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The SL-800ME is a very special type of Betamax. This is a multi-format Super  Beta video recorder/player. Having this unique capability allows it to record and play cassettes tapes using several different video standards, ones used by the various nation around the world. Which ones are noted in features list below. This Beta has a very attractive exterior design and easy to use controls. Features two dual azimuth DA4 heads that uses various recording schemes and provides a noiseless picture during pause and step. Beautiful deep black metallic exterior with observation window over the cassette compartment. Formidable in design and detail, truly a world class Betamax.Links to more information is available from the listing of features below.
• Refurbished product that meets or exceeds factory specifications • Super Beta and Standard Beta  and  speeds • Eight video standards are supported: PAL B and G, SECAM B and G, NTSC 3.58 and 4.43 Also plays older French SECAM and NTSC 4.43 • Three tuners for global TV channel standard accessibility plus cable • DA4 video heads for clear special effects in pause • Programmable timer with 2 events over 7 days or every day • Timer Indictor with programming, function and operation stages • SuperBeta indicator shows a recording is being made in SuperBeta • Inputs/output connectors for audio and video • Military clock and timer 24 hour time cycle • Sharpness control for customizing the playback picture • Linear time display in hours, minutes and seconds • Observation window over the cassette compartment • Wireless remote control duplicates important functions • Feather touch function buttons for easy control • Freeze-frame step-motion and x2 with clear picture • Edit switch for improved copies and removing unwanted content • Express-tuning for direct access to programmed channels • Auto tuning to automatically discover and set available channels • BetaScan high-speed viewing in forward and reverse during playback • BetaSkipscan high-speed viewing during fast forward and rewind • Clock/counter button for checking tape location • Multi-display with tape direction indicator • SuperBeta on/off switch for picture compatibility • Test signal for tuning television monitor • AFT switch to select automatic or manual tuning of weak stations • Micro-timing-phase (µTP) circuitry for noise free transitions • Cassette inside indicator in display for easy verification • BNR noise reduction to reduce noise in the monaural sound track • Vertical lock adjustment for fine tuning picture stability • Power failure 5 second memory backup of time and programs • Adapter Plug included for use with USA house current. • Auto functions 1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, 13, 19 and 21 • Operation and protection features are standard • Corrections and modifications: module 11 applies • Reproduction of the original owner's manual • Highlighted wording in the features list |
Is this the Betamax you are looking for? To make selection easier I have put together a table that lists them by their pedigree. To see it click here.  The SL-800ME can play a bunch of broadcast formats used in different countries but it cannot change one foreign format to another. For example while it will play and record the PAL format it will not change it so it can be seen or recorded on an NTSC or SECAM device. To do that you need to send the video through multi-system converter (you can find these on the internet). To see just one design click here. Changing one format to another requires altering the outgoing signal to match the requirements of the receiving device. Adding this device would give one the ultimate control over the foreign standards as needed. The reason PAL recordings will not play in an NTSC VCR (USA) is because the video signal scheme isn't compatible. The result is the video might roll, the colors could be incorrect or the speed might be wrong, This also applies when playing SECAM and any other foreign format (when using an NTSC VCR). Hence the need for a multi-format recorder and player for use in foreign countries. Sony didn't make this SL-800ME to convert formats. It was designed to travel from country to country and operate using different video systems and voltages. Adding converter electronics would have impacted the cost and possibly the size of the VCR. It must have been good idea because Sony sold a good number of these special multi-format Betas. PERFORMANCE DETAILS: The SL-800ME can record and play Super Beta and standard Beta in the following formats. USA NTSC 3.58 SuperBeta and standard Beta in and speeds. SuperBeta can be turned off for recording tapes in standard Beta. Records and plays PAL B, G and I and SECAM B & G single speed (18.73 mm/sec). Also plays French SECAM and NTSC 4.43. Tapes recorded in Betahi-fi will play correctly in the SL-800ME but not in stereo. This VCR was made prior to 1989 and should be unaffected by Copyguard encryption. To examine a Beta format compatibility chart click here.
  I refurbish all the Beta VCRs offered in my Website. If you would like to examine how this is accomplished I have composed a special section that explains how it's done. To go to the "Beta Refurbishing" section click here. Read an important message about my refurbished VCRs by clicking here.
 *These rating numbers are comparisons between the Beta VCRS within this particular design group. Contributing factors are engineering quality, popularity, aesthetics, execution, repair frequency and the number of features and their benefits. Analysis is subjective and should not be considered an endorsement. |
