Not bad! Sometimes, I wish they made DVD players these days that could do that. I would love to be able to navigate my own menus and stuff of that sort. I am blind and I think me and this lovely VCR would have gotten along very well in my younger days.
Goldstar-made unit circa 1999. I remember seeing this VCR on display in the stores. Though I thought it was cheap-looking, I was also intrigued by the unique design with the shaped buttons and all. I almost got it based on the cool buttons alone, but went for the Zenith/Inteq IQVB423 instead. It also has SpeakEZ programming (as did all Zenith VCR models made that year), but it was much higher-end looking with the 17" wide design and a much more comprehensive VFD display with audio level indicators, etc. Very impressive looking for a Goldstar-built vcr of that later period. It's still working today.
Everything (not just VCRs) has upgradeable firmware. Just not field upgradable ones. On the ROM chip there's probably a "REV" sticker stating the version it runs.
i had quite a few VHS tapes when i was a kid for various cartoons and movies and i liked looking at the strangely shaped holes on the backs of the casettes also i used to have a magnavox TV and VHS/disc player combo which worked perfectly until one day the VHS system malfunctioned where when i inserted a tape as soon as the system pulls the casette to the video head, i would hear a loud noise that sounds like a jam noise and then the TV would randomly shut off
I had a VCR, also a Zenith with this feature. It was a mono 2-head unit we got in like 1999. I think the voice might've been a bit different but it was still recorded samples and not synthesized.
I imagine this VCR could serve the visually impaired. I know my grandfather could use it (if he was still interested in his old VHS collection, that is.)
The head cleaner is actuated by the post that wraps the tape around the head. It bumps against the plastic tail attached to the spongy bit and makes it touch the head briefly.
What a nice VCR! Bring visually impaired these sorts of things are more than just a gimmick. I especially like the talking Freeview box I used at college, it announced the name and short description of the TV show in the programme guide.
I wich you could get into more detail why the picture is so stable & sharp, no fuzzy scattering lines or reversed lines on top & bothem of the screen. That’s amezing.
Were there ever any VCRs that output S Video? I know S Video wouldn’t really improve the resolution of VHS (240 lines) but wouldn’t it be a bit more clearer and the colors sharper? I’m not an expert in S Video, but doesn’t it separate the luminance and chroma signals or something along those lines?
Looks like it was designed for visually impaired users, also judging by the size and symbols of the buttons on the front panel. Also, the flutter on that recording is terrible, was it caused by the tape or by a bad transport?
and the reason databits i subscribe to his channel and hit all after i hit notification bell is that im here for that to see zenith protects but dont worry databits can bring new freshly different contents. instead of the stale same old one that was rehashed.
8:29 this feels like *telephone based hotline service!* I will dial, and the pre-recorded woman gave user option which can be selected using numbers. But this time, *you are feeling like dialing a visual VCR machine!* Perfect for blind!
the sound effect for the screen transitions you used such as at 1:05 made me wonder... Did I log into World of Warcraft? I actually took the video off full screen just to check if WoW was currently running in the background (it wasn't).. The sound is the same sound effect WoW uses when you're on a flying mount and take off from the ground.
VCRs fascinate me. Any vintage electronics really. I mean yes technology has come a long way with DVDs then digital but when you look at these VCRs or cassette players or vintage HiFi systems there is just so much mechanical components going on internally. I really think even though we are more advanced now, the ones who built these devices had to know alot more. Like a DVD player. A disc spins and a laser shines on the DVD but with a vcr there is just so many moving parts that all have to move at the right moment and if they aren't exact you would end up with a bunch of tape jammed in the machine or other issues. Idk I just like to watch mechanical mechanisms at work.
I always wondered why some manufacturers used that "elevator" style pinch roller. That just added mechanical complexity when a "standard" roller just pivots over a short distance.
Some old machines are fascinating in how the did things...like laserdisc/CD turner things, that are not turning...where a caddy does all the work...very creative ways were found to accomplish different things...subscribed to channel after third video...good work!!! *8:26* yes it is *lol* was shaking my head in disbelieve when she started to speak =D
1:10 Indonesian made? I didn't even know it was assembled here... tbh, much like Dreamcast! Might be an old time when China wasn't really centered for mass production...
I have one that is similar to that one, but it's a later model from 2001 and the synthesized voice feature sounds a little bit different (it sounded lower pitched). It also had the same exact on screen menu. Unfortunately, my unit could no longer record and playback tapes (I believe it might be a mechanism problem).
WE HAD THIS WHEN I WAS A CHILD. Don't have it anymore...dumbass me and my dumbass friend, found it in my families shed and took it apart while it was still plugged in. Long story short, we almost burnt the house down😂😂😂
This VCR actually has decent playback quality, considering the 240 line resolution. Or were you just lucky to have a tape, that hardly has done any playback and still looks good?
In order to reproduce HiFi sound from a tape, the tape has to be recorded with HiFi audio. Maybe you could record something on a blank tape to test the HiFi sound
There was a series of Betamax VCRs that had a built-in speaker and a voice synth on them! The model was SL-2410. Also your VCR seems to have an issue because I heard a lot of wow and flutter on the sample video playback.
Well, I heavily doubt any prerecorded tape you may find is recorded in EP speed. The demonstrated tape is a promotional video for St. Louis University, and has been uploaded in full on this channel right after this video.
8:46 So the University sent out VHS tapes to prospective students? Or was it meant to be shown in front of a class of high-schoolers? 9:04 Is it not uploaded yet?
Wasn't this a Funai recorder? I see 'Made in Indonesia'. I remember that most recorders are made by Funai in the last years of VHS. They all have the same transport and OSD. Same as LG, Samsung, Panasonic, JVC etc.
Here I have an LG, JVC and Samsung. Also made in Indonesia. They all have the same transport, build design and menu (OSD), as this Zenith (except the Voice). In the last days of VHS no big brand was making their own VHS machines any more. Funai is also the maker of many Marantz, Denon and JVC blu-ray players.
I really wish I'd heard about these while growing up. I'm completely blind and one of those would have been really useful! Thank you for sharing!!!
Erica, glad you are a part of my channel. Thanks for commenting.
Erica Cole HAHA jokes on you, YOU CAN'T EVEN TELL WHAT I'M SAYING.
you're not blind; you typed this comment
But wait why watch a movie if you can't see it?
But... why do you want to record TV when you're blind?
As long as doesn't try to convince me that a door is a jar. (Talking Chrysler joke)
HAHA! Great joke.
K-cars with talking computers: the only cars that will actually say "Thank you!" after hitting a deer.
Probably produced for the elderly, considering the buttons on the front have shapes for their functions, and the speech feature
Anyone with a visual impairment. I wouldn't be surprised if there was a UK version sold by the RNIB as well.
The talking menu reminds me ofvthose automated phone systems.
Not just barely reminds of it. Change the name and number of the options and its IDENTICAL!
Not bad! Sometimes, I wish they made DVD players these days that could do that. I would love to be able to navigate my own menus and stuff of that sort. I am blind and I think me and this lovely VCR would have gotten along very well in my younger days.
Onn makes some DVD units with TTS. Check your local WalMart.
There's also a Voice Guide option on my Sony DVD Player.
Sigh, for a second I hoped speak-ez was a feature that sold me bootleg booze.
In the 1920s and 1930s, that was exactly the case, except they almost certainly did not use the spelling Speak-EZ.
Goldstar-made unit circa 1999. I remember seeing this VCR on display in the stores. Though I thought it was cheap-looking, I was also intrigued by the unique design with the shaped buttons and all. I almost got it based on the cool buttons alone, but went for the Zenith/Inteq IQVB423 instead. It also has SpeakEZ programming (as did all Zenith VCR models made that year), but it was much higher-end looking with the 17" wide design and a much more comprehensive VFD display with audio level indicators, etc. Very impressive looking for a Goldstar-built vcr of that later period. It's still working today.
I did a video on this VCR many years ago. Only thing is that I think mine was older, because the voice was not as good
So it was a SIMILAR model, not the same. Don't think there's such a thing like a VHS VCR with upgradeable firmware.
How wide one even go about upgrading the firmware? From what I remember, the VCR only had the same IO as most VCRs.
Everything (not just VCRs) has upgradeable firmware. Just not field upgradable ones.
On the ROM chip there's probably a "REV" sticker stating the version it runs.
6:02 That Libyan has his machine gun stuck (from back to the future 1) :)))))
MegaBojan1993 the movie was back to the future ;)
This would have been great for visually impaired people back in the time
Mots like being at a bad customer service with endless phone menu.
07:19
Come on, I can't possibly be the only one who recognizes that song.
Woodgrain? DOS? Lovely voice?
The speak EZ feature ought to be a voice command liquor dispenser...That probably would have sold better.
Why is this Zenith VCR blue in your thumbnail?
I have that same VCR! We bought it brand new in 1998!
IAmNotAFunguy Does it still work?
Yes. Also this VCR is not the same as mine because mine has a few more features, mainly a set of front inputs and VCR Plus.
IAmNotAFunguy Want to make a video of it?
garry12gg! not seen you around since on TweeterMan's olddd videos haha
im going to burn this video onto some magnetic scotch tape and sell it at the Wally World parking lot
Wait, what?
Record, not burn.
i had quite a few VHS tapes when i was a kid for various cartoons and movies and i liked looking at the strangely shaped holes on the backs of the casettes
also i used to have a magnavox TV and VHS/disc player combo which worked perfectly until one day the VHS system malfunctioned where when i inserted a tape as soon as the system pulls the casette to the video head, i would hear a loud noise that sounds like a jam noise and then the TV would randomly shut off
I had a VCR, also a Zenith with this feature. It was a mono 2-head unit we got in like 1999. I think the voice might've been a bit different but it was still recorded samples and not synthesized.
I imagine this VCR could serve the visually impaired. I know my grandfather could use it (if he was still interested in his old VHS collection, that is.)
I have this exact model! I bought it back in maybe 98’ I’m guessing. Still works great!
Never really thought about what goes on inside. Crazy! It's amazing this works at all
The head cleaner is actuated by the post that wraps the tape around the head. It bumps against the plastic tail attached to the spongy bit and makes it touch the head briefly.
What a nice VCR! Bring visually impaired these sorts of things are more than just a gimmick. I especially like the talking Freeview box I used at college, it announced the name and short description of the TV show in the programme guide.
Why is the video head tilted rather than straight?
I wich you could get into more detail why the picture is so stable & sharp, no fuzzy scattering lines or reversed lines on top & bothem of the screen.
That’s amezing.
I remember owning one with that Speak EZ feature. I gave it to my sister when she moved out several years ago. :P
SONY had a Talking Betamax back in the 80’s. I don’t know if it works like this.
When I create my robot girlfriend I WILL GIVE HER THIS VOICE!!!
I went through 7 good zenith vcrs!
Were there ever any VCRs that output S Video? I know S Video wouldn’t really improve the resolution of VHS (240 lines) but wouldn’t it be a bit more clearer and the colors sharper? I’m not an expert in S Video, but doesn’t it separate the luminance and chroma signals or something along those lines?
Yes, JVC made many models with S Video.
Looks like it was designed for visually impaired users, also judging by the size and symbols of the buttons on the front panel.
Also, the flutter on that recording is terrible, was it caused by the tape or by a bad transport?
I'm thinking a bad transport, I noticed that too. Left it to see if anyone else noticed!
I recently got an Zenith IQVB423 that also has SpeakEZ. It also has a Rotating Dial for Rewind and Fast Forward and has VCR+ Support
I like see through Electronics, BC era of the clear case would have been pretty cool back in the day.
Love your old & odd tech device videos. Good work👍
Thank you, glad you're a fan!
Did the VCR talk to you when you paused the tape?
too late to get of it we are being called again for the legendary nostalgic legacy of nostalgia-ness! this vcr by zenith
and the reason databits i subscribe to his channel and hit all after i hit notification bell is that im here for that to see zenith protects but dont worry databits can bring new freshly different contents. instead of the stale same old one that was rehashed.
and good thing zenith im glad it still works excellent video you did
St Louis Uni sounds like a really nice place. I think Ned Flanders must have gone there. Also, I will sell copies of it in front of Wal-Mart one day!
I remember reading about that thing in Popular Science back in the 90s. Completely forgot it was a thing until now.
No wires means good design. Last of the excellent Zenith designs.
Great video, Zenith Speakeasy VCRs are great, I didn't even know they existed, very cool
my mom is still rocking this vcr in her living room
8:29 this feels like *telephone based hotline service!* I will dial, and the pre-recorded woman gave user option which can be selected using numbers. But this time, *you are feeling like dialing a visual VCR machine!*
Perfect for blind!
Lol That VCR voice UI is good for blind people
Thank's very much for great documentary, I do hope to see some more of great documentary's in the future.
the sound effect for the screen transitions you used such as at 1:05 made me wonder... Did I log into World of Warcraft? I actually took the video off full screen just to check if WoW was currently running in the background (it wasn't).. The sound is the same sound effect WoW uses when you're on a flying mount and take off from the ground.
VCRs fascinate me. Any vintage electronics really. I mean yes technology has come a long way with DVDs then digital but when you look at these VCRs or cassette players or vintage HiFi systems there is just so much mechanical components going on internally. I really think even though we are more advanced now, the ones who built these devices had to know alot more. Like a DVD player. A disc spins and a laser shines on the DVD but with a vcr there is just so many moving parts that all have to move at the right moment and if they aren't exact you would end up with a bunch of tape jammed in the machine or other issues. Idk I just like to watch mechanical mechanisms at work.
Hi trucker, I agree. Seeing the internal mechanism at work is fascinating.
I got one of these just today at my local thrift shop different model though. Zenith VRB 420 speak EZ VCR.
I do see more of these quite often at Goodwill.
Pretty impressive it sounds like a phone of voicemail box from this vcr
I always wondered why some manufacturers used that "elevator" style pinch roller. That just added mechanical complexity when a "standard" roller just pivots over a short distance.
I think that was to prevent a sticky pinch roller from damaging the magnetic layer.
Did it also play that background music or did you add that?
it was added during editing
Could it "speak" other languages or did the option just change the onscreen text ?
Good question!
I'm like 90% convinced it only changes onscreen text.
It could not. I was so excited to demonstrate this, but was let down.
Oddity Archive would get a kick out of that
Some old machines are fascinating in how the did things...like laserdisc/CD turner things, that are not turning...where a caddy does all the work...very creative ways were found to accomplish different things...subscribed to channel after third video...good work!!!
*8:26* yes it is *lol* was shaking my head in disbelieve when she started to speak =D
1:10 Indonesian made?
I didn't even know it was assembled here... tbh, much like Dreamcast!
Might be an old time when China wasn't really centered for mass production...
Why is it blue in the thumbnail and not in the video
It's an LG machine, isn't it?
I hace a LG VCR 6 hear Hi-fi, but it need adjustement because the heads can't read the Hi-fi track
not a zenith VCR but i got my hands on a JVC SR-VS30. i would like your opinion on it if you have any
Now you can feel like phoning a hotline without picking up your phone!
I always thought that Zenith Devices are trying too hard to look futuristic
I have one that is similar to that one, but it's a later model from 2001 and the synthesized voice feature sounds a little bit different (it sounded lower pitched). It also had the same exact on screen menu. Unfortunately, my unit could no longer record and playback tapes (I believe it might be a mechanism problem).
WE HAD THIS WHEN I WAS A CHILD. Don't have it anymore...dumbass me and my dumbass friend, found it in my families shed and took it apart while it was still plugged in. Long story short, we almost burnt the house down😂😂😂
We had one with a different voice. I could recite what it would say every Sunday when my mom set it to record Oprah
Just found your channel. You do a really good job with the narration. I'm checking out more content now.
Thanks ACA!
#databits
1:40
Does that piece of plastic holding the twist tie have a name?
If you clean the heads, the audio should kick in.
Picture quality is great but audio is wobbly.
Yikes that audio was terrible. Must've been recorded in LP
This video is so hypnotizing
I tried to share this video on VHS but they thought I was smuggling drugs. I only just got out.
solid picture !!!! beautiful thanks a lot
I have a Betatape Player that can talk.
I got one of these recently and was wondering how to set it up?
It plays jazz while she talks ?
This VCR actually has decent playback quality, considering the 240 line resolution. Or were you just lucky to have a tape, that hardly has done any playback and still looks good?
wonder if you can say "power on"
sure wish i had it
In order to reproduce HiFi sound from a tape, the tape has to be recorded with HiFi audio. Maybe you could record something on a blank tape to test the HiFi sound
Maximiliano Bruno is that like NICAM stereo or is that something else?
I still have 3 working VCR....just in case they make a comeback.....
roger sowers it will never happen lol physical media in general is dying
There was a series of Betamax VCRs that had a built-in speaker and a voice synth on them! The model was SL-2410. Also your VCR seems to have an issue because I heard a lot of wow and flutter on the sample video playback.
That COULD have been because it was running in EP speed and with no hi-fi.
Well, I heavily doubt any prerecorded tape you may find is recorded in EP speed. The demonstrated tape is a promotional video for St. Louis University, and has been uploaded in full on this channel right after this video.
A VCR for those who can't read.
Well I have never seen anything like that !
Oh Yes The Technology Of The Past Speak Into A Vcr.
8:46 So the University sent out VHS tapes to prospective students? Or was it meant to be shown in front of a class of high-schoolers? 9:04 Is it not uploaded yet?
It is now uploaded. And yes, sent out to prospective students.
Cool a talking VCR :)
Ha ha! Saint Louis University grad here!
My grandmother has this exact model but it is black
That speaking menu would be very useful for the blind. The VCR itself? Not so much.
some irony in there for sure. oh well, it's the thought that counts!
Blind people watch just as much TV even if they can't see it!
Knuckles the Echidna true, i guess :-P how's Sonic doing...? :)
Wasn't this a Funai recorder? I see 'Made in Indonesia'. I remember that most recorders are made by Funai in the last years of VHS. They all have the same transport and OSD. Same as LG, Samsung, Panasonic, JVC etc.
Here I have an LG, JVC and Samsung. Also made in Indonesia. They all have the same transport, build design and menu (OSD), as this Zenith (except the Voice). In the last days of VHS no big brand was making their own VHS machines any more. Funai is also the maker of many Marantz, Denon and JVC blu-ray players.
It's made by Shintom.
According to Wikipedia page, it has 2 factories, Japan and Indonesia, on Batam.
Damn I miss the old tech...
is your name michael
any pcm voice chips used in this thing?
I own that exact vcr
My zenith vcr has a similar feature with the talking menus
Daniel Fisher Can you make a video of it?
Huh, they’ve called it “sloo” for a long time, apparently.
Funny, that looks like the pokemon vhs player. huh.
Does it dispense boos?
Jess Hull yeah! See the Poltergust 3000 port in the back!
Is that Jim Carrey? (9:31)
It's designed for blind people.
blind people can't watch VHS tapes though...?
RWL2012 they can listen to the audio and most who are blind still have some vision.
Knuckles the Echidna true true... i guess
I bought 226.37 vcrs to see the mechanism.