Mitsubishi 330E deserves closer look

Press, 14 May 1985, Page 17

Mitsubishi 330E deserves closer look

A unit which has been on the market for some time but deserves a closer look is the Mitsubishi HS-330E.

The 330 E features long play function (up to eight hours), stereo sound with Dolby noise reduction, slow and normal tracking, eight programme 14 day timer, picture brightness control, five motor direct drive, auto panel lock, 29 function in-fra-red remote, slow playback variable using remote (1/7 or 1/30 normal speed), test signal, one touch recording up to two hours and pause adjustment.

The Mitsubishi 330 E moves very smoothly and virtually instantly from one function to another and we found this a very pleasant change. Cue and review are slower than average at seven times normal speed, but many owners will find this a plus rather than a

detraction, particularly when editing. All major modes are clearly displayed and well marked on the front of the unit and the front flaps conceal an amazing array of buttons and switches, each clearly marked. Behind the left flap can be found tape speed switch, slow and normal tracking controls, audio dub, videoTV switch, brightness control, O.T.R. button, picture quality control and programme control centre. Under the right flap, channel preset switches, audio monitor switches, Dolby on-off, dual microphone sockets, headphone socket and tuner-camera selection switch.

The picture quality of the 330 E is superb in standard play but, as with all other units offering the same feature, the long play mode does detract a little. It

would be a very fussy user, however, who would complain about the standard experienced in LP mode. The audio quality is excellent, particularly when used with good quality stereo speakers, and must be rated among the very best in the “up market” range.

We have always found the Mitsubishi 330 E an excellent all-round unit, but we would like to stress that the handbook must be read with care if you want to avoid problems. Once you have become conversant with the contents, setting up and using the 330 E becomes easy.

At a recommended retail price of $2470, the 330 E is competitive in price and has much to offer the serious video user who is looking for a unit which offers many features and performs all its tasks to a very high standard.