lionel@eiffel.DEC (Steve Lionel) (11/12/84)
Jim Kent wanted opinions on three Sony Beta Hi-Fi VCRs: the SL2710, SL-HF300 and SL-HF500. I must admit that I've never heard of a SL-HF500, so I can't comment on that. I do have a nice Sony brochure with a comparison chart of their other models, so I'll give the data from that. Initial comments of my own: The SL2710 is Sony's second-oldest Beta Hi-Fi model in current production and is likely the second best. (The SL2700 is the oldest and best.) The 2710 has just about every ease-of-use feature you'd want, and has the best programmer of all Sony VCRs, but lacks special effects (other than clear freeze-frame and 2X with sound), tab indexing, and a bit of input flexibility. The SL-HF300 is Sony's lowest priced Beta Hi-Fi unit, but that doesn't mean it's a no-frills unit. The HF-300 is equivalent to the Beta Hi-Fi ready SL-HFR30 plus the HFP-100 processor, but without the audio amplifier. I bought an SL-HFR30 for my parents and they've been delighted with it. It also got a good review from Video Review. An advantage of the SL-HF300 is that it is MTS (broadcast stereo) ready, while the SL-HFR30 is not. As for recording audio, any Beta Hi-Fi VCR will give you spectacular results. I have noticed, though, that test results for the SL-HFR30 with HFP-100 showed a dropoff in the high frequencies that was somewhat greater than the more costly Sony units. I don't know if this holds for the SL-HF300. The 2710 and 2700 are also much more flexible in inputs and outputs for audio recording than the lower priced units. First, a list of significant features that the two share: Beta Hi-Fi audio 80db dynamic range 20Hz-20KHz frequency response (+1,-3db) .005% wow and flutter .3% harmonic distortion 60db channel separation Video signal-to-noise ratio of 45db BetaScan (visible fast-forward/reverse) BetaSkipScan (instant switch from ff/rewind to play) Pause/freeze-frame Auto-rewind Return-to-zero Cable ready Stereo broadcast ready Quick Timer Headphone output And a list of differences: SL-2710 SL-HF300 Crystal-clear freeze-frame Yes No 2X fast play with sound Yes No Tape counter Real-time Counter Tuning Direct access 14 presets Total channels 169 107 Betastack capable Yes No Programmer (events/days) 21/9 7/6 Audio dub (mono only) Yes No Aux RF input Yes No Converter RF output Yes No A final point. Sony has introduced a new line of VCRs recently - named SL-20, SL-30, SL-60 and SL-90. The 30, 60 and 90 do (or will) come in Hi-Fi ready versions, to be used with the HFP-100 adapter. The SL-90 with adapter is essentially similar to the SL-2710. I've forgotten right now what the SL-60 has - some sort of special effects, I think. The SL-20 is a non-cable-ready version of the SL-30. Steve Lionel Posted: Mon 12-Nov-1984 08:39 EST To: NET_VIDEO