On the question of NTSC broadcasting and video recording, I would like to find out what the facts are concerning analog video recording once the ATSC hi-def broadcasting and cable transmission standards go into full effect in 2006. When there are no more analog NTSC transmission and programming and everything is being broadcasted through ATSC digital over-the-air, satellite DBS, or digital cable, will we continue to be able to use our analog beta VCRs to record programming using ATSC digital-to-NTSC analog signal converters? Of course such a converter will down-rez hi-def images back to analog 480i, but atleast it will allow us to continue to record programs using our beta VCRs (and even VCRs in that OTHER format). Does such a digital-to-analog converter currently exist, and if not, are there any technical or standards problems in designing and manufacturing such a unit? This will be of critical importance to those of us who want to continue using analog VCRs to record programming after ATSC digital goes into full effect in 2006. Any info shedding light on this will be deeply appreciated. Howard

http://www.asahi-net.or.jp/~vk8m-mymt/beta/history.htm

This is part of another Japanese beta page. It is partly in English like lots of japanese things, strangely enough. It's a chart and mostly in english, it could be of some use to us.

Sean

I wonder if this the same machine being resold by a new owner

http://images.channeladvisor.com/Sell/SSProfiles/20054023/Images/pioneerbeta.jpg

I'd found this on 9 March 2002

http://ebay0.ipixmedia.com/abc/M28/_EBAY_5e7719c94dfbf87e131896e362104c96/i-2_B_L.JPG

This one just showed up for sale - note the cracked corner of the jog shuttle.

Franny, there can't be too many of these Pioneer VX-90s around. The rumor I heard was that Pioneer contracted with Sony to OEM only a few thousand of these SL-HF900 clones (between 5000 and 8000 units, perhaps less) to complement its LaserDisc line, which was Pioneer's main marketing interest. Guess that's why Pioneer VX-90s go for big bucks each time one pops up on ebay. I have the VX-90's little brother, the VX-50, in my collection. Apparently the VX-50 (clone of the SL-HF400) is even rarer, as Sony OEM'd fewer units of the VX-50 than even the VX-90. Howard

That VX-90 looks awfully familiar to me. Ahh yes, this was my oldVX-90 unit. The jog shuttle dial door cover tells it all. This unit wasmodified by me to accept Sony VTR remote codes. No Pioneer remote required.It was a great unit with relatively low hours put on it . I would have no sold it,but I needed the money .. Interesting to see it changing hands so quickly after I sold it. (It was a private party sale). Andy .

Where can I get hold of a Sony Pro-X tape, preferably new? This is the special tape used by the SL-HF950 in 'super beta pro' mode. It is not listed on the Sony site so I assume they don't make it any more.

Hi I have a bmc550 that the door won't stay closed. Any suggestions about what/where to look inside for the latching mechanism?

thanks Sam

To Sam:

I hauled out my GCS-1 commercial Bteamovie and looked ofr a latch. Keep in mind this may be different. If you have the door open and look inside, there is a litle J-hook type thing underneath the cassette basket. On mine it is under a large square hole. When you close the door it engages a small moving pin with a tube around it so it rolls smoothly into the J-hook. When you press the Eject Key this pin moves and the door opens. You mioghtbe able to see this by shining a bright light throught the basket window. Also, right on either sides of the word superBETAMOVIE are some screws, that, if removed, should let you take the basket cover off ( I think after those screws it lifts toward the tope of the cam-corder) and have access to the baket itself and let you poke inside with a forceps or something. BE CAREFUL! Let me know if this helps!

Sean.

To Scott Veazie: S'been a few days since reading this forum, but saw your message regarding DVD copying. I was always under the assumption that beta was largely immune to the macrovision, but maybe not all decks. What I'd suggest is getting one of the several "bargain" DVD players that can be upgraded to remove MV in the player itself. Players from Apex, Sampo, Daewoo, a couple of GE models (and others). These players can all be "hacked" to remove MV and (in many cases) region-coding by downloading a firmware upgrade, buring it to a CD, and using it to reflash the player's internal rom. Best of all, many of these players now cost <$100 and can be had at places like Wal*Mart. I'm using a "hacked" Apex AD-660 I bought just over a year ago to dupe to an HF750 (using BCT-20/ 30 tapes & BII Superbeta) w/ excellent results. As far as I know, there's no known such upgrade for the Xbox other than soldering in an expensive "mod chip" (same goes for my PS2).

To Sean

thanks. That is a fantastically accurate description of the inside latching mechanism.The gcs-1 and bmc550 appear to use the same latch and eject mechanism. On mine, the round pin is not moving enough to completely engage the j-hook, or perhaps the pin is not locking into place. On mine the eject lever does not move the pin.

Your eject level does move the pin?

thanks once again.

Sam

Sam.

Glad to help. The eject is NOT a real Lever but an electronic switch that tells the unit a few things:1:wind the tape into the shell.2: eject it.It will ALWAYS check to see if it needs to wind tape or it will eat them! Try taking off the side cover and moving the pin. If id can't move at all, it might be the kind that must be worked by the elctronics, either way, it may need to be lubricated. use a TINY amount of oil like Sewing Machine oil or Organ oil (they're basically the same thing. Organ oil is better 'cause Organs are electro-mechanical and it is better suited to the environment. (I'm talking about tone-generator organs, in case you didn't know. If you don't have the organ oil, forget it and use the sewing machine stuff.) Then move the pin if it can be moved. If not, use the Eject switch to make the pin move a few times. DO NOT OVER DO IT ON THE OIL! AND FOR CRYING OUT LOUD, DO NOT USE WD-40! That goes for everyone reading this, WD-40 will kill your electronics! it migrates everywhere it should not be! NEVER use it in VTRs of any kind! OK, warning over, also, check for obstuction in the path of the pin. Also, you can dissasmble the basket if you are having real trouble, but baskets are hell to take apart and put back together.Good luck, that's a fine camera if it's half as good as the GCS-1!Sean

Did somebody post something about looking for a Toshiba VX-340 outfit? http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1363562762 lists one for bid.

Olive: I couldn't help at laugh at the 2nd category that Toshiba portapak set was listed under: "Antiques & Art:Antiques:Other Antiques." Kinda make ya think. :|

LOL I didn't notice the catagory listings

too bad they didn't list it as "Antiques & Art:Art:Modern Classic

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1362610150&ssPageName=ADME:B:BN:US:1Hey guys! Ever see one of these before?I bought it to go with my 900 but does anyone know what model it's really for if any? About the price of a dust cover, new, anyway!

Sean.

Sean: Looks like that dust cover goes to the SL-330, SL-340, SL-390 and SL-HF 360 VCRs. Those were the ones (with a common chassis) that Sony advertized with the 'Long Life Heads' designation if I'm not mistaken.

Thanks, Olive!I have a 340 but this is going on the 900. I think it desreves the protection.

Sean.

Sam, in regards to your BMC 550, I do have the service manual for that unit. But if you go to: http://www.agtannenbaum.com you can get a BMC 600/660 manual for $26.95 includes ship/handling (Virtually the same as the 550). Or, if you can be patient I will look for the manual and make copies of the necessary pages pertaining to the mechanism. I would scan you a manual but I don't use windows anymore and don't have a Linux compatible scanner yet. I will look for the manual Mon. evening. I retired my BMC 500 a long time ago because I have a very good GCS 1.

Later. Pepse.

Sean, your lucky I spaced-out the "END" time for that cover. I was going to get it for my HF 750. At least it went to a fellow "Chat Page" person.

Later. Pepse.

Pepse:

It sure is nice. I will be sure to let you know if any more come up. I am looking for (But not right now, I have no money for this) the external mike, remote, and car charger for the GCS-1. I know these accessories existed for the other betamovies, are they available also for this?

Sean.

To Pepse, I can be patient and wait for you to get me any pages/copies for the BMC550 you can. The cost of the manual is more than I paid for another good working BMC 550 with 2 good batteries and a nice case. The case had the original bmc-550 sales receipt in an amount over $1000.

Do you, or any one else, have the power supply pages for a gcs-50?

SamI still have that 900 I got from you in a trade, and it is still waiting for me to get around to fixing it. I swapped the STK and while those voltages are now fine, some of the other voltages are not.

BETAMAX C30 FOR SALE IN UK PAL MODEL SEE EBAY http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1363797539

The dustcover's progress For those following the plight of the Superbeta dustcover, Ray D. Glasser of Betamax Infoguide fame and I are now negotiationg for it's exchange. I will not reveal his offer, but I will say in all likelyhood he will end up with it. Please direct any complaints, requests, or threats to Ray Glasser.Sean.

I want to know what happened to EDWARD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!I hope he's alright.

I heard through 'unnamed sources' that Edward's a JVC man now...

ANOTHER POINT IN FAVOR OF BETAMAX Having just recieved a Sony CVC-2100A Black and White camera, I wanted to test it out on a monitor other than it's viewfinder. I hooked it up to the front inputs of my SOny SVO-140 commercial VHS machine, and, no joy! The image was washed out, white, almost a negative. When passed through my SL-HF-600 Superebetamax deck, the picture is as good if not better than in the viewfinder.

Sean.

Our PX had JVC 6 head HI-FI S-VHS machines on sale for $99, so we bought one, and some S-VHS tapes, just to see how they worked (I'm still trying to get my hands on an ED Beta).. to be very honest, I'm not overly thrilled with it.. Copy guard works REALLY well with it.. as in forget copying a DVD to S-VHS.. :( In fact, you can't even WATCH a DVD through this machine without the picture going dark and or changing colors.. :( Score several points for my SL-HF1000..

Sam,

I am not very familiar with the GCS 50; I didn't know about a power supply for it. I didn't really pay attention to your reply yesterday because at the bottom it starts out "Sam" and I thought you were talking to someone else about the 900. Anyway I still have the HF 750 and have been very happy with it. Do you still have the HF 860D?? I sometimes regret trading it only because I would have 2 SuperBeta HIFI decks and not 1 plus an old Toshiba regular Beta deck for emergency use only. But that's OK. I would have answered sooner but I did a silly thing and shut down my L:inux box so I could get everthing going to get you the copies, and of course my whine-doze box screws up as usual. It wouldn't let me into the "Create a Chat Page Message". Anyway, as for the manual I will be working on it as soon as possible; especially since I gotta do it on whine-doze.

Later. Pepse.

Sean,

Unless you are real picky, I think you can get an external mike from Rat Shack for your camera. As for the remote?? I am sure someone somewhere stated that an old hard wired beta remote (VCR type) would work on the cameras. I've got 1 or 2 and I will dig them up and check it out and let you know. As for the car charger?? If I come across another one I will get it and let you know. I got lucky 3 years ago and got one from yahoo auctions for around $9.00 including shipping. I love it, as I have a Century 1000 Amp car starter with 2 cigarette lighter holes and I use that with the car charger and believe me I can do some lengthy recording. I would like to find some lens attatchments for my camera; filters and tele foto lenses. As I recall from either my BMC 110 or BMC 550 owners manual there was also a battery belt offered. That would be an interesting acccessory to find.

Later. Pepse.

Pepse:

Saw lens attachments up a few weeks ago. Would have bought them but I was short on dough because I had just picked up the GCS-1 itself.. They're out there. Keep looking. Thanks for all the advice!

Sean

Pepse (Again) It was late when I typed the last message, let me try again now I'm coherant.I am not sure radio shack will have one that goes on top of the camera. That kind is better because they do not pick it up so much when you mutter this or that, or fall off the roof of your car and say something decidedly unprintable when you almost put the camera throught the window of someone elses car... I never heard of the battery belt, it would be a very nice accessory, especially if it used something other than an NP-11. When I said Car charger I meant adapter, to run it in the car, not charge batteries. I think you knew what I meant though. One final thing: am I correct in pronouncing "Pepse" as "Pepsi" like the cola company?

Sean

More thoughts.

As to the people with the JVC machine from the PX (That's "Post Exchange" in case some people were confused), that's just a quirk of how VHS works versus Beta. Beta was built to lock on to a signal of much lesser qualtiy than a VHS. VHS is very picky about its cignal, which is why Beta is immune, largely, to copyguards and VHS is unwatchable. Also that is why I could feed a signal from a B&W cam to the beta but not even a commercial VHS!

Sean

Hi guys, I am currently looking for a replacement for my sl-c9 which is not loading, but I have come across a guy selling a u-matic machine for £20 with some tapes. no good to me but I thought someone might want it.BETAMAX VIDEO player, good working order with some cassettes only £20 Southampton 02380 576655/ 07714 569988

hi everyone... i'm selling my SLHF-1000... i know this is a PAL site... it's NTSC though... if you know of anyone that might be interested, pls e-mail me @ above address. the unit is in gr8 shape and harldy used. i have hi-8 and Dv camcorders that i use and have been editing on non-linear for years - even before they were popular! this beloved VCR has just been sitting on it's throne and once or twice a month i play my wedding video (on betamax) just to keep it running. now it think its time it found a new owner who will use it and love as a true collectible. make me an offer and let me know. thanks!

Sean,

yes, it is spelt Pepse, not Pepsi. As you see in my email address my last name is Sekola, hence Pepsekola. I've had that nickname for almost my whole life. Been spelling that way for about as long, because I am tuned to a different drummer; like Beta vcr's, Ford Capris and Linux OS.

Later. Pepse Kola.

Pepse:Ah-HA! it all makes sense. I (Of course) love betamax, can't bring a ford Capri to mind, (is it an american model?) and the only time I used Linux I found it hopelessly confusing but I guess I would just have to learn it. It seemed capable and didn't make errors. Althoug I don't care for windows either I use it because it's our only choice, really (However I have nothing agains Microsoft, Hey, they make money. If I ahd to say something about them it's XP, and from now on whenever I get a new machine I'll wipe the hard drive and put ME on because XP is a hassle with no backwards compatability (Which is pretty much the only reason to keep windows at all) With a betamax, you can make a new recording, but you can't get any good software for Linux (That I've seen). Everything is for Windows. SO I suffer through. ANd we all know MACs are lousy...

Sean

Don't knock Macintoshes Sean! They can pimp-slap any piece-o-feces Micro & Soft can dish out. Viruses that cripple a Windoze system roll off a Macintosh like Macrovision on a Beta VCR. Any problems I've ever have with a Mac is usually on account of some Micro & Soft crapware conflict...

or perhaps maybe from a programme that was written by an ex-MicroSoftie.

After all, Macintosh IS the Betamax of the Computer World.

And that's a good thing.

leosilve, how much do you want for your HF-1000?

Macs...Well, they are good for graphics and video (Great for video, If I must be honest, I've used one for vide and I like it...) I just have a thing agains people who use a Mac as a home PC. It's like using an artist's brush or ink-pen to scribble notes to yourself on sticky-pads. More trouble than it's worth, and hopelessly misused. Not BAD, per say, but Macs are FOR graphics and Video. NOtice there are PC emulator programs for the Mac (Or at least software to use PC software on a Mac, it was a while since I read the article. Mving right along, on a hardware level Macs are ugly (Moder PCs are catching up in this regar, however,) and hard to upgrade, for the Imac, at least. The G4 and its Kind are supposed to be very nice machines, even from the point of view of Die-hard PC users.

Sean.

Any one know where I can find a low-end hi-fi Sony betamax beside e-bay. The prices are way too high on e-bay.

Well, gee, since we're getting into computer discussion here, I'll put in my vote. SGI's computers are my preferred systems. Sun Microsystems' coming in a close 2nd. As for SGI's, EXCELLENT hardware (well designed, VERY reliable) and my favorite O/S: IRIX (well designed, VERY stable, great GUI). I personally have an SGI O2 and Indigo2, great machines! The O2 rocks for video capture and editing! Now, onto Sun's systems, very well designed machines and very reliable. Solaris is also a nice O/S, and their GUI is okay. Look on ebay, used SGI's and Sun's seem to go dirt cheap.

Almost forgot to include what Sun system I own: SparcStation 20.

DOES ANYONE KNOW OF A SONY SLF25UBpal VIDEO RECORDER FOR SALE, WOULD BE GRATEFUL IF YOU COMES ACROSS SOMEBODY WITH ONE FOR SALE. BE KIND ENOUGH TO DROP ME A LINE.THANKS JOHN (JULY 2002)

Uhhhh yeah Sean let's just use a Mac of only the holiest of holy tasks...

The whole point of Macintosh is that you can use it for the simple stuff as well as the high end. That's why they were invented. Some people were sick and tired of computers being only for a select 'priesthood' so the Macintosh was invented - "The Computer for the Rest of Us" and all that...

Sorry but the only thing I've ever found a Mac useful for is Graphics/video operation. As to regular consumers they seem almost counterintuitive. But, hey, to each his own. Let's not foget, this is about betamax, but, just to throw in another two cents (or pence...) (I have now thrown in about $1.46 in two cents...) I personally want a VAX... But, hey, as long as a system lets us put messages up here, who cares! So anyway, anyone need the remote for a video 8 camcorder? The wireless kind? any reasonable offer accepted, I got it for free!

Sean.

Oh yeah, I also have the puch out UHF/Cable channel numbers for a sanyo or Sears beta recorder. They're brand new, so $1 to anyone who wants 'em, no shipping cost.

Sean.

Sean,

the Ford Capri was exported to the US from Germany from '70 to '78; it was sold thru Lincoln/Mercury dealers. And strangely enough people thought they were MERCURY Capris. Now as for Macs; I used to think they were crap until I started reading alot of articles in a St. Paul, Minn., newspaper about Mac vs PCs and usually the Mac proves better, period. The only big thing really going for Microcrap is games....and virus', if you like them ( :-D ). I would have switched to Mac last winter if I had the money. So, instead I switched to Linux. And like MOST any non MS system it is stable and virtually bug free.

Anyway to get into the context of this site, I will be using my GCS 1 for the parade and car show on the 4th. So, talk to ya later.

Pepse.

Anyone know where the superb PALSITE is now? I think it used to be this site but it seems to have gone the way of computers now :-)

I use this site to get me AWAY from computers which drive me nuts all day. So appreciate if we just try keep to sanity please?

Barry.

Many apologies for starting that whole computer thing. Let's get back to video, shall we?I have the brand-new punch-out numbers for the upper channels (UHF and Cable letters, along with asterisck) for a Sears of Sanyo Betamax. $1, free shipping. Also the small remote for a video 8 camcorder but can be used for anything that can recieve remote code #2. $5 plus shipping. I know this is the second time I've hyped these items but here it is. I am not turning in to "CapsLock" Lucrezia with her damn C9, (does anyone know, waht happened to her and her C9? ??) this is the last time these items will be mentioned unless a sale is made.

Sean.

OMG! Me wants! Me wants!

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1364716064

Olive:

That't not the first one that's been up. Or it was relisted. Either way, this is too cool!Go for it, I wouldn't want to see it with anyone else!

Sean.

Olive,I must say that I would like it too, but hopefully you get it. I bkmk'ed it and if it gets beyond your price let me know and I might go for it. But then again Ray might go for it for his massive collection.

Later. Pepse.

I am trying to sell the following Sony equipment. Anyone interested? All items working except for a few light bulbs. Betamax recorder SL-C9UB Standard Cassette recorder TC229SDMatching Elcassette (Very rare!) recorder (Model number on request) Regards

John JamesWatford, Herts

I recently got a great SOny SL-HF450 betamax. I got it out of the original box and the machine started up fine. After about five minutes, the machine quit playing and no button would work, unless I ejected the tape and re-inserted it. After I press play, the machine stops again. I really wish I could figure out how to get it working, but an totaly unfamiliar with how a betamax machine works. If you have any suggestions, feel free to email me at [email protected]. Thanks for those out there...

Sony Profeel System:- KX-20PS1 20" colour monitor, VTX-100B colour TV tuner (with manual), SS-X1A speakers, RM-615P remote and stand, all in C9 silver & in good condition, buyer collects, £150. Tel 07712737976

Help!

I just aquired yet another beta machine, but this one has a problem.its a Sony SL-C40, ive replaced all the worn and broken gears etc so now it can load and eject again, and thread and unthread the tape,everything is perfect, except the video heads not rotating... I cleaned all the crusty old glue off the hall effect device under the rotor, but its still not working, what else can it be? can the hall effect device become faulty?

thanks

PCM -F1 's are so expensive on ebay?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1363834656

Use this to translate:

http://world.altavista.com/

If anyone's got a PCM encoder for sale, please tell me.

Not to spoil anyone's fun on that PCM -F1, but when there is a scan of a manual and NOT a photograph of the actual unit it can sometimes mean trouible. I remember I almost bought an SL-HF-750 that was the same way, only he said it had clogged heads, but I didn't trust him, and didn't buy it.

Sean.

Okay folks, if you'll bear with me, I need to go back to the stone age of Beta for a moment. I recently bought a couple old Betamax camcorders for a ridiculously cheap price. BUT, the power adaptor doesn't work. I need another one for fairly cheap since my cameras are next to useless without them.

If anyone knows where I can get my hands on a power adaptor for the old Betamovie BMC-110, I would really appreciate it.

Thanks.

Paul:They are all the same. Keep in mind the tripple battery chargers are only that, they cannot run a camcorder.

Help, anyone!My SL-HF-900 arrived and it is in very bad shape. I cannot set the time, the jog dial doesn't work. The bottom of the time numbers and channel numbers don't show up and it won't take a tape in. If SOMEONE can tell me what is wrong with this, I will be very happy.

Sean.

HI guys, Fixed the Display, Have not figured out the problems with the 900's JOg shuttle or moreover, why it will not load a cassette... Although I have figured out HOW it is supposed to load, it is really very simple, ther is a switch that needs testing to see if it is the culprit.

Sean.

One more thing, THe power light will also not come on. It powers up, but the light does not come on.

Sean.

Sean, your SL-HF900 is 99.9% likely to have a bad STK5441 IC regulator inthe powersupply module. It is the big heatsink mounted IC mounted on the bigheatsink. Can't miss it. Replacement of the regulator should cure the problemsyou are currently experiencing with your 900 unit. Andy

Andy:

I cannot seem to find any heat sinks, but I might be looking for the wrong kind of heat sink, I am basically looking for the big pointy or ridged metal thing that you see on radios, hi-powered computer chips, and other heat-producing things. But I will look again. Where can I find a replacement? I have a couple betas I could disect but they are not close to the 900 and one isn't even a Sony. Would a TV repair shop have one? Can they even be had anymore? I am not a tech but I can solder OK so if you can even recommend I do it myself is there anything special I should know? Thank you VERY much, this is my first good beta since my dearly departed and problematic HiFi-1000 went into the trash because someone told me it wasn't worth anything!!! I am glad this a realtively minor problem.

Thanks Andy!Sean.

OK, andy I found it. It doesn't seem to be a stock part, the only question remains, where do I get one?

Sean.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1364923727we do not see these often. I have heard they are not as good as the BIs of the 750 or GCS-50 (WHat does GCS- mean, anyone know?) but I do not know.

Sean

Thanks go out to DasImperator and Andy Sanchez for help finding a way to revive the 900.

Happy beta hunting!Sean

Like wowwie, a beta forum! Well boiz, I landed me a Sony EDV9000 ed-beta machine. Had a couple of questions for ya's! Like for one, where can I find more of the special tapes I'm to find out that it needs to record in its "exceptional" quality? Secondly, can this thing record from a dvd in widescreen? I own a 16x9 TV and if I play a properly-formatted dvd, it fills the whole width of the screen without the black bars on the top and bottom. Would my ed-beta tape copy do the same? I received 5 of these "special" tapes along with the machine and they play only in fullscreen, which looks abit weird on a widescreen set. Like with gray up/down bars on the far left and right sides of the picture. Sort of: [|__|]. Yeah, that example probably stinks! Anyhow, just want yo' advice!

Can beta-Pal VCR tapes be purchased anywhere in the US? I'm traveling to Europe soon & want to take some Disney tapes as gifts. What about DVD's -- is there format different than ours? I live in Michigan, but if anywhere in the US is available that's fine. Thanks!

I do not know if PAL tapes are really available in the USA for sale, it is highly unlikely, however. I would try to find them on Ebay, It would be easy to do a search for PAL in titles and descriptions.

Sean.

Judi:

Though all DVD's are the same basic digital format, they are REGION CODED. The US and Canada are in Region 1. I don't know which region Britain is in, but basically this means that DVD's bought in the US will not play on a machine coded for another region. There are some "region free" DVD's out there, that will play on any machine in the world (the machines output in whatever the local television system is).. however, these are ill advised, since they tend to be pirated copies that have had the region codes stripped.

In reference to PAL Beta tapes. Is there really a difference in the PAL vs. NTSC standard?? I bought a half dozen PAL format vhs tapes a year ago and used them in my NTSC vhs deck and the only difference I noticed was length of tape. Pal tapes had a shorter run time.

Later. Pepse.

Hi Pepse and person with PAL questions...I think the person means are there pre-recorded tapes he can buy to play back in a "People Are Lavender" machine as opposed to our "Never Twice the Same Color" system... You can record any old format on any old tape, I have seen tapes that have a label sheet containing NTSC labels with speeds and things specific to NTSC like BIs-SHB, and a PAL/SECAM (That's "System Entirely Contrary to the American Method")with specific things to them like the "Pro" mode for the 950, etc...

Sean.

To Pepse; I'm not gonna bid for that Bugs Bunny T-shirt as I see a couple people have bid on it already. Best of luck to whoever wins it....

http://www.dantiques.com/selectmaker.mvI think this is wher you select a brand name, anyway, this page has the remote for the SL-5800 VCR if nayone is lloking for one of those. It is the Shuttle wheel remote for the variable speed. Only $20, I think

Sean.

please could some help me as i have slvhf950 and need it serviced (I've been told it might need a new head) does anyone know where I could get this done and how much or where I could buy this part from I live in southeast londonthank you.

any one inteested in beta machines I have a couple

I'm looking for a Betamax in good working order. Thanks, David Black

The vcrs that I have are ToshibaVM41 and a Sony BetamaxSL8600 and a Sanyo vcr 4000

Re: ED beta--the blanks are the same as Betacam SP (metal) tape. SP20=500, SP30=750.As far as display, I don't have a widescreen TV, but you should be able to set your DVD player so you record an anamorphic picture, i.e. full screen and squeezed sideways, then have your TV strectch it out again.

Here's a nice fischie I took a videograph of with my SL-F1 and HVC vidie-kamera whist swimming in the Muggelsee...

http://pic5.picturetrail.com:80/VOL94/418976/451978/11241254.jpg

Then we are to assume you ether went berserk with Saran Wrap (I can see by the moedl numbers that you are in the UK, or Europe, so I'll call it Cling Film) and ziplock bags or you have the underwater case. Was it ever available in the states? It would be a neat accessory, but I don't think I can round up a working SL-2000, power supply of some kind, working camera, and an underwater case in time for my vacation to Hawaii this August. Would be fun though!

Sean

Silly! I was on the dock taping the fischie through the lake water...

Sony did have a Marine Packª available for underwater videotaping that provided a housing for both the camera and the VCR. I have a 1982 National Geographic advert showing elements of the system. Also this ad featured a picture of a Great White menacing a shark cage with the copy Sony Portable Betamax goes places where some people won't...

Sean; I bet you could pick up a decent SL-2000 outfit at some garage sale in Hawaii given it's probably the most Betamax-loving state in the Union. And with a substantial Japanese population you just might get hold of some sweet Japanese Betas - like the all black SL-F1B (Japan's NTSC models often used the European numbering system) portable or this bad boy http://www.betamax.to/archive/photo/PCM-HF10.jpg The PCM-HF10 a HiFi Beta VTR with built-in PCM encoder!

For sale : Sony SL-HF450 Superbeta HIFI. Serviced by Andys Beta Repair, includes a90 day warranty. Cosmetics are near mint, has advertising sticker on top cover. Theonly cosmetic blemish is a light crack on the left edge of the faceplate. It is notviewable on the front of the faceplate. This is a low hours unit and performs as new. Also included a remote (RMT-127) universal Betamax/TV remote. Asking $225 + shipping costs. Item has 90 day warranty provided by Andys Beta Repair. I have pictures of the unit , if anyone is interested just let me know. If I don't get any replies or interest it will go the evil site.. Thanks for reading. Andy

Now everyone know I'm going to Hawaii I will definitely bring home any worthwile betas I see, ESPECIALLY the portable outfits.

Sean.

Just realized the chat page updated and kicked my ad off:I have the punch-out cable and upper numbers for a sanyo or Sears beta deck, new in plastic. $1, no shipping cost. Also a remote for a Video 8 camera (Wireless) but will work on anything that can recieve remote code #2. $5 +shipping. These will not be posted again until the page kicks this post off.

Sean.

by the way Franny, nice fishie...

While reading my manual for my EDV-9500, in the back it mentions tape detection holes for cassettes so the machine can tell the difference between and ED tape and a regular Beta tape. I have noticed that standard Betacam tapes (which I have alot of) also have the same holes on the bottom of the tapes just as ED and Betacam SP tapes do, but with one less tab punched out. There are three tabs in the center of Betacam/Betacam SP and ED tapes, and I was wondering if you could record in ED beta on a standard Betacam tape (or, drill holes in a standard Beta tape in the same location) in order to fool the machine and make it record in ED in standard tape. This would be something similar to JVC's SVHS-ET mode, which lets you record in SVHS on standard VHS tape. Now I know that even if you can make and ED recording on standard Beta tape it won't be as good as if you had the metal tape, but perhaps you could squeeze a little more quality out of a standard tape and thus save a little cash in the process. Again, the holes are in the center-front of the tape, in a series of three tabs, only found on Betacam/Betacam SP/ED-Beta tapes. Betacam has two tabs punched out, SP and ED all three obviously to trigger some simple switch inside the EDV-9500. I will let you know how things turn out when I get my deck back from repairs.

~Scott

I live in Canada (Toronto)can anyone recommend a good Beta repair shop in my erea.I have a AIWA AV-50 VCR and hi-fi SV-50M (adapter/stereo integrated amplifier) I have no remote control.The loading mechanism does not work but I can power-up both units.If someone interested I also considering selling this unit before I take it for repair for the right price.E-mail me if you are interested.Thank you

Funny you should mention those holes in the bottom of your tapes. I have a few Betacam oxide tape at L-500 and L-750 lengths and the middle ones at least seem to be part of a code to tell a Betacam deck the amount of tape in the spool (for the tape remaining indicator?). All of the 3 punchouts intact indicate an L-500 - one punchout missing on the right and it's an L-750.

On the one SP tape I have, the record protect tab is on the other side of the tape, with a hole where the record protect tab would usually be on an oxide tape. All but a left punchout in the middle was removed in the center to indicate it was an L-750.

I am seeking the Sony BVE-50 Beta cassette rewinder. Please let me know if you have one and if you're willing to sell.

Here's a nice E-bay beta rarity http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=1365712258 a Japanese SL-J 20 for sale in the states...

Too much stuff.. most of it has to go.. :(

I will very soon be offering for sale my much beloved SL-HF1000. Along with it will go over 80 brand new, never used, still in the wrappings, L-750 tapes (Maxell). Also to go with it will be all my past video library, which includes several factory pre-recorded tapes as well as movies and classic TV series' that I have recorded over the years.

The unit was recently serviced by Andy Sanchez, and he did a wonderful job on it. The original RMT-148 will be sent with the machine, however, it was severely damaged due to being in storage for a number of years with the batteries still in it.. and several of the buttons no longer work. :(

I will entertain reasonable offers from members of this forum. I DO NOT WANT TO PUT THIS UNIT ON EBAY! I want it to go to a good home, and not to some reseller who will just put it back on ebay to soak extra money from another fellow Betaphile.

I will be selling off a lot of other things, as well, my beloved 1000 is only a small part of my "purge".. things have simply gotten way out of hand in our relatively small apartment..

Take care, all, and stay well.

Brenda Ann

I AM TRYING TO PURCHASE A SL-F25 UB VIDEO RECORDER IF SOMEBODY HAS ONE OR KNOWS WHERE I CAN PURCHASE ON FROM FROM PLEASE DROP ME A LINE OR CONTACT ME ON 01843-841794.THANKS JOHN

http://www.betamax.to/catalog/198501B/8501B_06_GCS-1.jpgEveryone's favorite, betamax.to, has provided a picture of the elusive betamovie battery belt. Keep your eyes open for these, people! Could be the final solution to our NP-11 problem...

Sean.

http://www.betamax.to/catalog/198506A/8506A_01_BETA.jpg

Love to have a deck of these!Wonder if they ever marketed them???

Sean.

RE: Sean's pic from the Sony Japan site. What is the do-hickey 2 spots over from the battery belt??

Sean, I sure would like to get at least one deck of those cards.

Later. Pepse.

That 'doohickey' would appear to be the HVR-100T Camera Control timer for the BMC Camera series. You hooked it to the remote control plug and you had a...

(1) self timer for automatic recording

(2) cut timer to control recording time

(3) repeat timer for repeated recording

Pretty sweet eh?

I had a feeling that 22nd june was my birthday.No Betamax as a present this year :(BMC-100p running perfectly :)Sigh