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scheme, with segregated groups for speakers; I really wish manufacturers ep A/V-source and surround-mode selec- wouldn’t skimp on the center and sur- round terminals. You can hook up two BY THE NUMBERS tion as well as tuner operation. (Tuner center speakers to the V690; you might Measurements by Hammer Labs controls include manual and auto-seek want to employ a pair of small centers tuning, 40 presets, and a robot function if you’re using a large projection TV Maximum power (at 1,000 Hz and0.1% that automatically loads the presets and can’t get your hands on an appro- THD): main (worst channel), 110.5 watts with the 40 strongest stations it en- priately large center speaker. into 8 ohms, 168.4 watts into 4 ohms; center, 108.8 watts into 8 ohms, 165.2 counters as it sweeps across the dial.) The 60-key remote control has a good watts into 4 ohms; rear (worst channel), Front-panel connections include a quar- layout, though most of the keys are 28.4 watts into 8 ohms, 52 watts into tet of VIDEO—AUX input jacks, includ- identically sized and shaped, which 4 ohms ing stereo audio inputs and both com- posite and S-Video inputs, convenient makes by-touch operation (the kind Dynamic power: main (worst channel), for accommodating camcorders, dub- you’re likely to do in a dark room) 133.6 watts into 8 ohms, 207.5 watts into bing VCRs, or game systems. harder. Only MASTER VOLUME and DE- 4 ohms; center, 129.5 watts into 8 ohms, LAY TIME get oversized keys, and the 194.8 watts into 4 ohms; rear (worst Out back, the V690 supplies inputs channel), 31.6 watts into 8 ohms, 53.8 latter seems an odd choice; CENTER watts into 4 ohms and outputs for three A/V sources—in- LEVEL or channel up/down are likely cluding VCR-1, VCR-2, and a playback- to get more use. Keys are sensibly THD+noise (at rated power): main, 0.035%; only source marked LD/TV—as well as grouped by function, however, and the center, 0.18%; rear, 0.29% three audio-only sources (phono, CD, main volume and mute keys are where and a full tape loop). Of the A/v they belong—in a bottom corner, A-weighted S/N (referred to 1 watt): main, sources, only VCR-2 and the monitor where they’re easy to find. 83.7 dB; center, 81.4 dB; rear, 74.8 dB output (as well as the aforementioned front-panel VIDEO—AUX) are equipped Hooking up the V690 was easy Frequency response (referred to 1 watt): with S-Video jacks; since video signals enough (the manual is well organized main, 20—20,000 Hz +0, —0.2 dB; center, can’t be translated between the S and and features lots of diagrams), and bal- 100-20,000 Hz +0, —2.9 dB; rear, composite formats, this means that a ancing speaker levels using the receiv- 48-6,500 Hz +0.9, -3 dB mixed-format system (including any er’s on-board noise sequencer was that uses an LD player) will need to use straightforward. I found that the se- Channel separation (at 1,000 Hz): front up two video inputs on the system’s quencer cycles from channel to channel left/front right, 39.4 dB; front left/center, TV—one S-Video, one RCA-compos- very quickly—fine for by-ear adjust- 41.2 dB; front left/rear, 53.3 dB; front right/ ite—which you’d then need to select front left, 40.4 dB; front right/center, 42.2 between depending on the source. ment, but too fast for a sound-pressure- dB; front right/rear, 54.7 dB; center/front level meter to “settle” fully (if you’re left, 41.8 dB; center/front right, 36.6 dB; Speaker outputs are furnished via using one). More importantly, volume center/rear, 55.2 dB; rear/front left, 43.4 dual sets of five-way binding posts with tracking proved nearly perfect—that is, dB; rear/front right, 38.4 dB; rear/center, standard spacing for two sets of mains the V690’s multichannel output stays 47.6 dB (selected with manual front-panel balanced at any master-volume setting; switches) and lighter-duty spring-ter- lesser designs don’t, requiring frequent The V690 story only gets better when minals for the center and surround (and frequently annoying) rebalancing. you start up a movie. It offers, as you'll recall, 10 surround modes. Three of Quality-conscious hom these—PRO LOGIC, PRO LOGIC/EN- rements*: 27-inch TV and surround speak HANCED, and 70MM THEATER—are a : KEY FEATURES digital implementation of, and en- hancements on, standard Dolby Pro ema DSP: Digital Dolby Pro Logic Logic. They’re intended for use with its, and seven other surround modes Dolby Surround-encoded sources, pri- watts x 2 m Line-level subwoofer | marily movies; all are based on the eamp-level outputs for all channels Dolby Surround matrix decoding sys- panel VIDEO—AUX inputs = Three ai tem. The PRO LOGIC mode worked very well, with extremely low levels of in- _ presets m Learning remote terchannel “leakage” and generally clean, dynamic operation. (Noise was low in all modes; in the three Pro Log- ic-based settings, it shouldn’t prove au- dible under real-world listening condi- tions.) Channel-to-channel pans were smooth and believable, and overall tonal balance remained natural and non- intrusive. The ENHANCED and 70MM modes em- ploy Cinema DSP’s “extra” DSP to spread surround-channel sound more widely along your room’s side and back walls; 70MM uses additional DsP wiz- ardry to juice up the spread between the front left/right channels as well. De- pending on the soundtrack, both modes deliver very audible effects (particular- ly 70MM), with a “deeper,” larger sur- round effect. A very nice touch (and an CONTINUED ON PAGE 85 VIDEO JULY/AUGUS19T95 47

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A/V components reviewed, in brief More for Less blues.) The set also offers the Video SHARPNESS was set too high or that the Filter video noise-reduction circuit and set uses edge-enhancement circuitry, or Zenith SM2789BT the ghoulishly named Auto Flesh flesh- both), colors were oversaturated, and 27-Inch TV Set tone-enhancement circuit. there was a fair amount of video noise (made worse if CONTRAST is set too T’S THE ULTIMATE EXAMPLE OF It’s always instructive to see what a high). trickle-down technology: As the manufacturer’s PRESET mode looks home-theater revolution has us You can switch from COOL to WARM, swarming over new TVs, prices are like, so I dialed it up. I found that the but when I tried to defeat Auto Flesh coming down and the feature count is set automatically shifts to the COOL rising. The action is particularly fierce setting and kicks in the Video Filter and the Video Filter from PRESET, I in the 27-inch arena, since that’s the and Auto Flesh circuits; not surprising- found that I really couldn’t; though one entry level for serious home-theater ly, the basic video parameters—con- of the menus lets you switch them off, performance. And Zenith’s SM2789BT trast, brightness, and so on—jump to every time you do so the set switches ($799) is a true contender. their factory-set positions. This is the over to CUSTOM, which means that all Considering its price, this set is Dagwood sandwich of picture set- of the other settings have changed as loaded: High-profile features include a tings—there’s an awful lot of flavors, well. In general, I wasn’t knocked out StarSight decoder, a high-contrast but you’re just not sure what you’re by PRESET. Chromasharp picture tube, Advanced tasting: The COOL setting made colors Video Imaging picture circuitry, multi- bluer than they should be, ringing (ob- Checking out the set with a color an- ple single-tuner PIPs with channel re- jects having white edges around them) alyzer and patterns from the A Video view, and a 15-watt sound system with Standard test disc put me on the right SEq ambience synthesis. Flexibility is was obvious (indicating either that track. With PRESET and COOL, the set’s on hand thanks to a nice selection of back-panel amenities: two A/V inputs, one S-Video input, loop outputs for an A/V component and a cable decoder, terminals for external speakers, and a variable audio output. The SM2789BT’s picture options are staggering, but with a little work it’s possible to enjoy excellent images. The set offers two color-temperature posi- tions, WARM and COOL, which work to- gether with three Picture Preference settings—PRESET, CUSTOM, and THE- ATER—to let you make dramatic ad- justments to the picture. (Note that the color-temp names seem confusing— WARM nets you a redder, warmer pic- ture, while COOL dials in a bluer, cooler picture, but the actual color tempera- tures that produce reds are cooler, or lower, than the temps that produce VIDEO JULY/AUGUS19T95 49

color temperature measured 11,000 de- level) and CONTRAST (white-level) color temp with the WARM mode read grees Kelvin and its light output mea- were both too low for good gray-scale sured 80.3 footlamberts. With CUSTOM performance, so I brought both of them 5,400 degrees Kelvin—exactly what and COOL, the color temp remained the about two clicks above their midpoint; same, while light output dropped to 78 so adjusted, the pattern checked out you want for watching black-and-white footlamberts. The THEATER and COOL fine, indicating that the SM2789BT has modes netted the same color temp and a good power supply. movies. One note: Our sample exhibit- 55 footlamberts. In each mode, the left side of the white window pattern was Using the color-bar pattern, I set TINT ed slight brightness fluctuations in dark blooming toward blue, the right side to- to just above its midpoint and COLOR to ward yellow. The figures didn’t change three notches below its midpoint. The scenes, which should not be true of the when I checked out PRESET and THE- test disc’s multiburst pattern showed ATER with the WARM color-temp set- good detail throughout the frequency model line. ting, though red colors were boosted. range; switching the Video Filter on de- Fortunately, the CUSTOM/WARM combo creased video noise but also decreased Basic operation of the set is pretty netted 48 footlamberts and 7,400 de- upper-frequency detail, so I left it off. grees Kelvin; this Kelvin figure is pret- Initially, I brought SHARPNESS all the straightforward. The remote has a good ty close to the NTSC standard of 6,500 way down, but eventually I brought it degrees. In addition, you can defeat back up six clicks. design, with channel and volume but- Auto Flesh and the Video Filter from Adjustments completed, the SM2789- tons made of glow-in-the-dark plastic. CUSTOM. Clearly, this is the combo BT looked damn good. Watching with which to work. laserdiscs was very satisfying—picture On the down side, the set’s on-screen details were pretty impressive, colors With CUSTOM and WARM dialed in, I were mostly accurate, and the level of menus are hard to work with—they revved up A Video Standard. In CUS- video noise was low. The numbers also TOM, the CONTRAST, BRIGHTNESS, COL- told a positive story: The resolution take up so much of the screen that you OR, and TINT controls were at their chart indicated 410 horizontal lines and midpoint, with SHARPNESS set slightly 500 vertical lines, and overscan mea- have to disable them to see what effect higher. The disc’s “PLUGE” (Picture sured about 8 percent, which is just Line-Up Generation Equipment) pat- about what you’d expect from a con- an adjustment has had and then step tern showed that BRIGHTNESS (black- temporary set. your way back to the appropriate menu Even better performance is on tap if you have a technician work with the if you need to make another change. SM2789BT’s internal controls. You can access them via the remote if you know Fortunately, the SM2789BT is a good the access code; technicians will, or will know how to get it. Once in, and enough performer that you shouldn’t with the set in its COOL mode, VIDEO contributor (and TV-calibrator) Kevin need to fiddle with its controls much Miller brought the set’s blue and green drives down until we had readings of once it’s properly adjusted. While it 29.5 footlamberts, which is excellent, and 6,590 degrees Kelvin, which is just doesn’t set performance benchmarks, it about dead-on the NTSC standard. And has all of the basic performance para- meters covered, and it offers a full array of features for a very reasonable price. Give it its due if you’re in the market for a 27-inch set. —Peter Barry Little Buddha Snell Type M Bookshelf Speaker HERE ARE GOOD REASONS TO USE small speakers in your home-the- ater system: Small speakers are easy to blend into a room’s decor. It’s simple to position them so that they deliver every last ounce of their poten- tial. And they’re more flexible than large speakers in terms of reassigning them to a new role—from front to rear in a home theater, for example, or from the living room to the bedroom or of- fice. Snell’s Type M just may represent the best reason of all, however. I’ll admit from the start that I’ve nev- er met a Snell I didn’t like. Every mod- el I’ve heard has delivered first-class performance (credit Kevin Voecks, the company’s chief designer and a partial «product of the Canadian Research Council, which I affectionately refer to as the “Speaker Mafia”). They also look gorgeous. And the Type M holds true to form. On one hand, it’s just an ordinary two-way bookshelf speaker— but it just screams “classic.” The shape is . . . well, exactly right. I can tell you that it stands 11 x 7.5 x 6 inches (h/w/d), but you just have to see it to appreciate it. The finish is astound- ingly elegant (in your choice of oak, 50 JULY/AUGUS1T995 VIDEO

black oak, and walnut)—it’s rock-hard, Well-recorded music CDs are great 6000 smooth as the proverbial baby’s der- for stressing a speaker, so I primarily riere, and perfectly applied. And the listened to the Type Ms as a stereo pair. Take Five rest just drips with detailed, loving I immediately discovered that the Type touches that bespeak a classic sense of M exhibits Small-Speaker Syndrome— Adcom GFA-6000 industrial design. that is, it can’t reproduce truly low Five-Channel Amplifier bass. Response started falling off at The front panel is completely shroud- about 90 Hz, though you will get ade- HE QUESTION “HOW SHOULD I ed by a black fabric grille, the frame quate response down to about 55 Hz power my multichannel home-the- ushers sound smoothly from the speak- when you use a pair in a real-world ater system?” ranks up there with er drivers, and signals are routed in room. A nice touch is that the Type M “Ts there life after death?” and through recessed, color-coded dual ba- did a good job of handling bass below “Will Sam Donaldson spontaneously nana jacks on 0.75-inch centers; the its limits, without thumping or rattling. combust this Sunday?” It’s just that jacks tilt upward slightly to allow easi- At high frequencies, the Type M got a there’s so many power-delivery op- er access to the oversized post holes. little hard-sounding when fed a couple tions. Adcom’s GFA-6000 takes the Both the 5-inch cast-frame woofer and hundred watts (admittedly, that’s a lot five-channel approach, which for many the 1-inch metal-laminate dome tweeter of power), but it never got fuzzy or buyers will make a lot of sense. That’s sit flush in the front panel; the tweeter came even close to self-destructing. because the layout of the 6000 ($850) has a protective metal-mesh cover, a provides the left, center, right, and very, very nice touch. Magnetic shield- Stress test completed, I simply lis- left/right surround power that’s re- ing prevents the Type M from interfer- tened to the Type M’s basic sonic qual- quired for a Dolby Pro Logic home- ity—and, once I’d settled in, I found it theater system, and it delivers it all ing with your TV picture. All of this difficult to tear myself away. It sounded from a single box. doesn’t come cheap, though: The Type amazing from its ““sweet-spot” and al- The 6000’s power ratings are ad- M costs $479 apiece. most as good when I moved to one side mirably solid: 100 watts each for the of the room or the other. Male and fe- left, center, and right channels and 60 Rest assured that Snell doesn’t sub- male vocals were especially natural— watts for each of its two surround out- scribe to the nice-house, no-furniture Jennifer Warnes never sounded like she puts. These ratings are accompanied by concept. Though you can buy extreme- had a cold, and Tom Waits was as grav- rigorous provisions—power is said to ly fine performers of similar size for elly as he must be in real life. And vo- hold up from 20 to 20,000 Hz with less less than a quarter of the Type M’s cal intelligibility was outstanding. than 0.09 percent THD into 8-ohm pricetag (Paradigm’s Titan, KEF’s K- Horns, reeds, strings, and percussion loads. (Most A/V receivers spec rear 120, and PSB’s Alpha come to mind), were all clean, clear, and detailed. power only at a more forgiving 1,000 the Type M truly ups the ante on fit, Hz.) This indicates that the 6000 finish, and precision performance for a The “soundstage” was solid, extend- should deliver cleaner power, and more speaker of its size. ing well beyond the outer edges of each of it, than even the best similarly rated speaker cabinet and with no midstage receiver. Measurements reveal extremely flat holes. There was a nice sense of depth And this is a massive component. It’s response in the critical 200 to 10,000- as well, and the Type Ms did a good constructed of heavy-gauge sheet-metal Hz range when you're in front of the job of reproducing a sense of spacious- all around, with deep heatsinking along speaker, and response remains incredi- each side; the amp tips the scales at bly smooth as you move to one side or ness (given the limitations of a two- over 31 pounds. You also get high-end the other. High frequencies roll off fair- speaker setup, as opposed to a five- circuitry, which may be superior to ly quickly as you move above or below speaker surround system). what you'll find in a receiver. the plane of the speaker, which indi- Inside, the 6000’s five discrete-tran- cates that the room’s ceiling and floor Snell really has a beaut in the Type sistor outputs share a single large, mul- won’t affect performance significantly. M. If a small speaker suits your needs, titapped toroidal transformer and a Impedance reached a minimum of 4.2 know that these little dynamos can group of power-supply filter caps; the ohms (at 225 Hz), so a power amp handle any role in a home-theater sys- output transistors are distributed along must be able to handle 2-ohm loads if the sides, and construction and quality you want to use a single channel to tem—main, center (when stood verti- are first-rate all around. Adcom’s drive two Type Ms. Sensitivity mea- cally), and/or surround. Five of them sturdy design carries over to the exter- sured 89 dB, indicating that this speak- plus a high-quality subwoofer would be nals as well—this amp is nicely assem- er is a good match for most any amp. sonic nirvana. If you simply must have bled and finished, with obvious care the best of everything in a small speak- and good-quality materials. er, the Type M has few serious rivals. —Tom Nousaine VIDEO JULY/AUGUS19T95 51

None of the 6000’s channels can be wasn’t quite as dynamic and punchy Tape Crusader bridged to form higher-output chan- over the last 1 to 2 dB of available nels, a feature offered by some compet- loudness as the best two-channel “100- Sony SLV-940HF ing multichannel (and many stereo) watt” amps I’ve experienced, it was ac- VHS VCR power amps. This limits your options ceptably close and very musical regarding eventual upgrades or other throughout. When the amp was over- ET’S GET IT OUT IN THE OPEN: AS system overhauls, but I didn’t get all driven, audible clipping came on grad- long as we aren’t talking about edit- worked up about it, since I’m no great ually, and the sound remained largely ing models, the major issue with fan of bridging in general. clean up to the amp’s limits. most VCRs in or above the middle price range is convenience. Midpriced Like most amplifiers, the 6000 has a The 6000 also delivered the goods VCRs have no excuse for performing simple physical layout. Up front, the when driving five-channel Pro Logic poorly; the circuitry that’s required to amp proffers a big, solid power switch soundtracks. I really couldn’t tell the produce great pictures and high-quality with a central pilot LED. Ten more LEDs difference, either qualitatively or quan- soundtracks made it down to these indicate the onset of distortion and titatively, betweent,he Adcom and my VCRs a long time ago. The whole ball when a channel’s thermal-protection usual setup, which includes three 100- of wax these days is how often a VCR circuitry has engaged. The rear panel watt-per stereo amps. The system makes us get up off the couch. Rest as- presents high-end-approved “‘five-way” sounded very coherent—all of the sured, the SLV-940HF—Sony’s top-of- binding-post outputs for all five chan- channels were well-matched, and nei- the-line VHS VCR—won’t rouse you ther mains, center, nor surrounds much from your well-deserved repose. m GFA-6000 clipped much before their mates. The SLV-940HF ($549) simply crows convenience. This is the second genera- nels and five corresponding RCA-jack I also compared the 6000 to a high- tion of Sony VCRs to feature automat- inputs. Each input is paired with an ad- end A/V receiver I had on hand; it’s rat- ic clock setting, which is prompted by jacent input-level trim screw. (The ed to deliver 100 watts x 3 plus 50 x 2 the Extended Data Services TV signal trims are normally left wide open; typi- (that’s identical to the Adcom except currently carried by many PBS affili- cally, you’d back them off only in those for a rated 10-watt deficit for the sur- ates. Other full-time comfort features rare situations where your surround- rounds). In this case, the 6000 clearly include a cable mouse (for time-shift- sound source doesn’t provide adequate delivered more overall impact, clarity, ing shows via your cable box), VCR level adjustment.) The back panel also and, particularly, low-end grunt in the Plus+ programming, Hi-Fi sound, four- provides a 10-pin jack that accepts a upper reaches of the loudness scale. head special effects, and a universal re- supplied “ADlink” cable, which you’d The difference wasn’t dramatic, but it mote. You also get Sony’s shuttle sys- use for connecting all of the channels was genuine nonetheless. tem on both the remote and the VCR in one fell swoop if you also had one of itself; it plants play and stop buttons in- Adcom’s preamp/processor/tuners. The 6000 was virtually dead-quiet side a variable-speed shuttle ring and, (Things don’t get much more conve- (even when I put an ear right up against though there’s no jog dial, an illuminat- nient than that.) one of my main’s tweeters, with no in- ed display enhances shuttle operation. put), and it was completely free of me- The 940HF’s front panel is clean as a Installing the 6000 is child’s play: I chanical buzzing from its transformer. supermodel’s complexion. The cassette simply connected my preamp/proces- In fact, this amp was impressively qui- slot is concealed behind a fold-down sor to the amp’s inputs and ran speaker et in every mode and proved altogether door, which contains buttons to control cables to two three-way tower main free of turn-on/off thumps or other rude channel, quick-timer recording, edit speakers, a full-range center speaker, noises, save a mild crackling as its mode, and tape speed (SP/EP recording, and two dipole surround speakers, all power supply discharged after I’d shut SP/LP/EP playback). Another hinged of which have average sensitivity. it off. door offers more controls, including an EASY SET UP button that delivers on its In action (after a 24-hour warmup pe- Clearly, Adcom’s GFA-6000 hits on promise. Press it and the VCR’s on- riod), the 6000 performed admirably. all counts: It’s well-conceived, well-ex- screen display guides you along. In its two-channel mode, the amp ecuted, and a fine performer. It’s not This VCR has more going for it, helped my towers produce sound with the least expensive multichannel amp though. If merely watching prerecard- excellent definition, good low-end you can buy, but there are plenty of ed movies is all you want to do, in fact, punch, and the slightly warm—yet more expensive models, too. As a mid- there are plenty of lesser (and less ex- crisp and transparent—sound I’ve come dle-ground solution to home theater’s pensive) VCRs that’ll do the trick. to associate with Adcom amps over the power question, it strikes an admirable What really makes the 940HF stand out years. Ultimate power was clearly in balance between generous high-quality the expected 100-watt region; though it power, serious performance, and a sim- ple, elegant package. ——Daniel Kumin 52 JULY/AUGUS19T95 VIDEO

from the pack is its programming and Sony’s SLV-940HF covers the perfor- probably won’t kick out as much bass editing capabilities. On the program- as the 101B. ming side, there’s an eight-event, 1- mance bases with few shortcomings, month timer that’s very easy to pro- An active low-pass crossover lets you gram and offers the ability to record and it’s incredibly easy to use. You pick the frequency at which the woofer from two different line-input signals as starts working. The 101B also includes well as from the built-in tuner. This may want to look into reupholstering speaker-terminal connections tied to a will be useful for recording from multi- passive high-pass crossover, which cuts ple sources, including an antenna, ca- your couch—you could be spending a off the low frequencies produced by ble, and a satellite system. your main speakers. Other controls in- lot of time there. — Cliff Roth clude a two-position phase switch and Time-shifters should also appreciate a level knob. the Adaptive Picture Control system, Jurassic Boom which automatically calibrates the Test signals showed that the 101B VCR’s recording circuitry whenever a MTX PSW 101B belted out 105 dB sPL before distortion blank tape is inserted. Lancelot Braith- Powered Bass Module got troublesome, and it reached down to 43 Hz at full output. You can get a waite, VIDEO’s technical editor, says |N A PERFECT WORLD—ONE IN few more decibels and can go 10 or APC doesn’t make recordings made which our living rooms were theater- even 15 Hz lower with similarly sized with a top-grade tape look any better, sized, and uttering the word “budget” powered subwoofers, but they all cost would elicit an amusedly baffled Sony SLV-940HF “Huh?” from our butlers—we’d all get MTX PSW101B 678910 the low bass we need for our home-the- 12345678910 ater systems from a couple of 15-inch COSMETICS | powered subwoofers that artisans re- COSMETICS — cessed into our living room’s floor- EASE OF USE e boards. As the accountant for Water- EASE OF USE ° world can tell you, of course, we surely PERFORMANC don’t live in a perfect world. Some of PERFORMANCE us have small living rooms, or large liv- VALUE e ing rooms that can’t be cluttered with VALUE ® large wooden boxes. And some of us but it does improve performance with don’t have a big chunk of change to $200 to $300 more than the 101B. And bargain-brand tape. drop on a couple of huge powered sub- this module gets louder than several On the editing side, the 940HF offers woofers. If any of this sounds familiar, a full complement of video-insert, au- know that there’s no cause to give up other modules costing $100 more than dio-dub, and A/V-insert editing—all of hope—you can get some help for bass- which can be orchestrated from either challenged main speakers. And MTX’s it does. the remote or the front panel. One no- PSW101B can show you the way. table omission, however, is a LANC Fire up some movies or music and The PSW101B ($400) is a well-ap- (CONTROL-L) remote-control jack (for pointed powered bass module, which is MTX’s PSW101B can’t hide its rock- direct connection to an edit controller). our term for a speaker that produces A simpler Control-S remote-pause jack nothing but low bass without producing and-roll roots. You really get some is included for basic synchro-editing the very lowest audible octave and a between two VCRs. half or so. The ported cabinet, which good shakes with the special effects in measures 17.4 x 18.75 x 19 inches Picture quality was very good at SP Jurassic Park, and the 101B does a speed, with horizontal resolution top- (h/w/d), employs a 12-inch woofer and ping out at 240 lines, weighted video an 80-watt power amplifier (rated, into great job with rock, R&B, electric coun- S/N at 50.7 dB, chroma AM at 44.4 dB, 4 ohms). You can certainly find smaller and chroma PM at 45.5 dB. But it was bass modules for the money, but they try, and rap music. If you want to raise merely good at EP speed (S/N measure- ments all dropped 3 to 4 dB); the EP a ruckus and dollars are tight, the 101B falloff was especially apparent with off-the-air recordings. On the other delivers. —Tom Nousaine hand, special-effects quality—with still frames, slow motion, and rapid search (7X with SP, 21X with EP)—was excel- lent. Audio frequency response rolled off rather dramatically at the high end of the spectrum; the resulting sound wasn’t quite as crisp as what I’m used to, but it was hardly severe and was easily compensated for with my A/V re- ceiver’s tone controls.

APARTMENT 4-C JusT INSTALLED OuR NEw 1200 Watt THEATER AMPLIFIER. Our HCA-1206 is easily one of the most powerful THX certified home theater amplifiers in the world. It has an overwhelming 200 watts on each of 6 channels at 4 ohms, or 135 watts per channel at 8 ohms. gp * But we feel that such power is useless if it only makes your ears bleed. So we called on legendary a> Pcircuit designer John Curl to bring high-end audio sophistication to home theater. Plus, if you toggle a few input switches, you'll have the ideal multi-zone stereo amplifier. You LUCASFEILM . can even switch it to a5 or 4 channel amp, delivering over 350 watts per bridged channel. So please ! bé careful with your HCA-1206. If not for your sake, then for the sake of your neighbors. > - PARASOUND affordable audio for the critical listener Parasound Products, Inc. 950 Battery Street, San Francisco, CA 94111 © 415-397-7100 © Fax 41 5-397-0144 © THX is a registered trademark of Lucasfilm, Ltd. pe gh 2 Seen ee Ten a ee

N E VW TEC H cut and paste : ro-style editing features—like flying erase heads for insert editing, audio dubbing, and random assemble editing with a sound monitor—highlight JVC’s HR-VP628U Hi-Fi VCR ($499). The VP628U uses Oval-Cut DA-4 video heads, said to eliminate ghosts and deliver noise-free special effects. Programming is aided by the VCR Plus+ system and Cable Eye cable-box controller. Ultra Spec Drive is said to improve tape stability while cutting fast-forward and rewind times in half. Features include a front-panel jog/shuttle dial and audio input-level controls. Circle 109 on reader service card W widebody a polk classic | ich sound and big bass from a slender tower | ioneer expands your rear-projection options was Polk’s goal with their RT12 ($799.a pair). with their Series-85 ProVision line, which resides one rung below the company’s topnotch The RT12 stands about 37 x 8.3 x 12.5 inches T(hV/w/sdet),, ainsdshuiteilldiezeds sPoowtehratPoirttcantecbhenoplloagcyed tonehaerlpa Elite line. The SD-P6085K ($4,199) is a 60-inch it deliver deep bass. Each cabinet features one widescreen ProVision set based on the 1-inch dome tweeter and two 6.5-inch woofers. manufacturer's Cinema Wide System, which has Circle 111 on reader service card W an aspect ratio of 16:10.7. Images are said to be brighter and sharper thanks to short-focus hybrid lenses, and the Intelligent System Control scheme uses a revamped remote and clever on-screen menus. Circle 110 on reader service card control central a cIntosh’s CR12 multizone A/V preamp ($3,000) can simultaneously route a different A/V source to as many as four rooms or zones in your home. System control is eased by supplied room/zone sensors and a wireless remote control or by wall-mount keypads. As many as six CRI12s can be daisy-chained for large-scale applications. And the distinctive glow of green lights will tell everyone in the room that a mighty McIntosh is running the show. Circle 112 on reader service card

CRTIETO news enn cram. naowrwn 1 chip service a nkyo’s A-SV620 A/V integrated amplifier ($650) employs a digital surround-sound chip developed by Motorola. The SV620 delivers 120 watts x 2 or 75 x 3 plus 25 x 2. Digitally derived Dolby Pro Logic and four other digital surround modes are on tap. Connections include three video and six audio inputs. The wireless Remote Interactive remote control is supplied. Circle 113 on reader service card A guide cog | agnavox has built a StarSight decoder into its VRT762 four-head Hi-Fi VCR ($499). Subscribe to StarSight’s service and you can display comprehensive program guides on-screen. A full week’s worth of programming information can be scanned at any one time, including detailed show descriptions, show titles with time remaining, and programs sorted by theme. Recording any program is a one-button affair via the supplied remote control, and a record list helps you keep track of your plans. Circle 114 on reader service card pack attack « <table talk | | anton’s Fonissimo 4 home-theater itsubishi’s TS-5087 speaker package ($1,295) is based on ($3,899, shown atop their Fonissimo subwoofer/satellite system. an optional stand) offers Starting with two satellites and a subwoofer big rear-projection (shown), the system adds a center speaker and images in a convenient a second, identical pair of satellites. Each tabletop format. The satellite, which stands 4.9 inches tall, employs 50-inch set, which a 4-inch midrange and a coaxially mounted measures 25.25 inches 1-inch tweeter; the sub has two 7-inch woofers, deep and weighs 143 and the center speaker is a two-way bass- pounds, features three h reflex type. Circle 115 on reader service card 7-inch CRTs and the 3D Y/C comb filter, which is 56 JULY/AUGUS1T995 VIDEO said to be superior to other digital comb filters. Convenience features include dual-tuner PIP, the StarSight on-screen program guide, and the Viewpoint Ill operating system. Circle 116 on reader service card

TANI a european jazz HoupAY ON NORTHWEST AIRLINES: , me (=)) AND 4=1<99¢6) SUB=ARmU ©SU«X© FROM Jue Win a trip on Northwest TO ENTER: Call 1 800 JVC-WINS Airlines to see the 1996 Call 1800 JVC-WINS. Get apersonal Match Call 1 800 JVC-WINS. Get your personal & Win number. Bring your number to any Match & Win number for the fabulous Grand Prize. ofVC NEPe4 Festival in London, participating JVC retailer, and compare itto Paris, Rome and The the JVC Jazz Festival Display. If your num- Call now. You could be an instant winner. ber matches, you've won the European Or bring this entry form to your nearest JVC Holiday and the new, 230 hp, Subaru. ee plu; s ekead Theere are ovveer r 11,,000 other prizes...anTsVs:, Gals § Subaru SVX LSi! Stereos, and lots more! : Hurry! All calls and entries must be received by August 21, 1995. OFFICIAL 2ND CHANCE SWEEPSTAKES ENTRY FORM (Please print, and bring to your nearest JVC retailer) Stere O Revi ew NORTHWEST ACRE NESS ABT Biswaem teens SN eS Sh See JVC Address: ;Feshival City: ryto:JVC Jazz Festiva2lnd srica, Elmwood Park, Nd 07407 Home phone #:(

ltec Lansing fleshes out their Voice of the Theatre speaker line with the PSW21 powered bass module ($299). The module features a 12-inch dual- voice-coil driver that’s powered by a 100-watt (rated) amplifier. The PSW21 is said to be timbre-matched to the company’s other Theatre-line speakers, for seamless surround performance. Circle 117 on reader service card uasar’s SP3117 31-inch TV set (price not available at © nana employs a SuperBlack picture tube, said to provide a deeper contrast setting against which colors and details are able to stand out clearly. The set also features im- proved color phosphors, said to result in purer reds and more natural greens. Features include two A/V inputs, one S-Video input, and single-tuner PIP. Circle 118 on reader service card ee peakercraft places the EF pursues bottom- mirror-imaged I-inch Koo. bass and accurate imaging with their soft-dome tweeter in their Model Four tower speaker Model 6.5MIT in-wall speaker ($5,000 a pair). Six drivers are ($465 a pair) off-axis of the 6.5-inch dual-voice-coil woofer utilized in each shielded to minimize diffraction and four-way cabinet, including two interference. The tweeter can also be aimed toward the 10-inch woofers, two 6-inch listening area, overcoming midbasses, and the Uni-Q less-than-ideal positioning. Circle 119 on reader service card coincident midrange/tweeter, which plants a 1-inch tweeter in 58 JULY/AUGUS19T95 VIDEO the center of a 6-inch midrange. The Four, which stands 47.8 inches tall, uses the InterPort coupled-cavity vent to kick out low frequencies. Circle 120 on reader service card

Pip CHANGE ple] =) ai _ JVC's RC-XC1 also features an AM/FM . Digital Tuner w/30 Presets, Cassette oe = EASY’? Deck w/Synchro-Start Recording, JVC's new Triple Tray feature makes changing Multi-Bass Horn On/Off for adding the music in our RC-XC1 Portable 3-Disc CD Changer as easy as changing extra bass, and 4 Preset EQ Settings your mind. Triple Tray’s front- to customize your listening perience. loading operation gives you clear access to all your | _ CDs, letting you replace \\ up to 2 discs while one - keeps playing. That means there’s always non-stop music, even when you stop to change CDs. Triple Tray ¥ makes the RC-XC1 the easiest, ~ fastest CD Changer you can find llale-W ele)at-lo)[<Mer-(e1.¢-l[eon Along with unmatched convenience, the RC-XC1 features a 1-Bit D/A Converter that’s an example of JVC digital audio technology at its finest. So change not only comes easy, it sounds better too. JVC COMPANY OF AMERICA 41 Slater Drive, Elmwood Park, NJ 07407 CIRCLE NO. 12 ON READER SERVICE CARD

The world’s first 20x rock-steady optical zoom. Nothing comes closer to perfection. ith Canon’s exclusive 20x optical zoom, the ES 2000 not only brings you closer to the action, it brings you closer to perfection than any ordinary camcorder can. That’s because our 20x zoom uses Canon’s Optical Image Stabilization system to steady the image. More effective than electronic stabilizing methods, Canon’s Opti- cal Image Stabilization counteracts shaking before the image passes through the lens. So there’s never the loss of picture quality that you experience with some elec- tronic systems. And Optical Image Stabilization main- tains image clarity through- out the entire zoom range. 1a Olcnamte the #52000 cise mdudtantaadren is a rock-steady choice for other reasons too. It’s the first camcorder ever to feature Canon’s exclusive new FlexiZone AF and FlexiZone AE systems—advanced new auto focus and auto exposure features that, with just a touch of a button, allow you to shift focus and exposure to any subject, anywhere in the frame. WH The new ES 2000 with 20x Optical zoom, Optical Image Stabilization and color viewfinder $2000 18 VIDEO CAMCORDER When you add to that the fact that the ES 2000 comes with a color viewfinder and records in the superior Hi8 format, you begin to realize that perfection is a whole lot closer than you think. For more informa- tion on any of our Hi8 camcorders, call 1-800-828-4040. Simulated demonstration © 1995 Canon U.S.A., Inc. CIRCLE NO. 41 ON READER SERVICE CARD

TREN DS & TECHN Hitachi’s VM-H71A The New Wave in Camcorders from the Vision Series, a three-model lineup that boasts, Boasts Performance and Value in addition to a conventional black-and-white viewfinder, a side-mounted 3- or 4-inch color LCD screen that flips out IBS ARE CRISPING ON THE BARBIE, FRISBEES ARE for action. This year’s Visionaries—the CCD-TRV30 flying, and everybody’s heading to the beach—it’s ($1,099; see “VideoTests,” June 1995), CCD-TRV40 not a Baywatch rerun, so it must be summer. Tradi- ($1,299), and the Hi8 CCD-TRV70 ($1,900; see page tionally, summer is when hot new camcorders make the 64)—are said to be 20 percent smaller, more flexible, and scene, and this year is no different. Hoping to hunt down a less expensive than previous TR models. (Note that Nikon camcorder that’s just right for you? You'll find that new offers the VN-400, a CCD-TRV30 clone, for $1,099.) The features and price reductions in all component categories flip-out LCD is especially convenient—it rotates 270 de- make this a season to remember. grees, flips the image when you’ve turned the screen 180 The feature trends are heady, and performance and con- degrees, and nestles into the cam’s body screen-side in, for venience are on tap thanks to longer optical zooms, protection and storage, or screen-side out, for viewing. brighter color viewfinders, and other refinements in recording and stabilization. A few manufacturers are Seven Handycam models—including the two top Vision breaking the price barrier with tiny no-frills models—3xX models as well as the CCD-TR83 ($999) and CCD-TR600 zoom and optical viewfinders are typical—that are ex- ($1,299)—-grab images with a “hyper-precision” CCD tremely easy to use. Take GE’s Images CG400 and imaging device that boasts 470,000 (gross) pixels. Sony Sanyo’s VM-PS12 (both 8mm models) as well as JVC’s says the upgraded CCD captures higher-resolution images EZ-1 VHS-C model, all of which may be discounted as as well as improves digital zooms and picture stabiliza- low as $400. Camcorders with a 10X or 12X zoom are ex- tion. SteadyShot optical image-stabilization circuits are pected to have a street price of $599 or less this summer, said to eliminate the effects of shaky hands without the while models with color viewfinders should be priced as compromise in picture quality or the image cropping that low as $699. Though most serious camcorder users are occurs with some electronic stabilization systems. willing to pay for truly useful features, even loaded LCD- screen and Hi8 camcorders are taking Quick-cut shots familiar from MTV or NBC’s Homicide the price plunge. are possible with every new Handycam, which feature a 8MM IS ENOUGH recording mode that automatically lim- Leading the 8mm sortie is Sony, its shots to 5-second durations. And special-effects modes are proliferating, which is celebrating the 10th anniver- including funhouse-mirror modes that sary of their Handycam line. The com- make subjects look skinnier or tubbier pany has significantly revamped their than they really are. Finally, a disap- offerings in the ultra-compact TR (for pearing-button act makes Handycams “travel”) size. And they’ve introduced a seem less imposing: Membrane-style moderately featured Hi8 model, the playback buttons glow orange when CCD-TR100 ($1,095), that offers 12x needed but disappear when you're power zoom. But the hottest goods hail recording. Canon has a few slick Hi8 and 8mm tricks up their sleeve as well. The Flexi-

within a frame to anot r, all without The 3m marching Ges from Hi- The GE CG515 ($699) adds a 113,000. _ tachi, Minolta, and Thomson attack the pixel color viewfinder. moving your camera or altering the pic- torial content one bit. First, you decide pecnlen: of user frustration. Their sur-_ RCA’s CC616 ($799) ups the ante with which area within the viewfinder’s field veys indicate that battery drain is the a built-in 4-watt light and a wireless re- number-one complaint voiced by cam- mote. The company’s CC620 ($999) should have optimized focus and/or ex- corder owners—whenever they want to piles on electronic image stabilization, a use their cam, the Ni-Cd battery is dead. 24X continuous zoom, 120X digital zoom, posure, Then you use an on-screen cur- New cams from these manufacturers run digital special effects (like strobe and sor, guided by an eight-way rocker con- for | hour on six fresh AA batteries; im- “Classic Cinema”), and random assem- trol that’s on the cam’s back (within easy proved super-alk’line batteries that de- ble editing. reach of your left thumb), to define this liver at least 80 minutes of recording are area for focusing; to optimize exposure, expected this summer. JVC, which builds VHS-C models for just tap a button above the rocker. GE, Minolta, and RCA, offers random Every new 8mm cam from these manu- assemble editing on every one of its own The FlexiZone rocker can be found on facturers also includes Instant Zoom, models, starting with the GR-AX200U Canon’s ES2000 Hi8 cam ($1,600). It’s a which digitally enlarges the picture by a ($800); you'll find this feature on Minol- ’ full-featured model that also benefits factor of 1.5. Trigger it at the end of the ta’s C-532 ($957) as well. Several JVC from the world’s longest optical zoom— lens’ 12X optical-zoom range and you'll and Minolta cams also feature Intelligent a staggering 20X power job. Pictures, find yourself looking at an 18X closeup. Function Controls, which group many even extra-tight shots, are kept steady Instant Zoom also ups these cams’ digi- key functions into a simple three-button thanks to the proprietary Optical Image tal zoom functions—so a digital 24x array that’s linked to an LCD readout. Stabilization system. FlexiZone AF/AE closeup can instantly become a 36X pow- er enlargement. When their lenses are Animation and time-lapse features can also be found on the ES-600 ($899) “pulled back,” these cams deliver an un- mark JVC’s GR-AX800U ($1,000) and and ES-550 ($799) 8mm models; both usually wide viewpoint—a 47.5-degree GR-AX900U ($1,100). The Snapshot offer 12X power zoom and what’s billed horizontal lens angle that’s said to get mode records digital stills (complete as “the world’s widest” wide-angle con- more bodies or scenery into the picture. verter. The ES-600 also includes a color (Most 12X lenses achieve a 38- to 39-de- with a white border), while Motor Drive viewfinder. gree view in the wide-angle position.) freezes the action in a series of still frames as a still-camera’s hyperactive Sharp addresses complaints of LCD The trio’s cams also offer 16-bit digital motor drive would. The AX900U also washout in outdoor scenarios with six signal processing and high-performance boasts a high-resolution color viewfinder new 8mm Viewcam models, all of which amorphous heads. Top-of-the-line mod- that’s said to boost its pixel count by 77 feature a l-percent reflectivity screen els—like the 8mm Hitachi VM-ES10A percent over previous models (to (previously available only on the top-of- 113,000 and change, now industry-stan- the-line VLH-410U) that’s said to glow ($799), Minolta Master 8-862 ($1433), brightly even in direct sunlight. The new and RCA PRO-942 ($899) as well as the dard). models also boast improved picture qual- Hi8 Hitachi VM-H710A and RCA PRO- JVC’s GR-SZ9 ($1,900) is the only ity, lighter chassis, and simplified con- 884HB (both $1,099)—add a color trols (especially for adjusting playback viewfinder and electronic image stabi- new Super VHS-C model we’ve spotted volume); their priciest models offer digi- lization. If you’re heading from turf to this season. It builds on the company’s tal 20X power zoom. highly regarded predecessor (the GR- the surf, Hitachi’s VM-H81A Hi8 cam SZ7) with a high-resolution 570,000-pix- Best of all, Sharp’s prices have dropped ($2,099) is packed into an airtight “buoy- el CCD image-sensor, extra-smart digital significantly across the board: For exam- ancy-neutral” housing that’s said to be signal processing of focus, white bal- ple, the VLH-420U ($1,899), a 4-inch- impervious to moisture. Also separating ance, and exposure, 100X digital zoom LCD Hi8 model, costs much less than its this cam from the pack—and your TV— with digital image stabilization, and a predecessor, and the company’s least ex- is an optical signal sender that transmits vast selection of fades and wipes—plus pensive 3-inch-LCD cams, the VLE-33U Hi-Fi stereo sound. ($1,099) and VLE-37U ($1,299), repre- video and audio (via IR) across the room sent a $100 savings over last year’s mod- to a supplied set-top receiver. Zoomers will love the new VHS-C els. The 37U is the one to watch, as it of- models from Panasonic and Magnavox, Samsung pushes the 8mm price enve- since they offer 14X optical-zoom lens- fers 16:9 framing, a two-speed zoom, lope with the SCX-815 ($699). It boasts es—an industry first for VHS-C models. and a “blockshot” option that automati- Cams with 14X zooms include Panason- cally cuts and fades shots in 10-second a 12x zoom, a 113,000-pixel color view- ic’s PV-IQ205 ($699), which also has a intervals. finder, a high-speed shutter, three levels large video head, a high-speed shutter, of colorization, and a four-mode auto-ex- and factory-preset date/time (out of the Finally, Sharp pushes the envelope with posure function. It even has a manual fo- box, all of Panasonic’s new Palmcorders cus ring—a rare find in this price range. display East Coast time, but it’s easily the VLH-450U ($2,499), which comes switched by time zone). Magnavox’s with the Viewcam Teleport docking sta- COMPACT WITH AMERICA tion. It facilitates a quick connection to CVT-620AV ($700) includes most of the your TV and AC power, and it automati- Price/performance comparisons make same features, though it lacks the auto- cally recharges the cam’s lithium-ion VHS-C camcorders a terrific value this matic date/time function; their CVT- battery. The coolest part, though, is that the Teleport transmits video stills across summer. Take GE’s CG505 ($599) and 640AV ($800) adds a color viewfinder conventional phone lines to a similar its RCA cousin, the CC612 ($699). Both and an eight-function wireless remote Teleport station; the stills can be passed deliver 12X variable-speed optical zoom, control. along by the 450U’s imaging device or an auto-exposure dial with nine preset recording modes, eight preprogrammed Panasonic’s PV-D705 Palmcorder XL titles plus a one-page titler, a 16:9 re- 62 JULY/AUGUS1T995 VIDEO

_ And full-size makers are rewarding our color viewfinder, and the top-of-the-line — 16:9 recording, and a built-in light. Most loyalty with generous price reductions. | of these features are also offered by the GE’s CG886 ($599) is an old-fashioned PV-960 ($899), which zooms digitally company’s entry-level model, the VM- 8X optical-zoom model, while Sam- from 14:1 to 20:1 and uses electronic im- 1800 ($599). age stabilization to smooth the transi- sung’s SCF-765 ($649) packs a 12x tion. A center-mount handle and re- Whatever you do, don’t let the summer zoom, a 113,000-pixel color viewfinder, versible viewfinder make all three heat dull your senses. The shaky a 2-hour battery, a high-speed shutter, models equally suited for right-handers yen/dollar relationship is as likely to de- A/V dubbing, and a character generator/ and southpaws. teriorate further as it is to improve, so titler. there’s no time like the present to take Hitachi’s VM-3800 ($799) luxuriates advantage of these great camcorder bar- Panasonic brings its 14X power zoom in a 100X digital Instant Zoom, a color gains. Tell em David Hasselhoff sent lens to the full-size VHS arena in three viewfinder, a two-line/two-page titler, new models that measure less than 3.5 third-generation DsP, a universal remote, —Jonathan Takiff inches wide: the PV-940 ($699), PV-950 ($799), which includes a 116,150-pixel YouNEVER KNOW WHEN YOU'LL NEED A FULLY CHARGED CAMCORDER BATTERY. Life’s full of surprises. What shouldn't be a surprise is a dead battery just when you want to record that once-in-a-lifetime shot. ** That’s why we created the Lenmar RediCell™, the only camcorder battery designed to keep on charging until you need it. Since it’s a NoMEM® battery, it won’t build up a memory like nickel-cadmiums, so it can remain charging day after day and always deli'ver 100% at a moment's notice. “® Siogrt ofC1:like your adrenalin. e. ** Ask your Lenmar de: for the new RediCell Battery. * So you can be ready for whatever memorable event sneaks up on you next. LENMARE PERFORMANCE PRODUCTS For the name of your nearest Lenmar dealer, and a catalog of our other Camcorder Performance Products call: 800/424-2703 ©1995 Lenmar Enterprises, Inc. CIRCLE NO. 59 ON READER SERVICE CARD

merson’s CG5703 video/photo tripod ($80) offers a quick-release mount/ dismount bracket to speed equipment setup, while the “camera-safe” locking platform holds your gear securely in place. There’s also a fluid panhead (with bubble level) for smooth movement, a large easy-grip elevator crank, easy-adjust leg clamps, and adjustable outdoor feet. The CG5703’s height is 59 inches when fully ex- tended, 25.5 inches when retracted. Circle 121 on reader service card Ss“ TRV70 ($1,900) combines Hi8 perfor- ideographers seeking a cool mance with a 4-inch “SwivelScreen” color View monitor should investi- gate Sharp’s Model 4M-T30 LCD LCD viewfinder/monitor, which rotates a full 270 TV ($599). The compact unit, degrees for multi-angle or self-recording; a tradi- which measures only 4.6 x 6.6 x tional black-and-white viewfinder is also provid- 1.8 inches and weighs just 1.1 ed. Other features include a high-resolution pounds without batteries, offers a 470,000-pixel ccD, Hi-Fi stereo sound, image 4-inch TFT active matrix color stabilization with horizontal and vertical motion screen, full VHF/UHF channel re- sensors, 24X digital zoom, and seven special- ception, A/V input terminals, and a effects modes. Circle 122 on reader service card 1.1-inch speaker. An AC power adaptor is provided; a car adap- 1 L mer . tor, rechargeable battery pack, fD 2reronic’s PV-S4580 S-VHS editing VCR ($1,099) is and sun shield are optional. Circle 123 on reader service card packed with high-end features, including a digital time-base corrector (TBC) that reduces picture jitter. As- semble editing lets users define up to eight video seg- ments, which are then transmitted via an IR signal to the recording VCR for automatic editing. A synchro-editing connector permits precise coordination with similarly equipped decks, and A/V dubbing accommodates add-on sound and/or video. Special video circuitry and DynAmor- phous heads are said to significantly reduce picture noise. Circle 124 on reader service card

eal oales onli |Rtzve(aatetsc| JVC's GR-SZ9 represents the latest refinements in WZ quality, creativity, and simplicity. Like a bright F1.2 lens and Digital Signal Processing for stunningly clear high- definition images — ideal for Super VHS high-resolution regerdifig. Ae “ wider-than-ever,sel ction of digi- tal special Recs that let you shoot professional style videos. And interactive in-viewfinder menus that make operation more user friendly than ever. The GR-SZ9 Compact Super VHS Hi- Fi Stereo Camcorder. It’s excellence redefined. Definitely by JVC. GR-SZ9u ® Super VHS Heo Technically Perfect. Perfectly Simple. CIRCLE NO. 1 ON READER SERVICE CARD

Class Useful features and a nice price mark Panasonic’s PV-1Q305 $01 HEAR THAT? IT’S THE SOUND OF TRULY USEFUL From where I sit, that’s good news: It’s just more fun to shoot when a technology trickling down to budget-priced camcorders. color finder is onboard. Leading the techno-charge are color electronic The 1Q305’s finder displays zoom viewfinders and extended zoom ratios, both of which ratio, battery and tape-remaining in- dicators, transport mode, record- and used to reside exclusively in nosebleed territory with the high-end shutter-speed indicators, a 10-second reminder, VCR mode, as well as cams. Fortunately, features don’t have to come at the cost of time and date. This information can also be monitored on-screen when performance. Case in point: Panasonic’s PV-IQ305 VHS-C the cam is connected to a TV. The clock/calendar is preset at the factory Palmcorder. It includes a color finder and a 14X zoom lens, and it for Eastern Standard Time, which is a nice amenity right out of the box; also offers an integral sliding lens auto-focus distance is 0.5 inch and jumping to another time zone is easi- cover, automatic time and date set- 34 inches for wide-angle and tele- ly done via the finder’s menu. The ting, a self-diagnostics mode, and photo, respectively. cam even automatically adjusts for lots of other practical conveniences. Daylight Savings Time twice a year. And picture quality is very good for Purists aren’t crazy about color a cam in this price range. Measuring 4.6 x 4.2 x 6.8 inches viewfinders, of course. Color models (h/w/d) and weighing 1.9 pounds, the Given its price ($799), the 1Q305’s have lower resolution than their 305 is comfortable to hold and easy feature package really is remarkable; black-and-white counterparts, and to operate. The finder is housed in a though its ticket is only slightly high- some find that this makes manual fo- stalk; it offers both diopter-focus and er than that of truly bare-bones mod- cusing more difficult. And though brightness controls. The stalk folds els, it delivers much more than they that can be true with some cams, I back against the camcorder body, do. In addition to point-and-shoot didn’t have any problems here; dis- providing access to the 1Q305’s play- simplicity and automated operations, cerning fine focus in both the auto- back controls, which are laid out on there are some unexpected manual matic and manual-focus modes was the stalk’s underside in an oval pat- controls, like those for shutter and simple. As focus mechanisms im- tern that’s compact but easy to navi- focus. And the contrast-type TTL auto prove (and the IQ305 proves that it’s focus is quite fast, taking little time happening), arguments against color to get where it wants to go; minimum LCDs will be hard to justify. In any case, color finders are here to stay. BY STEWART APPLEGATH

eSeaeeSene e gate. The still-function button, which which can happen with lens-ring focus 1Q305, it’d have RCA input and output freezes images on playback, is located mechanisms. The main VTR/camera- jacks instead of a single A/V output just above the VTR buttons. mode power switch is located close by, (which requires an adaptor cable); I’d which means that it’s out of harm’s use them to record material from other Though unorthodox, Panasonic’s po- way during shooting. When you shift sources, especially now that VHS-C sitioning of the playback controls the power switch to CAMERA, the shut- tapes come in 40-minute cassettes that works. After all, you can’t use a cam- ter-type lens cover snaps out of sight. run up to 2 hours (movie-length) in the corder for recording and playback si- As on the last few generations of Palm- SLP mode. I’d also add a user-defeat- multaneously. It’s true that most manu- corders, the 1Q305’s wireless remote able counter/readout for both the re- facturers locate these buttons on the cord and playback modes; the 1Q305 main body of their cams, but I found The four-speed offers only a 10-second-interval re- the 1Q305’s VTR setup (carried over power zoom minder for the record mode, and the from last year’s line) to be very easy to is hip, increasing dual-mode readout would make it easi- use; in fact, it often reminded me of us- flexibility er to track what you've shot. In fair- ing a remote control. in a variety of ness, these are minor flaws in an other- situations. wise thoughtful and logical package. The other main camera controls run along the 305’s spine. The centrally po- control is hidden in a slot in the cam’s The 1Q305’s 0.25-inch CCD recorded sitioned fader, high-speed-shutter, and side; this smart touch makes it easy to good-quality pictures at both the sp backlight buttons are easy to find and keep track of this relatively tiny acces- and SLP speeds; color accuracy was use without hunting while you’re sory. A “hot shoe” designed to secure good, if slightly undersaturated. I did shooting. The fade control (to or from and power an accessory light can be notice some some color bleeding as black) is triggered by the main stand- found above the lens. well as some luminance noise. Record- by/record button: If you push the fader ed picture resolution measured 240 button while shooting, audio and video The 14X zoom magnification (5.3 to lines, which is good for the format. will fade out the next time you push 74.2 mm) is one of the highest ratios Minimum illumination measured 1.6 the trigger button to stop recording; if I’ve seen (except for units that feature lux for 50 IRE. you push the fader button when you digital zoom enhancement). The IQ305 aren’t shooting, they’ll fade in the next also features a great four-speed power Ee time you start recording. The fully au- zoom that increases shooting flexibility BY THE NUMBERS tomatic shutter is defeated by pressing in a variety of situations. Many manu- the high-speed-shutter button; speeds facturers simplify this feature down to Measurements by Berger—Braithwaite Labs range from one-sixtieth of a second a two-speed mechanism, which often leaves me wanting more choices—“too Horizontal resolution: camera, 320 lines; (normal) all the way up to a bodacious fast” or “too slow” just aren’t good op- viewfinder, 270 lines; recorder, 240 lines one-ten-thousandth of a second. The tions. The extra gradations offered by backlight button simply makes shoot- the IQ305 are very welcome amenities. Picture S/N (SP): unweighted video, 43.1 ing easier: Once pushed, it stays en- dB; weighted video, 46.2 dB; chroma AM, gaged until you defeat it. If I could wish two features onto the 43.8 dB; chroma PM, 43 dB The manual-focus thumbwheel and Picture S/N (SLP): unweighted video, 38.2 automatic-focus-override button are dB; weighted video, 45.7 dB; chroma AM, conveniently located on the front of the 43.3 dB; chroma PM, 42.5 dB cam, just below the lens; their location means that roving fingers won’t acci- Linear mono sound is on tap. The dentally find their way into your shots, cam’s audio performance was slightly below average, due to the quality of the PANASONIC PV-IQ: built-in mono electret-condenser mi- crophone; it also picked up some tape- Component type: VHS-C camcorder transport noise. There are no jacks for Price: $799 an external microphone or headphones, though their absence isn’t unusual giv- Target: Convenience-minded camcorder users en the cam’s price. INEXPENSIVE CAMCORDERS HAVE COME a long way, as Panasonic’s PV-IQ305 KEY FEATURES ably proves. It feels comfortable when m Color viewfinder m 14X zoom m Four zoom speeds # Manual fo d shutter-speed options m Shutter speed can be set to one-ten-t you heft it, and it’s simple to use. And a second m Automatic calendar/time readout m Wireless remot it has truly desirable high-end features like a color viewfinder and 14x SUMMARY zoom—unimaginable perks at this ackage isremarkable for thiectpurriece m The zoom h price only a year ago. Though its audio nm Offers good capabilities could stand some improve- ment, that’s a small tradeoff consider- ing the alternatives. The 1Q305 is a fine performer and a very good value. a VIDEO JULY/AUGUST 1995 67

hat’s behind your wall outlets can kill. Itcan kill | FEATURES INCLUDE: performance. It can kill video equipment. But you —_* Protectionfor6ACoutlets can protect your video components with the —. gmyrrtnoise reduction COAXMAXe6 PLUS Surge Protector/Line Conditioner - ° Amplified coax signal, from Panamax. The COAXMAX 6 PLUS filters out * Ground OK & Line Fault EMI/REI noise, for better picture & better sound. And it protects from surges and spikes - even lightning diagnostic lights strikes - so effectively Panamax backs it with a LIFETIME, $5 MILLION CONNECTED —, acter on/off switch : EQUIPMENT WARRANTY! + Always-on outlet PANAMAX.THE SURGE STeeee ,A @MADE IN USA 150 MITCHELL BLVD., SANRAFAECAL9,4903 * 415-499-3900 * USA & CANADA 800-472-5555 * FAX 415-472-5540 + Panamax, MAX 1000+ and the Panamax logo are trademarks of Panamax, Inc. All other trademarks and registered trademarks are of their respective companies. © 1995 Panamax, Inc. All rights reserved CIRCLE NO. 64 ON READER SERVICE CARD

SOFT\\V\\VIKE Gump Happens, Judy Rides Again, Bare Witness FORREST GUMP with JFK or sitting next to John usual punch. Other movies may have Lennon on Dick Cavett’s talk show. INCE FORREST GUMP IS A CERTIFIED Oddly, Through the Eyes contains 14 upped the action ante since The Termi- chapter stops, while the film itself has s... (it’s already surpassed none. Oh well—deluxe is as deluxe nator’s debut (Die Hard and Speed does. —Andy Wickstrom Star Wars to become the third-highest- spring to mind), but, in a sense, they’re grossing film of all time), let’s not fret all imitators. This is the original, and over “What It Says About Us” and get it’s never looked better. —AW right to the chocolate, er, heart of the matter. The 142-minute Oscar-winning Gump (Paramount; VHS, $23, CLV discs, $50; Philips Video CD, $30) boasts a widescreen transfer of about 2.1:1, and though it’s done up to THX standards (the image is quite good, if not exceptional), it displays a tendency toward soft colors. Gump isn’t much of a surround-sound showcase, either, since the intimacy of the storyline dic- tates that most of the dialogue, musical score, and ambient sounds must be po- sitioned front and center. Included with the laserdisc and Video The long arm of the outlaw: Schwarzenegger makes a point in The Terminator CD editions is a 37-minute making-of program entitled Through the Eyes of THE TERMINATOR PETER GABRIEL ERMINATOR 2; JUDGMENT DAY (1991) Secret World Live Forrest Gump (the VHS version is sold deserves all of the praise it continu- ETER GABRIEL, THE ONE TRUE KING separately for $10), a pleasant behind- ally gets, but the THX-approved P:: All Media, has finally put the widescreen reissue of its forebear, The finishing touches on the video compan- the-scenes tour Terminator (Hemdale/Image; CLV disc, ion to last year’s double-CD release, $40), is a wonderful reminder of how Secret World Live. Filmed over two that reveals much A-level excitement director nights in November 1993 at Modena, James Cameron generated on a B-pic- Italy’s Palasport arena, the full-screen some of the ture budget. The thrills in the original Secret World Live (Geffen/Image; VHS, computerized Terminator (1984) were compounded $30, CLV disc, $40) is dominated by by their unexpected nature—remem- grainy cinematography and muddled trickery used to ber, neither Arnold Schwarzenegger nor Cameron could claim superstar sta- sound (more often than not, guitarist show good ol’ ture at the time of the film’s release. David Rhodes is absolutely Jost in the The images of this 1.85:1 transfer are stereo mix). Curiously, much of the Forrest (Tom sharp enough that each subsequent footage shot during the dramatically viewing unearths new information; percussive “Digging in the Dirt”— Hanks—as if only here, for instance, is it indis- culled from a mini-camera mounted on putably clear that Arnold is, er, fully on a makeshift helmet that distorts you didn’t know) view in Chapter 4’s opening scene. Gabriel’s face enough to make him re- Fortunately, it’s the nonstop action semble Spinal Tap’s hirsute bassist, PHOTOFEST shaking hands scenes that linger most in memory, Derek Smalls—are the sharpest images whether it’s Arnie’s quick-fisted dis- of the entire 102-minute show. And posal of a trio of punks upon his ar- while there’s no doubting the sincerity rival, the superbly staged shootout at or ace musicianship of Gabriel’s crack the police station (“I'll be back”), or band (which includes bassist Tony the breakneck motorcycle, police-cruis- er, and tractor-trailer chases. Even the Levin, drummer Manu Katche, and vo- digital mono soundtrack packs an un- calist/foil Paula Cole), the dirty little Hot chocolates: Hanks in Gump secret of Secret World Live appears to be that much of what you’re hearing isn’t all that live. Buried in the credits is this telling line: “Additional engi- VIDEO JULY/AUGUS19T95 69

| SOFTV\\RESOFTWIRESOFTWIRESOFTWIRESOFTWIR neering at Real World Studios, Box, a disc release of The Pirate, which had UK, and Guillaume Tell Studios, Paris.” (The liner notes for the CD Treading lotto: Blankman’s Wayans as much noise as audio. In any case, word things a tad more succinctly, this is still a laserdisc worth having, adding the phrase, “additional record- gaffes and some telling coaching that and the general excellence of the other ing and production at... .”) Most of reveals how Judy’s special magic came two films (along with all of those ex- this post-production tinkering seems to into being. tras) leaves me longing for further digi- have been applied to the vocals; the tally rescued MGM gems. maneuvering is readily apparent in The film portions of Judy Garland: songs like “Across the River” and The Golden Years at MGM (MGM/UA; —Josef Krebs “Don’t Give Up,” where Gabriel dra- CLV/CAV discs, $125) look absolutely matically alters his physical proximity gorgeous. This is especially true of The BLANKMAN to the microphone with no detectable Pirate, which accents director Vincente T’S A LOW-DOWN DIRTY SHAME THAT shifts in the level or ambience of his Minnelli’s exotic use of color in light- Blankman (Columbia TriStar; VHS, voice. That’s not to say Secret World is ing, sets, and costumes, greatly intensi- a bad performance—the band is lively fying the mood of scenes like the fiery priced for rental, CLV disc, $35) didn’t and animated, and director Francois “Pirate Ballet” (Side 4, Chapter 6). It score at the box office. While not ex- Girard’s lens captures all of the per- also lets us dwell on details, such as the actly inhabiting Ernst Lubitsch territo- formers’ intensity. But sometimes, Live stylized sets showcased during Judy’s ry, this genial tale of an inept, nerdy in- just isn’t quite the same as being there. unforgettable rendition of “Get Happy” ner-city crimefighter (Damon Wayans) in Charles Walters’ Summer Stock (Side and his embarrassed TV-cameraman —Mike Mettler buddy (David Alan Grier) plays much 6, Chapter 35). All three full-screen like an urban Martin-and-Lewis movie. JUDY GARLAND Sadly, the TriStar transfer and the The Golden Years at MGM (not letterboxed) films have been digi- pressing (at Sony’s Austrian plant), tally transferred from interpositives while presented in the proper 1.85:1 as- ROCLAIMING “JUDY! JUDY! JUDY!” created from the original nitrate Tech- pect ratio, is often dark and gritty, with would be understating things, for nicolor negatives. colors dominated by an unappealing or- this garland to Ms. Garland is much ange tinge. The standout soundtrack, more than a sum of its parts. If the It’s a shame to note that the audio however, is another Dolby triumph, three movies included in this lavish track for The Pirate was often marred with neat surround and boombox rever- box set—The Harvey Girls (1946), The by a harsh, scraping, practically vibrat- berations courtesy of Prince, Silk, Pirate (1948), and Summer Stock ing tone. At first I suspected a problem (1950)—weren’t such genuine classics, with my reference system, but subse- Domino, and a host of others. they’d almost get upstaged by the rich- quent viewings using another otherwise —Mel Neuhaus identical disc on another system and a Drivin’ rhythm: Judy in Summer Stock third set sent to VIDEO by MGM/UA— PRINCESS CARABOO who felt our initial copy’s defect was MAGINE IF PRESTON STURGES DI- es of rare Judy material included an isolated incident—proved otherwise. here—short takes from her entire ca- MGM/UA commented that a great deal BDvected an episode of PBS’ Master- reer (starting at age 7), a’stellar collec- of work had gone into improving the piece Theatre and Princess Caraboo tion of stills, trailers from nearly all of sound of the previous, separate laser- (Columbia TriStar; VHS, priced for her 30-odd films, audio commentary rental, CLV disc, $35) starts to make from Harvey Girls director George Sid- ney, radio appearances, an analog track perfect sense. Caraboo (Phoebe Cates) containing 80 songs previously cut, is a hilarious cinematic cocktail: a truncated, or passed over for alternate waifish-19th century enigma who, with- takes, and rehearsals, complete with out uttering a word of English, man- ages to convince the local British hoi polloi that she is in fact an expatriate Middle Eastern princess. Based on a true story (!), this sparkling °94 box- office sleeper features a marvelous ensemble cast, including Kevin Kline (Cates’ real-life husband), Stephen Rea, Jim Broadbent, Wendy Hughes, and the seemingly ever-present John Lithgow. Wittily directed and co-writ- ten by Michael Austin, Caraboo bene- fits from a grand period production and beautifully muted imagery courtesy of master cinematographer Freddie Fran- cis. The TriStar transfer and Sony pressing (in the correct European 1.66:1 aspect ratio) reproduces the in- 70 JULY/AUGUS1T995 VIDEO

Sa VRESOFTVRESOF iag The princess lied: Caraboo’s Cates dances her way into royalty ONE-EYED JACKS HIS CLASSIC WESTERN REVENGE tentions of the filmmakers with immac- MRS. DOUBTFIRE The Collector’s Edition | qe is also a notorious odyssey ulate detail; ditto the Dolby soundtrack, of endurance. When filming com- menced in 1958, One-Eyed Jacks which is made prominent by a lively IKE JIM CARREY’S THE MASK, 1993’s (Paramount; CLV disc, $40) was plagued by flareups between star/pro- Richard Hartley score and a number of mega-box-office smash Mrs. Doubt- ducer Marlon Brando and director Stanley Kubrick, who soon flew the nifty surround effects. Add it all up and fire exists mainly to showcase the coop. Brando then picked up the direc- torial reins himself—and turned in a this Princess turns out to be quite the comedic talents of its beloved star. In nearly 5-hour cut almost 3 years later. Paramount’s executives must have little gem. —MN this case it’s the ever-manic Robin blinked—and then they virtually halved the footage and released their Williams, who transforms himself into Cell mating: Jacks’ Brando behind bars THE INVISIBLE COLLECTION a 65-year-old British housekeeper as if own cut in 1961. It garnered good re- HEN UNIVERSAL FIRST UNVEILED he were born to play the role. But a box views and did decent business, but nowhere near enough to recoup its The Invisible Man (1933), their set this elaborate begs the question: enormous costs. Still, Paramount’s cut of this fascinating, studied drama, of interpretation of H.G. Wells’ classic Does Mrs. Doubtfire deserve the kind an outlaw hunting down the ex-friend who left him to die, has attained tale of an experiment gone awry, it cap- of ultra-enhanced treatment usually re- revered status due to Brando’s unortho- dox interpretation of the material, the tivated audiences with a witty script, served for the Citizen Kanes of the unusual Malibu coastal locations (shrewdly recalled by Clint Eastwood James Whale’s eccentric direction, and world? No matter where you stand on in 1973’s High Plains Drifter), and Charles Lang’s gorgeous Technicolor a bravura debut performance from this issue, there’s no denying that the photography. Jacks was also Para- mount’s last production using the bril- Claude Rains. Most of all, The Invisible deluxe Doubtfire (FoxVideo; CLV/CAV liant VistaVision process (which em- ployed a variable ratio that ranged Man defied reality via its landmark discs, $100) is a terrific package, from 1.66:1 to 2:1). This razor-sharp LDC pressing is in the original theatri- cinemagical effects. Then, in 1940, the packed with everything a fan could cal 1.85:1 aspect ratio (preferred by Paramount as the exhibition choice for first of a number of sequels was re- possibly want: trailers and promotional leased, and show biz’s greatest vanish- materials, a running commentary from ing act was off and running. Now director Chris Columbus, a complete MCA/Universal has produced the four- version of the original Chuck Jones title The Invisible Collection (CLV cartoon that opens the film, a whopping discs, $100). 30-minutes worth of deleted (and—no The high-caliber LDC pressings, surprise—mostly improvised) scenes, transferred from nicely preserved 35MM and much more. And the Panavision negatives and fine grains, provides over 2.35:1, THX-approved transfer puts a 5 hours of fun for fantasy-film fans. welcome spotlight on the film’s beauti- You get Vincent Price in The Invisible ful San Francisco locations. For Wil- Man Returns (1940), John Barrymore liams’ legions of devoted fans, the line and Virginia Bruce in The Invisible forms to the left. —Ken Korman Woman (1941), the WWI-driven /nvis- ible Agent (1942), and Jon Hall and John Carradine in The Invisible Man’s Revenge (1944) as well as theatrical trailers, chapter stops, and extensive il- lustrated liner notes. The crisp, clear black-and-white of old-time Holly- wood will win approval of laserphiles, and the strong digital mono soundtrack does justice to Hans Salter’s lilting scores. For the record, MCA still offers the initial 1933 classic on disc ($35), as well as the final outing, Abbott and Costello Meet the Invisible Man (1951), as part of the Abbott and Costello Meet the Monsters box ($100). —MN VIDEO JULY/AUGUS19T95 71

SOFT VRE SOFTWVRESOFTVVRESOFTVVRESOFTVWVIRESO playhouses not equipped for Vista- Vision)—a reasonable decision, as I doubt that the picture ever played on more than a handful of screens in pre- IMAX-era 1.66:1 dimensions. An enor- mous improvement over the previous, grainy full-framed disc version, the new Jacks also delivers a lush digital mono soundtrack that beautifully am- plifies Hugo Friedhofer’s thundering score. —MN TIME BANDITS ERRY GILLIAM, THE EX-MONTY Pythonite, has made a second career out of directing wild cinematic romps, and Time Bandits (Paramount; CLV disc, $40) is the film that set him on his course. The story of a band of dwarves Glass menagerie: Witness’s Ford, McGillis keep it on ice that leads an unsuspecting youth through a series of “holes” in the space/ WITNESS McGillis is delightfully protracted, cul- HE SUPERB BALANCE OF WITNESS minating in a grand scene that’s cen- time continuum, Bandits (1981) is vi- (1981), both in a moral and a com- tered around a flurry of intense kisses and immediately followed by the ar- sually stunning in the manner of Gil- positional sense, is easy to appreciate rival of the bad guys. Outdoor scenes in in its recently remastered widescreen this clear 1.85:1 transfer are sharp and liam’s later creations, such as Brazil version (Paramount; CLV disc, $40). bright, while the moody nighttime inte- Director Peter Weir wastes nary a shot riors—remember, the Amish shun elec- (1985) and The Fisher King (1991), but or an inch of frame in this story of a tricity—have a rich darkness with just a Philadelphia detective (Harrison Ford) bit of unavoidable grain. Witness is the it’s not nearly as satisfying. Jokes fly in who uncovers departmental corruption kind of movie where every glance and must hide out, while wounded, in speaks volumes. And the scene in every direction, but the timing is off the farmhouse of an Amish widow which a barn’s wooden frame is raised (Kelly McGillis) and her son (Lukas against a perfectly blue sky (Chapter more often than not, and the storyline’s Haas) . . . who also happens to be a 11) is a validation that honesty, indus- murder witness. Ford has never been try—and life—can indeed be sweet. relentless pace could leave some view- more charming than as the gruff city cop who learns about a different way of —AW ers gasping for air. Still, the troupe runs life. His falling in love with widow SILKWOOD into confrontations with wonderful The “hole” crew: The Bandits of Bandits AREN SILKWOOD ISN’T EXACTLY support players like John Cleese Kyou: typical big-screen heroine. A spirited and carefree twentysomething (Robin Hood) and Sean Connery (King from Oklahoma, Silkwood found her- self unexpectedly embroiled in an in- Agamemnon), and the excellent 1.85:1 vestigation of unsafe working condi- tions at the nuclear facility where she letterboxed transfer finely preserves was employed in the mid-’70s—and her curiosity may very well have cost Gilliam’s trademark panoramic visuals. her her life. Thanks to Meryl Streep’s brilliant portrayal, Silkwood was given “Holes” aside, it’s well worth your the chance to transcend the headlines and be seen as a real if flawed human Time. —KK being. Though a bit on the somber side, Silkwood (1983, Summa Video; CLV/ CAV discs, $50) manages to capture the era and the rural-America setting quite beautifully. (Si/kwood also repre- sents the bridge between director Mike CONTINUED ON PAGE 86

To See The Future Now, Watch Us. Zenith Advanced Video Imaging _ With StarSight. STARSIGHT SEP MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT. SUN Math ... Who Needs It?! QIS0)| Wild Austtanie (2e)| In the Best toterest of CHBO)| the Bedyaesea C@ Prime Suspect |Gastight| a ieeeG SHOWTIME 7:30P eh Stop watching TV and start watching the i 'at the movies. future: Zenith Advanced Video Imaging. With And now they feature the ultimate in view- superior picture quality that delivers sharper _ ing simplicity: StarSight. An interactive, on- images, brighter resolution and richer, more __ screen electronic program guide colorful tones. with one-button VCR recording. Combined with color P-I-P, high fidelity So start watching the future Surround Sound, and on select models— __ now: Zenith with StarSight. the ultimate in home theater Ask your Zenith rep- experience, Dolby Pro Logic™ (Lt LLHf ~ resentative for a these sets look, sound and WATCH US. demonstration. StarSight is a trademark of StarSight Telecast, Inc. Dolby ProLogicis a trademark of Dolby Laboratories, Inc. Picture simulated. © 1995 Zenith Electronics Corporation CIRCLE NO. 60 ON READER SERVICE CARD

MULTIMEDIAVIDEO’S GUIDE TO TECHNOLOGY PC NO EVIL ing systems to help ensure that clips start that MPEG-1 performance is the Video Quality and recorded on one MPC package will au- best you can achieve without a truly Multimedia Applications tomatically play at a resolution/frame- huge investment. rate combination that another package F YOU OWN EVEN A RUDIMENTARY can manage. Begin with a fast processor and as home-theater system, you can’t help much memory as you can afford. These but feel that the video quality you get Today's PCs still have a way to go, days, 100-MHz Pentium processors out of your MPC is a joke. When the though. Video applications require a (P100s) form the core of nearly every subject of PC video is raised in polite large number of floating-point opera- company’s product line. If you want the conversation, it conjures up visions of tions that need to be carried out in real- best video you can get out of your PC, tiny talking heads, their mouths flap- time; this poses a bigger problem for get a PLOO. ping as rigidly as that of a character in PCs than for workstations and Power an early Hanna—Barbera cartoon. Ex- Macs. Without an assist from a dedicat- ON THE INSIDE amine the video clips delivered by ed video acceleration chip, full-motion even a killer MPC and you can’t help full-screen video playback—which re- SHORTW. but frown at the dull images and jerky quires on-the-fly decompression, scal- motion, ing, interpolation, and color space con- The problems with PC video are le- version—bogs down even the fastest of gion: Video poses serious problems for Intel’s current Pentium processors. home PC hardware. And the big con- tent providers, constrained by the need But don’t despair. The popularity of the PC is, after all, based on its upgrad- to be compatible with older hardware, ability, which has been fostered by an offer software with poorly compressed, incredibly hyperactive conglomeration low-resolution clips—240 x 160 pixels of aftermarket suppliers. With some and 15 frames per second are typical. careful planning, you can turn your PC Nonetheless, even these simple clips into a topnotch video system—but it can bring a 2-year-old 486 processor to won't come cheap. Getting high-quality its knees. images (and sound) costs no less here than when setting up a topnotch home- It doesn’t have to be this way, of theater system. And know from the course. There are far more PCs than there are Macintoshes and “worksta- tions’” combined, so there's a powerful profit motive for bringing advanced video capabilities to the PC. And R&D really isn’t the problem, either—prod- uct cycles are blindingly fast, averag- ing 3 to 6 months. The PC you bought last January can be two generations out of date by the end of the year. In fact, new operating systems—in- cluding the eagerly anticipated Win- dows 95 and the next version of Win- dows NT (currently dubbed “Cairo’), both of which are expected to offer “Plug and Play” simplicity—promise to ease the considerable headaches that are associated with passing video clips among custom multimedia systems. In- tegrated support for video and 3-D ani- MJEYFEFRSmation will combine with these operat- 74 JULY/AUGUST 1995 VIDEO

Most pundits recommend 16 MB of But they’re nearly useless for broad- 1994 Best Picture & RAM as the minimum for general-pur- Best Actor on LaserBise 2.0. pose use, and they’re right on target— cast-quality work. For that, you need if all you need to do is play back video Hanks is clips. But if you want to record (“cap- MPEG compression, which is still rela- Forrest ture”) and/or edit video in real-time, you really need 32, 64, or even 128 MB tively rare in the PC realm. This gap is of system RAM. High-quality motion video positively guzz/es memory. rapidly being filled, but to produce top- Video-capture software often helps quality clips in real-time, your options out on the memory front, though. Most programs give you the option of captur- are still fairly limited; Sigma Designs’ ing video directly to your PC’s hard drive or using system RAM as a dedicat- Reel-Magic Producer ($3,995) is the ed capture buffer. If you have RAM to burn, go with the latter option, since best budget choice for encoding MPEG- system RAM is typically 100 times faster than your hard drive, giving your 1 streams on the fly. Currently, MPEG-2 system a huge edge in manipulating video streams. encoders are prohibitively expensive In any case, your PC should have lo- for all but major commercial enter- cal-bus peripheral support in order to keep up with video demands. Nearly prises (as if the Sigma card isn’t expen- every Pentium sold today includes In- tel’s PCI version of the local bus, so this sive enough), though work by major Other Top” won't be a problem if you’re heading out to buy a P100. But it will be a prob- chip vendors like C-Cube will change Iaeca Reo LAUE, lem if you have an older PC that doesn’t have a PCI or VL-bus: Bus architecture this situation, possibly by year’s end. can’t be upgraded unless you’re ready to get drastic and replace your PC’s moth- Home-theater aficionados don’t think titles... erboard. much of MPEG-1, of course, but MPEG-1 DAP ZN x) Next up is the hard drive itself. Faster and bigger is better, of course, but it al- quality can actually be quite good in a Starring so pays to invest in an A/V drive, which attacks a common hard-drive problem: PC context, and it’s finally beginning to Jodie Foster Hard discs literally heat up as they work to keep their tracks in line, so oc- make an impact in the PC arena. Base- casionally they perform a “thermal re- calibration” on themselves to right level graphics cards like Diamond Mul- things. Recalibration doesn’t effect simple applications like loading a timedia’s Stealth64 Pro Video ($399) MARY SHELLEY’S Dump c Clumber spreadsheet or retouching a static im- age, but, as 1/O functions are suspended and Videologic’s Graphics Star 700 FRANKENSTEIN INTERVIEW for a few hundred milliseconds during recalibration, it can cause dropped ($349) can be purchased with dedicated frames when you're capturing a video clip or cause buffer under-runs when MPEG-playback accelerator chips or up- WITH THE you're writing to a CD-recorder. The A/V type uses advanced techniques to graded via a daughtercard at a later DISCLOSURE vampire avoid errors due to recalibration. Top- ranked drives include IBM’s Ultrastar date. Other graphics accelerators can be RIVER _ [nlle Lies AV (about $2,325), a 5.1-GB SCSI-II drive, and Micropolis’ Model 3243AV configured to work with standalone ($2,200), a 4.3-GB SCSI-I1 model. MPEG playback cards. i HAR=RIS=FOONRD And then there’s the video card. Most ase. ieWILD PC-oriented content providers stick to After capturing, editing, and mixing proprietary compression algorithms— such as Intel’s Indeo, Supermac’s your video, you need to save it in a Cinepak, and Mac/PC cross-platform schemes like Apple’s QuickTime— form that others can access. Though since they're generally more tolerant of the floating-point inadequacies of base- Sony/Philips and Toshiba/Time Warner | SPEGTIHAELIST PRESENT level PCs (and Macs). are working on competing high-density —PANGED DVD formats, today’s benchmark is the Se a IR Ge An sie good old CD. For $2,000 to $5,000, Mention this Ad and get a 20% discount you can purchase a CD-recorder that'll off the Suggested Retail Price on the Titles record video and audio; the resulting listed above, (Offer expires 10/31/1995) CD-R discs can be played on any com- Call for our FREE Monthly Laserdisc Catalog! Hundreds of New and Recent puter that’s equipped with a CD-ROM Releases. All, at least, 15% OFF S.R.P.! player (or on a CD-i player). Yamaha’s PLUS... quad-speed CDR-100 ($4,995) is the OVERNIGHT DELIVERY current state-of-the-art, but double- speed CD-R decks from Pinnacle Mi- cro, Creative Labs, and others can be found for under $2,000. Another option is to have a service bureau record your Overnight Delivery Only $2.99 per Order*! video onto a $20 CD-ROM disc, for about $90. 1 or 100 discs - you pay only $2.99! *Orders can include “Pre-orders” and “Back-orders!” All of which brings us back to prod- (Continental U.S. shipments only - certain uct cycles. As you can see, you need to areas and shipments over 5-lbs. may require an extra business day) get a loaded P100, and then spend sev- Every Laserdisc title available at up to 40% OFF! eral thousand dollars more on cards and Laserdisc Fan Club, Inc. a CD-R deck, if you want state-of-the- 1058 E. 230th St. ¢ Dept. V75 Carson, CA 90745 art video on your home PC today—-and ~N ~ even then it'll only be MPEG-1 quality. «= & (MJ (800) 801-DISC(3472) In the next few years, however, MPEG-2 a2e) (ask for ext. V75) cards will become relatively affordable FAX (310) 952-3000 SC FAN CLUB Open Monday - Saturday and higher-density storage will be available. They may not enable you to For your FREE Laserdisc Catalog, please brew up your own Jurassic Park, but complete and mail the coupon below: Name: you won't be stuck with Deputy Dawg, either. —John Hill Address: City, State, Zip Code:

NEW TECH 1 PACKARD BELL is put- Rocket 2 is actually two ing a new spin on applica- ions flexibility by loading its stacked Rocket 1 modules; new 486, P75, and P100 stacking enables the Rocket PCs (including the P75 system to grow with your me- minitower shown here, $2,299 0 $2,399, depending on op- dia collection without requiring ions; circle 126 on reader service card) with two CD- additional floor space. Each ROM players. Potential uses Rocket 1 ($40) measures 19.5 include running an applica- ion from one disc while x 30.5 x 7.9 inches (h/w/d) and downloading graphics from holds up to 56 videotapes or another as well as listening to a music CD while playing a 140 CDs and/or CD-ROMs on game. The new PCs also of- fer a variety of enhancements multi-angle shelves that can compared to prior models: All of the systems now boast 8 be set flat, flat with a vertical MB of RAM, a 14.4-Kbps fax/modem (with phone-an- back, or in a V-shape; the swering functions), and SRS 3-D sound. 2 YAMAHA gets Rocket 2’s capacity is twice big bass out of its small YST- $8510 multimedia speaker that of the Rocket 1. Most im- package ($299: circle 127 0n portantly, perhaps, Rocket reader service card) by build- ing in Active Servo technolo- modules are environmentally gy. The YST-MS satellites, which measure 7.33 x 3.25 x correct: NVB says the linseed- 4.85 inches (h/w/d), incorpo- rate a 3-watt-per-channel oil-finished Radiata Pine they (rated) amplifier and are said use comes from strictly man- to reproduce frequencies down to 90 Hz through their aged plantations where a 2.5-inch full-range drivers. The YST-MSW10 bass mod- sapling is planted for each tree ule utilizes a 6.5-inch cone cut down. 4 TURTLE BEACH's and a 25-watt (rated) amp in Tropez sound card ($249; cir- its 8 x 11 x 9.8-iInch cabinet (h/w/d); low-end response is cle 129 on reader service said to hit an impressive 35 Hz, Features include magnet- card) is a do-it-all device. The ic shielding, front-mounted power, volume, and ‘pres- Tropez is said to offer high- ence’ controls on the satel- lites, a high-cut control on the quality 16-bit digital audio, bass module, and an AC/DC adaptor. 3 NAPA VALLEY professional-caliber MIDI ierMl BOX promotes convenience with its Rocket 2 multimedia wave-table synthesis (with storage unit ($70; circle 128 on reader service card). The 128 stored instruments), and 100-percent game compati- bility. The package is loaded with software, including Sierra (a multimedia audio controller for music CDs that can be run on top of the menu bar of any application), the Turtle Beach Mixer, WaveSE sound-editing software, MousePlayer instru- ment-audition software, a Tur- tle Beach MicroWave OLE- compatible sound recorder, and Stratos songwriting soft- ware. Theres also a Wave- Patch patch editor that lets musicians “create” original in- struments. System require- ments include a 386SX micro- processor or better, 2 MB of RAM, Windows 3.1, and pow- ered speakers or head- phones. a 76 JULY/AUGUST 1995 VIDEO

SHORTWARE Wherever You ROM level control. An I/O connector 43 and it resumed playback resides on the back of the 4 quickly. Sony PRD-150 unit, and there’s a com- Portable CD-ROM Player partment for two AA 4 After about 1.5 hours, though, the two batteries on the bot- 423 AA alkaline batteries gave up the ghost. HOSE READERS JUST RETURNING tom. Up top are # (This is typical for high-speed opera- from the sled races in Antarctica several controls: tion; playing time is about 2.5 hours will be surprised to learn that sales of play/pause, when youre just spinning music CDs.) CD-ROM players have exploded. And stop, search, So I inserted a fully charged BP-DM10 demand is not limited to home comput- rechargeable battery pack ($25); it kept ers: Road warriors may forget to pack a repeat, and / the 150 up and running with CD-ROMs comb or toothbrush, but they don’t play mode/ for another hour (it would have lasted seem to be leaving home without their speed. Final- 1.5 hours if I’d simply been listening to laptop. This means that the next big ly, an’ LED music CDs). This is as good as you can frontier in CD-ROM players is portable readout shows do with today’s battery technology, but external models that plug into laptops. operating status. I found the time constraints annoying Sony’s PRD-150 portable CD-ROM Sony provides an AC Discman ($500) is just such a player. adaptor, headphones, installation soft- all the same. Recall that Sony developed the first portable CD audio player and you'll ware, an interface cable, and a PCM- Sony’s PRD-150 is a good dual-speed understand why the company’s engi- CIA interface card. neers weren't shy about modifying the CD-ROM player, and its audio capabil- Discman concept for CD-ROM play- Installation is pretty easy: Plug the back. In fact, the 150 looks a lot like a supplied PCMCIA card into your lap- ities are excellent. Though its light CD portable and it plays music CDs. top, connect the 150 to the laptop with More importantly, the 150 also plays a supplied cable, and use the laptop’s weight is desirable, durability is, too— floppy-disc drive to run the install soft- CD-ROM XA (extended-architecture) ware, which transfers the necessary the 150 really needs to be more robust. discs. This capability is important be- drivers to the laptop. The software is cause just about every cool new CD- designed for Windows-based MPC And the battle to slow battery drain ROM title uses it for improved perfor- hardware, and CardWizard software is mance. The 150 also supports the MPC on hand to help diagnose any PCMCIA on AA cells must be fought and won. Level 2, Photo CD multisession, and problems. Plug and Play standards. To use it, Still, the 150 is a terrific accomplish- you'll need a 386SX or higher proces- For this test, I plugged the PCMCIA sor, 2 MB of RAM, a PCMCIA 2.1 Type card into a Compaq laptop. I also ment. —Ken C. Pohlmann plugged a PCMCIA .WAVjammer II slot, a PCMCIA sound card, Win- sound card (not supplied) into the dows 3.1, and a floppy drive. Compaq so that I could listen to the soundtracks on my CD-ROMs. Then I The Level 2 designation generally gathered up my toys and caught the classifies the 150 as a “‘double-speed” next plane to New York. player. Average access time is rated at After reaching cruising altitude, I first 380 milliseconds (using the “third- spun a music CD. The 150 performed stroke benchmark”) in its high-speed as advertised—and sounded quite mode. Switch it to its power-save mode good, in fact. Then | powered up my and the laser sled moves more slowly, laptop, entered Windows, switched to increasing access time. the sound card, and installed Monty Python's Complete Waste of Time. The The 150 weighs a wispy 10 ounces. application ran nicely, with excellent To achieve this low weight, it’s con- sound and no artifacts or glitches. And structed entirely of plastic—and it’s the 150 didn't stumble when I switched anything but rugged. If you were to on the power-saver mode-—again, no drop it more than a couple of feet onto artifacts or delays. It did skip momen- a hard surface, it’d surely be history. tarily if I banged on it (though only if it was accessing data at that moment), There are jacks for a pair of head- phones, line output, and a 6-volt DC power input as well as a headphone VIDEO JULY/AUGUST 1995 77

SOFTWIRE WYATT EARP’S OLD WEST out offering suggestions for your next YATT EARP’S OLD WEST 1S ONE CD-ROM that truly deserves to destination, and you can search for ma- be called “edutainment.” Essentially a terial of interest by way of geographi- walking tour of Tombstone, Arizona (which has been restored to recreate the cal location, alphabetical index, or a post-Civil War era when Earp, his brothers, and “Doc” Holliday ruled the creature’s defense mechanisms (jaws, town), Grolier’s Earp ($45) mixes typi- cal gaming fare with in-depth discus- fangs) or habitat (desert, grasslands). sions of Old West lifestyles and (of course) a chance to strike it rich. Play- You can also take guided tours of sites ers have the option of taking the tour as is or spicing it up with random gun- with intriguing names like “Amazon fights. (There’s also a standalone shootout game, similar to American Adventure” and “Dumb Things People Laser Games’ Mad Dog McCree, that’ll let players further fill their coffers.) The Do.” Dangerous Creatures is so intoxi- educational side of Earp offers some intriguing social commentary, such as cating, in fact, that you shouldn't be at Stormtroopin’: Dark Forces the important role that Chinese and Mexican citizens played in Tombstone all surprised if you lose track of the Luck of the draw: Wyatt Earp time while hanging out with the likes of youll have to repeat the entire mission. society and the struggles of some of the poison-vine caterpillars and Tasmanian A few hints: Stick to the darkest areas women to become financially indepen- dent in a town that was, at the time, the devils. (Windows or Mac disc) of each room, use the element of sur- epitome of a man’s world. One of the —Ken Korman prise to your advantage, and always re- main selling points of multimedia has been its ability to grant participants the member to turn off your headlamp be- opportunity to tour great cultural icons like The Louvre, The Pyramids, and DARK FORCES fore walking through any passageway. The Great Wall of China. We can now May the Forces be with you. (MPC add Wyatt Earp’s Old West to the UCASARTS’ HIGHLY CINEMATIC DARK : disc) —PH roundup. (Windows disc) —Pete Hisey Forces ($60) introduces a new Lu- DANGEROUS CREATURES cas character to the ever-expanding ASTRONOMICA Star Wars canon: the mercenary Kyle F LIFE FEELS LIKE A WALK THROUGH ROM KILLER BEES TO KOMODO Katarn, who has bailed out of the Em- dragons, Microsoft’s Dangerous pire’s legions to join forces with the i. maze under a star-filled sky—or if “Creat ires ($60) ‘spotlights the lin e Rebel Alliance. As Katarn, you are sent you'd like it to feel that way—then Hy- on a series of missions, starting with per-Quest’s Astronomica ($70) is the the relatively straightforward theft of CD-ROM for you. Here you happily the Empire’s Death Star plans. But dur- volunteer to break into the SkyQuest ing this particular mission, you run science institute in order to help Sarah, across the Dark Troopers, the Empire’s the QuickTime gal who’s asked you to most elite force yet, and somehow you locate her eccentric MIA professor- have to get word back to an already- father, Dr. Mayer. The good doctor may devastated Rebel-held world in order to have inadvertently accelerated the end combat this new foe. of the universe with his top-secret As- Dark Forces really makes its mark tronomica project, so you need to get with its fabulous graphics, which stand SkyQuest’s supercomputer back online among the best I’ve ever seen in an ac- to assess the damage.You do this by tion game—they bring to mind the clicking your way around the 3-D ex- scope and fluidity of the Star Wars ploratorium and resetting its exhibits by movies themselves. Spaceships zoom, solving astronomy-related interactive lasers literally scream off of metal puzzles and playing arcade games, walls, the aliens are totally creepy, and which have names like “Interplanetary the sewer system in Level 2 is so dis- Pinball” and “Backwards Time View- gusting you can almost smell it. In the er.” If you’re stumped, assistance is al- bad-news department, the game only ways at hand from two of history’s most eminent scientists—Albert Ein- offers 15 levels, compared to the 25 or stein and Galileo—as well as an infor- 30 that are standard in top-of-the-line mative interactive encyclopedia. games like Doom and Descent. On the While it’s a great disc for fueling in- other hand, it could still take a few terest in its core subject matter, Aszro- months (yes, months) just to get past nomica may occasionally prove frus- Level 10 even if you start atthe lowest trating if your main goals are to get cys level. And, unlike’ back together with Sarah and solve the mystery before the whole damn place blows up. (Windows or Mac disc) —Josef Krebs

GLASASCT CONTINUED FROM PAGE 24 2 only company that plans to introduce 3 widescreen sets this year. The 34-inch & WT-3650 ($5,000) and the 30-inch WT- 3250 ($2,700) should be available now. iy SAMSUNG Not just big, but full, rich, and lifelike. Introducing the Bose® Wave\" Top performance features are trick- radio. Small enough to fit almost anywhere, yet its patented acoustic ling down to truly affordable sets, as Samsung’s new models prove. The com- waveguide speaker technology enables it to fill the room with big pany’s four 27- and one 31-inch direct- view models offer dark-tint picture stereo sound. You literally have to hear it to believe it. Available tubes. All of the sets, including the 31- inch TXC3135 ($1,099) and the 27-inch directly from Bose, the Wave® radio even has a remote control. Call TXB2735 ($619), also feature comb fil- ters. Absent are features like color-tem- toll free or write for our free information kit. | 7= perature controls and picture-enhance- ment circuits, since these extras, And find out how big a radio can sound. Better sound through research » Samsung says, would hike prices unac- ceptably. As one of the first companies MR./MRS./MS. 6% () ( “) to offer StarSight in a VCR, however, Samsung plans to add the guide to one NAME (PLEASE PRINT) DAYTIME TELEPHONE EVENING TELEPHONE or more sets later this year. ADDRESS SHARP CITY STATE zip The top Sharp sets are part of the Cin- ema Select series, which includes five Call 1-800-845-BOSE, ext. R305 The Mountain,ramainMgAh0a17n01n-91,68, big-screen direct-view models. The best of these sets, the 31-inch 31GX1200 THIS ($1,299) and 35-inch 35GX1200 FINGER ($1,899), includes a digital comb filter CAN HELP and velocity-modulation scanning. YOU FIND Dark-tint tubes are standard in all of ANY ACCESSORY Sharp’s big-screen models, and every YOU NEED. JUST DIAL big direct-view set the company makes (save the two already mentioned) em- 800-231-0031 ploys a glass comb filter. The company continues to offer the widescreen, 34- Need to know something about electronic inch 34W 1000 ($3,499), and 31- as well accessories? We have virtually everything for as 35-inch TV/VCRs with StarSight guides are on the way. computers, cellular, telephones, audio, A recognized leader in LCD technolo- camcorders, car audio, gy, Sharp is developing increasingly antennas, video and video larger flat-panel displays. Though we games, music cases, adapters won’t see a 27-inch or larger LCD panel and connectors. for several years, the company’s goal “is Call us today. You've got nothing to offer [an affordable] 21-inch flat pan- to lose and an awful lot to find ! el by the year 2000” with comparable screen performance to a CRT, says == HAVEN Bruce Pollack, Sharp’s national market- INDUSTRIES ing manager for LCD products. 2950 Lake Emma Road, Lake Mary,FL 32746 SONY © Copyright 1995 Recoton Corp., New York, NY 10022. All rights reserved. The Sony name is forever linked to their picture-tube technology: Trinitron. Though it debuted in 1968, it’s not an- cient history—the Trinitron concept continually evolves to incorporate ad-

vances. Sony says that the basis of Sony’s current direct-view models ColorTrak line and the company’s GE Trinitron technology is their electron don’t offer direct color-temperature ad- gun, aperture grill, and vertically flat justment. (Some Sony projection mod- models (all of which feature dark-tint screen; the company says that no other els do.) Several XBRs and XBR?s do glass, and some have comb filtering), screen in use is truly flat in the vertical include dynamic color circuitry, dubbed you have the largest offering of direct- dimension. Trinitone, for selecting warmer or cool- view models across the board. The line- er whites without, according to Sony, up includes two holdover 34-inch Cine- Sony maintains that the Super Trini- affecting flesh tones. ma-Screen widescreen models, Pro- tron tubes used in their top-drawer Scan’s PS34190 and RCA’s G34170AT XBR? sets are also the flattest, horizon- Finally, Sony hints that a new XBR (both $3,999). tally, on the market. Also unique to the line is in the works. The upgraded XBR? line is the SuperBrix electron models, which are expected to hit A/V Many 27- and 35-inch ProScan sets, gun; thanks to a long focal length and shops this summer, will include a new including the 35-inch PS35190 large-diameter focusing, the gun is said chassis and the Deep Black Screen. ($2,999), have a “flat” tube with the In- to create a very small beam spot. Other The company is also in the thick of var Shadow Mask. This same tube XBR? features are extended-range things regarding DVD as the cosponsor package is also available in the top phosphors, which are said to reproduce of the Sony/Philips format, and Sony model in RCA’s Home Theater line, the especially bright reds and deep blues, DSS gear should be in stores now. Will 35-inch F35760MB ($2,199). Other and a titanium-dioxide layer, for boost- Sony, with all of its digital clout, build models, including the new 32-inch ing picture brightness. TVs for the 1996 or 1997 model year screen size debuting in both series, rely that incorporate these new technolo- on Thomson’s 110-degree VHP (very The company’s Deep Black Screen, a gies? Time will tell. high performance) reduced-depth tube. dark-tint type, is now featured in all Various dark-tint tubes are featured in 27- and 32-inch Trinitron models and For the uninitiated, Thomson is the the ProScan and Home Theater lines. in all 27-inch XBR models. Comb fil- parent company of RCA, ProScan, and All ProScan and Home Theater TVs ters are built into all of Sony’s big- GE. The most technically advanced feature comb filters; high-end ProScans screen direct-views, with digital combs products in the Thomson family are incorporate digital comb filtering. in the XBR line. All of Sony’s direct- grouped under the ProScan banner, fol- views also feature Dynamic Picture cir- lowed by RCA’s Home Theater line. Most ProScan and Home Theater sets cuitry: It continually adjusts the picture When you add in RCA’s mainstream also incorporate a new high-perfor- to balance light and dark values within mance chassis. One of its capabilities is scenes. automatic color balance, which uses an onboard chip to monitor and adjust col- PANASONIC PB50 Orig. PAN RAPID CHARGERS PANASONIC PB80/88 Orig.PAN | SONY NP77H 2400 mah... CAMCORDER CHARGER/DISCHARGER SONY 8mm 1500 mah...... 6V, 7.2V, 9.6V runs from house or auto. CANON 8mm 2000 mah... 1 hr. time for Sony, Canon, PALMCORDER 2000 mah. Panasonic, RCA/Hitachi JVC GR-C9 Type C... & most other brands SHARP BT 21/22 SHARP BT 70/80 2400 mah. 09) Charges 1 battery $44 RCA/HITACHI 8 mm 2400 mah............ 39.00 Charges 2 batteries $69 SUMMER SPECIAL NEW External Power pac+ 10% OFF 5 to 7 hours of recording time. ON ALL 6v, 9.6v or 12v Powerpac+ includes: Powerpac+ =6volt @ 10 amps INCLUDING NEW SONY NP-500 sealed lead acid battery. =Heavy duty pouch and belt. =A charger for charging at home , (optional charging cord for car). =An adaptor of your choice. =12 volt @ 7 amps $95 $85 BATTERY TECH, INC. 800-442-427528-25 215TH PLACE, BAYSIDE, N.Y. 11360 * FAX:718-631-5117 AMERICAN eee ie 3 EXPRESS : c| z CIRCLE NO. 6 ON READER SERVICE CARD

or temperature as well as optimize els), and digital (in some 35-inchers). cuitry found in the sets offered by other black-level. In addition, special circuit- And color-temperature controls, which companies.) ry works at correcting picture noise. include a 6,500-degree setting, can be Users can also set the color tempera- found in several models. As is the case with many of their peers, Toshiba is putting their wide- ture on these models to 10,000, 9,300, Toshiba’s digital chassis, first intro- screen technology only into rear-pro- or 7,500 degrees Kelvin; an authorized duced 2 years ago in high-end Super- jection sets. Though their U.S. opera- technician can calibrate the sets for Tube models, is now sprinkled through- tions include a plant that makes 4:3 6,500-degree pictures. out the entire line. The chassis uses a microprocessor to continuously moni- picture tubes, Toshiba (also like their But there’s more: The new chassis in- tor and adjust all aspects of perfor- peers) doesn’t build 16:9 CRTs here— corporates velocity-scan modulation for mance. (The processor works in similar and importing widescreen tubes from noise reduction. Sets with this chassis fashion to the artificial-intelligence cir- Japan, says Craig Eggers, the compa- also receive XDS signals. And a new ny’s product manager for color TV, is bit-mapped on-screen navigation sys- tem for accessing operating and setup AZDEN QUALITY SOUND functions, found on high-end Pro- LETS YOU GET Scans, stars Nipper, Thomson’s undeni- THE WHOLE PICTURE. ably cute canine mascot. (A version of Your camcorder’s built-in microphone picks WMS-PRO this graphic interface will also be incor- up sounds from all directions, including those you porated in the next generation of the don’t want. When shooting from a distance you company’s DSS receivers.) can’t record your subject's voice clearly. Azden, the leader in professional microphones for Buoyed by its impressive rollout of videography, offers a full range of options to DSS, Thomson is aggressively pursu- make your sound as good as your pictures. ing all types of digital video technolo- gy. The company is being very bullish “PRO” series wireless microphones: about MPEG-2 digital-video compres- * Powerful VHF professional wireless systems with a range sion, which is even now being phased of over 300 feet. * 2 Switchable frequencies for noise-free into the DSS infrastructure and will be performance. ¢ Belt-pack transmitters (WLX, WMS). central to other new technologies the * Miniature receivers with supplied shoe mount and velcro. company is actively supporting: HDTY, the Toshiba/Time Warner DVD, WMS-PRO: Comes with 2 mics (lapel and handheld) which and the D-VHS bitstream recorder. plug into the transmitter. “With new technology, including WHX-PRO: Wire-free handheld mic with built-in transmitter. MPEG decoding, transforming the TV set into a full digital chassis,” says WLX-PRO: Lapel microphone system. Joseph Clayton, Thomson’s executive vice president, “the TV receiver will CAM-3: A mini 3 channel mixer for recording sound from soon begin to act like today’s micro- 3 add-on-mics, while you're shooting. Only 2-1/8” x 3-1/4” it computer.” Thomson has shown proto- can be attached to your camera or clipped to the handstrap. types of TVs that incorporate DSS re- Needs no batteries. Cables included. ceivers, and they’re likely to offer such models for sale within the next few HS-7V: Headset with boom mic for adding narration as years. Other packages may include TV/ DVD and TV/D-VHS hybrids. CAM-3 you shoot. Also use itto monitor sound you're recording. Finally, HDTV is high on Thomson’s list of priorities; the company plans to ECZ-990: A 7” long directional mic. have working HDTV sets ready by Zoom in on your subject’s voice, reducing 1997. At the same time, Thomson also side noises. Range 35-40 feet. expects to sell lower-priced digital sets that deliver standard definition, proba- AJAZDEN’ bly via MPEG-2 decoding. 147 New Hyde Park Road, Franklin Square, NY 11010 TOSHIBA (516) 328-7500 FAX (516) 328-7506 Distributed in Canada by GENTEC All of Toshiba’s new 31- and 35-inch Cinema Series models feature an Invar CIRCLE NO. 55 ON READER SERVICE CARD Shadow Mask, and a dark-tint tube is available in virtually every big-screen set the company offers. In the flat- screen race, Toshiba maintains that its 35-inch tube—found in models costing $1,399 to $2,299—is the flattest in the world. Three varieties of comb filters are in Toshiba’s arsenal: basic glass, CCD (in many 32-inch and larger mod- VIDEO JULY/AUGUST 1995 81

too expensive given the current trates TV functions as well as a number ZENITH strength of the Japanese yen. of multimedia operations. “We see more multimedia functions making The top models in Zenith’s direct- The company has no formal plans to their way to big screens,” Eggers pre- view line incorporate Advanced Video build StarSight or GuidePlus+ into dicts. Imaging (AVI) circuitry, a perfor- their sets. But all models with screen mance-boosting package said to deliver sizes of 27 inches and above include That might be just the beginning. As richer colors, higher contrast, and im- XDS, which the company calls EDS. the major technology partner in the proved picture sharpness. Digital comb filters are used in the 32- and 35-inch Toshiba already has one foot firmly Toshiba/Time Warner DVD format, the AVI models, with glass combs in the planted in the future. The TIMM company surely must be thinking of family’s 27-inch sets—such as the (Toshiba Integrated Multimedia Moni- building DVD players into TV sets. SM2789BT (see “Shortware,” page And Toshiba is one of the newest DSS 49)—as well as in mid-level System 3 tor; $999) has a 20-inch screen, a VGA ° licensees. models. input, and a remote control that orches- - Invar tubes are available in all 32- Do expressions like THX, Dolby Pro Logic, DSP, Laser Disc, inch AVI and System 3 models as well as in select 35-inch sets. Wideband In-Wall, multi-zone, tweeter, and sub-woofer leave you confused? video amplification boosts horizontal resolution in both series. Dark glass is weat Home Theatre used in all of Zenith’s new big-screen models, including the entry-level Sen- Systems can help you! try series. AVI models also feature COOL and WARM color-temperature set- tings, which spec out at 8,500 and 6,500 degrees Kelvin, respectively. Fromasin gle center channel to a multi-room multi-zone system, H.T.S. Though Zenith hasn’t redesigned its will provide the best advice and the best price to perfectly fityour needs. chassis for the 1995-96 model year, the company has made a chassis modifica- Home theater systems are not just something we sell... tion in higher-end sets: The electron It’s who we are...and all we do! beam is driven harder, to improve color reproduction. We do not sell microwave ovens, video games, boom boxes, toasters or $89.00 tape decks. As part of its commitment to Star- Sight (the company debuted the first Our professionals have installed home theater systems for some of the most recognized StarSight TV in 1994), Zenith has up- names in the music business. Our sales consultants will be more than happy to help you graded its control system. Available on through the maze of components so you can get the system that does what you want it to the higher-end models in the AVI line, do at the price you want to pay. More importantly, our technicians are available to help StarSight is now controlled by a neat you with your installation needs after the sale! remote called Z-Trak. Taking a design cue from portable computers, Z-Trak We carry most major brands of audio and video speakers, receivers, video projectors, features a track ball and a 10-button T.V.’s, VCR’s, laser-discs, CD-players, pre-amps, power-amps, cassette decks, satellite keypad that lets viewers address virtu- dishes and accessories. Even hard to find brands that most dealers don't carry! ally every operation of the TV set, in- cluding a new and improved StarSight. APOGEE SLANT 6 The net result is an enhanced level of Stereophile Class B recommended component. FREE 2nd Day Air Freight with purchase. interactivity with the on-screen guide. APOGEE LCR - 2X6.5 in. woofers Instead of pressing buttons to move with 4 in. ribbon tweeter. Finally, through the grid, for example, viewers simply scroll up and down or left and AUDIO ALCHEMY nome,pate right by moving the track ball; pop-up . DTReIgulPa1Rr55lO0y w($i12t0h10F0DRDEINEOvW3.0 —2iUlCoephhrnteoe menus can be activated by clicking the HDCD’S w/purchase) 750 ea. ON EXTENDED WARRANTIES track ball. A Also new this year in Zenith’s Star- Sight models is “picture in grid” SURROUND THX (which may become known as PIG): It exploits the set’s PIP capability by dis- playing a live channel in a window | Home Theatre Sy within a “page” of StarSight’s on- screen guide. Another StarSight en- hancement, called “time jump,” lets | 1-800-978-776844 ROUTE 23N., LITTLE FALLS, NJ 07424 viewers jump from listings at one hour to those at another—to move instantly FOR TECHNICAL SU 6 from listings for 5 p.m. to those for 11 FOR FAX TRAN p.m., for example, simply enter 11 on the Z-Trak keypad. ALL PRODUCTS SOLD WITH COMPLETE MANUFACTURERS WARRANTIES PICTURES ARE FOR ILLUSTRATIVE PURPOSES ONLY 82 JULY/AUGUST 1995 VIDEO ae

Next year, Zenith expects to incorpo- off as just a Hollywood upstart—as I’ve arates in the first place: the ability to said, their guidelines are generally on choose exactly what you need. rate AT&T’s TV Information Center in- target. Say Company A has just the preamp/ to some of their big-screen sets. In its The amplifier question raises another processor you crave: It has the right issue. One temptation when buying sep- number of inputs and outputs, the right current incarnation as a set-top box, the arates is to buy every component for a controls, a superior Pro Logic decoder, system from a single manufacturer. It’s and great overall sound. But then you system receives news, weather, phone an attractive idea—the components will find out that Company A only sells two- be cosmetically similar, and they should channel power amplifiers and, since messages, and stock updates via stan- integrate well. But if you limit yourself you know that you need a powered sub- to one manufacturer, you'll negate one woofer, you really only need a five- dard phone lines and displays it all on of the prime reasons for going with sep- channel amp—not three stereo models. the screen of a conventional TV. In 1997, Zenith is likely to introduce a TV with a built-in DVD player; the compa- ny expects that player to follow the Toshiba/Time Warner spec. And, as a major proponent of HDTV, Zenith has pledged that they’ll be one of the first companies to offer an HDTV set. a DIVIDE CONTINUED FROM PAGE 35 SUNPAK SUNPAK comparison test of 12 stereo models]. MEMORY-FREE Remote Control Your essential choices regarding home Auto Pan/Tilt Head theater are whether to run with two or Memory Free three two-channel (stereo) models or Nicad Battery with Mount your one three-, four-, five-, or six-channel Lifetime Warranty camcorder on (multichannel) model. The benefits you Sunpak’s pan head, get from dividing preamp and processor RB7OUL High capacity place on tripod & get in the action with everyone else! Infra- circuitry into separate chassis also ap- red signal controls pan & tilt. (Plus lens zoom ply to amplifiers: When you give a (2000 mAh) gives up to & record/pause control of Sony, JVC, Hitachi 44g product its own chassis and power sup- Canon camcorders.) Powered by 6v battery (not included) ply, it won’t be bothered by anything 2 hours for 8mm & going on in another chassis. On the oth- RS200W-Optional 20’ remote sensor cord §19°° er hand, I’ve tested several very nice VHS-C camcorders from RB7OUL multichannel amplifiers recently. In any Sony, Panasonic, JVC and Sharp. Plus, case, separate amps (including multi- channel models from reputable manu- it's compatible with your camcorder’s charger and facturers) are often rated more strictly than the amps built into receivers and, will provide up to 5 times the number of recharges VIDEO TRIPOD U6000 therefore, can be relied upon to pump out everything their specs lead you to of other so called no memory batteries. $4g expect. [For evidence, see “Take Five,” page 51.] Makers of affordable high- Features 3 stage LED indicators. The new SLIK U6000 features a modern quality amps include Acurus, Adcom, design, titanium finish and ultra smooth B&K, Bryston, Carver, Denon, Harman Also Available: RB80UL- Same as above sG9°5 fluid head. The 3 part telescopic legs Kardon, Marantz, NAD, Parasound, & gear drive, positive elevation center Proton, and Rotel. with ultra high capacity (2700 mAh) column extend to a maximum height of 55”. Add to this the patented dual You should also audition at least one ATTENTION CANON OWNERS purpose quick release that works with $295 THX-approved amp, whether or not RBE77MF both camcorders and 35mm cameras, you intend to go with a THX processor and you have the best value ever for a tripod! and/or THX-certified speakers. There’s High capacity (1700 mAh) Memory Free Nicad for no equalization involved here; it’s just Canon camcorders. Provides up to 1'/2 NOUS 395 that THX’s guidelines for amp perfor- Slim design, Lifetime Warranty. mance are quite strict and are based on a sound technical foundation. Many IF YOU CAN PRESS A BUTTON, JXED11 venerable amp manufacturers don’t take kindly to THX’s “intervention” in their YOU CAN EDIT VIDEO! niche, however; some say that they’ve been doing what THX espouses (and The World's Easiest Editor! much more) for years. That certainly is true in some cases, but don’t write THX ¢ Universal- All Formats & Brands Including S-VHS & Hi8 VIDEO JULY/AUGUST 1995 83 * No Hook-Up Required Completely Wireless, IR Remote ¢ Edit & Rearrange Footage * Find Scenes Quickly & Easily Exclusive JVC Jog Locator Dial ¢ Use it Anytime, Anywhere IR Remote-Edit Anywhere in the Room Battery Operation Lets You Edit in the Field ¢ Review Your Edits With the Exclusive Edit Check Button Compact Video Titler Now everyone can add that extra sparkle to their home videos with JVC's JXT66 character generator - the lowest price titler ever offered! Features 4 type sizes, 8 page memory, scroll, and zoom in/out. Plus, it works with all formats including S-VHS! And, it's AC/DC, perfect for any situation, including outdoor use! CIRCLE NO, 28 ON READER SERVICE CARD

whisper Company B has a great five-channel ent, image-wise, whether its S-Video or whisper amp, but their preamp/processor composite connections were in use. doesn’t excite you. Don’t worry: mix The only observable change, in fact, a and match. That’s what separates are all was an almost imperceptible softening about! of black-level and brightness. While whisper hardcore videophiles might find this whisper This whimsical little example only change unacceptable, most people will hints at the labyrinthine options and find the 1000’s primary convenience Now with considerations that hover about the benefit—one-component audio/video Enhanced Sound Circuitry question of building a separates-based source selection—hard to beat. home theater. And many of them con- Introducing the cern amplification. The line of demar- I wasn’t entirely seduced by the cation between a system based on sepa- 1000’s ergonomics. Controls are logical VOLUME STABILIZER™ rates and one based on an A/V receiver and work very well from a performance really is pretty hazy. Is a two-compo- standpoint, but I really had a hard time that lets you hear the whispers nent system—say, a preamp/processor with the front panel’s small gold-on- and stops you from and a five- or six-channel power ampli- black graphics, which proved hard to fier—a system of separates . . . or an read even in good light. I also missed a cringing at the bangs. A/V receiver in two boxes? How much front-panel (or on-screen) display; LEDs more “separate” are three two-channel light up to show what you’ve selected, It’s an innovative, low cost solution power amps than two three-channel but from across the room they’re just to home video volume control prob- amps—or a six-channel amp, for that green lights. lems because it automatically matter? Are you betraying the separates increases the volume of the audio ideal if you don’t buy six mono ampli- I also wasn’t fond of the 1000’s re- source during soft passages and fiers? Where does one draw the line? mote. It’s small, and its 24 keys are reduces volume during loud pas- identically sized and shaped. To its sages. You'll hear every word of AS ALWAYS, ONE DOES WHAT ONE DOES— credit, the remote segregates the MAS- dialogue and every bar of music we encounter choices such as these while the VOLUME STABILIZER every time we prepare to make an ex- TER, CENTER, and REAR up/down volume softens the sounds that are pensive purchase: We see what’s out buttons, but it’s still all too easy to acci- normally too loud. there, consider what we need, juggle dentally hit the CENTER volume keys Whether you use a Satellite dish, a some options, and then choose. As I when you’re looking for MASTER. home theater system, or just a mentioned at the outset, there are more Speaking of volume, adjusting it via the VCR, you can put the remote con- choices to make when building a sepa- remote is tough because the motor-dri- trol aside. Now with four models to rates-based system. You'll probably ven control runs very quickly. choose from. find that an A/V receiver is easier to buy. And most people find receivers NONE OF THESE COMPLAINTS HAVE Call or write for our more convenient to use. But well de- signed separates offer several key ad- anything even remotely to do with au- FREE vantages—flexibility, upgradability, nicer cosmetics, and, in many cases, dio/video performance, of course, and paper on “Dynamic Range; better sound—over most receivers, and When less is more.” they may be enough to make you take it’s worth repeating that Parasound’s the plunge. Uncommonly good home- CSRNO6O2EINA.RRACVDLIEECRE theater sound is out there. We’ve told P/SP-1000 is a terrific performer. For more information ask your dealer or you where to look and how to listen. call or write: Get busy—we’ll put a TV dinner up for Check it out if you’re looking for some- you. a [Brookline thing special in home-theater control Technologies VIDEOTEST and surround decoding. In terms of 2035 Carraige Hill Road PARASOUND P/SP- 1000 Allison Park, PA 15101-3350 sheer performance and flexibility for CONTINUED FROM PAGE 41 1-800-366-9290 the dollar, it has a very small circle of master volume was set extremely high In Mexico call 525-669-4999 and a movie segued to a very quiet peers. ry scene, the hum from my LD player’s motor virtually drowned it out. VIDEOTEST The 1000 did an excellent job with MITSUBISHI M-V7057 video. It was almost perfectly transpar- CONTINUED FROM PAGE 44 Diary”), the touching new Italian film by Nanni Moretti, who won the Best Director award at the 1994 Cannes Film Festival. In Caro Diario, one of the main char- acters wears a bright orange jacket dur- ing a scene that takes place on the vol- canic island of Stromboli. Noticing that the orange had a bit more chroma noise 84 JULY/AUGUST 1995 VIDEO

than I wanted to see, I thought that this measurements of video performance FACE Wiaciit3S was the perfect opportunity to give the were among the best we’ve ever seen: Mits’ digital video-noise reduction a Horizontal resolution (415 lines) was BAC LIDu stress test. Ipressed the remote’s V-DNR just shy of the limit of the LD format, button and, sure enough, the picture and all signal-to-noise ratios were ex- DEAEESIE con LE! CS noise decreased a bit at this, the cir- cellent, especially in the chroma (color) cuit’s standard setting. Then I moved in department. As far as video is con- Ken Crane’s Is The Largest for the kill: I pressed the button again, cerned, the V7057 sizzles. Laser Disc Mail Order which accessed the variable noise-re- Retailer In The U.S. duction mode. In this mode, the shuttle MITSUBISHI’S M-V7057 IS A TRULY TOP- dial sets the degree of reduction; there We Stock are even separate adjustments available notch laserdisc player, and it should Every Title! for luminance and chroma. I cranked the chroma-noise reduction all the way fulfill the needs of the most demanding * Fastest Availability On New Titles! up to maximum and . . voila/—the * Most Orders Shipped Same Day! chroma noise in the orange jacket, visi- viewer—even into the future, thanks to * 20% Discount On All Titles! ble as a flashing vibrancy, virtually dis- * Free 2nd Day Air UPS Shipping appeared. Best of all, this was accom- its AC-3-ready features. Mitsubishi has plished without any reduction in appar- In The Continental U.S.A. ent detail or overall color saturation. been making LD players for many years * Visa, Mastercard, Discover, Bravo. AMEX, Checks, And C.O.D. now, and that experience shows. The * $1.50 Handling Charge While I was researching this circuit, Lancelot Braithwaite, VIDEO’s technical V7057 really comes very close to per- Per Order Shipped. editor, noted that it has a potential downside: There could be a slight loss fection. Satisfy your videophile long- O0FF%NOW SAVE of chroma detail, in which subtle varia- Suggested Retail On tions such as flesh tones get averaged ings. | * Every Pre-Ordered out. But I saw no such problems. Note New Release that the V7057’s video-noise reduction VIDEOTEST * Every Title In Stock had no effect on a theoretically perfect * Every Back-Order YAMAHA RX-V690 recording (like a test pattern). Includes FREE On the audio side, the V7057 in- CONTINUED FROM PAGE 47 2nd Day Air Shipping Titles must ship between cludes playback of the usual digital and improvement over previous Cinema these dates So Order Early CX analog audio tracks. It also has AC- 3-detection circuitry, which routes DSP incarnations): Neither mode mud- PHONE US AT... AC-3 signals to its RF output when an dles the clarity of center-channel dia- 1-800-624-3078 AC-3-encoded disc is spinning (such logue. Both modes do increase the 1-800-626-1768 discs also include conventional analog overall brightness of the sound a bit 1-714-892-8369 and digital tracks, and they’re handled (70MM more so than ENHANCED)—not in standard fashion). The remote’s AU- disturbingly so, but perceptibly. Noise (Fax Number) DIO COMPRESS button brings up a cali- picks up very slightly as well. For big brated on-screen display that can re- action flicks, I rather liked ENHANCED, ForA Free Catalog duce digital output level by up to 25 dB but I generally ended up sticking with in 1-dB increments; analog audio out- regular Pro Logic— which the V690 Write Or Visit put remains unchanged. performed quite excellently. Our SuperStore The Direct CD feature is a real con- The additional surround modes in- Ken Crane’s LaserDisc venience when playing music CDs, sav- clude four for music (CONCERT HALL, 15251 Beach Blvd. ing both time and the need to keep the CHURCH, JAZZ CLUB, and ROCK CON- area in front of the laserdisc tray clear. Westminster, CA 92683 And the sound was very good across CERT) as well as STADIUM, SPORTS, and the board—not surprising, since the TV THEATER. Most of these proved us- CIRCLE NO. 37 ON READER SERVICE CARD digital audio section employs a re- able in their eponymous settings, to spectable 1-bit D/A converter. The various degrees. For pure-music listen- V7057 also includes both coaxial and ing, JAZZ CLUB was the pick of the lit- optical digital-output jacks, making it ter. And TV THEATER did a good job of universally compatible with any pre- enlivening Dolby-less programming, amp or A/V receiver that has digital-in- though it was a touch heavy on the re- put jacks (and ideal for digital dubbing verb. The CONCERT HALL mode sound- with DAT, MD, or DCC audio re- ed very good, but its surround channel stood out more than I liked. Both sTs- corders as well). Other back-panel jacks DIUM and CHURCH load up on echo and include two S-Videos and two compos- reverberation—tealistically so, I sup- ite videos. pose. (No one trekked to see The Beat- les for Shea Stadium’s acoustics. . . .) You’ll also be pleased to hear that Level adjustments really can’t help out here. They’re stored globally, so you can’t set front/center/rear balance independently for each mode, which VIDEO JULY/AUGUS19T95 85

would be very helpful in making the three 80-watt front channels were solid, amplification was just out-and-out im- music modes more . . . well, musical. punchy, and refined. Soundtracks were pressive: It was open, detailed, and dy- reproduced with excellent dynamics (In this, the V690 is far from unique; and clarity, even with the master vol- namic, and seemed quite effortless on why more manufacturers don’t provide ume cranked. And though big effects at deep-bass transients and big dynamic this relatively simple but powerful extra peak levels caused the V690’s surround events. The output was also extremely channels to audibly strain, they did just quiet. (I’ve been testing receivers for is a mystery to me.) In addition, and fine at reasonably sane levels. (In a years, and I’m still amazed by how unlike several higher-priced Cinema large room or with especially inefficient good the better ones sound.) DSP models, the V690 doesn’t provide surround speakers, a surround-channel control over surround parameters (other power upgrade may be advisable.) In The V690 also has a good tuner. With than delay). two-channel stereo, the V690’s onboard strong to very strong FM signals, in fact, it was an amazing FM source, with Onward and upward: Surround-mode low-distortion, wide-bandwidth, spa- amplifier power proved sturdy. The cious, and dynamic sound that was nothing short of outstanding with high- & FONRERIWIENGYDIOLNRIKAE’LSST quality broadcasts. It also did a good job of plucking only moderately strong ELECTRONICS DISCOUNTER stations out of the ether at my rural lo- cation with clean-enough sound. Fringe THE VIDEO & HOME THEATER SPECIALISTS! signals were received with only ordi- nary quality, however, and AM perfor- Huge, In-Stock Inventory |Largest Wholesale Recording mance was just fair. iy ry Tape Dept. oy) YOU CAN SPEND MUCH LESS ON AN A/V receiver these days, and you can spend much more—on either a top-shelf A/V receiver or a separates package. But Yamaha’s RX-V690 strikes a balance of which any gourmet would approve. If \\ you’re in the market for a high-perfor- oO You Name Ii, Weve Gol Il mance A/V receiver that won’t bust your a budget, make tracks for your local A/V shop and get yourself an audition. But We Take Care Of All call ahead first—they might take reser- The Details, Call Us! & Much Much Moret! vations. 5 SONY KV32V15 32’ PIP TV. . $999 SONY MDP750 Top-Of-Line Laser Disc. CALL! | SUFTWIRE | MITSUBISHI 31203 31\" Stereo TV. . $876 SONY SLS600 Beta HiFi VCR... $396 | SONY KV32S10 32\" Steeo TV . $847 SONY MDP650 Laser Disc. . . $569 RCA 35271 35\" PIP Stereo TV... $1296 | SONY KV32XBR37 Top of Line 32\" TV .$1297 HK AUDIO & HOME THEATER, IN STOCK! CONTINUED FROM PAGE 72 PANASONIC CT31SF11 31\"Monitor Rec.. $895 CELESTION 5 Speaker System... $297 TOSHIBA 30D50 30\" Stereo TV.... $696 NAD AUDIO & HOME THEATREA,LL MODELS Nichols’ earthshaking early period, in- cluding 1968’s The Graduate and MITSUBISHI U500 4 Head HiFi VCR. . $319 SHARP XVH35 200\" Video Projector. . $3484 1971’s Carnal Knowledge, and his con- PIONEER VSXD504 Pro Logic Rec. . CALL! ventional modern-day output, such as SONY SLHF740 4 Head HiFi VCR... . CALL! TECHNICS SATX1010 THX Rec. . $845 1988’s Working Girl and 1994’s Wolf.) This new transfer is a huge improve- TOSHIBA M650 4 Head HiFi VCR... . $307 KEF SPEAKER SYSTEMS, ALL MODELS! ment over Silkwood’s VHS incarna- ADCOM GFA555 Power Amp... $674 tions, and the 1.9:1 letterboxed images HITACHI VTM382 VCR. $306 ADCOM GFP600 S/S Tuner PreAmp .. $736 afford breathing room for this intense if YAMAHA RX1070 Pro Logic Rec. . . CALL! claustrophobic character study. —KK PANASONIC PV4551 4 ase HiFi VOR. $275 A NIGHT TO REMEMBER GO VIDEO 8020 8M io VHSDubbingDeck. $737 NLY A HALF-HOUR INTO A NIGHT PIONEER CLD504 BothSidesPlay Laseriso.$436 NHT SW2P Powered Sub Woofer . $538 0: Remember (The Criterion Col- PIONEER CLD704 Both Sides Play Laser Disc.CALL! JBL muse . Powered Sub Set System .$637 lection; CLV/CAV discs, $100), a 1958 British docudrama, the most famous Nationwide iceberg in history has, without a great Installation! deal of fuss, sidled by the Titanic, left its deadly mark, and doomed 1,500 of aa ; UNCLE'S STEREO | the ship’s 2,200 passengers. Remember, which is based on historical materials Ee Everything In Electronics For Less? FOR PRICE & (800) Y'R UNCLE “°°” me ADVICE WE'RE Smile We Love Wat VERY NICE! 86 JULY/AUGUST 1995 VIDEO

and interviews with survivors that first ALF! appeared in a book by Walter Lord, wisely underplays the drama of the E’LL BEAT event at hand. Passenger reaction to the ANY PRICE! imminence of death ranges from those who claw for dear life to those who choose the proper attire for their death. Shocking revelations, like the fact that valets were expected to go down with their charges or that the steerage pas- sengers were allowed on deck only af- ter the lifeboats were lowered, are un- LABELS FOR LESS Summer love comes to town in every con- ceivable form—from filial to phantom, undy- ing to dying, young to too young, and Pla- tonic to Sapphic. To wit: Fox Lorber issues a passport to foreign-movie love with /n the Realm of the Senses, In the Realm of Pas- sion, Red Kiss, Don Juan My Love, Amor Bandido, I’m the One You're Looking For, Dona Flora and Her Two Husbands, Letters From the Park, The Story of Boys and Girls, Luzia, and 36 Fillette ($20 each). Para- mount champions all-American love with This Thing Called Love, What's Eating Gilbert Grape ($20 each), Daisy Miller, A Place in the Sun, The Last Tycoon ($15 each), and Paper Moon Special Edition ($30), while Warner accents Streep-love ne | JERROLD ¢TOCOM e ZENITH OAK ¢ PIONEER e HAMLIN Cut, print: /n the Realm of the Senses SCIENTIFIC ATLANTA with The French Lieutenant's Woman, De- HAVE MAKE AND MODEL NUMBER OF EQUIPMENT USED IN YOUR AREA FOR ORDERS ONLY fending Your Life, and A Cry in the Dark ALL SHIPPING & HANDLING FEES AT CUSTOMER’S EXPENSE ($15 each). Columbia TriStar serves up some painful love lessons with The Razor's CABLE WAREHOUSEAnyone implying theft of service will be denied assistance. Edge and Me & Veronica ($15 each), while 10117 WEST OAKLAND PARK B VD., SUITE 315; $ NRISE, FL 33351 NO FLORIDA SALES Fox Lorber offers the love that has no name in The Crush, The Hours and the Times, CIRCLE NO. 15 ON READER SERVICE CARD The Garden, Poison, The Funny Tape, For a Lost Soldier, Stonewall 25 ($20 each), and Claire of the Moon ($30). And then there’s the love that inspired men to give up their seats for women in FoxVideo’s Titanic ($20). Bottoms up. —JK veiled with an economy that heightens the tragedy’s full emotional power. The 1.66:1 black-and-white print absolutely glistens, and the monaural sound is as crisp and convincing as the acting. Ex- tras include a 1993 documentary on the making of the movie, separate audio- eostrack commentary from Titanic histori- theater trailers. All in all, Remember il- luminates a tragedy that should never be forgotten. —JK VIDEO JULY/AUGUST 1995 87

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The at the same time! framegrabber lets you The Azden WR2PRO two channel receiver AVer Pro capture images from automatically mixes the sound from both Desk Top Video titling system [ehe)om elles either source or mics. Let us design the perfect two mic TV tuner! $499” system for your needs. Complete systems for Windows. *399°°s upincluding WR2PRO & Top rated AVer Pro overlay card Curtain Call Titles and modified Curtain Call let you two wireless mics. superimpose spectacular titles, Movie Line f WR2PRO receiver § 1 89\" graphics and transitions over Non-Linear Digital Video Editing for under ‘1000! video. Magically transform any Non-linear editing is every editor’s dream...random access Mic Mixer to any frame you want at lightning speed. FAST’s high- Record and mix sound font with beautiful effects. from 3 sources, while Includes over 30 different wipe shooting! Connect 2 patterns, $499 quality Motion JPEG compression combined with Adobe Premiere turns your computer into a state-of-the-art non- mics plus background sgges cas linear editing system with digital effects at your fingertips music to your AVerKey3 and ultra-fast editing in a totally digital environment. Create camcorder's audio. Hi-Resolution music videos, highlight films, commercials, animations .. Scan Converter anything you can imagine. Best of all, in the digital domain WLXPRO Display VGA output from your computer to any TV or VCR! generation loss becomes a thing of the past, giving you the Professional VHF Wireless Provides VGA, composite, SVHS & RGB output with highest possible broadcast quality video images. Complete Mic System resolutions up to 800x600 & 2nd generation Flicker Free system includes the FAST Movie Machine Pro with the technology. True Plug & Play - no software driver required. “149%250’ Range Motion JPEG Option, plus these award winning software Remote control operation lets you zoom & pan to any area titles: Adobe Premiere, Autodesk Animator $975\" of the screen, plus freeze. Pro CD & Xing CD MPEG encoder Also available: Video Machine Lite A/B roll edit controller AVerKey PC $299” AVerKey Mac/PC $399” with digital video effects Call for details Call for Free DTV Handbook WHXPRO-Wireless 179° DTV Tech Support 516-759-1615 Handheld VHF Pro Mic System 30 Day Satisfaction Guarantee on all our DTV products _ The #1 Home New VideoDirector 2.0 for Video PC Editor Windows turns your PC, Edit your @iie). camcorder & VCR into a pa Videos with your PC for complete video editing system. Choose the under $50! shots you want, drag & ECZ990 e Remove unwanted footage and drop into order you want i Zoom a. rearrange up to 99 scenes. Easy & press “Make Tape” for Microphone HS7V to use on-screen menus. automatic assembly. Picks up sound in Requires Control L Headset Requires Control L or Pana. 5 Boom Mic cVCaRm.corAdvaeirlabolre $99°5 Add narration as pPiCn Ecdiatmcorder or VCR. sag* for PC or Mac. CASIO.”” front without side you're video taping! Monitor camcorder Color Monitor noises. audio. The only LCD monitor \"69\"2 position SALE sae? G* ee \" i designed for outdoor use. No memory batteries offer a full charge No more squinting into a tiny b/w everytime! Carefree, no worry! $§ 495 viewfinder!! 2.2” monitor features Available for all major brands. high quality matrix (HQM)technology & anti-glare coating to produce the “The Swiss Army Charger” most vivid images. Built-in SALE s4qag9” BCR262 Automatically Gs (reg $199°) reconditions & charges two 6v sunshield, speaker & adj.volume, batteries, incl. NoOMEM. Plus-4 Never Miss level LED battery tester Another battery pack holder, adj. brightness & Power Supply. AC/DC s79°5 Program & monitor stand. Also Available: BCR10 Charger/ Color Video Printer video tapes & BCR262 Reconditioner for 9.6, 10, You can even Print Images Right Off Your TV Screen! & 12v batteries. AC/DC $79\" Print beautiful, clear images from home movies, TV shows. make stickers, cards & The On-Screen Program Guide posters of the video images! Take a photo of with One-Button anything on screen, VCR Recording easily. Make a photo of On screen program guide lets you know in an a favorite scene from instant what's on every channel for the next your party or wedding or NoMEM Camcorder Battery Belt Packs w/ LED seven days. Set top converter works with all make an album SALE LED65 6.5AH Runs camcorder approx. 5 hrs. 93\" TVs. Updated program $469 LED100 OAH Runs camcorder approx. 7 hrs. of prints $499” 69 listings seven days a week! from videos ELECTRONIC WAILRONof the kids! (reg $599) does not include monthly subscription fee THE VIDEO EDITING & PRODUCTION EXPERTS we are HERE TO SOLVE t0omopehroatoikounp o=ven) EE 200-323-2325 VOUR PROBLEMS ,q TECHNICAL 516-759-1943 ADVICE HOTLINE call Phil or Gary

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CALL Video Equalizer .CALL «CALL PVIQ-204......469.99 PV-54 869.99 CCD TR600....NEW! CCD TR23......NEW! nee CLA VIEWFDR .CALL PVIQ-604......679.99 PVS-64 CALL CCD TR400 ...769.99 CCD TR-V70 ...NEW! IES800 EWES750. ALL USA VHS CAMCORDERS CCD TR100.....NEW! CCD TR-V40 ...NEW! HI-8 Viewcam, 4” Color LCD Screen, NEW FXL EDITOR. CCD TR93......749.99 CCD TR-V30 ..769.99 270° Variable Angle Recording PRO EDIT 5..249.9: IR AUTO ED/IT. an PV950 Color Viewfinder CCD TR91 .....729.99 CCD FX730.....CALL 8MM VIEWCAMS COLORWRITER VLE-32U PRO EDIT 3. CALL |Pv-900. CCD TR83......CALL CCD FX630.....589.99 | |PC VIDEO EDIT PV-760 C CCD TR82.....599.99 CCD FX530.....569.99 -42U) SPM 1, 3,4,7,9,10... Es NEW 1995 USA VHS VCRS CCD TR73......CALL CCD FX430.....539.99 VLE-37, PAL SYSTEM |oUnSAallaJVC Prrvoedurct's!s c wort NEW CCD TR70.....549.99 CALL EW CCD TR66......CALL 519.99 WEW PV-4511 4 HEAD, VCR PLUS 199.99 CCD TR40.....529.99 CALL WEW PV-4514 4 HEAD, HEAD CLEANER 214,99 CCD TR93......CALL CCD VX1 PAL..CALL | SOCANMYC,ORPDEARNSA,SOTNV’ISC,& VCJRV’SC, WEW PV-4551 4 HEAD, HI FI MIS... 1259.99 SONY PAL SYSTEM CAMCORDERS...CALL - &@ HITACHI MEW PV-4564 Hl FINTS,BILINGUAL 259,99 SONY USA oom VCRS | USA Manufacturer's Warranty Included! SHARP, AIWA, AKAI WEW PV-4562 AUDIO LEVEL METERS 289.99 EW PV-4564 2VCR CONTROLS, HI Fl EVC-1 4 CAL CAMCORDERS FULL INVENTORAYTTHELOWESTPRICES WEW PV-4466 JOG SHUTTLE, REMOTE GVS-50... CALL VM-E410A 24:1 Zoom EIS,16:1 Fade ..........NEW GRAX-700 COLOR. WEW PVvS4380 S-VHS, JOG SHUTTLE NEW SONYUSA visVCRS Nikon.VM-E510A 270 K Chip, Clr Viewfdr, EIS,Title NEW GRAX-800 EIS 2 CALL VMES57 .ensiu.CALL | WEW PVS4480 S-VHS, T.B.C... GRAX-900 EIS, COL 5 Year USA Manufacturer's Warranty! GR-SZ7 _~ PRPOanIaNsDoUnSTiRcI.AL — 8MM CAMCORDERS NEW VN-400 Same as Sony CCD-TRV30..CA\\ NEW VN-360 Same as Sony CCD-1R83....CALL| VN-350 Same as Sony CCD-TR8: CALL | HEADQUARTERS » MINCLTA__VN-200 Same as Sony CCD-TR4 (?)> -rc 9 9 HiR:VP412 222146999,..999999)||GUARPRAONTIENEDDUSTLRIOAWLESSTYSPTREIMCES! SONY INDUSTRIAL a 99 HR-+3610 189.99 179.99 |AG-455 —-S-VHS Digital Effects.CALL it — () PIONEERWr37044 HHEEAADD,, VHICRFl STPLEURS.E TOCK |AG-195 VHS Digital Effects ....CALL iVirer8te0S66-HHVDHD.S..,.CCA5ALLHELLAD.VVTT348822 66 HHDD..n...tCCCAlAALLLLLL||L Ic-532., cue rn mide CALL we AUDIO JEW 1995 — hee Supercam,3 CCD.....CALL GREAT HOME THEATER \"MODELST 3 : | BONUS GO. VIDEO FREE CASE & TRIPOD!\" AG. || RECE! IVERS DUAL DECK VCR’S SX-303R USA Manufacturer's Warranty Included! | ne aun EMM VHS. esssissrisO 89,99) VSX-D903S.... CALL 8MM CAMCOR 24:1 ZOOM, FEH, |LUX PRO 844 NEW!) |ag. C5A49L.L99||| SX-253R PRO 846. SX-203.. PRO 932 PRO 942 WC PROFESSIONAL ~~ate MITSUBISHI — meotSeAcdieOn1SNlnusNCeoOeOse)MeNSiuAEegCC 620 74:1 722M00,00MMC,,RV((0I0!EOWOFRRDVVRIIEEEWWSFF,DIRN,DHEROE.RI.S.ENLNNEEEWWW!!!)||| |CWTJ--1M3X833Y0P,RDO1i3g8iD4tIalGVIYATVAMLoMniixMteoIrrX..E.R.S..0C | CVD-1000- VDECK HIB COMPUTER VC. gy ‘GV 3080.....699.99GV3090.. Qroaco>el3ae0red)k> 24:1 | EVO-9720 HI8 DUAL EDIT VCR.......... Gv 3060......689.99 GV 3030 24:1 | |SVP-56/800 S-VHS EDITING SYSTEM.....CALL |GV 3020......539.99 GV 8080 CALL LASER KARAOKE PLAYERS 1 LUX, MACRO | WJ-MX50 Chrominance Key. C: | \\XV-D1000__ DIG EFFECTS GENERATOR ...CALL [CLD-V750.u0.CALL CLD-D604.....CALL| +11LUX, REMOTE. NEW!WJ-AVES.....CALL WJ-AV we CALL |- |RFMX-EE-1100000T A/B ROLL ASSEBLE EDITER CALL) | ABILITER 12:1... CALL | ALL IN 1 EDITING SYSTEM..CALL CD PLAYERS XV-AL100 VIDEO EDITING SYSTEM.....CALL USA Manufacturer's Warranty Included! PD-a 24:1 Z00M, (0 OR VIEWFDREIS.. NEW eas 676741227740142,HHHHFFFF42VS$0-OOH-,VSSSVHDDHS,4,S,2VV,C2CCHVR,IRAC-VPPRR5MLLEcUUS4CSOSPR7,L,OUSUIISTNNRIDDOEEDNXX,IINNDGIGITAL“.CCC.A.AAINLLEWLL!L)|| |(|‘BRGREYP-CPSXRO3R2OR6UOUD0FSFUE.EA,ERsSSRMSBiSMaRIn-I-CuOGSOAfB3NaN07LAc80ALtLULu,rCeOErBNKCD'RTYsA-IR2STMO7SWILOCUaNLOrOEGUrR,RanDDtByEER!SCR8CKSOA.S0.L.U..L,CALL PD-M |PD-TM3 CALL PD-' Md $i CC . |/|UUU212005000............CCCAAALLLLLL3UU55Y05EV00ACRR....SW....ACCAARLLLLRAUUN76T57Y00.C....A...L.CCALALLLL||||PCDT--MW7M0632R.C.A..SGCSAAELLTLLTEPDD-E1C0K3S. i VVRR \\MITSUBISHI TELEVISIONS....CALL | VVRR CT-W103 © We sell a full line of color USA CAMCORDER PACKAGES USA BEGINNERS Televisions by major 5 VIDEO TAPES, DELUXE CAMCORDER CASE, STRAP, FULL SIZE Manufacturers like Sony, JVC, PACKAGE VIDEO TRIPOD, HEAD CLEANER, VIDEO LIGHT, DELUXE CLEANING KIT AND ONLY Toshiba, Mitsubishi, Sharp, RCA, USA ADVANGED USA WARRANTY! A $300 VALUE! Panasonic, Samsung And More! HIGH POWER EXTRA BATTERY, 6 VIDEO TAPES, DELUXE CAMCORDER CASE, CAFLORLYOUR DELIVERED PRICE! PACKAGE STRAP, FULL SIZE VIDEO TRIPOD, VIDEO REWINDER, VIDEO LIGHT, CAR CORD ADAPTER, UV PROTECTION FILTER DELUXE CLEANING KIT & USA WARRANTY! A $450 VALUE! OME. USA PROFESSIONAL des: 2 HIGH POWER EXTRA BATTERIES, PRO DLX CAMCORDER CASE, PRO DELUXE PACKAGE FLUID HEAD VIDEO TRIPOD, 10 VIDEO TAPES, CAR CORD ADAPTER, DLX VIDEO WIDE LENS, DLX THREE PIECE FILTER KIT, DELUXE CLEANING KIT & USA WARRANTY! A $650 VALUE! OME. nd new, factory fresh and include USA Manufacturers Warranty. Prices quoted are for Mail Order Only. Satisfaction Guarantee Exchange d less shipping and handiing within 15 days of receipt of merchandise only ifretumed inoriginal factory package, in mint condi inflled warranty cai Return Authorization Number before returning product. Non-defective merchandise returned for refund will be subject to a restocking fee;5 10x is sealed, 10% if box has been opened. *FREE CASE & TRIPOD W/EVERY CAMCORDER PURCHASE THIS MONTH ONLY, ct to Additional Standard Shipping Charges, Please call for details. Prices are subject to verifiable manufacturer's price increases eases. Ali major credit cards gladly accepted, no surcharge. We are not responsible for typographical errors. Thank you foxr shoppinwigthBeach; Please tll yourfen at service! VM 7-95 CIRCLE NO.'54'ON READER SERVICE GARD

COLOWeL VIDEO & AUDIO HOURS: Monday - Saturday 8 am to 9 pm Sundays 10 am to 6 pm (CST) New Models Orders Only 24-Hour Order Processing-Friendly, Honest, Knowledgeable Staff - No Sales Tax Outside Texas! Arriving Daily!! Call for Models Repeat Callers Not Shown & Customer Inquiries Today's Prices!! and Service 24 Hour Fax Line Authorized Sony = ifnity ; Dealer 3 Micro II | | Video Camcorders - 8 mm Camcorders VHS-C Camcorders VCRs « Bookshelf Hi Fi PALISECAM AEBdi-t1 CoEndtirtoSllueirte™ |; RET SS RL ai idea) och Controls upto 4 play VCRs & 1 record VVMM--EE451100AA VM-H81A GGRR--AAXX870000 GGRR--SAZX7900 Seystemms - Tgelephones roen concou.me | with Steady Shot! VC0R!HeSupupports Cpolnatyrol-L, Control-M, & Diicre scs« World Band | Radio - Watchman 2, pel10x power zoom Pop-up iRnSt-e4r2fa2cesV!CR VvMH-1S800CamcorVdMe-3r7s00A :VHRi-dA4e1oU RecorHdRe-rVPs628U VM-2800A VM-3800A Portable TVs - Bi% g superimpose with scroll VM-S8200A HR-AG1U HHRR--VVPP782200UU MX-1 Digital HR-J420U Screen - Trinitron - srehmuottteer caonndtromlo,re!7 speed Vi: deo Mi:xer Home Theianetarer ; Hihfesi Components F HR-J620U HR-S5100 4 input osvweirtch2e0r0, dual Video Recorders HR-VP624 HR-S7100 TBC’s, digital effects and more! VIM-190A VTM-482A i iti Sound Mixer Titlemaker VVMTFM--329911AA VVTIFF--379722AA UJVXXiTS6dV65e5o EditinJJgXxT78080 Processor Plus ©Thumbs Up | ALSO AVAILABLE IN PAL/SECAM: VCR- Television: Camcorder VL-E36 VL-L390 VLE-42U VLH-410U Jvc ®@HITACHI | SONY TOSHIBA | | 3B”i:tgoS4c1r”eCeonloPrrojTneeecletedivoinsioTnVss , 8 mm Camcorders rMuasieicdand Pro-809 Pro-883HB TV/VCR Combinations & Pro-B43 Pro-930 LCD Projection! ae WE SHIP NATIONWIDE! VHS Camcorders CALL FOR MORE MODELS & fou “4 AG-455 PRICES! SVHS-1LUX-12X 200M NV-55BX4 Video Recorders VR-503 VR-721 . VR-507 VR-720HF VR-603 VR-800HF VR-674 ES-70 ES-1000 AG-1970 Pee Replacement Batteries, Tripods, ES-500 ES-750 SVHS/VHS AG-S20A Microphones, Wireless W4J-KBL15 Microphones, Video Lights, ES-800 L2 era External Batteries, Editors, AG-513A WJTL5 Processors and Much More! = j AG-A96 VW-CGS5P j We Carry All Accessories! WJAVE7 /A RECEIVERS \\ es : Stand alone cuts-only, ra control track edit con- ; 120-Watt Pro Logic troller! Receiver Same as above BLE- a On-Screen display programmable built-in SMPTE time code reader! remote control, DSP-digital signal processing, digital equalizer, digital expansion and more! COMPACT DISCS 5 Disc Player with Custom Memory DSP digital signal processing optical digital output, variable line output and much more! CN2SRO1OINEA.RRACVDLIEECRE TAPE DECKS 6-Motor Drive Auto Reverse Cassette Deck Purchase Orders, COD’s and Personal Checks Welcome Quick reverse, blank skip, fine bias Apply today for your very own Colonel Video and Audio Gold Card! Defective exchanges may be made within 7 days of receipt after prior authorization. All returned merchandise must be in new condition and include packaging and printed material in original Protect your investment on all your electronic equipment today! Ask! unaltered conditions. Returns may be subject to a restocking fee. Shipping and handling charges non-refundable. We are not responsible for typographical errors. Shipping and handling is for details about our fast and convenient 1-5 Year Warranty Prova extra. These are phone and mail order prices only. Prices are not valid in the showrooms or to the customers within a 150 mile radius. If you wish to drive to the stores, please phone ahead to a check the in-store price. *Ask for details. Colonel Video and Audio, 16451 Space Center Blvd., Houston, TX 77058