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From: e-smith@utah-cs.UUCP (Eric L. Smith)
Newsgroups: net.video
Subject: Summary of replies to SL-HF 900 questions
Message-ID: <3687@utah-cs.UUCP>
Date: Mon, 17-Feb-86 19:00:16 EST
Article-I.D.: utah-cs.3687
Posted: Mon Feb 17 19:00:16 1986
Date-Received: Fri, 21-Feb-86 04:52:03 EST
Organization: University of Utah Ada-to-Silicon project
Lines: 38

So far I have gotten quite a few replies to my questions about the
Sony SL-HF 900 high end SuperBeta HiFi VCR.

1)  The editing features can not be completely controlled by the remote.
    Further, the accuracy of edit points is unclear, as the elapsed time
    counters only show seconds, not frames.  This should still be alright
    for doing single frame insertion editing if I use SMPTE vertical 
    interval time code, and can switch from play to record precisely (which
    I am not sure I can do).

2)  There appears to be some controversy over whether the SL-HF 900 has
    flying erase heads.  Two people responded that it doesn't;  I can't
    understand how the edits I have seen are so clean if it really doesn't.

3)  The timer programming apparently can only select the input source to be
    one of two RF inputs, one of which is for a fixed channel (like the output
    of a cable TV decoder).

4)  The remote and the VCR both have switches to select VCR1/VCR2 operation,
    so there is no problem controlling two units with two remotes or one
    GE Command Central.

5)  The thing on top of the SL-HF 900 in the brochure is an 8mm edit
    controller.  This will send commands to the SL-HF 900, but gets no
    feedback.

Well, overall I would say that based on the replies I have recieved to date,
it would appear that the SL-HF 900 is without question the most capable VCR
on the consumer market, but it still is not quite at the professional level as
Sony would have us believe.  I plan to get one with the month, and will
probably pick up a second soon after.

Thanks again to all the people who have replied to my questions.
-- 
Eric L. Smith  (801) 581-8100  e-smith@utah-cs.arpa  ...decvax!utah-cs!e-smith
3118 Merrill Engineering,  University of Utah,  Salt Lake City, UT  84112
  The opinions expressed herein do not necessarily represent those of the
  University of Utah, my friends, enemies, computer, or even me.  :-)