Abstract: In a multi-function video tape recorder system, a manually operable rotary dial can be used in place of a large number of dedicated manual switches, and so forth to make selections from multiple-choice lists and to assign numerical values for timing, and so forth. The rotary dial is journalled on a fold-down section of the video tape recorder's front console and its manually-actuated rotation is monitored by optical sensors. A microprocessor receives the output of the sensors and so can derive the angular position and speed and direction of rotation of the rotary dial, which may all serve as input parameters. In addition, a ring may be included in the rotary dial assembly, the ring being pivotably slightly relative to the rotary dial itself to provide an addition dimension of information input.