| The formidable SL-HF2100 has a neat feature that comes in handy. Called the Tape Operation Indicator (or Status Wheel) it tells you at a glance which direction the tape is moving and at what speed. It also lets you know if the tape is paused or stopped. This is in addition to the illuminated arrows and icons found in the display. It is located prominently on the right of the display and is visible with the front door up or down. It performs like this. When you turn on the VCR the word STATUS lights up. Pressing play or record causes some of the radial lines to change and appear to rotate around the wording in the center (see above). Speed of the rotation depends on the rate of tape travel instead of the time location (HMS). Slow for play and record, faster for scanning and winding. More lines light up as the going gets faster. Rotation is clockwise for forward and counterclockwise for reverse. Placing the VCR in pause causes the lines to become motionless (see above). Stop the tape and the lines go off. Sony developed a special IC to control this radial display. At first it seems just a curiosity but after a while it becomes very helpful. Do not stare at the wheel too long, it's hypnotic. |