The Sony SL-HF600 is a top-of-the-line Beta with a sharp SuperBeta picture and fabulous, full-fidelity Betahi-fi stereo. It offers some of home videos most desired features at a very attractive price. A rundown of the convenience and performance extras is shown below. Highlighted links in the listing open panels containing more information.
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Refurbished product that meets or exceeds factory specifications
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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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DA+1 video head for clear special effects in pause and step
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Freeze-frame with clear picture in pause for easy editing
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Still adjustment for stabilizing pause and step picture
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Sharpness control for customizing the playback picture
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Stereo broadcast multichannel tuning with SAP reception
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Control-S in for centralized wired control of another device or recorder
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Micro-timing phase (µTP) circuitry for clean transitions between scenes
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PCM switch for making better copies and playing PCM recordings
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Cable compatible receiving VHF, UHF and cable channels
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Programmable timer with 6 events over 7 days or everyday
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RF input for VHF, UHF for off-the-air antenna and cable connection
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RF output selectable for VHF analog channel 3 or 4
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BNR noise reduction to reduce hiss in the monaural sound track
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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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SuperBeta indicator shows a recording is being made in SuperBeta
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Express-tuning channel selection with SAP reception
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Betahi-fi indicator shows a recording is in Betahi-fi stereo
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AFT Switch for precise tuning of broadcast stations
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Remote commander (included) wireless control of important functions
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Multi-display for reference clock time, timer settings, and more
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LED peak meters for monitoring volume level
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Linear time display of hours, minutes and seconds
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Observation window over the cassette compartment
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SuperBeta on/off switch for machine compatibility
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Vertical lock adjustment for stabilizing the still and step picture
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DVD friendly performance offers extra control over the playback
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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, 2, 3, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 19 and 21 apply
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Corrections and modifications: modules 1 and 2 apply
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Operation, safety, and protection features are standard
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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

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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.

To examine the accessories available for this Betamax visit the "Betamax Accessories" section by clicking 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.

PERFORMANCE DATA: The SL-HF600 can record and play SuperBetahi-fi in the and speeds. It can also play tapes recorded in SuperHi-Band Beta 5.6 MHz s and standard Beta . Tapes recorded in standard Betahi-fi and monaural will also play. 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.