What type of player do I need for these video tapes?

[Dr_Layne]

I have won a couple of what I think are called Betacam SP tapes on Ebay. One of them says PCM audio, so not sure what type of player I would need to transfer these tapes. I do not have them yet, but here is a link so you can see pictures of them.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=3853871145&ssPageName=ADME:B:EOAB:US:6

Steve Bennett

[Matt D]

Simple, you need a Betacam player. You should be able to pick one up for a few thousand bucks.

[VideoTechMan]

Yes, I have seen and handlled those type tapes before in an editing studio. Those are the broadcast tapes, so like the previous poster mentioned, you need to have the Betacam SP player deck to play back those tapes, and I will tell you those units are very expensive (like several thousand dollars). In addition, you need the appropriate connectors to be able to view them on a monitor since they do not have any composite analog outputs (they mostly have the BNC and other specialized connectors).

VTM

[Dr_Layne]

BNC is no problem, have adapters for that. I guess betacam decks aren't as cheap as Umatic decks. I do video transfers as a hobby and purchased a Umatic player cheap off of ebay. But Betacam decks are way up there. If anyone here is willing to transfer these tapes to SVHS let me know.

Steve Bennett

[redwudz]

You might check with your local PBS TV station. They might be friendly enough to let you use their deck. Worth a try.

[NoodleMaps]

Like the previous poster mentioned, try you local Television outlet or Cable Access station. You can also look in the phone book under Video Production. Alot of these places have a deck. I would offer to do a dupe for you, but at the moment work is backed up. If you can't find anyone that is willing to help feel free to contact me after the Holidays.