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Most Beta manufacturers supplied some models with an observation window over the cassette compartment. Located in the top of the cabinet above the cassette compartment it provided a way to see inside the machine and generally keep track of the amount of recording time remaining. A typical window is shown below. The cassette inside is a late design that had clear plastic lens above both inside reels. Most cassettes had the typical circular lens on the left side with the right side being reserved for a label. Estimate the time remaining was by feel or by using the diameter of the tape on the supply reel (spool of tape located on the left). The VCR window was usually marked with lines (se below) that helped in gauging the approximate time left. This time would vary depending on the length of the cassette used: L-250, L-500, L-750, etc. Each observation window was handsomely finished and added more appeal to the VCR. It was a luxury extra reserved for high-end or specialty machines. The window was standard with all portables models. All the early top loading Betas had an observation window in the push down cassette receiver. Below the picture is a table showing all the late models that I commonly inventory that have observation windows.  Typical observation window on top showing the cassette with the spools inside. Sony models with an observation window The other Betamakers *Portable VCRs. Only listed are the newer models I normally keep in inventory. ©Misterßetamax
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