QUESTION OR INQUIRY   
ANSWER OR EXPLANATION
1. Why should I buy from your online store?
A. It is very important that you know who you are dealing with when you entrust somebody with your money and/or your Beta machine. I have prepared a short dialog that answers specific business questions. It is a special section called "Ordering Online". Please click here.
2. Do you sell factory original remotes for Beta VCRs?
A. I do not sell remotes from my inventory that have companion Beta VCRs, which is nearly all of them. The only remotes I sell are the special wired and infrared controllers featured in the Beta Accessories section. You can go directly to the "Misc. Remotes" index in the Beta Accessories section by clicking here. Also check out "Remote Control Adapters" and the RM-80 in the "Editors" section.
3. Do you sell factory original owner or instruction manuals?

A. No. Originals are retained for duplication. Also, in many cases the originals are yellowed from age or have frayed edges, ideal for copying, but not so good for offering to customers. Reproductions are bright, fresh and crisp. To open the panel for ordering replacement manuals click here.
4. Are the Beta owner or instruction manuals you offer exact duplicates?
A. No. Manuals with all color pages would be too expensive to duplicate exactly. The cover will be in color and the interior in black, gray tones and white. Black and white manuals are almost exact duplicates. To open the form to order replacement manuals click To open the form to order replacement manuals click here.
5. Do you sell factory service manuals?
A. No, but if you need a particular piece of information from a service manual I will try to find it and arrange for you to have it.
6. Do you sell original Beta brochures?
A. No, but if you request something I have, I may be able to make a copy available for you.
7. Do you sell parts?
A. Only on a very limited basis. I have been fortunate in being able to buy out the inventories of closed or closing authorized Beta repair centers. The parts I have in the largest quantities of are specialty ICs and internal components. Appearance parts, doors, front panels, circuit boards and the like, were seldom kept in inventory and are therefore quite rare. Any parts of that nature that I presently have in will be retained for for future Beta refurbishing and resale.
8. Are your refurbished Betas as good as new?
A. No. They are reconditioned, repaired and returned to as close to new as feasible. In some cases, due to modifications, they are improved.
9. Will you refurbish my Beta and how much does it cost?
A. Refurbishing is not economically attractive to most customers. A service I offer that is comparable, and more cost effective, is reconditioning. For this performance booster the Beta is thoroughly cleaned, lubricated and tested. The upper drum is resurfaced (to restore the friction characteristics of the tape path). The guides, tension arm and reels are renewed or replaced. The pinch roller is replaced and the tape path is verified. If tape path alignment is required it is covered by the reconditioning price, in most case. Prices vary depending upon the type and model of unit, but it they start at $89.00. For more information on refurbishing see the "BETA REFURBISHING" section in the main browser. (Note about variations on different model types and manufacturers: Some models do not require or allow upper drum resurfacing.)
10. Do you offer a money back guarantee?
A. No, see the "Warranty Info" section or click here.
11. How do I remove your security tape from my machine. (after the warranty expires? -ed.)
A. The best way to remove the tape is to pull it off a rapidly as possible. Next use a tape with a very strong adhesive, such as that found on double sided foam tape. Slide it across any checkerboard pattern that remains at a 90 degree angle. This usually rolls the pattern off. Any residue can be carefully removed with soap and water or a MILD solvent, such as Naphtha. Test ANY solvent used on an obscure area first.
12. If I e-mail a list of the problems my Beta is having can you help me repair it?
A. I will do what I can to research problems presented to me by Beta enthusiasts, but if it becomes too involved my help is going to limited by time restraints and reality. Repairs, in most instances, require the physical examination and testing of the unit using test equipment. In many instances just knowing what causes a symptom and what circuits are involved is not enough.
13. If I e-mail a list of the problems my Beta is having can you tell me how much it will cost to get it fixed?
A. It is not practical because of so many variables. The only way to obtain an accurate repair estimate is through examination. For information on obtaining an estimate consult "Get It Repaired" or click here.
14. How much does a repair estimate cost?
A. Your investment varies depending upon the particular design of the machine, you would need to contact me using the "Get it Repaired" form for a rate. In general estimate prices start at $49.00 which amount is applied to the final repair, should you elect to proceed. To initiate a repair request click here.
15. How much time does an estimate usually require?
A. It varies with each circumstance, but usually just a couple of days.
16. Do you repair and recondition all brands of Beta machines?
A. I repair all manufacturer brands of regular Beta, SuperBeta, BetaHi-Fi, SuperBetaHi-Fi and ED Beta. (Please note some models are too old to be reliably repaired and reconditioned.)
17. Do you repair VHS machines or any other electronic equipment?
A. No. Beta is my only business.
18. Do you repair Betacam or BetacamSP machines?

A. Not normally. I have very limited information on those formats.
19. Will you purchase my Beta VCR should I decide not to proceed after the estimate?
A. I am always adding to my inventory and customers are a particularly good source of supply. Plus a past favorable experience generates an atmosphere of fair exchange and trust. Good business practices and economics however dictates what I can buy, refurbish and sell at a profit. If an item shows to have little or no interest at an online auction, then most likely it will not be a good candidate for me either. To be successful I must limit my purchases to those items that are the most appealing to the very selective and demanding Beta market.
20. How long does it take for you to recondition a Beta machine?
A. It varies depending on the condition of the machine, from several days to over a week.
21. Do you accept trade-ins or buy Beta VCRs and accessories?
A. Yes, although it can be a diffcult way for me to acquire products. Items offered in my Website are either refurbished or new and come with a 90 day warranty. Any item acquired in a trade or outright purchase is going to require an investment in time, parts and labor before it can be offered for sale, with a warranty. The difference between the two is sometimes hard to convey and can be the source of conflict or bad feelings. I discourage trade-ins because I do not like placing myself in a position that can generate animosity with my customers. If you want to investigate a trade or wish to sell an item please take few seconds and submit the "Trading or Selling" form by clicking here. Fill in all the spaces provided and pay special attention to including the condition of your item. There is a special panel in the "Beta Refurbishing" section that can be used a guide for evaluating a Beta machine. To open that panel click here.
22. After I make a purchase can it trade up for a better unit later?
A. Yes, each case is reviewed and handled individually.
23. Why do you not list the quantity of Betas in your inventory in your price pages?
A. My inventory is constantly changing. Items are always being reconditioned and added. To maintain a current accounting of every Beta would be time consuming and impracticle. If the price page makes note that the item is in short supply this should be interpreted as meaning less than two are available.
24. Do you rent machines?
A. No, to do so would be impractical for me.
25. Do you sell adapters or patch cords?
A. Only those specialty items that perform a particular type of unique function. RF cords, patch cords and line adapters of a general nature can usually be obtained at a local electronics shop, so I don't offer them.
26. Do you offer special quantity discounts?
A. Yes. Use the "Special Services" form to request special pricing or click here.
27. Do you offer a payment plan?
A. Not at this time.
28. Is it acceptable to send cash for a purchase?
A. I wouldn't advise sending cash unless the amount is very small.
29. Do you accept personal checks or credit cards?
A. Personal checks are not accepted. The ONLY accepted payment methods for all merchandise purchases are Postal Money orders, money orders, certified checks, Cashier's checks or credit cards through Paypal (you are not required to have a Paypal account). Please note: credit cards are not accepted as payment for repair estimates or repairs.
30. Where can I purchase money orders or Cashiers checks?
A. Cashiers checks are usually acquired from a bank. Money orders are readily available from the Post Office, grocery store, money center, fast food mart, message service or bank.
31. How much does your double boxing and packing add to the shipping weight of the Beta VCR?
A. Approximately thirteen pounds fourteen ounces.
32. Where can I find the dimensions for my Beta?
A. Find the specifications for your Beta by clicking here.
33. Where can I buy or obtain packaging supplies?
A. Shipping cartons and boxes can be purchased from packaging centers, Parcel shipping companies, office supply stores and the Post Office. Many of these will also handle packing materials (bubble wrap, packing peanuts, labels, etc.).
34. Will you custom load special recording lengths for Beta cassettes?
A. Yes. Use the "Special Services" form to make this request by clicking here.
35. Is there an adapter that will allow me to play my Beta tapes in a VHS machines?
A. No. The drum size is different so even if you loaded your Beta tape into a VHS shell it would not produce a recognizable image.
36. Do you copy Beta to VHS or DVD?
A. I currently do not perfom this service, but there are a number of companies that will. They can be found through your local yellow pages or by using the internet. Use caution though, investigate the firms you select and get assurances that you will get your tapes returned to you in good condition. I also recommend that you examine the first question in the "Ask MisterBetamax" section prior to committing your tapes to DVD.
37. How is the two way winder from Misterßetamax easier on tapes if it senses the tape has come to a stop before ceasing rotation?
A. My Beta winder employs a revolution detector to sense when the tape has come to a stop and a solenoid to open the cassette compartment lid. The common pop-n-stop rewinders rely on the impact of the tape coming to a stop to trip a lever or swing a pendulum arm. This releases the cassette holder, which raises up under spring pressure and trips a microswitch to stop the motor. It is the abrupt stopping and snapping action of the tape that can cause it to be wound too tight, bunch up on the reels, break or produce fish eyes. (To see examples of this type of damage click here.) Once the tape gets wrinkled from this kind of damage it is ruined. To go to the technical page on the design of my winder click here.
38. Do you manufacture your own video tape?
A. No. To be a manufacturer of video tape would require an investment of millions. I do, however, load cassettes with premium quality tape that meets my stringent standards. This gives me the freedom to reject any product that I consider to be inferior, and there are some. Best of all it allows me to load special lengths that wouldn't be available any other way.
39. How often do you update you Site?
A. It is constantly being modified and updated.
40. Is it okay to copy the images in your Website?
A. Not without my express permission. All material is covered by a general copyright. See the "Business Statement" page for more information about stealing intellectual properties or click here.
41. Does visiting your Site put any spy ware, scripts, applets or temporary files on my computer?
A. None what so ever. One cookie is stored in your browser to prevent duplication of events within the index page, and that is all. It is very small and is automatically erased when you leave my Site or close your browser. Nothing remains. I am very aware that worms, viruses and temporary files can do more than just annoy you, they can slow down or destroy your computing experience.
42. Will you recycle my old batteries and will I receive a credit towards the purchase of reloaded batteries?
A. Yes. You will receive a credit not for the internal cells themselves but for the plastic cases that contains them. To open the form for recycling click here. Be sure to mention you would like to receive a credit towards a future purchase.
43. Where can I locate the meanings or explanations for the components, terms and acronyms that appear within your Site?
A. Search for the term you require by using the "Terms" link located at the bottom of this page or click here.
44. Do you offer any universal remotes? A. No. These are something best acquired from a local electronics store.
45. What does the NTSC mean in the Beta logo?
A. Unless otherwise noted in the item's description all the products found within this Website were manufactured to operate on the NTSC broadcasting standard. The NTSC Beta logo is a reminder.
46. I have lost my instructions for the internal cleaning kit. On the outside of the box it says instructions are also available from your Website. How do I go to them?
A. Instructions can be found in the Misterßetamax Website by clicking here.

Note: your browser will refresh and the internal cleaning instructions work page will open.