Survival rules

Press, 24 December 1985, Page 8

Survival rules

Many parents find that having a VCR in the house can be a mixed blessing, but there are a few tricks to surviving the video invasion. Those who are still considering the purchase of their fest VCR are slightly more fortunate because they have the opportunity to lay down the ground rules before the unit arrives. Mind you, it is still not too late for those who have had video for some time, either.

The most important thing to decide is who may use the VCR, for what and when. We have all been through the hassle of competing for viewing television programmes on opposing channels and now there is the third channel to compete — video. Discuss the issue as a group and put the rules for its use in writing. This will help to settle any arguments and also allow for sensible use of the VCR.

If everyone in the household is allowed to use the unit, spend a few dollars extra and make sure that

each has their own blank tape. This will avoid the accidental * erasure of material you have not had the chance to view yet and want to keep on tape. Make sure, too, that everyone is completely familiar with how to work the VCR before you let them loose on the unit

Keeping a log book is one of the most sensible ideas we have ever come across. A simple notebook will do, and the things you need to record in it are running times, which blank tape is used, the title and source of pre-recorded tapes and any problems or servicing which may arise. A log book will let you know at a glance just how much use the VCR has been subjected to and for what purpose. You might be in for a surprise when you realise just how hard the unit is working for you.

Set aside a specific time to visit the video library as a family, too. This gives you the chance to monitor the

selection of suitable material and to take note of further titles to consider when you do not have time to pay a personal visit to the library. Decide before you go whose turn it is to choose a film or films, but encourage the others to look around and take note of what they would like to see when their time comes. Please remember to make it quite clear that the membership card issued by the library is not common' property. When you accept the card, you agree to ensure that you are the one to use it and any damaged or lost tapes are your responsibility — a sobering thought when one considers the average replacement cost is around $l4O per tape. A VCR can be the best investment you ever make or it can be the worst nightmare; the choice is yours. Making sensible use of the unit will bring rich rewards so make sure you get your money’s worth and enjoy the benefits to the full.