinwtorgtineeotph.hoioCirninwtItsnti3bh|o0oaerhnndadkaenaumrdyt(elshSetooorwaufimetbtzryheeeerdacD|rcoaruecnkesqoosceutuieraendis)stev’,tereewnddtNiah.tmeAhaef.no.cdpraarrnoad|tdp,hceCeeritirhtttnseiipafbemyaaCrfenisftsktiohliniabsaCtaot,lnfeaks|stasafhAiifemngiclricoearr1cteed8aedemrsiredytneatatnybordousursdeceeraonmteuftuedssiratttmgoiwebni,mcueteohromerpmawtluihyoeteslihtdreeelirtifa,hgd|ieadbanaircndmleaidstrysdsiiteshgfswsaoniutrlelttdtthhbhhaiteeesa SCNP0SiCHiyy]eouhnaogoccommuvnuilnbrbearueetleidurtrerysde? application. Omission of any of the information requested in this application may 7 be grounds for denial. X Please allow 30 days to process your application. Do not send payment of $20 Applicant's Signature Date ‘| annual fee; you will be billed later. © Copyright 1991 Citibank (South Dakota) N.A. Member F.D.I.C. LBTT2 O42eF ENYbP OOOO LCBBI O42e22 BPOSS 8400

itibank Visa. Citibank MasterCard. Some people think all MasterCard@ and Visa® ¢ The Lowest Price On Most Card Purchases * Round-The-Clock Customer Service cards are the same. And many banks are perfectly With Citibank Price Protection, ifyou find the item Toll-free, 24-hour customer service is available happy to leave that impression. The truth is no one advertised in print at a lower price within 7 days a week. When you have abilling questid | else puts more behind their cards than Citibank. 60 days of your purchase, Citibank will refund the or a request for a credit line increase, usually 4 | With Citibank Classic MasterCard and Visa, you difference—up to $150!* ittakes is one call. And { ifyour card is lost or get the kind of service only the world's largest CITIBAN ey stolen, call us and receive a new one, usually issuer of MasterCard and Visa can offer. within 24 hours. * Extended Warranties On Your Purchases The Extended Warranty Program will double t manufacturer's original U.S. warranty period— up to one additional year* ¢ Extra Coverage For What You Buy Buyers Security™covers most anything you charge on your Citibank Classic card againstt or accidental damage for 90 days from the dat of the purchase* Ifwe were to tell you all the benefits our cards offer, we wouldn't have room for an application And by now you've seen how much more our signature means on your card. So complete, sign, and return the attached application today, *Certain conditions and exclusions apply. Details of coverage will be provided upon cardmembership. Cl T1|=}A NC a The Buyers Security and Extended Warranty programs are provided by Access America Service Corp., Inc. PLEASE DETACH ALONG DOTTED LINE, FOLD, SEAL AND MAIL. Disclosure Box 2lw EE J031Y034H OQ ee SJO8}SEUOINg NEMICFAEUTIISNSHLS.EEADRY e) Zz J93u934ae7WAeY “S4sjITeo9U6q]6WTseA9Jo8UK4UIT-P219-24}-19aNeWgQoNsuweIyuUgll4|] SJaOeo}SuRejYeygond ua‘aJsjobjsyoelu)pinysaajiwoAjaWepomeuoduy SUJaOaOS}4IdD]uOeeAsPUYeL] Bajpouyou}ulejNRejdyeJyw9JgPBUOOod}}BLegLIIaU5YAeday HMDAGERSTOWN, aSJajSO}Ae}enSyUuEusUyoI/IaNy pJlsa}0ysJeuaOiuI}yBSs.)Lsapy)asatUasyuoj}dsa}eudyINGUP!asD ‘AQX‘3yS0aJNp€N}eOIneuoadTwgeyms9umueyo PN7O3E7.RMIT PBWPAEIAOYDILSDDLTRAEGSESEE s0Gk1Zep BRMUEAIPSLIYNESSFCMIALRIASLSTS C(DN.ISAATKCOcS(I.i/rnIeOUMcoterBTD.TC1idDvA)icr4Hito)iN7cHMir2v0,eKcape1s0ogr7,rey4prl9sa-t9no9dw3n4, Aaaisoleueieqajneyg J30Y1034H (8musalaupsnejyoouuln)d ‘J%jeIUOeYZOIINUNeYUSYUI‘A-J3jaYePSJ23jd01yoIaO]uoNY)}yBPAIBOaoj‘iI0}sysjJMyoyUMuDWS:SPN}JOjoieemuaeiaIaXLnuuIyapy|xpJSdIaps)ai0wNSjseOUioNiN‘dAwa‘‘oIGdxNawOyuHoaydiSGOIdQeieanpSISdlDyusTIoSlspbAeO‘aJMIUeITIedaa}uYaMryOOsw}syeUI-9SWesUpJa$Uauey|OyeZiIpOiyU}anOeyUeIWy}SqoN}ysTdWoOguenoZODIeWodGJ|WsoUdOea!dJpeUIT‘GPJSa9a1Lu‘y}ZIuUJGUI9OeY}}U1yTYwO$J]a}J0}oSONeooU9yUqWuN|NeOeAWpee

HO) Advertising Supplement Oe WT ee aNLemer- 11exo)cole Meolai4melel-liiaA convenience and compatibility with your home VCR. amcorders are offering very exciting bells and e whistles nowadays while making some very lofty technical claims. That’s fine as long as they live up to your expectations and their cas- settes play back on your home VHS VCR. Why cut through a jungle of cables just to watch your home videos when you can buy a VCR-friendly camcorder in the first place? frWiehnadtly?doCownesidmeeranthbeyneVwCR- L7 Compact VHS camcorders from JVC — the company that invented VHS and Compact VHS. Phese full-featured models deliver superb picture reso- The GR-AW1 FEBRUARY 1992 VIDEO 21

Advertising Supplement lution and convenient operation and, most importantly, JVC’s AV Compu Link have been designed with the realities of the home video environment in mind. Compact VHS tapes play back OOU VCR can be used on any VHS VCR using a supplied Playpak, an adapter an entire home theater. the size of a full-size VHS tape. Insert the tape into the Playpak, close the cover, slip it into your VCR and you recording, animation, self-timer recording, insert can relive memorable moments without searching for editing and audio dubbing. inputs on the back of components. Rest assured, with this simplified system you'll end up watching your Remember that the sound on a home video is as home videos more than ever before since you don’t important as the picture. Keeping this in mind, the have to set up the camcorder. And you'll also be able to send your tape to friends. GR-SX90 complements its advanced Super VHS picture quality with Hi-Fi VHS ” FORCONVENIENCE| stereo — all in a mini-model that is contoured to fit comfortably in your Canvenenes iscritical when it comes to home hand. Its warehouse of functions includes an 8x power zoom lens, a video, and the JVC GR-AX10U is one example of wireless remote, and a flying erase how this important feature should be taken into con- head for noise-free transitions and pre- cise editing. An automatic head cleaning sys- sideration. Aside from compatibility with all VHS tem and automatic digital A/V tracking assure VCRs, this Compact VHS model comes with a snap- you of worry-free picture quality. Digital on DC video light, and extra low-light sensitivity white balance adjustment and 3-lux that assure you of capturing moments when little or low-light sensitivity allow you to no lighting is available. This model’s light sensitivi- keep shooting under even the most ty can even be turned up a notch using its Gain-Up adverse lighting conditions. feature, which improves its sensitivity up to an Adverse weather conditions may also cause you to miss some memo- incredible one lux. rable moments. But for the GR-AW1 it’s “snow” problem. A little sleet or The VCR-friendly GR-AX10U incorporates an slush won’t keep the WeatherCam automatic head cleaning system that regularly cleans from capturing the fun in a wet or its video heads and its head drum every time a tape is winter wonderland. This Compact loaded and ejected. A trigger alarm beeps when you stop and start recording, and its Quick Review and Retake function allows you to review the last few seconds of every shot to determine if you need to re-record the scene. This model is also filled with exciting extras including a Cinema mode that letterboxes a scene to give it that epic look, as well as variable time- lapse e“ssing ergonomic , the GR-SX90 has a fe to fit ) your hand. 22 VIDEO FEBRUARY 1992

Advertising Supplement .TA 7A \" VHS model features a water-resistant body and a lines of horizontal resolution of the S-VHS format. (By the way, JVC invented Super VHS too.) The S- special cover to protect the battery from the ele- VHS format offers videographers a superior format for recording as well as generation-to-generation ments. Focusing on fast action is its forte, as it editing. includes a multi-speed shutter with six speeds rang- snap-on DC v onsee da ing from 1/60th to 1/4000th of a second. Gain-Up mode that lowers Auto focusing is now commonplace on every its light sensitivity to camcorder on the market; however many videogra- one lux. phers prefer to control focusing themselves. JVC’s GR-S505U includes an Electronic Manual Focus ring that gives serious videographers that SLR-like focus control. This compact Super VHS model is packed into a miniature body that’s 30 percent smaller than conventional units, while it still offers nearly twice as many features. Included among its arsenal are Hi-Fi VHS stereo recording, an 8x power zoom, digital A/V tracking, nine variable shutter speeds and four-page digital superimposition with title fading. Editors will love its dubbing mode switch, insert editing and audio dubbing capabilities as well as its Master Edit Control system, which offers full control of the editing process when using a JVC deck. Compatibility, of course, is a common attraction to all these powerful Compact VHS camcorders. Their VCR-friendli- ness is a sensible way of integrating them with today’s home video lifestyle. What’s more, JVC’s Super VHS VCRs are capa- ble of recording and playing back in stan- dard VHS as well as the eye-catching 400- FEBRUARY 1992 VIDEO 23

Advertising Supplement The HR-S6700U is designed with both the dis- cerning videophile and the average user in mind. This Super VHS Hi-Fi model features an array of GR-S505U advanced processing circuits including video noise reduction, twin-patch detail enhancement, bi- i |$1000! $1000 $1600 directional aperture control, a logical comb filter, and a color response improvement circuit. And its sound COMPACT vs |SVHS |SVHS processing is just as considerate. This model features a Sound Menu with five different ambience modes to FORMAT liven up a soundtrack to satisfy the audiophile that’s ae inside every videophile. It also incorporates a num- 8:1 : : : 8:1 ber of real-time search functions, a slew of editing capabilities including zero-frame and insert editing, cop 173\" | 41/3\" 4/3\" | 1/3\" | 41/3\" and an ample line-up of inputs including a pair of PICK-UP front panel A/V inputs for easy camcorder hook-up. SIZE Compatibility with electronic equipment doesn’t have to end there if you own an HR-S4700U. This S- VHS model comes equipped with JVC’s AV Compu Link system that lets you create a completely integrat- ed home theater system. Once you’ve connected this VCR to other JVC Compu Link audio components, just insert the VHS cassette and you’re able to control your entire home theater from the HR-S4700U’s remote. That’s VCR-friendliness at its finest. JVC emphasizes that all video equip- ment should work together to maximize the home entertainment experience. Since camcorders and VCRs are the cornerstone of home entertain- ment, it is obvious that they should be compatible with each other. Of course, that’s what friends are for. TITLING LEGEND: FLYHD: flying erase head; N.A.V.: nationally advertised value; TLIR: time-lapse/interval recording; VSS: variable shutter speeds; TITLING: includes character generator and superimposition capabilities. *available only with optional remote. Insert the tape into the Playpak, slip it into your VCR and you can relive memo- rable moments without searching for inputs. The GR-303U 24 VIDEO FEBRUARY 1992

BY CHRISTINE BEGOLE CHARGE IT! Unique credit sources can turn video wishes into dreams come true. ometimes the most helpful accesso- product, including VCRs, camcorders, its monthly statements. (To find a near- ry you can get to accompany a cost- 35mm cameras, copiers and fax ma- by Three Diamond Card dealer, call ly video purchase is a dedicated chines. The annual interest rate on 714-220-2500.) source of credit. Major electronics Canon's card is 17.88 percent, at press- products can gobble up big portions of time, and the minimum initial purchase A variety of video retailers—includ- the credit accounts available from is $50. Monthly payments are 1/20 of the ing Luskin’s, Newmark and Lewis, The highest balance, with a $50 minimum. Wiz, McDuffs, Video Concepts and American Express, VISA, MasterCard (Consumers can call 1-800-345-1192 to Sound Advice — offer customers their and the like. Big-screen televisions, pinpoint the nearest participating deal- own credit cards in the form of a store home theater installations, multiroom charge card that works through a re- audio/video systems and other high-end er.) volving credit account. Mitsubishi’s Three Diamond Card desires can cost as much as a car. Interest rates on these accounts vary As a result, dealers and manufac- must be used initially to purchase a Mit- by state. A handful of states limit the subishi video or audio product costing at rates, but in most states the interest turers have developed a variety of ar- least $500. Included in the program are rates range from 21 to 23 percent. And rangements to smooth the path that projection and direct-view televisions, here lies the biggest disadvantage of this begins with a gleam in the eye and ends VCRs and camcorders. Mobile electron- with a system installed. These arrange- ics, like cellular telephones and car au- kind of credit. ments range from specialized credit dio products, are excluded. The annual The big advantage, of course, is cards to bank-style loans. Each type of interest rate is 19.8 percent, at press- credit arrangement has advantages, but time, and the minimum monthly pay- sheer convenience. Creditworthy video the costs and conditions differ widely, ment is $25 per month, or 1/24 to 1/48 of purchasers can fill out the credit appli- and consumers are well advised to know cation form as they enter the store, get exactly how each works before taking the highest balance. approved in less than half an hour Once an initial purchase has been the plunge. (while they shop) and walk out with the The simplest form of video credit is made, the Three Diamond Card can be product of their dreams. To most minds, used to buy products of any brand car- this beats by a long shot dealing with the the dedicated credit card, which is of- ried in the participating dealer's store. paperwork at banks and other lending fered now by the participating dealers of An additional benefit of the card is that two manufactur—eCranson and Mit- Mitsubishi often encloses product litera- institutions. subishi. Canon’s card can be used to pur- ture and other useful information with Some stores regularly or occasionally chase any Canon consumer or business offer 90-day (or more) no-interest op- tions or 90-day “same as cash” (no pay- ments, no interest) options. Some stores also treat their in-house credit card holders as preferred customers to whom they send advance notice of sales, some- times with special sale days and hours set aside for card holders. FINANCE CONTRACTS Some retailers offer plans known as closed-end financing that may remind customers of new-car loans. In some cases, these are offered in lieu of revolv- ing credit; in others, in addition to a re- volving credit option. The advantage of a closed-end con- tract is that the annual interest rate tends to be lower (around 17.9 percent among a group of dealers we called). The disadvantage for some customers is continued on page 39 RMIIDTGCIHE Bi FEBRUARY 1992 VIDEO 25

7160HAMBURG TPK., WAYNE, N.J. 07470 _ EDITED BY BRIAN CLARK ~ NEWPRODUCTS— FORMORE INFO: CONVENIENT FAX # (201) 696-6531 (201) 633-1476 WE WILL MATCH OR BEAT ANY LEGITIMATE PRICE INFO & ORDERS:.... 1(800) 950-4080 Authorized Dealer for JVC, Sony, Hitachi, Panasonic, much more. by Toshiba Hitachi Sony JVC and more! — w/Caner Sonic Proton introduces new 31-inch set Super Input } Holography More than 600 lines of resolution are possible on Proton’s VT-335 31-inch stereo | Mts. monitor/receiver. The set contains an MTS/SAP decoder and two 10-watt speakers, | Sound. as well as a variable audio output. Additional features include a front-panel S-video jack, 181-channel cable compatibility, black level compensation, onscreen program- ming and a programmable sleep timer. Price: $1,799. Circle 153 on Reader Service Card. DIRECT VIEW TV's @CBO\"MTS. cc eer vcrevvcee 35\" DIRECT VIEW ... 2.06. Mitsubishi deck offers variety of features 40\"-70\" REAR PROJECTION Mitsubishi’s HS-U35 is a four-head, monaural VHS VCR. Its souped-up transport OVER 900 LINES | system rewinds a T-120 tape in 90 seconds. The deck uses Mitsubishi's ViewPoint OF RESOLUTION onscreen operating system with calendar programming. Eight events can be pro- | =ui oer“THANKS FOR A SUCCESSFUL SEASON” grammed over a four-week period, with daily, weekly or one-time ce Dynam- CS camees i 7 ic luminance compensation circuitry reduces smearing between light and dark We ship within 24 hours. PRICES ALWAYS COMPETITIVE objects. The remote control has a jog/shuttle dial to aid editing. All prices quoted include manufacturer's standard Price: $449. accessories-& U.S. Warranty. All units are factory sealed. We are an AUTHORIZED DEALER for ALL Circle 154 on Reader Service Card. NAME BRANDS WE SELL! 10 DAY EXCHANGE. 2UJZ“a/OPda9i1p1eAe1dIa9ays S & H NON-REFUNDABLE! 26 VIDEO FEBRUARY 1992

AS OWOUG 1160 HAMBURG TPK., WAYNE, N.J. 07470 FOR MORE INFO: CONVENIENT FAX # (201) 696-6531 (201) 633-1476 WE WILL MATCH OR BEAT ANY LEGITIMATE PRICE INFO & ORDERS:.... 1(800) 950-4080 PRY RY itLY a (4 A/V receiver features Dolby Pro-Logic Pioneer's VSX-9900S employs digital signal processing and offers a choice of Dolby Pro-Logic surround-sound fields that include concert hall, disco and jazz club. A confirm function displays operating steps in sequence. The front channels receive 125 watts of power, while the center and rear receive 40. An auto source control © ARRANGE FAVORITE SCENES preset parameters at the touch of a button. A video signal selector per- IN ANY ORDER displays all selections to be matched with video for simultaneous recording. The © BUILT-IN CHARACTER GENERATOR INTERNAL mits audio GRAPHICS (12 TYPE STYLES & 64 COLORS) 9900 has six video and five audio outputs. A programmable remote is included. © 12 TYPES OF FADES OR WIPES Price: $1,120. © INDEX SCENES © WIRELESS REMOTE Circle 155 on Reader Service Card. SRS sound booms © 16 WIPES BY COMBINING 5 BASIC PATTERNS. from 53-inch set @ COLOR BALANCING w/JOYSTICK CONTROLLER Sony’s KPR-53EX35 53-inch projection TV set features the SRS sound system © 8 BACKGROUND COLORS, PLUS which creates a surround-sound effect COLOR BAR CHART without additional speakers. Features include picture-in-picture, programma- © COMPATIBLE w/SUPER VHS ble picture settings that are retained in & 8mm HI-BAND memory, programmable universal re- mote and front audio/video inputs. @ VIDEO ENHANCER JIX-SV55 Viewing angles are 160 degrees horizon- @ INDEPENDENT A/V FADERS tally and 50 degrees vertically. © FULL FUNCTION Price: $4,499. © SUPERIMPOSE @ AUDIO MIXING Circle 156 on Reader Service Card. FADE IN/FADE OUT LS © 98 WIPE PATTERNS Azden adds creative mixer © PICTURE-IN-PICTURE © DIGITAL SPECIAL EFFECTS You can mix audio while shooting video @ JOYSTICK IMAGE POSITIONER with Azden’s CAM-3. No batteries are © BUILT-IN DIGITAL SYNCHRONIZER necessary, and it weighs only three ounces. Input 3 is stereo, intended for a © 200 CUTS — 100 SCENES personal stereo system, while inputs 1 and 2 create stereo through the use of © ACCURATE TO WITHIN 3 FRAMES two microphones. The CAM-3 can be attached either to a camcorder or a AUDIO MIXING INCLUDING camcorder strap. FADE IN/OUT Price: $59.95. @ COMPATIBLE w/VHS, BETA, 8mm, SUPER-VHS Circle 157 on Reader Service Card. Denon debuts 150-minute 8mm tape @ 6 VIDEO IMPUTS/VIDEO 3 OUTPUTS Denon has introduced the first 150-minute 8mm tape, the P6-150 Ultra High Grade. Denon uses a base film which it says is 40 percent more elastic and 20 percent thin- @ REMOTE CONTROL ner than standard two-hour tapes while retaining a Seer = SD“THANKS FOR A SUCCESSFUL SEASON” 82UJB“/OdOp91sP4AeE1dJ9A8YS 'D)FEN ©) N Betee the thickness of the magnetic layer. The 150- minute length translates to five hours in the LP We ship within 24 hours. PRICES ALWAYS COMPETITIVE All prices quoted include manufacturer's standard ONeA8MM VIDEO | mode. The tape carries a full lifetime warranty. accessories:& U.S. Warranty. All units are factory Price: $12.49. sealed. We are an AUTHORIZED DEALER for ALL HG NAME BRANDS WE SELL! 10 DAY EXCHANGE. Circle 158 on Reader Service Card. S & H NON-REFUNDABLE! FEBRUARY 1992 VIDEO 27

alecanronie _ EDITED BY APRIL P. BERNARD WHOLESALERS COLLECTOR'S Ann Muller, John Waters, FOR MORE INFO: CONVENIENT FAX # (201) 696-6531 (201) 633-1476 WE WILL MATCH OR BEAT ANY LEGITIMATE PRICE INFO & ORDERS:.... 1(800) 950-4080 CLEARINGHOUSE Mr. Rolls & Mr. Royce I collect documentaries on subjects like seeking a copy of a PBS Frontline pro- UFOs, Bigfoot and the Devil’s Triangle, and I’m also looking for the 1970 film gram on this. Titled “Murder on the Rio Beyond and Back on VHS or Beta. I will pay reproduction and mailing costs. San Juan,” the show aired in early 1988. VHS Hi-Fi w/MTS, Spectra Sonic S-VHS play- Bruce Booker I will reimburse costs up to $20 for VHS back, Flying ERASE head, VHS indexing, Tog a ring. real time counter, auto head Box 14192 or Beta. Joe Alesi clean. Seattle, WA 98104: 6505 Montecito Boulevard SVHS Hi-Fi w/MTS, Spectra built in sound processor, digital tracking, front A/V Pack, Santa Rosa, CA 95409 insert edit, Tog dial shuttle, auto head clean. I am in pursuit of any rare television ap- pearances by tap-dancer Ann Miller, es- pecially 1989’s The Royal Command Variety Performance. Other guest stars on this program included Michael Feinstein and LaToya Jackson. Please help and I will— of course — compensate. Ron Lytle 5101 East Twain Avenue, Apt. 184 Las Vegas, NV 89122-4721 I am trying to locate any of John Waters (Pink Flamingos, Hairspray, Cry-Baby) television appearances, such as his 11 guest spots on Late Night With David Let- terman or his stint on Lifestyles of the Rich Super VHS, 7 head Hi-Fi MTS & Spectra Sonic, real time counter with digital tracking, auto and Famous. Iwill reimburse all expenses Hot clean, Tog dial/shuttle ring, amorphous for VHS tapes. Lee H. O'Dell eads. 1912 Stevens Avenue, Apt. 302 VHS Hi-Fi w/MTS, digital tracking, on screen programming with a front panel A/V jack pack. Fantasy vs. Reality: Was this creature captured on Minneapolis, MN 55403 film the legendary Bigfoot? Or just a hoax? I am trying to locate the last hour-long I already have 29 episodes of the TV se- episode of the 12-part “Game, Set & ties The High Chaparral, but would love Match” from the PBS series Mystery! I to see the others. I am also seeking cer- will reimburse expenses for a VHS copy. tain episodes of Simon & Simon. | will re- imburse all expenses for VHS copies. L.H. Bennett Box 121 Gillian Maynard 60 Beaufort Road Limestone, ME 04750 Newport, GWENT NP9 7PZ United Kingdom I’m looking for VHS tapes of The Mod Squad, and will gladly reimburse for any expenses. S. DiGiacinto For the tape library of our local Rolls- Mobay Road Royce Owners’ Club, I am searching for Pittsburgh, PA 15205 Full Function A/V Mixer: Built-in digital synchronizer, an episode of “The Edwardians” on the Send those requests for hard-to-find tapes to digital special effects, superimpose, fade-in/fade- out, audio mixing, 98 wipe pat- Collector’s Clearinghouse, 460 West 34 terns, picture-in-picture and PBS series Masterpiece Theatre. It was Street, New York, NY 10001. Describe ex- joystick image positioner. actly what you're looking for, and be sure to called “Mr. Rolls and Mr. Royce,” and include your name and address. Requests for copyrighted material must be for person- aired July 21, 1974. I will pay for a blank al use only. You may offer to reimburse ex- penses, but the Clearinghouse is not open to “THANKS FOR A SUCCESSFUL SEASON” tape—S-VHS preferred—and mailing requests for the purchase or sale of tapes. Video Magazine does not locate tapes; this <a foo o=se costs. Phil Carlson is a reader-to-reader service only, so please Mite , SC.0E.0. do not send a self-addressed envelope. i 4Cord Box 262 We ship within 24 hours. PRICES ALWAYS COMPETITIVE San Carlos, CA 94070 All prices quoted include manufacturer's standard accessories-& U.S. Warranty. All units are factory Eight people were killed in the 1984 bombing of a press conference in La sealed. We are an AUTHORIZED DEALER for ALL Penca, Nicaragua, and I am desperately NAME BRANDS WE SELL! 10 DAY EXCHANGE. \"BJUPdOaAI/pBA9eDI1aV1ySD S & H NON-REFUNDABLE! 28 VIDEO FEBRUARY 1992

YOU’VE LITERALLY NEVER SEEN OR HEARD ANYTHING LIKE IT. IT PLAYS MOVIES, CONCERTS AND EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS ON LASERDISC WITH STUNNING PICTURE CLARITY AND CD SOUND. IT ALSO LETS YOU PLAY AND PROGRAM FIVE CDs. INTRODUCING THE WORLD'S FIRST 5-CD/LASERDISC PLAYER, THE CLD-M90 FROM PIONEER. FIVE HOURS OF CDs. TWO HOURS OF LASERDISC. YA {Ol =10) 34 P10) \\\" B Call 1-800-421-1606, ext. 129, for the dealer nearest you. ar Electronics (USA) Inc., Long Beach, CA dQ) PIONEER The Art of Entertainment CLD-M90 5-CD/LaserDisc Player Circle 5 on Reader Service Card.

for the release of “Madonna: Truth or Dare,” a first time behind-the-scenes look at the pop on home megastar’s “Blond Ambition” world video, the exclu- tour, featuring live concert footage sive LaserDisc and revealing backstage antics, anec- release of the musical dotes and interviews. This dis is avail- “Three For the able on the Pioneer Artists label. Show,” starring Betty Perhaps no motion picture Grable and Jack Lem- deserves to be seen and heard on mon. Each of these LaserDisc more than Hollywood’s classics are being offered biggest special effects extravaganza in its original wide-screen “Terminator 2: Judgment Day (T2).” aspect ratio with stereo Aside from the unique experience of sound, for only $44.95. viewing such high tech Hollywood Pioneer LDCA has also recently hocus pocus, viewers will also be Higher joined with LIVE Home Video Inc. treated to a choice of pan and scan or Visions in (LHV), a leading supplier of films and wide-screen versions of the Arnold Sight & Sound other material on videocassettes, to Schwarzenegger sequel. And a special NO VIDEO FORMAT DELIVERS THE release all new LHV theatrical and spe- limited edition box set offers a impact of audio and video as effective- ly as LaserDisc. With unrivaled pic- cial interest titles on LaserDisc. The behind-the-scenes look at the making ture quality, digital sound and theatri- cal effects like Dolby Surround Sound, joint venture will also include of “T-2” as well as the actual feature movie and music lovers are now embracing the ultimate format for LaserDiscs from LHV’s award-winning film in the wide-screen CAV format. watching videos and concerts at home. Family Home Entertainment label. The CAV version enables movie buffs Without the latest movie releases, Blockbuster LaserDisc releases that to take an even closer look at the however, the technological marvels of LaserDisc would be wasted. And result from this pairing include the action by viewing the film in immac- LaserDisc provides video fans with never-before-available classics, chil- Growth in LaserDisc Titles Released dren’s programming, celebrity show- cases, and new movie releases 1988-1991 totalling nearly 6,500 LaserDisc titles currently available. Leading the way is cTelele \\ Pioneer LDCA, Inc with eight new limited edition LaserDisc releases \\ from RCA/Columbia Pictures. 1988 1989 1990. 1738977 Pioneer Special Edition — a label dedicated to the revival and restora- *estimated year end tion of revered film classics — has announced the introduction of the Academy Award® winning motion pic- ture “The Way We Were,” directed by Sidney Pollack and starring Barbra Streisand and Robert Redford, “Obses- sion,” “Funny Lady,” “Bye, Bye Birdie,” “The Chase,” “The Professionals,” H.G. Wells’ “First Men On The Moon,” and

“Any movie or music program that’s worth :AMERICAN TARGET ASSOCIATION . keeping ought to be * OFFICIAL (.) FT. TIMED AND RAPID FIRE * G PISTOL TARGET owned on LaserDisc.” o. fi oos Maree C7 ulate slow motion, frame-by frame or in stop motion freeze frame modes. A letter from “T-2” director James Cameron will congratulate you on the purchase of the LaserDisc and urges you to “crank it up.” The action also gets quite intense in the wide-screen version of “Apoca- lypse Now.” This Pioneer release received a 1991 ViVA Gold Award from Video Magazine for its visual excel- lence as well as its spectacular sound effects. “The sound is breathtaking — everyone with a disc player and sur- round system simply must have this disc,” writes Video Magazine. Then again, the entertainment power of LaserDisc is not reserved for movies alone. The music of com- poser Michael Kamen lends itself ideally to this advanced home disc format. Boasting a record of musical scores that vary from classical to pop to jazz to scoring for films, Kamen has earned worldwide critical The Naked Gun 21/2 acclaim. His work is being highlight- on laserdisc. Don’t miss It. ed in an exclusive LaserDisc release, produced by Pioneer Artists, entitled “Michael Kamen: Concerto for Saxo- If you’re looking for some real laughter, set your sights on phone.” This disc includes saxo- The Naked Gun 2%. With a laserdisc picture that’s 60% sharper phone performances by David San- than ordinary videotape and incredible CD sound, you'll find your- born and special appearances by Eric self ducking every time Frank Drebin appears on the screen. Clapton, Ray Cooper, David Gilmore And if you’re still hungry for shenanigans, we also have the and the National Philharmonic original The Naked Gun, Airplane! and Airplane IlI— The Sequel — Orchestra, and is narrated by George on laserdisc. So take aim at your local laser- Harrison. This Pioneer Artists disc store and pick one up today. Because (Ome e)Nace release is available for just $29.95. with these movies, we've scored a direct hit. The Art of Entertainment Any movie or music program worth keeping ought to be owned on LaserDisc. And, because LaserDiscs do not deteriorate over time like aat-M\\ielic-tomCielal Airplane! 7Nige)tlal-m videotape, the productions will remain as impressive as the first time you experienced the crystal clear cs sound, flawless picture, and awe- neat bes : inspiring emotions of os Bestitao 8 Be Glos audio/video. ©@ © 1992 Pioneer LDCA, Inc., Long Beach, CA. © 1992 Paramount Pictures Corporation All rights reserved Call 1-800-421-1621 for a store near you Circle 60 on Reader Service Card.

vineBY RICHARD WARREN aced with icy Picking the perfect den-ready midwinter home theater owner into the ultimate winds and an deck (hint: think hi-fi) & why projectionist, letting him progressively slow the motion to analyze the director’s equally frosty it'll cost less than you expect style or figure out who was holding the economic climate, murder weapon. more and more Other desirable features for home theater VCRs include onscreen dis- people are forgoing nights on the town sarily the most expensive in a manufac- plays—to more easily monitor VCR functions from the couch— universal re- for cozy evenings at home. Many are turer’s lineup. For budget-conscious mote controls, front-panel inputs and standard width-chassis. Avoid the nar- finding that a buck or two for a rental buyers, the most important features are row, 14-inch-wide VCR chassis unless you’re planning to put the deck on its tape easily beats spending seven per the ones the VCR doesn’t need. These own shelf or on top of other compo- nents. (For more, see “7 Key Home ticket at a movie theater and, with the include editing bells and whistles such as Theater Features.”) latest audio/video gear, the den can de- synchro edit, digital effects, audio dub SOUND SUGGESTIONS Don’t feel that you need thousands liver an experience as good as the local and a flying erase head. (If you do want Bijou. these and other enhancements, there Fortunately, today you don’t have to are excellent choices too. See “When be a rich movie producer to own a home Cost Is No Object” sidebar.) theater. In fact, many people already A home theater VCR also doesn’t have two of the necessary components: require S-VHS capability. For those who a good TV set and a hi-fi audio system. just want to watch prerecorded movies But few have the main ingredient—a and tape TV shows off the air or cable, home theater VCR. the extra picture quality of S-VHS sel- A home theater VCR delivers hi-fi dom pays off. An S-VHS VCR can’t sound like you get in the theater. In fact, make a movie on VHS look any better, it’s almost as good as CD audio. With a and its 400 lines of horizontal resolution hi-fi home theater VCR, a Dolby Pro- far exceed the 300 to 330 lines of resolu- Logic receiver or decoder can put you in tion you get from broadcast TV. S-VHS the middle of the action with full sur- is better suited for video editing or tap- round sound. And best of all, a home ing movies from satellite TV, which of- theater VCR costs less than most of the ten has more than 400 lines of resolu- other components in a system —aas little tion. as $300 street price. One feature a home theater VCR What differentiates a home theater must have is hi-fi stereo sound, but it’s VCR from any other? To begin with, a also nice to have a jog/shuttle dial or good home theater VCR isn’t neces- frame advance buttons. These turn the 32 VIDEO FEBRUARY 1992

DIGTRIACTHAILS ay Camcorder-Friendly: JVC's HR-D960U has front inputs for easy camcorder connection. of dollars worth of expensive gear to fordable home theater VCRs available, offers models with full-size chassis, in- take advantage of a home theater VCR. Panasonic’s $429 PV-4160. Even at that cluding the $700 PV-4264. For manipu- Even if you don’t have a surround-sound low price, it offers automatic head lating your movies, the deck’s jog/shuttle system, try connecting the audio outputs cleaning and digital auto picture, which dial can’t be beat. You can view videos of the VCR to the auxiliary or video in- automatically adjusts playback for opti- at 1/5, 1/9 and 1/50 normal speed. You put of a hi-fi audio system. You'll be mum picture. This feature is especially can also speed them up if the movie is a important when you’re playing rental amazed —the music will fill the room, tapes that have been used dozens (or dog. dialog will be much easier to under- hundreds) of times. The PV-4264 incorporates Pan- stand, and you'll hear details and subtle A companion model, the $499 asonic’s unique, easy-to-use LCD Pro- sound effects you never noticed before. PV-4164, features a shuttle knob that ac- gram Director. Simply spin a thumb- | Add an inexpensive Dolby Pro-Logic cesses speeds from 1/60x slow motion to wheel for each program setting and see 27x high-speed search (at the EP speed). your choice appear on an adjacent LCD. surrround-sound decoder (such as Car- Once you've transmitted those choices ver’s $440 DPL-33 or AudioSource’s It also offers SQPB, or Super VHS Quasi Playback, which means that it plays to the VCR, you don’t have to worry $400 SS Three) and a few extra speak- S-VHS tapes, but only with VHS pic- ers, and you’ve got a full-blown home ture quality. Both the PV-4160 and the about losing them in a power failure, be- theater. If your audio system is good, the cause the deck provides a four-hour sound of your home theater will PV-4164 have the new, clock backup battery. If you want to matc—hor exceed— that of most movie small cabinets. deny kids — especially toddlers — admis- theaters. The company also sion to your theater, these Panasonic Here is a selection of VCRs that can VCRs include a mechanical cassette door lock. It keeps the popcorn on the transform your living room into a hot home theater. All prices are suggested retail, but as any experienced electron- ics buff knows, you can expect signifi- cant discounts in most stores. No matter if you opt for a budget model or one loaded with features, you'll experience a whole new level of home entertainment. Let’s start with one of the most af- Home Theater Hotshots: Sony's SLV-585 (above) and Mitsubishi's HS- U55 (left). FEBRUARY 1992 VIDEO 33

HOME THEATER WHEN COST ISNO OBJECT For those who want to edit their camcorder footage, and Editing Expert: Sony's SLV-R5 S-VHS editing VCR. for cost-no-object videophiles who must have the very best VCR, there’s certainly no shortage of options. Here needle-type audio level meters with an incredible num- are four of the best, all S-VHS models loaded with fea- ber of digital effects. Its list of features would run for tures and packed with performance-enhancing circuitry. pages. Our favorites are the adjustable digital noise re- In addition to serving as home theater VCRs, all four duction, the color corrector and the character generator. decks offer the three essential editing features: a jog/shuttle We also like the scanning mouse, which superimposes dial, audio dub and a flying erase head. high-contrast titles as many camcorders do. Its un- matched versatility has made it one of the workhorses of Mitsubishi HS-U82. This $1,699 deck offers some of our video editing suite. the most dazzling pictures available, with one of the best JVC HR-S6700. This year’s hottest new editing deck color noise measurements we've seen in a consumer and the bargain of the year for the jog/shuttle set, the $1,000 HR-S6700 matches the performance of JVC's pre- VCR. Artificial intelligence circuitry adjusts the picture vious standard-setter, the $3,500 HR-S10000. And it’s a for optimum quality, and for hands-on users, the deck powerhouse home theater deck, too. With its four stereo also offers color and tint controls. Its dual flying erase enhancement modes, even those without Dolby Pro- heads eliminate the slightest glitch or moire (rainbow) Logic systems can enjoy thrilling surround effects. effects between scenes. —Brent Butterworth Sony SLV-R5. The SLV-R5 is the only S-VHS deck that uses the LANC editing protocol. That means the $1,300 deck interfaces with a wide variety of editing con- trollers and most Sony and Canon camcorders, for easy, accurate cuts from a single control panel. Its edit moni- tor feature offers a two-window display with a counter below. One window shows the incoming signal, the other shows the signal coming from the tape in the deck. Toshiba SVF-990. The most tweaked-out consumer VCR ever, the $2,199 SVF-990 mixes the retro look of floor and out of the mechanism. also has dual flying erase heads, which editing features. Both decks include a Mitsubishi offers two VCRs designed prevent glitches during editing. If you’re unique single-knob dual-mode shuttle for home theaters, the HS-U55 and the willing to forgo flying erase heads and cont—rwohilch is duplicated on the re- | HS-U54, which benefit from clear on- the jog/shuttle remote, the U54 offers mote contr—oflor special effects. The screen displays that use Mitsubishi’s new good performance for home theater on a remote, although not universal, controls ViewPoint operating system. ViewPoint budget. The U55 costs $699, while the all Sony TV sets. Sony refers to the dispenses with technogibberish to tell HS-U54 saves $100 at $599. The Mit- front-panel jacks as “camcorder friendly you what’s happening in simple English. subishi instruction manuals are worth a inputs.” The onscreen display includes Mitsubishi's instruction manuals, as easy million. not only the usual menu, but also help to understand as a Walt Disney Sony marketed the first hi-fi VCR, a screens. Best of all, these Sony VCRs re- movie, complement ViewPoint. Beta model, years ago. While the com- cord and reproduce a remarkably clear The U55 includes a jog/shut- pany still sells three models of SuperBeta picture. tle remote for twist-of-the-wrist hi-fi decks, it has shifted its focus to Toshiba excels in budget models that ease of operation. Front panels VHS with two models, the SLV-585HF meet most of our home theater stand- hinge open to reveal auxiliary in- and SLV-686HF. The main difference puts. It plays S-VHS tapes, albeit between them is that the $650 SLV- ards. The M-647 at $400 is one of the with standard VHS resolution. It 686HF has a flying erase head and some least expensive full-featured decks. It has onscreen programming and front- panel jacks. Neither the cluttered re- mote nor the front panel has a jog dial. It does perform VHS index search, which is unusual for a budget model. The Hitachi VT-551A does every- thing but hand the tape to you when a rental tape (or any tape with the erase ) tab punched out) finishes. You'll never forget to rewind a rental video again. At the end of the recorded signal, even if Hi-Fi Buy: Panasonic’s PV-4160 is one of the least expensive hi-fi VCRs. it’s not the physical end of the tape, the 34 VIDEO FEBRUARY 1992

SE A PS A good home theater VCR isnt necessarily the most expensive. VT-551A switches into ultra-high RCA offers some very good buys. speed rewind, ejects the tape and The VR660HF includes a uni- turns off the power. The full- featured deck includes versal Master Touch remote (one of the nicest designs on Hitachi’s Spectra Sonic bass the market) without a jog dial. Like the Hitachi, it rewinds enhancement circuit, which prerecorded tapes and pops them back out at you automat- should give your subwoofer a ically. This VCR has onscreen circuitry. displays, but no front-panel in- workout. The deck plays back puts. Still, at $509 it’s hard to beat the VR660HF. If you want to step up to S-VHS tapes with standard Wraparound Sound: The Magnavox VRQO65AT features surround front-panel inputs and a jog/shuttle dial, resolution and includes VHS index search. The onscreen display of- the jog/shuttle dial, but it otherwise of- choose the VR696HF for $699. Its add- fers a choice of English, Spanish or fers the same features as the VI-551A ed bonus is VCR Plus programming. French. (If only it could translate those for only $550. RCA cuts to the chase by labeling foreign films.) The universal remote control features a jog/shuttle dial and an six of its VCRs the “Home Theater Se- | LCD screen for easy tape control and ties.” The company assumes you won't Philips and Magnavox also opt for a programming. If the $730 price of the be stacking your VCR with other com- 14-inch chassis. The attractively priced 551A strains your budget, consider the ponents, since all of these models are Philips VR6065, at $570, includes its VT-F351A. Its universal remote lacks only 14 inches wide. With that in mind, own synthesized surround-sound circuit. Although not Dolby, it can provide a 7Key Surprisingly, home theater doesn’t place dramatic de- pleasing effect with many videos. The mands on a VCR. But there are certain features you unique styling of this model will imme- must have, and a few you'll probably want for the sake diately catch your eye. A hemispherical Home of convenience. display/control center bubbles out of the Hi-fi sound. The essential feature of a home front panel. The unit offers 300 pages of Theater theater VCR and a must for surround sound. VHS onscreen operating information. The re- mote control operates Philips and Mag- Features hi-fi records the audio What time does the tracks under the video navox TVs, but lacks a jog/shuttle dial. tracks, for much lower The Magnavox VR9065AT, also $570, is nearly an identical machine. distortion and higher frequency response The Sharp VC-H85U uses a mid- than the linear audio mount transport, which promises lower tracks to which bot- vibration, and an artificial intelligence tom-of-the-line VCRs video signal processor for clearer videos. are limited. Zenith onscreen display It includes Digital Program Search Sys- Onscreen display. A tem, a proprietary index search that standard feature on all but bargain-basement models, this makes it easy to find specific tape seg- puts most of a VCR's operating information on the ments. The remote controls only other TV screen for easy viewing. Sharp components, and lacks a jog/shut- Jog/shuttle dial. The jog dial on the inside lets tle. The $570 price of this narrow 14- you move backwards or forwards through a video inch-width model makes it competitive. frame-by-frame. The shuttle ring surrounding the Fisher also offers a midmount home the- jog dial provides easy access to slow-motion, scan ater VCR, the $700 FVH-8901. and still-frame modes. JVC, the originator of VHS hi-fi, Four video heads. With four heads, a VCR can provide reasonably clear still frames, search and slow markets five VHS hi-fi models. Frus- motion, with little or no picture noise. tratingly, the $600 HR-D940U includes Universal remote control. Because home theaters use Speedy Shuttle: a jog/shuttle dial on the remote, but no A jog/shuttle dial allows at least three remote-controlled components (TV, VCR, front-panel inputs. The $650 HR- quick access to all for- surround decoder) simultaneously, a universal remote can D960U moves the jog/shuttle to the ward and reverse make the system much easier to operate. Some can be front panel, a less convenient arrange- programmed to operate any infrared-controlled device. speeds, and lets users ment, but adds front-panel inputs. The advance frame by Full-size chassis. The standard width for audio com- $700 HR-D970U places jog/shuttles on frame. ponents is 17-3/16 inches. VCRs with chassis at or near both the remote and front. this width will fit easily into a stack of home theater Now that you’ve heard what these decks can do, you may well find yourself gea te inputs. These make it easy to hook up a staying home more often, enjoying the Front-panel camcorder to your system. great picture and sound. And the pop- a corn will be a lot cheaper! FEBRUARY 1992 VIDEO 35

Take] football field, m py it 19times, 1000adedxhivbeirtors win over 15000 products, open Itto theae and you have the 1 show to see. e2Gee2“neeaayleceVeeeheeeEeRS| For 25 years, the Consumer Electronics \\a FAX, MIDI, VCR & LCD. Show has been the place to see the latest, @BH Simply call 1-800-388-6901 for most exciting consumer electronic products. Now, for the first time, it’s open a = information to qualify for 2 free tickets to you—the consumer. Join us at McCormick Place this summ You'll see the latest in BITS, BYTES, Ps 3 You'll recognize it. DCG; DAT, CHEV, PC. Cl; \\@MM It’s the building that’s 19 times larger : ewe~@ “@ME than a football field. aa iN ARR CONSUMER ELECTRONICS SHOW SUMMER ’92 = McCORMICK PLACE # CHICAGO = MAY 30, 31. Circle 58 on Reader Service Card.

MONEY'S WORTH SPECIALI continued from page 25 #1 FOR ALL YOUR BATTERY NEEDS Buy direct and save with that the entire loan must be paid off within a period agreed upon at the time quaronteed lowest prices on all camcorder replacernent batteries. of purchase. #1 Sony 8mm 1500 maH $29.97 There are a few important points to consider before taking the video credit #1 NC or Panasonic Hond-Grip $34.97 plunge. First, speed and convenience are #1 Palmcorder & IVC GRAX7 $34.97 the two strongest reasons for letting a #1 Conon 8mm $34.97 video dealer, rather than a bank, handle video financing. If these are not impor- #1 All others in stock (AL One year warranty-made in USA tant, consider the bank. Second, it (800) ASK-BIRY CABLE TV Ze) 2879 DESCRAMBLERS should only take a few minutes, in most cases, to apply to a dealer for credit and In N.Y. or outside of the U.S. THE MOST ADVANCED get a response. Thanks to electronic TECHNOLOGY IN CABLE EQUIPMENT: transmissions to central credit clearing- call (212)385-4047 houses, almost all credit decisions can e BASE BAND e JERROLD be made within half an hour. In a few cases, it may take 24 hours. Maa Charger. e PIONEER e TOCOM: Most applications are streamlined battery eliminators e HAMLIN e ZENITH and should only take a couple of min- utes to fill out. If you have an estab- goouze® e SCIENTIFIC ATLANTA ¢ OAK lished credit history, stores need only a y\\de? For WoOutRLofDtWhiIs DwEorld CpArBicLeEs call few details to set the credit checking {1 800-772-3233 a\"Just coll us with the”make ond model number of your process in motion. The most painless ap- FREE CATALOG AVAILABLE ot battery, ond our brea professional soles statf plications simply request information on happy to help you. It’s thateasy. JAQ1 EN FEMFRAI MANY GIT 145 your current employment and residence. #1 We ako cony callulor telephone batteries You mav he asked which maior credit #1 AL 35mm camera batteries - even hard to find ones #1 Cordless telephone batteries ~ all makes - $12.97 : “ rage highsoe ‘se aul estate: Fi PE Wiss Atkaienn’ Bunuaee Ficlvia Name _—___ Name (please print) Address Address City ae a a __ State Zip City_ ae Stalefe Lip Telephone Numiber (with Area Code)_ Telephone Number (with Area Code) ___ 1.What products do you currently own? —2.What products do you plan to buy in the 1.What products do you currently own? 2.What products do you plan to buy in the next 12 months? next 12 months? VHS (VCR) Player AU VHS (VCR) Player A VHS (VCR) Player E Laserdisc Player/Combination Player B Laserdisc Player/Combination Player B () VHS (VCR) Player E BMM Camcorder ( Laserdisc Player/Combination PayerF 8MM Comcorder CC Loserdise Player/Combination PlayerF [] 8MM Camcorder 6 BMM Deck DC 8MM Camcorder BMM Deck 60 BMM Deck H BMM Deck H 3. How many pre-recorded movies do you 4. Please indicate all formats in which 3. How many pre-recorded movies do you 4. Please indicate all formats in which you view or would like to view you view or would like to view own? Please indicate by format. pre-recorded movies? own? Please indicate by format. pre-recorded movies? VHS Loserdise BMM VHS Loserdise BMM 0 U 0 | 00 U 0 IG PO YO 1-9 io PO YO VHS lo 1-9 J QC W VHS lo 25 KO QO WO Laserdisc 20 10-25 K Laserdisc 20 R X 26-49 L R XO 8M 30 26-49 L BMM 3 50-99 =MO so YO 50-99 M $o ¥D 100+ K T 1 100+ N T 1 5. Are you currently a subscriber to VIDEO? 4 (Yes 5 CNo 5. Are you currently a subscriber to VIDEO? 4 Des 5 CONo Please circle product numbers to receive desired information Please circle product numbers to receive desired information 4. 4436#9727720g.7«n2T «93A46«:S383«)3g::.e.7s8«:9«O4716439944A:.S~RC9«SstE2i8B(09«s25SR-920B0G- seC«a99OEC7FT2ri”5s].e«2:B38C5.8R3.S 92550\" 1245166.237SSaZ ea25B9eSaOs59 30 Peer tae: soe? ees Wan PS es eea89oese404s8e6 e9427e ee 46 26-28 GO 16 47 485492 20. 24 9p aa3 A SSK? aoe oe 3) 99 40 3132 ««48 33A«63S«44S9:3«550:«6C6S34s7i52ET 3B “6 4 SS “6 47 38 OI 4S 64 ae. Rs 84 85 BSD CO 7% = 702 7% #77 83 99 100 91 «99-100 1 97 BB BD 91 92 «+78 #+%79 «+80 81 82 98 86 87 88 89 90 “a” GC 103 104 105 93 94 95 96 97 101 102 103 104 105 101 102 142016 110272 110283 112049 112150 111276 111227 111238 111249 111350 113116 113127 113138 111394 112305 140216 110272 110283 112049 111205 111216 111227 111238 111249 111350 113116 111372 111383 111394 112305 113516 113572 115338 113594 114505 114546 #115472 #115483 114549 114650 116416 114672 114683 114694 115605 143516 115327 113583 113594 114505 114516 114527 114538 114549 114650 116416 114672 114683 116449 116550 118616 118627 116883 116894 117805 117816 117827 #118783 189«#174 190«+175 «119716 119727 117983 117994 118905 146816 116872 116883 116894 117805 117816 117827 117838. 117849 117950 119716 117972 117983 117994 118905 Allow 6-8 weeks for delivery. Card expires May 19, 1992 RS2 Allow 6-8 weeks for delivery. Card expires May 19, 1992 RS2

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MONEY'S WORTH #4 SPeECaIrALeISrTyS# continued from page 25 # FOR ALL YOUR BATTERY NEEDS Buy direct and save with that the entire loan must be paid off within a period agreed upon at the time quaronteed lowest prices on all camcorder replacement batteries. of purchase. #1 Sony 8mm 1500 maH $29.97 There are a few important points to #1 NC or Panasonic Hond-Grip $34.97 #1 Palmcorder & JVC GRAX7 $34.97 consider before taking the video credit #1 Conon 8mm $34.97 plunge. First, speed and convenience are #1 All others in stock CALL the two strongest reasons for letting a One year warranty-made in USA video dealer, rather than a bank, handle CABLE TV video financing. If these are not impor- (800) ASK-BIRY DESCRAMBLERS Z:72 3 2 &79 tant, consider the bank. Second, it THE MOST ADVANCED In N.Y. or outside of the U.S. TECHNOLOGY IN CABLE EQUIPMENT: should only take a few minutes, in most call (212)385-4047 cases, to apply to a dealer for credit and e BASE BAND e JERROLD get a response. Thanks to electronic transmissions to central credit clearing- Alta rrr Chargers e PIONEER e TOCOM: houses, almost all credit decisions can be made within half an hour. In a few battery eliminators e¢ HAMLIN e ZENITH cases, it may take 24 hours. goouze® e SCIENTIFIC ATLANTA e¢ OAK Most applications are streamlined and should only take a couple of min- y\\de? For out of this world prices call utes to fill out. If you have an estab- Just call us with the” make ond model number of your ra lished credit history, stores need only a or battery, ond our brigty professional soles staff will WORLDWIDE CABLE few details to set the credit checking happy to help you. It’s that easy. process in motion. The most painless ap- 1 800-772-3233 plications simply request information on #1 We ako cory cellular telephone batteries to find ones FREE CATALOG AVAILABLE your current employment and residence. Al 35mm camera botteries - even hard - $12.97 You may be asked which major credit #1 Cordless telephone batteries - all makes cards you hold, but in most cases you #1 won't need to provide account numbers. #1 Add Ye$3.95 for shipping shipping no extra $ 7491 C5 N. FEDERAL HWY., SUITE 142 Advertised promotions from major #1 Call 9:30 - 5:30 ET. Sameday BOCA RATON, FL 33487 #1 M/C, Visa, Americon Express gladly accepted #1 Or send check or money order. Sorry, no (.0.0.’s MC / COD / VISA _NO FLORIDA SALES #1 BATTERY SPEGMISTS 10 WARREN STREET 3RD FLOOR Circle 11 on Reader Service Card. WEW YORK, NY 10007 FAX WO. (217)3854952 manufacturers like Sony, RCA, GE, Circle 10 on Reader Service Card. Mitsubishi and Canon are worth watch- ing for. Periodically, major manufac- ‘Introdu g th Azde DER WITH turers encourage customers to “play resolution, optical now, pay later,” to quote Mitsubishi’s ad- EN QUALITY! vertising slogan. Usually the promotions 2 lens set. 1 tele(1 are limited to a specific list of products, wide lens (0.5X). 37mm. (2 Compatible with Sony battery and run for a short time. Typically, they w/36mm& 27mm rings “packs (NP-55, 66, 77) for allow you to use credit to-buy “same as 4 D205 - For palm-size and ful utdoor use. cash” with no payments and no interest size. This 2 in 1 lens flips o Comes _ AC adaptor for before a specified date, often three to six and is a tele (2.0X) or wide let months after the purchase date. Even if (0.5X) 46mm thread w/37mm rev1e-nttedtaSpeenssonrapSpiynsgt.em to you have cash in the bank, it makes fi- nancial sense to let your money earn in- ring. $109.95. Automatic tape leader roll-back terest somewhere and defer payment (a W52NC - A wide len: stem. until the first installment is due. full-size cameras. 49 The trick to getting a good value w/46mm ring. $79.9 U4 T203NC - Tele len from a video credit plan is simply to pay full-size cameras. $8 attention to financing options as you AZDEN’ shop. In addition to finding out the an- nual interest rate, the grace period (time 147 New Hyde Park Road _ before you're subject to interest pay- Franklin Square, NY 11010) ments) and the cost per month, it’s wise to figure out how much interest you'll end up paying for the privilege of financ- ing your purchase. The convenience of on-the-spot credit may make it possible for you to buy what you really want rather than waiting or settling for a compromise product you can pay cash for. But as long as you're comfortable with the fi- nancial consequences ofbuying on cred- it, video financing is another welcome form of customer service. a AZDEN’ 4147 New Hyde Park Road VIDEO 39 Franklin Square, NY 11010 FEBRUARY 1992

BY BRENT BUTTERWORTH AND KENNETH KORMAN 5 leading laserdisc players take our Eyes-On challenge ee ~ years ago, it was consid- Sh { { 4 {C { i ered a forgotten format, defeatedb the VCR in the brutal format war %: 00 ou Emo E on ro 5 the ’80s. But laserdisc’s high-tech MMi-tVsvu8b0i0s0hi Pioneer Sony : PHILIPS edge has given it the power to battle CLD-3090 MDP-6B0o5. Panasonic Philips back. Now that the smoke has cleared, LX-10i0e0ee CDVF6E0E0S the laserdisc has emerged as the choice for quality video. With CD-quality digital sound and a picture 77 percent sharper than that of VHS, laserdisc has become the number- one entertainment medium for thou- sands of buffs. And in an economy strained by recession, laserdisc players are among the few consumer electronics products growing steadily in popularity. It doesn’t hurt that almost all recent la- serdisc players also play CDs, thus elim- inating one machine from the rack while cutting costs considerably. But the laserdisc’s new popularity | | 40 VIDEO FEBRUARY 1992

MASH. PRISM oO e Combi Players in Combat: Philips’ CDV600 (top left), Panasonic’s LX-1000 (top right), Sony's MDP-605 (center), Mitsubishi's M-V8000 (bottom ~ Jeft) and Pioneer's CLD-3090 (bottom right). has spawned a glut of players, at prices player. The results were perhaps the disc player ever made, and Hitachi's from $500 to $3,500, all of which easily most surprising of any Video Magazine $630 VIP-RX6EX, a solid performer in outperform consumer VCRs. This prolif- its class. Like those from RCA, Radio eration has laserdisc neophytes and vet- equipment comparison. erans wondering if they really need all Our high-tech gladiators were Mit- Shack and some other brands, the the extra features offered by top-of-the- Hitachi and Mitsubishi combi players line machines, and carefully eyeing spec subishi’s $1,499 M-V8000, Panasonic’s are based on units made by Pioneer. | sheets to see how much performance an $1,400 LX-1000, Pioneer’s $1,200 extra few hundred dollars buys. CLD-3090, Philips’ $1,100 CDV600 and We loaded the machines with seven Sony’s $900 MDP-605. All are combi identical copies of Silverado (1985), di- We decided it was time to put the players —they play laserdiscs and CDs. rector Lawrence Kasdan’s rousing all- format through one more battle, a series The first three offer nearly every feature star western. This Criterion Collection | of laserdisc war games designed to dis- available in a combi player, including CAV boxed set is notable for its out- cover how much picture quality im- side-changing and digital effects. The standing transfer, detailed Dolby Sur- | proves as the price tag goes up, which Sony does not have digital effects. In- round soundtrack and beautifully shot | features are essential and which are just stead, it offers clear scan, which provides outdoor scenes. (A lower-priced CLV | bells and whistles —in short, everything serviceable pictures in CLV scan mode. edition of Silverado has just been re- | you need to know to buy a laserdisc The Philips player has digital effects, but leased by Criterion.) Outdoor scenes are player. We pitted five mid- and high- ideal for picture quality evaluations — in- priced players against each other in no side-changing. ferior equipment often turns lush, natu- purely subjective tests, then compared To see how these players compare to ral greens into artificial-looking blues or eaMLHPEOSRTSO| eIGLRtLAOPhHeS:m to a budget model and a reference yellows. There were also plenty of faces those in other price ranges, we threw in for fleshtone evaluation. two more: Pioneer’s $3,500 LD-S2, gen- FEBRUARY 1992 VIDEO 41 erally acknowledged to be the best laser-

“+ | PHILIPS | cpveco To give each player its best shot, we round sound or, for purists who panelists were allowed to select which used some of the best sound equipment preferred to evaluate the players using switcher input was active. Neither the available, as well as our current favorite straight two-channel audio, two Thiel test administrator nor the panelists monitor— Panasonic’s 31-inch Prism SCS speakers connected with Monster | knew which picture belonged to which CTP-3196 SuperFlat TV set. We ran all Powerline 2 Plus speaker cables. The player. audio and video signals through a JVC SCS is a high-end bookshelf model Panelists rated the players using a JX-S900 switcher. Video signals went we've found exceptional for its warmth one-to-five point scale, with five stand- through Monster S-video cables. Be- and clarity. Our listening room was ing for excellent and one for poor (see cause the Hitachi combi player has no tuned with RoomTunes, acoustical pan- chart). Each player was judged on snow- S-video output, we connected it through els that minimize room reflections. iness (or luminance signal-to-noise ra- a Mitsubishi HS-U65 S-VHS VCR to The panelists were technical editor tio), resolution and color accuracy. The convert its composite signal to S-video. Lancelot Braithwaite, senior editors panelists concluded by giving each play- Audio went through Monster Cable In- Kenneth Korman and Brent Butter- er an overall rating, which is not an av- terlink 400 interconnects to Lexicon’s worth, assistant editors Brian Clark and erage of the other ratings, but a | CP-3 surround-sound decoder and four April P. Bernard, and contributing edi- subjective, gut-feel assessment of each | NAD 2400 THX amplifiers. tors Steve Daly and Stewart Wolpin. player’s performance. Panelists were also Our seven Eyes-On panelists had a The test was conducted in double- asked to rate each player’s audio charac- choice of speaker systems: a THX-certi- blind fashion. The test administrator teristics, including distortion, frequency fied Snell Multimedia system for full sur- started the players roughly in sync, and response and overall sound quality. 4OpExttiroans The outstanding performance of Hitachi's $630 VIP- LASERS UNDER FIRE -RX6EX in our shootout shows that budget laserdisc play- As the battle progressed, we were ce. Budget- -ers are indeed a good buy. And thanks to the recent surprised to see that the differences in | performance between the players were Watching entry of many new brands, there are plenty of good, in- much smaller than expected. All pro- laser expensive players available. All the players listed should duced a very good picture and nearly ‘Buffs perfect sound. The panelists had diffi- prove to be terrific buys for budget-minded videophiles. culty picking favorites, and often dis- | agreed in their conclusions. e Panasonic LX-101. A winner of Video Magazine's 1992 ViVA Gold! award, the $600 LX-101 is a high-tech In fact, the panelists could hear no | player disguised as a budget model. Its clear scan feature significant difference in the audio quali- ty of the players. Thus, we declared the produces much better pictures in CLV scan mode (alter- audio portion ofour test a draw. Perhaps | nating still frames and black frames) than most other test instruments could have measured | differences in the sound emerging from | players without digital effects. A shuttle dial makes scan- the players. But, despite our top-notch system and well-tuned listening room, ning easi—eyrou don’t have to hunt in the dark for the our ears couldn’t tell them apart. scan buttons. For picture quality, the modestly | e Sony MDP-333. Sharing the rock-solid construction priced Sony MDP-605 emerged as the favorite. Panelists praised it for resolu- of Sony’s more expensive MDP-605, the $650 MDP-333 tion and color accuracy —it led both offers many of the advantages of the LX-10I, like clear scan and a shuttle dial. categories. However, it ranked fourth in | snowiness. Second overall was Pan- e Yamaha CDV-1700. Audio companies such as De- asonic’s LX-1000, which nearly equaled the Sony’s resolution and color accuracy, non, Carver, Kenwood and Yamaha market budget combi but scored last in snowiness. players that are manufactured by other companies, like Philips’ CDV600, the third-place Pioneer or Samsung. Typically, the audio company keeps player, was the most controversial. Two panelists picked it best overall, but two the player’s video circuitry, but substitutes its own audio circuitry, usually including advanced digital-to-analog rated it the least impressive. It displayed converters with 8x oversampling instead of the 4x con- very saturated color and a soft picture. verters found in most budget machines. The $699 Pioneer’s CLD-3090, which finished | CDV-1700 features an FM timebase corrector and dual fourth, earned the best snowiness rating, | 18-bit D/A converters. continueodn page 93 | e Pioneer CLD-990. One of the least expensive laser- disc players, the $500 CLD-990 can sometimes be found for a street price of as little as $300. It has only basic features, but offers a picture that’s about as good as NTSC gets, for the price of a four-head VCR. The $600 CLD-1090 adds an S-video output. —BB nd 42 VIDEO FEBRUARY 1992

i i ; i;f i' Special moments. You relive them each time you They’re packed with the latest features and very easy to use, so you’ll never miss the moment. They’re remember them. And when a moment is really special, Compact VHS, so you’ll never have to let go of the you celebrate it with something that’s truly befitting. moment either — the cassettes you record fit right into your VHS VCR for easy playback (via “VHS Playpak” At JVC, we know. That’s why we create each of our or directly on a JVC F/C-compatible VCR). A natural Compact VHS camcorders to fit those moments 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. MINI -CAOMXP5AUCT VHS CAMCORDER GR-AX10U GCHiO-RFMi-PSASTCXET9RE0SO-UVHCSAMCORDER CGORM-P3AC0T3UVHS CAMCORDER GCORM-PSAC5T05S-UVHS MINI COMPACT VHS CAMCORDER Hi-Fi STEREO CAMCORDER

BY BRUCE EDER wrecked San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge in 1955’s It Came From Beneath the Sea, despite the best efforts of that city’s government to prevent Harry- hausen from using the bridge for such a scene. And he brought to life the Olym- pian gods and goddesses in both Jason and the Argonauts (1963) and Clash of the Titans (1981). He has earned a unique place in the hearts ofagrowing legion of fans as new generations discover his Ray Harryhausen’s work for the first time on the small pioneering creature AUTEURscreen. His films are frequently grouped to- gether, as surely as those of Alfred Hitchcock or any other ‘“‘auteur” di- rector, even though Harryhausen is a special-effects spe- cialist rather than a director. His films delighted audiences 30 years ago just as features enjoy a small-screen revival. Steven Spielberg’s and George Lucas’ best movies do today, and many still rate the kind of special la- serdisc editions normally reserved for pictures like Star Wars and Close En- counters of the Third Kind. But Har- ryhausen worked with only a small efore special-effects wizard Ray maker to depict flying saucers in full, fraction of current Hollywood film bud- Harryhausen came along, giants, di- wondrous flight, in Earth vs. the Flying gets. “My first movie was made for a to- tal cost of $200,000,” the 71-year-old nosaurs, centaurs, harpies and cy- Saucers, and had the temerity to destroy Harryhausen told us in a recent inter- clopses were almost exclusively the much of the nation’s capital in the same view. “That’s less than they spend on the province of poets and poorly made mov- movie. costumes today.” ies. Using stop-motion animation, split- His giant octopus (which, for bud- Harryhausen got his start in 1933, at screen photography and painstakingly getary reasons, only had six arms) age 12, with a free ticket to King Kong. detailed models, Harryhausen lent un- He was spellbound by the film’s title precedented form and movement to his character and its dinosaurs, all created fantastic creations. Fourteen of his 15 by Willis O’Brien. He later learned that films, including The 7th Voyage of Sinbad, the process pioneered by O’Brien was Jason and the Argonauts and The First stop-motion animation, in which flex- Men in the Moon, are among the most ible, finely detailed miniature models are dazzling titles on home video, and many photographed one frame at a time to are now available on both budget-priced simulate movement. Harryhausen began cassettes and laserdisc editions specifi- experimenting with the technique, using cally designed to enhance the impact of jerry-built cameras and homemade mod- Harryhausen’s work. els, and discovered he had a talent for For more than 40 years, beginning the animator’s art. with The Beast From 20,000 Fathoms in He later met O’Brien and, with the 1953, in which he realized his vision of a older man’s encouragement, took up the full-sized dinosaur stalking the streets of formal study of drawing, anatomy and New York, Harryhausen’s name has ee Fi) sculpture. O’Brien chose Harryhausen been associated with an unmistakable Finishing Touches: Harryhausen works on an intri- to work with him on Mighty Joe Young (1949), a fantasy about a giant, good- sense of wonder. He was the first film- cately detailed model for Clash of the Titans. 44 VIDEO FEBRUARY 1992

Creature Feature: Harryhausen’s elaborate | sketches, like the one for the skeletons’ duel in Jason and the Argo- nauts (left), set the standard for the final ) film versions (top left). ‘1 Other classic Har- ryhausen sequences |) include a monstrous || confrontation in Har- | ryhausen’s first color | feature, The 7th Voy- age of Sinbad (top center), and Perseus’ quest for the head of Medusa in Clash of the | Titans (top right). \" —* - eal — ase Harryhausen Mighty Joe Young. 1949. Turner tape, $19.98; Image Enter- On Tape tainment disc, $39.95. natured ape. Harryhausen did 85 per- The Beast From 20,000 Fathoms. 1953. Warner tape, And Dist $59.99, and disc, $34.98. cent of the movie’s animation work and, It Came From Beneath the Sea. 1955. GoodTimes tape, The Cyclops from $7.99; Columbia TriStar disc, $34.95. although it wasn’t a financial success, The 7th Voyage of Earth vs. the Flying Saucers. 1956. Columbia TriStar tape, Mighty Joe Young earned an Oscar for Sinbad price n.a.; Image Entertainment disc, $39.95. special effects. to Earth. 1957. Pioneer disc, $44.95. 20 Million Miles of Sinbad. 1958. Columbia TriStar tape, Harryhausen’s first solo effort, The The 7th Voyage $69.95, and disc, $34.95. Beast From 20,000 Fathoms, established TriStar tape, $69.95. the subgenre of the dinosaur resurrected The 3 Worlds of Gulliver. 1960. Columbia tape, $19.95, and by nuclear experime—nltaster adapted Mysterious Island. 1961. Columbia TriStar in such films as Godzilla— while setting disc, $34.95. the pattern for Harryhausen’s success Jason and the Argonauts. 1963. Columbia TriStar tape, over the next 30 years. Mixing star- $19.95, and disc, $34.95. tlingly realistic animation with scenes in The First Men in the Moon. 1964. Columbia TriStar which characters react to creatures not tape, $19.95; Pioneer disc, $49.95. present during shooting, Harryhausen The Valley of Gwangi. 1969. Warner tape, $59.99, was able to achieve a willing suspension and disc, $34.98. of disbelief from his audiences despite #> The Golden Voyage of Sinbad. 1974. Columbia his microscopic budget. Mm TriStar tape, $19.95, and disc, $34.95; Pioneer disc, B $49.95. “One advantage is that they weren't inbad and the Eye of the Tiger. 1977. Co- really director's movies,” he says. “I’ve _ lumbia TriStar tape, $69.95, and disc, $34.95. worked with some good directors, but \\ Clash of the Titans. 1981. MGM/UA tape, everything was already laid out in these $79.98, and disc, $34.98. films by the time the directors worked with the actors. “Part of planning them is finding di- continued on page 83 FEBRUARY 1992 VIDEO 45

(1-70 BY STAN PINKWAS VIALLATIN WIDESGREENOF THE MONTH Basement theater 4 DEAWAY eliminates the bands from letterboxed videos. Even though HDTV is still a few years tening environments. He also included TWO-WAY AUDIO away, it’s possible now to simulate the an 8mm editing suite that uses the main The audio system started with a look and feel of this new technology, as a screen image with twice the usual verti- home theater owner recently discovered cal resolution. Yamaha DSP-1 digital soundfield proces- while planning his dream system. The sor and a Yamaha DSR 100 Dolby Pro- theater, set up in a renovated basement Brad Alves, manager of custom de- in a private home in Highland Park, just Logic surround-sound decoder. Mirage north of Chicago, features a giant wide- sign for Columbia Audio/Video, also in M-3 speakers performed front-channel screen image with twice the usual verti- Highland Park, supervised the complex duties, while a/d/s effect speakers han- cal resolution. installation. A member of the Custom dled the rear channels. But after seeing Electronic Design and Installation Asso- the quality of the projector's image, Al- But that’s not all. Since the owner is the head of a communications company, ciation (see box), it was Alves who came ves and his client decided they wanted he knows more about video and audio up with the system’s key component, to upgrade the sound to better match than the average home theatergoer. Sony’s VPH 1270Q Video Projection Partly as a result, he asked for and re- System. ceived a sophisticated dual-system speaker arrangement that plays movies The projector is a new model from through a high-power surround-sound Sony’s professional division, which is oc- setup, and music through a soundfield casionally tapped for components by processor that can simulate different lis- ambitious home theater owners. In this Installer case, Alves had heard about the 1270Q’s spectacular abilities several months be- Brad Alves fore it was available, and was able to snare the first unit in this country for his client's theater. Open Stacks: One wall of the theater houses a large library of laserdiscs as well as VHS and The 1270Q is a front projector that S-VHS videotapes. can display images in either the standard 4:3 aspect ratio or the widescreen 16:9 the visual power of the screen. ratio at the touch of a button. It also in- cludes a built-in line doubler to raise the They added a Fosgate DSL-2 sur- apparent resolution nearly to HDTV round-sound decoder and put Mirage standards. M-1 speakers up front, a/d/s 400i speak- ers for the center channel and M-3 Alves installed the projector in a speakers in the rear. Luxman MII7 am- small room, formerly a storage space, be- plifiers and an a/d/s subwoofer round out the array, which is all harnessed by hind the big screen, which is a 110-inch Straight Wire cables. Draper Cinescreen. The arrangement made it possible to eliminate the black bands above and below the images of letterboxed films, creating a truly mov- ielike effect. SGPHOAAROKRD

Basement Bijou: Giant Draper screen displays letterboxed movies without black bands (above) thanks to a new Sony projec- tor (near right) hidden behind the screen, while a look at the wir- ing for the components below the screen (far right) shows the com- plexity of the two- system audio plan. However, they retained the Yamaha dio arrangement helped drive the over- DSP system so the family could listen to music using the processor’s concert hall all cost of the installation to about modes. “I engineered a system that al- lows both audio systems to operate very $70,000, but the room is packed with simply,” says Alves. “When you turn the main system on, it uses the Yamaha gear. In addition to the viewing decks, DSP. However, as soon as you turn on two Sony EV-S900 Hi8 editing VCRs CEDIA the VCR, the system automatically switches the amplifier and the speakers are configured with a special-effects gen- The Custom Electronic Design & In- over to the Fosgate decoder and sends stallation Association is a nationwide its signal to the M-ls and M-3s.” erator, an RM-E300 editing controller, a non-profit trade organization made up of companies that specialize in in- For most video programs, the system signal processor, a small secondary mon- stalling electronic entertainment, au- relies on a Sony MDP-510 laserdisc play- tomation, security and communi- itor and an audio/video switcher. The cation systems in the home. CEDIA er, Sony’s classic SL-HF1000 SuperBeta may be contacted by telephoning VCR and a JVC HR-S6600 S-VHS result is a compact, readily accessible 1-800-CEDIA30 or by writing: VCR. A single universal remote control CEDIA, 10400 Roberts Road, Palos runs the operation. home-movie editing suite. Hills, IL 60465. READY FOR EDITING For other areas of the house, a sec- Circle 152 on Reader Service Card. The projector and the elaborate au- ondary audio system runs from the main system out to a billiard room, an indoor spa and an outdoor pool. Polk and a/d/s speakers service the billiard room, a/d/s speakers handle the spa, and in-ground Rockoustic speakers surround the pool. The system can deliver audio indepen- dently of the main system in the theater, or as its slave. rT] FEBRUARY 1992 VIDEO

BY JAMES CARUSO AND MAVIS ARTHUR ALL INTHE FF | How Hitacht’s synchro edit camcorders & VCRs ease the path to dazzling videos. When neophytes need for editing. In this system, the cam- Easy Editing: shoot their first vid- corder is the player and the VCR is the eos, they usually recorder. Hitachi makes many other The VM-S8200A end up with terrific camcorders and VCRs that are compati- shots — punctuated ble with these. features a built-in by shaky images, poorly lit scenes and Any monitor will work with this edit controller. accidental shots of the floor. Most people want to save system, but it’s best to use one with square, multipin connector on the end these initial efforts—but improve them an S-video input, to give the best that plugs into the camcorder. The VCR through editing, keeping the good stuff picture possible. We tried Hitachi’s end has RCA plugs for video and stereo and discarding the bad. CT-2088B 20-inch monitor/re- audio, plus one mini plug for synchro ceiver, and got great results— edit. Connect the audio and video plugs Fortunately, video manufacturers to the appropriate color-coded jacks. are making editing easy. Camcorders the system gives you precise Now insert the mini plug into the VCR’s and VCRs equipped with a feature edits with a minimum of synchro edit jack. This connection car- called synchro edit can be interfaced for fuss. editing with a single cable, allowing the user to start and stop both machines at The first thing to the touch of a button. This makes the consider when choos- creation of your own home editing sys- ing an edit system is tem simpler, putting the system design hookup ease. Since you probably won’t devote burden on the manufacturer, not on you. But creating a system that uses a VCR or camcorder equipment from various manufacturers solely to editing, the units will is chancy. Even though both camcorder have to be wired together every and VCR may have synchro edit, ma- time you want to edit. Hitachi has chines from different manufacturers solved this problem nicely by putting a usually refuse to talk to one another. So, complete set of the necessary inputs on while all it takes to start is a camcorder the front of the VCR where they are and a VCR, it’s easier if you keep the easy to reach, and by simplifying the hookup to one color-coded video/audio/ system “all in the family” —that is, all synchro edit cable and an S-video cable. from one manufacturer. The synchro edit cable has one One of the most advanced systems comes from Hitachi. Its VM-S8200A Convenient Connection: The VTS-751A has a synchro edit jack on the front panel. S-VHS camcorder has a built-in, six- scene edit controller, which lets you en- ter the start and stop points of six scenes, then sit back and let the cam- corder do the hard work. The perfect match for the VM-S8200A is Hitachi’s VTS-751A S-VHS VCR, which has a flying erase head and other features you 48 VIDEO FEBRUARY 1992

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ries control signals from the camcorder's Syncing the System: An optional cord provides \\oyTo \"S VIDEO OUT” three outputs from the camcorder: video, audio and editing controller to the VCR’s trans- synchro edit. The video connector of this cord is not used, because both camcorder and VCR are port. For an S-VHS VCR, disregard the S-VHS, and can be connected with an S-video yellow video plug and jack, and run an you want to change. Press “reset” on the cable for better picture quality. S-video cable from the video out of the camcorder to delete the old informa- tion, and replace it with the new edit end of a scene (the edit out point). The camcorder to the matching VCR input. points. numbers are stored in the camcorder edit controller’s memory. Connect the video output of the VCR Once all edits are in, hit the cam- to the monitor’s video input if it’s not al- corder’s pause button. Don't hit stop— Counter numbers are generated by ready hooked up, and you're ready to this will unthread the tape and throw the the camcorder, which counts the con- counter numbers off. Insert a tape in the trol-track pulses recorded on the video- edit. VCR and find the point where you want tape at the beginning of each frame. Ease of use is the most desirable in- to begin. When you push the record These are not recorded numbers, just button on the VCR, it will go into re- pulses, so they are not as accurate as the gredient in a video editing system, but cord pause mode because it’s being con- time code systems used by professionals. here again the Hitachi excels. To begin trolled by the camcorder. To begin the The mechanics of the VCR and cam- an editing session, push the “prog” but- assembly of scenes on the VCR tape, corder allow a tape to slip slightly, so the ton on the camcorder edit controller to press pause, then play on the camcorder, system loses count of the pulses, throw- call up the editing menu, which will ap- and it will begin locating and performing ing the counter off a fraction of a sec- pear on the monitor. The menu is divid- the edits. The edit controller will start ond. ed into three columns. The first column and pause the VCR at the beginning holds the scene numbers, one through and end of each scene. To maximize the system’s accuracy, six. The next two columns are headed you should rewind each tape when you “start” and “stop.” In the start column ACHIEVING ACCURACY load it and zero the counter at the be- you see “-:--:--” flashing. The same thing The Hitachi system uses counter in- ginning. Also, it’s best not to use fast for- occupies the stop column, but it won’t ward or rewind when editing, because be flashing. As you mark edit points, the formation as the basis of its edits. Every the counter is especially inaccurate in dashes will be replaced with counter edit is identified by two counter num- these modes. bers, one for the beginning of a scene numbers. (called the edit in point) and one for the It’s important to determine the ac- To mark edit points, play or search curacy of your system before you at- tempt serious editing, to compensate for to a point slightly ahead of where you want the first scene to start. Press pause continued on page 93 on the camcorder, then use its frame ad- vance buttons to locate the first edit in point. Remember to allow for the sys- tem’s inaccuracy, as we've noted. Press the camcorder’s memory button, and the flashing dashes will be replaced with the counter number at that location. Now the dashes in the stop column will flash. Hit the memory button again when you want to end the scene, and the dashes in the second row under the start column will begin to flash. Repeat these steps until all six edits are entered in memory. If you want to change an edit, just press the cam- corder’s “edit select” button repeatedly until the flashing indicator is on the edit 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 TOLL FREE 1-800-749-8779 INSTANT REPLAY 2601 S. Bayshore Dr., Miami, FL 33133 Circle 13 on Reader Service Card.