Model-20 Beta Hi-Fi Video Cassette Recorder
(160-0600) Features Faxback Doc. # 41501
Your REALISTIC Model 20, Beta Hi-Fi Video Cassette Recorder allows true
state-of-the-art stereo audio recording/playback, along with superb video
recording/playback while remaining completely compatible with standard Beta
tapes. If you are not familiar with the advantages of Beta Hi-Fi, see "What
is Beta Hi-Fi" on the next page.
The Model 20's many features, listed below, make operation easy and conven-
ient.
Please read this owner's manual carefully. It has been prepared to assist
you during the initial set-up procedure, and guide you in every day opera-
tion of the Model 20.
After you become familiar with the operation, refer to the "Simplified
Instruction Card" for operation reminders.
CAUTION: This unit can be permanently damaged by:
Excessive heat
Moisture or humid conditions
Exposure to excessive dust or dirt
Take care to avoid these conditions at all times.
WARNING: TO AVOID THE HAZARDS OF FIRE OR ELECTRICAL SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE
THIS UNIT TO RAIN OR OTHER MOISTURE.
CAUTION: RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK. DO NOT OPEN!
CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE COVER. NO
USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SER-
VICE PERSONNEL.
LIGHTNING This symbol indicates that dangerous voltage constituting a
BOLT SYMBOL risk of electric shock is present within this unit.
Beta Hi-Fi, Stereo Audio System - See "What is Beta Hi-Fi" below.
Two Different Audio/ - Select either Beta II or Beta III recording speed
Video Recording Speeds for up to five hours of recording/playback with an
L-830 tape. (See Faxback Doc. # 41505) For best
results, we recommend L-500 or L-750 tapes.
Audio-Only Recording - Allows you to use the audio portion of the Model
Mode 20 separately. The Beta Hi-Fi audio system exceeds
the performance of most cassette or reel-to-reel
audio decks and allows up to five hours of record-
ing on a single tape.
Automatic Playback - Selects the proper playback speed Selection for you
Speed (Beta II or Beta III), even if you have recorded
programs at different speeds on a single tape.
Seven-day, One-event - Set the Model 20 to turn on, record, and turn off
Timer once any time during a eight day period; or at the
same time every day. (See Faxback Doc. # 41509)
Three-way Special - Allows you to search the tape in either direction
Feature Playback at a fast speed; the audio will be muted. Or you
may "freeze" the picture at any time during play-
back. (See Faxback Doc. # 41507)
105 Channel Electronic - Program any 12 channels from VHF, UHF, or Cable
Tuner with 12 Pre-set (mid-band and super-band) channels. Re-program the
Programmable Channel Channel Select Buttons as often as you like. (See
Select Buttons Faxback Doc. # 41503.)
Feather-Touch, - Press any function button at any time. The built-
Full-Logic Controls in microprocessor makes it unnecessary to press
STOP when changing tape direction or going from
fast-forward/rewind to play; and if you press an
improper button (such as FAST-Forward/SEARCH
during recording) the Model 20 will ignore the
command.
Full-Function Wireless - Allows you to use all the tape Control motion con-
Remote trols from a remote location. (See Faxback Doc.
# 41508.)
Digital LED Tape - (See Faxback Doc. # 41507.)
Counter with Memory
Function
Automatic Rewind System- (See Faxback Doc. # 41507.)
Dew Protection System - (See Faxback Doc. # 41511.)
with Dew Indicator
Important Copyright Information
Unauthorized recording or use of broadcast television programming, video
tape, film or other copyrighted material may violate applicable copyright
laws. Radio Shack assumes no responsibility for the unauthorized duplica-
tion, use or other acts which infringe upon the rights of copyright owners.
What is Beta Hi-Fi?
With the regular Beta system, the audio track is a very narrow portion of
the tape, separate from the video track. This, combined with the very slow
tape speed across the audio heads, severely limits the audio frequency
response.
Through a process called "multiplexing," Beta Hi-Fi uses virtually the
entire tape and the rapidly rotating video heads to record/playback both
the audio and video portions of the program. And even though both portions
of the program share this large section of the tape, they do not interfere
with each other.
This special system allows audio recording superior to most cassette or
reel-to-reel audio recording decks, as shown in the specifications on
Faxback Doc. # 41514.
Is the Model 20 Compatible with Regular Beta VCRs?
Yes! The Model 20 will play tapes made for regular Beta or Beta Hi-Fi
machines. The model 20 automatically senses a standard Beta tape and plays
its audio regardless of the playback setting. For Beta Hi-Fi tapes you may
select either regular or Hi-Fi playback - Beta Hi-Fi recordings always have
a regular audio track in addition to the multiplexed Hi-Fi audio.
You may record tapes with only the regular audio track or both stereo Hi-Fi
and regular audio tracks. In either case, they will be compatible with
regular Beta machines.
Comparison of the tape speed
Another way to think of it is in reference to tape speed. If all other
things are equal, a faster tape speed will result in better audio perform-
ance. The chart below shows that the tape speed for regular Beta audio is
between 0.8"/sec and 0.5"/sec. The system used for Beta Hi-Fi is equal to
a speed of 275"/sec.
Regular Beta VCR -> Beta II: 0.8"/sec.
Beta III: 0.5"/sec.
Beta Hi-Fi VCR -------- ----> 275"/sec.
(LB/EB 9/11/97)
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