lionel@tle.DEC (Steve Lionel) (02/11/86)
> Path: decwrl!pyramid!hplabs!utah-cs!e-smith > Subject: SL-HF 900 questions My answers to the questions raised follow each question. I don't own an SL-HF900 - my SL-2700 is still going strong! - Steve 1) To what extent can the insertion editing be remotely controlled? I would like to use it with a SMPTE vertical interval time code generator/reader and have computer control over editing to do things like edit together computer graphics frame by frame. Does the edit interface allow you to do this type of thing? I suppose what I really need is to be able to position the tape, set the start and end edit marks, and initiate the edit. I further suppose that as long as the edit marking and initiation is controllable, I could imitate the IR remote to search, if I had to. If the interface won't do what I want I guess I'll just have to hack it up. Sorry, not sure about this. I do know that the remote interface is capable of starting recording and pausing, but I think that it is capable of more. 2) When you program timed record events, can you specify the input sources? I'd like to be able to program it to record a TV program, then a radio program, etc. Sorry, no. 3) The brochure says that the RMT-125 UniCommander remote control uses "Sony Infrared Remote Control System" (SIRCS), "that permits multiple command functions with no conflict between them -- even remote control of two Betamax VCRs independently, without interference." Does this mean I can get two units, and uses separate remotes with both? Do you set some code or frequency to distinguish them? My current VCR just has a switch to disable the remote, so if you have two you can only use one remote. Has anyone used the GE Command Central with this? Can you program it to control 2 SL-HF 900s (I wish it had more than 4 modes)? Yes - the VCR and the remote have a switch to select one of two sets of command signals - VCR1 and VCR2 - so that you can have two Sony VCRs and remote control them independently. The VCR1 set is the one used on all other Sony VCRs. 4) In the brochure I just picked up (TURN PRO!) on one page there is a box that looks to be about 3" tall by 5" wide, depth unknown, with an LCD display and typical VCR controls on top of the SL-HF 900. What is it? An 8-mm VCR? Probably the CCD-V8AFu 8mm camcorder. This is a very potent combination with the SL-HF900, especially with the CCD-V8s flying erase heads and the optional editing controller. 5) Last, but most important, a non-technical question: Where can I get a really good discount? I've got to have it!!!!! (Beta forever!!!!!!) NYC prices seem to be about $1000. My local dealer has them for about $1100. Sony recently lowered the wholesale price of the SL-HF900 by about $70.