Olive,

Do you have any idea when the other SLHF950s were sold and what they went for?

regards Noel

Damn! The Nigerian scammers are getting lazy. Now they want you to contact them!

This fellow has several SL-HF 950s

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=5754785367

Dear all,I notice there is a bit of animosity on this site. We should all be honest and upfront with what we are doing and can only assume this is happening. People who act dishonestly can wear it on their conscience if they have one. What goes around comes around as they say. I have used Beta since 1983 and am looking for the ultimate SLHF950AS or ES in mint working condtion. If you have a lead or this model for sale please let me know. Beta is Beautiful!!!

Many thanks to Noel and Micheal. I replaced that capacitors as sugested, tweaked the capstan free spead, now it is working a charm.

I own a Toshiba M-42. It stops playing 3 seconds after the button is pushed. It wasn't used in a long time. Any suggestions?

Olive,

Thanks again. I had completely forgotten about the hatch on the top of the unit. Worked like a charm.

Wally

Sad to say, I used to have an old VHS EP copy of a tv run of that movie. And now I got the dvd release. My Ferris never saw a beta.

Olive,

Was the name of the plug you were trying to remember "Belling Lee" which is a push on coaxial connector?

Homer, Poor old Ferris has been pushed into service as a VCR test tape here. The down side, it is copping a bit of damage. The upside, I get to enjoy it a lot.

regards Noel.

To David with the Sony SLC9.

Well I am in Australia which is too far away to offer much physical help but the symptoms you have reported sound strange. The normal SLC9 problems of load gears breaking and the DC/DC convertor are listed on PALSITE.

In relation to your problem, there is a main board at the base of the unit which does all the servo control called the SS11 board. I have had quite a few of SLC9s with servos problems including one where capstan control is lost and the picture goes either fast or slow in play then cuts out. The unit also cuts out in fast forward or rewinding modes but it does work in the slow motion trick modes of frame by frame, 1/10th and 1/5th the speed.

The fault cause is loss of tracking pulses to the speed controller integrated circuit. It is caused by faulty (leaking) electrolytic capacitors which put chemical residue on the board. This has two results, corroded copper tracks and resistive paths between tracks. This upsets operational amplifier bias voltages causing the "buffered" pulses to disappear. The capacitors can also develop high ESR which is increased internal resistance and have reduced capacitance value. Because of this they heat up over time until stable. This is the problem I think your machine has.

A good technician armed with a service manual should be able to track down the fault.

Fot the first fault, all components in the affected area need to be removed and capacitors replaced after both sides of the board are cleaned using alcohol wipes and the tracks repaired as necessary before components are replaced.

I do have second hand capstan motors for these machines if does turn out to be the actual motor, but I have never seem such a problem. I hope this information helps you have the unit repaired.

regards Noel Higgins

- Bueller ??

- Bueller ??

- Bueller ??

- Um, he's sick. My best friend's sister's boyfriend's brother's girlfriend heard from this guy who knows this kid who's going with a girl who saw Ferris pass out at 31 Flavors last night. I guess it's pretty serious.

Many thanks Olive for your notes....forgot to say I am UK, but I see you guessed I must be a Limey....I think someone said that I may need a Scart socket x 6 to receive the Video and Audio in / out connectors ? I am also advised that I may need to purchase a Sony K-Type connector, Phono plug, Special Mini plug as a cable assemby x 1.5 metres. ?

FOR SALE: 30 beta commercially prerecorded movies @$1.00 each plus shipping. Complete listing on request.300 used beta tapes, 250, 750 and 830s @ 5/$1.00 plus shipping...all or part. SONY BMC 110 with battery and charger fully functional $10.00.

I guess we have it fairly easy in the State as video connections have changed a whole lot since VCRs started showing up back in the 70s. Of course TVs used to be hooked up with 75½ screw in blade connectors to well into the 80s - like the Zenith my mom used to have - before the standard of 300½ cable TV - like the Zenith my mom now has. It wasn't till HiFi decks (and stereo broadcasts) started coming out in the early that TVs regularly included RCA A/V jacks. By the late 80s some high end TVs added an S-video input. But you'd still be able to hook up even a 1976 Betamax to just about every TV being put out today.

If your TV still has an aerial hookup you should be able to attach your SL-C9 via that. I'm not sure what the connector is called though - which is a shame because I have an old SL-T50 ME that has a Euro aerial connector - looks like a giant RCA plug.... Anyone? Anyone? Ferris? Ferris Beuller?....

Otherwise you should be able to attach it using A/V cords. Going by my T-50 it looks like you'd need a BNC connector for the video in/outs and standard RCA connectors for the audio.

I'd given my mom a BNC to RCA adapter I'd made so she could hook up her digital camera to her aunt's TV set when she was down in Australia visiting but she told me they use stanard RCA connections for video now.

I am an Oldie, who chose a Betamax SL C9 -UB when colour TV first arrived. It was an excellent format, however following an expensive overhaul, it was carefully packed away into storage. Now some 15 years later I have recovered it, and would you believe it, it powered up first time and I ejected an old video cassette, so I am convinced it is just raring to go. My problem is simple - I just can't remember how it was connected up to the early TV - let alone how I can connect it up to my Sony Digital TV and whether it is possible to incorporate it into my " Set-Up " comprising, a Sky Digibox,Sony DVD Player and the Sony Digital TV ?? I have tried a few Video repairers and they have no idea what I am talking about !! I would be most grateful for any help on the subject.

Nice to see so many enthusiastic Betamax devotees !!!

Thanks to Olive and DasI. for updating your links promptly!

Done and did....

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/TheBetamaxVideographer/links/

I have moved my Betamax page to a new directory within the website, so the URL has changed from http://sphs.angeltowns.net/insanity/betamax.html to http://sphs.angeltowns.net/A_R_Wehrle/betamax.html Links need to be updated ASAP. Olive, please change the one on the Betamax Videographer group links page.

Hi,

I have bought five betamax video recorders for transferring my Beta tapes recorded with a Sony HVC-4000P and a betamax portable SL-F1 (also unusable right now). Sony local service reported to me they couldn´t do anything with them. I bought some months ago a SL-C9 video recorder through eBay and when you try to insert Dynamicron tapes longer than L-500, stops after some minutes. I decided last week to get my SL-C9 repaired at SANYO local service (they also manufactured BETA video recorders, didn´t they) and they told me today that they had to change a little rubber for tape transport that it was seriously damaged (I could saw it) but he also told me that I must keep the video playing during some hours to wait CAPSTAN motor to become warm due to it´s also seriously damaged. If I want to transfer all these tapes to my Pioneer DVR-7000 DVD Reocorder, I must wait two hours to avoid stopping!!! Please somebody could tell me how to repair this video recorder, I am really fed up with all these local repair services. Should I buy a new CAPSTAN motor or it´s impossible to get a new one. PLEASE HELP!!! This is starting to drive me crazy. It seems that here in SPAIN it´s hardly impossible to get something for BETA video recorders.

Regards,

Dave

Madness -- Are you the one who posted messages about the AIWA AV70M sometime ago?

Hiya folx, found this on eBay, a betamax tape T-shirt: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=50223&item=8171244760&rd=1

HiI have a Toshiba V-5470B which has stopped playing and rewinding. Does anyone know of someone in the south west of England who can repair it? If that is not possible has anyone got a betamax I could rent for about a month, to copy my old video cassettes to vhs? I can't really afford the prices on e-bay for a new betamax but if anyone has one for about £25 includung post and package this would solve the problem. Many thanks. May.

I think "Honest Seller" is cribbing images from old eBay auctions. I checked out some of those auctions and there's no continuity of image style that would suggest they took the pictures themselves and often they use what are clearly stock images.

I was only able to find one auction with the VCR Gary 'room full of krep' backdrop. And they didn't do VCR Gary's standard $50/150 price/BIN so it's probably not him.

Reading their spiel, it would seem they bought all this stuff from a charity auction for resale with the intimation that presumably your purchase will also go to charity - probaby to buy more krep for resale...

Dodgy but not necessarily a scam. Too bad I'm pretty much broke or I'd have a go at some of that stuff.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=3284&item=5751732749&rd=1

the honest seller has a drop cloth that looks very familiar.. Is this vcrgary's red RCA Colorama cloth? Maybe he sold the cloth on eBay to honest seller? Another rip-off. EBAY victims to help tsanami victims....UGH!

I just picked up a sony slp-305 player. Don't know much about it- but it sure is heavy.Any questions or info would be appreciated.Thanks,Bob

I probably should've said To add or delete a channel, tune it in with the VCR's tuner buttons and press the "Add" or "Erase" button depending on whether you want it or not.

Should be pretty straightforward.

You should see a little hatch on top of the VCR to the right front? There's a switch to let you toggle between CATV and "Normal" UHF/VHF - switch it to "Normal". To add or delete a channel, tune it in with the tuner and press the "Add" or "Erase" button.

Olive,

Thanks for your response about the SL-HF600 question. I understand about the direct dial access. However, my issue is that I need to turn the CATV off and make the tuner understand regular VHF / UHF reception. I also seem to remember that there was a convoluted way of memorizing certain channels and deleting others. Just can't seem to remember how to do either of those things.

Anyone else?

Thanks,Wally

Mercury Keller TV1452 East Livingstone AvColumbus OH 43205(614)258-9577

They've repaired my ED Beta machines. Highly recommended

Alter-ego for vcrgary, FYI:

http://search.ebay.com/_W0QQsassZhonest...sellerQQhtZ-1

Luiz - check the PALsite directory.

http://www.palsite.com/directory.html#usa

They have a listing of Beta service places accross the US and elsewhere

I own an AIWA AV-70M unit that I really like and need to have it repaired. I've had it since the 80s when I got it as part of my AIWA mini-stereo component system. Would someone know where I could have it repaired? I really love that unit and have enjoyed it for many many years. Any information would be appreciated. Thanks!

To Noel Higgins

G/day Noel

Thanks for the interest in the SL-C9 - as I think I mentioned in an email to you some time ago I have fixed up the tape transport mechanism but as regards the interference I was getting when using the tv tuner I have decided to not pursue the problem as I do not really need this machine for recording tv programs etc. All the other great functions on this machine are working fine making it a great editing machine - since I last comunicated with you I have also aquired an original service manual and adjustment manual for the SL-C9 which are very comprehensive and should be a great asset to keeping it functioning.

Also have yet to decide wether to get to grips with the C6 's and the dreaded caps. etc the SLHF-100'S are performing well as are most of the sanyo/toshiba and other sony's in the fleet - I suppose not having to rely solely on one particular machine is the one definite advantages of being a collector.

best regads

Ron Humphris

To Ron Humphris,

How did you go with repairing that SLC9 with the cicuit info I sent you?

regards Noel

hello

SL-HF 600 is a direct dial VCR. Unless some channels have been deleted or otherwise messed with you shouldn't need to mess with or worry about presets.

I am look for someone that has access to or knows where I can find an owner's manual for a Sony SL-HF600 (circa 1985). I am attempting to reset channel selection on the machine but for the life of me can't remember how to do it.

Thanks,Wally

Ha thank you .

To Paul Middleton,Would just like to 'back up' Noels' advice on his previous posts. Replacing the 4 Sanyo caps fixed the capstan and drum servo problems on both of my C5 's. Regards, michael.

To Paul Middleton who asked about repairs for the Sony SLC5. See my posts above dated 11 January.

regards Noel.

G/day all fellow betaphiles, havn't posted here for a while as most of my beta's are ticking over nicely [famous last words I can here you saying] anyway I had the good fortune to come across half a dozen or so brand new Beta cassette winding units the details of which are: make KONTAKT.240 volts.forward & rewind direct control. auto stop & soft ejection. stylish,compact design. precise, no noise operation. led pilot light.As I say these items are brand new and were part of someones deceased estate, they are still in their original packing complete with warranty card and instructions.I have owned a couple of these units for quite a few years and use them frequently and I am sure they have saved heaps of ware and tare on my beta machines both the units I have were not new like these ones and have performed faultlessly over the years.All the new units I have are fitted with Australian plugs so for use in the UK would need the appropriate plug fitted.Anyone in Aus/UK interested in purchasing one of these units the cost to you would be 30AUD + postage [they weigh 1.3 kilos with packaging] I am offering palsite betaphiles first choice on these before going to eBay!Just remove [nospam] from my email address if you wish to email meregards

Ron

Need a VCR-4400 manual?

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/TheBetamaxVideographer/files/VCR-4400_manual.zip

Hi,I have a Sony SL-HF900. Fabulous machine, but it has major issues related to the video circuitry.When in TV tuner mode, little gyrating lines dance on the screen. When in video playback, on pre-recorded or home-recorded tapes, sound flutters and there are red-green-blue rainbow patterns twitching and scrolling down the screen. When a tape is recorded on the SL-HF900, and played back on another machine, like my functional SL-300, the tape has the same video issues of the 900.Does anybody have any suggestions as to which components to check/replace? There's very little wear on the heads, and it'd be great to get it working.Thanks.

Get this hunk of krep off of me!

http://i3.ebayimg.com/01/i/03/60/11/9d_1_b.JPG

Hi Folks

I am kind new and old to Betamax! Many years ago I was one of those people that bought Betamax rather than VHS. I had a splendid Sony C5 which gave me many years of loyal service. But like these things do the head packed up, and I was advised to dump the machine, which I did, and have regretted ever since.

I still have very many Beta tapes and so recently I obtained another C5. However, it has a fault, despite my best efforts, the picture judders from side to side, a shimmer is perhaps the best way to describe it. Ihave replace the belts, pinch roller and cleaned and lubricated, but with no success, in every other way it is a fine machine. I ever rewinds properly!! Can anyone help please, I would be most grateful.

Best regards

Paul

The closest oxide-formula Betamaxes ever got to componant output was the SL-HF 2100 which has S-video in/outs. Betamax wasn't a componant video format so even if you can find an SL-HF 2100 the expense couldn't really be justified by any sort of results.

Are there any betamax machines that have component output? If so where can I get one to rent or buy? I have a project using betamax recordings made in 1983-4 and wish to maximise their quality while digitising them into AVID at 1-1 compression.

I know this is a beta site but if anyone colletts Laser Discs I have some to sell includingReturn of the Jedi, the whole dirty harry box set etcMake a offerDave

have some

Olive, thanks very much for that help regarding the Murphy Beta, i have my own collection of over 6'000 original tapes and have a slo1700 and two sl-hf950s as well as the oldies in my collection that ive hoarded that my recently married wife isnt impressed with.Anyway i will take a stack of photos if you wish of it of the fascia and insides or whatever you could use if you wish as i will probvably do a trade with a tape collector soon.....I really cant hoard anymore its a shame youre not in the uk i could have got it to you if it was any use.Anyhow many many thanks again.

The first thing to check for is to make sure the cassette loading/unloading sequence is running properly. If the loading gear belt is shot it could be improperly resetting the sequence. With the power on and looking into the works press the eject button. the pinch roller should shudder back and forth slightly. You should see a plunger switch on the left side of the reel table. This is the door closed mechanism. Try pressing it to see if the loading gears engage. Let it cycle through and press eject. See if the door closes then

The next possible failure point is the latch mechanism itself. If you look to the left hand side of the reel table bay near that plunger switch, you should see the latch mechanism that engages a hook underneath the cassette tray. The latch is a two-parter - one hook is metal with a tiny tyre attached to it and a plastic bit that closes in when the door is shut..

If you're lucky only the latch under the carraige itself is bent or the rubber belt driving the loading gear is the problem.

The latch mechanism is a modular part that can be removed and replaced without requiring a 'retuning' of the VTR upon reassembly - though it is an extremely bothersome "last resort" process. I have a spare but it's for the American SL-2000 (I have no reason to believe it wouldn't be good for the F1 as it's just some switches and leads). I also have the rubber belt.

I have had my F1 for 21 years and until recently it worked fine. My (silly) problem is: the loading door will no longer close. I could mend it myself if I knew what spare to get (if available) and what is required. I have looked at it with the door cover off and cannot see what is wrong. Can one of the great brains out there give me advice. Thank you.

All of the SL-HF models record and play. In fact there were only a relative few playback-only Beta format VCRs.

Sony had maybe less than a dozen models of the 'SLP' line - half were industrial source decks for edit systems, the other half were consumer player only models - at least two or three of them were SuperBeta players (I've gotten conflicting moodel nubers but it seems there was an SLP-8800R and an SLP-44R model at least) and one was a player only variant of the Japan home market SL-3100 portable known as the SL-230P. There was at least one PAL player model, the SLP20CH.

There was at least one Toshiba and one Sanyo player-only model - both of which were OEMed for the 'Rent-a-Beta" series of overnight rental market player-only models.

The Rent-a-Beta models (the RB-100 was a Toshiba OEM the RB-500 was a Sanyo) came in a blue PVC plastic carry case and were intended for people who couldn't afford (or didn't want) to buy a VCR (back when VCRs were in the $500 to $1500 price range) but wanted to see rental movies from time to time.

Sanyo also OEMed their player (which I have no data on other than it's a variant of the VPR-4800 - don't even have a model number) for Sears Roebuck who marketed their as the 30200D.

Of the player only models only the SLP-303 and SLP-305 industrial units has stereo playback but it was linear stereo - not HiFi stereo - and only the SLP-305 offered BII and BIII playback in the industrial player catagory. As far as I can tell no player-only unit offered HiFi playback.

Does the Sony model SL HF500 record as well as play?

Bob

Max Beta: Thanks for the hints. I shall have a play with it when I am home at Easter... (You may well hear from me again then!)

For example, you could get this very nice SL-HF 350 unit...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=5748573741

Oooooooh! Too late Rita! Somebody BIN-ed it already... These units show up all the time on eBay. For the bid price you're willing to pay why not step up to Beta HiFi Stereo?

Rita: Check out

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=39830&item=5748489600&rd=1

and your wish may come true for a third of your price.

Does anyone have a working Betamax sl-300for sale? I'm willing to pay$150.00.

Murphy is such a rare mark in Betamax I don't even have enough pictures of them to warrent a dedicated folder for that brand in my Betamax images collection yet - and I have folders for Bush & Rank Betas.

The one image I've been able to find shows that the Murphy looks to be a rebadged Sanyo OEM - specifically a VTC-5000P - http://www.palsite.com/5000ovi.html . The slender transport control button styling has the look of what Sanyo did for their Sears and Crown OEMs innthe North American market.

Jon: Although I am sure that Salvador will accuse you of asking for advice just so you can fix this Beta and sell it on eBay for 10 times more than you paid for it (lol), I will give you the benefit of the doubt that you just want to get your Toshiba working again. Of course, the first thing to do is have a look inside to see if there is anything obvious mechanically wrong with the tape path (a curl at the capstan), or rotted pinch rollers, belts or tires. Cleaning the heads is always a good idea, but dirty heads are not likely the cause of your problem. If the audio also has something wrong with it, then maybe an adjustment of the ACE assembly is required. If the speed is off, then maybe the servo control is not locking as it should, and that will require someone with more technical expertise. If the audio is perfect, then the video problem may relate to misalignment, which again will require an experienced technician. That being said, keep in mind that most "new" problems with VCRs are mechanical, especially if they have just been sitting around gathering dust. Good luck!

Can anyone give me any info regarding a bEta machine i just aquired i cant find any info on it...Its a Murphy MVR7007R Beta and it is Pal/uk.I cant find anything on the site so am stumped.Thanx in advance

Hi On Ebay now under number #3868951318 there is service kit for Sanyo and Sony betamax (belts gears etc) Just thought someone could be interested

Hello.

This is the first time I have found this site. and thought perhaps someone may be able to provide advice.

My parents have an old Toshiba (looks exactly like a V31 from the pictures, though I never remember a remote..). Just to set the scene, its spent all its life in the corner of their living room, and has never had anything done to it...

On last trying to play one of our (many) old beta tapes on it (around a year ago now) the picture was climbing the TV screen, with a black band between each frame.

Does anyone have any experience of Toshibas, know where to get spares or technical info, or know what this problem is likely to be?? (I assume any rubber belts would be a good start, but Ive not got around to taking the covers off yet, so no idea what state they are in..) I'm in UK, so its PAL.

Many thanks for any assistance you might be able to provide.

Jon.

Whoops,

While I have been away things have got a tad testy!

Olive, as usual, has helpfully provided the links/info on the 950. It does not record at three speeds. It can play back at different speeds but the sound is muted. ie. they are only trick edit modes. The input selector centre position says line/PCM so it must disable the dropout compensator here as Olive suggests.

Max, I don't know the NTSC models or their typical faults (electrical) but some of the mechanical and servo problems are the same on PAL units. Interesting the general comments on buying machines. I think it is a good source of spare parts and bid on units needing attention. Not many people but hobbyists would fix beta machines now. Most service agents are going out of business.

In regard to your colour problem, if I were fault finding that machine I would use a CRO and compare playback video between a working HF900 and the one with the fault so I could compare levels etc and see if I could locate where the difference is occuring. Circuits would help when checking DC voltages around certain components once you have located the faulty area/board. I might even interchange that board to prove that's where the fault exists.

regards Noel

I see there has been a lot of recent discussion about me. Salvador, you have quite an imagination and apparently nothing better to do than fantasize about who I am and what I do. Well Sal, you are going to be very disappointed to read the truth about me. Here are the simple facts.

1. I love Betas, and I have dozens of them. Most of them were broken when I got them, and I have repaired nearly all of them.

2. I have NEVER sold a Betamax on eBay or anywhere else…never have and never will. I am very fortunate to have a great job and enough money, so I don’t get Betas to sell them; I get them so I can work on them. I try to repair and recondition them for the fun of it. I then give many of them away to family and friends so they can watch movies I have on Beta and to see why I love Betas so much.

3. When I get stuck on a problem I am having with a machine (because I don’t have that particular service manual or because it is a difficult problem), I ask this group because who else is there to ask? I thought this was a good place for straight talk about Beta with other enthusiasts, but you have succeeded in proving me wrong about that concept.

4. Salvador, your fantasy about me is just that…fantasy. You could not be more pathetic and further from the truth, but maybe you don’t care about the truth because you’re having too much fun making up stuff about me.

P.S. don’t worry about the possibility that you or your ilk would ever get a Beta I worked on, because there is no chance I would ever consider someone like you a friend.

Only a Japan home market Beta the PCM-HF10 ever had the PCM encoder/decoder built into the VCR. Here area couple online piccys I've found...

http://img141.ac.yahoo.co.jp/users/3/5/7/6/ecopro01-img364x600-1072030300sony01.jpg

http://www002.upp.so-net.ne.jp/nu-mac/image/hf10.jpg

All other Betas required that you get an outboard unit like the PCM -F1 to be able to record in PCM. The "PCM" switch in the back of most Sony VCRs merely allowed you to enable or disable the dropout compensator so that you could maintain the quality of a PCM signal being fed to the VCR.

http://www.theimann.com/Analog/Sony_PCM_F1/Sony_1.jpg

A typical PCM -F1 / SL-F1 combo unit...

http://www.geocities.co.jp/HeartLand-Keyaki/8656/newpage6.htm

A very nice collection of PCM encoders...

A friend referred to the ES750 series as "extra shedding" referrinf to the deterioration of the tapes with time.

Thank for clarify, Olive. He buys many Betas cheap, sells them for 4x, has nerve to ask you for boards to repair them. HE"S A SNAIL!!!! Lookup seller snailmax or maxsnail lets see if we can find other name! Pretty sneaky guy this MAXBETA.....

Olive,

we are indeed talking about the European model. If I am not mistaken, all the Sony Beta machines had PCM facilities (encoder/decoder) on board, starting with the fantastic SL-C9E (which I still own, although I rarely use). I found that the SL-HF950ES supports the 3 Beta modes (I/II/III) but I couldn't find anywhere if it still has the PCM functionality of previous (and lesser) models like mine. I think I will have to concede the argument; it is still possible that my friend is right.......

Any old VCR will support the recording of PCM signals from an external PCM encoder/decoder. However if I understand your question an SL-HF 950 would only support PCM tapes recorded to the PAL (or SECAM Ost if it's the German multisystem 950 ) format for playback and recording. Presumably you wouldn't be able to stick an NTSC recorded into a 950 and expect it to properly play back.

On the snail thing... Snails are the ones who bid against 'legitimate' customers (usually with a second ID to disguise themselves) to create a 'shortage' of Betas than resell their stuff for minumum bid that's way more than (like over 3x or 4x) what they paid for it. At least that's the definition I use.

Hi, question from a collector: If anyone has monty python (or related) betamax videos, that you have double or don't need anymore, I'd be happy to get hold of them. (In fact, other extinct formats that have monty python as well. Weird hobby huh? Keeps me busy...) Thanks.

Your right again HOmer, We need people to keep the betas going......... Let him buy, repair and sell it is a fine thing. He is sneaky about it, thats what I dont think is a good thing....... I hope what he sells is in good shape and not full of problems that he states. Maybe he puts several together to make one?????...... Whatever he does, let him be honest instead of using us to promote his business....maybe he could cut us in?HAHA I aploogize for the snail, the snails seem tofix their own and not try to use nice people...just my idea, Salvador

Hi,

can you please shed some light in a PCM-related subject? For the past 3 days I am arguing a case that SL-HF950ES *does* support recording of PCM audio in all 3 Betamax speed modes. A friend says that he distinctly remembers his father (who owned one of these) compaining about the lack of PCM recording facilities altogether. Since I am unfortunate enough not to have owned one of them (I was only 18 at the time) I cannot answer the claim, although it seems logical that the flagship model would be equipped with all the goodies - my line of defense!

Hi... I'm a student researching a batch of Sony ES L-750 Betamax tapes (lot2522145). What does ES stand for? Does anyone out there know who I could talk to about the quality of this particular brand? Has anyone had bad or good experiences with this tape? When was this brand manufactured? Any help would be very much appreciated. Thanks!

Perhaps that's what he does. Perhaps he buys broken betas then fix them then sell them back on eBay. Is there anything wrong with that ? Unless there is any kind of bad practice involved, which has to be proven, I think this is totally fine. I would even say it is wise since working betas are getting rare and enthusiasts are willing to pay good money for them.

It seems that anyone that specializes in selling betas on eBay is considered a snail.

To Homer....Yes youre right..BUT..He is always trying to get quick fixes on many Betas....I say he is one of those dealer snails on ebay....Something not right with this guy....talks bad about sellers, could be one himself? Go back and check out his posts...if wrong, then he really buys some garbage and continually gets screwed. Maybe Imwrong..he justleaves bad taste, seems viscious at times...Maybe he should buy a new VHS to end his problems with at my count at least 20 Betamax. Let him say he sells, we will be glad to help...Im done, Salvador..

Hey there, I am looking for some help, I just today aquired a Sony sl-100 superbeta at a thrift store for $10. I was thrilled, it powered up at the store, no tape to test it with, but I figured it would be easily fixable. The green power light does not work, but the display works fine and the power button does work, the green light does not, i got it home and tried it, it would not accept a cassette, I took the covers off and completely cleaned it out and cleaned everything, the belts are fine. It still will not accept a cassette, there are no motor noises, no movement at all, i cleaned the switch that recognizes the cassette being pushed in, still nothing. no movement. Any suggestions? Please help.

Zach T

Salvador, among other things, this page's purpose is to provide help with beta problems. If you don't have anything better to say, you may keep that kind of comments for yourself...

MAX, you have a lot of betamax that dont work and you come on here begging for help..LOL

I have a suggestion for your SLHF900.. Since you have no clue about repairing, just paint the TV screen with color paint ..

GOD, why buy these bombs if you cant fix them>>>>???????

So Noel: What do you think might fix a SL-HF900 that plays back known good color tapes in black and white only? Any suggestions?

Phil,

In regard to your problem copied in below.

"I own a Sanyo M40 Beta HIFI video

Last time it was used there was a problem with maintaining colour, after 30 minutes or so the picture would drop out to black and white and it would only come back after it is has been switched off for a while

It is also in need of a general service does anyone no what may be at fault and if it can be repaired" 1/ If you are watching the picture via the TV O/P then the problem most likely is in your VCR TV modulator unit. This is at the back and it is on this module that antenna in and TV out connectors are mounted. I suspect the colour subcarrier has drifted off frequency. I don't know if there is an adjustement in the module or if you need to replace a component. I had a dead spare VCR and swapped the module over. (same as on VTCM10 /20 units)2/ If the problem is evident in EE mode, I think there is an adjustment (potentiometer) that sets subcarrier level. With time and aging, the connection to the carbon track by the wiper may become corroded and change resistance. If you note the exact position of the current setting then work the contact arm back and forth and set it the exact same position, the fault might scorrect itself. (I have assumed you don't have a serice manual or much test equipment)

regards Noel.

I am giving away free - operating instructions for the SL-C5UB (Betamax C5 ). They are dated 1981 Sony. They are in immaculate condition, and rather than throwing them in the bin, as they are no use to me, I thought somone out there might want them. send me your details and i'll post them to you free. It seems a waste just to throw them in the bin.

Hi, just wondered if anyone wanted to buy any NEW shrink wrapped beta tapes ?, we have around 700 / 800 to shift. There are around 700 / 800 L750s, some PRO X HL 250s and some PB10s and PB 30s. PLease e-mail if you want further details

Dammit! Just saw on the news that late-night king Johnny Carson died this morning! I used to watch him all the time from the mid-80s till he signed off for good.

I'm trying to find a working US format beta player. I am not picky about make or model, as long as it is a complete unit, and functions properly. I am willing to pay up to $150 and shipping, if anyone could help me find something?

I have a Zenith 9775 beta machine I bought new somewhere in the early 80's. It worked great up until a couple years ago then all of a sudden it wouldn't even power up nor the clock will lite up. Is there anyone preferablly in the midwest ( Chicago land ) that repairs these things. If so please email [email protected]

Problem: Sanyo 4900 loading motor circuit doesn't get voltage when tape is inserted. The microswitch works and switches appropriately, but there must be a problem somewhere between the switch and the motor driving circuit. Any help or schematic would be great.

I own a Sanyo M40 Beta HIFI video

Last time it was used there was a problem with maintaining colour, after 30 minutes or so the picture would drop out to black and white and it would only come back after it is has been switched off for a while

It is also in need of a general service does anyone no what may be at fault and if it can be repaired

Does any one know where I can get an operating manual for a Sanyo VTC5150. Thanks

putting a beta tape in a vhs cassette will not work. The record tape and tape format are different, the only way that it can be done is with a beta vcr

we are looking for a beta machine to transfer old precious home movies to dvd. any help will be appriciated. the henry family, I tought of putting beta tape in vhs cartriage but speed is different, probally amoung others.

Hello,I just joined this site. I have some beta tapes of movies, tv shows, documentaries, etc. that I'd like to sell for $1 each plus what ever the postage would cost. Most were taped off of tv. I've had these since the '80's and am in the process of transferring them to either VHS or DVD (as soon as I can see my way clear to buy a DVD recorder). I have run out of space for storing tapes and need to get rid of ones I know I won't be playing anymore. I use beta only for transferring and hope the vcrs my mother and I have last until we get through transferring the ones we want to. At present, some of the ones I have ready to sell are The Lone Ranger and Perry Mason tv episodes, Ma & Pa Kettle movies, Mother Is A Freshman (a Loretta Young movie), and others. I live in the USA and anyone who is interested and wants more details can email me at [email protected]

Hi there, does anyone know where I can get a manual for a Sony SL-HF1000. Thanks.

There is no Beta-VHS adapter. The video signal is recorded differently so it would be impossible for a VHS to play a Betamax recording (or vice versa). Buy a Betamax VCR to play them back while copying to a VHS or DVD recorder. http://pages.ebay.co.uk/?ssPageName=UKCJ

From your e-mail address I'm assuming you're in the UK, so I linked to Ebay-UK to provide a list of PAL-system Betamaxes rather than NTSC (North American or Japanese) Betamaxes.

Please help! I was wondering if there was ever an adaptor made to play a betamax tape on a vhs video recorder? My father has all our early videos on betamax but we all have vhs!!! Would I need to send them in to be copied onto vhs or dvd?

For the dedicated movie buff I have the following ntsc movies which I cannot play,you may have theem if you pay the postage ,they are 1.Top Gun 2.Funny Lady.3.The Music Man.4.The Honeymooners,

Michael,

That's OK, glad the advice worked. The SLC5s and SLC7s have quite a good picture when they are going. The SLC7 was my first machine. I was always doing rewind kits and had to fix a noisey capstan motor once. worked well for 15 years or so before I really got into Beta and upgraded. For emails just removing "nonspam." from the above address should get me.

regards Noel.

Message for Noel and Kevin.

Noel, wanted to thank you (and Kevin) for your help with my 2 beta machines (message posted Jan 11th). Tried to send an email to thank you (Noel) - but domain rejected (?). Anyhow, changed Sanyo caps and all now ok - thanks to you both. Regards, Michael.

Sony SLV-R5UC S-VHS edit deck is fixed! Was 100% dead for over a year (the clock display wouldn't even light up when it was plugged in), but was restored to operation with a new set of capacitors for the power supply, from Studio Sound Electronics. Now I have to get to work editing the massive backlog of Hi8 home videos I have amassed in the meantime, since my computer editing system still won't burn proper DVDs.