When it comes to videocassette recorders, two heads are still better than one.
Go Video, a Scottsdale, Ariz., company, markets America's first working dual-deck VCR. With it, you can:- Tape two different TV shows simultaneously - while you watch a third TV channel.
- Tape a broadcast show on one side while you're watching a prerecorded tape on the other.
- Make your own copy from any video source - even those protected by the Macrovision copyguard coding, although you must pledge the copies are only for your personal use.
And the unit has memory programming with no need of a battery backup, even in a power failure.
The new Go Video deck, introduced in January, is simple to use. For most uses, think of it as two VCRs in one box. Just load in a tape on either side and press "record" or "play."
To make copies, first load your original prerecorded tape in Deck One on the left, then put a blank tape in Deck Two on the right. Press the "copy tape" button and the dual-deck makes a high-quality copy for home use.
If you're copying a commercial prerecorded tape, the blank tape in Deck Two will get all the electronic information (including any Macrovision copyguard protection) from the original tape.
"In our literature, we strongly emphasize and stress all copyright warnings because we really support manufacturers' video and audio copyrights. We think that for personal home use, making a copy is OK," says Go Video President Robert Palco. "Just as long as they don't use it for commercial purposes."
The Go Video unit also is great for editing home movies made with camcorders. You'll wind up with a finished tape with unnoticeable gaps, giving your home video a professional quality.
The secret behind Go Video's VCR is enhanced AmeriChrome circuitry, which uses an Intel microcontroller to eliminate the frequent blinking, pulsating or grainy image problems often encountered when copying tapes.
Go Video marketed an earlier version of its deck in 1990, without the enhanced AmeriChrome circuitry, but both reviews and sales were poor: Without the special circuitry, copy quality often was terrible. This new circuitry maintains a stable picture no matter what the source, says Palco.
The two-deck VCR concept isn't new. In fact, Go Video was formed in 1986 to market a two-deck unit, and by 1987 was making headlines - it filed an international antitrust lawsuit after, it claimed, Japanese manufacturers conspired to block its manufacture and sale. (A jury rejected Go Video's claim, but the company received about $6.8 million in out-of-court settlements. Still, Go Video's VCR is manufactured exclusively for it by Samsung - in South Korea.)
Go Video markets three similar models of the dual-deck VCR: Visions, Mirage and Images. Though all three share the same functions, they vary slightly in appearance. Prices vary from $849 to $949.
Right now the gadget can be bought at Impulse stores or from the Impulse, Sharper Image, Herrington or Comb catalogs.
To find other local dealers, call the Go Video consumer hot line, (800) 279-1600, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. weekdays .VIDEO QUESTION
Q: We have an old videodisc player, not a laserdisc player but an early model from RCA. We have a collection of old movies but can't find any more. Do you know where I can get them?
A: As you probably know, RCA discontinued making such players and discs, known as SelectaVision, eight years ago. There may be a flea market or swap network for this abandoned format, but I'm not aware of one. If any readers respond, I'll let you know.
Q: I've seen some VCRs labeled "digital." Does that mean they have digital sound?
A: Not at all. Except for a few specialized and costly VCRs, all home models have analog sound. The "digital" claim as applied to VCRs refers to a digital memory chip that comes into play for freeze frame, slow motion and other special effects.NEW VIDEO
Puppet Master III: Toulon's revenge - a direct-to-video success story. "Puppet Master" bypassed theaters and did so well that it has spawned two direct-to-video sequels, with another on the way. Here, the kindly old puppeteer, Toulon (Guy Rolfe), enlists his splintery creations to do battle with the Nazis in 1941 Berlin. He injects them with green stuff and they set about goring holes through bad guys. For some reason, virtually every puppet's face is frozen in a hideous grimace. Our favorite is Pinhead: big body, tiny head, very cute. The special effects get a bit disgusting at times, but, all in all, this is tame stuff. Not that there's much to recommend here. For a cheap-thrill horror flick, it's really pretty dull. Paramount. - Russell Smith (Dallas Morning News)