Sony Betamax SL-2500 Demo tape (1981)

Demo tape for the first front-loading Beta VCR in 1981. Tape isn't in great shape, as you can tell.

[@DelilahThePig]

Beautifully designed machine. If I were in the market for a VCR in 1981, this would be a considerable win over VHS.

[@bobskie321]

18:00 In the old days every button on the remote control are also on the system. Today most functions are only on the remote which means if you lost the remote you're in trouble.

[@TheMediaHoarder]

Yes, it turns out I did have the SuperBeta switched on, and only recently discovered that it should be turned off when playing non-SuperBeta tapes (basically every tape I have.) Yes, I am embarrassed. I will try to re-do this someday.

[@crashbandicoot4everr]

eyeh8nbc What Beta model do you have?

[@kirk1968]

This is great! I worked in TV news for almost 20 years, and we used beta up until recently before going to digital.

[@pHD77]

That would be BetaCAM, not to be confused with BetaMAX. Although the cassette factor is pretty much identical, the Betacam tape speed is significantly higher and has a different tape formulation (not recommended to use Betacam tapes in a Betamax machine).

[@JPX64Channel]

betacam is like the little brother who became a lot bigger and smarter than his older brother

[@kirk1968]

@@JPX64Channel That is a great analogy!

[@supermasterPIK]

Technically, is the first "real front" loader, because the 5000 was a top loader mechanism adapted to woek as a fromnt loading one.

[@candycomforts]

Always wanted a betamax machine.

[@kirk1968]

Ah, thanks for clarifying. Never had a consumer-level Beta player at home, but always thought the smaller cassette size was preferable!

[@TheMediaHoarder]

Betacam is not the same as consumer Beta. The cassettes are the same, but the recorded signal is entirely different.

[@KLM817]

I actually like the idea of the "Cassette is inside" door. Much easier to see rather than most VCR's having the tiny little "tape" icon on the time display.

[@pHD77]

Really? I always found it annoying to not be able to actually see the tape inside though the flap door and prefer the LED indicator.

[@supermasterPIK]

On this machine the original "U Matic" loading system was modified to save space on machine chassis. Thats the 711 DECK, where the tape is wound around left side of head drum.

[@TheMediaHoarder]

8mm tapes were smaller (just a bit larger than audiocassettes), but those were mainly used with consumer camcorders.

[@Watcher3223]

The dropouts seem reminiscent of modulation noise. What VCR was used to play this? For instance, if the deck was a SuperBeta deck, then it's possible that this cassette was played with the SuperBeta switch set to ON. Regular Betamax recordings should be played back with the SuperBeta switch set to OFF. Another possibility: some Beta VCRs have a PCM mode. The PCM mode should be set to OFF as PCM mode disables picture dropout compensation. Dropout compensation would interfere with digital PCM sound recordings made on Betamax cassettes, such as those from a Betamax VCR connected to the Sony PCM-F1 digital audio encoder/decoder. And, my opinion: if you're after the SL-2500, opt for the SL-2700. Essentially the same deck, with the same smooth and quiet dual direct drive idler mechanism and all the special playback toys, but with the addition of Beta hi-fi.

[@videoholic1980sA]

This is great, never saw this before!! Can I put a link to this video in my Betamax website?

[@drseusslover]

Yes, it can be seen on the films of Otto Preminger

[@TheMediaHoarder]

Just remembered Sony promoted the smallness of their "Super Walkman" cassette player in 1984 nearly the same way, by noting the 'flatness' of the motors in it.

[@supermasterPIK]

Sorry for wo much questions, but I love these displays. Lights up all the lighs when calculating tape remaining?

[@jeffk7734]

I wonder how many people had trouble got tripped up when trying to set the record timer on this unit? The record time or seems to be the feature that everybody complains about.

[@TheMediaHoarder]

Yeah, and the beautiful picture quality of this tape certainly proves that (sarcasm).

[@pHD77]

This can be blamed at either the heads of the VCR having been worn or the tape itself being a victim of Father Time.

[@crashbandicoot4everr]

This is not the first front loading VCR. The first was the SL-5000

[@glennmillerfan]

The SL-5000 was the first front-loading Betamax. I believe it was introduced in mid-1981. Front-loading VHS recorders were introduced as early as 1979 with the Sharp VC-6800.

[@supermasterPIK]

2: 37 - I have no audio... The indicator lights aup based on tape length when playing back? Or just litys when recording?

[@drseusslover]

Can you do Magnetic Video logo (no voiceover variant)?

[@supermasterPIK]

2:17 - When unit is empty, indication on black hides??? or pops down?

[@supermasterPIK]

19:00 ... Are these metal buttons?? Or chromed plastic buttons?

[@TheMediaHoarder]

Sure! Wish the picture wasn't so bad, but what can you do.

[@TheMediaHoarder]

I would if I had it! Does that even exist?

[@supermasterPIK]

Can a Betacam (e.g. broadcast equipment) read a Betamax tape ???

[@DelilahThePig]

No. That uses a component signal and runs quicker. The cassette can be used, but only to record and play betacam format signals.

[@TeriLynn923]

At the time, Beta was better quality. No matter what kind of tape it is, it's going to deteriorate over time.

[@christiansenron4]

1981 i thought the sony profeel came out in 1982