TURN-ONS AND TURN-OFFS IN CURRENT HOME ENTERTAINMENT RELEASES : TECH FLASHES

ED COMES TO VIDEO: No, not “Mr. Ed,” but “ED Beta.” That stands for “Extended Definition Beta”--what Sony is calling its new format for VCRs. Following on JVC’s announcement of its improved format, Super-VHS, Sony is claiming that ED Beta delivers an even sharper picture. Both systems are tentatively scheduled for introduction in Japan this fall, with U.S. marketing to follow, perhaps by the end of the year.

DON’T MAKE BOOK ON IT: Will bookstores be a place to go for video in the future? Current indications couldn’t be more contradictory. While the B. Dalton chain officially announced that it will entirely discontinue carrying videocassettes, Waldenbooks is not only still selling tapes but considering opening its own video stores.

VIDEO NATURALS: Spring is here and nature is busting out all over videoland. New releases include: “Life on Earth” (Warner, two cassettes). Filmed in 30 countries, this natural-history series was shown on PBS and hosted by David Attenborough. Information: (818) 954-6000. . . . “Polar Bear Alert” and “Creatures of the Namib Desert” (Vestron), latest in a series of one-hour “National Geographic” specials, shown on PBS and other outlets. (203) 968-0000. . . . “Audubon Society’s VideoGuide to the Birds of North America, Volume I” (Mastervision), a 96-minute treat for armchair birdwatchers. (212) 879-0448. . . . “Windham Hill: Seasons” (Paramount), a compilation of scenes from four previous nature/meditation videos. (213) 468-5000. . . . “Banks’ Florilegium: The Flowering of the Pacific” (Home Vision) visits the places where Capt. James Cook’s naturalist, Joseph Banks, discovered 700 new species of plants. (800) 826-3456. . . . “The Insider’s Guide to Duck Hunting” and “The Insider’s Guide to Bass Fishing” (Kartes). The tips come from, respectively, Marlin Gibbs and Keith Clow. (317) 297-1888. . . . For those who’d rather gawk than stalk, there’s always the “Video Aquarium” from Video Naturals. (213) 469-0019.