Sanyo 7200 Beta Hi-Fi VCR

[RobertB]

     Darn!  A few weeks ago I was trying to show old student movies to the current students in class.  The movies were saved on Beta tape, and I was using the old 1984 Sanyo 7200 Beta Hi-Fi VCR.  Well, the old machine groaned as it loaded in the first tape, but it played it correctly.  I ejected out the tape and tried a second tape.  The machine groaned again, but this time would not load the tape around the drum and pulleys.  Oh-oh.  I tried several times and even pulled the cover off the VCR to see what was happening.  Not being a VCR repairman, I couldn't do anything.
    Thinking that repairing the old VCR was not worth it, I figured it was time to buy another working one.  I waited for filmmakers Rory and Jerold who were going to investigate if there were any Beta VCRs available to them.  With no response from them, I then checked eBay.  Hmm, junkers, average ones that people were bidding on, and high-priced ones that were mint.  I didn't want to bid; I wanted a Buy Now machine.  Finally, I decided on a Buy Now Sanyo 7200 that was described as refurbished by the seller.  New rubber... a new drum...  even a 3-day return policy with free return.  With shipping, it came to $203... about $50 above what I was hoping.  I paid via Paypal and now am awaiting the arrival of the VCR.

         Too many Beta tapes archived,
         Robert Bernardo
         Fresno Commodore User Group
         http://videocam.net.au/fcug

[Paul]

Wow, that's amazing! I can vaguely remember when they were clearing out the players for half that! Personally, I've always had good luck with flea markets and thrift stores. If I come across a Beta machine, I'll let you know, Robert.

[RobertB]

If I come across a Beta machine, I'll let you know, Robert.

Oh, thanks.  If it is working properly, that is good.  If it is a higher-end model -- one with SuperBeta and Hi-Fi or even with a jog wheel on it -- that would be great.

          Truly,
          Robert Bernardo
          Fresno Commodore User Group
          http://videocam.net.au/fcug

[RobertB]

Finally, I decided on a Buy Now Sanyo 7200 that was described as refurbished by the seller.  New rubber... a new drum...  even a 3-day return policy with free return.  With shipping, it came to $203... about $50 above what I was hoping.  I paid via Paypal and now am awaiting the arrival of the VCR.

The VCR came in a couple of days ago.  It works well, though there is a humming noise from the transformer even in standby mode.

          Truly,
          Robert Bernardo
          Fresno Commodore User Group
          http://videocam.net.au/fcug