Some Tips About Shopping for a VCR
When shopping for a VCR, programming is always an issue.
Don’t be afraid of a VCR with on-screen programming. Despite the myths, you really don’t have to be a rocket scientist to use it. The instructions appear on the screen at the touch of a button, guiding you through a selection of times and dates.
On-screen displays for VCR programming have been around for about seven years. They’re vastly improved over what they used to be--and so are the instruction manuals.
Most VCRs are equipped with on-screen displays, even some in the $225 range. Some people think that you need to invest in an expensive model to get a simpler on-screen display. But it’s simply not true. Don’t spend extra hoping for easier on-screen programming.
VCRs made by Mitsubishi, RCA and Panasonic have excellent on-screen displays. Many stores are set up for demonstrations, so sample on-screen displays for yourself on your shopping trips.
For those who simply can’t shake their fear of programming, many VCRs come equipped with a VCR Plus+, which allow you to program by punching in code numbers on the remote control device. The VCR Plus+ is even easier to use when it’s already incorporated into the VCR. RCA’s VCRs equipped with VCR Plus+ are particularly simple to use.
But some people live in remote areas where it’s difficult to get the VCR Plus+ codes. And in some places, cable systems make the VCR Plus+ tough to use. Don’t spend the extra money for a VCR Plus+ equipped machine if it’s not convenient to use it.
For programming in a slightly different manner, Panasonic has a fairly foolproof system--the Program Director--which works with a tiny wheel on the remote. It’s available on the PV-4361, an otherwise excellent machine which you can find for about $400.
If you’re buying a VCR for someone who does a lot of editing of camcorder tapes, you might consider a more expensive model with editing features such as an edit switch. For those who do a lot of editing, a well-equipped VCR makes it much easier. If you don’t know much about editing features, your best bet is to talk to sales personnel in different stores.
When buying for someone who frequently rents tapes, consider a VCR equipped with self-cleaning heads, a feature that’s becoming more common--and for little extra money. They’re equipped with systems that protect the heads--electromagnets that read the signals off the tape--from some of the dirt that’s often found on rented tapes. Clean heads mean a cleaner picture.
Other video shopping tips:
Camcorders: The models discounted to the $400-$500 range are generally the standard VHS models, which are larger than the compacts (8mm and VHS-C) that dominate the market. For occasional use, these basic, no-frills VHS machines are just fine. The advantage to these models is that, because of their size and bulk, it’s easier to stabilize them--so you’re more likely to get pictures that don’t jiggle.
If you’re buying for parents with small children, invest in a more expensive model. They’ll probably be using it more often in a greater variety of situations. Expensive models have more features that make shooting easier.
On the lower-end models, don’t use the lux number to help make a decision on what to buy. The lux number is the measure of the ability of the camcorder to get quality pictures in low light. The lower it is, the better the camcorder supposedly shoots in low light. Actually, in low light you’ll get inferior pictures, no matter what the lux figure.
Video Tripods: For jiggle-free pictures and steady pan shots, a camcorder tripod is very helpful. It’s something many camcorder owners don’t think about buying for themselves but probably would like to have. They weigh about 5-6 pounds. You can find good ones in the $100-$125 range.
What’s New on Video:
“Sleepless in Seattle” (Columbia TriStar, no set price); The gimmick is that the principals are falling in love without hardly any direct contact. A Baltimore journalist (Meg Ryan) tries to meet up with a Seattle widower (Tom Hanks) she first hears pouring his heart out to a radio psychologist who nicknames him Sleepless in Seattle. Eager for a new mom, his 8-year-old son (Ross Malinger) plays matchmaker. Directed and co-written by Nora Ephron, a wholesome, sentimental fairy tale that’s strictly for romantics.
“Dragon: The Bruce Lee Story” (MCA/Universal); Charismatic Jason Scott Lee, who’s not related to the film’s hero, keeps you interested in this biography of the gifted rebel from Hong Kong who became a martial-arts movie star before his mysterious death 20 years ago at age 32. Engaging and fast-paced but superficial, sidestepping all the interesting questions about this fascinating figure.
“Super Mario Bros.” (Hollywood, $97); Surprisingly cheap-looking movie based on the Nintendo video game. Invading another dimension, Brooklyn plumbers (Bob Hoskins and John Leguizamo) battle a villain (Dennis Hopper) as they try to save Princess Daisy (Samantha Mathis). If you like the game, avoid this movie.
“Guilty as Sin” (Hollywood, $96); Director Sidney Lumet’s clone of the 1985 thriller, “Jagged Edge.” In this one, Don Johnson plays the gigolo on trial for killing his wife, defended by a glamorous lawyer (Rebecca De Mornay) who’s initially intrigued by his charm. Powered by a wonderfully campy performance by Johnson, it’s contrived but enjoyably trashy--a fun bad movie.
Upcoming:
“The Firm” (Wednesday): “Dave” (Dec. 22); “Hot Shots Part Deux” and “Hocus Pocus” (Jan. 5); “Robin Hood: Men in Tights,” “Hearts and Souls” and “Menace II Society” (Jan. 12); “Rookie of the Year,” “Hard Target,” “The Coneheads” and “Last Action Hero” (Jan. 26); “Poetic Justice” (Feb. 2).
