video-magazine-1993-01

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© 1992 Canon U.S.A., Inc. mUCS3 Ha fmm VIDEO CAMCORDER You don’t need to own anetwork to get professional quality videos. y™ don't have to be a professional to get professional + Canon’ 6-mode Programmed AE—our exclusive quality results. All you really need isthe incredible auto-exposure system that ensures perfectly exposed Canon UCS3. videos, even under extreme shooting conditions. The UCS3 is no ordinary camcorder. It8 the finest Of course, there are other things to like about the achievement of Canon’ UC line. It offers Hi8 format for new UCS3. Like the fact that it offers extraordinary superior picture definition. An advanced digital proces- Hi-Fidelity stereo sound. And comes equipped with a sor for even sharper, more brilliant colors. And an stereo Zoom microphone that allows you to move-in on improved AF system for faster, more precise focusing. sound as you move-in on your subject. In addition, the UCS3 gives you the superior optics So ifyou want professional quality videos, you don’t of a Canon 12x zoom lens. And offers the brilliance of need a network. You need the UCS3. ICSE Canon Circle 3 on Reader Service Card.

VIVA GOLD! AWARDS FOR 1992 40 THE YEAR’S BEST PRODUCTS 44 Fifteen innovative, daring adventures in high performance. By Brent Butterworth 46 50 TOP TAPES & DISCS 52 Ten trend-setting titles lead the class of '92. By Kenneth Korman SNEAK PREVIEW °'93 An inside guide to the new year’s most exciting advances. DOWNHILL TAPER How you and your camcorder can survive skiing’s cold, snow & spills. By Scott Wasser COMPUTING WITH VIDEO Five desktop F/X and editing programs to turbocharge your Macintosh. By Ron Goldberg TAPES & DISES REVIEWS 58 Lethal Weapon 3, Night on Earth, Spartacus on laserdisc, more EDITOR’S CHOICE / Batman Returns. By Kenneth Korman 59 66 DIRECTORY / The latest releases on tape and disc VIDEOTESTS DEPARTMENTS SONY KV-32XBR95S 35-INCH TV, 12 Aiwa MG360 multistandard VHS VCR, Marantz LV500 laserdisc player, Sony GV-S50 TVCR. By Berger-Braithwaite Labs 4. cee ere CHANNEL ONE / Back to the future 7 the year's best prod- FEEDBACK / Letters from readers 8 elec 4 discs. GAZETTE / Tandy’s Incredible Universe, sanitized video, more 28 Vittorio Sartor 30 NEW PRODUCTS / First 40-inch direct-view TV, more 32 coe TECHNICALLY SPEAKING / A potent new TV ghostbusting system 34 ~ Number 10 Q&A / Technical queries answered 116 CAMCORDER / Inner-focus lenses eliminate the dead zone OFF THE AIR / Clinton's high-tech take on video's future 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. © 1993 Reese Communications, Inc. All rights reserved. © under Universal, International, and Pan American Copyright Conventions. Reproduction of editorial or pictorial content in any manner is prohibited. Single copy price $2.95; $3.50 in Canada; £2.50 in U.K. One-year subscription (12 issues) $15.; Canada, $22.47 (includes GST #R125938423) U.S.; foreign, air mail, $40 U.S. Canadian international publication permit #546488. Address subscription orders, change of address, correspondence and inquiries to: VIDEO, Box 56293, Boulder, CO 80322-6293, or call toll-free 800-365-1008. Change of address takes 60 days to process: send old address label, 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. JANUARY 1993 VIDEO

VIDEO CHANNEL ONE ADVERTISER Gary Bettan of Electronic Back to the future Mailbox talks about consumer edit control. It’s our custom to take a look back at the just-concluded year each What's the biggest trend in con- January by selecting for ViVA Gold! awards the best and most innova- sumer video editing today? tive new equipment and programs introduced that year. You'll find this Sony Control L (LANC) and its year’s roster of honorees beginning on page 40, and we think you'll widespread use. New Sony and agree it reflects the product-development commitment of companies Canon 8mm and Hi8 camcorders uti- lize the Control L communication bus that are pushing the outer edges of the video technology envelope. between the camcorder and editor, which allows you to control all func- But January is also a time to look ahead, a time for resolutions and tions of both devices accurately, and new commitments. In this vein, we’re also presenting this month, in in the most basic realtime form. “Sneak Preview 93,” a look ahead at some of the new products and innovations we expect to be available for your enjoyment later this From a practical standpoint, what does this mean to the con- year. sumer? The inauguration of a new president, a man elected on a promise If you ever tried to edit without edit control, one thing you run to be an agent of positive change, brings more than the usual sense of out of quickly is hands. You don’t have enough hands and fingers to anticipation to the political scene this new year. You'll find a preview operate all the equipment. Edit con- trol makes the editing process of how the Clinton administration may address issues important to incredibly more streamlined, accu- rate and simpler to do. home video enthusiasts in this month’s “Off the Air.” What current editors utilize Change will certainly be in the air as digital technology plays an Control L? increasing role in new products that will provide better picture quality, increased interactivity and more choices for the viewer. New wide- From Videonics, the Editmaker and the Thumbs Up; from Sony, screen 16:9 TV sets will begin to arrive in stores this spring, fore- the RME line of editors; the Future Video line of editors is now Control L shadowing the coming of HDTV, for which the Federal Communica- compatible; and the whole myriad of tions Commission is scheduled to designate a standard before the year desktop video is Control L- oriented. is out. And digital advances will continue to close the gap separating Will we see more Control L computers and video, advancing the cause of desktop video for editing equipment in the year ahead? purposes and interactive programming for education and entertain- I hope we see Panasonic, JVC and Hitachi all introducing some ment. form of consumer edit control so that the geniuses in Silicon Valley can fig- Change is as constant in video as it is in politics, and in the ’90s ure out a way that it can talk to the speed with which events bring change presents the greatest chal- Control L products. The consumer is lenge for us all as we try to make informed decisions. In the video buying their video equipment one realm, our new year’s resolution is to continue to do our best to keep piece at a time, and the manufactur- you, our readers, ahead of the technology curve and enjoying the lat- ers should help them build upon what est in new video equipment and programs. they already have as they become experienced and more sophisticated James M. Barry users. Either way, there are products Editor today that offer Control L and this is a major buying feature that consumers 4 VIDEO JANUARY 1993 should look for.

afa MITSUBISHI Can you spotthe Mitsubishi 35’ TVinthisa? (Hint: its the one sitting behind our new 40”) It’s 31% bigger than a 35” 119% bigger than a 27” and 1000% bigger than we could show you in this ad. It’s the new Mitsubishi 40)’ the largest tube television you can buy. Once you've seen it, it’s kind of hard to see anything else. at.MITSUBISHI TECHNICALLY, ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE® Circle 1 on Reader Service Card.

© 1993 Mitsubishi Electronics America, Inc. Circle 66 on Reader Service Card.

VIDEO FEEDBACK MagaTHNe President and Managing Director, Dreamy dual deck Jay Rosenfield Your report from CES (“Your Show of Compact Contender: Yashica’s Hi8 KX-H3 com- Editor, James M. Barry Shows,” Aug. '92) noted that 8mm/ bines good features and high performance. VHS dual-well decks are planned for Managing Editor, Stan Pinkwas 1993 by Samsung and Go-Video. As a Ready, willing and stable Technical Editor, Lancelot Braithwaite long-term Betaphile I prefer to record in Senior Editors, Kenneth Korman, the superior format, but I also need VHS In the search for the best compact Hi8 Brent Butterworth for rental tapes. I've long dreamed of a camcorder, your report on the Yashica Assistant Editors, Brian Clark, dual-well Beta/VHS VCR. Sony owes KX-H3 (equivalent to the Sony TRIO1) April P. Bernard such a deck to its forgotten Beta owners. led me to evaluate its optical stabiliza- | Contributing Editors: Bob Angus, Mavis But if Sony won’t do it, maybe Samsung tion system. Disappointed by earlier sta- Arthur, Bob Barlow, Frank Beacham, Ivan or Go-Video will. bilization methods, I was impressed by Berger, James Caruso, Steve Daly, Steve how well this one works. No loss of pic- Ditlea, Bruce Eder, Ron Goldberg, Ty Harold Rice ture quality and, even at full 10x zoom, a Harrington, David Lachenbruch, Gordon Baltimore, Maryland pretty stable picture. Good low-light McComb, Marianne Meyer, Rich Warren, performance too. I recently used it Roderick Woodcock No sound advice aboard a high-performance glider and found surprisingly solid results with the Art Director, Lonnie Heller After calling some of the mail-order grass-field takeoff and aerobatic maneu- Associate Art Director, Vera Naughton sources listed in “Video’s Best Kept Se- vers. The compact size is what allowed Art Assistant, Luis Ramos Jr. cret” (Oct. 92), I found they could not me to carry it in the glider. This has to Production Manager, James LoGrasso tell me what kind of soundtrack (mono, be a strong contender for the best cur- Production Assistant, Kim Lau hi-fi stereo, hi-fi stereo surround, etc.) rent “get everything” camcorder. Typesetting, Janet M. Holland these videotapes had. There should be some kind of reference for this type of Michael D. Zuteck Publisher, Eric C. Schwartz information. Kemah, Texas Associate Publisher, Linda DeRogatis David J. Pryor Super neglected Circulation Director, Rodney Bell Sauquoit, New York Circulation Assistant, Rosemary Y. Paver I was disappointed to see that your fea- Newsstand Sales Director, Gerald Levine Editor’s reply: Unfortunately, there is no ture on video by mail (“Video's Best Marketing Director, Luanne Rao reference source for video soundtracks, and Kept Secret,” Oct. ’92) did not include Financial Officer, Mark C. Spector the information provided by software sup- Super Source Video as virtually the only Business Manager, Janette Evans pliers on their own products is sketchy at source of S-VHS movies. It’s bad enough Assistant Business Manager, best. We have long supported the idea of a that the selection of S-VHS movies is so Lily Schwartzberg standardized chart on each tape and disc small. You make matters worse by omit- Assistant to the President, detailing all significant audio and video ting the only resource we S-VHS owners Kenneth Bell data, but progress has been very slow. Look have. to our “Tapes & Discs” section for the best Corporate Offices, Editorial & Sales: 460 information we can get on each month's Richard Caplan West 34 Street, New York, NY 10001; major new releases. Brookline, Massachusetts 212-947-6500, 212-947-6727 (fax) West Coast Sales Office: Cynthia Gallivan, Home theater Editor's reply: The phone number for Super West Coast Advertising Manager; 1453 of the absurd Source Video is 800-331-6304. Super Third Street, Suite 490, Santa Monica, CA Source is a subsidiary of Twin Creeks En- 90401; 310-393-5057, 310-393-5538 (fax) Your glowing recommendation of the tertainment. Chicago Sales Office: Milton Gerber, Media JVC HR-S6800 in “A League of Their Plus, 4409 RFD Stonehaven Drive, Long Own” (Oct. ’92) is a complete reversal Video Magazine welcomes your comments. Grove, IL 60047;708-913-5400, from the “Videotest” in the September Address correspondence to Feedback, Video 708-913-5403 (fax); 405 North Wabash, issue. I own a 6800 and find it inferior to Magazine, 460 West 34 Street, New York, Chicago, IL 60611; 312-644-0001, my 5800, both in features and functions. NY 10001. 312-644-0930 (fax) It is a good machine for someone with Detroit Sales Office: John Kennedy & other JVC units, only because it re- Associates, 16899 Village Lane, Grosse sponds to the older remotes for things Pointe, MI 48230; 313-886-4399, like manual index mark and remote 313-354-1482 (fax) eject. The lack of a dedicated rear | S-VHS input is absurd. Editor-in-Chief, Art Levis (1936-1991) Merlin David Fe REESE Suffern, New York COMMUNICATIONS INCORPORATED JANUARY 1993 VIDEO 7

GAZEITEEDITED BY KENNETH KORMAN _ That’s Incredible! g ae ty a able home theater demo rooms. And the Incredible Universe checks local adver- The opening of another electronics su- Sign ‘Em Up: Customers line up for membership perstore is usually as exciting as the tised prices every day to make sure each prospect of another Police Academy se- cards at the opening of Arlington’s Incredible Universe. product sells at the lowest price in town. quel. But shoppers in Arlington, Texas, and Portland, Oregon, were enthusiastic That's virtually every major-brand video Shoppers can kick the tires all they enough about the recent launch of Tan- product available in the U.S., all up and want without fear of confronting an dy’s two new Incredible Universe elec- running so you can easily compare them. overaggressive salesperson. In fact, the tronics stores to jam highways for miles It also has complete audio, computer, around, and to wait as long as 2-1/2 store’s staff aren’t considered salespeo- hours to get in. appliance, camera, personal electronics, car audio, audio and video software, and ple —they’re referred to as “cast mem- To find out why people are so excit- bers.” They’re not on commission, and ed about the Incredible Universe, we karaoke departments. they can’t accept spiffs, the bonuses traveled to the new Arlington store, You can also run head-to-head tests manufacturers pay salespeople to push a which sits about halfway between Dallas certain product. In fact, the cast mem- and Fort Worth. After hearing about the bers don’t seem to care what you buy, as store’s 220,000-square-foot floor, we ex- pected to find a warehouse full of dis- long as you're happy. counted VCRs and TVs. But instead, we Upon entering the Incredible Uni- found what videophiles have long awaite—da painless, fun way to shop. verse for the first time, each shopper is In a facility the size of three football issued a membership card. To make a fields, the Incredible Universe stocks and displays virtually any electronic purchase, you present your card to a cast product you might want. The video de- partment showcases 315 different TV member, who reads its barcode with a sets, 72 VCRs and 78 camcorders. light pen attached to a GRiD pen-acti- vated handheld computer. The cast member then reads the barcode on the product price tag, and the GRiD com- puter transmits instructions via radio to the store’s main computer. The computer tells the warehouse staff what to pull and where to find it, and a complex conveyor system routes your purchases to the checkout counter. According to Tandy, the process takes at most 90 seconds. But there’s probably no need to rush—with a Pizza Hut restau- rant, a Mrs. Field’s cookie booth and complete child-care facilities in the store, you can shop as long as you want without worrying about creature com- forts. Whether or not these high-tech sys- tems will offset the high cost of keeping such a huge store staffed on slow Tues- day afternoons is anyone’s guess. But for electronics buffs tired of high-pressure salespeople, deceptive advertising and poor selection, the Incredible Universe stands as an unqualified success. —Brent Butterworth Sanitized for your protection Maid to Order: “Cast member” uses a handheld pen-activated computer to transmit purchase information. Video software companies often assem- ble “unrated” versions of R-rated theat- trical releases, incorporating all the steamy footage that was cut to avoid the 8 VIDEO JANUARY 1993

The Addams Family * 1000900 Hearts Of Darkness: A 1002500 i Hamlet (1990) *0970608 Filmmaker’s Apocalypse The Sound Of Music *0003905 *0559005 Harry Connick, Jr.: 0968107 Backdraft Singin’ & Swingin’ *0203505 0000208 Alien 0360909 Star Trek: Aliens * 0881102 The Motion Picture *0367607 The Abyss *0041806 Star Trek Il: * 0201301 *0826008 The Wrath Of Khan * 0201608 Die Hard * 0681106 Star Trek Ill: Die Hard 2 The Search For Spock Ghost 0805309 E.T.: The Extra- *0642504 Star Trek IV: *0430603 Terrestrial The Voyage Home The Silence Of The 0000802 *0448605 Lambs 0842302 Star Trek V: * 0001305 Batman (1989) * 0211409 The Final Frontier The Godfather Superman: The Movie 0601500 The Godfather: Part Ill *0921304 Superman Il * 0489104 Back To The Future *0497008 Born On The Fourth 0920306 Back To The Future * 0364901 Of July Part Il * 0104307 Field Of Dreams * 0962100 Back To The Future Presumed Innocent 0602805 Part Ill *0976803 Road Warrior * 0104208 Chinatown * 0202507 Predator Bird On A Wire * 0497305 Predator 2 0216804 Beverly Hills Cop Robin Hood: *0969808 Beverly Hills Cop II 0205302 Prince Of Thieves Henry V (1990) 0431908 Home Alone 0211706 Henry & June *0040303 0211102 The Grifters * 0499301 Scarface (1983) 0523407 Bugs Bunny Classics 0383000 Goodfellas 0630806 Conan The Barbarian 0297705 The Blues Brothers * 0642702 The Empire Of The Sun *0220509 Dangerous Liaisons * 0633206 Dune 0211508 Reversal Of Fortune *0638700 Kindergarten Cop Always 0969709 Lethal Weapon *0085803 *0921502 Lethal Weapon 2 Dirty Harry 0601708 National Lampoon’s *0825000 Animal House * 0074708 Memphis Belle *0983502 The Man Who Would 0100008 i Bugsy* Star Trek Vi: Dances with Wolves* Big 0367409 Be King 0104604 0853408 The Undiscovered Country* 0805200 New Jack City 0971507 0051102 Fatal Attraction 0439307 The Hunt For 0633008 1001007 Red October 0211300 The Bible * 0515007 Chariots Of Fire 0601401 Jaws 0953505 Edward Scissorhands * 0847103 All Dogs Go To Heaven 0289702 The African Queen *0853705 Beetlejuice It’s A Wonderful Life 0392308 (45th Anniversary Ed.) * 0779108 American Graffiti The Last Boy Scout Blue Velvet Hard To Kill Return of the Jedi* 2 Stai1 Wars* The Empire Strikes Back* The Naked Gun 2'/2: *0842609 The Prince Of Tides 0354704 0056408 0091009 The Smell Of Fear Wayne’s World Patton 0788703 The Commitments 0691303 Fried Green Tomatoes 1005404 2001: ASpace Odyssey *0844308 Forbidden Planet *0844407 North By Northwest *0844209 The Wizard Of Oz 0001404 Here's a great way to build a specified. And you'll always have 14 |Dept. 3NG_ P.O. Box 1112, Terre Haute, Indiana 47811-1112 | days to decide; if not, you may return | Yes, please enroll me under the terms outlined in this advertisement. As a member, | collection of your favorite movies—on the selection at our expense. Money-Saving Bonus Plan. If you |need buy only 2 more selections, at regular Club prices, within the coming year. laserdiscs! Just write in the numbers continue your membership after |Send me these 3 laserdiscs for $1.00 each plus $1.50 each shipping and handling (total $7.50) fulfilling your obligation, you'll be of the 3 laserdiscs you want for eligible for our generous bonus plan. |Please Check How Paying: -] My check is enclosed zavi2az | $1.00 each, plus shipping and It enables you to enjoy great savings on the movies you want—for as long C) Charge my introductory laserdiscs and future Club purchases to: | handling. In exchange, you simply as you decide to remain a member! | agree to buy two more laserdiscs in (MasterCard []DinersClub CIAMEX (CIVISA [Discover | the next year, at regular Club prices 10-Day Risk-Free Trial. We'll send (currently as low as $29.95, plus details of the Club's operation with |Acct. No. Exp. | shipping and handling)—and you your introductory package. If not satisfied, return everything within 10 | Signature may cancel membership at any time days for a full refund and no further after doing so. obligation. | Name | Free Magazine sent every four For fastest service, use a credit card |Address Apt. | weeks (up to 13 times a year) and call us toll free 24 hours a day: State | reviewing our Director's Selection— |City plus scores of alternate choices, Dept. including many _ lower-priced | Zip |Phone No. ( )aa Acelle eae 3NG laserdiscs. And you may also receive | Note; Columbia House Laserdisc Club reserves the right to reject or cancel any membership. Offer limited to | Special Selection mailings up to four V Entertaining continental U.S. (excluding Alaska). Applicable sales tax added to all orders. 1400 N. Fruitridge 4 times a year. (That's up to 17 buying America... | Avenue, Terre Haute, IN 47811-1112 opportunities a year.) e One Person 081/S93 Buy only what you want! If you at a Time.™ Lx Letterbox ©1992, The Columbia House Company want the Director's Selection, do LASERDISC CLUB nothing-tt will be sent automatically. If you'd prefer an alternate selection, or none at all, just mail the response card always provided by the date

eae ery ianpa are gee ae eRe NEW TECHNOLOGY, LOWER PRICES... @ filmmakers. “If the director is not willing to prepare a PrimeCut version, there won't be a PrimeCut version,” Lee says. And judging from one studio's reaction to the idea, the company may face an uphill battle: “I think people want to see a movie that was made, not a movie that was censored,” says George Feltenstein, senior vice president of MGM/UA Home Video. “If they want to see a movie that’s censored, they can watch it on broadcast television.” Feltenstein grants there might be a “minute per- centage” of people for whom a PrimeCut version might be appropriate, but says it’s not enough to make a business. Another potential problem for PrimeCut is that some movies don’t of- audience-reducing NC-17 tag. But a startup company called PrimeCut Enter- fer much beyond their R-rated scenes. tainment proposes just the opposite: It “Certainly, I don’t think you can clean wants to release alternate versions that show less skin, not more. up a Basic Instinct,” says Foltz. “The Targeting audiences that are uncom- movie might be Basic, but you can forget fortable with R-rated movies, PrimeCut plans to bring those films down to a PG the Instinct.” —George Mannes or PG-13 level by cutting out the sex, vi- CNN ¢ USA Network * TNT** ¢ olence and salty language. Featuring the — WGN ° Family Channel * HBO & meat of the original films but less of the Cinemax* ¢ Sci-Fi Channel « Black sizzle, these videos would resemble those One Size Fits All? Steve Martin's gift of a dream Entertainment TV * ESPN** ¢ Mind familiar, cleaned-up movie “versions” home doesn't impress his sweetheart in Housesitter. Extension University *»CNBC « The shown on airpla—nexecespt they Disney Channel* * The Discovery wouldn’t all star Jim Belushi. At press- Anatomy of Channel * The Movie Channel* « time, the Mission Viejo, California- a laugh MOR Music * Headline News « Arts based company was hoping to release its & Entertainment ¢ The Nashville first movies in February. Steve Martin on how comedy works: Network ¢ Superstation TBS * and “Everybody starts going, ‘What if...’ Fi- PrimeCut CEO John J. Lee Jr. ex- nally you hit on it and go, ‘Is that too stu- $29\"4aaaaeaee MORE! pects a significant audience for his prod- pid?’ And the joy is saying, ‘Let's do it.’” uct. He says there are more than 21 Complete System including Programming. million children in the U.S. between the In Housesitter (MCA/Universal), his ages of eight and 15 who want to rent latest attempt at “what if,” Martin plays New! SMALL-DISH System movies like Lethal Weapon 3 or Termina- Newton Davis, a Boston architect who for crystal-clear cable tor 2, but who don’t have their parents’ builds a dream house for his high school permission. Another audience is parents sweetheart, Becky (Dana Delany). She programming nationwide. who aren’t renting adult-themed movies rejects him (and the white saltbox because they fear awkward moments For FREE CATALOG Call when the whole family gathers around continued on page 108 800-346-6466 the TV. Video stores are interested in carry- ‘Name Brands Only\" ing the PrimeCut product. Tom Foltz, **Geographical restrictions may apply. “These services director of movie management for West -S“dNIOfOMWLVLYWE Coast Video Enterprises, franchiser of a require a small additional fee. 425-store chain, thinks PrimeCut mov- i ca eh a ll a lsCSRC4oaeienradcvdl.ieecre ies will appeal to many 55-and-older renters—people who bring tapes back to the store and say, “It was a great movie, but the language was disgusting.” But PrimeCut faces a big hurdle in getting cooperation from studios and ] 10 VIDEO JANUARY 1993

The RCA 52” Projection Screen. Bigger and brighter than almost anything out there. Anything brighter requires sun block. Anything bigger has a marquee. Almost anything else pales in comparison to the RCA 52” Home Theatre. Its thunderous sound will rattle your china. Its huge screen is so clear and bright you can see the spin on a curveball. Experience the Home Theatre™ n today by simply stopping by your RCA dealer. Sunglasses are optional. Changing Entertainment. Again\" RGM Model featured: P52152ST. © 1992 Thomson Consumer Electronics, Inc.

VIDEOTESTSBERGER-BRAITHWAITE LABS || | | Cutting the Curve: The KV-32XBR95S em- ploys Sony's new XBR? picture tube, which has a much flatter screen than standard Trinitron tubes and uses a dark- er coating to enhance contrast. Se ee eee The XBR? line sony A-7, A-6, 2 to 13, A to TE ee DN) Oe represents Sony’s W, W+1 to W+58, A-5 32XBR95S XBR? first major change KV-32NBR90S VIDEOTEST to A-1, W+59 to W+84 aie brings the re- duced-curvature screen technology 665 in top direct-view 32-Inch TV Remote Control: IR == monitors since the introduced in Panasonic’s SuperFlat SONY PVM-2530 XBR Price: $2,299 wireless with switch for sets to Sony’s popular Trinitron XBR Pro, which has Weight & Size (h/w/d): TV/cable box and but- line. In fact, the XBR? improves on 32-inch been our reference 190.1 Ibs. with speak- tons for power, muting, standard Trinitrons in almost every TV set standard since it ers; 26-1/8 x 39-3/8 x sleep, TV/video, ant./ way. The picture and sound are bet- was introduced a 23-1/8 inches aux., jump (last chan- ter, the menu system offers a stagger- nel), 10-digit keypad, ing number of options, and the few years ago. At enter, display, PIP, PIP exterior is less techie-looking. We the heart of XBR? off, PIP channel + and rate every aspect of this $2,299 set technology is a -, code set, memo dis- excellent. It is our top choice in a new Super Trini- play, digital memo and large, direct-view monitor. Although menu; +/- rockers for it’s expensive, the picture and sound are worth the difference. tron picture tube, which is vertically flat | Screen Size: 32 inches volume and channel like other Trinitrons, but substantially measured diagonally and a cursor/adjust less curved horizontally. A deep black rocker with enter when screen coating provides richer color for | Type of Tuning: frequency synthesis pressed; in covered compartment—slide today’s higher resolution source mate- | Method of Tuning: rial. There are, of course, improvements | programmable scan on switch for VTR 1/2/3/ search, play, fast for- UHF/cable and auxilia- set, scan plus direct MDP, and buttons for ry, mini jack for Control in video circuitry to bring out the best in | access on remote ward/search, stop, S in; front—video/stereo the new tube. learn, standard (reset), pause, record (2), audio (duplicate of vid- Broadcast Tuning channel + and -, and e0 3 input on rear) The 32-inch KV-32XBR95S is one | Range: 2 to 13, picture + and -, channel | 14 to 69 NTR Outputs: S-video/video/ of three new models in the XBR? series. index 8 and 16, PIP, The $1,899 KV-27XBR95S is a 27-inch | Cable Tuning Range: position, split, audio, Inputs: rear—3 S-vid- stereo audio monitor, model, and the $2,599 KV-32XBR90S is | 125 channels—A-8, swap, off, channel + eo/video/stereo audio, 2 video/stereo audio loop- a 32-inch model without a sound sys- and -, TV/video, replay; F-connectors for VHF/ and device controllers for power, rewind/ PVLMEHIOSDORETSOIOTLGELRSOATPHS: 12 VIDEO JANUARY 1993

Because most for- It’s expensive to have tapes trans- VIDEOTEST eign countries use ferred from foreign a video standard video standards to 666 different from the NTSC, and multistandard VCRs cost NTSC standard $700 and up. With the $600 MG360, used in most of Aiwa brings the price of multistand- AIWA North America, ard video down to very affordable foreign tapes usu- levels. The mono ally won’t play in deck lets you play joeeinia 4 VCRs sold here. and record PAL, MESECAM, NTSC Ins and Outs: The KV-32XBR95S has three rear :_ This situation is 3.58 and NTSC 4.43. S-video inputs and an S-video output of input 3. multi particularly frus- It will play SECAM standard trating for those tapes in black and white, and tune in tem, intended for custom installation or with friends, rela- and record NTSC tives and business broadcasts. Picture is home theater use. very good to excel- An entirely new DSP Axis Sound VCR associates over- lent, audio is very system complements the picture with seas, because Dolby Surround, Hughes SRS, and jazz transferring a foreign tape to NISC good, ease of use is good to very good, club, dance club, live concert and simu- costs $40 or more. Multistandard VCRs and overall perfor- lated stereo surround modes. The set mance is very good. has internal amplifiers for front and rear are available, but they start at $700 and channels, but none for a center channel often require the use of a multistandard tion, but it’s close. video monitor. The tuner and RF (antenna/cable) | or subwoofer as typically used in Dolby Pro-Logic systems. Sleek, good-sounding Aiwa has finally solved this problem output are compatible only with NTSC speakers that mount at the sides of the with the MG360, a $600 VCR that in- 3.58, so the MG360 can’t be used to cabinet are supplied, but you must sup- corporates a digital standards converter. tune in foreign broadcasts. The big plus ply speakers for the rear channels. is that on playback, the standards con- It records and plays in PAL, which is verter produces a recordable video sig- A very flexible picture-in-picture used in England, Germany and much of nal in NTSC 3.58 or PAL, so if you have Europe, and NTSC 3.58, used in the a second VCR, you can convert virtually continued on page 107 any tape to NTSC yourself (or to PAL, if U.S., Canada and Japan. It also records you have a PAL VCR). Recordings through of input 3, Picture S/N (dB): lumi- and plays tapes in two standards not made on the MG360 must be in the fixed-level stereo audio, nance—56.1, video— used for broadcast —NTSC 4.43, which same standard as the original —the con- variable-level stereo au- 54.3, chroma AM— verter affects only the VCR output. dio, F-connector for RF 64.2, chroma PM—63.6 is commonly used for prerecorded videos output to cable box, However, you pay a price for this ca- mini jack for control out Accuracy of Colors: in Europe, and MESECAM, a black- pability. The MG360 lacks many fea- excellent and-white version of France’s SECAM tures we take for granted even in External Speaker standard that can be recorded from bottom-of-the-line VCRs, like onscreen Connectors: main—left Audio Frequency SECAM sources. It also plays SECAM programming, LP and EP speeds, frame and right, rear—left and Response: electron- tapes in black and white. advance, slow motion and stereo hi-fi right ics—20 Hz-20 kHz, sound. It does offer digital auto tracking, +0.3/-0.8 dB; speak- Almost all countries use one or more digital still picture, a front-panel input Internal Audio ers—50 Hz-16 kHz, -3 and automatic noise canceling on still Amplifier Power: dB of these standards. However, Aiwa’s frames. Its worldwide power supply oper- front—2 x 13 watts, manual cautions that the VCR cannot ates on AC from 110 to 240 volts at either | tear—2 x 6.5 watts Audio S/N: electron- be used in Argentina, Brazil or Uruguay 50 or 60 Hertz, but you may need an ics—76.1 dB, adapter for the wall outlet. Special Features: PIP, speakers—72.2 dB (which use exotic versions of PAL), so it preset picture and sound modes, select- Total Harmonic is not a complete multistandard solu- able color temperature, Distortion: electron- Dolby Surround, ics—0.2%, speakers— earusea Hughes SRS, several 0.6% surround modes, amps Sy Et SOON WEES EES. for rear speakers RATINGS Absent Features: Picture: excellent headphone jack, sec- ond tuner for PIP Audio: excellent RESULTS Ease of Use: excellent Horizontal Resolution: Overall: excellent more than 700 lines Standard Bearer: Aiwa’s MG360 plays PAL, MESECAM, NTSC and NTSC 4.43 tapes. JANUARY 1993 VIDEO 13

If you think viewing a movie at home is technology in which we have led worldwide. a mere spectator sport, you've never strapped The ultimate in sight and sound, it comes L.. yourself into the Pioneer® Home Theater. 60% closer to reality than ordinary video- With our leadership in both audio and video tape. And features the superiority of digital sound. technology, the linking of the two produces unprece- Of course, what you hear is spectacular. The dented results. enveloping intensity of five- What you see is the |S Pi° oneer Home Theater. Baachannel sharpest, brightest Logic” picture ever played on a XY P| ee h° 50-inch screen. Our Ou evans just W atc It. Surround aTEeN na | Sound. All ee | deli: vered All Pioneer LaserDise Players FA UI | :§ let you enjoy both laserdiscs en, i; care of the industry-leading randeCtDsa.aibAoslkutesypoeurcriaPliConDeer ProVision” line of Audioé /Video Receiv‘ ers by Pi‘oneer. and laserdisc offers from proj5ecti.on TVs fea- wis i To maximize the quality of Columbia House. ass tures a sophisticated eee new short-focus lens Surround Sound, we've assembled a superb new pack- system for a 25% age of perfectly matched modular speakers specially mm . brighter picture.The designed to deliver a theater-like experience. The Pioneer CLD-D701 Combination new high-contrast Of course, there’s a lot more to tell, so call us at CD/LaserDise Player and VSX-D90IS A/V Receiver black screen 1-800-PIONEER for more iBanerformatios n. Or, drop with Dolby Pro Logic. by a Pioneer Home Theater dealer. You'll find just what increases the contrast ratio by 20%. And an advanced you'd expect from the leaders in audio three-line digital comb filter significantly enhances and video: Home Theater so advanced, you don’t just watch it* color accuracy and improves picture quality. The picture source is a Pioneer Laser Disc Player, a Our new ProVision SD-P5065K Projection TV incorporates a host of technological innovations. Pictured here ts an actual on-screen image. The new Pioneer S-V40LK Home Theater Experience Speaker collection is customizefdorour Home Theater Surround Sound system. The Art of Entertainment t©e1re9d95traPdieonmeaerrksEloecftDroonlibcys La(boUrSaAt)orIinecs. LLiocnegnsBienagchC,orCpoAr.atDioolnb.y a©nd199P1roCLaorogliecoarPeictruegriess- Inc. All rights reserved. The depiction ofENDOSKELETON is a trademark ofCarolco.

A quick timer allows automatic re- the appropriate position for the country Your first cording for up to four hours in 30-min- you're in, unless you need to dub to an- other standard. Ease of use is only good ute increments, and the programmable timer has six one-shot events and one to very good mainly because the MG360 leloyents weekly event. The timer may be used for lacks so many basic features. line sources as well as for off-air re- VCR record/playback has a horizon- cordings. It is capable of simulcast re- tal resolution of 230 lines for NTSC re- Theater cording, and has a number of automatic cordings and 240 lines for PAL record- operations like on/play and rewind/off/ ings. The digital standards converter eject. uses a seven-bit analog-to-digital con- The MG360 looks like a conven- verter. component tional VCR, except for an exposed Picture quality is very good to excel- NTSC/thru/PAL switch to select the lent. Audio quality is very good for lin- output standard for the digital convert- ear track audio—it would be nice to er, and indicators for PAL, MESECAM, have stereo hi-fi audio, but the differ- NTSC 3.58, NTSC 4.43 and auto track- ences between the way PAL/SECAM ing. The thru mode outputs the stand- VCRs and NTSC VCRs handle hi-fi ard recorded on the tape. Transport sound would have made such a feature controls are also exposed on the front. very expensive. Overall, we rate the Inside a compartment door (which can deck very good. be removed) are the cassette hatch and We expect the MG360’s very good buttons for eject, standard selection, performance and breakthrough low channel, tracking, input select and other price to make it a big hit among those functions. The compartment also con- who need multistandard capability. It tains buttons for eject, standard selec- performs at least as well as most other tion, channel, tracking, input select and mono VHS decks and, although it lacks other functions. The compartment also many common features, it does what it’s contains buttons for programming supposed to do very well. 8 which, thanks to the success of onscreen hiwa MG360 Timer: 7-event/2-week programming, we haven’t seen in quite some time. Multistandard Special Features: still The rear panel resembles that of VHS VER frame, auto rewind, counter memory most other mono VCRs—RCA jacks for Price: $600 Absent Features: hi-fi video/audio input and output, and Weight & Size (h/w/d): audio, frame advance, buttons for standard selection, tracking 11-3/4 Ibs.; 3-7/8 x 15 slow motion, speed and clock/counter functions. You can’t x 13 inches play, audio dub, video program the VCR from the remote con- Tape Format & Speed: dub, insert edit, jog/ VHS SP shuttle dial, remote trol. pause, titling, indexing Except for the two buttons that se- Video Heads: 2 lect the standard of the video output and the tape being played or recorded, Cue & Review Search: RESULTS the MG360 works like any other simple 5x, locking VCR without onscreen display. There Fast Forward/Rewind Horizontal Resolution: Time: approx 4 min. for NTSC—230 lines, are four buttons that let you set the tun- T-120 PAL—240 lines ef: preset, auto program, add/erase and Remote Control: IR S/N Ratios (dB): un- TV/CATV. Three others operate the | wireless with buttons weighted video—45.8 Pioneer” Home Theater is clock and counter, and there are five for power, system, 10- an extremely involving more for the clock, timer and one-touch digit keypad, TV/VCR, VCR, 59.3 converter; experience. Starting with weighted video—51.4 record. Two do multiple duty for chang- channel set, clock/ VCR, 60.4 converter; the least expensive compo- ing channels, setting clock and timer, counter, counter memo- chroma AM—46.8 VCR, nent: our Guide to Home and manual tracking adjustment. ry, counter reset, 67.8 converter; chroma Theater. An interactive channel/tracking - and PM—40.7 VCR, 50 diskette that demonstrates Exposing the cassette hatch and converter in animated detail how +, record (2), stop, to build your own Home eject button would be less decorative, pause/still, rewind/ Audio Frequency Theater. To order, call us but it would have enhanced operating search, play and fast Response: 75 Hz-10 at 1-800-PIONEER. ease. The remote duplicates many of the kHz (-3 dB) forward/search Owe eh Vacdes operating controls. Its keypad lets you Audio: linear mono Linear Audio S/N: The Art of Entertainment select a channel directly, but there is no 43.7 dB provision for presetting the tuner, set- Tuning Method: Audio Distortion: 0.9% ©1993 Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc., Long Beach, CA. ting the cluck or programming the timer. frequency synthesis RATINGS In NTSC position, the output is col- Channel Selectors: programmable scan on or NTSC for NTSC and PAL tapes, and black-and-white NTSC 3.58 for VCR, scan plus direct Picture: access on remote very good/excellent MESECAM and SECAM tapes. In the Preset Method: auto PAL converter position, it plays any program with add/erase Audio: very good NTSC, PAL or MESECAM tape in col- Cable Tuning Range: Ease of Use: 5A, 2 to 13, A to W, good/very good or PAL, and SECAM tapes in black- W+1 to W+58, A-5 to and-white PAL. Since there is no dis- A-1, W+59 to W+84 Overall: very good cernible penalty for using the digital converter, we recommend you leave it in Requires IBM-compatible personal computer. And for your JANUARY 1993 VIDEO 15 free Guide to Home Theater brochure, call 1-800-PIONEER

VIDEOTESTS Straight Shot: Marantz’s first laserdisc player, the LV500, features a direct CD mode that deactivates the video circuitry for cleaner sound from compact discs.: = THIGHLIGHTSMarantz is one of a heavy emphasis on sound quality. It Many audio com- the most recog- uses bitstream (one-bit) digital-to-an- panies offer laser- nized names in au- alog conversion with two differential VIDEOTEST dio, dating back to stages and a 20-bit, 8x oversampling dig- Se disc players, but the early days of ital filter for increased dynamic range. 667 From a video standpoint, it’s similar to I eg, few make their Pioneer’s CLD-D501, the machine on hi-fi. Its vintage own. Usually, they modify existing which the LV500 is based. tube amplifiers are Like most other combi players, the designs, leaving the video works perhaps the most LV500 accepts five- and three-inch alone but adding their own audio cir- cherished in the CDs, and plays all LD, LV and CD-Vid- MARANTZ world —in Japan, eo discs with access to both the analog cuitry. Marantz follows this trend and digital audio tracks. It plays both with the $799 LV500 combi player, sides of laserdiscs automatically using an which uses one-bit digital-to-analog they sell for about com bi $10,000 —and its Alpha-Turn mechanism while maintain- converters in Marantz’s unique dual- ing the same orientation of the three- differential mode, along with a high- latest products, beam laser pickup with respect to the di- player like the SM-80 resolution 8x oversampling 20-bit rection of disc travel. THX amplifier, indicate a renaissance of digital filter. The LV500 offers auto- matic side-changing, but no digital sorts for the company. effects. Picture and audio are excel- The LV500, Marantz’s first laserdisc lent, ease of use is very good to excel- player, carries on this rich heritage with lent and overall performance is very Marantz W500 Price: $799 Remote Control: IR AFM stereo/dual mono Lgood to excellent. Laserdise Player wireless with jog/shuttle Weight & Size (h/w/d): dial and buttons for Digital Audio: stereo/ control, clear scan +2.4/-1.8 dB 19.9 Ibs.; 5-3/8 x 17 x power, stop/eject, digi- dual mono 1-bit dual- Dynamic Range: 99 dB 17-1/4 inches tal/analog/CX, audio differential mode D/A Absent Features: digi- UR/stereo, A-B repeat, converters with 20-bit tal CLV effects, RF Audio S/N: digita—rated Disc Formats: LD—12 display, program, edit, 8x oversampling digital input and output, jog 114 dB, measured 104 and 8-inch, CDV— chapter/time, 10-digit filter dial dB (our measurement §-inch, CD—5- and keypad, +10, clear, limit); analog—-67.1 dB 3-inch highlight/intro, pause, CAV Effects: still RESULTS scan reverse, play, frame, bidirectional Audio Distortion: Direct Search: frame/ scan forward, skip re- frame advance, bidirec- Horizontal Resolution: digital—-0.002%, time—less than 8 secs. verse, skip forward, tional slow motion 415 lines analog—0.03% same side digital level control, 1/2x-1/90x, bidirectional side A, side B, plus speed play 2x-3x S/N Ratios (dB): lumi- RATINGS Cue & Review Search: rockers for still/step for- nance—49.3 Picture: excellent 3x, 10x, 30x ward or reverse, multi- Special Features: au- unweighted, 55.8 Audio: excellent speed forward and re- tomatic side-changing, weighted; video—49.4 Ease of Use: Remote Pause: Ma- verse, and multispeed - repeat playback, repeat unweighted, 57.2 very good/excellent rantz RC-5 compatible, and + play, auto program edit, weighted; chroma AM— Overall: excellent full control 3-line digital Y/C sep- 46.2, chroma PM—39.9 Program Start arator, soft picture, last Jacks: 1 S-video out- Locator/Index/Cue: memory function, thea- Audio Frequency put, 2 video outputs, 2 frame, time, chapter/ ter mode, shuttle dial, Response: digital—10 stereo audio outputs, track and points A-B single-track play for ka- Hz-20 kHz, +0/-0.5 dB; one headphone output, raoke, digital level analog—20 Hz-20 kHz, one Toslink optical digi- Analog Audio: hi-fi tal audio output, RCA jacks for remote control input and output 16 VIDEO JANUARY 1993

Worldwide entertainment on-hand day and night with only one touch. Introducing Celebrity Satellite Home Theater It’s that easy. You control the action. Now you and can alternate between your VCR, CD player or even a your family can enjoy all the best movies, concerts, sports security camera. And Pay-Per-View gives you the latest _ events and programs in the world! The Celebrity™Series in premier movies and shows. from Chaparral combines the advanced technology of their best selling Monterey® receivers with enhanced gold detailing Whether you’re an armchair quarterback, movie fan, foran exciting new look. music lover or simply appreciate the best in news, comedy The Celebrity 95 gives you more features than any or family programming, you'll be amazed at how easy the Celebrity is to use. Choose either the Celebrity 95, other satellite receiver. Like Picture-in-Picture so you can watch two shows at once. MultiMate™ UHF/IF Infrared 55 or 35. :: ;: Remote for instant control. Dolby®Surround Sound for true Chaparral, the leader in quality and Service, gives studio quality sound. ColorTone”™ andVideoMax” for an incredibly brilliant picture. Audio Video Switcher so you Yu the ultimate in home theater entertainment! CelebfroirtyyoDueralneerarecasltl: |(@ \\CH APARRAL el 1-408-435-1530 COMMUNICATIONS 2450 North First St., San Jose, Ca. 95131 Our new Monterey 95 has more features than any satellite receiver on the market today! Circle 14 on Reader Service Card.

Laserbise $49.95 On the inside, separate audio and Enterprises video circuit boards with shielding be- Don't put up with the picture degredation 1-800-347-1941 that copy protection adds to your video tween them minimize degrading inter- ference between the signals. Unless you We Have Every Title schemes like have one of today’s best video monitors, using the LV500's S-video output will 15% Discount Macrovision probably improve the pictu—rtehe out- and others put uses a high-performance, three-line (On 3 or more discs) can reduce digital comb filter for luminance/chro- your screen minance separation that is better than 10% Discount those found in most video monitors. (On 1 or 2_ discs) to a jittery, distorted mess. Its numerous operating modes in- ** Friendly Service ** clude programming for up to 24 laserdisc Same Day Shipping But now you chapters on both sides, A-B picture win- dow with user-selected start and end Free Catalog Available can eliminate points, and eight other repeat video ** Visa, Mastercard, Check, all of these playback options. With CDs and the au- & C.0.D. schemes and bring dio portion of CD-Vs, you have seven out the cleanest options. Auto program editing juggles **® Fax 1-404-439-0969 possible images from chapter/track playback to fit into user- ** 9:00 - 6:00 Est. Mon. thru Fri. designated time perio—dtshis feature is ** Laserdisc Enterprises your VCR! INTRODUCING useful when dubbing CDs onto audio The INTELESTAR VS-400 cassettes. The last memory function 390 Main Street Video Stabilizer. It is the best, stores the disc position and continues Hiram, GA 30141 fully digital, 100% effective copyguard playback from a point just before it if eliminator on the market. Includes gold you turn off the power in the middle of Circle 10 on Reader Service Card. plated cables, 9V battery and a metal case. Our entire package is totally UNBEATABLE. playback. The LV500’s unique champagne fin- Your satisfaction is 100% GUARANTEED! ish matches other Marantz components. TO ORDER CALL: REF # VM-1 The front panel holds most of the con- 1-800-829-7746 SRC1oi1aenrracdvdl.ieectrerols you need for playback, including a shuttle dial for forward and backward INTERNATIONAL, INC scan; buttons for play/pause, stop, open/ 1971 E. FIFTH ST., STE. 101, TEMPE, AZ. 85281 close, chapter/track skip and other func- tions; and a quarter-inch headphone HIGHEST CAPACITY jack with level control. LONGEST RUN TIME LOWEST PRICES The front panel also includes several ALL BRANDS unusual controls. A soft picture switch 24 HOUR SHIPPING decreases picture sharpness and mini- mizes noise, which can make old movies PANASONIC PB80/88 orig. PAN . . $39.00 SONY NP77H 2400 mah $ and poorly mastered discs look a little SONY 8mm 1500 mah... better. A theater mode switch kills on- CANON 8mm 2000 mah. . screen displays, provides a black screen PALMCORDER 2000 mah. in stop mode and during side changes, JVC GR-C9 1500 mah.... deactivates the front-panel display and SHARP BT 21/22: slightly shortens side-changing time by not reading the table of contents on the MADE IN U.S.A. CAMCORDER CHARGER/DISCHARGER second side of a laserdisc. A display but- 6V, 7.2V, 9.6V. Runs from house or auto - ton kills the player’s display panel, leav- 1 hour time. $49 | Charges two batteries. $89 ing a single LED reminder, and a single play button pauses the player after a sin- 28-25 215 PLACE, BAYSIDE, N.Y. 11360 ° FAX 718-461-1978 gle chapter or track, which is conve- nient for karaoke. The direct CD button 800-442-4275 oa deactivates the video circuitry for clean- er sound, and only allows the disc tray to open far enough to load a CD, which speeds the loading process. The rear panel offers an S-video out- put, two video outputs and two stereo audio outputs. There is no RF input or output, so if you have an older TV set with no video inputs, you'll have to dai- sy-chain the LV500 through a VCR or use a separate RF modulator. A Toslink optical digital output lets you connect the LV500 to a separate D/A converter, or to receivers or powered speakers that continued on page 24 Circle 6 on Reader Service Card.

COITOICT ASCE FOR THE PRICE Or ALSO AVAILABLE ON CASSETTES with nothing more to buy...ever! U2: Achtung Baby Bob James The Cure: Wish Nirvana : Nevermind Bonnie Raitt: INXS: (Island) 25174 And Earl Klugh: Cool (Elektra/ Fiction) 11116 (Geffen) 15600 Luck Of The Draw Welcome To (Warner Bros.) 63299 (Capitol) 15567 Wherever You Vince Gill: Starship: Greatest Hits Dr. John: Goin’ Back Are (Atlantic) | Still Believe In You Talking Heads: (RCA) 90270 To New Orleans David Bowie: (MCA.) 21063 Stop Making Sense (Warner Bros.) 53246 Changesbowie Eric Clapton: (Sire) 24560 Jethro Tull: (Rykodisc) 43693 Unplugged Michael Crawford: Thick As A Brick Ringo Starr: (Warner Bros.) Songs From Stage Bell Biv DeVoe: Poison (Chrysalis) 01023 Time Takes Time Sinéad O’Connor: 23690 And Screen (MCA) 00547 (Private Music) 35088 | Do Not Want What (Atlantic) 53704 Fleetwood Mac | Haven’t Got Boomerang/ Yanni: Dare To Dream (Reprise) 04897 Battle: The Bach (Chrysalis) 33512 Sdtrk. Olivia Newton-John: (Private) 93703 Album (DG) 73670 (LaFace) 53395 Back to Basics-The Steely Dan: Gold Enya: Essential Collection ry eal ety (MCA) 74339 Anne Murray: Fifteen Shepherd Moons NO POSTAGE ’ 1971-1992 (Reprise) 53190 NECESSARY (Geffen) 25334 (MCA)reat1e3st453Hits Tom Petty & The O(LfibTehrtey) Be6s4t657 Heartbreakers: Into Bonnie Raitt: Nick Of IF MAILED Two Rooms- Miles Davis: Doo-Bop The Great Wide Open Faith No More: Time (Capitol) 54410 IN THE Celebrating The (Warner Bros.) 71151 (MCA) 35409 Angel Dust Songs Of Elton John (Reprise/Slash) 23736 t Daryl! Hall & John UNITED STATES & Bernie Taupin James Taylor: Greatest Kronos Quartet: Oates: Rock ‘N Soul, (Polydor) 35407 Hits (Reprise) 23790 Pieces Of Africa G(GRRPP)All6-3S2t9ar8 Big Band Part 1 (RCA) 13313 (Nonesuch) 10472 The Baddest Of OTLnC:ThOeooToLoCooThihph... Bob Marley: Legend Michael Crawford George Thorogood (LaFace) 50167 (LeRtehparliseW)eap73o3n223/ Sdtrk. 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Styx: Paradise Theatre (Geffen) 63678 (Warner Bros.) 10016 (Elektra) 54289 (A&M) 25243 ee et ea ee Mo’ Money/Sdtrk. N.Y. Rock & Soul (A&M) 71593 Revue (Giant) 63189 Beastie Boys: U2: Rattle And Hum Check Your Head (Island) 00596 (Capitol) 92473 Bon Jovi: New Jersey Bela Fleck & The (Mercury) 00516 Flecktones: Ufo Tofu (Warner Bros.) 63589 Pypeores Singles 45’s Inder (A&M) 35208 Al B. Sure!: Sexy Versus Prince & The N.P.G.: (Warner Bros.) 24876 Diamonds And Pearls (WB/Paisley Park) 63372 Joe Cocker: Night Calls (Capitol) 60071 Supertramp: BUSINESS REPLY MAIL Breakfast In America Wynonna Judd: (A&M) 25246 FIRST CLASS MAIL PERMIT NO. 5071 INDIANAPOLIS, IN. Wynonna POSTAGE WILL BE PAID BY ADDRESSEE (MCA/Curb) 64540 Garth Brooks: Ropin’ The Wind BMG COMPACT DISC DLUB Hammer: Too Legit To IP.NOD.IABNoxAP9O1L4I1S2 IN 46209-9758 Quit (Capitol) 25514 (Liberty) 25535 Wayne’s World T(hMeCAC)omm7i4t0m16ents/Sdtrk. Soundtrack (Reprise) 63551 Extreme: Pornograffitti (A&M) 43557 Tears For Fears: Tears Roll Down (The Hits Best Of The Grateful 1982-1992) Dead/Skeletons From (Fontana) 80162 The Closet (Warner Bros.) 83892 AMomtyionGran(tA:&M)Hear2t51I8n2 Don Henley: The End Jimi Hendrix Experience: Live At Winterland O(fGefTfheen I)nn01o0c6e4nce (Rykodisc) 63650 R.E.M.: Out Of Time Traffic: The Low Spark (Warner Bros.) 24762 Of High Heeled Boys (Island) 25169 Eric B. & Rakim: Don’t Sweat The Technique The Cars: Greatest Hits (MCA) 43930 (Elektra) 53702 Mr. Big: Lean Into It Peter Gabriel: So (Atlantic) 24821 (Geffen) 14764 Yes: Classic Yes (Atlantic) 50248 (JSoBnK)Sec1a0d7a4:2 CD855

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That's 8 for the price of 1/2, with nothing more to buy...ever! hundreds of selections from which to choose. - Each issue highlights a Featured Selection from @ SEND MY SELECTIONS ON (check one only): CICOMPACT DISCS Ccassettes() your preferred music category. If you'd like the Featured Selection, do nothing and it will be sent to you automatically. If you prefer an alternate 8 BUSH METHESE BONUS selection, or none at all, simply return the ' DISCOUNTS | Notification Card, enclosed with each issue of your (Indiicate by number): : FOR MEMBERS WHO magazine, by the date specified on the card. © |am most ;interested Ain the music‘ category checked here — but |am always free to CHOOSE CDs! choose from any (check one only): | - YCoarud.havIef yoaut ldeoastnot10wadnatysthteo rFeetautrunretdhe SNeolteicfitfiiiccoaatnti,ion 1 C1 uiGHT sounps 2 CI countrY 3. 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VIDEOTESTS. | Video is so much a part of our lives that many find it | 668.VIDEOTEST difficult to leave behind when trav- eling or commut- ing. With the SONY Sony GV-S50 TVCR, you don’t have to. The GV- 8mm $50 combines an PNthie eg Slow, 8mm VCR with a LA Man | TVCR four-inch, active- matrix color LCD screen. It’s powered by a re- chargeable camcorder battery, so you can watch 8mm tapes any- where. It even offers stereo sound and a headphone jack so you can get the full impact of rip-roaring action movies without bothering the person next to you. The screen folds down and snaps shut, like the lid of a large compact, for easy carrying. The GV-S50 comes with a stereo Pocket Theater: TV tuner (model TGV-3) that attaches Sony's GV-S50 TVCR to the left side of the TVCR. The and its snap-on tuner TGV-3 tunes in TV stations from its | (inset). Sony GV-S50 Speaker Size: Internal Audio |, 7 to 13, J to W, Once you've expe- 8mm TVCR approx. 1.4 inches Amplifier Power: W+30 to W+84 rienced the way 200 milliwatts an 8mm TVCR Tape Format & Timer: 6-event/1-month like Sony’s GV- Speeds: 8mm SP and Tuning Method: LP (record and play), frequency synthesis Special Features: still $50 Video Walkman keeps you en- Hi8 SP (play only) frame, flying erase tertained on cross-country flights and ics head, Skip/Scan, insert car trips, it’s tough to do without it. | | edit, Mega Bass sound, The GV-S50 combines a tiny, bat- Video Heads: 2 Channel Selectors: auto head cleaner, bat- tery-powered, stereo 8mm VCR with programmable scan tery meter, discharge a four-inch color LCD screen. A de- Cue & Review Search: function on charger, RF forward 9x, reverse 7x on tuner signal boost on tuner, tachable TV tuner/timer adds all the external antenna jack basic features of astandard VCR, yet Fast Forward/Rewind Onscreen Indicators: the whole package weighs just about Time: 6-1/4 min. for operating mode, speed, Absent Features: three pounds. Picture and ease of use 120 min. cassette frame advance, slow are good to very good, audio is aver- counter, battery remain- motion, speed play, au- age to good and overall performance Remote Pause: LANC ing, volume/brightness dio dub, video dub, is good to very good. It’s ideal for trav- adjustment, channel, auto rewind, counter |_clers and reasonably priced at $1,200. Price: $1,200 line/AC pack mode, in/ out mode, stereo tuner sins degen |as mode digital audio’ Audio: hi-fi AFM stereo |yop Controls: Weight & Size (h/w/d): play, pause/still, rewind/ eee ‘ PM—38.8 SP, 38.6 LP RATINGS sseeaarrcchh,, fast forward/ TetV—c0.R4-2Ib2s.; IbTs.V,CtRu—n- | JRaCcAks:jacks for video/ | | Horizontal Resolution: |audio Frequency Bicura: record, ston, VCR—250 lines, 3-1/4 x 5-7/8 x 5 stereo audio input/out- | 1/5x slow motion Response: 50 Hz-10 gooctdu/rvee:ry good screen—200 lines inches, tuner—3-1/4 x put, mini jack for kHz, +0.1/-3 dB, -9 dB Audio; average/good at 20 Hz, -6.8 dB at 20 1-1/8 x 5 inches external antenna, sub- Preset Method: manu- S/N Ratios (dB): un- kHz Ease of Use: Screen Size: 4 inches mini (three-pin) LANC weighted video—41.5 good/very good jack, multipin jack for al add/erase from scan SP, 40 LP; weighted Dynamic Range: sequence 68.4 dB Overall: good/very good tuner, mini DC jack for video—48.3 SP, 47.4 Audio Distortion: 0.4% Screen Type: RFU, mini headphone Cable Tuning Range: LP; chroma AM—42.4 active-matrix LCD jack A-8, A-6, 2 to 7, A-2 to SP, 41 LP; chroma JANUARY 1993 VIDEO 21

own antenna, an external antenna or GV-S50 especially entertaining on long- ers the TVCR for 50 to 60 minutes, de- cable, and incorporates a timer for pro- distance flights, which tend to show only pending on how you use it. An optional grammed recording. mass-market films. NP-77H battery doubles that capacity. If you have a Sony camcorder, its battery You can record from either the tuner A video output allows the picture will also work with the GV-S50. The or line input, so your traveling video li- from the GV-S50 to be displayed on a unit may also be operated from AC larger screen. The unit has its own using the supplied adapter/charger, or brary can include tapes recorded from from a vehicle’s DC outlet using an op- speaker, plus a line-level stereo audio broadcasts, movies copied onto 8mm output for connection to a stereo sys- tional car battery adapter. tape and even prerecorded 8mm movies, tem. Switchable Mega Bass circuitry for The system allows full record and which are available in some video stores the headphone output enhances bass. and from mail-order outlets. We’ve playback capability at SP and LP speeds found personal video players like the The supplied NP-55H battery pow- for up to five hours on a P6-150 cassette. It also plays Hi8 SP tapes, with quality 1 comparable to that of 8mm video. It can be used in an editing setup —it offers a The early mortality rate among Ask your dealer for the LANC jack for compatibility with many Lenmar NoMEM Battery. The editing controllers and, like all 8mm camcorder batteries is alarming. The cause of this untimely demise? video you save may be your own. gear, it has a flying erase head. “Memory.” A phenomenon which ¢ There is no remote control, but op- reduces a nicad’s capacity every tional wired LANC remotes may be time it’s recharged before it’s been used. With its small screen, you'll proba- fully drained. bly watch the GV-S50 at a close enough Lenmar has the cure. distance to make a remote unnecessary. The new NoMEM™ Battery. CAMCORDER ACCESSORIES For the name However, if you use it to feed a standard The first camcorder battery Hee of your nearest TV set, a remote would be useful. memory-for a long, full life of ser- Lenmar Battery vice, charge after charge. And it dealer, and a With the tuner attached, the GV- works with your current charger. catalog of our $50 is about the size of a fat paperback other camcorder with the battery at the back and a tele- scoping antenna near the left rear. The accessories, tuner has plus and minus channel scan call toll free; buttons. A flap further back hides but- tons for timer record on/off, timer 800/424-2703 check, clear, menu, enter and cursor keys. At the back are a jack for an exter- nal antenna and a switch for tuner/line. A button on the right front edge re- leases the top, which opens like a clam shell and swings back past vertical. Much of the inner lid is occupied by the LCD screen. In the hinge area are a row of buttons for menu, enter, brightness minus and plus, and volume minus and plus. The brightness buttons double as left and right cursors in menu mode. The volume buttons double for up and down cursors. Most of the front serves as the cas- sette hatch, which moves outward and upward to load a tape. On its top are a window to see the cassette’s supply reel and transport controls like play, record and stop. On the stationary part of the top panel are buttons for power, counter reset, display and eject. The input/out- put jacks run along the right side, with a cover that may be removed but is tricky to replace. The battery (or the power adapter) snaps onto the rear. The GV-S50 is lots of fur to use as a TV or VCR because it’s so simple, and because its small size makes it so person- al and intimate. You probably won’t want to watch it at more than arm’s length. VCR controls are straightfor- ward and well laid out. Play options in- clude bidirectional search, still and 1/5x slow motion. The brightness and volume controls are easy to understand, and 22 VIDEO JANUARY 1993 Circle 7 on Reader Service Card.

ush the envelope! FIBER OPTIC CABLES In the world of high technology the term \"envelope\" is used to des- TOSLINK & ST STANDARD cribe the performance limitations INTERCONNECT CABLES of the equipment. In the world of music and wonder, a diverse group SEVEN MODELS of technically competent products VIDEO CABLES from AudioQuest lets you expand the performance envelope of your audio or video system. The common thread running through all the AQ products is that they offer the most improve- ment for the least money. No system is so poor or so perfect that using AudioQuest products won't make a wonderful improve- ment. The only proof is in the products themselves — please put us to the ultimate test - listen and look for yourself. CARTRIDGES, ARMS &ACCES.— COMPOSITE AND S-VIDEO SORBOTHANE FEET SPEAKER CABLES RF STOPPERS GREAT MUSIC-GREAT SOUND SIXTEEN MODELS AC POWER CABLES aqudioquest. P.O. Box 3060 San Clemente, CA 92674 USA TEL (714) 498-2770 FAX (714) 498-5112 Distributed in Canada by Audio Products International, 3641 McNicoll Ave., Scarborough, Ontario M1X 1G5. Tel: 416-321-1800 Circle 53 on Reader Service Card.

even the menu system has a sufficiently make it a little expensive for only occa- Because the LV500 has no digital ef- small number of items to be manageable. The menu options include normal/Mega sional use. But travelers will probably fects, you can’t get still frames, slow mo- Bass, SP/LP record, hue (tint), color and find it a godsend, salvation from the tion or speed play from CLV discs, which slow tracking adjustment. boredom of long flights and commutes, are much more common and less expen- The tuner is the most complex part. It has its own menu system, with options and a surefire way to keep the kids en- sive than CAV discs. However, the for timer set, sleep timer, channel, clock set and tuner preset. Setting the clock tertained in the back seat on car trips. = LV500 scans CLV discs more cleanly and timer are no more complex than on other current Sony VCRs. Sleep timer LASERDISE PLAYER than many past players, alternating still setting for up to five hours in 30-minute frames with black frames instead of the increments is equally easy. Presetting rolling, distorted picture most players the tuner scan sequence is a bit tricky, produce on CLV scan. but you can use the channel option on the menu and the cursors to select any continued from page 18 The disc tray is a bit less robust than channel directly. Ease of operation is on earlier laserdisc players and may re- good to very good. accept digital signals. Two orange RCA quire gentle handling. Unfortunately, Picture quality is good to very good. The screen has good color and bright- jacks provide input and output connec- most newer laserdisc players share this ness, but as with all LCD screens, con- tions for Marantz’s RC-5 control system, fault. Otherwise, the LV500 offers a trast suffers if the screen is in strong direct light. The VCR performs as well so the LV500 can be controlled from an- wide range of playback options. Ease of as those built into most 8mm camcord- ers. Audio quality is good to very good. other room when connected to a Ma- operation is very good to excellent. The speaker delivers adequate sound for general viewing, but using headphones rantz receiver with multiroom capability. Except for chroma PM noise, the or an external stereo system vastly im- Many controls on the remote are not picture quality of the LV500 ranks proves the sound. on the front panel, and vice versa. The among the best achieved by combi play- The GV-S50 earns a good to very good overall rating. Its $1,200 price may bottom of the remote has a shuttle dial. | ers. Compared to combi players, it is ex- Hitting the D-level button above turns cellent, but a bit short of the best the dial into a volume control that ad- laserdisc player we’ve tested, Pioneer’s justs the level of the LV500’s digital au- laserdisc-only LD-S2, which is more dio output signal. The play, stop, scan, than four times as expensive. Audio skip and side selector buttons can be il- quality is excellent. luminated at the touch of a long button We rate the LV500 excellent overall. along the side. The top of the remote If you’re looking for a combi player with houses buttons for multispeed playback side-changing and don’t want to spend of CAV discs, audio output, a 10-digit an extra $300 or so for digital effects, keypad and various search functions. give the LV500 a look. 2 MAKING A GREAT VIDEO After using your camcorder the first time, you realize that the built-in microphone INCLUDES QUALITY SOUND TOO! ‘2°,picks up sounds don’t want. And, when shooting from a distance, you can’t hear your subject's voice clearly. Azden, the leader in quality audio for video, offers a full line of microphones to make your sound as good as your pictures. This powerful professional Headset with boom mic Full-size directional mic. Mini directional A mini 3 channel mic miniature VHF wireless system has for adding narration as Allows you to zoom in tmic for palm-sized mixer for recording sound a range of over 300 feet. It allows you shoot. Your voice On subject's voice, from 2 add-on mics and a you to shoot from a distance and becomes the dominant_ camcorders. Slide - personal stereo, while pick up your subject's voice b sour ded, Or, use you're shooting. Only clearly. It has 2 switchable 2 1/8'x3 1/4 itcan be frequencies, and itcomes with 2 mics (handheld and clip-on). The transmitter clips to the subject's pe aathe mini receiver can _ switch foradjusting width of sound pick-up Low cutfilte IF iMl

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BY BRENT BUTTERWORTH The ins and outs of TV set inputs When most people choose a new TV agonal lines. Also, many newer laserdisc On laserdiscs, however, color and players have no RF output. To connect set, they look over the lineup at a de- one of these to a TV set with only an RF brightness signals are recorded together partment store, pick the prettiest picture input, you'll have to use a separate RF and pull out their Visa card. Or they se- modulator, or daisy-chain the disc player as FM, and must be separated. If your lect the set with the most bells and whis- through a VCR. tles. But as video systems have grown TV set has only an RCA video input, from simple combinations of TV sets Basic RCA video/stereo audio inputs you have to use the TV’s Y/C separator. and VCRs to home theaters with cabi- serve well in systems with VHS VCRs nets full of gear, a TV set’s rear panel— and inexpensive laserdisc players. But But if your TV set has an S-video input home to its input jacks—has become as anyone who owns or plans to buy important as the controls on its front. S-VHS or Hi8 equipment or a top-of- and your laserdisc player has an S-video the-line laserdisc player should demand Choosing a TV set that lacks neces- a TV set with an S-video input. output, you might choose to rely on the sary inputs could mean sacrificing pic- ture quality, or having to buy an extra Contrary to popular belief, S-video separator in your laserdisc player. inputs don’t provide more resolution piece of gear to make the components in than RCA composite inputs. But by We usually find that the Y/C separa- a system work together. To help you keeping the color and brightness signals avoid these complications, we'll describe separate, S-video inputs can virtually tors in TV sets are better than those in each type of input, then help you decide eliminate hanging dots (ragged, crawling which to look for.) horizontal edges), dot crawl (crawling inexpensive laserdisc players. But the vertical edges) and some color impuri- The most common input is the digital Y/C separators used in many top- Jack Attack: The rear panel of a Sony 31-inch TV F-connector, a threaded metal tube set shows the variety of TV inputs now available. notch players tend to outperform those about half an inch long. F-connectors accept radio-frequency (RF) signals ties. These phenomena are caused by in most TV sets. The only reliable way cross-chroma/cross-luma interference, from an antenna or a cable, or from vid- which occurs when NTSC brightness to tell which is better is to check it your- eo sources like VCRs and laserdisc play- and color signals are mixed. However, ers. RF signals, which carry both video some video formats mix color and self. Try using the S-video jacks, then try and audio, must pass through a tuner brightness signals in the recording proc- before they can be sent to a picture tube. ess, diluting the positive effects of using the RCA video jacks, and use the one S-video inputs. Some sets have three F-connectors— that produces the least dot crawl and two for RF input, one for RF output. With S-VHS and Hi8 VCRs and camcorders, using S-video TV inputs is hanging dots. The second most common input is always a good idea. These components the RCA composite video jack. It’s yel- make good use of S-video’s separate col- Home theater buffs will want at least low, about a quarter of an inch across. or and brightness lines because the two RCA video jacks accept signals from any signals are recorded separately—the col- two S-video or video inputs, or even consumer video component. They carry or signal on videotape is AM, and the baseband signals— pure video that can brightness signal is FM. Sometimes the mor—eafter all, who knows what you'll be routed straight to a monitor without signals are mixed in production, but going through a tuner. The brightness properly produced tapes (and all S-VHS want to add to your system next year? and Hi8 camcorder tapes) provide dis- (also known as luminance, or Y) and crete brightness and color signa—lasnd However, those who already use an A/V color (chrominance, or C) parts of the pictures free of crawl effects if you use video signal are combined, which is why your TV set’s S-video input. switcher or receiver can probably get by this is called a composite video jack. with a single input. If you have an 8mm S-video jacks, on the other hand, carry component vid—breighotness and or Hi8 camcorder, you'll find a set of color signals run on separate lines. The jacks look like small black ports with front-panel inputs indispensable — much five tiny holes. more convenient than hooking up your Bottom-of-the-line TV sets which camcorder to the back of your TV set or have only a single F-connector for input might be okay for the most casual use — VCR. Of course, if your VCR or A/V re- in the kitchen, perhaps—but running a signal from a VCR or laserdisc player ceiver already has front-panel inputs, through the TV tuner degrades the pic- ture. Using the RF jack to connect a you can use those. video source also permits RF inter- ference to mar the picture with wavy di- If you subscribe to scrambled cable channels, you'll find the triple F-con- nector arrangement helpful. Cable boxes often require the use of a splitter and an A/B switch if you want to use your TV remote control to change channels. The extra F-connectors allow you to retain the functionality of your remote control by connecting the cable to the first RF input, then connecting the cable box to the set via the remain- ing RF input and output. This way, the splitter and A/B switch are effectively built into your TV set. Your best bet is to buy a set that of- fers at least one more input than your system requires. After all, most people buy a new set every seven years, and with video technology’s continuing rapid advancement, it’s anyone’s guess as to what types of components you'll be using in a few years. B 26 VIDEO JANUARY 1993

button. You can even program CameraMan to auto-cycle among locations. CameraMan’ PARKERVISION And that's just the beginning. The new CameraMan Director's Wand™ lets you synchronize the operation of multiple CameraMan units. A breakthrough Servo Lens Controller™ gives you automated remote control of both broadcast and CCTV lens func- tions, includ- ing iris, Zoom and focus. ’ And the new commencomneaannes ~~Cameraman XL ParkerVision Communications Module™ opens a whole new era of video integration t‘y and remote communication. CameraMan ML Designed for RS-232/485 bus net- working, the PCM allows control of APWRHOOFLESEPSAINROEKNWEARLVWIAVSYIIDOFENOORCAAONNMNYMOOUUNNNEICCETASOTICO—RNESA.TE any CameraMan configuration via PC for desktop video applications, multi- media and distance control of CameraMan units via phone lines. CameraMan is portable enough to go anywhere, and mounts easily on a tripod, wall or ceiling mount. tarting today, the power of video is no For information, and the dealer near- est you, call 1-800-532-8034. longer just for the privileged few. The revolutionary CameraMan® video system by ParkerVision® 8gives anyL one The Power F the power to create profes- Of Video Unleashed. sional video communications -- without a camera operator. Pick up the CameraMan Wand™ or wear the new Cameraman Lavalier™ and CameraMan follows your every move automatically -- panning, tilting and zooming with uncanny precision. A built-in professional-quality microphone captures sound at the source with superb fidelity, making CameraMan CameraMan is the perfect choice for everyone from beginning videomakers to trademark of presenters, educators, and event videographers. ParkerVision, Plus, you can take wireless remote control of camera moves patents pending. from distances up to 100 feet. Or pre-set multiple locations, including zoom settings, for instant recall at the touch of a Introducing CameraMan UVM and XL. Amazing robots that shoot better videos than human camera operators!

BY BRIAN CLARK Mitsubishi delivers first 40-inch tube TV. THE NEXT GENERATION BREAKING THE Fuji's newest compact video projector is the Fujix 40-INCH BARRIER P701 ($999). It uses a single LCD panel to project The first 40-inch direct-view televi- a picture from 14 to 100 inches, with 70 the opti- mum size. It connects to any source with video sion set is now available from outputs, and has two hi-fi stereo speakers and a Mitsubishi, which introduced the mic jack. (For additional information, circle 154 on first 35-inch direct-view set in 1986. the Reader Service Card.) Priced at $4,999, the CS-40FX1 is the largest tube TV set made, and is designed for compatibility with other Mitsubishi home theater com- ponents, with accommodations for external speaker systems. The set has two built-in speakers and MTS stereo sound. (For additional infor- mation, circle 157 on the Reader Service Card.) ¥y DRY 8 — Sony's bright yellow rubber sports case seals out moisture and protects videotape from knocks and Hi8 IN THE SIDE POCKET bumps. The case comes with a Sony Metal-HG Minolta’s Master 8-848 Hi8 camcorder fits in a 8mm tape, which uses an improved backcoating. pocket and features electronic image stabilization. The case and the 120-minute tape are priced at $14.99. (For additional information, circle 155 on The 8x (6-48mm) lens can extend to 16x or 64x the Reader Service Card.) thanks to a digital zoom feature. The 848 ($1,722) also offers a 16:9 cinema mode for recording, as HOME BASE well as monochrome and sepia-tone digital filters. (For additional information, circle 156 on the Read- Yashica’s KX-V1U Hi8 camcorder ($1,600) includes er Service Card.) a “home terminal,” a special docking unit that stays connected to a TV or a VCR. The camcorder feeds a signal to the terminal through a 20-pin connector on the bottom of the camcorder. The terminal also serves as a charger for the KX-V1U's new lithium ion battery, which holds charges longer than nickel cadmium batteries and can be recharged at any time. Other features include FM hi-fi stereo audio and 8x zoom ranging from 5.9 to 47.2mm. (For ad- ditional information, circle 153 on the Reader Service Card.) VIEWING ON THE RUN The Model 17 from Memorex is a model of por- tability and function. It combines an 8mm VCR and a five-inch color TV for $800. Features include digi- tal auto tracking, a flying erase head, freeze frame and onscreen displays. It can record from its own tuner or another VCR or camcorder. (For additional information, circle 152 on the Reader Service Card.) 28 VIDEO JANUARY 1993

Once you've shot great = Complete alphabets for 7 languages footage, make sure the ‘final S(Ewnegdliiashh,, SapnadniDsahn,ishFr)ench, German, Italian, cut’ is the best it can be! = Choose from 8 colors (red, yellow, green, ji cyan, blue, magenta, white, and black) and 4 character sizes (S, M, L and XL) Add @ professional touch y = Numerous effects including character outlining and boxing, and title fade in/out, with titles and descriptions mn superimpose and 4-speed scrolling a variety of languages, colors F‘ F and sizes. It's easy with the = Y/C separator and mixer circuits; JX-T88 from JVC — The independent S-Video terminals Inventor of VHS! ® Built-in Standard Signal Generator (SSG) = 8-page still title and 2-page scroll title JX = T88 CHARACTER memory GENERATOR = Return monitor function & Title memory backup function Compatible with 7 languages available Extra-large and Medium Large and Small Super VHS Wonder fu Tifa) etal=) Wonderful World of Titl- ing Worla Wionsnderful World of Titl- Wonderful Wonderful World of Titi- World of World of Titl- Titling ing of Titl- Wonderful ing Outlined J Wonderful Scroll Add Character To Your Home Video Scroll 4 Sizes of Characters - ep eiajeroct ve 4 gp! ice Ss high “9 Zoom MAKE MAKE MAKE , =. uss at NEW The JX-T66 . ust r enables you to add JX- T66 = Compact, palmtop-size for convenience CHARACTER :: character to your = Universal QWERTY keyboard with accented GENERATOR Compatible with video at home or on _ letters for English, Spanish, French, German, :: Italian, Swedish, and Danish a seine pom.small, medium, large, and extra- the go. Itsincredibly compact size makes it jarge characters easy to use, evenoutdoors = Various character-effects from outlining to scrolling (up to 40 lines) to zooming Creativity was never more convenient. . Haida ain-g APP (Os SoEPreT OF 8 AE = Y/C mixer circuit converts S-Video signals into composite signals 8 Built-in Standard Signal Generator (SSG) = 6-page still title, 1-page zoom title, and 1-page scroll title memory @ Title memory backup function JX-SV55 JX-$900 JX-S300 JX-S100 JVC COMPANY OF AMERICA DIVISION OF US JVC CORP. Video Editing Processor AV Selector AV Selector AV Selector OI aa lad alcatel pale sgel all © Easy-to-operate desktop design ® 16 ® 7 sets of audio/video in and out lines; |® 4 AV inputs, 3 AV outputs, plus a = Compatible with input and output JVC CANADA INC. distinctive wipes by combining 5 basic all including S-Video terminals monitor output with 2 sets of audio from Super VHS VCRs ® 4 AV inputs, 3 patterns ® 8 background colors, plus ® Remote control provided ™ Dual jacks ®™ Compatible with Super VHS AV outputs, plus 2 monitor terminals 21 Finchdene Square, Scarborough Ontario M1X 1A7 color-bar chart ® RGB color balancing operation with key lock funciton VCRs ® Front panel AV inputs including ® Front panel AV inputs including an S- with joystick controller ® Separate ® Video/audio processor loop an S-Video terminal ® Dubbing/editing Video terminal @ 4-way editing mode video/audio faders ® Color intensity ® Auxiliary audio inputs ™ Two sets of possible between up to 3 VCRs including Super VHS to Super VHS via adjustment @ Image enhancer ® Audio monitor outputs with S-Video terminals; |™ Remote control for input/mode Y/C separated signals ™ Convenient mixing with level meter ™ Headphone one with a Y/C separator circuit “passive design\" requires no power jack with volume selection and power ON/OFF ® Built-in supply Y/C separator ® Initial setting switch for timer operation

BY FRANK BEACHAM A feisty new ghostbuster vows to exorcise TV’s double vision Television ghosts— those blurred, multi- ference is multipath distortion, a condi- by the FCC for the vertical interval ref- ple images that have plagued TV watch- tion that also affects radio station ers since broadcasting’s first flicker- signals. It occurs when a broadcast sig- erence (VIR). This is a color alignment ing—swill soon begin to fade from TV nal is reflected off an object like a tall signal, dating from 1974, that automat- screens like phantoms losing their ecto- building or a mountain. Duplicate or ically calibrates color pictures on TV shadow images of the picture accom- sets with circuits able to read the VIR. plasm. The U.S. television industry, pany the primary image. But TV manufacturers stopped making backed by receiver manufacturers, is such sets in 1985, and the signal is con- preparing to attack the problem with a While cablecasters who retransmit single ghostbusting system developed by over-the-air programs can begin to use sidered to be obsolete. Philips Laboratories. the Philips system immediately, in other uses it will require the cooperation of Moreover, TV stations will be able The assault will be launched imme- both broadcasters and TV set manufac- to use some of the equipment used for diately on cable TV systems that pick up turers. Broadcasters would add a “train- the VIR signal to produce the ghost- off-the-air broadcasts for retransmission ing” or reference signal to the vertical canceling signal. A Philips executive es- to subscribers. The first circuits for high- timates that most stations will be able to end TV sets should be available late blanking interval of the video portion of convert the equipment with a simple next year, according to a Philips official. their transmissions. TV sets equipped chip swap costing as little as $200. However, not all gremlins will vanish at with the system would compare the once. It will probably take at least three Ghostbusting will sweep through the years to include the system in reasonably training signal to a reference version in TV world in three stages, in the view of priced TV sets, and it could take several John Dahlquist, a marketing executive more years for ghostbusting sets to work its own memory circuits, adjusting the for Philips Broadband Networks. The training signal to match the reference first step will be to build the system into signal. It would then make a similar cor- professional cable equipment. Next comes external units. Finally, the cir- Disappearing Act: TVs show the impact of Philips’ system on a picture (left) suffering multipath distortion. cuits will be added to home TV sets. their way into most of America’s nearly rection to clean up the television pic- “It’s a matter of integration,” says 100 million TV households. ture. Dahlquist. “Today the system requires a large box filled with chips and other Nevertheless, the agreement to use a Because the signal is broadcast in electronic components. As we move single standard is a landmark decision. It ‘the blanking interval and does not oth- along the curve of integration, the lab erwise affect transmissions, the system will put more and more on single chips. comes, as we reported last December doesn’t need the approval of the Federal The final product will be a single chip.” (“TV's Ghostbusting Olympics”), after Communications Commission. How- three years of tests on five systems pro- ever, broadcasters are asking the FCC to Cable TV systems are now being of- posed by some of the video industry’s set aside line 19 in the vertical interval fered a professional system for about biggest players, including Thomson, Ze- for the training signal. $4,000, says Dahlquist. “Many cable nith, Sarnoff, Samsung and AT&T. The companies have severe ghost problems, Advanced Television Systems Commit- The request is not likely to face any and they'll jump on this technology im- mediately. At this level, a $4,000 box tee, which ran the tests, unanimously opposition, according to Lynn Claudy, can improve pictures dramatically for voted for the Philips system, which will director of advanced engineering for the tens of thousands of subscribers.” be licensed to other manufacturers. National Association of Broadcasters, even though line 19 is currently reserved In the second stage, expected to be- The technical name for ghost inter- gin late in 1993, an outboard box costing about $500 will become available. It could be used for master antenna sys- tems and by individuals. The box “could also be incorporated into high-end large-screen and projection TV re- ceivers,” according to Dahlquist. Small- er TV sets, the kind used with rabbit ears, will have to wait for the single chip to be developed. The system only applies to NTSC broadcasts, not to high-definition trans- missions. Indeed, each HDTV standard being considered by the FCC includes its own integral anti-ghosting system. How- ever, future TV sets which receive both NTSC and HDTV transmissions will have to use a separate anti-ghosting cir- cuit for each transmission system. .

Now you d TV cabinet to experience. Now, the System. Wei portable unit quality. Unp at zooms from 20” up toa- 0 you're never limited to one room. See whySharpVision’s line of LCD ;are the intelligent choice in Il not only want to carry a You actually can. nation, call 1-800-BE-SHARP. SHARPY SION SHARP. FROM SHARP MINDS COME SHARP PRODUCTS™ LCD VIDEO PROJECTION SYSTEMS « LCD DIRECT VIEW VIDEO MONITORS * CAMCORDERS ¢ VCR*° * AUDIO. # TELEVISIONS Kf») © 1992 SHARP ELECTRONICS CORPORATION. “MEASURED DIAGONALLY. SIMULATED PICTURE. MODEL SHOWN XV-H30U, Circle 8 on Reader Service Card.

BY RODERICK WOODCOCK How double-azimuth video heads work What exactly does ‘‘double- processor automatically matches the azimuth” refer to? Most new VCRs width of the heads to the width of the tracks, reducing the size of the noise have this phrase printed on the cabinet, bars considerably. or letters like “DA4.” I know it refers to the video heads, but how do double- azimuth heads differ from regular video heads? Albert Fontana Sacramento, California fl. VCR needs at least two video P head heads to record or play a picture. gap: 46-58 Each head is like a tiny horseshoe mag- microns net, with a north and a south pole, sepa- tated by a small space called the gap. This gap creates a magnetic pattern as it Gap Games: Double-azimuth head configuration moves across the tape surface. To pre- showing head gaps optimized for SP and EP play- vent a head from accidentally reading back and angled to enhance video track separation. || information from the wrong track, the head gap is cut at a slight angle, rather | than 90 degrees. On a two-head VHS {i}:have a Toshiba M447 VCR | deck, one head is angled at plus 7 de- grees from the head drum axis, while the hooked up to cable. Unfortunately, whenever I tape something off my pre- other is angled at minus 7 degrees. mium movie channel, there’s a loud But video head design gets compli- hum in the audio. The hum isn’t on the other channels. My cable company has cated when the VCR can record at more run three different lines into the house and tried three different converter boxes than one speed, since the width of the but the hum persists. Toshiba says head must match the space available on there’s no problem with the VCR. What the tape for each video track. To compli- can I do? cate matters more, the heads must also be able to produce special effects like Stephen Downing still frames and slow motion without Fredericksburg, Virginia video noise. The four-head, double-azimuth sys- tem, first used by Matsushita and now virtually an industry standard, solves A Have you considered renting or bor- many of these problems. The four video rowing another make or model of heads are arranged in two closely spaced VCR to see if the hum occurs with them pairs. Two wide heads are used for SP re- as well? If so, this would indicate the decoder, the Model F|oSiuinrgniecpourrporastiexisnpu cording, and two narrow ones for EP. problem is with the hookup, and not the MV switching, with direct remote accesstoar Each set is mounted almost 180 degrees VCR. You might also try hooking up ~ source or surround mode. “S” video inputs and opposite the other pair. For regular SP or | your Toshiba to the cable input at a | ‘a separate record output are also included. EP record or playback, only the heads neighbor’s house to see if the hum oc- | Whether you are starting a new home theater system, or upgrading an existing one, for these speeds are used. But in special- || curs there. If so, this would isolate your | consider the aordale, new Fosgate - Audionics Model Four. Itistruly a sound investment. effects mode, one wide head and one | VCR as the culprit. Once you run these | narrow head, both with the same tests, and your case is on a firmer foot- azimuth angle (hence the phrase dou- ing, you'll be in a better position to get ble-azimuth), are used to read the infor- | either Toshiba or the cable company to mation from a single video field. By | help you resolve the problem. reconstructing a single video frame out | of one video field, read successively by | Video Magazine welcomes your questions. = eng two different video heads, pictures free | Please include a phone number, but not a | return envelope as the volume of mail does P.O. Box 70, Heber, UT 84032 of noise and jitter are possible. Tel: 801.654.4046 Finally—and this is the really big ad- not permit replies. All letters may be edited Fax: 801.654.4112 vanta—gwheen you activate the search | for clarity and space. Address queries to mode in SP, all four video heads are used Q@A, Video Magazine, 460 West 34 H A Harman International Company to scan the tape at once. A micro- Street, New York, NY 10001. Dolby and Pro-Logic ore trademarks of Dolby Laboratories Licensing Corp, SCR7o1aieenrracdvdl.iecre 32 VIDEO JANUARY 1993

VIDEONICS Some companies Why don’t they show you photos show you of their THEID TIT] ES4 oe i el es = = ta! IR Lit S These are unretouched photos of actual TV screens! The Videonics Video TitleMaker produces better titles than character generators costing thousands of dollars. Surpasses S-VHS/Hi8 resolution for ultra-smooth letters. Mix any color in the spectrum or choose patterns for titles, backgrounds, outlines, and borders! Enhance fonts Ifyou'd like titles of this quality in your with drop shadows, outlines, several grades of bold, and more. Superimpose titles over video or color screens. video productions, call 1-800-338-EDIT With complete interna- for the name of a dealer near you. tional characters such as £, fi, U, @, @, ¥, ¢, etc. Each with 8 speed settings. speeds—to transition Use any of 20 effects—at any of 8 between title screens. VG. VIDEONICS cram. 1370 Dell Avenue * Campbell, CA * 95008 * 408-866-8300 * FAX: 408-866-4859 hundreds of pages. Battery backup sAercurraensgeyoaunrd wsotrorke. titles gh T©it1l9e92MaVkiedaerorneitcrsa,demInacr.ksSpeocfifViicdaetoinoincss, are subject to change without notice. Videonics logo and Video Inc. Television screens are NOT simulated! Circle 51 on Reader Service Card.

BY RODERICK WOODCOCK Inner-focus lenses breathe life into the ‘dead zone early every camcorder enthusiast has experienced the horrors of the dead zone, the optical limbo be- tween a lens’ minimum focusing dis- tance in normal mode, and the maxi- mum area the lens can cover in macro. In the dead zone, which typically covers a range from about one foot to four feet from the lens, the camcorder refuses to focus,:even in manual mode. The dead zone can haunt your most creative shots, and prevent you from framing close-ups the way you want. But a re- Inner Sanctum: Cross-section of Can- cent development, the “inner-focus” on’s UC1 camcorder lens, is bringing life into the dead zone, shows how inner-focus eliminating the focusing problem while lens aids compact de- sign, while diagram of opening up new creative shooting possi- an inner-focus lens bilities. The macro mode on conventional camcorder lenses, while useful for shoot- from Sanyo shows how ing stamps, bugs and other tiny subjects, its 13 elements are ar- is useless for shots that call for less mag- ranged. nification. For example, a normal macro Front lens lens can only capture a small portion of | a snapshot. Switching out of macro Focusing lens mode would capture anything surround- ing the snapshot within a few inches. Framing the photo properly would call for the use of an add-on close-up lens— not an expensive accessory, but an awk- ward one at best. , Minolta’s VHS-C C3300 was the first camcorder that allowed videogra- phers to venture into the dead zone. It This important innovation spread | they can with conventional designs. used a revolutionary inner-focus lens rapidly to other models and formats as And the systems focus well even when that automatically adjusted the focus for well. It’s now on virtually all VHS-C and you add a supplementary wide-angle or any distance between infinity and the S-VHS-C camcorders, and many 8mm, macro mode. As the camcorder moved Hi8 and full-size VHS units. telephoto lens. closer to the object, the image would get In testing several camcorders with larger and larger in the viewfinder, but From a design point of view, manu- full-focus lens systems, I immediately ap- preciated the extra convenience: stay in sharp focus the whole time. facturers love these new lenses. Since There's simply less restriction on your creativity. In one shot in my backyard, I 4. only a small inner walked slowly toward an orange tree, lens actually moves, a much moving from an expansive wide-angle shot that took in almost the entire yard, smaller and lighter right up to a frame-filling shot of a ripe motor that draws orange. Then I moved in even closer to record the trek of a tiny bug as it worked less power can be used for focusing. This reduces cam- era size and its way across the orange’s dimpled sur- weight, and ex- face. Sony’s Hi8 CCD-TR8!1 did all the tends battery life work, automatically keeping the lens in to boot. Moreover, sharp focus, while I “dollied” into the More With Less: Canon’s 8x inner-focus lens uses nine elements, while its inner-focus lenses subject with my feet. larger conventional 8x lens uses 12. In another test, Imounted the TR81 are sealed. There’s no risk dust and on a tripod and aimed it at a small table dirt will slip into in front of me. Using this improvised the lens mount, as stage, I was able continued on page 104 34 VIDEO JANUARY 1993

rice. Ours is a real value. Such as our monthly specials and free ship- ping. We also offer a friendly staff to answer your questions and ship most orders within 2A hours.We even have over 4,000 titles to choose from. In short, we offer an unmatched level of service. And that’s something you can ths put a pri.ce on. a| To geta free catalog and al es31 on our mailing list, send 4LaserDise Fan Club | 2205E. 220th St. |BLoOn.g BBoexac9h,310C3A 90809-9924 Name Aaee HlAddress j 1 Phone I LS. LaserDisc Fan Club CALL TODAY. 1-800-322-2285 or in Canada 1-800-826-1002 Hours; Mon-Fri Zam-6pm, Sat 8am-5pm (PST). Free delivery via U.P.S. is not avail- able in either Alaska, Canada or Hawaii. $1.50 handling charge er shipment. Prices and policies subject to aay ©1992 LaserDisc Fan Club. Circle 70 on Reader Service Card.

For a good time, call: Altec Lansing 800-548-0620 : PLAY ALL VIDEO FORMATS | Audio Design Associates 914-946-9595 ON ONE VCR | Bryston Ltd. 802-223-6159 Instant Replay, the firm | Celestion 508-429-6706 that originated the multi- Fosgate 801-654-4046 format VCR, offers you a Frox 408-957-7420 digital, multi-system, standard converter VCR Harman/Kardon 818-895-5762 that lets you view PAL or JBL Consumer 818-895-8124 SECAM tapes on any standard NTSC monitor or TV. KEF 804-520-7200 It’s the only Super VHS playback unit that gives you broadcast quality resolution from foreign format systems. Dyehid ep cg Marantz 708-299-4000 x41 These units easily integrate into your home theater or conference room and come with an integrated NTSC McIntosh 607-723-3512 tuner, timer and full function remote. Available with HI-FI, on-board auto repeat, auto segment repeat, real time search Miller & Kreisel 310-204-2854 and bookmark search - plus multiple tuners that allow you NAD Electronics 800-263-4641 to record off the air virtually anywhere in the world. Parasound 800-822-8802 We service and advise before and after the sale. .,,, Rane Corporation 206-355-6000 For information call or write: INSTANT REPLAY Snell Acoustics 508-373-6114 Soundstream 916-351-1288 2601 SO. BAYSHORE DR. STE. 1050 MIAMI, FL 33133 [yc 1-800-749-8779 (305) 854-8777 FAX 858-9053 Technics 201-348-7815 Triad Speakers 503-256-2600 CALL ANYTIME + DEALER INQUIRIES WELCOME _ VISA Velodyne 408-436-0688 The Lucasfilm Home THX® Audio System.. for the best in home theatre sound. BOGEN 3169 M&K CINE/VIDEO HOME TRIPOD TH x® THE IDEAL CAMCORDER SYSTEMSPE re]KER COMPANION Get all the excitement and dynamics of music and film’ Easy to use and sound with the new Miller & Kreisel (M&K) Home easy to handle, THX Audio System. This speaker system is designed the 3169 combines Bogen wtoellreapsrotdhuecehigthheestsofniidcelietynerdiggyitaoln aufdiilom. sCoounmdptrriascekds oasf 3001 Tripod Legs M&K’s $-5000 LIC/R Sareliize MX-5000 400 watt aPlnadte.a 3T1h3e0 BQogRenMi3c0r0o1 FTlruiidpodHeiasdthweitlhighQtuesitck(abRoeuletas3e lbs.) RMS Push-Pull Daal Driver Bic ee and and the smallest (folds to 20 1/2 in.), but is one of the most SS-500 Surround speakers, the THX-certified system versatile tripods we offer. Sturdy, hard finish aluminum legs ; feature 3 click stop spread angles and each has a sure grip, defines state-of-the-art loudspeaker design. anick-acting, non-fouling lever lock. The Bogen 3169 is For more information contact Miller e& Kreisel just one of a wide choice of tripods, fluid heads, dollies and Sound Corporation, 10391 Jefferson Blvd., Culver accessories. City, CA 90232 310-204-2854, extension 100. See your dealer or write to Bogen Photo Corp., 565 East Crescent Avenue, Ramsey, N.J. 07446-0506; (201) 818-9500

Now, create your most dazzling videos ever! e Easy-to-master methods for achieving time-lapse All you need is a copy of Camcorder Magic, the video effects, colorization, and other special effects. guide that shows you step-by-step how to transform your videos into professional-quality productions. e Lighting tricks the pros use to set the right mood. Developed by top video producers and VIDEO Magazine contributors James e How to use miniatures to add real- Caruso and Mavis Arthur, ism to your videos. Camcorder Magic will change the way you shoot videos. Over 190 e Imaginative effects you can fact-packed pages and hundreds achieve with filters, lenses, of color photos show you: and homemade masks. ¢ How to choose the perfect e How to master professional camera point-of-view. skills — from handheld moves and tripod shooting ¢ Professional techniques for to camera angles, perspec- capturing fast action. tive and depth of field. ¢ How to create smooth transi- e Editing ideas that turn raw tions between shots. footage into masterpieces. e Simple methods for adding © How to record your photos, titles and graphics to your pro- slides and home movies onto video tape. » Secrets of Hollywood's make-up artists. SHOP WITH THE VIDEO SHOWCASE >lus -- camcorder care, choos- ng the best tape, preserving Get more information on any advertisers featured in Video Showcase or find out where the nearest dealer is for that apes properly, and much product. Simply cirde the product number along with your desired shopping option and we'll do the rest! nore. It’s the ultimate guide to etting the most out of your Showcase #1 Showcase #3 ‘amcorder. Send for yours A. Send me literature A. Send me literature oday! B. Send me dealer information B. Send me dealer information Tsleeloeieetentoentententaniontent | Showcase #2 Showcase #4 learly) A. Send me literature A Send me literature B. Send me dealer information B. Send me dealer information Nome vmo1/3 Address City = State

For a good time, call: The only high resolution unit available | Altec Lansing 800-548-0620 PLAY ALL VIDEO FORMATS | Audio Design Associates 914-946-9595 ON ONE VCR Bryston Ltd. 802-223-6159 Instant Replay, the firm Celestion 508-429-6706 that originated the multi- Fosgate 801-654-4046 format VCR, offers you a Frox 408-957-7420 digital, multi-system, standard converter VCR Harman/Kardon 818-895-5762 that lets you view PAL or JBL Consumer 818-895-8124 SECAM tapes on any standard NTSC monitor or TV. KEF 804-520-7200 It’s the only Super VHS playback unit that gives you Kinergetics 213-582-9349 broadcast quality resolution from foreign format systems. Lexicon 617-736-0300 These units easily integrate into your home theater Marantz 708-299-4000 x41 ot conference room and come with an integrated NTSC tuner, timer and full function remote. Available with HI-FI, Mcintosh 607-723-3512 on-board auto repeat, auto segment repeat, real time search Miller & Kreisel 310-204-2854 and bookmark search - plus multiple tuners that allow you NAD Electronics 800-263-4641 to record off the air virtually anywhere in the world. Parasound 800-822-8802 We service and advise before and after the sale. 44, Rane Corporation 206-355-6000 For information call or write: INSTANT REPLAY Snell Acoustics 508-373-6114 Soundstream 916-351-1288 2601 SO. BAYSHORE DR. STE. 1050 MIAMI, FL 33133 [yc 1-800-749-8779 (305) 854-8777 FAX 858-9053 9 ——— Technics 201-348-7815 Triad Speakers 503-256-2600 CALL ANYTIME * DEALER INQUIRIES WELCOME VISA Velodyne 408-436-0688 The Lucasfilm Home THX® Audio System.. for the best in home theatre sound. BCIONGEE/NVI3D1E6O9 TMmnImmMnAam and a 3130 QR Micro Fluid Hea VIDEO Plate. The Bogen 3001 Tripod is and the smallest (folds to 20 1/2 i 460 West 34th Street versatile tripods we offer. Sturdy, New York, NY 10117-0460 feature 3 click stop spread angles anick-acting, non-fouling lever lo just one of a wide choice of tripox accessories. See your dealer or write to Bogen 1 Crescent Avenue, Ramsey, N.J. 07

STOP SHOOTING ORDINARY VIDEOS. AND START CREATING EXTRAORDINARY ONES! Now, create your most dazzling videos ever! e Easy-to-master methods for achieving time-lapse All you need is a copy of Camcorder Magic, the video effects, colorization, and other special effects. guide that shows you step-by-step how to transform e Lighting tricks the pros use to set the right mood. your videos into P professional-q4uadlity yP productions. e How to use mingeiatures to add real- Developed by top video producers and VIDEO ism to your videos. Magazine contributors James Caruso and Mavis Arthur, e Imaginative effects you can Camcorder Magic will change the achieve with filters, lenses, way you shoot videos. Over 190 fact-packed pages and hundreds and homemade masks. of color photos show you: e How to master professional e How to choose the perfect skills — from handheld camera point-of-view. moves and tripod shooting to camera angles, perspec- ¢ Professional techniques for capturiaeng foFast acti:on. tive and depth of field. ae 4 1 ¢ How to create smooth transi- © Editing ideas that turn raw ti. ons beeen. footage into masterpieces. © Howfo to®)reco®r)d your phottoos, e Simple methods for adding slides and home movies titles and graphics to your pro- ductibons — no matter what onto video tape. 4, equipment you own! Nake e How to get great results in e jase osname dante low-light situations. make-up artists. j AKE Be Plus eee baer choos- : DEOS \\ ra ene Dest tape, Preserving tapes properly, and much ¢ nTahteingseccraetnsdidoabfe shooting fasci- | | MAVIS\\E more. It’s the ultimate guide to interviews. \\ getting the most out of your e How to create animation — camcorder. Send for yours with any camcorder. today! tT eee Pe Ce ee en. \"| cerenmmn iRen EncTaa ine ninth et anaes | YES, send me CAMCORDER MAGIC! Name l I I My payment of $12 plus $3 shipping and (please print clearly) I I I handling ($15 total per copy) is enclosed. Address ; I (Make check or money order payable to I Reese Communications.) City State Zip | I NY State residents, please add appropriate sales tax. Outside U.S., $16 total. Allow up to No. Copies Payment Total $ 4 weeks for delivery. Clip & Mail with payment to: CAMCORDER MAGIC, beni I VIDEO Magazine, 460 West 34th Street, New York, NY 10001 I I

BY BRENT BUTTERWORTH BEST PRODUCTS Fifteen innovative, daring adventures in high performance. os HIS number from TV Guide or your local 10x Handucam echnological progress now runs at such listings, and the VR667 does the rest— it a breakneck pace, we end each year selects the channel on the cable box, wondering if there’s anything left for starts recording and stops when the electronics wizards to invent. But just as show’s over. Could programming be any we seem to reach the ultimate in pic- ture, sound and convenience, brilliant easier? product development engineers pull an- other rabbit from the hat. They squeeze SONY CCD-TR101 another ounce of performance from our 50-year-old video standard. They push Hi8 CAMCORDER home theater sound beyond the limits imposed by our living spaces. And they We thought last year’s CCD-TR81 was solve problems we thought unsolvable, creating big-screen TVs that fit in any nearly perfect, but with the TRIOI, Sony room, camcorder image stabilizers that don’t degrade the picture, and sound has taken the Hi8 subcompact a big step systems that meet the conflicting de- mands of movies and music. further. The TRIO1’s image stabilizer The situation is similar among video uses a revolutionary new optical tech- programmers. Those who create the movies and original shows we experi- nology to avoid the picture degradation ence on videotapes, laserdiscs and, now, multimedia discs grow more daring and most electronic stabilizers cause. (Give inventive with each passing year. half the credit to Canon, Sony’s partner nero” Video Magazine recognizes these in developing this technology.) Like oth- achievements with its annual ViVA Dy cat\" Gold! awards for video equipment and programs. In selecting components to er Sony Hi8s, it’s easy and comfortable honor, we chose some winners for their state-of-the-art performance, others for to shoot with, but still packs all the innovative features or outstanding val- ue. Among video programs (see “Top manual options video hotshots demand. Tapes and Discs”), the emphasis is on quality and originality. With so many And the picture is astonishi—nygou great products to choose from, picking the 15 ViVA Gold! product winners de- might even mistake it for laserdisc. PARKERVISION CAMERAMAN scribed below and the 10 tapes and discs in the following pages wasn’t easy. But we | One of the most revolutionary-camcord- hope the process never gets any easier! er accessories ever created, the Camera- 40 VIDEO JANUARY 1993 Man moves camcorder buffs to the other side of the lens. As long as you carry its wireless microphone, the CameraMan will track you everywhere you go. You can also use it as a remote-controlled RCA VR667 VHS VCR hired hand by punching directional but- tons on the remote, or by switching be- Once again, RCA steals the lead in tween four user-defined zoom, pan and VCR programming. Last year’s ViVA- tilt presets. But the real magic of Cam- winning VR690 was the first deck with eraMan is that it can make hams out of VCR Plus; this year’s VR667 is the first camera-shy subjects—just set it up and with VCR Plus circuitry that also con- | trols a cable box. Just punch in a code pass around the mic.

wars and give us extra wide-angle range. Sharp’s first entry in the 8mm format does just that — and a whole lot more. A separate, fixed-focus wide-angle lens and sensor provide a 62-degree angle of view. You can switch instantly from a wide-angle shot to a telephoto shot from the 12x zoom lens, wipe or dissolve be- tween them, create picture-in-picture effects and even preview your telephoto shots. A Hi8 version is also available. WKiOtDh AtKhe PPhHotOoTOCD, CKDodak brings quali-_ ty electronic photography within the cable sys- teach of average consumers. Pop a Pho- to CD in Kodak’s Photo CD player or a tems. You can forget CD-I machine, and you can display the about dot crawl and hang- photos on a TV screen. You can also ing dots, too—Mitsubishi’s digital comb have film-quality prints made of the im- filters by far are the best in the business. ages on a CD. And best of all, you don’t have to spend hundreds or thousands of FOSGATE THX SYSTEM | dollars on a new digital camera —all it The Schwarzenegger of home theater takes to shoot Photo CD images is a sound, Fosgate’s THX-certified sur- conventional 35mm film camera. We round-sound system pumps out awe- think the potential for this powerful new some volume without breaking a sweat. | format has barely been tapped. The speakers seem indestructible, but still have the finesse to reproduce every detail and nuance of movie soundtracks. VIDEONICS TITLEMAKER The decoder’s analog circuitry produces Until this $500 miracle came along, home video editors had to use compli- razor-sharp Pro-Logic decoding, com- cated, expensive desktop video gear to generate professional-looking titles. The plete with all the THX tweaks, and does TitleMaker’s characters look good an equally outstanding job when used enough to use on TV, and the device is for music, either in traditional two- channel mode or in any of several enjoy- able music surround modes. A special four-channel amplifier makes it easy to ) take advantage of the system’s split dipo- lar speakers. | MITSUBISHI CS-35X7 so simple and intuitive that the manual 35-INCH MONITOR/RECEIVER SHARP VL-MX8U TWINCAM may never leave your desk drawer. The Is this $7,500 marvel the most advanced TV set ever created? It’s certainly the 8mm CAMCORDER TitleMaker is packed with fonts, back- most outstanding offering in the fiercely For years, we’ve been begging camcorder competitive field of 35-inch monitors. manufacturers to abandon the zoom grounds and special effects for any occa- The CS-35X7 is the first set with a ghost- sion, and can be programmed for hands- reduction circuit, which works on any NTSC broadcasty—ou don’t have to free operation. > wait until your local broadcasters adopt the Philips system recently chosen by the National Association of Broadcast- ers. A dual-conversion tuner clears up the lousy reception that often plagues JANUARY 1993 VIDEO 41

BEST PRODUCTS video HiB. movie sound and music sound. Usually These new lenses, which conform to the the movie sound is great and the music VL-mount standard used on the LI, SONY EV-S3000 Hi8 VCR bring fresh capabilities to the industry’s Easily one of our all-time favorite editing sound is mediocre, or vice versa. By most versatile camcorder. The 10x lens VCRs, the EV-S3000 could win a ViVA combining two of its great music speak- on picture quality alone. Its full-field ers with three more designed for home incorporates the same optical image sta- timebase corrector provides perfectly bilization technology used in Sony’s stable images, and you'd need a D-2 theater sound, Definitive Technology CCD-TRI101 camcorder. The 250mm VCR to beat its clean still frames and lens provides 32x optical magnification slow motion. Big buttons and a simple has created what, for many people, from the L1’s standard 8mm wide-angle layout make it an ergonomic dream. Un- could be the ideal speaker system— focal length. Using this lens, the L1’s 2x like many editing decks, it’s even great wonderful music and movie sound, a optical telephoto adapter and its 2x digi- for timeshifting, thanks to dedicated reasonable $1,900 price and designs that tal zoom, we were about to shoot clear programming buttons and an LCD win- fit gracefully into any living room. 128x images, filling the frame with a car dow on the remote control. that was about a mile away! DEFINITIVE TECHNOLOGY HOME THEATER CANON 10X AND 250mm | SPEAKER SYSTEM CAMCORDER LENSES JVC GR-SZ1 Audio/video systems seldom strike a Canon seems to be putting as much S-VHS-C CAMCORDER good balance between the demands of Many new camcorders carry one or two technological wizardry into its Ll Hi8 interesting features, but JVC’s tiny GR- camcorder system as some companies SZ1 packs about a dozen, some of which put into their entire camcorder lines. we never even imagined. Its three-piece lens system lets you capture super-wide- angle shots of fill the screen with | microscopic images. A universal remote with a wired connec- tion to the camcorder lets you use the camcorder’s eight-scene editing control- ler to start and stop a VCR for automat- ed editing. And an eight-position dial accesses many auto exposure modes and special effects. There’s even a snapshot mode that frames a still with black bor- ders and adds a shutter-click sound. 42 VIDEO JANUARY 1993

NEw sSATELLITE SERVICES, INC January 1993 Number One re you looking to enhance the Azz of your television viewing? If so, a home satellite system offers you the finest in audio and video reception plus the widest variety of programming choices. And if you are looking for the best in satellite television entertainment, look no further than HBO Satellite Services. You’ll get more hit movies, top-notch comedy, superstar con- certs, sporting events, and original movies on HBO and Cinemax than anywhere else. - Go to your local satellite dealer to get started. He’ll help you select a satellite antenna (or dish), a receiver and a descrambler. Just as in buying a VCR or stereo system, there are a number of different brands and - models available — each with a dif- ferent combination of features. Your local satellite dealer will be able to demonstrate systems in various price _Tanges that meet your needs and work best in your part of the coun- SONY KPR-41EXR95 lizer doesn’t degrade the picture one bit, try. Once your system is installed, 41-INCH MONITOR/RECEIVER and the digital zoom produces clear im- operating it is as easy as pushing a | Finally, a rear-projection TV set for the ages well into the 30x magnification button on your remote control. average home! This sleek big-screen of- range. Sepia-tone, black-and-white and Your next step is to choose the | fers the great picture and sound we've | sunset modes add unusual creative op- programming services you want. come to expect from Sony rear-projec- tions. And even though the VM-H39A's ’ HBO Satellite Services offers a vari- tion sets, but it’s no deeper than a 20- electronics are very sophisticated, the etyofprogramming packages to suit inch direct-view set. The picture’s big camcorder’s point-and-shoot design your needs. With SuperPak you'll enough for high-impact home theater, makes it extremely easy to operate. A get 22 of your favorite channels, but the set doesn’t commandeer a room color viewfinder provides a more com- the way boxy rear-projection sets do. including HBO, Cinemax, ESPN and fortable, natural shooting feel, and lets CNN. With SuperPak Plus, you'll you judge color rendition easily. get those same popular channels HITACHI VM-H39A plus five of the most requested chan- | Hi8 CAMCORDER nels: American Movie Classics, Everyone we know who has put a palm to this pocket-size machine has mar- _WGN, Prime Network, WWOR and veled at its light weight and comfortable WSBK-Boston. feel. Play back its tapes, though, and | you'll be even more amazed at the quali- And now, Multiplex makes these ty of its digital effects. Because the VM- H39A uses a high-resolution, _ packages an even better value. With | 470,000 - pixel CCD sensor, Multiplex, you receive three chan- its digital image stabi- MINOLTA MASTER PRO nels of HBO and two channels of - 8-918 Hi8 CAMCORDER Cinemax — at no extra charge! Plus, Consumer camcorders keep creeping to- you still get HBO and Cinemax’s ward true broadcast quality, and Min- | east and west coast feeds. That olta’s 8-918 comes closer than any other. means you can choose a hit movie By using two CCD image senso—rsone on HBO, cutting edge comedy on for green, one for red and blue—the || HBO2 or an original movie on 8-918 produces the best color we've seen from a consumer camcorder. By process- _ HBOS. Or, choose from a romance ing the colors separately, the camcorder on Cinemax or a thriller on also maintains more accurate exposures, | Cinemax 2. It is simply the most and the camera section achieves 480 flexible way to watch television. HITACHI lines of horizontal resolution. Optional If you need more information lens attachments provide extra wide-an- on what HBO Satellite Services gle and telephoto ranges. a has to offer, call 1-800-285-5621. & B“JUaZdO/SaP9IpAIAeB1Ia9ayS JANUARY 1993 VIDEO 43

BY KENNETH KORMAN TOP TAPES &DIsGs Ten trend-setting titles lead the class of ‘92. From standard VHS cassettes to frame- restore and release a variety of films EYES ON THE PRIZE grabbing CAV laserdiscs to five-inch made between 1913 and 1933, all of (PBS/PACIFIC ARTS multimedia CDs, the watchword for vid- which feature exotic cultures presented CASSETTES AND LASERDISCS) eo software in 1992 was diversity. How in documentaries or fictional stories. Ar- about a laserdisc-only compilation of tists like FW. Murnau and Robert Henry Hampton’s brilliant 1987 his- Busby Berkeley’s most elaborate produc- Flaherty traveled to the ends of the tory of the civil rights movement in tion numbers? (See this month’s “Tapes earth to make these fascinating films; America has been resurrected by PBS in & Discs.”) Perhaps you’d enjoy a private, some now stand as the only artifacts of one of the most important video releases interactive tutorial on playing jazz gui- long-lost peoples. All feature the origi- tar? (See below.) Or maybe an anniver- nal music or newly commissioned scores t sary release of a beloved film, complete from the lands depicted. The first four with a new made-for-videocassette docu- titles (Tabu, Grass, 90° South and In the LaeONa mentary? (Try 1992’s special editions of Land of the War Canoes) are now avail- Casablanca, King Kong or The Gradu- able on disc from Lumivision, offering an of this or any year. The first six hour- ate.) Whatever your tastes, however even clearer window into the past. long episodes are available individually narrow your interests, chances are some- on cassette or in standard boxed sets of thing was released on video this year a Eo tapes or discs, and the final eight hours that was literally made for you. will be released in the same configura- THE COMMITMENTS tions early in ’93. But a leather-boxed, All of which makes choosing the (FOXVIDEO/IMAGE limited-edition set of all 14 cassettes, best tapes and discs of 1992 a more ENTERTAINMENT LASERDISC) along with Hampton’s hardcover book, a daunting task than ever before. Quality, CD and exclusive volume-by-volume substance and originality were our We have yet to find a single viewer taped introductions from the filmmaker, guiding principles. Given the number of who wasn’t utterly charmed by Alan is also in stores now. We can imagine no excellent releases in 1992, we regret we Parker’s warm and funny portrait of a last-minute holiday gift we’d rather re- can only honor 10, but the winners of fictional soul band from working-class ceive. this year’s ViVA Gold! awards in video Dublin. Image Entertainment's disc edi- programming, presented below in alpha- tion earns the nod largely for its faithful THE GOLDEN AGE OF betical order, are truly extraordinary. reproduction of the film’s extraordinary LOONEY TUNES, VOLS. 1-3 music. A two-volume CD soundtrack (MGM/UA LASERDISCS) Po ee offers the same soul classics in studio- sanitized versions, so if you want the If there were a: “‘people’s choice” THE AGE OF film’s original performances in all their award for laserdiscs, these three 70-car- EXPLORATION SERIES ragged glory, you’ve got to get this laser- toon sets would probably take this year’s (MILESTONE CASSETTES, disc. Each song is chapter-encoded for prize. Each volume includes five discs LUMIVISION LASERDISCS) easy access. with nine hours of running time. The first set sold out quickly upon release, The eight videos in this outstanding actually becoming hard to find for a time series come as the result of Milestone despite its $100 price tag. And no Film and Video’s three-year project to wonder: From Friz Freleng’s musical ex- 44. VIDEO JANUARY 1993

travaganzas to Tex Avery’s merciless 1992 ViVA Gold!s. But Jason and the Ar- first-rate home system is far preferable to hysterics, there’s something here for just gonauts emerged victorious for reasons squinting at a distant stage while stand- about everyone. We were pleased to that include special-effects wizard Ray ing amid 750,000 rain-soaked New find each side devoted to a particular di- Harryhausen’s engaging analog-track Yorkers. rector, character or theme to facilitate commentary and the disc’s lengthy sup- intermittent viewing; a 27-hour binge is plement, both of which give away just PRIVATE LESSON SERIES tempting, but we’re not sure we’d sur- enough of Harryhausen’s secrets to cap- (PHILIPS/SONIC IMAGES vive it. ture your imagination but not enough to CD-I DISCS) THE GRADUATE LBM fF None of the multimedia CD systems 25th-ANNIVERSARY EDITION on the market has yet taken the world (NEW LINE CASSETTE) spoil the magic of his work. Most of us by storm, but a software series developed remember how much we loved this for Philips’ CD-I system reminded us This extravagant package offers final movie as kids, and it’s a thrill to see it fi- again how much a well-made interactive proof that connoisseur-driven laserdiscs nally receive the respectful treatment it disc can offer. The Private Lesson Series have permanently changed the mass- deserves. comprises two separate volumes, “Jazz market world of VHS. Its extensive sup- Guitar” and “Classical Guitar.” Each of- plement, which includes a new docu- JAWS fers instruction that can be customized mentary and the original theatrical (MCA/UNIVERSAL LASERDISC) for all proficiency levels, a large library trailer, was clearly inspired by all the of background information and much “special-edition” laserdiscs that now This long-delayed and much-antici- more. These discs earn the first ViVA come out each month. Even more signif- pated widescreen edition of Steven Gold! awarded to an interactive pro- Spielberg’s most exciting movie provided gram. The level of interactivity is high Er this year’s best argument for letterbox- and ingenio—uysou just can’t get this |e ing. Made just before the home video kind of instruction from a boo—kand | era, Jaws finds Spielberg using every inch we had more fun browsing through these of the screen to terrifying effect; he discs than any others we tried this year. icant is the letterboxed transfer: The would soon start shooting his films flat studios are finally starting to recognize or with a “‘safe area” to accommodate 35th-ANNIVERSARY EDITION the sophistication of videocassette col- the shape of home screens. This laser- (PARAMOUNT CASSETTES, lectors. And it’s a healthy sign for the disc’s visual impact is so great, we PIONEER LASERDISCS) entire video software field that New scarcely noticed that the film was made, Line can offer all this for only $19.95. and presented here, in monaural sound. This all-time popular favorite has been released many times in many JASON AND THE ARGONAUTS PAUL SIMON’S forms, but it’s never looked or sounded (CRITERION LASERDISC) CONCERT IN THE PARK like this. Pioneer’s Joseph Caporiccio (WARNER REPRISE oversaw the film’s first-ever Dolby Sur- We could have easily filled this list CASSETTE AND LASERDISC) round audio mix, and the new transfer’s with outstanding recent additions to the colors are breathtaking. Cecil B. De- Criterion Collection: The Devil and Dan- Home theater isn’t just for movies Mille’s onscreen intro and other seg- iel Webster, Boyz N the Hood and Dr. anymore: This state-of-the-art concert ments have been restored to preserve Strangelove were all considered for the video fulfills the potential of the form the movie’s original presentation in the- like no other we’ve seen. Picture and aters. As a result, The Ten Command- sound are both impeccable, and Simon's ments is now a home theater classic. awesome band of mostly South African Besides, who could resist Edward G. and Brazilian musicians pushes his songs Robinson and Vincent Price as head- across cultural and generational lines to dress-wearing Egyptian scoundrels? reach a truly broad audience. It’s not that this is “the next best thing to being the— erxpeerie”ncing this concert on a JANUARY 1993 VIDEO

From TVs to CCDs, an inside guide to the new year’s most exciting advances. Table Titan: f your New Year's resolution involves Pioneer’s 40-inch rear- a promise to stop buying exotic new projection TV for Japa- .. hese videophiles video components, expect to have a sits neatly on a tough time keeping it: 1993 promises a bounty of video innovations. And not table top. just new products. High-technology firms are reinventing everything from 3 Portables: viewfinders to transmission standards, and we'll be able to sample much of Sony Party Vision LCD their work in the coming year. The range is extraordinary. We'll be projector (above) seeing progressive new camcorders, TV throws a 30-inch pic- by Philips (top right) sets, multimedia systems, game ma- ture, while two new and Kyocera are aimed chines and computer video programs. Important steps will also be taken. to portable CD-| players —mostly at professionals. prepare for major systems, like HDTV and direct-broadcast satellites, that will not become available until later in the decade. Here’s a preview of what to look for as 1993 unfolds. The best place to start is at the an- nual Japan Electronics Show. Held this past fall at a sprawling fairground in Osa- ka, the show is a window into the com- ing year’s technology. Many of the new products displayed at the show went im- mediately into the Japanese video mar- ket. But some will find their way to U.S. stores later this year. This story was written by Stan Pink- was with contributions from James ”M. Barry, Frank Beacham and Ron Goldberg. 46 VIDEO JANUARY 1993

TV sets came in all shapes and sizes, New camcorders received a lot of at- PRISM but most notably in the widescreen, 16:9 tention. Sharp’s Hi8 ViewCam set show- aspect ratio just introduced in the U.S. goers buzzing with its radical use of a RED CCD Manufacturers displayed numerous four-inch color LCD monitor as a view- widescreen sets—in both direct-view finder. It’s available in Japan for about 3-Chip Camcorder: Sony’s Handycam Pro (top) and projection models, designed both $1,750 and due here next month, at a promises broadcast-quality video, thanks to a light for the NTSC standard and Hi-Vision, price still to be announced. sensor (above) that uses an optical prism to direct Japan’s HDTV system. light to three CCD chips, one for each primary color. Flat and Wide: Sharp's 16.5-inch LCD display, pre- Other new wrinkles in TV design in- viewed in Japan, features a wide aspect ratio. ment” in performance for consumers. cluded a conventional 40-inch projec- Single-chip camcorders, he believes, tion set designed by Pioneer to serve as a THREE-CHIP COLOR have “reached the top of the plateau for table model, and Sharp’s largest flat- Potentially more revolutionary are future development.” screen monitor. This is a 16.5-inch, 16:9 LCD display intended for use on a wall. Sony's Hi8 Handycam Pio and Pan- The three-chip camcorders dramati- In LCD projection, Sony showed a tiny, asonic’s S-VHS-C Blenvie Pro. Each cally improve color resolution and ren- $500 projector it calls Party Vision that camcorder, like professional video cam- dition, and reduce a blurring effect weighs less than a pound. It comes with eras, uses a light-sensing system that in- called aliasing. ‘When you have a a six-inch screen and projects a watch- cludes three CCD sensors and a prism. striped filter, as in single-chip camcord- able image as large as 30 inches. Al- The Panasonic unit weighs under two ers, you have to separate the colors elec- though there are no U.S. plans yet for pounds and uses 1/3-inch CCDs, each trically,”’ explains Goeggler. “This these products, they indicate two direc- with 270,000 pixels, for a horizontal res- process does not work well near blacks tions in which TV displays are headed: olution of 530 lines. or whites. Typically, dark colors are larger and more compact. forced to black, and light areas to Coming just six years after broad- white.” If someone has a shiny spot on Widescreen Console: Sharp's 32-inch Wide-Vision casters began using three-CCD cameras, his face, for example, it tends to go TV is among numerous 16:9 sets in Japan. they represent a major breakthrough in white. But an optic prism on three-chip consumer technology. For the first time, camcorders significantly reduces this ef- the image quality of consumer video fect by splitting colors into their red, equipment will challenge that of the green and blue components before pros. Paul Goeggler, Sony product man- teaching the CCDs. ager for professional broadcast cameras, says the move from one to three CCD Although there’s no U.S. date for sensors will mean “a quantum improve- the Panasonic version, the Sony Handy- cam is expected to arrive here in March at a price less than $3,000. PICKING A STANDARD Closer to home, the key event to JANUARY 1993 VIDEO 47

watch for this year will be the selection delivering more than 100 channels to Space and Time: of a U.S. transmission standard for TV sets throughout the U.S. Home re- HDTV. A testing committee for the ceivers, made by RCA and consisting of A new generation of Federal Communications Commission an 18-inch dish and a digital decoder telecommunications sat- has been evaluating competing HDTV ellites, and the proto- systems from five groups of companies box, will connect with each user’s TV type for a video clock and will recommend one of the systems set and phone line. The lightweight dish with a 14-inch LCD in February for final tests. Before the screen that switches end of the year, the FCC will formally can be easily installed on windowsills, select one of the systems, presumably images every 15 min- the recommended one, as the U.S. roof lines or railings. DirecTV is such a large and encom- utes. HDTV standard. Another significant trend to watch passing project that it is also leading to Residents will be able to receive cable groundbreaking work in satellite com- TV programs through their phone lines this year is the gathering momentum be- munications, digital video compression, in a way that will let them watch what hind digital techno—lesopegciaylly as computer manufacturing, encryption they want to watch when they want to it's applied to television to create what systems and consumer service technolo- watch. Residents will even be able to FCC Chairman Alfred Sikes calls “digi- gy. It even promises to revolutionize the dial live video cameras attached to the distribution of TV programming. buildings to check street conditions. tal advanced television,” which he de- scribes as a more powerful kind of Another new transmission mode— DESKTOP VIDEO HDTV. “The importance of this transi- Digital technology and the pending video by telephone lin—ewill be the tion cannot be overstated,” says Sikes. subject of numerous new experiments in HDTV decision are also tightening the Digital TV, Sikes predicts, will en- 1993. In one important project sched- relationship between video and comput- uled to begin early in the year, the ing. If, as expected, the FCC chooses a able ordinary homes to receive hundreds NYNEX Corp. and Liberty Cable Televi- digital HDTV format, desktop video will of channels of all varieties. These could sion will create a video dial tone by run- prosper. Personal computers and video include channels devoted to cable TV, ning fiber-optic phone lines to three components alike will be designed to ac- large Manhattan apartment buildings. cept signals from the new HDTV stand- rental movies, videogames, music CDs, ard, bringing us closer to a universal video standard. Imagine being able to shoot camcorder footage of the kids, edit it in your home computer without suf- fering any generation loss, then phone the results to Grandma, who will be able to play in on her TV set, no matter which country she lives in. Thin as a Wallet: Super-slim Crystaltron TV has a Compact Projection: four-inch LCD screen that stays bright in daylight. New Sharp LCD projec- interactive programs, phone and com- puter services, data networks, and medi- tor, previewed in Japan, cal and security services—in any combi- uses a single high-defi- nation a subscriber prefers. nition LCD panel to further shrink source for The technology for this will move a big-screen pictures. giant step closer this year with the launch in December of an unmanned Ariadne rocket carrying into orbit the first of two direct-broadcast satellites. A few months later, DirecTV, a project of Hughes Communications, plans to begin 48 VIDEO JANUARY 1993

In 1992, Apple advanced desktop ROM-based systems. However, incom- AAMAAAAAMADAAAAAAAAAADAAL video by unleashing QuickTime, a popu- patibility among multimedia systems will lar introduction to the important con- still be a bugaboo. Fighting facial fatigue cept of video compression. This year, Microsoft will premier a similar protocol This trend was evident at the Elec- Shooting camcorder footage for several for IBM-type computers. Expect also to tronics Show in Osaka, where half a minutes can tire out facial muscles, be- see the first consumer-level products for dozen companies showed new CD-I cause you have to squint with one eye. players. They included a version from To avoid facial fatigue, wear a patch real digital video editing; that is, prod- Panasonic capable of playing full-motion over the eye not watching the view- video and portable players with four- finder. Eyepatches are available at drug- ucts that let users store, manipulate and inch screens from Sanyo, Kyocera and stores. transmit video as computer data. Philips. The Philips model is already being offered here in professional cir- Jean-Francois Boucher For example, SuperMac will be of- cles. Montreal, Quebec fering its new Digital Film production system for the Macintosh, which may do Apple's projects include a handheld Simple surround for editing what the Video Toaster has multimedia player, code-named Sweet- done for special effects. Digital Film pea, that, it is hinted, will be able to play For inexpensive surround-sound effects two hours of full-motion video using a with a conventional stereo system, try promises full-motion, full-frame video connecting a third speaker to the posi- that can be written to a hard drive, edit- single CD-ROM. It’s been promised for tive (red) speaker terminals on a stereo ed and fed back out to videotape. This the spring. Later in 1993, Nintendo will amplifier. Position the speaker in the will be a major breakthrough, especially attempt to leapfrog Sega’s new 16-bit tear of the room, pointing toward the since it will cost a fraction of what a disc drive with a 32-bit CD-ROM drive ceiling. You won’t get the dramatic ef- good off-line editing facility runs. for the Super Nintendo Entertainment fects of Dolby Pro-Logic, but you will get System. Sony will contribute to the fray reasonably good surround effects. This MULTI-HORIZONS with a console able to play CD-ROMs technique is ideal for bedroom systems. The spread of digital technology will and SNES cartridges. lead to new attempts by hardware Indeed, by the end of the year, the makers and programmers to make multi- game scene will be filled with discs media products friendlier and more promising all sorts of interactive action powerful in 1993. Video and computer- and varying amounts of video, which based systems using CD-ROM discs will brings us to 1994...but that’s another sto- ry. a become more accessible, with more ma- jor companies introducing new CD- Nady always offers the best performance and price. We sell more wireless microphones than all other brands combined—proof of Nady’s unsurpassed quality. Now we’re introducing more camcorder accessories to make your videos sound better than ever. And every one of them is affordably Nady 351 VR priced. See them at your Nady dealer today! Wireless Mic System SBM-500 ADI Stereo Camcorder Mic SYSTEMS, INC, Wireless Video Mic}. f 151 VR oe MCM-400 NADY SYSTEMS, INC. Real Time Camcorder Audio Mixer Wireless Video Microphon 6701 Bay Street Emeryville, CA 94608 510/652-2411 Fax: 510/652-5075 AVM-300X 551 VR VCM-100 vim-770 The Best Stereo A/V Mixer with Video Fade Two Channel Wireless Video Mic Camcorder Boom Microphone || Remote Powered Lavalier Mic Performance _ and Price in | eed cepioie: | S: Circle 54 on Reader Service Card. JANUARY 1993 VIDEO 49

BY SCOTT WASSER How you and your ction, excitement, Slippery Slope: two before a shoot: LBPAOH smiling faces and daz- When shooting on e Get charged up. Cold weather saps zling scenery make ski- snowy, steep mountain- inga great subject for sides, it's important to the life from a camcorder battery as home video. But those who venture get a solid footing. quickly as a face-first plunge into a onto the slopes packing video gear and snowbank numbs your nose. If you don’t high hopes frequently find it’s all down- fluffy Rocky Mountain powder— sub- hill from there. Ski video presents many freezing temperatures and snow can be have a spare battery, buy one. Make sure obstacles, and we’re not just talking problematic for you and your video about Volkswagen-size moguls. But equipment. Then there’s the problem of your batteries are fully charged before don’t despair. If you use common sense, transporting your gear. And finally, leaving home. Once at your destination, heed the helpful hints we’re about to there’s the matter of finding a good van- try to keep the spare in a warm, access- present and practice, practice, practice, tage point and getting there —no small you'll soon be mastering those moguls— obstacle when you’re talking about ible place indoors. If that’s not possible, if not with your skis, at least with your shooting on the side of a mountain. or if you need immediate access to the camcorder. None of these problems are insur- spare, carry it under your ski parka as The most obvious obstacles for the mountable if you’re prepared. Most close to your skin as possible. A T-shirt skiers wouldn’t think of heading for the pocket should accommodate VHS-C or skiing videographer are the conditions slopes without first preparing for the under which ski videos are shot. Even in outing. Yet those who plan to videotape 8mm camcorder batteries. ideal condit—iforinensdly sunshine and skiing often give it no more thought If the battery won’t fit comfortably than making sure the camcorder is packed. If you want to return with a under your jacket, keep it in a parka tape full of exciting memories rather pocket or backpack alongside one of than dull disappointments, you should those chemical heat packs used to warm review the following checklist a day or frozen toes and fingers. But keep the heat pack in an old mitten so the battery doesn’t get too hot. e Play weatherman. If it’s going to snow or rain, you might want to pick an- other day to do your videotaping, unless you own one of the new weatherproof sport camcorders. If you own a conven- tional camcorder and are determined to shoot in bad weather, protect the equip- ment from precipitation. It’s a good idea to use some sort of moisture protection in any ca—saneyone who skis is bound to fall on occasion, and the camcorder is sure to hit the snow when that happens. Check with your local video retailer or the equipment manufacturer to see if a special housing is available for your 50 VIDEO JANUARY 1993