Exactly, SHB and Hiband can be enable/disable on such machine. Like HF1000D on Ebay. I imagine only HiBand machine can accept Cable TV RF signals from such provider, and wonder how NTSC 4.43 goes without HiBand....?

HiBand and SuperBeta are essentially the same format but with different names.

HiBand is what the 5.6mhz version of SuperBeta was called in Japan and apparently is what it was called on the Betamovies with HiBand recording - the switch to activate such recording is called a "HiBand" switch.

Super HiBand referred to the 6.0mhz BI recording version and was referred to as such in both countries.

Hi-Band as far as I know was used in Japan for Super Beta and in tht US for Super Beta I on the 1000 & 2100

I think HiBand relates to Super, and HiBand 6.0 MHz is what we call SuperHiBand. Therefore, they'd be HiBandHiBandBetamax !

Homer ,from what I know Sony state HiBand for 6mhz Beta and Super for earlier model like HF860 HF900ES etc.

Sstone; wish Noel Higgins could help you ,he's familiar with your mcahine( SL-C9 E ).

Hello, have a little problem with my C9ES: There no funktion with rewind or replay. If i push any buttow for tape transportion in other direktion, maschine stop imediately.With an dummy tape-box (beta cassette with no tape) rewind or replay funktions are ok.I think, mechanicly the machine is ok, i think there s an electronic problem.I Think one of the reels do not unlock.,Who knws help?

Why did Sony replace the HiBand term with Super for models outside Japan ? I think HiBand sounds more as if it means something.

I'd also be curious to know what kind of interconnect cables people use for betamax to tv connection...

http://cgi.ebay.com/SONY-BETAMAX-VCR-SL-HF95D_W0QQitemZ5801611301QQcategoryZ39830QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

A little bit phoetic huh......

Found this on Ebay and he wants $900US for it but look where he is from, I feel 900 bucks is a little steap for thishttp://cgi.ebay.ca/SONY-BETAMAX-VCR-SL-HF95D_W0QQitemZ5801611301QQcategoryZ39830QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Wonder what price would make it shake........Olive...

SL-HF95D Betamax on offer out of Indonesia. Doubt it'll move at that price especially considering the overseas shipping hassles.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=5801611301

Well Jim you're going to have to look on eBay for a deck as there are no more "new" machines out there anymore.

I have home movies, etc. on beta vedio format. Both of my beta machines were stolen. I* would like to acquire a new machine and the ability to convert my tapes over to a DVD or other permanent format. Any ideas. Thanks, JIM

Look who slapped his greasy slimey 'pod' on that geextor rewinder!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=5799351448

None other than MrBetamax himself!

Hey guys; been a long time I know! Going to estate sales sometimes really pays off. I lugged home a pair of SLO-1400's and a complete triple-slot payphone this weekend (besides betas, I collect old phones). Both of the decks have very low readings on the head-hour meters so I assuming they either didn't get much use or had their heads replaced sometime in the past. These are, of course, the industrial versions of the SL-5200. Assuming they're more solidly built than the 5200's as all of those that've come in my possesion have had the "play-too-slow" problem (yeah, I had to replace belts & loading rubbers along w/ caps to make 'em work right). Yet these 1400's don't have any problems at all! In fact, I just used one to dump a tape to my PC for Xvid-conversion. BTW: Happy Mo(a)nday folks! :)

Mine is much more skinny, I gave you the pic (HF1000D) last time Olive.heuehuehe I guess its really worth to keep.

Hi Olive,Seems to me that English page is a bit confusing but its better than the RAW trans from altabist.

Anyway the HF1000D in US is in doubt. Wether it works out fine or works 'his' way.

Cheers

Olive,

Thanks for the advice. When I start going through them all, I will check for the titles you are looking for. If I have them, I'll let you know. Thanks again.

Japan Home Market SL-HF1000D on offer in the US...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=5800162381

Seems to have a few 'issues' that make it unsellable at the price they want for it. I wonder what the best 'best offer' will that eventually go for?

With exceptions for especially rare and collectable titles there' really not much call for Beta format movies. eBay didn't help things much by eliminating the separate catagory for Beta format movies in favor of "DVD" and "everything that isn't a DVD" separation a couple years back.

A good way to sell them on eBay is in bundles of a genre like a maybe 'Hellpack' of various horror flix or a 'Rodeo Roundup' of Westerns. You could also have sets sorted by star or director. If you have a set of sequeled movies like the Star Wars or Amityville Horror trilogy, grouping them makes them more salable than selling them one by one.

If you have the full Bond movie set it's your call as to whether you want to sell them as a set or individually as there were so many of them that postage for the whole set might not be desirable. Besides that there are people who only liked one or two Bond movies or only one of the actors playing Bond.

If you do have the full Bond set or Amityville trilogy eMail me off list. Also looking for the Airport and Airplane series and any of the Irwin Allen disaster movies esp Towering Inferno.

Ditto if you have 'Killdozer'...

Hi Everyone. It seems you all seem to know a lot about Beta. I have about 800 Beta movies from a closed out video store. There are all different genre of movies, from musicals to horror. Any clue how I can sell some of them as I do have doubles. Thank you.

By the way Boby that fellow now offers built in English translation of his page.

http://homepage1.nifty.com/Sony/

Look for the "English Here" link.

Never mind I found it.....

http://babelfish.altavista.com/babelfish/urltrurl?lp=ja_en&url=http://homepage1.nifty.com/Sony/Data/Parts_Making.html

Copy the whole URL!!!

Thanks OLIVE

Hi OLIVE

did you remenber posting Japanese page, tell us about making plastic gear component by means of chemical resin.Do you still have the URL.??

I am doing some house clearance and it has been decided that it is time for our Beta Video to go. I am loathe to just throw it in the skip. The model is a Sanyo VTC 5000 from 1983. It has been run sparingly for the past 15 years as our reserve video, and has received maintenance from 'Big H Electronics' of Hartlepool, UK. The only problem with it is the rewind, which slows towards the end of the tape, when it is faster to rewind by slow reverse (forward button/reverse together) rather than just reverse.

I am putting the video forward for offers until 31/8/05. If you are interested please quote the postage/package element seperately, any advice on this would be appreciated. The rewind problem may be able to be resolved By 'Big H' before dispatch, should this be agreed to be done.

I have also 24 used mainly L750 tapes to dispose of, and 10 commercial railway Beta Videotapes from the Railscene series (1980s), nos. 8,9,10,12,13,14,16,17,18 plus Cam Camwell 3, which is 1950/60s steam. Offers for either appreciated.

Ian Clark.

I'll give you $50 bux and shipping for that 750 if nobody else wants it...

does anyone know what the value of a sony super beta hifi model# sl-hf750 is worth? it is practically brand new. thanks!

i am trying to find some information on a sony super beta hifi stereo cassette recorder model #sl-hf750.how old? it's value? is ixt wortxh keeping? can anyone help me? thanks!

Max,

If time is not an issue, you could always post the faulty convertor over here for the repair and I could send it back. The convertor itself is not so hard to remove from the machine. I have a spectrum analyser so I can check out that it functions OK (i.e. UHF tuning O/P tuning range) before returning it.

regards Noel

Thanks guys...you have confirmed my worst fears...I shall sit on my Bucks for a little while longer and perhaps I may find a like minded, fair, honest repairer in my travels. I suppose the rareity of Betamax machines limits our choices when something goes wrong, and hey presto, out comes the worms from the woodwork. Thanks for your kind offer Noel, I may just come back to you if the offer is still available after I have exhausted my enquiries. As you guessed, I am not so brilliant with a soldering iron, and would prefer to pay for the right expertise if I can only find it. I am hoping that our brief exchange may be noticed by a kindly repairer in the London area, UK. I am so grateful for the kind assistance I have received and have great admiration for the dedicated few offering help to so many. (apologies to Winston Churchil ) Best regards...Max

That ia a bit primitive!

What's next, tape path adjustments using an oxy welder?

OMFG!!!!! This must sit on my video rack!!!!!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=5799351448

Rube Goldberg's Beta rewinder - looks like they yanked the reel drive from a Sanyo deck.

Note that instead of mere 'buttons' to activate rewind or fast forward you have to plug a loose stereo patch cord into the desired jack.

teh geek sexy!!!!

Is it really that fargin' hard to spell "Betamax"?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=5799328754

Selling a "Beta mix" VCR - the SL-8600 that could only handle the X-2 speed which alienated the early adopters who now had tapes recorded in the X-1 speed they wouldn't be able to play...

Betas are no longer in production anywhere. Sony quit making them in 2002 and even then they were only being made for the Japan home market. $690 bux for a replacement trimpot is probably one of the worst a**raping attempts I've ever seen by a service center so far...

Max,

Excuse my french but that's crap. You are being ripped off. I can send you a second hand replacement trimmer unit for $25 Australian plus postage. The trim pot itself does not weigh much and I can desolder it out of one of my spare machines. I would send a complete unit except the Australian unit transmits a different sound carrier frequency to the UK. I don't know how easy that is to change.

regards Noel

Olive....A while ago, you kindly gave me some advice with a problem I had with my C9. ..your diagnosis...needs a new trimpot, relatively easy job, fairly standard part...Well I was pleased that it was not too serious, however,I have been advised by a Beta Service Centre that the trimpot cannot be replaced without a full Condenser replacement at a cost of £380 or $690.I would be most grateful for your comment before I commit myself to what appears to be a very costly repair. Apart from the trimpot problem the machine is top class and so much better than my VCR. As Beta's are still only produced in the USA, are parts readily available and reasonable to purchase, moreso than here in the UK ?.

regards..Max

Actually the link should have been to technical page. http://www.palsite.com/5000tech.html

Foxy,

Your call on the C5UB, depends on how confident you are with pulling the unit apart yourself, replacing components and soldering. Repairers don't like to touch stuff the owners have already had a go at and if they do it costs lots more.

VTC5000 's

The first could be poor back tension. Tape path is another possibility but usually one badly adjusted post (of the maybe four posts) results in poor picture or low sound not both.

The second machine. Idler does not drive the load ring. Problems with the load ring jamming are common in these units. I always lubricate all the pulleys associated with the load ring to reduce the friction on it as much as possible. If ther is an associetd drive belt , make sure its not slipping. The non-respooling of the tape has to do with the idler motor I think even if you have replaced the idler itself. See palsite http://www.palsite.com/5000ovi.html

You may need to change that resistor they mention or even swap the motor from the first machine if you have no luck fixing it.

regards Noel Higgins

Paul,

There are two things to note about the back tension adjustments in Sanyo and Toshiba, from my experience, but I don't know if I am using the right terminology here.

The first is the position the tape tension sensing arm is in when the tape is loaded and operating. There is a picture of the correct position in the service manuals but I dont have a manual for that machine. The loop length of the band that places a friction pad against the supply reel must be tightened to the right point for the tension sense arm to be in the correct osition when it is hard on. (i.e. stopping the supply reel from turning) This setting is accomplished with the tape out of the unit.

The second issue is the tension adjustment which is usually set by a spring. I think this is generally an adjust then test process. Ideally you use a tape tension meter but lacking that I guess you adjust for best result. You can get a reasonable outcome if all other adjustments are OK but if you have head or other tape path problems or your capstan roller is old and not gripping the tape against the capstan shaft properly and letting it slip or stop, then you will never get there.

regards Noel

On the 2 VTC-5000s. Manually cleaning the heads with ISO and a swabbing pad can often do a better job that a cleaning tape.

Did you remember to change out all the rubber on that other and did you use exactly matching tyres and belts? Sanyos can be very finicky in that respect. I've worked on GE VHS decks with idler tyres and they'll be just as happy with a round-profile plumbing O-ring of similar size as with a factory ring. I tried plumbing O-rings on a Sanyo and they had 'issues' with it - like kicking backwards a little bit, shooting some tape out far enough for it to get chewed on if you eject it.

firstly thanks to noel higgins for his informative response to my problem with the C5UB not sure whether that would be too costly. I also have 2 (yes 2) vtc 5000. One rewinds/ff well and runs well but the picture is not very good lots of interfierence and sound low. It looks like when you need to clean the heads with a cleaning tape which I've done but theres no change. Any help with this one? the 2nd one was chewing tapes and not returning. Got a new idler and had great succes, but suddenly when in run/ff/rewind the ideler would not go its full distance (the only way I can describe what is happening) but with a little push it would work, but now what is happening now is when I go into run mode and the tapegoes around the track it goes slack and cuts out, I have to stop and the tape does not go fully home into the case. So is there anyone who can give me their valued experience on this one.Heres hoping in great anticipation. Foxy

Ahhhhh forgive me I know why my email bounced! Force of habit in using hotmail.com when it should be yahoo.co.uk

I tried tightening the back tension on my toshiba v-8600b but it became too tight for tape play.. How can i get the back tension in the tape path when the cassette is inserted?I can provide pics to explain.

RegardsPaul

P.S. Once again sorry for the email address :

Noel,

I just tried to send you a email but it bounced back.. Most unusual. Think I'll look for a new Email client. Regards

Paul,

I will have a second hand one from a spares machine but I am in Australia so that might not be much use to you if you live in the UK. You email address bounced.

Regards Noel

Hi Guys,

Just wondering if anybody in Australia has got a working VU level meter from a SL-HF100 they could sell me? If so pls email me

thanks

Not a bad price if you have an AC-M110 charger lying around....

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=7537244741

BMC-110 for $25 BIN

The LED vu meter issue:

Sometimes ago I'd opened the LED bar in HF950ES some of emitting diode burned out due to lifetime usage, there's no way to repair this except new replacement.

We had discussed about LED a year ago, this burned out lED can be replaced by a Suface Mount Devices technolgy (SMD LED) wich very tiny/small led soldered on the PCB.

There're many company/store provide such component. Cheers.......

Where can i find a new end sensor for my Sony F30?

Please Email me thanks

Paul

Funny how a decade becomes a joke for aboat 20 years after. By the 30th year it's the wellspring of fond loving nostalgia...

Check out http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=8210935398&ssPageName=ADME:B:SS:AU:1

Thanks for your advice.... Just another question... could my faint display be due to a power supply issue or could it be more likely a loss of gas in the display itself. I have a feeling it is a case of the power supply, as when first plug it into power, a hiss comes from the power supply, looks like dried up caps, maybe low voltage to the display???

To Jamie L.From what i understand the problem with the VED meters on the Sony Beta Hi-Fi machines is the chip that controls them being unreliable.There is NO WAY to change this so the only alternative would be to find a relplacement that has'nt got this fault and swap it over.I had two Sony SLHF100 's one had problem with the Hi-Fi sound (no playback or very intermittent, even after cleaning the heads) although the picture was superb.The other was in superb working order but had the faulty LED VU meters.So i swapped them over. The faulty Vu's went with the faulty sound and the other machine was perfect.They are both no longer in my possession.It never ceases to amaze me that with Sony's stance and reputation their Beta machines were very troublesome and the electronics amazingly unreliable.I have heard of so many Beta enthusiasts that have the Sony models suffering with the dreaded HEAD WEAR to the irky capacitors,, the Dc to Dc converter ( C9 )+ tape cassette loading gear breakages and high end Beta Hi-Fi Faulty LED VU meters.I prefer Sanyo, amazing reliability( even the quirky Sanyo 5000 is easily repairable and has , as with most Sanyo vcr's , AMAZING longevity in the video head life).The picture may be just a tad( and i mean TAD) less impressive than the Sony equivilent but in most instances as impressive, especially considering the price Sanyo set for the same.Most servicing parts are available and servicing these is a pure joy.Probably the most annoying thing with Sanyo's 'M' series and the NX100 was the fragility of the control door hinges with most of the 'heavy handed' consumers.This info is gained with my experience in owning and servicing these machines and the hearsay and frustration of owners.I owned a MINT Sony SLHF950 but sold it due to never knowing when the major parts would give up and the not being able to obtain spares syndrome set in.Whilst i uderstand the 'loyalty' to the Sony Beta's the 'always laced up feature' and head/tape wear + other infalabilities put me off them. Not to mention the 'built like a house C7 and C5 . I had two given to me ...total junk with rust on the head drums , and they weighed a TON.The Sanyo 5000 was around the same time and was so light and has proven itself (together with the other later models) that they were well made , put together and built to last.Think of them like a Toyota Corolla.. amazing reliability and you just need to change the rubber( tyres ) every time the mileage indicates this.I just really wish that Sanyo had released it's 7250 Superbeta over here in the UK.I have the NTSC version in MINT condition.......and it works like a dream.They really made a BIG mistake with ignoring us UK buyers with that model.Hope this info has enlightened a few and it's great to see there ARE still so many Beta enthusiasts out there..............It's also great to see a BETA vcr is now worth so much more than the inferior VHS..........................Kevin(UK)

Hi Guys!

I just bought a SL-HF100 HiFi Machine, and have the common fault of missing segments of the VU Audio level meter leds. Does anybody know which components are the usual culprit of this? Also, my clock is faint, is this a psu problem?

If somebody could help me out here id be grateful!!

Long live betamax!!!!

cheers

Hi Nico.

I have a few 950 's, one in great original condition and one fully rebuilt with new upper drum, new heads, new tape path guides, pinch roller etc. The rebuilt unit is not as nice in general picture quality, even though it was rebuilt by a tech I consider a master of his trade, having been the only place I have seen more than 10 HF950 's at once.

HF950 's are as you say, picky with tapes. I don’t know what the 750's are like in NTSC land though. I find there’s not a huge point in watching things on the 950 's unless the tapes are pretty new and less than 10 years old. As for super beta, I think that’s all a beat up. The 950 's with decent tapes do give a nice image, but not the huge beat up some people make it to be. Super beta pro mode to me just adds a bit more perceived punch to the image. Doesn’t add actual resolution but rather better colour rendition and less ringing on edges. I guess its the same reason good old umatic, which I use quite a bit for video clips, looks fantastic and crisp up on the big screen, and yet is only just 320-350 lines, because the bandwidth for the signals is so much higher they are a cleaner signal.

In all honesty I prefer the trusty old HF100 's and they are my main beta work horses, they give a picture of equal quality if you ask me. Also I have a HF77 PAL superbetahifi, the sibling to mother the HF99, and in general I would again say you cant tell the difference on superbeta recorded material or standard. And for the record, a pro-x superbeta recorded tape plays back fine in a hf100, a C5 and slf1 's. On PAL all it does is slightly raise a recording bandwidth, but not much more. I don’t think there was much margin left to do it due to beta hifi being laid down more between video tracks than underthem, thus there simply wasn’t much more which could have been squeezed out of the technology while keeping it cheap and backward compatible.

Maybe this is all just a rant from my crazy mind and complete miss informed and untrue - just my thoughts.

But if you have good crystal clear hifi which on a known good tape stays clear, non crackly in hifi mode through at least a quarter rotation of the tracking knob, your video heads should be in good condition. In general I would urge people not to play around with HF950 's tape path, they are a fickle east, and the few I have owned and used seem to never be the same again once the factory setup has been played with. I have gotten fairly involved with them, and even have my own set of dihedral head screws ;) To me 950 's are like British cars. Absolutely stunning and beautiful, but the minute you play with the internals they are no longer reliable and have minor niggles for life.

But as before, in all seriousness, the 950 is a great machine, especially for editing, and a pair of them together with a controller is fantastic. But for put a tape in hit play the hf100 is a better machine. I sat this, comparing them on a CRT with a screen where you can count scan lines and they are as thick as your finger.

Ask Noel on these chat pages, if you look at the history of this page you will see posts from him. He has replaced heads in 950 's and rebuilt various parts of them. I would say he qualifies as an expert on them, and his own home setup is quite impressive. Last time I checked Sony advised they were no longer making 950 heads, and it was only what ever stock was left floating around. I paid I think about $260 AU for a set of heads about 4 years ago and ordered a second set about 3 months later to find they were $290 AU. I am told they are up about $350 AU now but that’s hearsay.

My 2 bob.

According to your description there is no Audio in on the TV and no RF (cable) out on the VCR. So the best you could achieve would be picture without sound.

I would believe there is an audio input on the TV as well as an RF output on the VCR. Then you'd connect either A/V out from the VCR to A/V in on the TV set, or RF out from the VCR to RF in on the TV.

If the units correspond to what you describe then you'll have to use either another VCR or an RF modulator to convert A/V signals to RF.

Is it difficult to hookup my Betamax to my old Sony TV? The TV has a cable inlet and a video inlet-Betamax has 2 video and 2 audio outlets-anyone know the simple way to hook it up so I can watch Beta movies?

I've searched ebay for the last few weeks and have failed miserably in trying to acquire a decent betamax recorder/player. Ive got a box full of tapes that I want to play and maybe transfer to VHS or DVD. I use to have the infamous Sony C7 which was a mother of a machine in both size and capabilities so would'nt mind one of those again in good fully operational condition. Failing that anything that will do the job weel will do me! Can anyone here help or is ebay my only option these days?

......finally .It works out fine.....((the servo motor)) If may say so to my self.....

Hi. I normally have superbeta switched off. I didn't mention it before, but I keep the heads always clean also, gently using a lint-free cloth and some alcohol.

Do you have SuperBeta on when playing tapes on the 950? If the recordings weren't in SuperBeta you should try playing tapes with the SuperBeta switch turned off. This will (hopefully) improve dropout compensation.

Hi there friends, this is Nico from Madrid.

I'm the proud owner of a Sony SL-HF950 and a Sony SL-F70. Both of them were bought second hand years ago and are fully functional. The SL-F70 in like new condition directly from a friend, with very few drum hours. The SL-HF950 off Ebay also in excellent condition but drum hours totally unknown. When playing original ex-rental tapes or some more-used home recorded tapes, the SL-HF950 generally shows more picture drops than the SL-F70, though you can notice that the SL-HF950 gives more picture quality than the SL-F70 (excepting the drops of course). If the tape is like new, the SL-HF950 shows no drops and much better quality than the SL-F70 as could be expected.

I assume that this can be due to the SL-HF950 having many more drum hours than the SL-F70, am I right? Or is it just that the SL-HF950 heads being much better are also more 'picky' with older tapes, magnifying the faults of used tapes?

It's a pity that my best machine gives worse response with used tapes and I have to end up using the not-so-good-machine due tothese picture drops. Would replacement heads be a solution? They are dammed expensive (to me) and I don't know if that would solve the problem.

Thanks for any explanations.

JUST TO ADD I LIVE IN THE UK

Hiive just got a betamax vid recorder but finding it hard getting any tapes.does anyone know a site where i can buy used tapes with old tv on them/or is anyone selling(cheaply lol)any tapes.thanx trev

BETAMAX Cassette transfers to DVD in high quality using the latest digital equipment, I can also transfer Philips LVC / VC Cassettes N1500 / N1700 and V2000 , Please contact me for more details.

TISWAS shows complete with all adverts on 13 x Betamax Cassettes Recorded 1981 - 1982 great Quality , If you Dont have a working Betamax VCR I have the full set transferred onto 13 x DVDs , offers . I also have many other 70's 80's TV Adverts on of Formats contact me for more details.

Foxy,

Your problem is most likely due to aging electrolytic capacitors in the drum servo and capstan servo boards on the base of the machine. They swing out for servicing when you remove the right screws. My suggestions on which ones to change are contained in the archive pages of this site and mention the C6 and C7 models as well as the C5 so I suggest you do a search. You will need to get someone with an electronics background to help you because pulling them apart, identifying the components and soldering replacements in the right way around is critical. The light blue "sanyo?" capacitors in those areas of the boards underneath the machine are generally the culprits. Good luck - Noel

HI everyonethis is my first go at this chat page. I'm looking for some help with one of my btamax recorders. I've got a c5ub (uk model) it runs ok sound is good but the picture shakes when in run mode. Not very clever with repairing but does anyone know how I can repair this problem.? thanks in anticipationfoxy

IF ANY ONE IS INTERESTED I HAVE 500 PLUS BETA MOVIE FOR SALE.PLEASE E-MAIL ME IF INTERESTED

I own a SL-HF950 and I would like to add Nicam sound to it. Can anybody help me get hold of the parts I need for it?Tanks you for any help!

Here's one to watch...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=5795548622

SL-2710 with AG-500 changer and the original Star Wars trilogy at a start bid of $ 30 bux. Not a bad package deal.

To the recent requests regarding DC/DC repairs for Sony SLC9s, I do repair them as a changeover service in Australia but it's not practical for the UK. Try and get someone in the UK interested in using the Palsite advice at http://www.palsite.com/pcat_dcdc.html to repair them for you.

To Olive,

People putting you down to make themselves look good just shows how much they really respect you. (Or that they have forgotten to take their medication.) Anyway, I reckon your pretty much on the money with most of your comments and at least some people trying to keep their machines going reap the benefits.

How much do you thinks these SL-HFT7 speakers - likely the minimalist quality Sony could slap their name on with a straight face - will MrBetamax resell them for having won them at just under $45 bux?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=5792423805

I'm betting he'll relist em for $500 bux and use a lotta fluff on how they were precision engineered to match the SL-HFT7 because slapping a "Beta HiFi Theater" badge on particle board bookshelf stereo speakers takes the staff of MIT and Bose Labs.

Oh wait, there was a 39¢ metal peg hanger screwed to the back of 'em...

where can i get betamax tape transfered to DVD in the Newcastle area,?

Wanting to purchase instructions or copy of, for Betacord. Sanyo Model No. VTC-NX100.

Homer, I agree with David’s advice, but you may be asking because although you have the PCM-encoded tape, you may not have a PCM. My understanding is that Sony essentially pioneered the process of achieving digital quality audio on tape when they released the first Pulse Code Modulator (PCM) in the late 70s.

The big advantage of the PCM is that the data are converted to binary, so that the quality of the recording is independent of the video heads and the tape. As long as the heads and tape are capable of clearly discriminating between a 0 and a 1, the quality will be maintained (and there is error checking). As David said, if you simply copied the tape via Video Out to Video In, the “copy” would no longer be independent of the quality of the tape and heads, and you wouldn’t get error correction. However, your choices are rather limited if you don’t have access to a PCM.

I have made extensive use of the Sony PCM 501es and Sony PCM 701 to record audio signals onto the video tracks of both Beta tapes and VHS tapes. I have also modified a PCM to have the ability to record down to DC in order to record data signals with DC components onto the video tracks, while recording my voice onto the audio tracks to document the experiment in progress.

Nowadays, one should be able to preserve these old PCM recordings onto CD-R or DVD-R by playing the tape back through the PCM and running the Digital Output into the burner.

You can copy a PCM tape directly from vcr to vcr. However errors may accumulate in the process. Better to copy through a PCM processor in the "copy" mode which corrects errors and re-constitutes a fresh video signal.

hi, Im have a working sony c9 , but the tuner and the clock are out, im sure this is the DC TO DC converter, does anybody have a working one

jon boy

Let's say I wanted to make a copy of a PCM encoded video tape. Could I simply hook up a vcr to another just like I would do to copy video, or do I have to hook up a PCM processor to decode the signal to feed another processor so to re-encode it to video to be recorded ? Or perhaps the processor has some sort of E-E path to do this with only one unit ? I've never used such a processor but I'd like to find out more about this interesting format.

Hi. Im am after a power supply complete with DC DC convertor for a Sony C9. I am in London UK. I have a few spares to swap or cash.

Many thanks Olive...I have peered into the interior and looks like a job for a repair man.I shall arrange A and E treatment asap!! Thanks again...great chat site..regards Max

Hi - ive have a sony slc30ub, and the stanby led is permanantly on , if you try to switch it off the channel display goes out but the power stays on , however when you try to load a tape after wards you have to pull the plug out of the mains and reset the machine from scratch in order to use it , can any one help please. regards jonboy

I only have the trimpot on an SL-T50ME to go by but I suspect the RF trimpot on your C9 is broken if it keeps turning around and around. Should only have about a 330 degree 'travel' from low to high channel. You'll probably have to replace that trimpot which should be relatively easy enough. Looks to be a fairly standard part.

I recently moved my SL-C9UB and had to re configure various Hi-Fi / TV connections and found that the Recorders Test signal needed adjustment. My problem seems to be that the RF Channel screw seems to be turning around and around and does not allow the necessary adjustment to get an undistorted Test Picture on the TV screen. As I am not a Betamax mechanic/engineer, I should be most grateful for any advice available. Apart from this unfortunate incident, my machine has worked perfectly for the last year and I would not be without it! I am not interested in parting with it but, just as a matter of interest, can anyone tell me what is the rate for a first class SL-C9UB these days ? Thank you guys...Max

Also,is there a remote and manual?

Paul,

It may help if you give an indication of where you live when selling the SLHF950.

regards Noel

Hai how are you...?

I have for sale a super betamax sl950 still in its original box and in perfect working order. included in the sale is approx 50 tapes.sensible offers only for this rare machine.

Heads might've gotten dirty on that Sanyo - sometimes loss of color can indicate that. If you're trying to play a tape recorded in SuperBeta you'll also lose color. Try a tape path and head clean before messing wioth trimpots. Also check for proper back tension.I never had a 4560 so I can't help you with trimpot locations.

Thanks Olive for the info about replacing the idler wheel rubber in my Sanyo 4650. I replaced all the belts and wheels and got the machine playing very well for a day or two, but now I get only black and white video and audio is slower than normal. All I can think of is that I might have got one of the servo control trimpots a bit out of adjustment while moving and jarring the top mounted PCB board around? Appreciate any help. Thanks. joplinbeta

Welcome to the I-do-care-about-how-people-use-their-own-judgement-when-it-comes-to-matters-as-futile-as-buying-a-vcr-from-ebay chat-page.

Ever tried getting a life ?

Someone living in Seattle who still uses dialup internet really isn't in a position to make snotty remarks about other people's internet connection. Get off you high horse and stop trolling this board.

Will you two knock it off!

Hi, Gemini. Welcome to the chat-page. You're really gonna like it here. Good find on the 600. $85.00 bux is a good price, considering all the doors and covers are intact. If you're like me, that's more important than if the Beta works or not. To look at a VCR under your TV with a door missing is a tortuous experience and one I will NEVER endure. I'm kicking myself for missing that auction, guess I don't have as much free time as yourself to spend hour upon hour looking for units to bid on. Be looking forward to more of your splendid postings. Videohead LIVES!

SL-HF600 - Untested but powers up. There's a tape in the stupid machine.

I'm guessing "tested."

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=5788771657&rd=1&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&rd=1

I have a Sony SL-HF500 Beta and the LED display for the clock etc is fading. Anyone have a circuit schematic or info on which components need to be replaced?

This person is listing this as a Hi-Fi deck and as you all know this one is nothttp://cgi.ebay.ca/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=39830&item=5790929072&rd=1

hi

Thank You for the info. on my Betamax SL-HFR 60 joplinbeta. If Anyone needs parts for thier Beta SL-HFR 60 ; my machine was dropped during shipping and it is for sale for a parts machine ( Cheap). Please contact Me at my email address.Sincerely Brian.

Ginny: No there has never been a "converter" for Beta tapes as it's physically impossible to adapt Beta tapes for play in a VHS box - the way they record a signal is too different. VHS-C was originally designed to be playable on a VHS deck - indeed it is the VHS format on a tape small enough to fit in a handheld camera. Since the people making VHS-C camcorders also made VHS decks it was in their interest to make them interchangable. Anyway unlike with VHS-C it was in neither format's interest to allow interchangability.

Brian... I also have a HFR60 Betamax machine and I believe it dates around 1985. HFR means "Hi Fi Ready" and converted the HFR60 to a true Hi Fi machine when used with one of the HFP 100 or 200 (Hi Fi Processor) bases. You can usually find a HFP base on Ebay for well under $50. I like my HFR60... excellent video quality and seems to be a reliable, well built machine. There is a picture of the HFR70, the SuperBeta version of the HFR60, along with a HFP base at the following website. http://www.betainfoguide.com/Pix.htm