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The Zenith Video Director VR 9800 features logic controlled function buttons that respond to the touch of your finger. This Beta features compound solid-state electronics, light weight and compact size. Variable speed playback in forward and reverse. Time counter with memory. Dew sensor to protect you tapes from moisture capture and damage. Illuminated Counter readout and tape speed indicator. Audio dub option and earphone connector to monitor sound. Timing-phase-circuitry for clean edits. Camera connector with record review when using a compatible camera. Infrared remote is included that operates most of the convenience functions (operates through the tuner/timer when it is attached). Beta  and  record with playback in  , and . Versatile 6-way power operation. You can use the included tuner/timer or these optional accessories: the AC-220 110 volt AC power adapter/charger, the BP-400 power belt, the NP-1H battery, the BCP-220 battery pack or the DCC-2400B car adapter. Very important news about these portable Betas: These small combo units are very desirable. Not just because the VCR separates from the tuner/timer and becomes a stand alone portable, but because of the special circuitry engineered into them for producing rock steady recordings. They operate in any position so the tape handling mechanism is different and not affected by gravity. Because they go out into the field they incorporate extra filtering, noise rejection and low-pass electronics. The special tape handling mechanics and the power saving circuit design ensures a clean picture under even the harshest of environments. Power lines and field transformers don't significantly affect these Betas. The case design is also fortified inside and out so they can be handled in almost any fashion and still remain protected internally. When coupled with the tuner/timer this Beta makes a great recording decks. Small, impressive and quiet. 1 fine Beta! Links to more information are included in the listing of features below. • Refurbished product that meets or exceeds factory specifications • Records standard Beta in speeds and , plays • Monaural audio recording and playback in speeds and , plays • Inputs and output for the audio/video lines with the tuner/timer • LCD display with tape direction, counter, DEW indicator and tape speed • Programmable timer 4 events over 14 days with the tuner/timer • Power failure memory backup of 5 minutes when using the tuner/timer • Express-tuning VHF and UHF channels when using the tuner/timer • AFT Switch for precise tuning of broadcast stations • Linear time counter with hours and minutes • Push button 14 position channel selection with tuner/timer • Feather touch transport function controls for operation ease • Video Action tape control in forward and reverse (see below) • Dual pancake reel motor with electronic back tension • Record review during pause when recording with a camera • Micro-timing phase (µTP) editing circuitry • Cue and review during playback • BNR noise reduction to reduce tape hiss in the monaural sound track • Observation window over the cassette compartment • Single gap video heads for solid recordings and longer life • Freeze-frame in pause with tape control • Microphone input jack and earphone jack • Auto dub for adding your own monaural audio • 14-pin K-type side mounted camera input • PCM switch for making better copies and playing PCM recordings • Low battery alert when being powered as a portable • Idle shut-off automatically turns off the VCR to conserve battery life • Remote commander wireless control when using the tuner/timer • DEW indicator with shut down and internal heater • Unswitched AC Outlet tuner/timer for another device up to 400 Watts • UHF and VHF inputs connections when using the VRT-9850 • RF output selectable to VHF channel 3 or 4 when using VRT-9850 • 26-pin multi-connector for tuner/timer, VMC-220A, etc. • Input switch for TUNER, CAMERA or LINE using VRT-9850 • Manual tracking control for fine-tuning the best picture • 5-pin DIN socket for external powering using 12 volts DC • Auto functions: modules 1, 5, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, 15, 19 and 21 apply • Corrections and modifications: module 11 applies • Operation, safety, and protection features are standard • Reproduction of the original owner's manual • Highlighted wording in the features list • 711P chassis design group |
There is a veritable treasure trove of support items that are available for this versatile portable. Check these out in the "Betamax Accessories" section by clicking here.  The VR 9800 was advertised as having a unique search function called Video Action. Perfect for a portable it let you slow search in either direction during playback pause. This was consistent with a theme that was carried through many of their models noted for sporting good handling characteristics. On the similar Sony portables, the SL-2000 and the SL-2005, this special effect was called Videola and then later changed to Swing Search. There is a great story that goes along with these little portables. If you would like to see the before and after click here. The MSRP for the VR 9800 was $1420.00 in 1983, that's around $3700.00 in todays money. The tuner/timer was extra but could be had at a bargain. The VR 9800 will also operate with these other tuner/timers: VRT 9550 and the Sony TT-2000, TT-2001 and TT-2005. This is because they were all made by Sony using the same basic platform. The remote operation, function availability and timer recording capabilities will depend on the tuner/timer unit.  Sony was totally committed to its portable Betas. Their first portable was the SL-3000 and it weighed a ton and was bulky. It worked great but wasn't very user friendly. It sold well enough to show Sony that they were on the right track. This fact also wasn't wasted on Zenith. Sony was making their Beta home recorders and they saw that the public wanted a way to record on the move and see the results immediately afterwards. This confirmed Sony's original game plan to replace 8mm film and its need for waiting for chemical processing before you knew if your results were worth the effort. So the next portable needed to be special. It needed to be reasonably light, small and, most of all, easy to use. It was the SL-2000 and it was well designed and a well thought out super star. The new portable was a hit. And Zenith wanted in on it. So Sony made them a clone marketed as the VR-9800. So big was the reception that they developed a complete support system that allowed the dedicated videophile to perform almost anything they desired when it came to recording video. You could use it not only to capture an on-the-fly media events but also to chronicle family get togethers. It would also double as a home recorder using the companion tuner/timer. You could even go diving under water with it. Of course many of these talents required an ad on device or accessory and Sony was there to provided you with everything you needed. If you could image it they had a way for you to do it. This was no better illustrated by a national advertising campaign that bragged about this new little Betamax and what it could do. To see the ads click here. There was also a great fold out brochure that featured the SL-2000 accessories and a whole lot more. To see it click here.
PERFORMANCE DETAILS: The VR 9800 can record the standard Beta picture in the and speeds and play standard Beta , and . Beta tapes will play but might exhibit picture noise. 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. |
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