Betamax VCRs excel in video performance and operation. This makes them very friendly when copying to another medium like a hard drive, DVD or another VCR. The various qualities and functions are intuitive and appealing. They feature smart picture controls combined with a simple well thought out and functional interface. Behaviors (including the still, step and scan) are very straight forward and refined. Here is the rundown of how inviting the DVD friendly Betas can be. Most will play all three tape speeds: , , and even s (depending on the model). Locating the start of desired passages is a breeze with the tapes location shown in the display using hours, minutes and seconds (realtime HMS). Some use a digital counter that is operated using the pulses coming from the tape for great accuracy. If the model has the SuperBeta 20% picture enhancement it can be switched ON and OFF, in most cases (model specific). This control can help in reducing picture noise (white bursts or sparkles) that can occur around the edges of some images.. Further fine tuning of the video comes in the form of a sharpness knob or switch that helps in smoothing out a particularly grainy picture (model specific). The audio can be accessed independently from either the monaural audio track or the Betahi-fi stereo, depends on the model and the recording. To top it all off, the tracking adjustment has a wide range, good for matching non-native tapes with this machine. You couldn't ask for better companion for transfer work. For a list of the DVD friendly Betas click here. ©Misterßetamax go to homepage