From: utzoo!decvax!harpo!seismo!hao!hplabs!sri-unix!mclure Newsgroups: net.video Title: Re: VCR vs. Video Discs - (nf) Article-I.D.: sri-unix.5365 Posted: Wed Mar 9 07:23:41 1983 Received: Fri Mar 11 21:13:00 1983 #R:ihuxn:-19400:sri-unix:7100004:000:1234 sri-unix!mclure Dec 16 07:12:00 1982 VCR advantages you can record wide selection of pre-recorded tapes VCR disadvantages generally lousy quality of picture (compared to professional VCR's like Umatic) tapes decay with time tapes are easily damaged different formats by different manufacturers some work is being done on getting stereo, but for the most part the results have been poor. Video disk advantages excellent picture and stereo quality almost indestructable media Video disk disadvantages lack of wide selection of pre-recorded disks. you can't record I expect that recording will become possible within 10 years. current video disk players have a hack called extended play (1 hour per side) which requires the disabling of many of the features: freeze-frame, slow-mo, etc. I expect 1 hour per side with features to become available sometime in the next 5 years. different formats by different manufacturers A personal note: I do not intend to buy a video disk player until at least 1 hour per side with features has been implemented. 50% of my reason for buying/renting movies is to carefully inspect the various shots and techniques used by the director. Stuart