Ok I'm confused by our semi spanish speaking amigo's posting. But then I'm confused bysuch things a coloured shoelaces and silly putty ;-) D-VHS has been around for three years??

Where? can I see it? Are there websites??? How can I learn more?

If 'Hola' means 'Digital S' ..or D9 as it's now been labelled this is a very different animal from what I understand as D-VHS. D9 is indeed being adopted by pros here in PAL land (where pictures of a colour which resemble that of the subject rule). D9 is now used by the BBC for the antiques roadshow (or so I understand) ..and very nice the pictures are too.

Second best to digibeta of course but at the price........

>>>>> There's one little dirty secret within D-VHS -- it's not totallydigital. Rather, it's a psuedo-digital. As far as video processingelectronics in the D-VHS goes, it's all ANALOG! It's right before thesignal gets written (or read from) to the tape will the signal getschanged into digital. <<<<<<<

Uh-hu ... Pardon my ignorance but exactly what analogue processing steps are we talkingabout here? Where else would you turn the signal into digital?? How else would you handlean analogue signal, what do you need to do to it before digitising it and writing the result totape?

>>>>> Notably during the development of DV, almost all of the involvedmanufacturers cannibalized ED-Beta VTR (ED-V9000) as the demonstrationtest bed for a working system. I belive they were able to squeeze almost2 hours from standard ED-L750 tape with (then-prototype) DV format<<<<<

....So my 'Digimax' idea is not so daft? Hmmmm. I wonder if they'd be having the same headlife and error problems had they stuck with the Beta shell?

>>>>FYI the Beta cassette shares little width Betacam (or ED-Beta)cassettes. The only thing I can think of is the little bitty plastic andsprings, the moving cassette cover, and maybe the reels (I have thesuspecion that they're different). Technically, even the tape differsbetween Beta (700 Oe) and Betacam oxide (740 Oe). <<<<<

Ohhh! Ok, but I have three cassettes in front of me. All from that nice Mr Sony. A betamax,an oxide betacam and an SP betacam. Aside from the pretty pattern on the outside beingdifferent ..and a few extra holes here and there I can't see or measure a difference.

Since the heads are already knackered on my SL3000 I thought i'd try the SP tape in it;threads, goes round and round even records and plays back...quite well actually! Likewisethe oxide Betacam tape. ..what's more all three tapes fit and work in the UVW 1800 I havehere at the moment...... Now I'm sure there are differences in the shells which will absolutelyfascinate the train spotters amongst the bretheren. And for sure the oxide Betacam tape doesseem to produce 'different' results from the standard betamax. Different tape formulation? OK

..but it fits. As does the SP shell ..and Sony are still making these, which was the point I wasmaking.....

Just to reassure those among you who are quaking in fear at the withdrawal of tape stock foryour treasured and very fine Betamax machines take heart from the fact that the allegedlydead Super 8, Standard 8 and even 9.5mm cine film formats are alive and well. There's evena firm in Claifornia loading modern cine and still stock into super 8 shells. If the worst cameto the worst Betacam shells could _easily_ be loaded with 12.5mm bulk stock of whateverformulation you desire.....

Fear not fellow betafans.....

Matt.

>>>>>Name: george costelloEmail: [email protected] 24th May 10:59 am U.K. Time

i am a cool kid of kings <<<<<<<

Has this some meaning?? Anything to do with video????? Have I missed something?

It must be reassuring for all those with psycology degrees to know that their services willalways be in demand!

Can anyone tell me what might be some of the ways I can use my old1980's Sanyo Betacord vcr with my PC to create avi file mpegs ect?Are there any advantages with such an old vcr?

Hello all! I have some news that just might intrest you. Ebay is starting a new page format. When you click on the link at the top of any item page that says "test drive the new ebay site", you get the "rate our new site" page. Just before the graph that tells you what percent liked it and what percent hated it, there is a link that says "go to Beta page"! It may have just been my computer, but somehow I doubt that.

NICAM your 950s, got 6 orders.

Phoned up about KV32DX20 TV - September launch, also no plans to drop tapes, and still keep spares.

There is a lot of scaremongering about tapes!

New Beta video recorder, also need Smartlink, and video in via scart

Anyone got a BE-V50 in good condition they'd be willing to sell?

(Yes, I know I can buy cheap Taiwanese Beta rewinders. Yes, I have one. Yes, I still want a BE-V50. The movers lost mine, and I like it. So there.)

SONY SL-HF 860 D SUPER BETA HI FI, NTSC, Digital memory, PIP etc. ALL working, cosmetic condition - very good. No original box. No owner's manual. No remote control. 4 units available. $ 350.00 USD each. Canada residents add 15 % sale taxes. I can ship anywhere in the world. As always if you bought the BETA staff from me before I offer free shipping in USA or 50% off shipping to Europe. Please call Edouard at " FILMCO SERVICES " 1 -800 -476-9775

To those wondering about who else has blank Beta tapes? Joe Korpsack at Absolute Beta has L830's and L1000's (NTSC), new. They are not Sony or Rat Shack tapes. They are quite "spendy" at $8.50 and $9.95 respectively, but you get 5 hours or 6 hours od recording time at B III. The opinions of some people that are using them are very good. So, at least for now we do have acess to new non-Sony blank tapes. Also, Joe is trying to get Sony to sell him there Beta parts and whatever else they will give up. He started this long before this recent letter about Sonys discontinueing their Beta line. Lets hope they have enough brains to let Joe aquire whatever he can. As for someones comment about Sony not being cheap; I had mentioned awhile back about a friend that recently bought a new Sony 4head HI/FI vhs and was told NOT to clean the heads with conventional dry-type head cleaners as the head assembleis are made of a type of plastic that would disintegrate when using the dry-type cleaner. TTYAL. Pepse.

Hello,

Was there a IR remote control delivered with the TT -F1 or TT-2000 tuners ? I see a little round cell area at the right of the preselection buttons, but I ignore if it's a IR receiver or simplier a cell for dimming the nixie-like screen...Where could I find the schematics for the TT -F1 UB ? I have the opportunity to buy a TT-2000, but is it good spare parts "bank" for the repair of my TT -F1 ? Are there many parts in common for the two versions ?

Thanks for your comments and help !!!!

Jean-Paul

I want to sell a SL HF950 !!! It has still the Sub Chassis problem because I´ve no time to change it. I´ve got the servicemanual and theBetamax mesurement set !!! Make a good offer and you´ll get it.

Yes the TT -F1 has a remote control! It's the RMT-211 and there'sa picture on PALsite at http://www.palsite.info/slf1acc.html.

i sell a toshiba v-8650 (mono beta).i think the audiohead is damagedbut the rest is okay.

I want to buy a beta vcr. Where can I find one? Please help! Any information would be valuable in my search.

Online try ebay or loot. Look in the PALsite directory page. Read the chat page:)

Can anyone tell me where I would get a remote control and an instruction manual for a Sony SL-C30UB Betamax VCR? Please e-mail me because I don't have regular access to the Internet.

I have a Sony Betamax SL-20 that has been sitting in its box for quite some time. I used it for a long time during the '80s and just decided to take it out and look at some of my old movies. I had a problem and found the motor that spins the heads runs intermittantly. When the motor is running the picture is great. Anyone interested in this machine? I also have abunch of tapes (several unopened). Please E-mail me, my wife is having a garage sale soon, who knows, the guy around the corner may want it.

Hello all,I wondering if anyone could point me to some info on a betamax recording system I just inherited at school. The system is in three parts, a small black box, approx. 8x12", says Betamax VTR SL-2500 (i think), another box, similar size, that has timing controls all over it, and a betamax video camera, marked Trincon - sorry for the fuzzy details, I'll repost this tomorrow from school when I have the system in front of me. Basically I need to know if I can get some manuals for this, and what tapes to use and where to get them.

thanx, Jerry

Have decided to get into fixing my Beta VCRs myself. My VTC5000 's idler drive band had gone, ordered the bits from telepart and hey presto, new idler wheel/band (The supplied replacement pinch roller didn't fit without modifying the top insert, so I avoided fitting that). My intermittently stopping SL-C30 was fixed with a new idler and pinchroller, although it's loads of hassle to get into compared with the VTC5000 and again the supplied pinch roller didn't fit, so I had to use the one I ordered for the my SL-F1 : -( (This also seems to be the one that will go in my 950 if I'm not mistaken). I also fitted all the repair kit bits whilst I was at it. With a new tape in, the picture quality is exceptional (Of course :-) )

Mow I'm in the mood, I'm looking for a new upper drum for my SL-F1, is there anywhere that might have one online ? Would this also cause a quiet audio problem or should I be looking at the Audio Head assembly for that ?

Cheers,

Nick

Hello all again,

Here is the repost of last night's error-laden message. the system I have inherited is as follows:

Sony Portable VCR SL-2005 ß II and IIISony tuner-Timer Unit TT-2005Sony Trinicon HVC-2500 videocamera

Once again, what do i have? Are any manuals available? Where can I order blank tapes to begin working this system into my school's Advanced Media Macintosh Lab for multimedia production.

thanx for any help. Jerry

Been going through the stacks of VCRs which I tend to accumulate and have several that i figure I no longer need and am willing to sell off if the price is right. I am in no big hurry to get rid of them just figured they may be of better off being used. they are:

Sony SL-800 multi standard superbeta. No Hifi but plays tapes from anywhere in the world (except for betaI) multi voltage. records in PAL, NTSC etal from either another video source or the tuner. It is missing the panel the covers controls in the front and does not have a remote. neither Sony frequency 1 or 2 will work it! picked this up as a spare several years ago for SL HF 950 and after picking up a SL HF 100 figure that it can be used as a spare instead. I bought second hand and have not used it much although I have loaned to a friend to use to borrow PAL tapes from me and he has had no reported problems.

Sony SL HF-400 NTSC Super beta HiFi. NTSC Works offered to me in a trade deal a couple years ago. do not have the proper remote but shoiuld be able to fidn one that works most if not all functions. the unit did work when I tested it out before i got it. No frills VCR

Radio Shack model 22 (same as Sanyo 7250) Super beta HiFi NTSC this belonged to a friend who had a video stoire which closed in late 1997. he gav eit to me and i discvered it did not work (he had been using one of my SL HF 900s to make beta copies in store and this had been lost for some time) I took it to the shop and had minor repair work done to get it working. i do have the remote and the manual for the deck. The flap that covers the controls in loose and has been taped back on.

Sanyo deck (or maybe cloned one)NTSC mid 80's top loader of unknown origin just seems to have appeared. Recall testing it and it did function many years ago.

Sony Sl 2000 This does not wok. had a semi major fault with it about 9 years ago which i did not fix (tape loading ring i believe) have all sorts of cool stuff to go along with this one such as the tuner timer, a soft case, the really big case thatthe VCR a camera and the portable battery charger can go into (its a suitcase), the portable battery charger, at least one battery which I would not count on as good any more, the little thing you polug into back of deck to get auido video out of it when the tuner unit is absent. I may have misse a few things as I have not really looked at this for some time.

AIWA convertor deck - this one is VHS and the VCR part has had almost no use. VHS tapes are things other people own and use. This does SP only both PAL and NTSC. It is a legit US deck and i have the box and remote for it! One can play back any SP VHS tape of either PAL or NTSC and play it back in colour on the same or oppiste type TV. It also will allow you to take an input from say a SL HF 1000 and convert it to PAL and record on an SL HF 950 or vice versa.

have not really decided what i want on all these was thinking of an auction but am not on the internet frequently enough to do so, so i am currently entertaining offers and will accept any that I like. The units are all located in various parts of Illinois some in Peoria some in Chicago area. Payment can be accepted in either US dollars or UK pounds, buyer is responsible for shipping costs.

Also still have available 90 brand new Sony L-830 duplicator grade tapes. No labels but have found some generic white cardboard sleeves for them. Price is $40 (US) for a sealed 10 pack plus shipping. This is less than most places are selling l-750s for!

I have 2 Sony C7 's and lots of betamax tapes, some new esp. 1hr ones. The C7 's haven't been used for a few years & I think will not work now, but 1 has a fairly new head & both are all there I think.

If anyone wants to give me something modest for them, please let me know. I'm in Richmond, W London, UK.

Hello All! I just called Target and they told me they have Beta tapes in stock. Whoever it was who wrote that bulletin last month in the informer was trying to get some people excited and some people mad and jealous. If anything in that bulletin was true, the person would have had no trouble at all giving their name. The person who pulled this prank should come to the chat page and state their reason for doing this.

I have a problem with my SL-HF1000 Sony Beta. It just died. I was placing a tape into it and it just went dead. It made a "Plunk" sound. I was able to get the tape out and it has not done anything sense. One repair stationsays it is something to do with the brakes locking up. Now he is saying it is a logic problem.Does anyone have an idea what I should check? Also do you know of any "Miracle Worker" repair locations in the U.S. I can send it to. Thanks.Beta is Better.

Sounds like a dead STK5441 in your SL-HF1000 power supply !

Nick,

the upper drum is still available from Sony. Part # is A-6760-138-Aaccording to my manual.

Alan

I have Sony Stereo VCR Model #SL2700 for sale. Also have 3 three (3) cameras: (1) Sony Trinicon Model #HVC2800, (2) Sony Camcorder Model #BMC660, (3) Sony Video Camera Model #HVC2000. Also haave Sony detachable stereo mics. for the Model HVC2800, rewinder, and some other stuff. Drop a line.

It's great to be able to communicate with fellow Betamax fans.I've owned a number of Sanyos and Sonys, but none survive now. Can anyone suggest where I can buy a decent working machine? The make is less important than the condition.East Midlands/South East area.

GLAD I FOUND THIS SITE!!!!!!!APPEARS THAT EVERYONE ON THIS PAGE ARE FROM EUROPE......I HAVE BROKEN BETAMAX.....NEED TO FIND SOMEONE FROM SOUTH CAROLINA,USA THAT WILL FIX IT.........CAN ANYONE GIVE ME A LEAD ON A REPAIR SHOP???????????.......LATER

For sale, Sony C6 UB Mark II. Heads good, but needs some TLC. (I think it's the usual wow and flicker problem?)

£15

Midlands/Wales/North West area.

Hello all! A little off the subject here, but I am in desparateneed of some info. I am looking to build a fully matched Akai stereosystem. I am looking to use the black faced componets that they produced in the mid 80's. What I need to know though, is what modelsthey had out and what models were the best. If anyone has a product literature brochure on their products from this time and would bewilling to sell it to me or provide info on these componets, I wouldreally appreciate it. I am looking for a reciever, surround processor,cd player, cassette deck, equalizer, and anything else I can hookinto it using these componets. I am looking to use only the high endcomponets of each to build this system. If anyone has any of these componets that they might be willing to sell or knows of a place that does, please, email me with what you've got and I will strongly consider purchasing them. Any help would be much appreciated!Thanks much,--Josh Schimek

I'm looking for the pinout description for the remote controlconnector on a Sony HVC-4000P CAMERA.

thanxmw

I have a SL-HF 400 that the head motor has stopped spinning, but sometimes it works. I think it might be a bad capacitor inside the motor, as I've ruled out the control boards, and the power supply by changing them out. I've also removed the glue from the tiny wires on the edge of the head motor, this did not help. I need to know how to remove the bottom part of the headrum. I removed the lock nut, but I can't get it apart. Someone please e-mail me and tell me how.

Thanks

I have hundreds of Beta tapes recorded only once. All of them have the original sleeve and stored in their upright position in a clean dry area.

Best offer and they're yours.

About tapes...

Since Pro-X tapes vanished in the haze, I am thinking about alternate solutions to get a high quality tape: one with which I will clearly see a difference between B1s and SHB.

I thought about spooling S-VHS formulated tape into a Beta shell. Or perhaps someone knows about a tape formulation very close to Pro-X specs ??

I am looking forward to your comments and experiences on that matter.

-Charjol

anyone out their can give me a hand at connecting a super beta up so to a tv so i can view tapes, also is it possable to connect to my computer to do some editing which i already do with my hi8 and premiere. thanks anyone

Hello? I have recently ordered a video tape and was told afterwards that it is in PAL format? Can anyone tell me if that will on a regular vhs VCR? Thanks

I'm not a regular on the chat list, so can somebody e-mail me privately with the answer.

I've a Sony SL20 video, that when plays start very snowy and then very gradually gets clearer, the tapes are good so iy's the video, has anyone got the solution?

I have a sony SL-C9UB that was in mint condition until the girlfriend nocked a cup of water in my hi-fi and all of the water collected in my C9. I have managed to dry out all of the C9 and the HP100 that was above it and got the HF100 to work but the C9 will not output any audio wether from line in or tape but i can pick up audio from some test points during playback also the display has died. Can anybody help with what could have gone wrong or tell me where i can get it fixed. I live in the West Midlands. U.K.

Thanks Ian

I have a Sony Betamax SL-5600 in excellent condition with about 20 tapes. Would like to know the value and if anyone would be interested in purchasing same. Please e-mail me at [email protected] Thank You

I have just got a SL-HF100 model which is looking like brandnew. Picture is very good but after a few seconds, the machine is shutting down. If I rewind the tape, the motor is getting slower and also after a few seconds it stops. Anyone any ideas what the fault could be? Thanks.

I just want to ask why you people bother to still use beta vcrs. In their day they were excellent machines compared to the vhs models of that era but the quality of even the super beta is not as good as a basic 6 head vhs of today. Anyway,I just want you all to know that analog tape is dead and gone now anyway, DVD is the greatest video machine ever and vcrs with their belt kits, head drums and tracking dials are just junk today. Don't be afraid of new technology, just rent a DVD player from your video store and you will want to throw your beta away as soon as you see the DVD picture Quality and hear the digital sound. In conclusion, all formats of vcrs are useless today.

To Brett Kingshot!

I just want to ask you why you bother to look at a website about that old-fashioned, obsolete junk called Beta.

You say that analog video tape is dead and gone. Do you have an easy-to-use and pretty cheap DVD-recorder??? The only ones I have heard about are for connecting to a PC, and they are expensive as H... .

You say that today's VHS is better than old Betas. We must know that VHS has developed a lot in the last 15 years. In my opinion it's absolutely clear that a 15 years old Beta is much better than a 15 years old VHS, espesially when running 15 years old tapes on them. What would Beta have been today if it had been allowed to develop for the last 15 years?? Unfortunately we will never know.

Hi folks

I wonder if anyone knows the specifications of the backup battery on Sony SL-C9. I hope that I can get a new one. I have 2 SL-C9 's and 2 dead batteries.

Please E-mail if anybody knows.

I am currently negotiating the manufacture of a small number of brass gearsto replace the broken plastic ones in a C9 loading mechanism. Does anyone have any interest in buying some of these? The more I have made the cheaper they will be. Are there people out there who would be prepared to pay say 50 pounds for a pair of these? They are no longer available from Sonyor anywhere else that I know of. I suspect they would have cost that sort ofmoney from Sony even if they did! Please email me if interested.

re C9 carriage gears: Last time I looked into this I was quoted in the region of GBP9 for a minimum order of 100! If we can clubtogether then lets do it:)

FAO Brett Kingshot

For starter I own a Betamax, a V2000, A Vhs and two DVD's so I know what I'm talking about.

The beta was the best system in its day and compared to a six head BUSH video, it's still better, but thats not the point, beta may be dead as far as the high street is concerned, but as far as a retro - nostalgic collectable its very much now coming into its own. You wouldnt say 'Why would you want a 1920's rolls royce when you can have a 1999 fiat would you?

Then again... maybe you would.

Its got nothing to do with being afraid of new technology, just dont forget how you got there.

Just sorry you seem to have missed the point.

I have a problem with my SL-HF950 Sony BetaI want to buy a beta vcr SL-HF 950. Where can I find one? Please help!Thanks. Beta is Better.

I should have mentioned that I live in Australia and I have friends that still use Sanyo and sony betas and here is an example of why I think they are junk; My friend bought a Sanyo Betacord (an m30 I think)of a man who said It was a brilliant machine, this brilliant machine went in for a service as soon as my friend bought it as he wanted everything to be perfect. When he got it back, it broke its driver belt within 2 weeks of the service and shredded the $10 dollar standard grade tape that was in their at the time! He took it back to the man who repaired it and he appologised and said he must have forgoten to check the condition of the belt. The repair man checked the whole machine over for any errors and found none and in less than a week it was broken again- The repair man said that its A "problem" machine and advised him to take it back to the guy he bought it off. While all this was happening I was enjoying cinema quality movies on my 155cm flat screen television and playing them on my Toshiba DVD. My friend agrees that new vhs machines have great pictures but he says that the insides are cheap Korean Crap. Later that day, he went to the shops and bought two Panasonic DVD players.........

Where can I buy Sony beta machine parts? Thank

Just a comment on the above post

sanyo m20 (never seen an m30 in australia b4) - approx 30 -50 australian dollars, 95 for a good one with remote. In my price range

155 cm flat screen tv (rear projection crap?) and toshiba dvd approx 4000-5000 australian dollars?? OUT OF MY PRICE RANGE

I too am a Video & TV engineer of some 20 years and I have to say that I'm in total agreement with Jan about the quality of modern goods. Vcr's have become so cheap to buy largely through cut-throat competition. Large retail outlets are able to dictate to manufacturers what they pay for goods, driving prices down and reducing the profits the manufacturers make. This in turn encourages manufacturers to find ways of reducing production costs in order to survive and this of course means that the consumer ends up with an inferior product. If you go back to the early days of video, the build quality was on a par with broadcast equipment, but whereas broadcast equipment is now still very expensive and well made, consumer goods are cheap and full of plastic. The modern VHS video will last nowhere near as long as one produced 10 or 20 years ago. In fact, if you have an older video you are better to get it repaired and serviced as from my experience the repaired machine will have a longer life than a modern one. Don't assume that because DVD is a modern technology that it's well made. Sure, the picture quality is wonderful, but considering the newness of the technology the machines are incredibly cheap and not terribly well made. Remember when CD was introduced? Manufacturers were quoting laser life as being something like 50,000 hours use, but in reality it's never worked out that way and most CD's I see for repair that skip and don't read the discs have faulty lasers, but the difference with DVD is if your laser fails you might as well throw it away as the repair will be twice what you payed for the unit in the first place. I'm afraid it's a throw away society, and it's something we all now have to accept because the public has got used to paying less for more and once that happens it's very difficult to go back.

Hi TranT

take a look at the PALsite directory page which lists a number stockistsin both the U.S. and the U.K.

http://www.palsite.info/directory.html

Martin

Tape World has lowered their prices for L-750 betamax tapes:

L750 std was 4.49 now 3.99 L750 hg was 5.49 now 4.99

Dont know if this means they have accepted a lower margin or if Sony has reduced the wholesale price.

Have noticed that there are a number of people who are looking for places to get their machines fixed. I have found a relieable place in Peoria IL, (USA) which i have been using for a number of years- Economy Service. I spoke with the owner (Steve) and he said he would be willing to repair units that are sent to him and then ship them back. Economy Service is an authorised Sony Warranty center meaning that if you have a machine still under warranty (unlikely as that may be) he can fix it it also more importantly menas that any parts that are still available from SONY can be easily obtained by him. Other brands are sort of hit and miss. He has also in the past worked on my PAL Beta machines, when most places in America would just tell you to go away! You can contact him either via phone @ 309 691-8012 or via e-mail @ [email protected].

I have recently inherited a couple of Betamax Sony PAL SL-C7 UB. I would be interested in selling them. Anyone out there interested?

Cheers

Michael

I think the big question with DVD is how long would it take for the average person using such a machine for everyday recording. A long long time I expect. I have been enjoying digital pictures for many years with my LASERDISCS, of which I have built up a large collection. I purchased a DVD player (SONY 715) but have only bothered to collect 10 films. The picture quality (in my opinion) is not as good as LASERDISC, it appears too digital if you know what I mean. The package of DVD is very poor, you are lucky to get a small leaflet inside. I also used the PHILIPS CDI format for digital movies although the picture was poor (VHS quality). However, my beta machines (of which can make superbeta copies of laserdisc and DVD) will remain my favorite piece of home cinema for many years to come. DVD is still only a playback machine like CDI and LASERDISC

I have acquired a Sony AG-7E/UB cassette auto changer for use with SL-C7 model. It is complete in its box with instructions and receipt and looks unused. If anyone is interested I have a dead SLHF100 which needs repair and I would be willing to come to an arrangement either way in exchange for this unit to anyone who is able to help with repair (new heads needed). Please contact me by telephone as my e-mail does not work! 01743 850587.

Problem with SLHFR70...

The KGK (SuperBeta) switch seems to have lost much of it's effect on the image quality. I suspect it does not shift the Y-frequency high enough to meet SuperBeta characteristics.

Now I don't really know how to work on that one. I could adjust the PB amp frequency response but there's no sign of a frequency adjustment anywhere...

Can an expert help me out ?? Thank you !

-Charles

I'm doing a report on Beta vs. VHS for school, and I was wondering if anyone knew how many SL-HF 900s were sold? I understand that was the top selling Beta machine in the history of the format.

In addition to Martin's message...

The SL-C9 loading mechanism gear he is looking up are the same as in the NTSC model SL-2700... So there may be even more interested people..

SONY PCM 501 ES 16-bit digital processor for sale. This unit allows 16-bit pal/secam stereo encoding of audio on to a video. Originally designed for the F1 and C9, it will work with virtually any Beta machine or dare I say it...VHS! The unit is as new, boxed with full instructions. £100 ono Contact John (Manchester UK)

WANTED: Pre-1980 used Beta (NTSC) video tapes. Not the pre-recorded theatrical movies, but the blanks used for home off-air/cable recordings. I'll offer 50 cents each plus shipping, or entertain your offer. E-mail only to: [email protected]

Question of format? I've seen, used or owned possibly every single consumer video format available in USA!

Of these, I still think Betamax is favorite! I mean, hey, VHS is (and prolly always will be) king. But I'd love to see some of the rare and out-of-print Beta releases I own come out on VHS -- or DVD, for that matter! I've checked and found that NONE of the video stores in my area have them for rent!

As for DVD, I've been reading prediction reports stating that the current DVD format may die a premature death once HDTV becomes standard (around 2006). It may be replaced by something called "EDVD (Enhanced DVD)" which will (I guess) offer HDTV quality of like 1080 lines!

Now, if the DVD format was launched with planned obsolesence in mind, I'd be wary of investing in too many titles. On the other hand, my 13-year-old SuperBetamax makes nearly perfect copies of rentals!

And, newer VHS models? I've seen too many of these "throw-away" decks. They sell at places like Kmart & Walmart for <$120 and are made by some companies I've newer heard of (Symatron???). I've even seen some by Philco. Is this the SAME Philco famous for it's antique radios?

Just an example: About a month ago, a friend of mine purchases a Symatron 4-head VHS hi-fi deck from Kmart for $79 (sale). This thing couldn't be anymore than 13" wide and looks more like a player! All plastic, no display (all onscreen) and NO line inputs! The latter has been the BIGGEST (IMO) flaw in these machines! Really, I mean, does it cost too much more to add a/v jacks to record from line?

Then I believe someone mentioned 6-head VHS models? I've seen only a couple of these from Toshiba. They claimed SP recording quality in the EP/SLP speed (if I read that correctly in the J&R Music catalog!). If they're so great, why can't I find any at places like BestBuy?

With that in mind, I own 2 Betamaxes (Sony) and 2 VHS machines (1 Sony, 1 Mitsubishi) which are all 80's/early 90's models. I'd NEVER buy one of those POS models they make today!

Last, but not least, Laserdisc. I owned one of these (a Pioneer) until about 5 years ago and finally sold it. My biggest problem with this was the prices for movies ($ 30 -40+ each!) and the fact that they looked too much like record albums!

And to clear up one thing: Laserdiscs are NOT digital. They use an analog optical system to store the video and sound info (although the soundtracks on newer disks ARE digital). I had a number of older (80's vintage) titles which were all analog. Their soundtracks used something called "CX Noise Reduction" for improved fidelity on the sound. Playing these over a sound system yeilded hissing not heard through the TV speakers (w/ CX off).

And on a side note, does anyone remember that RCA "Selectavison" CED system from the early 80's? This was essentially a video turntable! I acquired one of these recently from a garage sale and am messing with it!

Well to end, I'm just dropping a bit more than 2¢ in regards to my experience!

Madness

I am trying to find a sony SL7200 with optional timer to purchase. Would greatly appreciate any info on finding this item

thank you steve cassidy

I have a vacation tape that was recorded using PAL. I would like to transfer it to a VHS so we can use it in the US. Please let me know what is needed, or someone who can do it for me. Thank you, Eric

Hi there. I recently purchased two SuperBetamovie camcorders (BMC 660 & CCD 220)and two SuperBeta VCRs - sorry I don,t remember the model #s but they're not hi-fi.I also own 2 8mm camcorders and 2 8mm vcrs and 2 SVHS vcrs and numerous vhs vcrs.As you can see I'm into amateur video production. I've been hearing for a lonf time about the superior quality of Beta so when I got this chance to purchase these machines I jumped right in.I haven't done much with them yet but I do have two initial complaints: the camcorders don't have any playback capability, no rewind, and no video/audio out jacks and the vcrs have no input jacks except for the rf cable.These are not just minor inconviences.I'll try some production and editing with them and let you know what I think then.Byron

Hi! I need a bit of help. I have an Aiwa AV-50 (with the receiver). I desperately want to get it working, but I'm unfamiliar with the setup of this model. I have no manual. The inputs/outputs all seem to be in the right place, but there is a large compartment on the side of the unit which looks to be the slot for an adapter (which I do not have). Am I missing a DC adapter of some sort? If so, does anyone have any suggestions as to where I might find one? Thanks for any help.

I have about 10 sony betamax 325 machines selling for $50.00 as is or $395.00 for fixed machine. With about 20 cases of betamax tape that I am selling for $2.00 each. Would anyone be interested in either of these items.Cliff(925) 946 0762

FOR SALE:

Sony C6 UB mark 2 video plus 250 tapes (both prerecorded and blank). Video suitable for spares or repair. West Yorkshire area.

WANTED : Tapes recorded from the TV, ideally pre-1982. I collect old TV shows, adverts, idents, that sort of stuff (yes, sad, I know!)

Will collect within reason (Upminster, Essex, UK)

I have a GCS-50 Superbeta Editor for sale. Just serviced, works great,cosmetically good on the faceplate, fair on the top cover with scratcheson it (from stacking). $315 minus shipping. I am trying this insteadof going to Ebay (flakebay). I did advertise editors here earlier this year,but it seemed to generate no interest. Maybe this time? If interested email me for further details,and a picture of the unit being offered for sale. Thanks, Andy

To Byron Joseph: Your Beta camacorders would work great if you had a couple of Beta editing decks to go with them. Check the chat message from Andy Sanchez on June 13th at 3:44p.m. The GCS-50 is one of the most affordable editors you will find at this time. Two of them hooked to a matching RM-E50 editing controller will give you a lot of capability. Andy didn't mention it, but he also has another GCS-50 on the ebay auction site and a RM-E50. You might want to contact him directly if you don't want to bid and see about buying what you need. I have one GCS-50 hooked into a Sony XBR TV and have another 50 on order. The Sony TV will give me the capability to do some simple, manual editing, but nothing like the RM-E50 can do.

Also, I just wanted to compliment the people who run this chat page and the PALsite. I've found lots of great info on both, even though I have NTSC equipment here in the States and they both concentrate on PAL. Great sites!

I need a little troubleshooting help with a Sony SL-5000 US (similar to the SL-C6 Mk I). When I picked this unit up, it had been sitting unused for a long time and would not load a tape. After cleaning all the rubber belts and rollers, it now loads, rewinds, and fast forwards like it was new. I next discovered that the tape playback speed is too slow. Everything moves and sounds like it's in a Bugs Bunny cartoon. I cleaned the pinch roller thoroughly with no noticeable effect. I'm thinking it still might be something mechanical in the area of the pinch roller. Anyone in the US or UK have a similar problem and know the solution? I'd appreciate any suggestions. This unit is just too well built to let it die. Thanks.

Mike

I WOULD JUST LIKE TO STATE THAT IN MY BELIEF VHS HAS NEVER COME UP TO THE STANDARD THAT BETAMAX HAD WITH A SONY C7 LET ALONE WHAT I USE A SONY C9. AS FOR THE CED SYSTEM MENTIONED YES I USED TO HAVE ONE WITH A LOT OF CED CLASSIC DISC SUCH AS THE 39 STEPS. I THEN STARTED COLLECTING WHAT I THINK IS THE BEST SYSTEM FOR KEEPING LONG TERM A MOVIE COLLECTION I.E. LASERDISC WHICH IS FAR SUPERIER TO DVD.

THE GENTLEMAN ABOVE WHO COMPLAINS ABOUT DIGITAL PICTURES IS QUITE RIGHT I PLAY THEM ON MY COMPUTER BUT ONLY HAVE PURCHASED A FEW TITLES BECAUSE OF THE LACK OF QUALITY.

I CURRENTLY HAVE ON MY PAGES A SMALL SELECTION OF LASERDISCS FOR SALE BOTH PAL AND NTSC.MY PAGES ARE LOCATED AT http://members.aol.com/lucreziagalaxy/index.html

WHERE YOU WILL FIND A GALAXY OF COLLECTABLES ALSO AVALIABLE RANGING FROM BETAMAX TO 4-TRACK TAPES.

IN CONCLUSION LET ME SAY THAT IN MY OPINION BETAMAX IS THE BEST FORMAT FOR RECORDING SO FAR INVENTED, BUT FOR STORING MOVIES WITH THE VIEW OF STARTING A COLLECTION THEN LASERDISC BOTH OLD AND NEW IS THE ONLY OPTION WORTH [email protected]

In regards to the SANYO VTC M30 ,this vcr DOES excist (i own one ) it was Sanyos only three head (perfect freeze frame ) Beta vcr ,and ,yes, it IS an excellent machine . I've owned it since 1988 and i'ts still going strong ,although i've replaced the drive belt ,idlers and it's great. I hope this helps with your predicament......Kevin

Help !I have 2 SL F1 's that I must keep going somehow. Basically I want to have one of them professionally checked over and replace head if necessary. Also check the drive bands and replace as necessary.Any offers I'm in Highgate London

I've got some old beta tapes but no player and would like to know if there is some kind of adapter I can get so I can play my beta tapes in my VHS VCR (like an 8mm camcorder tape adapter). Please help!

I am after a carriage repair kit for a Sony SLC9 UB vcr(this is the two small metal gears and shaft) -now obsolete from SonyCan Anyone help me??

Hi Folks.Betatapes are still available in Germany. Make a visit at Ernst Brinkmann KGSpitalerstrasse 10, in Hamburg. They have in stock: Sony L-750 at 12,95 DEM& the L-500 at 10,95 DEM.

No Judy, no kind of adaptor is made or indeed possible.

This question seems to pop up every couple of weeks.

A Betamax VCR can be had from £15 upwards in working order, thoughobviously the better ones are dearer ....£ 30 should get a reasonable one.

Try advertising in Loot or whatever ..loads of good ones here too.

Have fun

Matt

I was always under the impression that the Sony SL-C20 was also available in red. I seem to remember trying to urge my parents to get the red one out of the catalog back in 1983, but they got a silver one instead. Saying that, it still works well, is in immaculate condition (including the stickers) and I think they have the origianl documentation. Anyone else got one?

Hi,I have a few items that may be of interest,one is a instruction manual for the SL-2415 VCR and another for the ED BETA EDV-9500 VCR.Also i have a rack mount case for the GCS-50 vcr and a NEC MTS/MPX decoder black box SA-84A for those VCR's/tv's with MPX jacks.This allows those units to upgrade to Stereo broadcast signal reception.All items are in excellent shape.Please contact with any questions.Prices will be reosonable.Thanks,Greg

Hi!

I've purchased a used Sony Beta C7Vcr. Mechanicaly the unit is almost fine but concerning to recording the image is very unstable it's a cyclical problem from a almost clean image to a almost like "off air" one. The audio is fine. The tape isn't shewed...On the image there's also a permanent thin "strip" wich runs from the bottom to the top of the image.

I'm asking if here's anyone in the world who can help me... Thank's a lot!!!

Hey,if anyone from NW England is after new blank Betamax tapes,Beaver Radio of Liverpool sell them. They're Sony L-750's,yours for £4 each. Discounts if you get two!They also sell open reel audio tapes too.

FORSALE: SONY C9 with Stereo camera HVC4000P and Hard Case. Matching Profeel monitor, Teletext unit, Tuner, Speakers and Stand with remotes and Manual (original) £400 the lot.

Your C7 problem sounds like the capstan servo isn't lokcing. I suggest you look for the Capstan "Free Run"adjustment:)

HELP !! I have an SLHF-100UB that needs a new head disk as the hi-fi audio has gone for a burton. Local Sony wizards say they can't get one through their channels. Has anyone out there got one gathering dust on a shelf somewhere ???

I have a new source for Beta tapes. Surplus traders has TDK L-330's NEW in plastic sleeves. The web address is http://www.73.com and the e-mail is [email protected] . The phone number is 514-739-9328, and the fax is 514-345-8303. If anyone is in need of a tape as small as an L-330, this should be of some use to you.

Any news on the proposed new new PAL Beta deck, I need SCART in and Smartlink and I won't touch the crappy format, and DV is over £2000

Why the above - all to do with digital TV and how to set timers, a 950 will not be able to tape via its Scart, and also would not be able to tell a DTTV or DTTSTB what channel it wants. Apart from a new Beta deck I am stuffed.

i have three beta,s for sale c7 with remote in working order £55,1 sanyo front loader perfect but rewind almost gone £ 30, and another sanyo,picture a bit unstable,£10, also a large quantity of betatapes 25p each.

Hi there !I´m looking for a manual. The item is a SONY HF-SL 150 ES. The bestsolution is a scanned copie as an e-mail. Awaiting your mails !

Thank you !

FOR SALE: Sony BMC-220 Betamovie camcorder and Sears Model 5314 top-loading VCR (package deal). I'm posting this message for Mr. Allan Oestreich in Delaware, USA (contact him at 302-698-9128). The Sony BMC-220 camcorder is in good working condition. It includes (2) NP-11 batteries (they charge, but don't know how long they last), the AC charger unit, case and strap, a Slik tripod, and a movie camera light. The Sears 5314 VCR is also in good working condition (fast forwards, rewinds, loads, and plays very clearly) and comes with a wired remote. Included with both units is about 30 used, blank tapes. No firm price has been set; make your own deal. Thanks.

Correction to previous message: For the Sony BMC-220 camcorder and the Sears 5314 VCR, contact Mr Allan Oestreich at this phone number: 302-335-0591. Sorry for the mix-up.

FOR SALE: Sony SL-HFR30 Hi-Fi Ready VCR and companion HFP-100 Hi-Fi processor. Both units are in very good physical and operational condition (the processor has fine scratches on its cover from the VCR being stacked on top). Included with these two units are the Hi-Fi connector cable, the correct, original RMT-124 remote control (works perfectly), and (10) used, blank tapes and an Allsop liquid head-cleaning kit. $115 plus actual S&H. E-mail me or call 302-698-9128. Thanks.

Hello! I realize I haven't been on here in a while, but my computer has been in and out of the shop five times recently. I have a big problem. Recently I had watched a high grade tape in two of my decks, an SL-HF300 and an SL-HFR30, and it ate the heads. I have tried every head cleaner in my house, and none of them fix the problem. I am either looking to get these two fixed or replace them. I'm down to one deck, an SL-100, and I have about 300 tapes. Anybody who can help please e-mail me. Thanks, Marcus.

I forgot. I would prefer either a SuperBeta Hi-fi, a SuperBetamax, or a Beta Hi-fi. A normal deck would be a last resort. Thanks, Marcus.

Hi Pedro, I have managed to get the details you needed for the capsten free speed. The pot you need to change is situatedon the AS-3 board. This is found by removing the bottom of the unit and undoing and hinging back the circuit boards that you can see. On this hinged board are two seperate circuit boards. On one side is the YC-6 board and on the other is the AS-3 board.

There are two pots which can be altered, RV9 (capsten free speed x3) and RV8 (capsten free speed). Both these should be clearly labeled on the board and from what I can see they should be on the outer side edge of the board.

Hope this solves your problem,

Martin

I HAVE JUST ADDED A FEW MORE BETAMAX PROFESSIONAL TITLES TO MY PAGES.

TITLES SUCH AS KENNY EVERATT'S MOVIE BLOODBATH AT THE HOUSE OF DEATH AND A CLIFF RICHARD SPECIAL EDITION AMOUNG OTHERS.

MY PAGES ARE AT http://members.aol.com/lucreziagalaxy/index.html

YOU WILL FIND BETAMAX UNDER THE COLLECTABLES SECTION.

10 new shrink wrapped Scotch L750 tapes £25. 192 various used tapes (untested) all with films on, £10 per box of 64 (Buyer collects). Also spares for C9s, HF100s and a mint remote RMT 223 for HF950. London E4 Area.

HELP!!!!!!!!!!! Hello all, a sort of beta question?, I have a Sony Trinicon HVC-2000P video camera, I have managed to connect it up to my computer by cutting the wires BUT how can I use it in its normal way????, what are the connections for sound in/out remote start/stop as you should be able to connect it to your betamax??? and playback to the camera?. This MUST be a standard connector of it's time (80's)