The "CX" variation of the 711 chassis is only used in the SL-HF750. It was designed upon the assumption that some people didn't want a VCR that looked like a VCR. From the front it looks like any other home entertainment device (without the opening for inserting a videocassette). Instead of you pulling the cassette out from inside a lid or from an opening in the front, this VCR hands you the cassette, almost. In the front on the left, where the opening for a cassette would normally be, there is a large drawer that slides out from the front of the VCR. This mechanism is called the linear skate assembly. It accepts and ejects the cassette but still handles the tape path threading once it is inside the drawer. It employs the same basic 711 tape path and threading floor plan and is fully compatible with all other Betas. Operating the skating assembly requires a special drive motor, a unique cassette detection system, and several special ICs. It has several special functions related to its operation. It behaves in the following manner. Pressing EJECT with the VCR off turns the unit on and slides the drawer assembly out. Sony has LINEAR SKATE CASSETTE LOADING printed on top of the receiver tray that raises upward at a 30-degree angle when ready to accept a cassette. This is visible after it reaches the end of its travel outwards. There is a picture of it lifted upwards in one of the VCR's display pages. If there was a cassette already inside then it is withdrawn from the tape path and into the cassette as the drawer slides out. The power button will work separately but doesn't cause the tray to slide out. However, if the tray is extended towards, turning off the VCR will cause it to move inside. Once a cassette is inserted in the receiver pressing the OPEN/CLOSE button lowers the cassette and threads the tape in the path as the drawer is traveling inside the machine. Pressing any of the function buttons will also cause the drawer to close, with or without a cassette in the tray. This all sounds complicated but is very intuitive and a wonder to operate. But there is more. While a cassette is inside, pressing the OPEN/CLOSE button brings the drawer out partially so the cassette can be inspected. This can be done while the machine is stopped, playing, or recording. This allows you to visually scrutinize how much tape occupies either reel. The linear skating unit is large, and special screws are used to secure safely when transporting. These are removed and stored in a special location on the back of the unit. Mechanically, the tape movement employs the reliable single pancake motor assembly and capstan. Tape path loading is operated by a hardy cam and worm gear assembly. To go to the SL-HF750 in the browser, click here. To see a list of the various 711 chassis types used during the life of Beta, click here. ©Misterßetamax go to homepage