Sony Pro Betacam SP Recorder - Player UVW 1400A

Although VHS became the domestic standard for domestic video use, Betacam and its variations was always the professional standard used. These machines were stock standard equipment for any serious video facility.

Sony Betacam SP Recorder - Player

Model UWV 1400A RGB

NTSC Format

120V AC line supply !!!!

This is your basic Betacam SP player/recorder.

It features a built in LTC time code reader and is equipped with S-Video, RGB and component inputs and outputs.

It also incorporates Dolby C noise reduction to improve performance on the linear audio tracks.

Built in character generator to provide information about the VTR status, self-diagnostics messages timecode and set-up information.

More than 100 minutes of recording/playback time using L-size Metal Betacam SP cassettes

Two longitudinal audio channels with the Dolby C-type Noise Reduction System with level indication in unique bar graph indicators

Built-in Time Base Stabiliser with advanced high quality digital dropout compensation

Built-in EBU time code (LTC/User Bits) generator and reader

D-sub 25-pin interface complied with RS-232C for external computer operation

Y/R-Y/B-Y component signal input and output via BNC switchable to RGB inputs/outputs

Foot switch control capability

Trigger signal output function for Sony colour video printers

Both separate sync and a sync on green channel connectors

Composite input/output connectors S-video (Y/C separate) input/output connectors

Auto repeat function

Back space editing for smooth transition between scenes with optional remote controller (not supplied with this unit)

High speed picture search provides recognisable colour picture at up to 5 times normal speed in forward and reverse (16 times in monochrome) with the optional SVRM-100A Remote Control Unit

Built-in character generator to monitor display information such as VTR status, time code, self-diagnostic message, set-up menu, etc.

Initial set-up menu to preset various detailed operational parameters

Digital hours meter

Built-in self-diagnostics

Warning indicator to prevent misconnection and misoperation

TESTING:

All tests made via my variac running 110V (to be safe) line supply into the unit

Hours: Drum 001 Tape 000 (no tape inserted) Thread 0005 Operation 00898

Powers up fine

VU's and main menu fully operational. I stepped through the parameter settings with no problems.

No error messages at startup

Used brand new BCT-30M Betacam SP tape for testing.

Immediate problem, mechanical. Error Code 02-594 when attempting to play-rewind-fast forward, this indicates a tape reel motor issue.

It does thread the tape around the drum with no problems.

On screen from Video output 3 is fine

So, there you have it - this definitely needs a service or part it out for an existing machine you need to maintain.

COSMETICS:

Very clean, no dents or significant scratching

Display is bright, all segments display fine