The HR-VP690U features a hi-fi, 4-head design that gives you crystal-clear pause and slow-motion effects, and its dual-azimuth construction uses 2 pairs of recording heads rather than one, each optimized for a specific mode (one for SP recording, the other for EP). Pro-Cision 19-micron heads deliver the clearest possible picture when recording or viewing in EP (extended-play) mode. If you route the stereo output to an audio/video receiver, you can even enjoy 4-channel (left, center, right, and monaural surround) Dolby Pro Logic mixes from TV and Dolby-encoded cassettes.

Picture Control lets you change the VCR's four picture-technology settings: "Auto/Normal" enables the Active Video Calibration System; "Soft" reduces image coarseness when viewing overplayed tapes; "Edit" minimizes degradation during editing (recording and playback); and "Sharp" gives you clearer, sharper-edged pictures.

The HR-VP690U comes with front audio/video jacks enabling easy access for connecting camcorders, video games, or an extra VCR. One-year, 8-event express programming and a full-function remote complete the package. The remote control's Shuttle Plus feature gives you the complete tape-accessing flexibility of a traditional jog/shuttle control, plus features like fingertip control of frame advance, variable slow motion, multiple-speed search, and Index Search--all in one easy-to-use button on the remote control.

What's in the Box VCR,