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Show Picking out a video cassette recorder might want to do some homework at your local video stores to see which format your favorite programs are in. VCR technology is rapidly changing, chang-ing, and as it does, models become outdated quickly. That's one reason why prices of many video recorders have dropped in the past year. Since new models are coming out so fast, it's to your advantage to keep up on models which have the features you're looking for. A good way to do this is simply to walk into several stores and have some sales personnel explain to you the different machines you're considering. consider-ing. Consumer Guide, Consumer Reports, and various video magazines maga-zines provide ratings of video recorders. Certain stores specializing specializ-ing in this type of equipment keep on hand current copies of periodical articles which rate recorders. Ask to see these when you walk in. As you're deciding which video is best for you, remember that price is not the only consideration. A good warranty is an important criterion as well. Repair work on video recorders is terribly expensive, so get the best warranty you can which will cover parts and labor for a long period of time. Generally, video recorder warranties warran-ties provide limited coverage for labor, which will likely be the highest part of your repair bill. It's good, therefore, to buy a recorder that's an excellent model, or you may find yourself paying more in bills than you would have paid to buy an upgraded version of the machine you purchased. by Carol L. Clark Dr. Clark is the consumer education specialist in the Utah Attorney General's Office It's been a long time since consumers have been as excited about a product as they've been about video cassette recorders, better known as VCRs. VCRs have offered the chance to watch movies at home, the ability to record television programs and the option of videotaping your own events for future viewing. The industry that has sprung up to meet public demand is; everywhere. It seems these days that you can hardly pass a gas station without seeing videotapes for rent. " Buying a video recorder or a video disc player is still something of an art, however. Most video recorders, either Beta or VHS, are made by a handful of companies despite the many labels under which these recorders are sold. One of the first questions you ought to ask when you look at a video recorder is, which company manufactured it? You may discover that several recorders which vary in price by as much as $100 are virtually the same recorder, only marketed under different brand names. Another initial consideration is whether you would like a Beta or a VHS format. Most of the differences between the two are not vital to the average consumer, but it is useful to know that the maximum recording time possible on a single cassette is greater in the VHS format than in the Beta. You can buy a T-160 VHS cassette which will record for eight hours versus the Beta recorder L-830 which will record only five hours. You might also note that the two formats aren't compatible. Beta cassettes cannot be used on VHS machines and vice versa. Generally, piv-recorded programs are available in both formats, but if it makes a difference to you what type of programs you are going to view, you |