Advice on used Beta Deck

TheMacB

TheMacB

Veteran
so we're wasting too much time and money trying to get Beta stuff dubbed to miniDV or DVD for editing and back to Beta for broadcast. and we definitely can't afford a new deck. Anybody have any advice about buying a used one? do i have anything to worry about? does this one look good?

http://cgi.ebay.com/Sony-PVW-2800-B...ryZ21168QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

there are some others on there too. right now i'm just looking for somebody to steer me in the right direction. I've never even used one of these things before but it seems like we'll definitely need one. any help would be greatly appreciated. thanks!

-adam
 
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Looks like bidding ended for that particular Beta deck. {Just for future reference} that one you linked to is a workhorse. Sony's PVW-2800 is a great deck and I used it on one of my 1st editing gigs a LONG time ago. They're still going strong. That's why you see the re-sale holding its own.

Forgive my rambling but - you asked. I found myself in a similar situation 2 years ago and took the plunge on eBay as well. It was a very impulsive buy but it turned out great.

I have to have 4 channels of audio for discrete broadcast masters {for international versions}, so that forced my hand as far as deck selection. I ended up with a Sony BVW-70 for 2 grand. This deck is the little brother to the BVW-75 which was a mastering studio deck back in the '80's / '90's before a lot of people had really embraced non-linear and tape-to-tape prevailed. I never actually dreamed of owning such a beefy deck.

If you only need 2 channels, you're set. Look at PVW-2800's and UVW-1800's. The UVW's are newer and re-sale for more but they are a little like the Fisher Price of BetaSP. Some people will disagree but that's their prerogative. Whatever it is, make it Sony. That's really all there is to it. I challenge someone to make a better broadcast deck of any format than Sony.

Where you can get really screwed is if the heads are bad. They can cost a lot to replace and once they're gone, they're gone. Same can be said for the capacitors on the boards. Older decks (like mine) have older capacitors and the solder can literally dry out. Unlike the DV format, BetaSP is very particular about tape transport. Alignment of pinchers and rollers needs to be rock solid. In my experience, DV is either 'talking to the heads' or it's not. There's really no middle ground. Beta's a tad fussier but great when everything lines up.

I don't remember seeing where you're located, Adam but the 'big' house here in town charges $180 / hour to work on just about anything. Ideally, you'll find a mad scientist / analog engineer / duplication wizard like I did that enjoys keeping video gear going. There are people out there that take special pride in extending the lives of used gear that may outlive most of us. An equipment house may exaggerate any problems and send you to sales. Trust me - it's happened to me.

Find a used deck and let the inquisition begin. Get to know the seller as much as you learn about their deck. Questions, questions, questions.....

Tape transport
Heads' condition and HOURS
Power supply
Capacitor status (if they'll tell you)
Error messages (if any)

Also, a common tactic is to say that a battery has died or the counter was not reset since the last time the heads were repleced or serviced. You can pretty much know that this is an outright lie. Then again, what can you do? This holds especially true if it's listed 'as-is' and is an older deck. I gambled and it's paid for itself several times over. I hope you have similar god fortune in your search for a used deck.
 
I bought a UVW 1400 (it's the sister to the 1800 but without editing capabilities)
for the purpose that you need. I love it and it works great. I noticed (or didn't see) the amount of hours on the head for the UVW 1800. The price was pretty good. I paid 4k for the 1400 3 years ago.
Gary
 
Try to stick with the PVW/BVW series in decks, the UVW has WAY too many plastic parts inside that should be, and are metal on the PVW/BVW series.

Have you engineer give it the once over after you get it it.
 
ditto
I have a BVW70 with lotsa miles on it and I came accross an ok deal on a PVW2800. You canfins great deals on ebay but as you know, you are rolling the dice.
I had a dude ship me a broken one, he accepted it back shipped a different broken one. lol
whatcha gonna do? roll of the dice. Any beta sp deck for less than 3k is not unike buying a 500 dollar used car. If it's running, expect it to break down when it's least convenvient. Expect it to break down and it'll ride ya around fo a good year.
 
I hear you, Grinner.

When I first got my BVW70, some of the cables were secured with a twisty like you see on bread bags that was jamming up the travel path. There was also a paper clip holding something (I forget what) in place. The previous owner also left a dated wishlist on the inside cover about all the things he meant to fix when he had the chance. The tech guy had a good laugh and got it back in great shape in about an hour.

The only problem I have had with this 70 is that the confidence heads are no good. That's about it. Not exactly worth replacing. Just gotta QC the tape but it's either on there or it's not!

In addition to the "I can't tell the hours" lie, there's also the "tape is jammed and I can't get it out" problem. I heard this from the guy that works on my deck.... Someone will just jam in a tape and sell it "as-is". You may think you're getting a great deal since a tape transport / carriage problem can be an easy fix. Oftentimes, there may be a whole other world of hurt going on inside when all the bidder's thinking about is getting that tape out and saving some money. Maybe the tape's in there because the power supply's toast. Maybe it's just a bend in the carriage. Maybe operator misfeed. Maybe the deck is whack and you're just determined to get that tape out!

Like McGeeDigital said: "Have your engineer give it the once over after you get it." Even if you don't have an engineer, secure a place that can service the deck and take it over there immediately upon receipt. If you're going down the ubiquitous eBay road, your auction may have a No-DOA window. You see them for as long as 30 days down to 24 hours. Even a 7 day No-DOA should give you time to have a tech determine whether or not it's salvageable and what it might cost. I can't imagine wanting to get into the headache of shipping Beta decks around the country. Again - good luck!
 
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Good grief. Too many plastic parts? I hope you guys don't hammer nails with your decks. I've been using this thing for quite a few years pumping out TV Spots from my computer. A Sony professional deck is just is about as dependable as you can get. I've had 3/4 and 3/4 Sp decks to prove it. Don't make him spend more then he has to.
Gary
 
Gary said:
Good grief. Too many plastic parts? I hope you guys don't hammer nails with your decks. I've been using this thing for quite a few years pumping out TV Spots from my computer. A Sony professional deck is just is about as dependable as you can get. I've had 3/4 and 3/4 Sp decks to prove it. Don't make him spend more then he has to.
Gary
Click to expand...

For what used PVW and BVW decks go for, he WON'T spend too much if he shops around.

And yes the PVW and BVW's are built like TANKS.

I'm glad the UVW is working out for you, but Sony went cheap on that deck. Yes metal parts wear less than plastic ones. I have taken apart my BVW-75 with my engineer, and there is a BIG difference.
 
Gary said:
Sony professional deck is just is about as dependable as you can get.
Click to expand...


Agreed, Gary and I'm also glad you're happy with your UVW. I work with several different clients that have gone that road.

In the time since I bought my BVW, some of those same clients have had some major repairs done. Others have been hassle-free. Roll of the dice as always.

I don't think anyone has encouraged him to spend too much money. My deck was actually cheaper than the UVW's going on eBay at the time. I think people stayed away because of the age and mystery hours on the heads. It is "built like a tank" and keeps on going.

I think that we are all on the same page that Sony makes great decks and the used market can offer some steals. BVW, PVW, UVW - it's all good. I just happen to like the B's & P's more. That's all.
 
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