DESCRIPTION OF SONY PRO SLO-420
The SLO-420 is a state-of-the-art Betamax when it comes to video performance and operational prowess. Compact, study and sleek in its case design, this formidable professional Beta has all the premium features. Not only does it offer all the great features common to all Betas but adds swing-search with crystal-clear picture, electronic time marking, indexing and a 14-day/4 event timer. To makes this even better there is a HMS linear elapsed time counter (Hours, Minutes and Seconds), a display level brightness control and a 14-pin K-type connector for a camera. It also has dual track linear audio recording and playback for stereo sound, with available BNR (Beta Noise Reduction). Each track can controlled individually. Dual pancake reel motor with electronic back tension. Here's something else great about this Beta, not only can it be operated by several models of programmable wired remotes (sold separately) but an infrared wireless remote (also sold separately) will control most of its functions. It even accepts the AG-400 cassette changer. There is an editing console available that will operate two of these SLO-420 Betas for editing, composing and dual searching. As with most professional units it has no tuner but it will switch between TV and RF input. As you can see the SLO-420 is unique among the professional beta lineup and marks a new high in smart, sophisticated video performance. Links to more information is included in 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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Input and output connectors for the audio/video LINE IN and OUT
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Linear stereo with left, right or dual playback (selectable)
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Programmable timer with 4 events over 14 days or everyday
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Timer check button for confirming the timer settings
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DA+1 video heads for clear freeze-frame, stop-motion and x2 playback
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Swing search for superior tape motion control of special effects
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BetaScan high-speed search in forward and reverse
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Remote commander with wireless control of important VCR functions
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Real time readout in hours, minutes and seconds for easy tape location
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PCM switch for making better copies and playing PCM recordings
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BNR switch Beta Noise Reduction to edit out audio noise
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Multi-display for clock time, timer settings, and other VCR indications
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Micro-timing phase (µTP) circuitry for clean transitions between scenes
• Dual pancake reel motor with electronic back tension
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Editing real time or when making audio/video dubs
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Speed indication is identified next to the cassette entryway
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Microphone jack for adding separate audio in left and right channels
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Headphone jack for monitoring audio in and out
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Dimmer switch for controlling display brightness
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Feather touch transport function controls for easy operation
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Index functions for marking, searching and erasing locators
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RX switch for remote control using an optional RX device
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Unswitched AC Outlet for connecting another device up to 400 Watts
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Tape remaining indication using segmented LED bar indicator
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Manual tracking control for fine-tuning the best picture
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Cassette changer AG-400 (optional) for up to twenty hours of recording
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Auto functions: modules 1, 5, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, 19 and 21 apply
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Operation and protection features are standard
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Reproduction of the original owner's manual
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Highlighted wording in this features list
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711D 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.

What is linear stereo and how is it different from Betahi-fi stereo? Click here to find out.

To learn more about the Sony cassette changers click here. To examine the AG-400 BetaStack changer click here. To look at the line-up of other accessories that are available, visit the "Betamax Accessories" section by clicking here.

The SLO-420 is very much like the SL-2500. Same front cassette loading and it operates the same plus it has two audio recording heads that can be controlled independently. This gives you the option of stereo or right and left channel. With PCM recording digital stereo the two tracks can be recorded separately. These channels can record separate audio, control information or dialog. The other big difference is the remote control options. This VCR can be interfaced with a number of professional wired devices that allow you to operate remotely or as a master or slave unit. Three nice touches that didn't appear in any other pro machine are the four event fourteen day timer, the optional wireless remote and the optional a AG-400 cassette changer. By using the changer you can record one long recording session spread over four cassettes or, by using the four event timer, four separate recordings all without you being present.

PERFORMANCE DATA: The SLO-420 can record the standard Beta picture in the and speeds and play standard Beta , and . Audio is monaural. Tapes recorded in Betahi-fi will play but not in stereo. However, this VCR does have dual track recording (see description). SuperBeta tapes 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 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. 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. This page will be replaced by the repair form.

*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.