When Sony introduced the Extended Definition Betas to the American market, the current model SL-HF860D was upgraded. This was done to align it with these new high-end machines. It also featured new picture algorithms licensed from Faroudja. This software is the same as that used with the magnificent EDV-9300 and EDV-9500. The SL-HF870D SuperBetahi-fI stereo Beta VCR offers the same features as the 860D, but with an improved tape path design. To improve tape stability, an impedance wheel was added at the path entrance near the full erase head, and a redesigned shuttle assembly was incorporated. The exterior cabinet finish was changed to a dark charcoal metallic, instead of the customary black, and simulated wood panels were added to give it an opulent appearance. Technically it is a very fine performer with excellent video reproduction. Digital processing produces rock-steady digital SuperBetahi-fI pictures in pause and super slow play. Other digitally reproduced features are PIP, strobe (variable speeds of stepped multiple-picture arrays), and zoom. Special picture graphic effects include Mosaic, Stop motion and picture art. Normal picture playback is analog with sharpness and syncro-edit functions. Six timer recordings can be set for any day of the week, every day of the week, or for the same day of every week. "Quick Timer" has duration steps in thirty-minute segments up to five hours total. Forward and reverse digital scan with BetaSkipScan, also super high-speed digital search. Soft-touch transport buttons, a fluorescent real-time display, and LED peak-level meter readouts. Dual inputs and outputs with one input located conveniently in front. Each has the option of S-video input and output. The picture algorithms used to produce the enhanced video were licensed from Faroudja Video Laboratories and incorporated into Sony's architecture. Incorporates an edit switch for making better copies and playing PCM recordings. 105 channel analog reception, cable-ready with SAP and MTS stereo reception. 1 fine beta! Links to more information are available from the listing of features below.

• Refurbished product that meets or exceeds factory specifications
• SuperBeta and standard Beta speeds and recording and playback
• SuperHi-Band Beta 5.6 MHz s and standard Beta playback
• Betahi-fi stereo and monaural audio recording and playback
• Input and output connectors for the audio/video line in and out
• Input switch for selecting source from the TUNER or LINE IN 1 or 2
• Linear time readout showing hours, minutes and seconds
• Digital processing for clear, rock steady special effects, these are:
      ▸ Multi-stobe with 9 or 16 locations controlled + / – auto or manually
      ▸ Zoom in16 designated areas of the screen from strobe
      ▸ Flash motion and frame advance with sound and + / – frames per second
      ▸ Stop motion freeze frame with recall and sound
      ▸ Picture art pixel solarization in three steps with + / – intensity control
      ▸ Mosaic art adjustable in three stages with + / – depth control
      ▸ Picture Recall for viewing a picture placed in memory
      ▸ Picture-in-picture in four corner locations on the screen
      ▸ Special note: some effects can be added or removed within modes
      ▸ Click here to learn more about these unique special effects
• Programmable timer with 6 events over 7 day period or every day
• Feather touch transport function controls
• BetaScan high-speed viewing in forward and reverse during playback
• BetaSkipscan high-speed viewing during fast forward and rewind
• Stereo broadcast multichannel tuning with SAP reception
• RF input and VHF, UHF and cable connection
• AFT tuning feature for off-the-air antenna reception
• RF output selectable for VHF channel 3 or 4
• Headphone jack with volume control for monitoring audio
• Quick Timer recording in 30 minutes segments up to five hours
• Timer Indictor with programming, function and operation stages
• LED peak meters for monitoring recording level volume
• Control-S in for centralized wireless control
• Synchro-edit for controlling a second recorder
• Editing indicator verifies that the VCR is operating in the edit mode
• Digital scan high-speed scan and search with picture using remote
• Super slow motion with clear rock steady picture
• Freeze-frame with crystal-clear motionless picture
• Micro-timing phase (µTP) editing circuitry for clean edits
• Sharpness control adjustment for customizing the playback
• Single gap video heads for solid recordings and longer life
• BNR noise reduction to reduce hiss in the monaural sound track
• Remote commander (included) wireless control of important functions
• Cable compatible with reception 1-125, A-8 to W+84
• SuperBeta on/off switch for making standard Beta recordings
• SuperBeta indicator shows a recording is being made in SuperBeta
• Betahi-fi indicator shows a recording is in Betahi-fi stereo
• Premium simulated wood side panel treatment
• DVD friendly performance offers extra control over the playback
• Power failure 5 second back up to protect timer settings
• Manual tracking control for fine-tuning the best picture
• Auto functions: modules 1, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12 apply
• Operation, safety, and protection features standard
• Corrections and modifications: capstan and drives
• Reproduction of the original owner's manual
• Highlighted wording in this features list
• 711B3 chassis design group

  To see a vintage magazine advertisement click here.
  To see a national sales distribution map click here.
  To see a popularity graph by model click here.
To examine the accessories that are available for expanding your Betas versatility visit the "Betamax Accessories" section by clicking here.

To read my review of the impressive digital Betas click here.

To examine at the line-up of accessories that are available to expand your Betas versatility visit the "Betamax Accessories" section by clicking here.

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 digital series was the beginning of a new era in playback and special effects. The recorded picture could be stored in memory and recalled later. It is also clear and rock steady in pause and slow motion. It can be pixelated, solarized, and altered in a number of ways. This capability was included in a number of their future high-end Betas. It was used some in the Extended Definition Betas and for the SL-HF2100. But it was no longer the centerpiece of the VCR.

What attracts buyers most to the digital Betas is the unique video special effects they can produce. They are amazing and available for doing special things. But for most people they quickly turned into a curiosity. One that doesn't offer much more than occasional entertainment. Fortunately these VCRs hold up well and produce a great picture, and that made them superior to the Betas that came before them. They are well respected. But because the digital picture stored in memory is rock steady and can be recalled and then manipulated, it can be put to better use. For instance the image generated by this digital VCR can be inputted to a recording device (VCR). The graphic-like effects it produces can be inserted when going from one scene to another. These effects can be altered and shaped as the recording is taking place. This kind of composition editing and the special effects can add a little more pizzaz to a presentation. And it is easy to do. If the right VCR is used (SL-HF1000) or a character generator is employed wording can be placed over the picture. That way the effect can be recorded behind the lettering for further effect. Used in this way this digital VCR becomes not only a great recorder and editor but another tool in your arsenal.

PERFORMANCE DETAILS: The SL-HF870D 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. SuperBeta can be turn off for recording in standard beta as can Betahi-fi for recording in monaural. This VCR was made prior to 1989 and should be unaffected by Copyguard encryption. To check out a Beta format compatibility chart click here.The SL-HF870D MSRP MSRP $1230.00 in 1990, that's around $2400.00 in todays money.







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.