Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: SATURDAY, July 28, 1990                   TAG: 9007280446
SECTION: SPECTATOR                    PAGE: 16   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Medium

SOLUTIONS TO VIDEO OBSTACLES

Certainly, those for video equipment are no exception. Because of this, owners frequently come up with unusual, but effective solutions to the problems they encounter.

The current issue of Video Magazine highlights some solutions that won't be found in an owner's manual. They are:

Keep remote controls looking and working like new by enclosing them in clear Ziploc-type plastic bags. Fold and tape any excess bag underneath the unit. This works with infrared and radio frequency remotes, both of which operate in the electromagnetic spectrum and aren't inhibited by plastic, but not with older, ultrasonic types.

When recording programs longer than two hours, use the VCR's SP - standard play - mode for as long as possible, then switch to EP - extended play. This generally won't cause a problem since VCRs automatically play back at the correct speed. To calculate when exactly to make the switch, double the program's length in minutes. Next subtract the length of the tape in meters - 246 meters for a T-120, 327m for a T-160. Divide the result by 1.3. This will give the time - in minutes - to spend in EP. Subtract this time from the program length to calculate the number of minutes to spend in SP.

VCR owners can turn their machines' meaningless tape counter numbers into accurate real-time counters by making a conversion chart. Start by recording a cable channel that constantly displays the time - the program guide or the Weather Channel are good choices. Begin recording on the hour. Record at SP or EP, depending on individual needs.

After filling the tape, rewind it and set the tape counter to zero. Search through the tape, writing down the counter number after each five- or 10-minute segment passes on the recorded clock.

Finally, ordinary speaker wire can be used as an antenna. Hook up the wire's conductors to the antenna terminals. The wire can be hung out of the window, run along the baseboard or hidden under rugs. Adjust reception by playing around with the wire's position.