Record Execs Speak At ITA's Home Video Conference (continued from page 16) Rothfeld wondered whether or not peo- Some observers felt that video cassettes 000 video cassette recorders (VCRs) will be of retail record stores carry some audio ple would want to see movies over and over will continue to be primarily used for in American homes; as many as 1.2 million hardware, and those that have also begun at home, and said he thought that a strong recording TV programs, unless the cost of units could be in use by 1980. In contrast, selling video hardware have experienced soundtrack could be the determining fac- pre-programmed cassettes comes down the most sanguine observers estimate that considerable success with their new line. tor. Citing the huge success of the "Satur- considerably from the present range of there will be 250,000 disc players in homes Among the chains cited were Record Ren- day Night Fever" and "Grease" albums, he $40-$70 for non -pornographic material. by 1980. dezvous and the Sam Goody chain, head- said,"l'm talking about a product that's (The key to this problem is high-speed Little Price Difference quartered in the Northeast. In addition, audio only. Can you imagine the potential of duplication. A practical method for doing A major reason for the continued op- Cohen noted, all three Franklin Music something like this in videodisc format?" this could easily be developed, but the feel- timism of video cassette proponents is the stores in Atlanta have been carrying home Currently, Rothfeld said, video products ing is that software companies would not fact that, even at $600 per unit, videodisc video hardware and blank video cassettes are being sold in Korvettes' TV department. want to make the large investment required players will be hardly any cheaper than for the past 18 months. "The compatibility But he foresaw special video sections until they see which way the market is go- VCRs, which are now discounted to as low of audio and video products encouraged within record and tape departments which ing.) Others felt that, at least until the mid - as $750. And, while a substantial number of them to begin cross -merchandising. They would be cross -merchandised with dif- 1980's, videodiscs will pose no 'treat to videodiscs must be available before con- are very satisfied with the results and find ferent types of music that appeal to dif- video cassette manufacturers, who already sumers will buy players, VCRs can be sold that blank video tape buyers buy in quan- ferent kinds of customers. have a solid foothold in the U.S. market. By strictly on the basis of their recording tity. Franklin Music has carried 60 titles in Manufacturers' Position the end of this year, it is expected that 750,- capability. pre-recorded video cassettes for the past Dan Davis pointed out that Capitol star- five months." ted a video department "because of our At the same time, however, Cohen war- needs for promotional materials." ned that there are still major problems to be However, he added, "We are all aware that solved before video can become a major (home) video does exist, and we are poised item for record retailers. First, he said, and ready to go with it." "video software programming must be According to Davis, Capitol uses its designed to fit not only the regular record video footage on recording artists both in- store customer, but the man in the mall store and on television, where the clips can whom the retailer is trying to attract into his be adapted to music and talk shows, as well store." Second, he reiterated the need for as commercials. In addition, he said, the the video industry to provide support footage is in great demand abroad. He materials to the retailer, similar to record closed his presentation with sample video merchandising displays. And third, he spots for Sammy Hagar and Gentle Giant. noted that the price of video software must Along the same lines, John Weaver of come down. Keefco and Carol Goss of Improvising Ar- Regarding the advent of the videodisc, tists showed footage of music concerts that Cohen said, "I see videodisc as being ex- made use of innovative techniques. The tremely well received when it enters the basic thrust of their argument was that un- record and tape marketplace." He added usual visuals coupled with music would NEXT OF KIHN - Following Besarkley Records artist Greg Kihn's recent show at the Roxy, that he has been told by Pickwick Inter- make saleable programs for the home Kihn was greeted backstage by Beserkley and GRT Corp. execs. Pictured standing, (l-r) national spokesmen that the videodisc, "by video market. are: David Carpender and Steve Wright, of the Greg Kihn Band; Joel Turtle, Beserkleyat- its very physical format," is more compati- Rounding out the music industry torney; Matthew Reighning Looney, Beserkley; Herb Hershfield, senior vice president of ble with other products sold in record speeches, Floyd Glinert noted that, as GRT Corp.; and Larry Lynch, of the Greg Kihn Band; and (kneeling) Allan Mason, vice stores than the video cassette. record labels have learned, attractive president of A&R, Janus Records: and Kihn. Videodisc Revolution packaging helps sell albums. He urged Dave Rothfeld was also enthusiastic video software manufacturers to devote an about the potential of the videodisc. "We equal amount of thought and effort to are on the threshold of the biggest revolu- packaging their product. tion in home entertainment," he said. "My Videodisc Demonstration opinion is that the videodisc will not only One of the highlights of the ITA seminar prevail, but will be the most important new was the demonstration by Magnavox of the entertainment product since audio tape." videodisc player that they will start test - But he also noted that, whether it is on marketing in December. Although the disc or tape, "We at Korvettes are gung-ho machine will be capable of playing discs on video entertainment." that are either 30 minutes per side or an Rothfeld expressed two concerns about hour per side, most of the initial software the immediate future. First, he said he will apparently be only half an hour per hoped that video formats would soon be side. Initial cost of the new unit will probably standardized, and pointed out that lack of be around $600, with hour-long edited standardization was one of the things that movies retailing for about $15-$16. killed quad. He also was concerned about There was a great deal of controversy at merchandising video software in a way that the conference about the future of could encourage customers to consider the prerecorded video cassettes after the in- purchase of video equipment. troduction of the lower -priced videodisc. All aboard on the Zephyr Disco Deluxe Departing soon, the disco event of the century to be captured live fora nation- wide television special the historic Union Station downtown Los Angeles, has been converted into the most spacious. outrageous disco on the west coast I Marvel at the art deco architecture while dancing with the most sophisticated sound, light and special effects systems ever designed. Live entertainment with special guest stars all amongst wide screen televisions, shooting lasers and a rolling fog. There will be two disco floors, a '40's ballroom and a cabaret garden. Complimentary buffet with bar service and tattoos for wi'd ones all non stop 'ill dawn. Enter the fabulous '40's costume contest; Or, boogie in the disco dance competition and win $1000 each if you're the best The Zephyr Disco Deluxe, for two nights only during the Thanksgiving holiday Friday, November 24, mostly mixed, and, Saturday, November 25, mostly men from 9pm until dawn. $28 per person each night No tickets will be sold at the door Limited capacity. Produced by Zephyr Productions. 2252 Verde Ock Dr Hollywood. CA 90068 For information call 213 465-3030 Tickets available at Ticketron ar by mail Make checks payable to Zephyr Productions (Checks must be received by November 15. 1978). NAME ADDRESS CITY STATE ARE WE NOT PHOTOGENIC - Warner Bros. recording group Devo was joined backstage by singer/songwriters Leonard Cohen and David Blue as well as Martine Getty, TELEPHONE INDICATE WHICH NIGHT NO OF TICKETS wife of J. Paul Getty Jr., following the band's recent show at the Starwood in Los Angeles. Pictured (l -r) are: Bob 2 of Devo; Cohen; Blue; Mark of Devo; Getty and Jerry of Devo. zfi Cash Box/November 4, 1978 39 www.americanradiohistory.com.