Gary, give http://www.crutchfield.com a try.. also, you may still find them at http://www.radioshack.com

Hope this helps.

Take care, and stay well.

I have a Sony C5 Betamax VCR (UK spec) in working order. Anyone interested e-mail me.I live in Scotland, UK

Just to clarify Franny's message, Elizabeth II is not Queen Elizabeth I's daughter. Queen Elizabeth I reigned in the 1th or 17th century. The Queen Mother was called Elizabeth and was Queen Elizabeth, but wasn't numbered, ie 1st, 2nd, 3rd etc, because she didn't reign over the UK. She was only made Queen being the wife of Prince Albert who became King George VI. God, I'm English and this is confusing. I know, why would Prince Albert become King George? Hey, do I look like royalty? Don't answer that!

So, Queen Elizabeth II, our reigning monarch, is the daughter of Queen Elizabeth but not of Queen Elizabeth I. Clear? Good. Anyway, what's this got to do with Betamax?!!!

Hello all,

I've just got hold of a Sanyo vtc-5000, its in great condition, plays and records perfectly The only downside is its a bit (alright very) slow on rewind and fast forward, it sounds as if a belt is slipping, any idea how I can fix this???

Thanks

Bill

To Bill; You probably only need to change out the idler tires (tyres?) as they tend to go with age. As fixes go it's a fairly simple one... Studiosound Electronics at URL http://www.iglou.com/studiosound/index.htm sells them in the US. You might want to aks if they'll sell overseas. Otherwise try asking you local VCR repair place for a similar item.

I was just wondering if anyone can tell me what the machine was called that played movies on what looked like plastic records

Thnaks to Olive for her answer re vtc5000. Does anyone know where I can get a working idler assembly for the vtc5000 in the UK?? Perhaps someone has a bust 5000 but with a working idler?Or is there any stopgap measure I can use such as turning the tyre round??

Thanks

Bill

To Carl; RCA put out a technology called Capacitance Electronic Discs (CEDs) that used a needle to play 'movie records'. You can find out more about them at http://www.cedmagic.com/selectavision.html

As for idler tires you could probably just roughen them up a bit with sandpaper if they're not too badly cracked. Flipping them around will do the same thing. Or you could go to a hardware shop and ask if they have any rubber washers about the same size as the tire you need to replace. Round washers - as opposed to the flat idler tires - will work OK.

Sae this Ron Popiel informercial off the satellite. Seems he's got a mutisystem 'universal' VHS/Beta VCR that can play HiFi VHS and Beta tapes from any country. It's got the two heads stacked on top of each other that rise and fall and the reel drives automatically switches to the proper tape size. Even the audio/control head rotates to the right position.

He's marketing it for people switching to digital video and need a machine for their analog tape collections - VHS or Beta. He notes that even VHS machines are starting to get scarce and since most can't record in LP speed (in the US) and this one can, it'd be a good buy even if one never bothered with the Beta feature. But if one used the Beta features you'd be able to record the 'highband' feature Only 8 'easy payments' of $49.99...

the number to call for that was 277-453-6657

During a recent pack stuff up in order to move it I came across an original owner's manual for a Sony SL HF 900 (I have several of these machines) and thus this is a spare, if anyone is interested you can have it for $5.00 plus postage. I am in the US.

Before anybody dials that number on Franny's post do keep in mind the date and what the numbers spell on a telephone keypad...

2-7-7-4-5-3-6-6-5-7 = a-p-r-i-l-f-o-o-l-s

I've got some questions:-1 Thanks to Martins now I know how to get NICAM on my 950 but I have a little and very important doubt. In Spain and other countries which have got NICAM but English isn't the principal language there are bilingual emisions. The 950ES (the one which I have) has the ability to receive analog "Bilingual" programs and movies. Nicam in Spain is also used to do this bilingual emisions and The fact that made me decide to put NICAM on the 950 was that in non hi-fi beta it sounds the two languages together. NICAM L R chanels are used for doubled language program and original version respectively. I think that decoders also are different. Has anyone adapted the 950ES to biligual NICAM? ( oh, I forgot. I don't know if you have ever heard of NICAM mono which is showed as bilingual but the two channels sound the same ) Adn how can you make the biligual indicator light?-2 Where could I get a good condition SLO-1700 Pal Beta-hifi?-3 Are betacam oxide cleaning tapes (BCT-5CLN) suitable for betamax (although I think they are like a L-125)?

Thanks for your help. Regards to all,

Casimir.

- Hello from sunny Hertfordshire, England!! Just found this site and wanted to let Betamax fans know that I have a Sony C7 (no instruction book) and a Sanyo VTC6500, (with instruction book and remote), plus a Sony HVC-3000P Colour Video Camera with instruction book, for sale, also some used tapes. Only UK enquiries, please, as I would wish to show them working to prospective purchasers. However, I have "Rupert and the Frog Song" and The Everly Brothers Reunion Concert, which I would be willing to post overseas if required. I am open to sensible offers.....

Does anyone know where I can go to get my BETA tapes converted to DVD? Please help. Thank you.

Hi Betamax-fans!Open your eyes and read: I have got an almost unused State-Of-The-Art Sony SL-HF 950 ES VCR 4 home use 2 offer. Unfortunately I bought myself 2 of them 18 years ago, but the 2nd issue I never used except now only once, 2 see, if it works. And it does! Was always stored the right, recommended way; cool and dry. The machine is still originally packed. U profeesionals know, what I talk about. It's a rarity! Some features: weight 27 pounds, the box/surface is of black colour. I bought it 4 a 3500 DM. And because I need only 1 item, I'd like 2 sell the 2nd. $ intereseted people I would give many tapes too as a tipp or bonus.Write 2 the address given below, or call: +49 -30 -4413903my best wishes 2 the Betamax-community

I finally gave in and went digital. As a result I have the following SuperBeta machines available for a loving new home.

GCS1 Super Beta Movie camcorder With operators, tech, and service manualsThis camera has been converted to use NIMH batteries. comes with two batteries and a charger

GCS 50 Industrial superbeta editing deck including operators manual.

SLO 420 deck, plays Super Beta tapes beautifully

RM 580 wired controler for the SLO 420 IR controler for the SLO 420

Over 20 BETACAM tapes in near new condition. These tapes work better than standard superbeta tapes on these machines.

I thought I would mention it here before putting it up on EBAY.

I can send pictures if you want to see them.

All of the machines work perfectly.

Chuck [email protected]

Situation Report from the Beta Battlefront: Report #1) I was conversing with a longtime fellow worker in my office a few weeks ago when the subject of audio/video entertainment came up. He mentioned casually that he once owned a beta VCR, which unfortunately broke down many years ago, but still owned a whole bunch of treasured beta tapes that he could no longer watch. I immediately reminded him of beta's better video quality and resolution, and encouraged him to go out and acquire another beta so that he can once again enjoy beta's better video resolution and most importantly watch his valued beta tape collection again. Yesterday at the office he happily came to me and announced that he had finally found a working beta VCR at a thrift shop (it's a used Sanyo Model 4020 Betacord) and that he is in hog heaven watching his beta tapes again and wondering why he ever gave up on beta in the first place and switched to that wretched other format! Report #2) Another fellow worker transferred to our office about a week ago, and overheard my conversation with worker #1 from above about his Sanyo Betacord find. This newly-transferred worker then approached me and inquired about where to fix an old Beta VCR, as his parents own an old Sony SL-5000 that munches tapes, and they have a "zillion" beta tapes that they could no longer watch. I gave him the address and phone number of my favorite beta VCR repair shop, and also encouraged him to look for another beta VCR in case the SL-5000 is not repairable. He was very happy to receive the info, and was eager to inform his parents that they may soon be able to watch their beta tapes again. I sat back in my cubicle and relaxed, secure in the knowledge that I have won another small skirmish in the continuing campaign to keep Beta alive; but also aware that the Battle for Beta is an ongoing struggle, one we must do our utmost to continue...

For anyone interested, I have a SONY BMC-500 Betamovie Camera in Sony Beta Camera Hardshell Case I would be interested in selling. I don't have the power adapter or charger, but I do have three batteries for it. The camera and case are in immaculate condition, as if they came off the shelf yesterday. Please refer any SERIOUS inquiries to my email address. Thanks,Robert

To Howard: Right on dude! Beta forever! My dedication to the battle is strong: A week ago, I got this really sweet beta tattoo on my left arm up near the shoulder (own design). Multicolor beta logo w/ "Beta" above and "Forever!" below.

Did a Yahoo shopping search for Betamax item and these are the results... http://all.search.shopping.yahoo.com/search/all?P=all&clink=&p=betamax&did=59 . A lot of stores (20) still carried Sony Beta tape but the price differential was amazing. From a low of $3.19 to a high of $7.95 for the same Standard Grade L-750 tape...

Sony Betamax HF-400. Original Remote Included. Works Fine. Comes with Beta Rewinder (new in box), Sealed Blank Tapes (Radio Shack), box of factory recorded tapes, Genuine Sony Head Cleaning Tape, etc.). Whole System - $250.00. Located on East Coast. Email [email protected] if want pictures or more details.

Just this evening I got in my latest e-bay acquisition of 20 Maxell Professional/Industrial Grade L-750 tapes.. altogether they cost me only US$49.20 including USPS shipping by Priority mail. This made each tape US$2.46 for high grade Maxell tapes, new, still sealed in the factory wrap (not rewrapped, these still have the pull tab on them.) The seller is [email protected] .

I gather that this person sells a lot of tapes this way, and I will buy from them again. :)

Take care, and stay well.

Hello all,

Does anyone know where you can buy beta video recorders in the UK?Are there any dealers out there or is it a case of scouring places like Ebay and car boot sales??

Thanks

Bill

To Bill [who needs the idler for the VTC5000 ]

There's a company in Manchester called Wizard Distributors [tel: 0161 872 5438] who stock mechanicals for beta machines. THey might even have some heads left, but no cosmetic bits. Also, they're unlikely to stock manufacturer specials such as capstan motors/ reel drives etc, but they do stock copy parts for the usual wear and tear items.

as for getting hold of more machines, it's luck of the draw - car boot sales, loot [www.loot.com] - then do a search on 'betamax' or local papers. It's getting increasingly difficult to find decent machines now, and HiFi ones [or even C9s] are virtually non existant.

My VTC-5000 is no more :o(The idler mech was the first to go, after that it just went down hill, I guess 10+ years of being stored in a garage eventually killed it.

Nevermind I've still got my trusty VTC-9300 so all is not lost. I'm off to watch Where Eagles Dare that came with the 5000 :o)

Bill

Betamax parts for Sony , Sanyo and Toshiba: http://www.pacparts.com/

Check this out: I had to go down to Providence, RI, today to do a job. I come across this ham/computer fest. So, I go check it out and pick up some computer parts & cheap software. So then I come across this guy near the rear of the hall where it took place and made one major score! This dude had a mint HF1000 w/ box, remote, manual, all other accessories -- even the demo tape! He guaranteed me that it works; decision was quickly made! I'm like ecstatic at this point; I mean me, ME!, finally getting a 1000! As of the time of this post, I'm reading thru the manual learning about all the things this sucker can do! On a side note, he also had an HF300, so I bought that, too. But a 1000.....I feel like the leprechaun who struck gold at the end of the rainbow!!!

To Madness... You lucky #@$%^&*!!!! What did you end up paying for them and why can't I find somebody with an old Beta they don't know anything about but will let go for say $20 bux...

Still dreaming of that warehouse full of SL-HF 750s that Sony forgot about....

Maybe the mob hijacked a shipment but by the time the coast was clear enough to fence them the market for them was gone....

And now Tony Soprano has to move a bunch of these never used ED Betas...

"what are 'Eddie Betas' anyways? Fugettaboutit...."

Madness, congrats on the SL-HF1000. My best lucky random find was when I was visiting family in Hawaii a couple of years back, and decided to go visit a few thrift stores and repair shops around Honolulu to see what I find, and came across a mint SL-HF450 at a small TV repair shop a few miles from Waikiki. I am still using that 450 as one of my main decks. Howard

The guy wanted $350 for the HF1000. I didn't argue. The thing doesn't have a scratch on it. I recorded a couple of Starz movies off Direct TV @ BII, Superbeta, and the results were excellent. I was gonna try the 6.0Mhz B1s but both films were >1½ hours (since all I had were BCT-30s). I think I'm gonna pick up a pack of SHG VHS tapes from Sam's Club or something and custom-roll some like L-900's or L -950 's or whatever and see what I can get for time. Even though I also have a 750, I never tried doing B1s. Can ya believe it? ;)

I think there is or was a German company making L-1000 tapes. Absolute Beta used to sell them. Also this Canadian fellow http://cgi6.ebay.com/aw-cgi/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewListedItems&userid=yacoli has several lots of 54 Betacam oxide tapes up for sale at $20 American per lot. You get 44 BCT-20s (L-500) and 10 BCT-30s (L-750). He had serval lots up for bid so if the one listed isn't there, another most likely will show. He also has some Betacam SP tapes for bid.

That Yacoli dude on eBay is great w/ his seemingly endless supply of betacams! :) I've already bought at least three lots of Sony BCT-series tapes off him and have yet to be disappointed. Most recent lots he had were Maxell BQ-20's (also L-500), so I grabbed some of those. The guy erases them, too, so I'm ready to go as soon as I receive them.

I'd like to get a few pre-made L-1000's, but I can't seem to find Absolute Beta's website any longer. So I don't know if they're selling offering them. Rolling tapes can be a good way to reuse old worn betas that might otherwise get tossed, but can be a bit of work.

Side note: Here's a couple of interesting shots from that Japanese betamax site. First is apparently a prototype Sony L-1000: http://www.betamax.to/mybeta.cgi?mode=view&no=4 . The translation of the caption is:

*** It is the prototype which is received from the friend of the SONY employee. It was videotaped with the beta ¥", (the counter corresponds properly). If this was mass-produced, to 2 hours being able to videotape with the SHB. ***

The last is really interesting, a set of Sony L-85's: http://www.betamax.to/mybeta/sam/50.jpg . I couldn't even begin to imagine how useful those would be! I mean if an L-125 is good for a ¨ö hour @ BII, then what's an L-85? Maybe 18 minutes or so? Just a bit of reckoning there. ;)

An L-85 is probably for the thirty second commercial spots recorded in Betacam that TV stations air. On a tour of some TV station I saw a wall full of commercials on Betacam 30 sec. tapes.

Absolute Beta's accessories page is located at URL http://www.eis.net/lib/htmlos.cgi/021688.1.214694218717628162

I don't see any L-1000 tapes listed and the home page is no longer there. I suspect the rest of the the pages have been abandoned in place.

I'm having a problem with my Sony SL-HF600. It has become quite reluctant to part with tapes. When I press EJECT, it spools the tape back into the cassette, lifts the cassette up, but then drops it back down and reloads the tape onto the heads. I usually have to press EJECT anywhere from 3 to 10 times to get the cassettes to come all the way out.

Can anyone answer me if Sony betacam dry cleaning tapes (BCT-5CLN) are suitable for betamax???

Re: The L-85. I suppose they could be used for commercials if they were betacam tapes. The BCT-5's prolly serve that purpose. But these tapes are Sony L-85UHG betamax tapes. Larger shot for more detail: http://www.betamax.to/mybeta.cgi?mode=view&no=50

DasImperator-Thanks for your message. I'd like to try your solution but I might have a hard time convincing my parents to let me take apart their prized Betamax!

Here's another question for the Betamax Community: Recently I found a Sanyo VHR-1250 VCR, which is a (BOO!) VHS deck, in a Dumpster (where VHS belongs). I found that it's video heads were shot and it was eating tapes like mad, and took it apart and noticed that its overall layout (exept for the format of course) looked a lot like my Sanyo Betacord VCR-4030 (which no one minded my taking apart because it's my own) and I'm wondering if any of the VHS's parts (idler, belts, A/C head, etc) might be interchangeable with the Beta since they are the same brand, in case the Beta ever goes on the blink. As for the VHS being in a Dumpster, the previous owner probably threw it out after getting a Beta.

And last for today, something that has puzzled me since I started getting interested in Beta. Both of my family's Beta VCRs have a two speed switch BII/BIII for recording. BI seems to me a surprising feature to eliminate, since the fastest tape speed yeilds the best quality recordings. So why was the ability to record at BI omitted?

Well the L-85s were probably meant for producers/duplicators of industrial/educational videos for say 15 minute training tapes or those videos you might get for how to use a medical product or for a school video presentation.

To Andy: I don't really know if beta & VHS parts are interchangeable. But as for the recording speeds, BI (also called X1) was the original beta speed when the 1st Sony decks hit US shores in the mid 70's. W/ the tapes available at that time, the K -30 & K-60 (L-250 & L-500 respectively), the maximum recording time possible was 1 hour.

Meanwhile JVC came along w/ VHS which could record at 2 hours. So it initially looked more promising for recording a feature-length movie. In an effort to help keep beta competitve, Sony halved the recording speed, creating BII (X2) which doubled time to 2 hours. Sony later introduced the L-750 tape for 3 hours and then went even further w/ BIII (X3) in the early 80's. This to keep up w/ VHS which was being extended to 3 and even 4 hours.

So for nearly all decks made after around '81, BII & BIII became the standard recording speeds. Sony retained the ability to playback BI tapes on most of their decks. But most of the non-Sony decks (i.e. Sanyo) did not. So mainly it was matter of quality vs. quantity. BI couldn't offer enough recording time, so it was omitted in favor of BII/BIII at the cost of some video quality. Even w/ an L-830, it still maxes out at around 1h, 40m.

On a side note, Sony later introduced BI Superhighband (BIs) that yielded nearly the best in beta quality short of ED-Beta, but it still shares the same problem w/ the orignal X1, limited recording time. If the L-1000 tapes had been widely introduced, we would've gotten a max of 2 hours (since I doubt they could squeeze too much more than that in a beta-sized shell).

But I think that about covers it. If anyone else think I forgot or omitted anything along the way, please feel free to leave follow-ups.

To Bill: found VTC-5000 on German ebay.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1344297133

Hope this solves your problem.

!!-You have got to buy the cassettes from the seller too.

I have identified the problem with my SL-2500 as a bad transistor (apparently a reel motor driver transistor) and am having difficulty finding a replacement. The generic part number is 2SD1160. Can anyone help with a source and/or cross-reference to a readily available part?

Go to mcmelectronics.com Type 2SD1160 in their products search. Should be about $1.00. Best of luck on that SL-2500!

Sorry!! A mistake. This is the right one:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1344359675

The item listed in the message posted before is from SL-F1E and accessories.

For Sale: (1) Sony Betamovie Camera model BMC-220 with 1 battery and charger, (1)Sony Video Light model HVL-200W, (1) Aluminum camera case. All manuals included, all equipment in perfect condition. Best Offer

Hello, I said a few words about the fact that I had a non-working Betamax machine and casettes for it of about the same age that I never "junked" last Friday night. It is an original machine and recorded and played in the original format. Some of the tapes are recorded from a machine that was just a recorder/player that worked in the original format and a longer playing playing formats. All the cassettes that I have are the same size. The machine model is Sony LTV-1901 VTR-TV. Currently I am still trying to install your Homestead Professional site on my home computer however currently I can't make it install because because of an old MS java package. I am working to fix it. Alfred

Boy, I got a deal. A Near mint sanyo 4010 for $25. the guy said he didn't use it since he taped the 1988 olympics or something like that. The heads need to be cleaned, and it's very noisy. Does the tape eating bug effect this model? And olive, thx for the radio shack tip. I proved that beta was better to the VHS clerk, and 15 free beta tapes. What luck.

i am a male looking for a cute freak girl to do anything with me

To loser Dally; Anything? Anything at all?

http://coke.rotten.com/potatoes-n-jelly/

Oh my god.....I wonder.. would anyone consider shoving a betamax up their arse?as a part of a protest for bringing beta back?

Perhaps a sanyo VTC9300?

Dear PR Shuttleworth,

I wouldn't recommend that to anyone especially after the time.................

How 'bout an SL-F1 and an HVC-4000 camera with the Sony 'Marine Pack' enclosure?

I was thinking more of something like this...

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/TheBetamaxVideographer/files/EDCam_occlusion.jpg

Did anyone else here get an E-mail from [email protected] in regards to an SL-5800 he was selling on E-bay?

I checked and he wanted a $399 start bid for it. That's a bit on the much isn't it?

Can anyone help me out with a SERVO problem my SL5600 is experienceing? It looks like tracking, but a repair shop told me it sounded like a SERVO problem Thanx!

there's no way I'd pay 300 bucks for a SL-5800. Even though it's my favorite deck, which sadly I had to part with, (Parents garage sale, and I didn't get a chance to grab it. $25.00) :( But the 4010 will be fine until I get a japanese SL-5800 equivilent (the CP-9 or what it is I don't know) And from what I hear, one of the soldiers in afganistan has a Beta deck over there. That's the latest from my residence. Later -ED

Question. What again is a SERVO? I haven't had to fix a VCR in ages. Maybe I can help you.I do work at a camera shop.

Entry: serávoámecháaánismPronunciation: 's&r-vO-"me-k&-"ni-z&mFunction: nounEtymology: servo- (as in servomotor) + mechanismDate: 1926: an automatic device for controlling large amounts of power by means of very small amounts of power and automatically correcting the performance of a mechanism

Entry: serávoámoátorPronunciation: 's&r-vO-"mO-t&rFunction: nounEtymology: French servo-moteur, from Latin servus slave, servant + French -o- + moteur motor, from Latin motor one that moves Ñmore at MOTOR Date: 1889: a power-driven mechanism that supplements a primary control operated by a comparatively feeble force (as in a servomechanism)

To Franny Wentzel:

I received the same e-mail this morning. Looks like Beta sellersare cruising this board for e-mail addresses. Shame on them!!!

Hello all,

Doea anyone have any info on a General recorder model VG200B?

There seems to be scant info on the web or in newsgroups

Ta

Bill

Looks like I lost the Betamovie. Sigh. Anyone out there have a betamovie with a charger, battery, and the manual (Orig. or Photocopy) for a decent price? I've got a vacation coming up, and well, you know. Hopefully it's a SANYO. To match my 4010. If anyone has one for sale, let me know. And I wonder if some company out there is still making beta decks. Good question to ponder, if so let me know. -ED

Hi Betaphile,

I love Beta system video too, but unfortunately I currently don't have a working Beta VCR.Can anybody tell me where to get one ?

Lawrence Wood

I have a sony HVC 2000P on Ebay at the moment under the name jbfen. So far there has been no offers. Less than 5 days to go and Im only asking for £10.00. Is that a bargain? I dont know, but it may be worth a look.

Hey lawrence, Look at Camera shops and VCR repair stores. Ebay's also great. And you should look at garage sales too, that's where I normally get mine. -ED

SONY GCS-1 SuperBETAMOVIE video camera.

I have a few SONY GCS-1 SuperBeta Movie Cameras for sale for $125.00 each,OBO.

You can call me at (630) 202-1157. Please call between 9 AM and 9PM CSTonly.

Thank you,Chuck

beta, betamax, betamovie, beta cam, video camera, superbeta, sbcam

Do th BMC-500 (PAL B/G) use beta hi-fi or not even the BMC-600(NTSC)?

I guess the edc's do because they have a stereo mic but they are NTSC and hard to find ;-(

I have six Betamax tapes that I want to transfer to VHS. Does anyone know of a place in Los Angeles, Burbank, etc that performs this service? My Betamax (Sony 2000) is buried somewhere in the garages. Thanks.

Madness-thanks for your clarification about the tape speeds. It's a pity that Sony eliminated BI because I'd like to see what it looks like. Since BII recordings look better than SP VHS recordings, BI must be even better! Which machines can record at BI/BIs? I'd like to get one sometime. And another thing I'd like to know about Beta. What's the difference between regular Beta, Super Beta, Super High Band, ED Beta and Betacam in terms of picture resolution? And at what type do the machines start having S-VIDEO (Y/C) terminals? One more question today and then I'll stop. Were there any Beta machines ever made with a front panel A/V line input, like nearly all newer VCRs come with?Thanks, Andy

To Casimir none of the Betamovie cameras BMC-100, 110 ,200, 220,500550,660 or BMC1000K had stereo capability. The only way I know of to field record in Stereo HiFi was to use a Sanyo VCR-7300 (or PAL VTCH-5) portable with an HVC-2500(NTSC) or HVC-4000(PAL) and a stereo mic that can plug into the two 1/8" jacks.

To Rick: look in the Yellow Pages under

To Andy; The SL-7200 and SL-8200 have B-1 speed but virtually all of Sony's SLO VTRs recorded in B-1 speed and most did so exclusively. The portable SLO-340 is a nice B-1 recorder to have if you can get one with a matching camera. One of the best SLO recorders to get are the SLO-325, which records in B-1 but can playback in all three speeds. It's transportable but doesn't have a battery pack. It does records in linear stereo. The KING of B-1 editors is the SLO-383 which is a full audio/video insert editing Betamax deck. Also records in linear stereo. For pro quality SuperBeta HiFi editing the GCS-50 is what you want. I'm told you have to find a hidden switch to enable either B-1 or Highband B-1. Check Ray Glasser's site for more details.

To answer one of your other questions.... Many of Sony's earlier Betas pioneered the front A/V input The SL-5xxx series (including the HiFi SL-5200) for example as well as the 'EZ Beta' SL-23xx/24xx series. The SL-xxxx-D 'digital' Betas had front inputs and the SL-HF 1000 and SL-HF 2000 did so as well.

Of the Non-Sony decks just the Sanyo VCRs-4200, 4300 and 6300 the NEC VC-734E, Toshiba V8000T and Sears 5322 and 30318 have front mount inputs.

Like everything else in VHS world Beta's "Been there! Done that!"

Taped it too...

Oops! Rick I'd meant to say look in the Yellow Pagesª under 'Video Duplication Svces.' and while you're looking check down the page for 'Video Production Svces.'. They'll often do duplicating services on the side. Many will transfer between NTSC and PAL as well. This applies to just about anyone in the world looking for transfer those ratty old VHS tapes to glorious Beta... ;-)

To Andy: Olive covered a lot there. As for the machines which can record in BIs, the HF750 was the first one in the States. The HF1000 & HF2100 were second & third, if I'm not mistaken. The HF900 (and it's Pioneer clone, the VX-90), needs to be modified in order to record. And Olive mentioned the GCS-50 already. In addition I think there's one NEC model that can record in BIs, the only non-Sony one to do so. Finally, as far as I know, only the ED-Beta's have S-Video I/O.

As for resolution: normal beta is around 300 lines; superbeta 360; BIs, around 390 & ED-Beta achieves 500 w/ special metal tapes. For comparison, normal VHS is around 270 and S-VHS, 400. (All NTSC of course.)

Betacam, on the other hand, is an RGB recording system vs. Betamax's composite. Betacam runs its tape at approx. 3x BI or 6x BII to achieve broadcast quality. RGB is similar to the "component" outputs found on many new DVD players.

SINGLE VIDEOHEADS: Does somebody know where to get single videoheads for the videodisc of the old slc9 -/slc-7 series. I am able to adjust these plates on the disc and I have lots of these metall discs.

Chuck, do these GCS-1's come with a charger/power supply??Later. Pepse.

Oh, an update: Does anyone remember that SL-5200 w/ the slow-tape problem (a.k.a. "The 5200 Project")? Well, I had set aside troubleshooting it for awhile, leaving the deck in pieces on my workbench. I acquired service and operations manuals on microfiche. Took a little trip to the library to print out relevant info.

So I replaced all the belts and all the electrolytics on the servo board. I removed and lubed the capstan motor, replaced it, and then went thru the adjustment procedure outlined in the manual (adjusting the pots, etc.). Then using a borrowed tape-tension cassette, I checked that. All looked good.

Final thing to do before reassembling it was to load a movie and play. Well, as I suspected, the video heads are in great shape as the picture and hifi audio are excellent! Then tested recording; no complaints there, either. So I went and put the sucker back together and can now say I successfully fixed my first beta! Guess this boi can be proud! ;)

My 12-14 year old beta cassettes are developing serious momentary glitches across the screen. These video tapes were perfect when last played. What causes this? Can VHS tape stock be threaded into the beta video cassette shells to replace the damaged tapes? What would make these old tapes deteriorate while not even being played? Is there an electronic device which computerizes the picture and fills in the white glitches? Thanks a lot for your assistance.

Well my Beta 'news' of the week is that I'd had to go to the funeral of one of my grandmothers. It's amazing how many people are alive because of her...

As the relatives/vultures picked thru the remains of hers and grampy's stuff - grampy's been gone for almost a decade - somebody noticed "Hey, you're the wierd one who still likes that old Beta stuff. You want this junk? 'This junk' was Grampy's old SL-2000 outfit that got passed over when he died and left in a storage bin. Got the VCR, the camera, the tuner module, a couple batteries and the power brick/charger. And I got a nifty little adapter that plugs into the tuner port of the VTR so that I can directly hook A/V in/outs to the VTR without using the tuner module. The tapes got transfered to VHS and thrown out when he died and by now I'm sure the VHS tapes are no longer good or knowing my cheap ass relations they got taped over themselves. Screw childhood memories, I gotta tape tonight's Frasier...

Sigh...

Olive - your Grampy sounds like my father in the predelection for tasty electronic goodies, Beta and otherwise. I'll bet he had a few boxes of radio tubes in his work room that are 'still good for a future project of mine'...

Just as I'm sure Madness has a well stocked Laden of electronic 'kibbles & bits' ;-)

Robert - magnetic media of any kind deteriorates with age. Good storage can minimize the damage of time but dropouts are to be expected. If your Beta has a PCM/Captions switch, turning it away from that selection can reduce the effects of dropouts and glitches.

Putting new VHS tape in a Beta shell can be done so long as you splice it onto the Beta tape's leader. Beta uses a different end sensor that VHS and they're not interchangable. That won't solve the problem of saving what's on those tapes though.

hi,

i've a problem with my sl-c9. he stops in playback and record mode always after afew seconds. andy ideas?

..herbert

your SL-C9 most likely needs a new or refurbished pinch roller herbert

Herbert - I think it is a good idea to exchangee all electrolytic capacitors (C3XX..) on the servo board SS-11. Especially the 4.7uF/25V types are getting defective over the years.Hope this helps.

Gerhard

To Herbert:

It could also be any one of the hall effect or infra red [can't remember what type that machine has] motion sensors for the reels. I had a C9 that would run for about 2 or 3 seconds then go back to stop mode. I also had a HF100 that would play, and fast fwd, but not rewind - it was the same problem - deffinately infra red sensors on that one though.

hello,have for sale 40 beta tapes pal uk in good condition,sony basf maxell and tdk very good condition,sensible offers only please.These tapes are in that good condition that if not satisfied i will refund,guaranteed.Remember to add cost of postage on top of your offer,but again only sensible offers please for these quality goods,not like some of the rubbish you see on ebay!

Hello everyone. I have a SL-HF300 which is broken (powers up okay but the "on"-button light doesn't come on, with the result that it plays for one second and then shuts off). Is it worth fixing, or should I buy a new (used) one? I have a zillion beta tapes so I need a betamax!

What's a good source for buying a good (new or used) betamax in good condition?

Thanks!

Hi all! I recently acquired an older 19" studio monitor at a surplus sale (it's a JVC [boo hiss], but for 75 cents, who's gonna argue?). This monitor comes with a 8-pin VTR/monitor connector jack. I noticed after some checking that my Sony industrial SLP-305 Beta player also has an 8-pin connector jack. Anyone here has an 8-pin professional VTR/monitor connector cable they are willing to part with? If not, anyone has a lead on where to get one of these? I have not contacted Sony, as I know they would charge me a King's ransom for one of these things, if they even have it. Thanks for any help! Howard

Received another e-mail offering me a CD with 600,000 e-amil addresses from the UK. Will they stop?Here it is what it says:Bulk Email CD just £19.95 inc. p&p and contains:

60 Million World wide email addresses.600,000 VALIDATED UK email addresses - Verified in March 2002, ensuring a low failure rate.

The World-wide emails have been split and compressed into many files for ease of use. The UK lists comes in easily identifiable files.

The CD comes with simple instuctions and will be sent by first class post as soon as your money has been received.

TO PURCHASE: Please send a Cheque/PO Payable to "Teletech" for £19.95 to:

TeletechOffice 434405 kings RdLondon SW10 OBB

Hi everybody,

I want to buy new and not used Betamax Videotapes intheir original packaging. I prefer "Dynamicron Pro-X" tapes.

Thanks,Hans

I just found a working XT Machine with Monochrome Monitor in a Skip... And it works perfect!!!Now I have two good XTs:-)

Casimir, I received that e-mail, too. I really wish these !@#$%^&* spammers would quit trolling this board for e-mail addresses!

Thanks for the info, Olive. Sunday the 14th I attended a swap meet in my town and discovered that it was nearly all electronics. There were piles upon piles of TVs, cassette recorders, CD players, amps, speakers, computers, even ocilloscopes, much of it old and much of it dirt-cheap. I thought to myself, "somewhere amongst all these old electronics, there's got to be a Beta." I did pick up 10 Beta cassettes, all L-750s (9 Sony, 1 Sears). The guy selling them told me there was somebody selling a Beta down at the other end of the room. I sprinted across the huge community center room. Under the table was a Beta box-I'm not sure of the number but it could have been SL-5200 or SL-8200 or thereabouts, but the box was empty. I asked the guy and he said somebody had bought the machine only a few minutes before. #*$@! Oh well. At least I got the Beta tapes and I picked up a NEC VHS unit for FREE, which isn't a Beta but at least it's a VCR. And some lucky fellow is probably popping a tape into his new SL-5200 right now and enjoying a good Beta video.

To Howard; I believe the Markertek company at URL http://www.markertek.com with about the largest selection of broadcast TV supplies (including hard to find cables - they can even do custom jobs) might be able to help you...

To Mad: just what is an XT Machine?

To Andy; That sucks that you didn't get the 5200. I once lost an SL-2000 outfit to some 'poacher' at this flea market one time...

To Hans; I don't know where you are in the world but Radio Shack and J & R Music world (a block away from where the World Trade Center was) here in the States sell Beta tapes. If you do a Yahoo Shopping search you'll be able to find several Beta tape outlets online - and the comparison in prices is amazing from $3 to $8 for the same tape at different stores.

To that E-spammer; One of these days the people creating viruses on the net are gonna wise up and go after you jerks instead of trying to delete some poor housefrau's hard drive...

I got one of those E-spams too. Where's some of that anthrax when we need it?

Olive:

I believe he is referring to an XT computer.. (i.e. 8086, 8088, 10286 (286) processor). I could be wrong...

Take care, and stay well.

To Brenda: I think some IBMs had an XT suffix as well.

To Andy: I saw this on E-bay http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1346728809 on sale for the 'Buy it now" price of only $40. (he mentioned playback 'issues' so that's why it's so cheap)

I wonder if that's the Beta you missed out on...

To Howard:

Saw your post about the 8 pin VTR/Monitor cable. This type ofcable was quite frequently installed on professional video equipmentback in the 1980s and early 1990s. In fact, I just checked some early1990 model JVC monitors in my studio; and they have this type ofconnector on them. These 8 pin cables were a nice way to make both audio and Y/Cvideo connections between two pieces of equipment with just one cable.In addition to the post Olive made referring to Markertec - you mightalso want to check under the "Professional Video Equipment" listingson E-Bay under "Cables & Connectors". I think I saw a couple oflistings a few weeks ago - and the price was very affordable.

To Dave: Thanks for the info. During the past couple of days I have indeed kept an eye out on ebay's "pro/studio video equipment"'s "cable and connectors" sublistings for the cable I need, but nothing has turned up yet. Hopefully the cable I need will come up on ebay soon.

To Olive: Thanks for the tip on Markertech; it seems they got virtually every type of a/v cable ever invented by man, except for the one I'm looking for! But they do have a bunch of other fascinating stuff. Thanks again for the tip.

Howard

Now I have a question for all you SL-2000 owners.

By happenstance I discovered that if you press the STOP the AUDIO DUB and PAUSE button at the same time the VCR goes into a DEW alert and you have to pull the plug. This seems to be a genuine bug because I tried this with a second SL-2000 (at least with an SL-2000 board) and it did the same thing.

Has this happened to your SL-2000 VCR (or SL-F1 )? Is there a known fix or do I just have to live with it and remember not to press the STOP the AUDIO DUB and PAUSE button at the same time...

FOR SALE PAL Betamax VCRs . This collection consists of:- Three Sanyo NX100 (2 work 1 for spares) Also Sony C7 with remote (will not switch on) and Sony C6 (probably just needs a service). Offers to my email.

To Olive I tried that with my SL-F1 Yup same thing happened it goes into dew and the Record fastforward record and pause lights up

must be some kind of a bug maybe...:-)

I have an idea. This may sound crazy, but what if we or somebody else for that matter held a Betamax convention? You know "BETACON" or something of that type. I'm surprised that someone cared enough to buy me some blank L-750's for an early b-day gift. And do you think that if we made a petition that sony might start making ED betas in limited numbers for a reasonable price? Hopefully our friends across the pond would get the same deal. And I'd like to wish congratulations to the whole of you. As far as I know, the guy with the 400 dollar SL-5800 got no bids! Proves advertising overpriced items doesn't work. My economics class was discussing VHS vs. Beta, and my team won the debate for Beta. -Later, ED

You go Ed.. when it comes to economics, quality should ALWAYS win out over quantity. How many VHS machines that were made back in the day of the SL-HF 300 are still working today? I'm betting not very many.. too much plastic too early, and poor quality video heads, too.