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Only cassettes that have the  symbol or  mark should be used in a Beta VCR* (see text). There were other video cassettes that look like Beta but are recorded in different formats. They will go into this machine, but they will not play a recognizable picture. Cassette harmony is covered in this discussion.
When Betamax first hit the scene there was only one type of cassette. But in later years that all changed. The shell design was so good that it was used for a number of professional tape formats. These are NOT compatible with the Beta recording format. These cassette will go in but their recordings WILL NOT play. Because these other formats use the same cassette shell it can cause confusion today. I want to clear this up, so here is the lowdown on the various formats other than Beta.  The Extended Definition Betamax cassette is shown in the photo above. These might have different color combinations, window placements and variations in branding, but if they have the ED Beta or the "B" mark in the upper right corner they are good to go with this VCR. These symbols indicate it is for use in either a regular Beta or ED Beta VCR. Below the cassette there are a number of interesting variations that also use this formidable cassette shell. These are other formats and they are totally different from Beta or ED Beta (except for the cassette design). They will go into this VCR and you CAN fool them into recording. You might have to put scotch tape over the record protection holes, but they will record and play back. BUT if they were recorded in their intended format they will play but WILL NOT produce a viewable picture. Let's examine the different logos. Going left to right the first one is Betamax. Any cassette labeled with the Betamax logo will record and play in any Beta machine without any complaint from the VCR. Next to it is the ED Beta (Extended Definition Beta) logo. Tapes recorded in this format will play and record in this ED Beta machine without issue. Next to it is the Betacam logo. Tapes recorded in Betacam WILL NOT produce a clear picture in this Betamax. It will be scrambled and the sound will be distorted. The rest of the formats listed also WILL NOT produce a clear picture when played if they were recorded in their native formats. They only use the Beta cassette shell, their recording methods are totally different. Note: Recording in ED Beta requires metal tape. BetacamSP, BetacamSX, Digital Betacam and MPEG IMX are all loaded with metal formula tape and they can be substituted and used in ED Beta machines. Betacam tapes are loaded with an oxide formula tape. They can be used in ED Beta machines for standard Beta and SuperBeta recording.
*My CopyRight metal formula cassettes can be used in ED Beta machines and will produce excellent results. If you want to really delve into video tape and the different video formats check this out. In 2004 the state of Texas commissioned a Videotape Identification and Assessment guide. To examiner it click here then run the pdf that opens. The actual address should the link not connect properly is: https://www.arts.texas.gov/wp-content/uploads/2012/04/video.pdf ©Misterßetamax go to homepage |