QUESTION OR INQUIRY 
ANSWER OR EXPLANATION
1. Why should I purchase from your online store (or send you my Beta VCR for service or repair)?
A. Experience, selection, quality and simplicity. Before you entrust a third party with your precious Beta machine and your money is very important that you feel confident and secure. I have prepared a in-depth discussion that answers specific questions about my business that will help eliminate any distrust and anxiety. To open this special panel called "Ordering Online" please click here.
2. Can I still use the original analog tuner in my Betamax now that broadcasting has changed over to digital.
A. Absolutely yes. The tuner in your Betamax will still receive analog (not digital) broadcasts. Many areas of the country still have some special interest analog regular programming. But for digital reception a simple converter that supports analog (currently being sold across the USA) would need to be connected to your VCR. To see the converter and the connection options click here.
3. Do you sell the factory remotes that came with the Beta VCRs?
A. I do not sell the original IR adapters or wired remotes that came with the VCRs. But I do sell specific wired controllers, wireless adapters, switchers, creative tools, special purpose adapters, media editors and more in my "BETAMAX ACCESSORIES" section.
4. Do you sell factory original owner or instruction manuals?

A. No. Originals are retained for duplication. In most cases the originals are yellowed from age or have frayed edges, ideal for copying, but not so good for offering to customers. Reproductions are bright, fresh and crisp. To open the panel for ordering replacement manuals click here.
5. Are the reproduction instruction or owners manuals you offer exact duplicates?
A. No. Manuals that are in full color would be too expensive to duplicate cost effectively. The cover will be in color and the interior in black and white. Black and white manuals are almost exact duplicates. To open the form to order replacement manuals click click here.
6. Do you sell the factory service manuals?
A. No, but if you need a particular piece of information from a service manual I will try to find it and arrange for you to have it.
7. Do you sell original Beta brochures or literature?
A. No, but if you request something I have, I may be able to make a copy available for you.
8. Do you sell parts?
A. No. Over the years I have spent substantial time and money buying out the inventories of closed repair stations, wholesale suppliers and duplication centers. I did this so I could continue to support the Beta format. All the of parts that I presently have in stock are being retained for future Beta refurbishing and repair.
9. Are your refurbished Betas as good as new?
A. No. They are restored, repaired, reconditioned and refurbished to as close to factory new as economically feasible. In many cases there are modifications and upgrades made that improve their operation and reliability.
10. Will you refurbish my Beta and how much does it cost?
A. Refurbishing customer supplied units is not a service that I offer. It is only performed on the items and devices that are available for purchase through my Website. During refurbishing the Beta VCR is restored to as new as is practically possible. It is an intense, methodical and dedicated process. All the items for purchase in my Website are either upgraded refurbished or upgraded new old stock. Almost as good is the customer repair and reconditioning service I provide. It is the most effective way to restore your VCRs original operating prowess. As part of this R/R overhaul the Beta VCR is thoroughly cleaned internally, tested, adjusted and lubricated. The upper drum is also resurfaced to restore its frictional characteristics and the pinch roller is cleaned, restored or replaced. The guides, tension arm and reels are renewed or replaced and the tape path is verified. If alignment is required it is covered in the cost of the reconditioning. This service is only$89.00. Any repairs needed are not part of this general service. For repairs you would receive and estimate before any additional service is performed. To find out how to obtain this service click on the button (link) located in the right button array: "GETTING IT REPAIRED". For an index of the large selection of refurbished Betas VCRs I offer for purchase go to the "BETA FOR PURCHASE" section.
11. Do you offer a money back guarantee?
A. No, but I do offer a "same as the factory" warranty. To see it click here.
12. How do I make a warranty claim?
A. Simply e-mail me that your item is not performing as you think it should. I will respond back with either steps to take to eliminate the problem or a request that it be returned for repair. If possible please use the same cartons you received the item in when it was shipped to you. If you didn't retain the cartons please take care that it is safely packaged for the return trip. See: "SHIPPING YOUR BETA" for the proper method for boxing up your item. Please remember that your Beta is rare and precious, and in many cases irreplaceable. You will be responsible for the shipping charges in almost all cases.
13. If I email you a list of the problems my Beta is having can you help me repair it?
A. I will do what I can to research problems presented to me by Beta enthusiasts. My help is going to limited by time restraints and reality. Repairs, in most instances, require the physical examination and testing of the unit using special equipment. In many instances just knowing what causes a symptom and what circuits are involved is not enough to pinpoint a problem.
14. If I email you a list of the problems my Beta is having can you tell me how much it will cost to get it fixed?
A. It is not practical to remotely diagnose a problem because there are so many variables. The only way to obtain an accurate repair estimate is through a hands-on examination. For information how to obtain an estimate go to "GETTING IT REPAIRED" in this Website or click here. I also have compiled a list with most of the troubleshooting tips found in the instruction manuals. To go to that list click here (this panel will close).
15. How much does a repair estimate cost?
A. Your initial payment of $89.00 includes an estimate charge of $49.00 and $40.00 for my reconditioning service (see question 10 above). If the estimate is excepted the full $89.00 will be applied to the repair. If you elect not to proceed the $49.00 is deducted and the remaining $40.00 is applied to return shipping, which is not included in the original payment. To initiate a repair request click here.
16. Once you receive my VCR how long does it take before I receive an estimate?
A. It varies with each circumstance, but usually just a couple of days.
17. Do you recondition and repair all brands of Beta VCRs?
A. I embrace all manner of Betas. This includes, but is not limited too, standard Beta, SuperBeta, Betahi-fi, SuperBetahi-fi and Extended Definition Beta (ED Beta) machines. But please note: some models are now too old to be reliably repaired and reconditioned. These I no longer work on. To see a list of the Betas that I currently repair click here.
18. Do you repair VHS VCRs or any other type of TV recording equipment?
A. No. Beta is my only business.
19. Do you repair Betacam or BetacamSP machines?
A. No. Beta is my only business.
20. Will you purchase my Beta VCR should I decide not to proceed after the estimate?
A. I am always adding to my inventory and customers are a particularly good source of supply. Plus a past favorable experience generates an atmosphere of fair exchange and trust. Good business practices and economics however dictates what I can buy, refurbish and sell for a profit. If an item shows to have little or no interest at an online auction, then most likely it will not be a good candidate for me to purchase. To be successful I must limit my purchases to those items that are the most appealing to the very selective and demanding Beta market.
21. How long does it take for you to recondition a Beta machine?
A. It varies depending on the condition of the machine, from several days to over a week.
22. Do you accept trade-ins or buy Beta VCRs, cameras and accessories?
A. Yes, it is another good way for me to acquire products to sell. Almost all items offered in my Website are either refurbished or new and come with a 90 day warranty. Any item I acquire in a trade or outright purchase is going to require an investment in time, parts and labor before it can be offered for sale. Some items can command a higher price or greater value while some will only qualify as parts units. The difference can sometimes be a sizable amount. Desirability and condition also plays a big role. To investigate a trade or to sell an item please take a few seconds and submit the "SELL, TRADE OR WANT" form by clicking here. Fill in all the spaces provided and pay special attention to part about including the condition of your item and how much you want for it. There is a panel in the "BETA REFURBISHING" section that can be used as a guide for evaluating a Beta machine. To open it click here.
23. After I make a purchase can it trade up for a better unit later?
A. Yes, keep in mind that each case is reviewed and handled individually.
24. Why don't you list the number of Betas you have in your inventory in your price pages?
A. My inventory is constantly changing. Items are always being refurbished and added. To maintain a current accounting of every Beta would be time consuming and impracticle. If the price page makes note that the item is in short supply this should be interpreted as meaning less than three are available.
25. Do you rent Beta VCRs?
A. Yes. I have a special modified SuperBetahi-fi VCR that is available just for this purpose. Click on the "RENTING A BETAMAX" link in the button array in my Website or click here. (This page will be replaced with the rental start page.)
26. Do you sell adapters or patch cords?
A. Only those specialty items that perform a particular type of function related to Beta. Check out "Betamax Accessories" to examine these items. Common RF cords, patch cords and line adapters of a general nature can usually be obtained at a local electronics shop, so I don't offer them.
27. Do you offer special quantity discounts?
A. Yes. Use the "Special Services" form to request special pricing by clicking here.
28. Do you offer a payment plan?
A. Not at this time.
29. Is it acceptable to send cash for a purchase?
A. I wouldn't advise sending cash unless the amount is small.
30. Do you accept personal, business checks or credit cards?
A. Personal, business or government checks are NOT accepted. The ONLY accepted payment methods for all merchandise purchases are Postal Money orders, money orders, certified checks, Cashier's checks, treasury drafts or Paypal. Please note: PayPal is not accepted as payment for reconditioning estimates.
31. Where can I purchase money orders or Cashiers checks?
A. Cashiers checks are usually acquired from a bank. Money orders are readily available from the Post Office, Western Union, grocery store, money center, fast food mart, message services or bank.
32. How much does your double boxing and packing add to the shipping weight of the Beta VCR?
A. The dimensions and weights for the boxes I commonly use are as follows. Interior box is 20x20x8 inches and the external box is 24x24x12. The approximate weight for both plus packing is thirteen pounds fourteen ounces.
33. Where can I locate the dimensions or weight for my Beta?
A. These are usually found in the items owners manual. I have compiled a special table that has those details. To open a panel with weights and measurements for the Beta VCRs and accessories click here.
34. Where can I buy or obtain packaging supplies?
A. Shipping cartons and boxes can be purchased from packaging centers, parcel shipping firms, moving companies, office supply stores and the US Post Office. Many of these places will also can supply packing materials (bubble wrap, packing peanuts, labels, etc.).
35. Do you custom wind special lengths of Beta cassettes?
A. No, but I have a number of unique length cassettes that are available in my "NEW BETA CASSETTES section. Click on "SPECIAL LENGTHS on the lower right after opening.
36. Is there an adapter that will allow me to play my Beta tapes in a VHS machines?
A. No. The drum size and tape speeds are different so even if you loaded your Beta tape into a VHS shell it would not produce a recognizable image.
37. Do you copy Beta to VHS or DVD?
A. I do not offer a service for copying Beta to DVD. But I do offer you information about how is done. Go to "COPYING BETA TO DVD" in the links in the right button array to learn more. I also do not copy VHS to DVD or Beta to VHS but there are a number of companies that do. They can be found on the internet. A word of caution though. Investigate the company you select and get firm assurances that you will get your precious tapes returned to you in good condition. I also recommend that you examine the first question in the "Ask: MisterBetamax" section prior to committing your tapes to DVD.
38. How are the winders you sell better than the pop-n-stop units?
A. The winders I sell use two methods to lower the energy needed to halt the winding action. The Sony rewinder detects the foil leader just like the VCR does and is therefore the best at protecting your tapes. It will also fully erase them if you desire. The only drawback is it only rewinds, no fast forward. To examine the different winders available click here. The other units I offer use a long-belt and pendulum to slow and stop the action. They work in the following manner. Each uses a motor with a dual belt reduction system that drives both the cassette supply reel (when winding) and the take-up reel (when going fast forward). The motor drives a pulley that pulls a secondary belt that in turn rotates the reels. The secondary belt is long, soft and flexible that goes through a set of idlers that are located on a pendulum assembly. It can swing left or right which in turn move a lever (or catch) riding on a ramp. When triggered it releases the cassette receiver and stops the winding motor. As the effort increases near the end of the winding process the pendulum begins to ride up the ramp and approaches the point where very little force is required to trip the catch and stop the action. Because the belt driving the reels is long and flexible it absorbs most of the energy needed to terminate the process. The common pop-n-stop rewinders rely on the impact of the tape coming to an abrupt stop to trip a lever and release the lid. It is the brutal stopping and snapping action of the tape that can cause it to be wound too tight, bunch up on the reels, break or produce fish eyes. To see examples of this type of damage click here.
39. Do you manufacture your own video tape?
A. No. To become a manufacturer of video tape would require an investment of millions in revenue. I do offer loaded cassettes that contain premium quality tape that meets my stringent standards. This gives me the freedom to reject any product that I consider to be inferior.
40. How often do you update you Site?
A. It is constantly being modified and updated, almost daily.
41. Is it okay to copy the images in your Website?
A. Not without my express permission. All material is covered by my general copyright or by third party infringement laws. See the "Business Statement" page for more information about stealing intellectual properties or click here.
42. Does visiting your Site put any cookies, spam, viruses, Trojan horses, ransom ware or spyware on my computer?
A. Absolutely not. One cookie is stored in your browser to prevent duplication of events within the index page, and that is all. It is very small and is automatically erased when you leave my Site or close your browser. Nothing remains. I am very aware that temporary files (as well as malware) can do more than just annoy you, they can slow down or destroy your computing experience.
43. How is the proper way to dispose of expired rechargeable batteries?
A. Batteries that no longer accept a charge should be properly recycled. They can usually be taken to an electronic store, hardware store or recycling center for processing. This is the responsible thing to do and will help save our planet. DO NOT dispose of them in the trash, send them to the landfill or put them in an incinerator. Burning them presents a fire hazard, is dangerous and will cause them to explode.
44. Where can I locate the meanings or explanations for the components, terms and acronyms that appear within your Site?
A. Search for the term you require by using the "TERMS" link located at the bottom of this page or click here.
45. Do you offer any universal remotes? A. No. These are something best acquired from your local electronics store.
46. What does the NTSC mean in the Beta logo?
A. Unless otherwise noted in the item's description all the Beta products found within this Website were manufactured to operate on the USA NTSC 3.58 broadcasting standard. The NTSC in the Beta logo is a reminder.

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