The Sony SL-HF500 is top-rated in video/audio performance with a super sharp picture. It records Betahi-fi so you can enjoy fabulous, full-fidelity stereo sound along with your matchless Beta Picture. The SL-HF500 has a very desirable line-up of attractive features and functions. Links to more information are available from the listing of features below.
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Refurbished product that meets or exceeds factory specifications
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Standard Beta recording and playback in speeds and , plays
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Betahi-fi stereo recording and playback in speeds and , plays
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Monaural audio recording and playback in speeds and , plays
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Input and output connectors for the audio/video LINE IN and OUT
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Feather touch transport function controls for easy operation
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BetaScan high-speed viewing in forward and reverse during playback
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BetaSkipscan high-speed viewing during fast forward and rewind
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Multi-display for reference clock time, timer settings, and VCR indications
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Programmable timer with 7-days/6-events or every day settings
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Quick Timer 30 minute segment recording up to five hours
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Timer Indictor with programming, function and operation stages
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LED peak meters for monitoring volume level
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RF input for VHF, UHF antenna and cable connection
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RF output selectable for VHF analog channel 3 or 4
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Input switch for selecting source from the TUNER or LINE IN
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DA+1 video heads for crystal clear still picture and step motion
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Vertical lock adjustment for stabilizing the still and step picture
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PCM switch for making better copies and playing PCM recordings
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MPX filter switch for recording FM stereo broadcasts
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Remote commander (Included) wireless control of important functions
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Tape counter with 4-digit control track system for accurate readings
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Micro-timing phase (µTP) circuitry for noise free transitions between edits
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Cassette inside indicator in the fluorescent mullti-display
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Observation window over the cassette compartment
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Freeze-frame to stop the action and edit unwanted material
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Step-motion with single frame advance using the remote
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BNR noise reduction to reduce hiss in the monaural sound track
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MPX filter switch for recording FM stereo broadcasts
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Betahi-fi switch to select recordings made in stereo or monaural
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Control-S central wired control for Sony devices
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Processor MLV-1100 (optional) can be used for SAP reception
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Unswitched AC Outlet for connecting another device up to 400 Watts
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Manual tracking control for fine-tuning the best picture
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Auto functions: modules 1, 5, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, 19 and 21 apply
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Operation, safety, and protection features are standard
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Corrections and modifications: modules 1, 2 and 7 apply
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Reproduction of the original owner's manual
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Highlighted wording in the features list
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711B2 chassis design group


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.

In 1985, Sony publicly announced that they would no longer offer any standard Beta (picture) only VCRs. Going forward, all new Betamax models would be either SuperBeta or SuperBetahi-fi. Even the Betamovies would become SuperBeta capable. In keeping with Sony's compatibility pledge, the new models would still play back recordings made using the previous standard Beta (and Betahi-fi) machines. There also would be a switch provided for selecting between standard and SuperBeta for both recording and playback. This last statement turned out to not be entirely accurate. While it was true for most models, a few did not come with a switch. This was either done as an economy measure brought on by the pressures in the marketplace, or it could have been that these machines were sophisticated enough not to require a selection to be made (to obtain the best quality sparkle-free video playback*). The last standard Beta unit was the SL-HF500.
* Now what does this mean? For information on this phenomenon, click here.

To discover more about the Sony Hi-Fi stereo adapters click here. To examine the MLV-1100 adapter (found in the "Betamax Accessories" section) click here. To look at the line-up of other accessories that are available click here (takes you to the Betamax Accessories index page).

PERFORMANCE DETAILS: The SL-HF500 can record and play standard Betahi-fi in speeds and . It can also play back tapes recorded in standard Beta . It can also play tapes recorded in monaural. Tapes recorded in SuperBeta will play but might exhibit some picture noise. 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 through 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. Do you have one of these premium Betas that isn't working? It is eligible for repair along with a lot of others. To see the list of candidates, click here. For service, click on "Getting It Repaired" in the right button array or click 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.