betainfoguide.com- Check it out, fellow Betaphiles!!

betainfoguide.com would have to be the 2nd. best Beta website; after our Palsite, of course! Check it out fellow Betaphiles! Great to see you all still here, including the wierdos who occasionally surf in. lf anyone in Australia has a spare SLHF 950 SuperBeta lying around that they no longer want, PAL system, drop me a line! Long live Beta!

Finally, now I am a "Beta-Tester"

I always was playing around with VHS, because it was the system, my parents had in my youth and I still own many recordings from this time. So far I collected a wide range of high-end VHS and S-VHS recorders, as far as we can talk about VHS and High-End. In most cases, the recorders are in great condition, when not I fix them by myself.

Although I don't own any Betamax and Video2000 Tapes, I always wanted to test these systems and maybe collect rarities not available on VHS, Laserdisc or DVD. But the recorders are getting quite expensive, too expensive for an university student. Now I managed to buy a cheap Universum (brand of the German mailorder seller Quelle) VR-2936, which is obviously a re-branded Toshiba V-31. It did not arrive so far, but if you have any useful comments concerning this recorder and Betamax in general.

At monday, I will go to pick up a Beta tape to test and re-adjust the device (the seller says, that sometimes the tape gets stuck or something like this, I don't know how to translate this to english, as I even don't know what exactly he is describing). Then I finally can begin to collect Betamax rarities, as I now collect Laserdisc and Laservision rarities after I finally picked up a Denon LA-2300 (Pioneer CLD-D515).

When the recorder arrived, I will provide you with information and pictures I can gather, as a crisp picture of the V-31 is still missing on the information page for this recorder.

I CORRECT THE ERROR

I VEEN CHECK THE MANUAL OF THE SL-2300 IN SONY ITS A SERVICE MANUAL ITS NOT COMPLETE MANUAL HAS FAULTY PAGES ABOUT THE USE OF THE WIRED REMOTE CONTROL AND OTHER FEATURES IF SOMEONE HAS A OWNERS MANUAL OF THE SL-2300 AND 5400 FOR FREE DOWNLOAD LET ME KNOW AT MY EM-AIL OR IN THIS SITE

THANK YOU

I just picked up four nice SL-HF360 (NTSC) Sony decks for a big transfer job I'm doing. I have a big problem with the batch of tapes to transfer on these machines. There is major tape path squeal and video disturbances while it is squealing. So far, every tape from this batch does it on all four machines. I tried shuttling the tapes back and forth to see if there was any kind of tape tension issue...to no avail.However, I also have an SLO-1800 that plays them back just fine with no squealing. Any ideas??

I am looking for a betamax machine in good working condition to buy. I am living is Johannesburg South Africa. Please contact me if u have one.

Hello,I am urgently looking for a Betamax SL-T50ME or a SL-800ME in working order.Please make me an offer.I just own a C7 in full working order with remote and user manual.If you are interested, don't hesitate to senf me an email!Thanks,

These are all the manuals available online from Sony...

http://www.docs.sony.com/release/BMC110.PDF

http://www.docs.sony.com/release/SL20.PDF

http://www.docs.sony.com/release/SL2300.PDF

http://www.docs.sony.com/release/SL2500.PDF

http://www.docs.sony.com/release/SL2700.PDF

http://www.docs.sony.com/release/SL390.PDF

http://www.docs.sony.com/release/SLHF2000.PDF

http://www.docs.sony.com/release/SLHF2100.PDF

http://www.docs.sony.com/release/SLHF300.PDF

http://www.docs.sony.com/release/SLHF400.PDF

http://www.docs.sony.com/release/SLHF360.PDF

http://www.docs.sony.com/release/SLHFR70.PDF

http://www.docs.sony.com/release/SLHF870D.PDF

http://www.docs.sony.com/release/SLS600.PDF

To Ivan; Sony still has the SL-2300 manual available...

http://www.docs.sony.com/release/SL2300.PDF

No SL-5200 manual available however...

Hi all

You may remember my "Beta Format Today" article in Television magazine,September 2004. As a result of that, a chap wrote into the magazine with a comment on it, saying that it IS possible to replace the HallEffect sensor which keeps failing on Sony models from the C9 onwards.It is on the PCB under the head drum and when it fails the head motorfails to rotate, it just "jiggles".

I've looked through my editions of Television Magazine around thattime, and can't seem to find his letter now. I know the chap doesn'thave access to the internet, his name escapes me but he has writtenin the "help wanted" section of Television Magazine occasionallyabout Beta related things.

Can someone help to locate that letter and what it says, or otherwise advise on a suitable replacement for the four-legged Hall Effectsensor? Please email me in reply: [email protected]

Thanks all,

Colin

www.video99.co.ukwww.colin99.co.uk

i.d like to know if someone have the sl-2300 and sl-5200 for free download if aybody have any of these manuals please let me know at my email this includes who purchases on ebay

Thank you

Hello all.I have 2 Sony betamax machines (one is definately a C7 ) and have no way of getting either of them repaired. Is there any way of converting all my archived Beta music tapes to DVD? Is there any use for these machines or should they be dumped.I reside in Cape Town South Africa.Thanks in anticipation.

Picked up this baby for a song.

It had me in stitches for days.

The quality of the script was out of site. also color was perfect. Sorry, i get excited over things like this.

If anyone has more, please list them in order of titles

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=9722220792

Hallo !

Ich bastel grad an einer neuen Betamax-Page! Schaut mal vorbei über einen Eintrag ins Gästebuch würde ich mich freuen! Beta is better!!! Elmar www.betamax-video.de

To,Noel,I have an SL-S2000,with manual,you are right itis called a Super Betamax and is black in colour,the remote,which I do not have,is RMT-234.

any one want 2 talk i'm Australian

Hello

Here is a nice Beta Hi-Fi industreal unit only $138 at the moment http://cgi.ebay.ca/Sony-Super-Beta-Hi-Fi-Stereo-Slo-1800_W0QQitemZ7616430107QQcategoryZ21168QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

Hi there, I've got a Toshiba recorder at a repair shop...the only place that will repair betas in my area. I'm told it needs some transistors. If I can find them, they'll get it going for me again. I've got a stack of old tapes I wish to convert. If anyone can tell me how to source 2xD549 and 1xD1640 I'd be very grateful. Thank you. Judith McGinness, Geelong, Victoria.

Yes Olive,

The SL HF100UB is quite cheap but transport here would be a killer, plus the TV tuner is not compatible with TV here.

The SL HF750 listed on eBay went for $265 AU which I think was quite reasonable.

Bought this baby and its just as good as BETA if not better. Had all the doors and whistles

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=7606729465

bah hahah i haven't been around here in a while... nice to see some are still here

SL-HF 100 PAL deck for whoever was looking for one - still under 20£...

http://cgi1.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=9721524748

Here is a model not seen or listed on palsite. Toshiba V51A (pal)

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=9720010584&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT

anyone want to buy 2001: a space odyssey betamax format original perfect condition make an offer

Hello, Betaphiles, I live in Mexico, and after all my sony betas, I only preserve my slhf860 and RMe80), I found my rm-250 that came with the slv-r1000, this was teste with our slhf750, and it works and controls all the transports function, but i was to late to test the audio and video insert, because the slhf1000 was sold 2 weeks before, this is in good shape and could be use with any beta that has control L (five pin mini din).

if any interested contac meThank YouJuan Jose Godienz Azcuaga

Most likely the SL-HFR70 has a broken loading gear and the "servicing" of that SL-100 consisted of the guy blowing off the dust accumulated on the poor thing. The capacitors on that have probably dried out.

The loading gear assembly is pretty modular so you can take the assembly from the SL-100 and transfer it to the SL-HFR70.

Greetings all:I'm new to this site and am seeking guidance about problems with a couple of Sony BetaMax VCR's. One is a SL HFR 70 Super Beta machine that was working just fine until it stopped accepting the tape when it was inserted. Any suggestions for things I can try to resolve this problem?

The second machine is a SL 100 Super Beta machine I recently bought on eBay. It works O.K., but the picture has tracking problems that I can't fix with the Tracking adjustment. The guy that sold it said the machine was serviced before he offered it on eBay, so I'm assuming dirty heads aren't the problem. This may be a bad assumption. Any ideas for addressing this problem?

Thanks.JackMemphis, Tennessee

TomoTry E-Bay,there's always one for sale on there...........Kevin

I'm after a Sony HF100 does anyone have one for sale or know anyone who has it for sale? I have a Sanyo VTC 5000 for possible part exchange

Many thanks in advance!

hello any woamne wanna chat add me please or send me the e mail

Finally located that machine and Olive is dead right it is a stereo SL-HF2000. A much classier machine than the one I was talking about.

regards Noel

Stone/Olive,

A sony PAL machine with the title on the front of "sony Superbetamax" was marketed as an SL-S2000 in Australia. In appearance this black machine is unlike any of the earlier machines, I suspect also around 1988 to 1990 manufacture. The play/rew/stop/ffwd controls are on the right hand side, cassette load on the left. A slider tracking control is on the lower front bottom edge alongside a sharpness control (very VHS like) and to the left of that a three position "colour switch" It is a mono machine. I suspect the machine you are talking about is a variant of this machine possibly with Secam option.

regards Noel

Doesnt matter where NTSC machine is. I have 3 high end DECK all are NTSC, where other countries rented our PAL SATELITTE.

I AM NOT A DEALER, MY EMAIL IS A NICNAME. I HAVE A PIONEER 909 REEL TO REEL TAPE DECK WITH A BAD CAPSTAN MOTOR. I HAVE HEARD THAT SOME TEAC OR TASCAM MOTORS ARE THE SAME. I HAVE A COUPLE TEAC'S WITH BAD BELTS AND AM ATTEMPTING NOT TO BUTCHER THEM FOR THE MOTOR UNLESS I KNOW FOR SURE WHAT TEAC/TASCAN MODEL OR MODELS ARE COMPATABLE. I ALSO WOULD CONSIDER BUYING ONE INSTEAD OF TOTALLY DISABLING TOE TEAC. WELL EITHER WAY. I'M QUITE FOND OF THE 909.THANK YOU,JC

Doctor1024.8, the HF 750 is the deck with the whole left side coming out when ejcting a tape; like a CDROM on yer computer. Now, just to add another little twist, I also have an SL-HF 450 that is experiencing the exact same problem. So, to this point we can't assume it is a HF 750 problem because of the tape transport mechanism. The problem with the HF 450 might be because it has been in storage for 2 years. Whereas the HF 750 was an everyday use deck.

Later. Pepse.

Introduced in the early 1990s, the SL-HF 2000 was Sony's last US market Betamax VCR. It was the stripped-down follow-up to their SL-HF 2100 "dream machine" Beta VCR. Its Japanese counterpart the SL-200D remained in production to the end of Sony's commitment to the Betamax line in 2002.

In German Ebay, Auktion No.9719291275 , someone offers an Super Beta, Modell Sony SL-F2000.I ve never heard of this model, looks like a modern model of an video Tape recorder of the 90-th.Does some know this machine and can tell something about it.

SincerlyStope

Hello !!

Greetings to all Betamax-Fans !

www.betamax-video.de

Welcome back Pesi,

Does that 750 have the front door??

Well, it's been a lo-o-ong time but I am back. Mainly because my SL-HF 750 crapped out. I guess if it ain't fixable I'll have to find something else. But considering I was recording something and then watching stuff on it daily for about 7 years; if it's dead then at least I more than got my money out of it. Anyway, onto the problem. As per usual I recorded the soaps for my wife at 3:15 AM CDT (I know it was working then because I looked at the deck at 3:40 before I went to bed). She wakes me up at 9AM saying the VCR is not working. She's right, if I hit play or REW the deck shuts down and I have to turn it on and eject the tape to get it to at least FF. I use Sony BCT 20's. I tried a different BCT 20, same problem, put in 2 diffrent factory tapes same thing. Is it reparable or just completely worn out?

Later. Pepse.

Olive,

Welcome back! It's a long time since I have seen you here. Yes, strange where NTSC machines turn up, even in Australia.

regards Noel

Im new member in this sit i looking in operating instrucions for the sl-hf900 vcr and hfp -200 Beta hifi proccessor any one have any of these manuals for free download or purchase?

Im from Mexico

Thank you

The EDV-9500 uses the RMT-164 remote

hi

Krikey! An SL-HF 750 on offer Down Under!

This bloke has been in use as an NTSC->PAL conversion VTR and is no longer needed....

http://cgi1.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=9718186441

$186 USD but I bet shipping is gonna be a beaut!

In response to

Name: Frankster, Saturday 22nd April 2006 9:04 am U.K. Time

Regarding a fix for "an SL-F30 and it seems to suffer muffled sound". The pinch roller could be a contributing factor but the pinch roller from a C7 is not interchangeable.

1/ Check that the High/low tone switch on the lower right hand side of the front is set to high. 2/ Clean the audio head and try recording on a new tape and playback to see if the sound is better than when using prerecorded tapes.

2a/ If not, then you probably have a tape alignement or other electrical fault to fix. (refer service manual)

2b/ If it is better then you still have an alignment fault but it has more to do with the azmyth setting of the head as well a tape path perhaps. 9AGAIN REFER SERVICE MANUAL

3/ Check that the back tension is sufficient. Low tension causes poor tape to head contact.

4/ Check the edge of the tape for damage. (can happen with really bad alignment)

regards Noel

I have a few NEC, Sony SLHF900 and a couple toshiba's.They all work perfectly, BUT are missing the very important Doors. I can'tstand to use these beta's without the door. Does anyone know a supplier that sells door??

Would appreciate any help because these missing doors are driving me crazy!!!!!!

I just bought a used EDV 9000 - USA equivalent is EDV 9500. But mine came with no remote control. Anyone out there have one to sell or know the remote’s model number?

Thanks,[email protected]

Hello!We have received a number of video cassettes in an archival collection here and I have never seen this particular size of cassette before. The tape is a Toshiba. It is labelled "L-250", "78m", "[beta symbol]Video".The cassette dimensions are:1" thick, 3.75" wide and 5" long. IS this BetaCam? BetaSP? We have some Beta tapes here in other collections, but they more closely resemble the size of VHS tapes.I'll thank anybody in advance for helping out an ignoramus here!

Thanks!Barbara

ote: the problem could be mechanical (something interfering with the tray movement) or electrical (microprocessor control). I think your choice is to open it to have a look inside, or box it up and return it. I'd opt for the latter.

I just won a panasonic DMR-T2020 dvd recorder on ebay. Got it and when I plug it in the darn tray comes out. I push the close button, but after closing it just immediatley opens up again. If I push the power button the unit freezes until I unplug and plug back in. Then we start it all over. I need some help if anyone has a clue what could be up.

GreetingsI have a nice collection of foreign movies on Beta tape. I also have a Sony SL-HF360. The problem is tracking lines in the picture that I cannot get rid of with the tracking correction switch. The sound also reflects and repeats the tracking error. The lines and the audio noise makes a play back vitually impossible. Can anyone fix it?Or should I purchase a new machine?Thanks for your adviseBernard

For Frankster,how have you hooked up this machine.have you cleaned the ACE HEAD heads.Maybe you are an old tape fan?, in suspecting a duff pinch roller.Also where are you?.

jeffoldbean.

Greetings folks,

Wondered if anyone could suggest a fix for this one. I recently pulled my old Sony Betamax VCR out of storage. It's an SL-F30 and it seems to suffer muffled sound. The picture is clear as day, just the sound isn't too good. I've also got a C7 (I think that's what it is) but it isn't working, although when it was the sound was great on it. I'm thinking the bad sound on the SL-F30 is due to a bad pinch roller - is it possible to replace the one in the SL-F30 with the one in the C7, and if so, would this restore the sound?

Thanks for any advice :)

Thank you Mr. Lambert for the Sanyo manual tip,I now have the manual

Here is an interesting problem: I have a Sony SL-HF900 that will "lock-up" if a completely rewound cassette is loaded (that is, if the tape leader is threaded). If the same tape is advanced beyond the leader, everthing is fine. It's like some sensor that is supposed to detect the tape leader isn't working. Any ideas on what the problam actually is and/or how to correct it?

Charlie: I think the VC-N65EU was the last Beta that NEC made, and it came out the year after the VC-N70EU. The VC-N70EU had 4-heads, mulitple speeds, and all the bells and whistles including a great remote. However, it was not a SuperBeta and did not have the B1 speed. The fact that they number the VC-N65EU lower may have been their own admission that the newer machine was not supposed to have everything the VC-N70EU had, rather it just had these other features. They may have thought that the selling point of the 65 was that it was their only SuperBeta and that the buyer would onl want SuperBeta (so no turn off switch for SuperBeta). As far as the playback speed indicator, well to be honest I don't find that very useful. I mean, as long as the machine plays the tape back at the right speed, do I really need a constant readout of the speed? One thing both NEC machiines have that I haven't seen on the other Betas is the light and mirror in the cassette compartment, which not only takes the place of the "cassette in" indicator, but also lets you see how much tape remains.

Guy,I have a Nec65 and I really like it but have always been disappointed in the lack of features on such a nice deck. For instance, there's no way to shut off the super Beta like there is on Sonys and Sanyos.Also there's no indicator to tell you what speed your playing back in.It's a nice machine but they could of done a lot better!Although the B1 speed playback picture is great I really can't tell the difference between it and B11.Charlie

I have Betamax SHOW TIME introduction Casette in PAL format.....anybody interested in.?

I have 3 beta vcrs needing adjusting which I cannot seem to do, so I'm offering themfor sale at a nominal price. All are front loading, manual tuning. They actually look like brand new but the Sony #5000 has a picture distortion problem, the Sanyo #4400 will not move the tape in the 'play' mode and the Toshiba # V9200T has too many tracking lines in the picture. All other functions work properly. Please contact me if interested and we can discuss a price on any or all. Thanks..Carl NYC

Does anyone remember the promo video that was given with Betamax machines? it had a guy taking the viewer on a journey, explaining the benefits of Betamax. One scene was when a kid scored a goal in a soccer game and turning to ask his mother: "did you get that". my memory is very sketchy on this but if you have any info, screenshots etc. I would be most grateful.

Box of 48 Beta tapes for sale on Ebay:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=9714797888&rd=1&sspagename=STRK%3AMESE%3AIT&rd=1

I was watching a few movies and comparing my NEC-VC65EU (SuperBeta with BIs recording capability) to one of my Sony SL-HF900 decks. I have to admit, the picture was actually better on the NEC (which I got for $10). The deck gets a bad rap for not having enough bells and whistles. However, in addition to its BIs recording capability, this NEC deck also has a nice LED for tracking, and the remote even has an EJECT button. I've only seen the latter on the remote for the SL-HF1000. So, I'm sort of liking my NEC VC65EU...does anybody else have one?

Betamadmax:Yeah, after reading that lot again , it's a good job i can laugh at myself.......humour...what would we do without it...the mind boggles.....I'd try E-Bay for the Sony manuals...if you WERE being serious that is :)............................Kevin

and what about sony manuals?

only joking lol,, was sooo funny reading your last posts

Last time...here goes go to http://www.sanyo.co.uk click on entertainment,a small subfile will appear,click on 'video' then look to the right and in a small box is INSTRUCTION manuals,click on that and pick the one you want.The Beta selection is at the bottom.....I think i'll give myself a medal now...........i'm off to give my brain a rest.....................Kevin

The website address is http://www.sanyo.co.uk No click on the end of that!..................kevin

Well..this is turning out to be a flippin pain in the butt:)Better still Got to http://www.sanyo.co.uk....click on 'video' on the left.then look to the right in a small box and click on instruction manuals.Go to the one you want and 'bob's your uncle' ...for FREE too..........if this does'nt work.........i'll say no more...........Kevin

Hi Again.Yes i've just found out the link is closed if you don't access the site for a while......here's a direct link to the UK home page. http://www.sanyo.co.uk/scripts/hsrun.exe/Distributed/NF_iFramework_UK/NF_iFramework_UK.htx;;flag=restart;start=HS_UK_Index......When you get this up click on video and then look to the right.There's a small box with instruction manuals in.Click on that and then select the one you want.You'll also need adobe to read/print these out.Better luck this time..............Kevin

Hi Guys:..Here's a direct link to the Sanyo website for anyone looking for their INSTRUCTION NOT SERVICE manuals...http://www.sanyo.co.uk/scripts/hsrun.exe/Distributed/NF_iFramework_UK/StateId/R1EJsV2bGLyCZEePtiarCd9_ZXeU3-U-I4/HAHTpage/HS_DocBrowser?DocType1=Instruction%20ManualsI get asked this quite a bit so hope this helps.........Happy viewing ....kevin

G'Day I am looking for instruction manual for Sanyo VTC M10 I have just bought 2 of them, and I am trying to get a good one out of the two, But I need a manual to set them up .Can anyone help please. Jack L

Betamadmax:If knowone on here can help i stongly suggest E-bay.I've had quite a few Sony L750 Blank NEW box sets of 10.The remote has come up a few times too..........Kevin

hi,

would anyone know where i can get a box of 10 sealed blank tapes L500 or L750?

cheers and a long shot... remote for a sony slc6 -ub mark2 i think it is a rm-72

I guess I solved my own problem - eventually I found a small catch way down on the right hand side of the cassette machanism - just about where the cam goes down to - push this to the front of the machine and it released the cassette. Easy when you know how.

I have a Sony SL-C9UB which has a tape stuck in it. The nylon peg on the right hand side (as you look at the front) of the mechanism has jumped out of its socket. I guess this has happened because something is holding the tape tray down in the machine (it is in the fully loaded position). I cannot for the life of me see what can be holding the cassette tray down, and therefore I cannot work out how to free it. I'm loath to take the machine completely to bits in case I do more harm than good. Can anyone advise me on what might be holding the tray down please?

I have always thought that the two pinnacles of human innovation for the coordinated workings of electronic and mechanical systems were the Apollo spacecraft (for government) and the Betamax VTR (for industry). Because most of us can't get our hands on Apollo spacecraft to fix annd maintain, we have the Betamax. After Betas, VCRs became much more mundane (except for some of the professional S-VHS models, which are also fun), and then video became completely digital, which is rather boring and ultimately disposable. Well, that's my two cents on why I like to be surrounded by Betas.

Guy:What can i say but a very sincere THANKYOU.....:Noel, yes i agree whether we like to say that or not these machines ARE antiques and need lots of care and respect.....I love to help other if i can because you do find that ellusive problem can have been found and rectified by some of us at some time or another......Keep up the good work guys and friendly, helpful advise and enlightening comments.........i think i'd feel lost without them now:)...........Kevin

Ron,

I agree with that summary also, though if you had owned a Morris 1100 you might take a more middle groung on reliability compared to the Jag. The interesting thing is that betas are working antiques, and as long as enough of us are interested in keeping them going as long as is economically and practically possible, then they serve a purpose. This site and the sharing of information will help that end. I have a number of models of machines not listed here which I hope to contribute information to the site on over the coming months.Palsite itself is a virtual museum which will be the most practical way of seeing the history of these machines in future. I hope that others might do the same, given the ease of communicating via the internet of the availability easy digital imaging these days.

regards Noel

Kevin: Regarding your requests for Sanyo 7250 accessories, here is a remote on eBay that will work it:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=9708230643&rd=1&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&rd=1

Also, I have the manual, so I will send you a PDF when I get the chance to scan it.

Ron:I have to agree with you there in all respects.A VERY fair comment.I'm glad i'm giving the Beta enthusiasts something different to read and mull over.As we hav'nt any new machines to talk about.I too also think it amazing how well these 'older' vcr's were put together.......especially i'f you've ever seen inside the very last generation of VHS models made....SHOCKING to say the least!It's also nice to here from others with an opinion in the matter....we all have our reasons why we like what we do....it'd be boring if we all liked the exact same thing....It is important though to have had the experience or access to the machines mentioned before raising your preference and i think most here do that admirably....I'm glad this site is here.....it's given me food for thought a few times, you learn a lot too................Kevin

JSP: I find that really surprising as i have most editions of the 5 regular video mags that were out in the eighties and there was NEVER EVER a mention to this model.....Why on earth not....Yes i also remeber when sanyo released their VHS rnage under their own name ( instead of Fisher) i still have the mags with this news in it.I believe it was the VHR1100e;1300e and 1500e .Very similar in design and range to their current Beta line up M10;M20 and M30.I also don't think the NX100 did the format any good the picture on playback was surprisingly grainy or noisy for a Beta ( i have seen many and all the same so it was'nt any fault) and that was one machine from Sanyo i WAS dissappointed in.A journalist asked if they would be releasing their 7250 Superbeta in the UK and the product manager said it was highly unlikely.....WHY? Sony did with their SLHF950. So maybe Sanyo released the M50 instead knowing Beta was losing sales very fast and thought it a safer option?? You ask why buy the M50 when you can have the HF100. ...because it keeps the tape laced up all the time and they were'nt all that reliable ( faulty LUV meters , drum bearing issues and the mysterious nonplayback of Hi-Fi sound even the the Hi-Fi light is lit...knowone still has the answer to that....that i'.... aware of not worn heads either.).You may say the M40 has issues but i'm sure you'll agree far longer lasting and so easy to sort out.I've never seen a M50 for sale on E-bay either......so there can't be many ( if any )in the UK.................Kevin

Sanyo M50's were available in the UK from about 1986 through to about 1988. They weren't cheap. Not the nicest looking machine - they had a VHS out at the time which looked almost identicle.

Not many were sold in Australia at all, I would say price had a bit to do with it, why buy the sanyo when you can have a HF-100 for only $50 more - might seem like a lot now, but remember the machines were in the 700 - 800 mark back then.

Yes, a stereo tuner from memory. I don't think I got that wrong.

NoelHHHMmmmmmm , I wonder why the UK did'nt get that opportunity????? Stereo tuner too....that was a surprise......As soon as i get my scanner hooked up i'll see what i can do..bear with me.........Kevin

Kevin,

Yes, you have a point there with the Sanyo M40, it gets hotter here. Older Marconi signal generators didn't like our summers much either. I would like some info (scans perhaps if you can) of the video waveform points to check head playback amp levels. A copy of the caps servo lock circuit would also be great. Worn third head you say, yes that could be the problem. Though I recall a loss of vertical sync in playback last time I looked at that machine. I had an M30 from South Africa also but they lack a lowband VHF tuner section. They have an odd tuner arrangement for programming as well!

The M50 is a PAL machine and I guess it went to Europe too, since it had the Pal D German stereo tuner. Austrlia adopted the twin carrier sound system also. We also have VHF and UHF TV channels like Europe. I am guessing it was not just made for the little Australian population back then.

regards Noel

Noel: You raise an interesting quesion there regarding the Sanyo M50.Until three years ago ( thanks to this site) i was'nt even aware there was such a model!What market was it made for and was it PAL....?As for the M30 the only fault i've ever seen with this model (twice) was what seemed to be a worn third video head for the clear still and frame by frame modes.The normal play and record was perfect.I've also heard that a lot of the Sanyo models that are in Australia have had power overheating problems....maybe it's just your country is a bit HOT :)I'll also add that has NEVER ( in my knowledge) happened to a UK model.i also agree with you in that the many models i've serviced that storing of an unused machine can be a godsend or a nightmare.......The inside of some of the 5000's i've worked on had to be seen to be believed....filthy ,full of muck and dust and was obviously not boxed ( an absolute MUST if storing it) and obviously in a damp environment.However whne cleaned and given a good thorough going over they amze me how well they perform..they just need a bit of love ( don't we all):)Then i had another one ,just recently that had been stored for X amount of years in a box and it's virtually immaculate...i was totally gobsmacked......If you want any info on the Sanyo M30 i have the service manuals.For some strange reason this info is'nt yet avalable for the M10 and M20.All the other models though i have the service info...................Kevin

Interesting comments. I have no problems with all of the above, we all have our preferences. I forgot to mention that with time I am finding the SLC9 SS-11 boards are having issues. If the machines have been stored and/or used in less than ideal conditions (high humidity etc) then the caps are leaking and apart from drift issues and such, corrosion of the tracks and dust/moisture leakage paths around the op amps and Cmos components are stopping capstan control/lock in either normal or trick play modes. I guess fixing these Sonys presents a challenge which I don't mind. They certainly are complicated.

I would be interested in getting service information on the Sanyo M30. I have 2 or three of these with playback quality and servo lock issues. I have resisted jumping in and adjusting anything until I have an indication of waveforms and measurement points.

I have 2 M40s. The mint condition M40 has just had its power supply give up and the other has worn HiFi heads. I have at least one of most models, though not all working. I just sold a mint NX10. Of interest is that it has a one button program record feature.

You have not mentioned the M50, (stereo HiFi machine) maybe it didn't sell in UK. I have seen four of them and fixed belts on two. Your right about the mainly belts problems. One was grey the others black. I don't like the style of the sloping front compared to the M40, but the last one I fixed worked really well.

As to the reliability of DVD players, I am mostly talking cheap models so I guess you get what you pay for reliablility wise. I go for the chinese models though because they play anything and you can get rid of macrovision. Also they have a great range of output connection options and well featured remote controls.

regards Noel.

Oh.......i almost forgot.I also have a Sanyo M10( quite a rare model) that is used regularly.A lot better in terms of picture quality than the NX100 that replaced it ( Sanyo's last UK model Beta).I also obtained in MINT shape a Sanyo 7250 SUPERBETA.Boy was i dissappointed they did'nt go that route for a PAL model.I think it would've sold especially knowing how agressively Sanyo marketed Betamax, and i feel Beta would'nt have survived for half as long without their efforts.They really made an effort in that machine and managed to slim it it down somewhat with only one idler doing all the work (all other Sanyo beta's used 2).Mind you the pulley was made of brass this time around.......No remote or manual though so if anyone out there has one for the Sanyo SuperBeta 7250 ..i'd be interested.........Kevin

Well....... in response to the two previous comments i have two Sanyo DVD systems the 1500 and dc760ts and i've had no problems with either ( i know the 1500 suffered from a slightly smaller memory (for the over complicated special feature discs) but this was rectified by Sanyo with a upgrading disc....needless to say the quality is stunning on both.I understand Sony has many fans( probably most of the Betaphiles prefer them) but i owned a new Toshiba V31B and when i realised how badly my tapes were worn only after a years use i definetley decided NOT to go the always laced up route.It made my origional 5000 seem like it really took care of the fragile magnetic tape cassette.I have also owned briefly a Sony SLHF100, SLHF950 and C20. All these machines were in excellent to mint shape and it did give me the opportunity to see for myself what most were shouting about in terms of quality.I will admit though to not liking using the FF or REW due to the obvious wear it produces.I sold them on before any issues became apparent.So i have had the benefit of seeing for myself...yes i WAS impressed.the Sanyo's however are perfectly acceptable in my opinion and if the picture was as poor as some reviewers stated i would'nt use them.You must also take into account they acheived it with the bargain prices they sold for NO mean feat......that would make the quality and value EXCELLENT for the money........and you can't ignore many are still going strong today.........i have absolute proof of that.......:) In 1982/3 My next machine(after my origional 5000) was the Sanyo M20( as i always wanted to go with a infra red remote option and got fed up with crouching to the floor to pause out the Tv adverts))..............Stunning machine just the usual idler/motor issues ( after excessive use i might add).Then came my M30..great machine.I now have in my possession a MINT 5000II, Excellent 5150,MINT M40 x2 , Excellent 6500 ,Mint M30,Mint M20....yes the inside was virtually unused as was the 5000II.I also own A Sanyo VHR190e Nicam VHS and Sanyo VHR874e DVS Nicam model and both have been used frequently and are around 14 and 16 years old respectively.I have serviced them both and they have served me VERY well.Apart from 'mode switch issues' and a sticky idler clutch they have ( and still are) working as good as new.Most importantly though I CAN RELY on any of those machines......I also agree it IS amazing that these Beta's are still going strong all these years later and it is also good some are willing to service the Sony's..........i prefer Sanyo for the reasons above and for there simplicity in servicing and removing, adjusting items.I also like their design and they WERE built to last.Lets' face it rubber will always deteriorate with age...........the other machine parts are near bombproof......Another thing i will say too, if you look after these items and only use decent tapes and the like they will reward you with a long life as i have proved.A good service over a period of time too will keep everything in great order......I don't know why but i'm still fascinated and enjoy working with these machines that many people wrote off a long time ago.They seem to be shocked when i mention the word BETAMAX too..........then again we all know better don't we...........Kevin

I agree to some point that Sanyo had mechanical problems, all those rubber bands have to snap at some point, but in terms of picture quality and reliability, they were better (in my own opinion of course). I had 2 Sony C30s, and an F30, all which kept giving me trouble, various issues from the hall effect to dodgy pictures, colour imbalances and other PCB related problems. My Sanyo machines, one band goes ping, just replace it!!! excuse the crude descriptions. The C9, what a beautie!!! can't argue with you there, but it still had it's issues. My M30, MONO as it is, but she's been loyal, rarely gone wrong. Until now!!! I must have been through just as many Digital Versitilish Disasters in so many years. Beta is still Better. I wonder what DVD really stands for!!!

Well, having noted some comments above, I can't resist commenting on the fact that I like Sony machines the best. They ended up with the most advanced and well featured PAL machines with the SLC9 and the SLHF950 being the best. However, because they are so complicated they have more issues. It is simple maths - more components more potential problems and it's an exponential thing.

I guess that since I have readily obtained Sony service manuals, that tends to colour my judgement. I do however fix all brands, if I can. Toshiba and Sanyo suffer much more from mechanical issues - mainly drive belts and reel motor failures. Sony has drum motor issues across their later models. Head wear might be more of an issue with them but I think that is because they lasted longer before they had a major failure. Lets face it, to have 20 yr old plus machines still going and performing as well as the Beta machines do is amazing. I am on my 4th DVD player in 5 years.

regards Noel

The professional FR4 epoxy fiberglass boards should last indefinitely. I don't know of any consumer vcrs that use them. Other types--phenolic, paper, whatever, would get brittle with time, depending on the temp and humidity, and crack under stress.

I am a fence for Sony,my SL HF300 Just keeps on running,also my Sanyo VT 5005,good machine

ohh swearing!!

my sony c6 is 24 years old and works a treat, the picture was a pit odd but the more i use it the better it gets, i have a vhs but its so dull i keep it hidden in the bedroom, my betmax lives in the sitting room along with my nintendo nes!

Hi Alan, parts for Sony machines are readilly available, just got to know where to look. Feel free to e-mail me with a list of what you want, I'll see if I can get them. I'm afraid I have to disagree with your last comment. I love the older VCRs even, new ones just lack the quality and aren't worth repairing, had there been new Beta machines of course we would want to own them, but I still love my M30, nearly 20 years old, and as good as it ever was. I used to have a VTC9600 and loved tinkering with that machine just for the sake of it. They don't make them how they used to!!! Had Beta lived, I'd still go Sanyo over Sony.

Have a dead SL HF-1000 that I have been told neeeds the sub chasis assembly to hopefully join the stack of working Betamax decks (that seems to be getting shorter). The part is no longer availabel from Sony, their part number is X36916431 I know some folks on here seem to have acess to obsolete parts Sony of course will not make them any more so once parts are gone they are gone, this of course would not have been a problem had they continued to come up with neat new Betamax decks every year or so like they did from 1975-~1991. I suspect we would not be trying to keep the old ones alive if there wer new ones that were much better out there..

how to use this page?

Does anyone here know what should be the average service life of a printed circuit board in ideal conditions (i.e. no mechanical, environmental or electrical stress beyond ratings) ? I recall hearing somewhere that it should be about 30 years, yet I can't find any source to confirm this. Any info appreciated.

Docjudd: I believe there's a switch on the rear ..is it on?Also the power supply mains fitler capacitor is known to fail causing the fuse to blow when plugging these units in to a iffy supply ( like multi plug extensions e.t.c) It also effected the Sanyo 5000,5150 and 6500.You'd have to up the value to a 0.0047aef(350vA.C).I believe the origional is a 0.1 aef (250v A.C).It is a well known problem in those models........hope it helps........Kevin