A look at the incredible Nixie Watch from http://www.cathodecorner.com 2016 Square Nixie Watch Video here: https://youtu.be/7T22CdK4MDQ Errors in this video - Nixie Tubes are not Vacuum Tubes, and the digits are not filaments.
A quick look at 2010's 3D Sector-X on the Vectrex.
An in-depth review of the 808 #3 Mini Key Ring Spy Cam. BUY HERE - http://goo.gl/ak9k9
Can washing a faulty Apple Macintosh Classic II really bring it back to life?
The Techmoan 2013 Christmas Holiday Special (I open a parcel in it). A look at the 8-Track Cartridge system. An explanation of the technology, what can go wrong, how to repair it and the unboxing and demonstration of a 1975 8-Track Recorder that's been stored away, new and unused, in it's box, for close to 40 years.
An affectionate look at two failed, but entertaining cassette formats.
No more missed Amazon parcels for me now the lockers have come to town.
One of a series of videos where I experience old technology for the first time. Today it's Laserdisc.
A full Review of a dash-cam that's particularly suitable for a taxi driver.
Another trip down HiFi memory lane ... but probably more like a magical mystery tour, since very few people remember this one.
In this *Beginners Introduction to Compact Cassette* - I'm using Metal Tapes and Dolby S for the first time to see if a cassette tape really can sound 'almost as good as a CD'.
This is a video about two HiFi components that could do with making a comeback. The video features two devices, The first is the Realistic APM-200 - an external add-on VU meter sold in the 1970s & 1980s through Radioshack and Tandy. The main subject of the video though is the Onkyo U30 - an RCA Switchbox/Pre-amp. I really don't see why an enterprising manufacturer couldn't bring back either one or both of these types of devices. If they were to go a step further and add in a DAC, then we'd really have an handy all-in-one HiFi component. Perhaps I've just given someone the idea for a Kickstarter.
The Teac AI-501DA is an attractive amplifier & DAC, made more attractive by a heavily discounted price.
A review of the Chinese language Xiaoyi Car Camera. With sample clips. CLICK SHOW MORE - to reveal all the info.
In this video I demonstrate the Ring WiFi Video Doorbell - *THE FIRST GENERATION RECHARGEABLE VERSION*. I ultimately decide that it's not suitable for me. However the majority of Ring reviews are very positive so if you would like to try it out for yourself - below are a couple of Amazon links.
A look at Akai's impressively complicated 1972 Invert-O-Matic Cassette Auto-Reverse mechanism. Features a New-Old-Stock Akai CS-55D tape deck.
A full review of the Polaroid Cube *Plus* Mini Camera.
A half hour video looking back at the RCA CED Videodisc system, thirty two years after it was discontinued in the UK. Includes a brief history of video on a disc, a look at how CED works, repairing some common player faults and I finish by playing a 'new' disc on a 'new' machine.
A doorbell that can wirelessly transmit a signal 100M without a battery.
A follow-up answering a few questions generated by this earlier video: https://youtu.be/o9CpalDdd04
A look at the DrivePro Body 10 Body-worn Security Camera.
A look at a New-Old-Stock Boombox from the 80s/90s.
A look at the Vantrue OnDash R2 Dashcam.
The first of two videos featuring HiFi components for adjusting sound to your preference. This one is the Akai EA-A7 Graphic Equaliser
In this video I'm trying out a Reverberation amplifier to see if it's something I need in my HiFi.
A look at the New Smaller Rechargeable Square Nixie Watch from http://www.cathodecorner.com
A short video showing how it is possible to send Component Video down a headphone extension cable that can fit through a 5mm drilled hole.
A look at the short-lived D-Theater format which offered HD movies on VHS. Captured D-VHS Demo Tape showing New York in 1993: https://youtu.be/fT4lDU-QLUY D-Theater tapes can be found on eBay: http://goo.gl/AfCHUy A full list of D-Theater titles is on LDDB.com: http://goo.gl/jGHA82 DVHS on Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/D-VHS JVC's D-Theater machines: http://goo.gl/uKMBki Full specs on the machine shown: http://support.jvc.com/consumer/produ... *The machine demonstrated records and plays D-VHS (HS, STD, LS3) S-VHS (SP, EP) S-VHS ET (SP, EP) HiFi VHS (SP, EP) VHS (SP, EP) it doesn't have upscaling. It will output anything over Component or iLink.*
Extra resolution is the headline feature of a UHD Blu-ray...but this may not be the thing you notice. NOTE - THE EFFECT OF HDR ...IS.....NOT...VISIBLE...ON...YOUTUBE WHAT I AM DEMONSTRATING IN THIS VIDEO IS THAT THERE IS A DIFFERENCE...HOWEVER YOU CAN ONLY SEE HOW THIS LOOKS IN PERSON ....ON YOUTUBE IT JUST LOOKS DARKER The TV used in this video is an LG 65EF950V (aka 65EF9500) - a 65" 4K HDR capable OLED with a 10 bit panel, HDCP 2.2, HDMI 2.0a. Notice when I said that I couldn't see a MASSIVE difference in resolution on a 65" TV when sat 10 ft away.....this is not the same as not being able to see ANY difference - It is of course noticeably sharper, but not MASSIVELY so. What makes a BIG difference though is the HDR..but this can only be appreciated IN PERSON. The intention of this video is to suggest that you don't just think of a UHD blu-ray as being a blu-ray with more resolution - because that's just one of the features and frankly quite probably the least interesting one.
New movies still come out on the VCD format, 23 years after its introduction. How does a VCD stack up against the latest video format - 2016's UHD Blu-ray VCDs were purchased from YesAsia https://www.yesasia.com/global/en/movies-videos.html
The Floating Record Vertical Turntable was a successful Kickstarter campaign.The idea was to make a quality turntable that takes up less shelf space, looks great and sounds good. Did they deliver - watch the video to find out.
*** I thought this was a simple quick tip - however a few people in the comments have suggested that it is not a good idea to power things from the OBD port as this might damage your vehicle....but others say that it's fine.
A look at the largest music cartridge format ever made ....and the machine that played it, the 3M Cantata 700. Launched in the 1960s but still used in some places until the 1990s. You can download a poorly recorded sample of the music here: http://goo.gl/zxC6OA The problems with dubbing - I've spooled one cartridge onto my reel to reel machine and there is a lot of leakage between tracks (the sound of the mono music recorded on the left output can be heard on the separate mono music played from the right). Also the sound is very low when played at 3.75ips and then slowed 50% in editing. A number of people said they used to record their own tapes at home...but given the fact the mono tracks aren't in line with the tracks on a home 4-track reel to reel I feel this may be mis-remembered.
A review of the Vantrue N1 Dashcam
A look at a Harman Kardon Aura Airplay Speaker.
A cheap and bright little dimmer light powered by USB - do you have a use for one?
A demonstration of the Cellink B a 12V battery pack that will keep your dash-cam running when your engine isn't.
In this video I demonstrate DBX Discs, and am blown away to find that that this forgotten 40-odd year old technology sounds as good (or better) than anything that I've ever heard.
A demonstration of the Uoplay smartphone gimbal from AiBird
A demonstration of the limited edition Holographic Vinyl Soundtrack to Star Wars The Force Awakens
Electro-Luminescence USB cable tells you when a device is charging.
Full Review of the best Mini Dashcam I've used. This is my Favourite Dashcam.
The Wire Recorder was expected to take over the world but disappeared almost overnight. In this video I take a look at this now largely forgotten technology from the past..and piece together its history.
A look at the new amp at the heart of my HiFI...and a re-cap of the other components that make up the rest of the system...(this week).
A look at a Panasonic Stow-away. You won't believe the secret hidden inside this radio!!!
A look at the Xiaoyi 4K Action camera - a camera that claims to be the "Best Action Camera Ever. Period."
The prop replica - that actually works.
What do you do when new releases dry up for your car stereo's tape format but you don't want to install a whole new head unit? The answer is to buy an adapter*. In the video below you can see two adapters. One that ushered in the compact cassette age and the other that saw them out again 25 years later. Original idea suggested by Mike Finnell https://twitter.com/techfinnell/statu...
For the last few years I've being trying to find a ready-made nixie clock that I could recommend. This video shows what I've found - and the links below will take you to the ebay stores that both make and sell these clocks.
Retro-Tech: According to the adverts - the Panasonic RS-296US could play 2.5 days of music non-stop...that's roughly the same play time to the '1000 songs in your pocket' that the first 5GB Apple iPod boasted in 2001. NOTE 2.5 days of play time equates to 60 hours which would require 20x 180-min cassettes. Whilst these tapes did exist at one point, 180-minute lengths were also very fragile and best avoided. A more realistic play time is to load this machine up with 20x 90-minute cassettes which gives you 30 hours, and that's why I refer to the 'day and a half' of continuous music at the end of video.
Magnetic Micro USB and Lightning Cables seem to be a thing, so in this video I try to find the best one.
I have a number of old devices I want to demonstrate in upcoming videos that require a 60Hz power supply in order to run at the correct speed. In this video I show what components I used to convert the UK's 230V 50Hz power supply to the US 120V 60Hz standard.
The Netgear Arlo is the only HD wireless HD home security camera system where the cameras are powered by batteries. In this video I install the system...and record some garden wildlife.
The SAE Mark 6 Tuner is the HiFi component I never thought I'd be able to own, but after years of searching I finally managed to buy one. In this video I'll show you what makes it special to me.
A retro flip clock that looks like a miniature 1970s HiFi component and has build quality to match. Just one of a number of HiFi Timers sold in the 70's and 80s - that can still be put to good use and can be found on eBay (links below).
When I reviewed this camera in 2013 it cost £99. It now costs £23 but is it still worth buying?
In this retro HiFi video - I'm looking at a tape cartridge system that introduced a number of innovations and ideas that were incorporated in subsequent formats, but was itself a massive failure. The full demo cart recording can be heard here: https://youtu.be/iVnMnzfftq0 The full RCA promo film can be seen here: https://archive.org/details/Revoluti1958
The music visualisation RGB laser show projector for home entertainment and DJs. NOTE - This video features a demonstration of an early beta version of the visualisation software.
In this video you can see amateur repairs performed upon the Commodore SX-64 Executive Computer involving the SID, PLA, Graphics Memory, Keyboard Cable, Disc Drive.
Quick tip - unusual wall art with laserdiscs.
An old reel-to-reel tape obtained from eBay that has an interesting tale to tell. *NOTE 19:27 -19:41 muted due to a content match claim by John Lennon's Ghost*.
Needing a scanner in a hurry, I ordered this TaoTronics TT-DS011 model from Amazon - here's a video.
I love a good bad idea - and this was one of the best. Sony's 1998's Ruvi was a one-off camcorder experiment. In the video you can find out what made this a unique failure.
The A119 Dashcam is suitable for someone looking for an easy to use, fit & forget system. Headline features are Discreet mounting, GPS, Capacitor, 1440p30 & 1080p60 video modes.
A look at DAT - tape that sounded as good as a CD and was supposed to replace cassettes...however the recording industry decided it had to die. FAQs & Updates are below CORRECTIONS Long Play Mode is 32kHz (added as an annotation before the video went live) WARNING This video may contain the occasional redundant turn of phrase...e.g. "DAT Tape" if this is of concern, please do not press play. FAQs Q) Are you going to do a video about Minidisc? A) Yes - (see 21:22) Q) When A) I don't know Q) Hey why didn't you go into detail about the computer backup tape drives that used DAT? A) Because this was a video about DAT...Digital Audio Tape. You're thinking of DDS Digital Data Storage. I won't be making a video about DDS, so if it's something you know a lot about, and you think there would be an audience for a video on DDS, you should cover it. Q) Did you know that you can record off a radio using a computer? A) I'd guess that everyone knows this...I was only pointing out that Modern HiFi systems rarely contain a separate recording component any more. You can always record anything if you put your mind to it. Q) Hey LOL you said that we are using Napster...you're so out of date dude...etc A) Here's what's going on - Remember Mr Angry in 1986 trying to stop DAT (pretty much what the first half of the video is about)...well when I say..."of course he wasn't to know that in 15 years or so we would be using file sharing programmes like Napster". The maths works like this 1986 + 15 years = 2002 (2017 is 31 years later...not 15).
A quick look at the Grundig Ocean Boy 210 radio from 1970. Also known as the Transistor 3005 in some countries.
A window cleaning robot could be a good idea - providing you have the right kind of windows.
In the 1990s cassette sales were falling just as their quality was improving. This video takes a look at some of the techniques used (including DIGalog) to make pre-recorded tapes sound better, with the hope of slowing their demise. CORRECTIONS: 07:46 - "July 1992" (not July 2002) 07:55 - "August 1992" (not August 2002)
Fuse a record with a Compact Disc and you get Vinyl-Disc an unusual format from 2007. Introduced by the record label owned by the bloke who discovered Right Said Fred and popularised Crazy Frog...how could it possibly fail?
These active speakers contain a phono stage so they can be connected directly up to a turntable without an in-built phono stage. ....CONTINUED.... This means fewer wires and power plugs.
The Mobius 2 has been available months, but still performed like a beta product until the recent introduction of much improved firmware. Now it's finally ready for a review...
You may have owned a LaserDisc or even a CED system...but the odds are that you've never seen a VHD. It's time to put that right with this comprehensive look at the third videodisc system of the eighties.
A look at the defunct Playbutton MP3 Player. A wearable album that can play itself.
Background music machines once derided are now collected. The BMS1 featured in this video might be the most desirable of the lot.
You can also stream the music at http://seeburg1000.com/
A review of the Sony MP-CL1 and the pros and cons of a 120" display that fits in a pocket. A Blunt Edge Tech Review (This has been on sale for well over a year...but is still not officially available in the UK).
A video about Sony Minidisc from the beginning to the end.
A quick video about cheap 3D effect colour-changing LED lights. Available in countless designs from the links below (and elsewhere).
The Buttkicker is something I've wanted to try for years, so now that I've finally got one...was it worth the wait?
In this video I attempt to repair the only twin-tape Walkman that Sony made, the WM-W800 from 1985
In the days before music compression if you wanted to carry more music in less space you had to shrink the cassette itself. A look at the rare Audio Craft CC-1 cassette. Released only in Japan.
A review of the Polaroid Snap Touch - a touchscreen digital camera with built-in Zink Printer.
A demonstration of the Atari Video Music from 1977. Anders Enger Jensen's music can be found here: www.eox.no
In this video I’m assembling an educational kit from Japan. The end result should be a functional model of an Edison Cylinder Phonograph.
Originally an expensive tool for professionals, old cassette field recorders are a good option for people looking for a high quality compact deck.
Made for the Japanese market - it's a video projector inside a globe. Whilst the supplied videos are made for the Japanese educational market - you can add your own clips and a guide explaining how to warp these for the convex screen can be found here: http://bit.ly/2x9kNcw
Watching video, listening to your music and receiving radio broadcasts on a single pocket sized gadget was possible in the 1980s it just took a bit of effort.
A "Rider Cam' is 'dashcam' for your bike...but this one isn't perfect.
A quick look at a 7" 45rpm picture disc I got made up with my own picture and music from http://vinylart.co/
The small tape that was supposed to become the next big thing. Here's a video about the forgotten history of the format and a demonstration of a rare Sony Video 8 machine called the Walkman Compo.
I stumbled across this undocumented feature on my Mini the other day and thought it too good not to share.
The Aldi supermarket chain (including online) in the UK is selling a new 'boombox' for fathers' day 2017. For £29.99 you get a cassette recorder, MP3 player, Bluetooth speaker and radio....but just how good (or bad) is it?
A quick extra video about a cassette that arrived in the post from Sega.
TP-Link HS100 Voice activated Smart plugs have proved useful for me in utilising the power sockets in my house that are otherwise inaccessible.
The Sabamobil is one of the rarer tape formats from the 60s. The cartridges may look strange but they hide a simple secret inside.
A video answering the question - "Why don't they make handheld Digital TVs?" The wrong answer would be to say that "smartphones killed handheld TVs"...it's more complicated than that. Smartphones might be one reason people don't use handheld TVs *nowadays* but pocket TVs were killed off *years before* 3G networks suitable for streaming video had been built out in the UK. The truth is that Apathy killed the dream of Pocket Digital TVs. In this video I'll attempt to explain what happened as far as the UK goes and then demonstrate the kind of results you can expect to get if you use one of the limited range of no-brand handheld TV that can be found in the depths of eBay. In the absence of any offerings from Sony or Casio...this is as good as it gets.
Following the video where I assembled a Japanese wax cylinder phonograph kit - in this one I'm putting together a newer revised version that records onto plastic cups. I purchased this kit from Amazon US: http://amzn.to/2sLZyvu and it was sent to the UK from Japan.
From the 1960s through to the 90s radio DJs used Cart machines to play jingles and now I've managed to get hold of one. In this video I get to try out the tech by playing some interesting old recordings.
The Sena Prism Tube is a simple motorcycle or bicycle camera with mic in capability that's suitable for people who want a small neat camera that gets the basics right.
In this video I try my hand at cleaning some old records plagued by crackles and pops with the reintroduced Allsop Orbitrac 3Pro vinyl cleaning system.
Demonstrating the excellent LG 29UM68 UltraWide 21:9 29" monitor.
The Omni from Milton Bradley is a product that straddles 70s and 80s technologies. At it’s core, it’s a game, an electronic quiz machine. However if you examine the way it works, it could be described as an interactive computer that reads program data from tapes.... 8-track tapes. In the video above I demonstrate what it does and how it does it…but first I have to get it working.
A review of the Prynt Pocket - A portable photo printer for the iPhone. It can be purchased from Amazon UK: http://amzn.to/2vYt7MD US: http://amzn.to/2vwLwNi CAN: http://amzn.to/2hTtbH7 Manufacturer’s website: https://www.prynt.co
Old & new collectable tapes with a tale to tell. Includes a look at the smallest cassette in the world.
With countless cassette Walkman sold across 30 years, choosing a good one can be difficult. This video and the links below will help first-time retro Walkman buyers to narrow down that choice.
In the early 1960s Philips in The Netherlands were working on creating a new compact cassette tape system. Meanwhile over in Japan, Sanyo were doing the exact same thing, but the results were very different…
A review of four music visualisation devices.
A review of the latest Sony Cassette/CD/Radio boombox models from the UK & Japan.
The Bacon Express is a toaster shaped kitchen appliance that has just one function - to cook bacon, so you'd think it would be good at it....
A forgotten vision of the future of Long Distance voice communication.
Hipac is the pre-recorded tape format that history forgot, so it's time to fix that.
“Is he slow?”. A demonstration of the device used in the movie.
Here's a look at the Wearable Gimbal from Feiyu Tech. Most 4K action cameras do not have image stabilisation for the 4k/UHD modes, a notable exception being the expensive Sony FDR-X3000R http://amzn.to/2fY6GwV which uses optical image stabilisation. So that's where this device comes in, it stabilises the motion of any action camera that fits within its mount, but it's not perfect. Watch the video to learn more. Feiyu Tech have already brought out a newer version, the WG2. I haven't tested this, but hopefully it rectifies the tilting issue of its predecessor.
CBS envisioned all records made after 1982 utilising their CX encoding system, but if you've bought any music on vinyl since the mid 80s, you won't see a CX logo on the sleeve...so what went wrong. Watch this video to find out. If you are interested in the technical details of CX - here’s the patent https://www.google.com/patents/US4376916
A look at a new four digit nixie watch and a vintage nixie stop-clock.
The First Commercial Album Release on Elcaset. A Clockwork Orange replica Tape. Old Recordings about weight & teeth. Endless Loop mini Album. ....and my small contribution to a Hiphop album.
An unopened forty year old gadget from Japan. Can you guess what it does?
A review of the Xiaoyi Yi Ultra 2.7K dashcam - includes sample clips.
The Sky Soundbox really does sound pretty good...but unfortunately for me that's only half the story.
Sony's portable battery-powered turntable from 1983 has become a highly desired and expensive collectors piece. However before I can demonstrate this one, I'll need to get it working.
A review of an all-in-one two player arcade machine that contains hundreds of games...you just need to add a TV. Below are a few ebay links that will show you what's currently available - there are a number of different configurations but please ignore ebay fraudsters pretending to sell these for just £30-£50 it costs more than that for the components. You should expect to pay £120 - £150 for a Pandora Box 4S like mine (or the equivalent of this in your local currency). Turn on international search to get the widest selection.
A look at the Roland MT-80S - A 'Music Tutor' device that's still great fun, even for non musicians.
A look at the tiny but fully functional collectable mini arcade machines.
A look at the three-disc, book and hologram vinyl Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope 40th Anniversary Soundtrack Boxset. To jump straight to the hologram demonstration - go to 05:40
Is Reel to Reel the new Vinyl? Short answer: No. Long answer: It's complicated - Press Play. In this video I'll be playing pre-recorded tapes from 1957 & 2017 The first half concentrates on the history & background, and the second moves onto the current day and the most expensive pre-recorded music format available for the home. CHAPTERS 01:11 i) History - Explanation of the format 15:01 ii) Now - The ultimate in high-end analog music
A review of two 360º cameras. The Yi 360 VR and the Ricoh Theta V. It's a lengthy video, so if you are in a hurry jump to 28:12 for the conclusion.
A look at eightban. Collectable, playable mini records from 2004. A deliberately, unashamedly low-fi format.
Answering a few common questions raised by my RokBlok review - https://youtu.be/LPIJVdQkb1Q
A review and demo of a twin lens, dual 1080p car camera
I recently bought a new (old) record player - here’s a video about it. There are a few tips scattered throughout this video that might be useful to someone considering buying a second hand turntable.
I'm always on the lookout for kitchen gadgets to feature in a video. This is touted as the number one fresh pasta maker in Italy, although most people there, just like elsewhere, prefer to buy dried pasta. You can buy a heck of a lot of bags of dried pasta for the price of this machine, so it’s definitely not a way to save money, it probably makes a better gift than it does an investment. Unlike most kitchen gadgets I’ve tested, this is one I will be using again. It’s surprisingly fun, it works well, there's something special about eating pasta you've just made and the cost of using it is negligible.
A video about CD Video, not to be confused with Video CD. Featuring an appearance from Kenny Everett. Full 1988 Promo Disc Here: https://youtu.be/HOAeEf4D0dU Also if you're interested, back in 2015 I made a video about Laserdisc: https://youtu.be/KOrn2hBsYKE Laservision Brochure https://www.radios-tv.co.uk/philips-l... A viewer has shared this link to a video promo for CDV - I’ve cueued it up to the section that explains how CDV (but also LaserDiscs) work. It’s surprisingly detailed - you might find it of interest. You’ll need to pan your balance to your right speaker for English. If you’re viewing it via an IOS device, this is possible using the accessibility controls in settings. https://youtu.be/zIEpJZlV2ic?t=11m16s
A CD player & recorder designed for musicians & teachers that has some unusual features. CD provided by Candy Apple Blue http://www.candy-apple-blue.com
A look at an unusual record that plays from the *inside out*.
In this video I put together a Spinbox - the self-assembly record player. VWestlife has made a few videos about Crosley turntables (some of which appear to use an identical mechanism) - here's a link VWestlife's video about Crosley Turntables https://youtu.be/06wBwVkw9xU
Few things have gone from being desirable to dismissed as quickly as the LED watch. In this video there's a brief recap of LED watch history as well as a demo of a Pulsar P3.
A look at the Audio Technica Sound Burger (AKA Mister Disc) - a deceptively good portable battery-powered record player from 1983. In the video I replace the belts, as well as take a look at a Crosley clone of the Soundburger, The Revolution - or it's more than likely that it's really a clone of a Crosley clone of the Soundburger.
A look at the Record Runner novelty record player. A new take on the 1970s Sound Wagon - AKA the Vinyl Killer, the little VW van that drives around a record, both playing and destroying it at the same time.
An unusual piece of tech from the 1970s - a Random Number Generator. The ebay advert for this suggested that the buyer could gut it for the nixie tubes. When I read that, I knew that I had to rescue this unusual little piece of electronics history.
The Show N' Tell was an educational and entertainment audio slideshow system for children that was sold in the US for approximately twenty years. I imported one to the UK to try it for myself.
In this video I take a look at a multimedia educational format from the 1970s, the 3M Sound Page (AKA Ricoh Synchrofax)
Playing some laser projector games with LaserOS http://www.wickedlasers.com/laseros standupmaths did a much better video about laser games here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FkHjG759ABY&t=0s
In the late 1980s all the cool kids were wearing mini Genesis tapes as jewellery - well at least that's what Fisher Price hoped would happen.
The edge-lit numerical display is having a hobbyist renaissance of late with Lixie displays getting a lot of online attention. This is a review of an edge-lit clock kit called the Cronixie-M. 2020 Update video https://youtu.be/nfB-Whx9878
A video in which I attempt to assemble all the components to recreate the title sequence from the Netflix show Mindhunter.
Toshiba in Japan has launched a High Res capable cassette recorder. What exactly does that mean and is it any good? Let's find out. Special thanks to Hugo for his work on the audio analysis.
A beautiful and rare HiFi component from 1972.
This was how we snuck/sneaked an electronic game into class in 1982 - and now you can bring one into your business meetings because Casio has reissued their Number Invaders game calculator. UPDATE - In the game if you shoot two numbers in succession that add up to 10 then the invader appears - the invader is worth more points. The last two minutes are my usual outro. If the proportion of new content to existing outro is unacceptable to you - here is an alternative version with a quicker outro. ;-) https://youtu.be/FOrH6RnPqd0 - or you could always just stop playback of this video when you want to stop watching. When the fun stops, stop.
In this video I assemble a kit that makes a Stirling Engine. It is manufactured by Kontax in the U.K. and can be found on eBay https://ebay.to/2IujYC5 and on their own website https://www.stirlingengine.co.uk I have no connection with this company and I paid full price for my kit. There are also a number of cheaper Stirling Engine kits on eBay, although I have no idea about the quality or performance of these. https://ebay.to/2IRDR5C
A proto-boombox from the 1960s.
An economical to use Multifunction Photo Printer & Scanner
A review of a new smaller dashcam from Yi.
Fixing up and demonstrating an unusual Japan-only portable Technics cassette deck from the early 1980s. Cassette: Retro Grooves Vol. 2 Available from http://eox.no Sony TPS-L2 Picture courtesy of http://walkman-archive.com Vintage Technics Cassette Deck info https://vintagetechnics.audio
In 1996 you could see your photos as a slideshow on your TV with the Fujifilm AP-1 APS photo viewer. Trying to re-create this experience in 2018 has proved to be much more difficult.
MQA-CD is a physical Hi-res music format, but while the discs are relatively affordable, playing them back can be anything but. For more on MQA Watch this video https://youtu.be/pRjsu9-Vznc ********** UPDATE (PLEASE READ)******** The sound quality difference I experienced between the MQA decoded CD and the standard CD audio is because rather than the CD being 16bit (as normal) - the patent says it's 13 bit with 3 bits used for the MQA data - however others now say it’s 15 bit with 1 bit going to the MQA. Apparently the MQA bit(s) get ignored as noise by a standard CD player. I don’t know which spec is true…but the plain fact is that a normal standard CD has the ability to sound better than an MQA CD when played on a normal CD player. There are Loads of complaints about me saying that the "MQA version sounds better" - “how could this be when Brothers in Arms can't ever sound any better than a CD due to the fact it was only mastered at CD quality originally". That's not what was demonstrated in this video. The information below that explains things in more detail. I wasn't comparing the full bitrate CD version of the album vs the MQA version. I didn't play the standard CD version of Brothers In Arms at any point in this video. The comparison in the video was between the *compressed* version of the album (contained on the MQA CD) vs the MQA ‘unfolded’ version (contained on the same CD). SUMMARY: I was comparing the REDUCED BITRATE VERSION vs the MQA UNFOLDED VERSION. And it should be no surprise that the MQA UNFOLDED VERSION sounded the better of these two, not because MQA is brilliant or amazing…it’s just a simple case of the reduced bitrate CD compatible version being audibly hobbled and the MQA one being less hobbled. Just like a 192kbps MP3 sounds better than a 96kbps MP3 one. It doesn’t mean 192kbps is perfect - it’s just better than the 96kbps version. So on to the next question... Could an MQA version of an album that was only ever o
Long before the Kindle made e-readers popular, back in 1990 Sony launched their first consumer e-book reader, the DD-1.
If you have trouble hearing the TV across a room this wireless Sony speaker might be the answer. It receives the audio from the TV - boosts the vocals and enables you bring the sound closer to where you sit.
Part one of this two part video about High Definition Laserdisc focuses on the history and technology of MUSE and Hi-Vision Part two is here: https://youtu.be/hUQvnxxTuM4
Part two of a two-part video about High Definition Laserdisc. Part one can be found here: https://youtu.be/LkQEobE2RUk In this video you can see HiVision in action and do some comparisons against standard Laserdisc and Blu-ray
A look at two different approaches at squeezing more music onto one disc. Featuring Trimicron the longest 33 1/3rd Stereo Vinyl Records that held two hours of music and a CD that contained two and a half hours of audio.
A look at an unusual picture frame radio from the 1980s. Yes - *****EVERYONE KNOWS***** FM is alive and well in the US and FM is currently broadcasting pretty much everywhere apart from Norway (at the time of typing this message). However *many countries* do have *plans* to switch it off at *some point in the future* - to free up the spectrum for other uses (really so they can sell it off and make a load of money). . So it's likely that someone will be watching this video in say 10 years time in a country other than Norway that has no FM reception. Or perhaps they are from Norway today (1% of my viewers are from Norway - Hi Norway people - including, but not limited to, Anders).
A look at an easy way to check a vinyl record player's rotation speed accuracy using an app. App Store Link for RPM https://apple.co/2Od1qWl
Extra video. A normal full length video will be along in a few days. Available from HMV UK: https://bit.ly/2vcfgQR (affiliated link) The HMV VHS Range appears to be a UK Exclusive at the moment.
I bought a Fujifilm Instax SQ6. This is my video about it. If you like the Square Instax film - The SQ10 might be a better option. At the moment on Amazon UK it's £158.99 https://amzn.to/2naLqrH With the SQ10 you only print the pictures you want - so in the long run it will work out much cheaper to use.
The Sony FH-7 range are classic '80s HiFi and I’ve finally got one. My FH-7 Mk2 came from ebay: https://ebay.to/2nmacVT If you are interested in the Boombox Calendar - you can find more details here: https://www.facebook.com/myradio.berlin
The Sennheiser Surrounder Pro is a Dolby Pro-logic surround sound system from 1999 which is worn around the neck, but would you wear one? Things this looks like include a backward public toilet seat, a Braffin from a Gurning competition and a neck brace. Things that might be difficult while wearing one include eating & drinking.
I've been hitting up against a region lockout on some imported Blu-rays - so it's high time I finally sorted this out once and for all.
Shooting photos on Fujifilm's discontinued Neopan Acros 100 film using the amazing looking Olympus O Product as well as the Minolta Prod 20's Auto-Focus Point & Shoot Cameras. Discontinued film, producing classic style prints, using ‘80s & ‘90s vintage-look cameras. So...retro-retro-retro-retro photo time.
Remember this? If you can't, you're not alone. The WikiReader was launched with the noble ideal "how can knowledge equal freedom if people need a modem to get it?" but perhaps unsurprisingly it met an ignominious bargain-bin end.
Video 2000 - or V2000 is the video cassette recorder format that Philips predicted would have 50% of the European market by 1985. Everyone is familiar with the Beta vs VHS battle, but here's the story of the other video tape format - the 'Video Compact Cassette', V2000 : the European alternative.
With a VinylVideo convertor you can play video from a vinyl record played on a standard record player. Curiosity, tech-demo or art?
As someone fascinated with physical music formats and HiFi oddities - it's been a privilege to receive a copy of the first new Quadraphonic Vinyl release in over thirty years. With this limited edition set there’s no need to go hunting on ebay for a matching and functioning forty plus year old quad decoder as there’s a brand new one included inside the box.
An extra video to explain the purpose and operation of the Wow & Flutter Test Meter that appears in some of my videos.
No company makes a good new personal cassette stereo player, so if you want an unused one - your best bet is New Old Stock.
The range of titles available on Vinylvideo grows considerably with the introduction of custom discs. You can get a custom Vinylvideo disc cut here: https://bit.ly/2IH55te If you already have a decoder - this is a recording of the first few minutes of my disc for you to play back on it. http://pc.cd/dbz7
It's neck and neck in the neck-phone shoot-out but only one gets a recommendation. Which are a pain in the neck and which one is a sound buy?
The Moans discuss crowdfunding. The Campaign Video can be viewed on its own here: https://youtu.be/LIXA8bF_VXY
The Anki Vector is an internet-enabled voice-controlled app- connected home-assistant robot.
If you found yourself talking into one of these - you were probably having a bad day. A Police Interview Recorder with a naval past.
Knowing I’m a fan of their solar powered spinning globes, MOVA Globe kindly sent over a couple of their new cubes.
Testing the latest compact side-mount helmet camera from Drift
As requested - a video about audio cassette tape winders. Featuring a guest appearance from LGR.
In 2001 the future seemed bright for DataPlay when the tiny optical data storage format won Best of Show at CES. Less than two years later it was all over. Watch the video to find out what happened and to see a demo of this elusive format on a rare machine.
A look at the ‘cult classic’ Columbia GP-3 portable vinyl record player from Japan.
Three more recordings with a story. 1) A new limited edition DCC release from 'SGT 606' 2) An EP I contributed to from 'School Drugs' 3) A TV music tape reel from 1991
Repurposing field phones as a novelty retro intercom. I bought my military surplus Linesman Telephones from here: https://ebay.to/2QZUa0M (Affiliated link)
A look at one of the mini tape recorders used on the 1960s/70s TV series. Episode 2 here: https://youtu.be/8VQfhyDP6vw
An unusual vintage voice recorder from Japan.
A review of the budget Aukey DR01 dashcam. A simple camera with plenty to like - but because of one issue, I just can't recommend it.
Merge a pen with a calculator and you get the CalcuPen, a barely useable yet highly collectable piece of 1970s tech.
A look at a pocket TV Tuner which receives Freeview and transmits it via WiFi to a smartphone or tablet.
I wondered what the deal was with these 3000-in-1 retro consoles...so I bought one.
With these Bluetooth headphones you can be aware of your surroundings and listen to your audio at the same time.
A look at the Bone Fone. The 'bone conduction' AM/FM Radio from 1979.
Another look back at one of the tape recorders frequently used in the Mission Impossible TV Series - The Craig 212
Video Studio Lights have improved significantly since I bought my last set - so it's high time I replace my bulky CFLs with affordable compact LED Panels
A look at a HiFi component TV - a category that reached its brief zenith in the late 1970s REGARDING THE RE-UPLOAD OF THIS VIDEO My apologies for the re-up - For some bizarre reason Youtube decided to de-sync the audio from the video after the original upload had been working fine for three days. This meant that viewers using Chrome experienced a 6 second delay between the audio and the video after 5:35 into the video.
A two-in-one video in which I buy the Ruark R4 Mk3, an expensive all-in-one HiFi to see if it's worth the price and in the process I lament about the current state of Digital Radio (DAB) in the UK.
A quick extra video about something that arrived in the post.
A review of a WENA Wrist Pro Smart Watch Band imported From Japan. The connected watch strap that turns a standard watch into a smartwatch. Gain some smartwatch functionality while still being able to wear a traditional watch.
Today I'm taking a look at a beautiful piece of late 1950's miniaturisation. A record player you could fit in a (big) pocket, The Wondergram.
A few people requested that I post this segment as as a stand-alone video, it was originally part of this Hi-Fi review: https://youtu.be/UaIFy4uvyfA
Trying a few different vinyl record cleaning solutions - including pressure-washing a particularly troublesome disc.
A look at the new range of Mini Showa Retro Consumer Electronic toys from T-ARTS in Japan
When is a cassette not a Cassette? When it's a DC International Cassette. The odd tale of a Philips' project that turned against them.
A couple of Hi-Fi upgrades/side-grades - The Goldring E3 MM Turntable Cartridge & Cambridge Audio Alva Duo Phono Stage
This video is split into two sections: Review @ 00:00 Settings @ 23:11 The DJI Osmo pocket is a very niche camera
The Pioneer PL-88FS (circa 1984) *was* supposed to be one of the better quality drawer loading record players. However that was 35 years ago and this turntable has had a hard life.
A look at some Digital Compact Cassette rarities and more information about those non-existent lyrics.
VHD was a home videodisc format never launched to the public outside of Japan. However it was funded by a UK company and was due to come out here in 1982. This is the story of VHD in the UK featuring early demo footage and rare PAL discs.
A look at three audio level meters - one old, two new.
An eye-catching display that looks like something out of Blade Runner.
Testing new speakers with a built in phono preamp & taking a good look at a classic Technics SL6 turntable.
In 1982 the US nearly got a third video disc system - nearly.
A single cassette tape might not be your first choice for playing hours of background music - but it was possible.
If you like to see your music - here are some more options.
If something is broken there’s little to lose but much to gain by attempting a repair - even when I don’t have a clue what I’m doing.
The first and the last of Technics' 1980s compact track-selector linear-tracking turntables. Side by side and head to head.
The trouble with triples.
The Schaub Lorenz 5001 Music Centres were ahead of their time, expensive and a failure. Fifty years on, surviving examples often hold a unique piece of the past
A dash-cam built in to a traditional rear view mirror could be a good idea, but when it replaces the mirror with a video display, it just doesn’t work with my eyes. In the video I explain the issues. If you don’t agree then buy one - that’s fine, you be you, but I’ll be steering clear.
The Tanashin-originated cassette deck mechanism is used in both the most expensive new cassette decks and junk like this Aldi boombox. It is a low end mechanism, a hangover from budget boomboxes of the past, but for better or worse its also the last mech standing and with a bit of care can be implemented far better than this.
The Apollo 11 moon landing encounters the Philips UFO. Depending upon what source you read, the date for the introduction of the Philips UFO turntable might vary. Multiple sources indicate that the design was done by Patrice Dupont in 1969 - these include https://sound-of-design.de/en/node/188 - and the book “L'utopie du tout plastique : 1960-1973”. However other online sources state the GF303 was manufactured from 1972-1974. Irrespective of which one is correct, it’s irrefutably a classic space-age design.
July 1969 Man landed on the moon. July 1979 Sony released the Walkman. Sony’s TC-50 from 1968 connects these events.
Deja-vu time with the return of the triple deck boombox.
Testing a Nobsound Tone mini amplifier with a new EQ and some old ball speakers. The good(ish) the bad and the ugly (not necessarily in that order).
A look at a prototype of the new IN-9 Nixie tube spectrum analyzer from Mr Nixie. Available as a kit or pre-assembled via Kickstarter https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/nt-smd-rgb/audio-spectrum-analyzer-with-in-9-tubes-called-nixielyzer
1984's smartest phone - The STC 3910 Executel. A desktop information device that looks straight out of Blade Runner. Futuristic in concept, yet very much a product of its time.
When is a cassette not a cassette?
Looking at a couple of music releases on Computer/Game Cartridges
Against the odds Nixie tubes are being manufactured again. In this video I look at the new ZIN18 tubes and clock from Millclock.
Square Off - the app-connected computer chess board that moves its own pieces.
Thanks to a helpful viewer I now own the machine that plays some background music cartridges I bought years ago.
I needed a new Digital Audio Player (DAP) so imported an Activo CT10 from Japan - here's a review. A few of the Sega Saturn themed versions *might* still be available on Amazon Japan -
For thirty years I’ve wondered what this ‘80s laser music visualiser looked like in action. Now I finally get to find out - and also discover the surprising secrets of the ingenious internals.
Sansui made some brilliant HiFi components - this wasn't one of them. Also featuring a final word on the Laser Turntable and the fate of Sansui in the 21st century.
A look at the Handi-Cassette II a specialised machine for playing magazines and books from tape - and possibly creating Vaporwave.
See the new review of a re-engineered Gixie clock here: https://youtu.be/IuOxfHF-azs Remember the Cronixie clock kit I assembled a while ago? - https://youtu.be/miqN2gR1Zns Here’s the Gixie clock - It's similar but ready-made and this one encloses its edge-lit acrylic digit panels inside tubes. Whilst the idea definitely has merit, the implementation on this early production version has more than a few issues.
Once upon a time the 45 and the LP were rival formats. This video tells the story how RCAs beef with Columbia ended up shaping the future of popular music. This is a video about the Format War of 1949. Things like 12" 45s, 45 RPM Albums, EPs, 16rpm records, styrene singles and 45s with a raised stepped ridge around the centre that aids grip when stacked don't feature in this story because they were introduced after the conclusion of this particular story. Regarding the question posed at the end - a few people have mentioned that the record players in their country had single adaptors. This was not unusual. I've demonstrated a few turntables on this channel with the built-in 45 adaptors. If your turntable didn't have a built in adaptor - you could buy one. However that's the result - not the cause. The records came first - the players accommodated the type of records sold in that country. A country could have chosen to go with small or large holes - the decision on which way they went was the thing of interest - what was the common denominator? Why was a large spindle hole chosen in Germany, but a small one in the UK? We think we have an answer - it seems that Commonwealth countries went with the small hole and countries with a US armed forces presence after the war were more inclined towards the large hole. However if you know any other info on this - please share.
I've received the all-new re-engineered replacement for my Gixie Clock - here's a full review. The Gixie is a digital clock that displays time using six removable glass tubes containing etched acrylic panels edge-lit by multicolour LEDs.
A review of the 2019 Digital Media Player from Sony. The 40th Anniversary Walkman which comes with a retro carrying case and sports a fun cassette visualiser. It's the Walkman reimagined for a Streaming Music generation.
If you need bone conducting headphones, the new Aftershokz Aeropex are the ones to get.
Sony occasionally repurposed the Walkman cassette mechanisms for devices like this impressive do-it-all travel companion for the international (walk)man of mystery. Suitable for carrying in a briefcase, recording meetings and voice memos, working as an alarm clock, catching up on news from back home and listening to stereo music cassettes on the plane. UPDATE: I noticed in the closeups that a few parts of the Walkman needed another clean - so after the video was edited I’ve gone back and done this. Specifically there’s a bit of belt residue that you can see on the tape door in some shots. That stuff gets everywhere - you’ll also see it on my fingers in the review of the 40th Anniversary Walkman.
It seems I have a bit of a dinking problem. I guess I’m just not cut out to be a professional dinker. We can’t all live the dinking dream. It’ll no doubt leave a big hole in my life.
I was sent the new Kodak Smile Classic Instant Digital camera - here's my video about it.
A look at some of 2019’s interesting and unusual music releases on physical formats. A physical release might not be necessary - but it's often being used as a way to promote music to a wider audience. Links to things shown in the video: Eye catching records by Richard Houghten https://bloomypetal.bandcamp.com Bytes of Sound by Rob Dimeo https://www.robdimeomusic.com/market DCC - Run Girl Run by Angela Lashley https://www.dccmuseum.com/cassettes DCC Documentary https://youtu.be/TIzU5K76gBA Minidisc Duplication & UV Printing https://www.bandcds.co.uk Tapeline - custom wound tapes https://tapeline.info/v2/
Recordable ‘Laserdisc’ wasn’t sold to the public but really did exist and I've got one to show you. This video features Sony CRVdisc - a 12" Recordable Laser Videodisc system designed for professional use. Destined to be thrown away in a skip* but rescued for one last job.
Testing out a Bluetooth TV Audio Transmitter to see whether it's a suitable match for the Aftershokz Aeropex bone conducting headphones.
A bit of history, some reminiscing and a demo - its all in this video about Kenwood. Kenwood have been around since the 1960s and the 1940s (the video explains more) - but it’s their 1980s and 1990s black components full of buttons, clever features and flashing lights that I remember lusting after. While this period might not have been Kenwood at their best, it’s the Kenwood I know best and this video looks at two components from this era.
Over the last few years I’ve featured a number of interesting products that were only for sale to the Japanese Domestic Market (JDM). While some were bought via eBay and others from Amazon.jp, many of the older, more unusual devices were bought through the Japanese Yahoo Auctions. This video explains how I go about doing this and how the costs can mount up.
A DAB radio, FM Radio, Internet Radio, Network Music Streamer, Music File Player, Spotify Connect Receiver and Bluetooth Receiver - a bit of a ‘jack of all trades...master of none’ but if you buy one on the right day (which might now only exist in the past) you can/could get a good deal.
The future of Telecommunications - The Videophone. In 1993 British Telecom introduced a range of videophones to the UK - These included the VC7000 for business and the Relate 2000 for home.
For the 1990s Minidisc enthusiast who has everything (except a Minidisc Label Printer). Affiliated Links: A chap on Patreon commented on the ‘killer track list’ on the Hip Hop MD - Its straight off a recent compilation - Four CDs - 72 Tracks all with CD Text £4.40 Amazon UK https://amzn.to/2tAN8cs (affiliated link) It’s also worth looking at the ‘frequently bought together’ list for some similar deals. LABELS: A few comments regarding why not just use a computer printer and standard adhesive labels instead. Many of us did, but the clever aspect of this machine is its ability to read in the track titles automatically. No typing required. I thought it was a novelty worth sharing because of that feature. If it had been a label printer with a querty keyboard which was used to manually enter the track names, that would have held no interest to me and wouldn't have warranted a video. There have been a few suggestions of transplanting other labels into the cases. There are cut-out designs on the Sony Labels - I'd imagine these are unique to this printer. Square holes along the length of the label strip in-between each label. These holes are used by the machine to advance and to identify the label status. Generic labels would likely not be manufactured with identical cut-outs. It's not a big deal though - I'm just showing some odd old tech that I thought was interesting. It doesn't have to work forever, just long enough to document it for posterity in a video...which it did. Mission complete.
Taking the Mikiphone - A look at a modern day replica of the 1920s Pocket Phonograph. To see how a real Mikiphone fits in the case - here's the video https://youtu.be/01i5RyBMBwg Here’s an original Mikiphone playing a disc : https://youtu.be/HsalqhwVsuw Here’s a Japanese Mikkyphone demo - https://youtu.be/dlf3pxdSHaM
A review of the Sony NW-A55 Walkman. UPDATE: You can make the A55 sound better, louder and add the FM radio back - here's the video that shows how https://youtu.be/7VPaXdQoKXs
An intriguing piece of retro gadgetry that lets you view the magnetic patterns recorded on tape. A modern day version can be found here: https://store.arnoldmagnetics.com/product/284/magnetic-viewer-b-1022 Special thanks to Andy on Twitter who first made me aware of this device back in 2016 https://twitter.com/andyAVAVsystems/status/786861354594492416?s=20
Looking at various methods to add track titles onto MiniDiscs.
A review of a budget head-mounted POV HD video camera. It’s a bit shaky. This video has been uploaded in 1080p60 as most of the clips from the camera are in this resolution.
Thanks to a very generous donation I temporarily have a classic Sony Reel to Reel in the house. Before I pass this on to a friend, I’m checking it out to see what works and what needs work. Join me as stay in and test it out while passing on a few basic tips for anyone unfamiliar with open reel machines.
A look at the Blacklighter ultraviolet screen overlays for the Vectrex games console.
A video looking at the unusual packaging for the Blu-ray release of the DCC Documentary.
Looking through some prison tech - literally.
Will I finally get a Gakken educational kit to reproduce sound? Third time lucky.
Now all but discontinued - the MT-90U is Roland's last all-in-one General MIDI playing 'Music Tutor'. It's also the only model in the range to feature a USB port rather than a floppy disk drive.
I’m laying my cards on the table…the turntable. You might have encountered the occasional novelty recording on laminated card - perhaps given away as a promotional tool, inserted in a magazine or on the back of a cereal box. However did you know that in 1960s & 70s Poland, the Sound Postcard was a popular budget format for new music releases.
If you're shopping for a used MD personal stereo - perhaps take a look at the players as well as recorders, but keep an eye on what’s bundled. If you’re not shopping for one - that’s cool too - have a great day.
Acoustic wind-up record players remained on sale longer than you might have thought - this is a video about one of the best and the last portables - the HMV 102.
I bought a load of untested Minidisc players from Japan. I'm still not sure why.
I bought a load of untested Minidisc players from Japan. I'm still not sure why. This video too long? Watch this shorter version instead: https://youtu.be/Suss1o5Oac0 UPDATE: Since making the video, I spent the best part of another day messing about with the players that couldn’t read a disc (cleaning lasers etc) and managed to coax a few more into working. So now the total number of functioning players is up to 30, that’s better than half. Although some of these are really pretty nasty looking and more than a bit flakey when it comes to reading discs. I didn’t think it worth mentioning, but since so many have assumed I wouldn’t have gone through the basics on any non functioning machines - here’s what I tried... On any machines that wouldn’t read a disc I cleaned the laser lenses with IPA, cleaned the battery contacts with contact cleaner, used a glass fibre brush on the battery contacts, blew the internals out with compressed air, oiled the worm gears, moved the mechs, made sure I always used fully charged batteries, smacked them about a bit - used pre-recorded discs as well as homemade ones, stuck them outside baking in the sun for a day (worth a go), plugged headphones in, plugged remotes in, made sure the hold was off, made sure they were turned on. This video is 73 minutes but the behind-the-scenes testing is more like ten hours.
I’ve always wanted a self-playing Grand Piano. I just had to compromise on the grand.
Thirty six years after seeing (and hearing) my first Vectrex - I'm finally doing something about its infamous buzz. The majority of the video shows how I got on with installing the Buzz-off kit, but towards the end of the video there's also a brief demo of a new Vectrex light pen.
Two cool gadgets for hot days.
Recovering the last recordings from a machine decommissioned decades ago. In this video I’m attempting to find out what’s on a set of tape cartridges discovered in a disused comms room at a railway station. The video follows the process through, from figuring out the most likely tape track layout, to transferring the tapes and ultimately playing them back. CHAPTERS 00:00 Background Information 02:32 A look at the carts 04:41 A NAB cart 05:25 DJ Jingles 06:44 The Ansafone machine 07:27 Choosing a suitable tape player 09:28 Re-spooling & recording 11:17 THE ANNOUNCEMENT 12:11 Analysis 13:40 Round up 14:48 Credits
Assembly & Demo of two new LED kits.
I’ve imported a cassette deck that has an uncommon feature. Showing this oddity creates an opportunity to talk about the accelerated evolution of cassette deck design in the mid 1970s.
Before the CD came out, you could record your own digital audio - on video tape. Have a look at a HiFi unicorn, the Technics SV-P100 - the first integrated digital audio tape recorder. In this video you'll get a demo and hear about the history of PCM recording onto tape. This all took place years before the introduction of DAT in 1987 - (Digital Audio Tape). If you’re interested, here's a video all about DAT: https://youtu.be/F4K1QKKPX_g
I was recommended two devices to try for blowing dust out of components. A compressor and a computer cleaner. Let's find out which one is most suitable for my requirements.
Ever feel the need to clean the tape in a compact cassette? Back in early ‘80s Japan you could buy a machine that did just that.
My month long mission to get an unusual ‘Junk’ cassette deck ready for its close-up. Earlier video about Pioneer decks in the 1970s https://youtu.be/4ONtCoB0L70
If you want a new stereo cassette ‘boombox’ in 2020 there are very few options. If it was left up to ‘Philips’ you wouldn’t even know this one existed.
Playing music and unwelcome passenger announcements from an old aircraft tape player.
A look at an aircraft BGM and announcement player and explanation on how I retrieved the audio from the tape carts.
A look at an aircraft BGM & Announcement player and the Emergency Announcements contained on the tape.
I've accidentally brought a format back from an alternate timeline where it appears there’s no such thing as a bad idea.
A company in Germany sells the last of the Uher 4000 Report Monitor AV Reel to Reel recorders. I bought one. Here's my video about it. Here's their website https://www.sds-consult.de/UHER/index.htm
I was sent a Vacuum Fluorescent Watch from a nice chap in Russia that runs this Etsy shop https://www.etsy.com/shop/NixieWatchStore - it's very trusting of him, but it could easily have ended up not getting shown at all, and that’d be a shame given the work put into it. I've demoed the watch in this video because it gave me the opportunity to pass on an important message about sending unsolicited packages and the likelihood of them not getting to me. If you've got something unusual that you think I'd be interested in - please check prior to sending it. *This watch has been donated to a charity auction where it can raise money for a good cause.
In this video I’m taking a look at an old school Panasonic cassette boombox that’s still being sold new today (in some countries). If you want a new portable cassette and CD player in 2020 - it’s far from perfect, but it may be your last best option.
A look at a portable Karaoke player from 1989 Japan. Even if you don't entertain Karaoke or it doesn’t entertain you, the chip tunes this device produces may still win you over.
The latest pocket printer from Polaroid does things differently - it uses Dye Sublimation technology to produce excellent quality 2x3 prints. But that’s not the whole story...
HitClips - a fun toy? A terrible music format? A way to sell music to kids too young to venture into record stores? The answer is YES. This video sorts the facts from the fiction.
A look at a Horse Racing game that uses Random 'Sixteen Sided' Records to determine the winner.
The ION Street Rocker has the retro looks down - but does it have the performance to match? Spoiler Alert: No, no it doesn't. Almost any mid-range boombox from the 1980s would wipe the floor with it.
A journey through the twists and turns of 1960s pocket records that ends with a mystery.
Looking at an assortment of unusual ways to get music noticed. 00:00 Zoetrope - Vinyl 02:48 Sid Chip Club - C64 05:31 The Rusty Nutz - DAT 07:35 Richard Houghten - Holo-Vinyl 09:07 Rob Dimeo - Gameboy 12:37 Credits - Music from Dimeo
Tapete was an audio tape cartridge format that brought joy to tens of thousands of people around the world and yet it's quite likely this will be the first time you've heard about it.
A modern classic television that still somehow looks futuristic.
Did you know Japan had their own unique MD boxes? Nope and you don't care either? - Fair enough, just thought I'd mention it.
The JVC RC-M90 is often referred to as the King Of Boomboxes. What makes it special?
Thanks to an email I received from ‘Mr Walkman’ my NW-A55 digital music player now thinks it’s an £8000 music player from Australia. If you have a digital audio Sony Walkman which has missing features or compromised functionality - it may be possible to do something about it. LINKS: Destination & Sound Pressure Tool https://www.rockbox.org/wiki/SonyNWDestTool Mr Walkman's Custom Firmwares: https://www.mrwalkman.ml (Note these Firmwares are BEER WARE - that means it's only right to give a donation for a beer if you use them).
Philips Digital Compact Cassette was killed-off in 1996. So here's a video about 2020’s new DCC album releases. Ben Liebrand’s Iconic Groove and Late Night Sci-Fi from Ancient Fan Death Studios.
In this one, I'm looking at three audio meters designed for entertainment rather than accuracy. One of them even does something useful.
Chocolate record bought from https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/foodisart
The full video version includes all the details - including tips for playing these. Chocolate record bought from https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/foodisart
A review of a Twinkly App-Enabled Christmas Tree. Also a quick look at the sound to light accessory and a Twinkly Wreath. ***This video features flashing lights - 450-ish or so of them***.
The 3M Sound On Slide system was launched in 1969 and enabled anyone to assemble and play multimedia presentations with each photo accompanied by 30 seconds of audio.
Thanks to a reissue of a Japanese 2018 Plug & Play TV Game I'm finally playing the PS2 Train Simulator, 'Densha de Go! Final'...fourteen years after this game first came out. ADDENDUMS: (CLICK 'SHOW MORE' below - Go on, do it, do it - I dare you). Initially I wondered whether the hardware in this could power a 'PS2 Classic'. However it’s been pointed out that it’s most likely running a custom version of the PC port of this game. Also it’s probably no longer the most polygon-capable plug & play console now that Sega’s Astro City Mini is out. That one can play Virtua Fighter. So forget I said anything. It was all a misunderstanding. LINKS: Here's Densha de Go! Plug & Play on Amazon Japan https://www.amazon.co.jp/-/en/dp/B08D... FULL TEARDOWN HERE - Showing all the chips : https://mazu-bunkai.com/bunkai-wp/eng... (Thanks for the link Robert) EXTRA INFO : I) The recess in the top of the controller is to hold a train driver's pocket watch (mimicking a real Japanese train). II) The percentage shown when the train departs indicates how full the train is. (Thanks to Hale for that one) III) Here’s the GameFAQs translation of the manual https://gamefaqs.gamespot.com/ps2/921... IV) Everyone (and their mother) is well aware of the Google Translate app. Suggesting it as a way to translate things has now become almost as redundant as suggesting Google Search for searching. I use the Google Translate App regularly - but whilst it can be very useful, it doesn't work too well with stylised text (as often used in games) - especially when that text is shown briefly and on the move...like in a game. However there's a very useful English language translation of the manual linked above. V) Buying from Amazon Japan. You need to set up an Amazon.jp account - change the language at the top of the page so you can follow the process through. Mine cost a total of 18,782 yen (including all the taxes and postage costs) When I pre-ordered, the item itself was 13,455 yen
This 'DJ Turntable' definitely isn't suitable for DJs - but is worth considering if you’re just looking for a regular turntable on a limited budget.
This £5 component (or variants of it) is used in most novelty budget record players. That’s fair enough when you’ve paid only £30 for a player to listen to some worn old records as a bit of fun. Perhaps not so great when this same £5 component forms the heart of your £100+ record player bought to play new limited edition £25 vinyl albums. It’s your choice how to spend your money - but it’s also nice to know exactly what it is you’re paying for and just how much care and attention as well as respect for you as a customer has been put into making the thing you’re paying your hard earned money for. This video originally formed the end of this review of a budget 'DJ' Record player https://youtu.be/28lHS0r5cIw - a few people asked for it to be uploaded separately.
Voice controlled curtains - wow it really is space year 2021.
A review of a mini dishwasher that fits where others don't. Available from https://daan.tech It’s rare for me to feature anything I haven’t paid for, but when a manufacturer gets in touch and offers to send me something I was unaware of, yet seems to fit my needs perfectly - it’d be silly not to let them send one over to try out. Note - I was sent this as a review sample by the manufacturer - no money has changed hands. 00:00 Why & What 03:49 Demonstration 06:14 Ongoing running costs 09:28 Opinion 11:49 Eco 12:38 Price 13:19 Wrap up 14:05 Credits
A review & demo of two entertainment-oriented audio displays. The ‘fungeneration RTA-31 Spectrum Analyzer’ and the ‘American Audio DB Display MkII’. NON-AFFILATED LINKS Products purchased from Thomann.de Spectrum Analyzer https://www.thomann.de/gb/fun_generat... DB Display https://www.thomann.de/gb/american_au... 00:00 Intro 01:18 Spectrum Analyser 04:40 DB Display 06:47 DEMO (both) 07:42 Prices 08:33 Credits
In 1971 Panasonic Introduced the first consumer Talking Alarm Clock Radio, the RC-6900. Let's open it up and find out how it worked.
A look at JVC/Victor's Unique Touchscreen MiniDisc personal stereo. My earlier video about some track titling options for home decks: https://youtu.be/5ufOfV40fx0
A fondly remembered childhood toy becomes a moderately underwhelming half-repaired shambles.
The Balmuda Toaster Oven does things slightly differently - Is it a revolution in toasting or a case of the Emperor’s New Toaster. I imported one to the UK to find out. I bought my Korean Balmuda Toaster from this ebay seller http://ebay.us/x8LlEd (AFFILIATED LINK) If they’re sold out - look at the ‘other items for sale from this seller’ to see some other colours.
Alongside the usual touring equipment, the late rock star Lemmy took something unusual on the road, a Slot Machine...from Germany. A video with a bit of a mystery, a bit of history and a bit of a demo. EXPAND THIS TEXT BOX TO READ PLENTY MORE - INCLUDING A ***FAULT UPDATE*** 00:00 Intro 02:33 German Machines 03:20 International slot variances 06:25 The Allwins 09:30 Playing hard to get 11:04 The Lemmy connection 12:30 Why pick these? 13:09 Hernia time 14:02 A closer look 17:03 A look inside 18:39 Where there’s smoke 21:11 Is that it? 22:20 Virtually finished 28:00 The end +++++++++++++++UPDATE +++++++++++++++++++++++++ ++++++++++ The fault with my machine +++++++++++++++ +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Since shooting the video I have replaced the components that blew. However this did not resolve the fault. Also refilling the coin tubes doesn’t resolve the issue (a few suggested the machine might be indicating to an attendant that it had run out of money ). However if you look through the early comments you’ll see one from zapro-dk who mentions that his father had a machine from the same company and they discovered that if the battery dies it forgets its databank which effectively means it can’t work again, but there’s also a comment from TheNWDigital who has found a suggestion on a German forum as to how to reset this fault by bridging some pins on a connector. I went ahead and tried this and whilst it did reset the machine and *stop the light from flashing* (which was great) - the components I'd only just replaced immediately went up in smoke again - so there's still another different issue elsewhere. Fortunately I've done all I needed to do with this one now, the machine was bought to use as a prop in a video. My original intention was to give it away after the video was finished. That’s not changed and I’ve been contacted by someone who still wants the machine even in its broken state. So trying to get it work
You know it’s not going to be good, but come on! 00:00 Why & What? 02:10 A Tanashin update 04:12 Physical Examination 07:32 Titanic’s piano bar 08:21 It doesn’t have to be this way 09:47 User error 11:03 Frequency Response 14:08 Wow & Flutter & Speed 16:01 Disassembly 19:24 Credits
This Bluetooth camera mic also adds an earphone output to Sony cameras like the A6400 and the ZV-1. However there is a catch or three… I'm also pretty sure this model is discontinued now that the new ECM-W2BT has been announced (happened while I was editing this video) 00:00 Intro 01:05 In the box 02:19 Demo 05:49 Been & gone 06:49 Two-way chat 07:57 Earphone limitations 09:08 It’s a re-mix 10:25 The buzz about the Hiss 11:57 Not a fix 13:02 Summary 14:33 Credits FAQ Q) Hey why don't you get that camera repaired? A) It's due to be replaced this year. The colour reproduction accuracy isn't a patch on that of a modern camera. I also need the next camera to be lighter as this one kills Manfrotto arms for fun - I'd like a fully articulating screen, the ability to record and power it from a USB C port at the same time, I need 4K60 and this list goes on and on (and on). In a nutshell - it's an old out of date camera that is due to be replaced as soon as something suitable appears. It will then be relegated to a back-up camera and the mic input won't be used for that purpose. Q) Hey I noticed the new version has a Mic-out socket - surely that’s a headphone output(?!?)! A) Mic out is exactly what it says, a mic out. It sends the mic to a mic in. Picture a wired mic on a stand that you might speak or sing into - now if you were to plug the wire from that mic directly into a set of headphones you wouldn’t hear anything. That’s how this works. My Sony ECM-XYST1M hot shoe mic has the same socket. Here’s how Sony describes the function of the MIC OUT jack ‘Usability with a wide range of devices An extensive range of cameras and other devices can be connected to the receiver portion of the ECM-W2BT. Equipment such as PCs and digital voice recorders that support audio input but don't have a Multi Interface Shoe can be connected via the 3.5mm stereo mini-jack output port on the receiver unit.’ Q) Where's the picture of the dog? A) I didn't get t
What influenced the Philips Compact Cassette? This and more will be answered in this video event of the century. Be the life and soul of any party by sharing the story of how 3M’s failed music cartridge made the Philips cassette possible. Learn why Philips' terrible deal with Sony was great for everyone else. Discover the only patentable feature of the compact cassette player. 00:00 Play 00:25 The ‘Inventor’ 02:45 Proto-tapes 05:35 RCA’s attempt 09:15 3M’s attempt 11:09 Minifon attaché 12:30 It’s all about the width 13:59 Understanding the market 16:01 Cassette’s unique feature 17:06 Philips other 1963 cassette 18:09 Rivals 19:53 The deal of the century 23:00 Quick fire facts 24:30 Load “” 26:08 Eject
Have we reached peak connected device with Ember the Temperature Controlled, app connected mug.
In this video I’m showing the pre-recorded music I’ve received over the last couple of months. There’s also a story about how I helped give a name to an album. For transparency I have tagged this video as a Paid Promotion as I have received most of these things for free. The Camera of Sound Cassette & LP was purchased via Bandcamp. No money has changed hands and the links shown below are not affiliated.
A clock with six tiny IPS LCD screens opens up unlimited customisation.
I'm finally taking a good long look at the GPO Boombox. Is it really worth £250? My modern-day boombox recommendation remains the Panasonic RX-D50
As unusual cassette decks go - the 1970s Philips changers are some of the oddest. 00:00 Intro 04:18 The ‘Repair’ 26:05 First Demo 30:13 Prices & History 32:38 More Demo 36:39 Wrap Up 38:22 Credits
Collectors aren’t interested in Mini HiFi systems from twenty years ago - this means their prices aren't getting jacked up in the same way as old boomboxes and separates. Therefore used examples can make a good buy for anyone on a budget who just wants a compact system to play various physical music formats with minimum fuss. I bought one to see what I got for my money.
An augmented reality globe seemed like a fun idea…and it nearly was. AMAZON JAPAN AFFILIATED LINK: https://amzn.to/3um9Cbx
Importing used audio equipment from Japan can be tempting - but there’s quite a bit more to think about beyond the ‘sticker’ price. A video with hints and tips sprinkled in amongst demonstrations of three quite different systems imported to the UK with mixed results. There are plenty of services to enable people outside Japan to buy from the Japan Yahoo auctions - including 'Buyee', 'Zenmarket', 'Jauce' and 'From Japan' to name just a few. I’m not qualified to recommend one above the others as I’ve only ever used one, for all I know it might be the worst.
This was the question posed by a Patreon supporter which resulted in me picking one of these up to find out for myself. Now we can all find out what a ‘Tore Sanchi’ slider adjusts.
If you're blind and you have a printed document that contains information you need to read, how do you go about doing that? You might be fortunate enough to have someone around to read it to you - but what if there's no one to ask or perhaps you don't want someone reading your private information...well why not get a computer to read it instead. That's the basic idea behind Kurzweil's Reading Edge. Q) Why am I stood by the sea to talk about this device? A) Unfortunately a very elderly relative who cares for another very elderly immobile relative was taken into hospital so I spent the week as a live-in carer for the person left behind. As you can imagine this all happened suddenly, so before driving over to their house at the other side of the country I just had enough time to pack a few clothes and pick up my laptop and a camera. Fortunately I had some footage on the computer that I’d recorded a couple of months prior, so I passed the time while they were napping editing this video together. I shot the to-camera segments at a location a short walk from their house (after making sure they had everything they needed and a phone within reach). I recorded the footage outside as I couldn’t shoot indoors without my usual studio lighting. This video will have a few rough edges here and there, especially when it comes to the sound, but this was the best I could achieve in the circumstances.
Many people now carry a videophone in their pocket (whether they use this feature or not) - but it's been a long road getting here. This video looks at Sony's Face-to-Face - a $499 video picture-phone from the late 1980s.
If you want a portable record player that looks like a suitcase and sounds about as good as one, you’re spoilt for choice. On the other hand you've got this - The Anabas GP-N3R, aka The Freestyle, it may look like a toy but it kicks those retro-styled ceramic cartridge sporting rejects into lost-luggage. Here’s my AFFILIATED link for the Anabas GP-N3R on Amazon Japan https://amzn.to/34JczYp (They frequently go out of stock but so far they always restock again…be patient). Also please read the paragraphs below… If you want one then you’re importing it from Japan. I used Amazon Japan. If you’ve never used them before you’ll need to set up a new account…an existing non-Japanese Amazon account won’t work there. However it’s easy to do..just change the language at the top of the Amazon Japan page to English (click the flag icon), then go through the usual account setup process, name address, credit card and that’s it - you can now order from Amazon Japan just as easily as ordering locally. However not everything listed on there can be exported - usually you’re restricted the things that show as ‘Ships from Amazon’ themselves rather than from marketplace sellers. If you’re unsure, then don’t do it. This is a service for people familiar with buying internationally. Also bear in mind if you import one of these then the guarantee is invalid as it’s not intended to be sold outside Japan.
I want to show you a type of Philips music cassette you most likely haven’t seen before. I was very fortunate to get one…but it turned out that was the easy part. Getting its 1970s player to work took a lot more effort. 00:00 Backstory 03:14 The player 06:40 Giving it a go 09:29 Inside the cassette 11:30 Inside the machine 12:45 The Repair starts 20:18 A look at the older machine 23:27 Back to the repair 27:15 The result 27:55 Summary 32:23 Groovy credits UPDATES 1) Turns out that this system was known as Philips 'Functional Music' - What a fun name. 2) The symbol on the back showing a box with an arrow is the sign for ‘Remote’ not ‘Output’. 3) The tape speed is 1 7/8ips 4) If playback of the tape reels is attempted on a R2R machine only two of the tracks like up with the heads on a 1/4 track machine
Used medical video printers regularly turn up on Ebay. Here's a video showing a couple of things you can do with one. 00:00 Introduction 01:18 Sockets and buttons 04:26 Printing video stills 05:39 Suggestions/tips 08:27 The ‘selfie’ machine 11:03 Credits
I’ve used one of these - most people I know have too, yet this is the first time I've seen one. When it comes to the joy of watching things working, the Kinetic appeal of this is up there with a Lava Lamp. UPDATE: Here’s what happened to this machine next https://youtu.be/qvzH7DSsD3g 00:00 Start 00:51 What it did 02:58 A look inside 05:14 What’s on it? 08:22 This is what. 09:54 FAQs Answered 14:12 Credits If you want to watch an hour of tape looping - here's the video https://youtu.be/fYVZ7GQhW3Y Massive thanks to Neil for supplying this rare Machine. FAQ) How did the machine know where the start of the announcement was? Did it use a foil splice or a cue tone - or was it something else? A) It’s just a loop of tape with an announcement repeated a number of times which has then been stuck together at the end with normal splicing tape to form a loop. No metal foil. No auto-triggering pulses. Just a simple repeated audio recording on a loop of tape. I double checked with Neil who dealt with these things for a living and he confirmed that there was ‘nothing clever going on, it was just a plain old loop of tape'. A caller ringing up would just start the machine playing back from the point at which the tape last stopped moving. That would more often than not be some way into an announcement. However back in the 1980s this was something we were very accustomed to. You’d ring up and if you heard an announcement you waited until it looped around back and started repeating and then you’d hang up. I remember doing this. It was only in the age of digital recording technology that we came to expect BT announcements to always start right from the beginning. Q) What kind of tape did this use A) Standard 1/4" tape. A helpful commenter mentioned that he used to record the announcements for these on a ReVox B77. Neil told me that in his job they received reels of the tape with the announcements pre recorded. They would splice off the amount they needed
Are those little thermal printers any good - find out here. 00:00 Start 00:30 Printer 04:52 Camera 10:01 Greyscale vs Dithered 11:58 Patreon credits
A look at Sopic cap records - a 1970s Japanese music format that helped to kickstart an entertainment phenomena. 00:00 Start 05:51 History 07:57 Disassembly 12:26 How it's used 16:29 Audio demo 17:29 Deciphering titles 20:13 Nightmare fuel 21:02 Wrap-up & credits
A test of a portable monitor. Handy for dual-screen laptop use, a stow-able TV (when paired with a HDMI source) or a compact gaming screen - especially when it comes to the Nintendo Switch which can output to it in 1080p over USB-C. It's definitely not perfect though.
If you thought HD-DVD lost the HD disc format war to Blu-ray, you're right. But spare a thought for the third-placed format. One that could only dream of achieving HD-DVD's level of success. This is the story of HD-VMD, the other disc. 00:00 Utter nonsense 01:58 Moving on 03:20 HD-DVD vs Blu-ray 05:51 Who were NME? 07:03 VMD acquisition 11:05 The VMD USP 13:37 Launch problems 18:02 Downfall 19:55 THE PLAYERS 28:59 Lazy Town to the rescue 32:47 Lost? 34:02 The only way to win was not to play 34:48 Patreon credits Here’s a link to the video from the chap with the Saw HD-VMD (amongst others) https://youtu.be/us-ioTyXyzU
A review of the Lenco L-30 turntable. A budget turntable - one of the cheapest with a moving magnet cartridge. 00:00 Start 03:16 In the box 09:34 Tracking force 10:34 First play 13:00 W&F/Speed Test 15:02 Speed adjustment 16:25 Snappage 16:58 Direct feed audio 17:31 USB Recording 18:16 Summary 19:23 Patreon Credits
Aired August 7, 2021 I've unlisted this as it was causing confusion. I just thought it was a fun coincidence worth sharing - but then once I’d posted it - the feedback came in and all the fun was gone.
The Amazon Basics range includes two Boomboxes (CD, Radio, Cassette). I bought them so you don’t have to. Here’s my review. Here’s an Amazon UK AFFILIATED link - but I’d recommend watching the video first https://amzn.to/2VmpY7P At the time of typing the Panasonic RX-D50 & D55 are still available in Europe via Amazon.DE - Here’s a link https://amzn.to/3xxDKBk - also on AMAZON US https://amzn.to/3xwikVp Both these links are AFFILIATED
This 4K60 pocket gimbal camera arrived just in time to accompany me on a short break. In this video you can see a full review of the camera as well as some of the video and photos I took on my travels around the U.K. On paper the camera appeared to be exactly what I needed…but life isn’t made of paper
A look at a fascinating app that can enrich lives by narrating the visual world. In 1979 a device that could read a letter aloud cost £80,000…nowadays that’s just one of the functions on a free app. That's progress. FREE APP - Microsoft Seeing AI website https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/ai/se... (IOS Download links at bottom of the linked page - or search for 'Seeing AI' ) SUBSCRIPTION APP - Envision AI Website https://www.letsenvision.com Envision IOS & Android download links https://www.letsenvision.com/envision... Seeing AI Advert featuring my musician pal Andre https://youtu.be/DybczED-GKE Of course he's got a YouTube Channel too. https://www.youtube.com/user/TheOnjLouis/videos
I was hoping to have better news - but nope, it is what it is. I have to call it - the likelihood of ever seeing a good new cassette 'Walkman' ever again is so close to zero…I’ll just say it’s zero. I have to thank YoungSung Jeon (our man in Korea) for going to all the trouble of making a two hour round trip to pick this up from a store and then sending it on to me. While I had hoped that this would have shown that it's still possible for a company to make a reasonable quality cassette "walkman' type device in 2021 - it demonstrated the opposite. However this result does have a value of its own. Rather than fruitlessly buying each new device that comes out only to get the same results - we can see that the problem lies with the mechanisms that remain available. Since it seems extremely unlikely that anyone is going to start making a new high quality personal stereo cassette transport ever again - we can now draw a line under this period of history. Finding a newly manufactured high quality cassette 'Walkman' has now become as impossible as finding a newly manufactured high quality Edison Cylinder player. Things move on. These devices have passed into history. As a result you now either choose to buy an old one with the understanding that you deal with whatever issues come from making that decision - or you just don't get one.
This was mistakenly advertised as a Karaoke machine. It isn’t a Karaoke machine. Nevertheless I took a punt on buying it as I had the feeling that I owned the unusual cartridges it plays. In this video you can see if my hunch paid off and learn more about a rare format through an even rarer player. My earlier video about this format https://youtu.be/Q_9IBIcsYj4 UPDATES: I) The machine appears to date from approx 1976. A helpful person on Patron spotted a date code on the speaker. II) Crown? Weren’t they a US/U.K. brand? (delete as applicable) - not this Crown https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Crown_(audio_brand)
See how long can you maintain your interest while I look at random old Minidisc players.
I've finally got my Coturn CT01. It's a clever, stylish, portable rechargeable bluetooth-equipped record player with an aluminium body…but there are some issues. The Coturn site is here: https://www.coturn.de Stating the obvious - I) The Coturn link is not affiliated II) There will be likely still be a *long* delay before you get any CT01s pre-ordered now and that's assuming nothing else goes wrong in the meantime 45rpm 7" record - O mio babbino caro EP - was provided by https://paweljanetta.bandcamp.com/album/o-mio-babbino-caro-ep 12" record from https://bloomypetal.bandcamp.com
A full length review of the Sony HT-A7000 Sound-bar, its optional RS3S Wireless surrounds and the SW5 Subwoofer. Will this set-up perform as well as or perhaps better than my previous traditional home cinema speaker system made up of an AV amp and separate speakers? AFFILIATED Amazon Links UK: https://amzn.to/3zCebQw US: https://amzn.to/2Zw8fwp DE: https://amzn.to/3lSh3nx CA: https://amzn.to/3o382Li 00:00 Start 06:52 Unboxings 14:54 Everything else 42:36 Credits THE ACCOMPANYING VIDEO I MENTION NEAR THE START - is here: https://youtu.be/Hn_KF1WrilI Sony UK’s page on the HT-A7000 https://www.sony.co.uk/electronics/sound-bars/ht-a7000
A review of the compact and comparatively low budget HumminGuru ultrasonic vinyl record cleaner. How well does it work? You can determine for yourself by listening to this series of tests. Best experienced through headphones. 00:00 Start 01:13 Unbox & set-up 04:38 The dirty record 08:29 The cleaning process 11:35 DEMO 1: Before cleaning 12:58 DEMO 2: After one clean 14:31 DEMO 3: After three cleans 15:40 DEMO 4: After anti-static gun 16:40 Results summary 17:22 TriMicron test 18:02 Unrealistic expectations? 21:10 Patreon credits MANUFACTURER'S WEBSITE https://humminguru.com (Note prices are shown in $HK (that's Hong Kong Dollars). AFFILIATED LINKS to the real star of the show - The ANTI-STATIC GUN AMAZON USA https://amzn.to/3rgjJjb AMAZON UK https://amzn.to/3rgjJjb AMAZON DE https://amzn.to/3rh6sqA AMAZON CA https://amzn.to/3o4k8U6 MY PREVIOUS VIDEOS ABOUT RECORD CLEANING A selection of options tried out: https://youtu.be/alTn6j0D8pI Orbitrac 3 Pro: https://youtu.be/lW7xkQ8pN6M
You *can* still get a new Personal CD player - but you probably shouldn't. Here's what happened when I tried.
A look at Sony's one-off musical oddity from 1982 - The CFS-C7 CHORDMACHINE Music cassette featured from https://eox.no If you want to see a traditional Boombox/synth keyboard combo - the Casio KX-101 is demonstrated here by the 8-Bit Guy. https://youtu.be/0CO0DbjjZPA 00:00 Start 01:49 Fixtures & fittings 04:36 Faults & fixes 12:13 DEMO 19:23 Summary 22:01 Credits
The sequel no one asked for. Two more things that flash along with music. ALIEXPRESS LINKS Item 1 - The Acrylic Tower https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_AN2jd4 (This link is AFFILIATED) Item 2 - The triple LED panel https://www.aliexpress.com/item/10050... (This link is NOT AFFILIATED) 00:00 Start 00:33 Item 1 02:21 Demo 1 03:06 Features 1 05:09 Stere-no 07:53 Item 2 12:03 Demo 2 13:59 Features 2 18:56 Nothing to see here - move along 20:03 Summary 1 21:10 Summary 2 22:32 Wrap up 23:30 Credits
Forty years ago CD players were the cool new thing. The first machines were amazing technological marvels with interesting designs. But when it came to launching the second generation players most manufacturers' models started to look pretty similar. In this video I'll explain what happened and then show that there were some exceptions - you just needed to think outside the (oblong) box. I then go on to demonstrate the exception(al) CD player I bought - a Technics SL-P1200. 00:00 Show me the media 02:52 Things started off well 04:34 But then this happened 06:32 So I bought this 07:32 But I really wanted this 08:53 Let’s look at the SL-P1200 10:34 How quick 11:15 So what can it do 16:11 Summary 16:56 Patreon credits
If you’re looking for a new micro HiFi system that can play cassettes in 2022, here’s one to cross off your very short shortlist.
Can you figure out what this 1986 device was been used for? Tap on your screen and all will be revealed in this thrilling video. BTW Post in the comments if you remember ever using one of these for real back in the day. 00:00 Start 02:32 Out of the box 09:26 Recording a message 10:10 Playing a message 10:26 Outside broadcast 11:25 Its intended use 12:02 Final thoughts 13:20 Patreon credits
Can you figure out what this 1986 device was been used for? Tap on your screen and all will be revea A quick video about an unusual Sony Walkman. Can you fill in the blanks? UPDATE 1 - A patron found this newspaper article about the Soundalive company. https://www.getsurrey.co.uk/news/busi... UPDATE 2: - Here's what we've learned so far. *The Soundalive! company provided a variety of narration devices for a number of locations. *People remember using these devices on tours in places such as Westminster Abbey - those tapes contained narration describing details about the surroundings. *It is believed that the music tapes, such as the one I used in this video were likely not used on tours, but instead were something created just to be sold in a museum gift shop.
My verdict on Sony's new LinkBuds - the Bluetooth in-ear headphones with hole in the middle.
Wasting both my time and yours with the tale of a faulty SACD player and a botched rescue mission.
Thought you'd seen every 1990s hand held colour video game machine? Enter the J.Cock.
I take a look at the newly manufactured replacement cases for pre-recorded Minidisc albums. Made and sold by https://minidisc.me in the US Also available in the UK from https://www.retrostylemedia.co.uk
If you know someone with dementia or Alzheimers you'll be aware that even the simplest pieces of technology have a potential to cause confusion. Fortunately there are companies producing products addressing these challenges - and today I'm looking at a DAB+/FM dementia friendly radio from Relish.
A look at VideoNow - the mid-2000s video format for kids.
A review of tonies® - an audio book, music and entertainment player designed for use by children. The tonies® website is https://www.tonies.com Note - I purchased the Toniebox & Tonies featured here - this is not a sponsored video. After this video has gone live I’ll be passing these on to a friend with a young child who should enjoy them.
I was sent a new release on an old format - a very old format. A demonstration and a very basic beginners introduction to cylinder record players. How will future generations relate to the current physical pre-recorded music formats?
Demonstrating more flashy trashy music spectrum analysers.
A compact transportable steam cleaner that promises a lot - does it deliver?
Over forty years after its launch, the JVC RC-M90 AKA 'King Of Boomboxes' has been re-created in the form of two replica miniatures which function as bluetooth speakers. Here's my review.
I've received some new cylinders but my cylinder player broke. It 'should' be a simple fix...
I've acquired of one of the last of the tape-based background music systems. In this video I aim to learn more about it, as well as play some music.
In 2006 the world was introduced to the Playaway - an all-in-one audiobook player, where each device held a single pre-loaded book which could not be swapped out. It seems inevitable that this would be another of those single-use gadgets replaced by the smartphone...and yet in 2022 the Playaway lives on. In this video you'll see a demo and discover how and why it survived.
The TEAC X300-R 7” open reel tape recorder remained on sale into the early 1990s. A look at the history of the X3 range along with a demo of my early ‘80s X-3R.
hat hassle-free cassette Walkman do I use the most often? UPDATE - I have been informed that I need to remove the battery door in order to get into my EX672…so now I know what to do if I ever fancy replacing the belt in that one too. NOTE: The players shown in the video took me *years* to assemble (one of them took me three attempts - for a total of around £280) - the odds of just popping on ebay today and immediately picking one of these up for next to nothing is almost nil…so don’t be shocked when that’s the case.
A semi-follow-up to this video https://youtu.be/PJakX_-HBqY This time I try to listen to the contents of an unplayable background music cart.
A review of the Ordro EP8 - a 4K60 stabilised 130º FOV head-cam
I wanted the option to play audio from my HiFi via my TV surround system - so I bought a thing and then that made me want to buy another thing. Links to both these things are below. These links to these thing are affiliated.
2-XL - a smart toy created from a very simple idea.
I’ve upgraded my Sony HT-A7000 soundbar with the new SA-RS5 rear surround & Atmos up-firers. Are they worth the premium over the RS-5S surrounds? I also give an update on how I’ve been getting along with my HT-A7000 soundbar - and answer the oft asked question as to why I chose the HT-A7000 rather than Sony’s HT-A9 surround system.
In this video I try and get an old five-cart 8-track changer working properly.
Playing Kenny Everett Radio DJ carts that haven't been heard since the 1970s.
These music visualisers have just arrived at IKEA UK. I bought one. Here's a quick review and a teardown
I bought the best Panasonic stereo cd/radio/bluetooth portables to find out how capable these new 'boomboxes' are now that they've dropped the cassette.
Today I'm talking about the 8-Track in Japan and then opening up two new-old-stock Japanese National RQ8 8-Track players. I'll show what makes these different from the US Panasonic RQ-830S - AKA the TNT or Dynamite.
In this video I explain why buying quality used tapes full of someone else’s recordings might be your last best option if you still want to make the best cassette recordings at sensible prices nowadays. I then go on to try a variety of bulk erasing methods on used tapes to test their effectiveness.
Today I'm using a special lathe that cuts a 36º edge into a CD to improve the sound quality. Is this madness...I aim to find out. FAQ… Q) Why didn’t you just rip the CDs into the computer? A) Because I wanted to use a regular Audio CD player. As the improvements mentioned related to the quality of audio produced during CD playback (at 1x), this is what I chose to concentrate on.
No one likes the Karaoke-tech videos - so here’s another.
A few weeks ago I shaved some CDs, now let's demagnetize one.
In this video I'm reviewing the Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 2nd gen Bluetooth speaker.
In this video I test out modern day NetMD compatible MiniDisc alternatives to Sony's long abandoned Sonicstage and Simple Burner. LINKS: Web Minidisc Pro https://web.minidisc.wiki/ Platinum MD https://platinum-md.app NetMD Wizard https://github.com/Jo2003/cd2netmd_gu... MiniDisc Wiki https://www.minidisc.wiki/start Also for WINDOWS Web Minidisc Pro you’ll need to use Zadig to allocate a new driver to your MD machine. Read the instructions linked to from Web Minidisc Pro’s webpage, but here’s a link for Zadig https://zadig.akeo.ie
If your slot loading component Sony MD recorder is reluctant to eject discs - it's probably time for this quick repair. Note - different machines can have different mechanisms, sometimes they're encased. Take a look inside before ordering anything to make sure that you're happy to have a go.
Today I'm admiring the largest Nixie Tubes I've ever seen on Millclock's new ZIN-70 clock.
Audio Technica have released a limited edition of their Sound Burger record player in 2022. The AT-SB2022 has Bluetooth and recharges via USB-C. It's also currently limited to 7000 units world wide and they've sold out. Here's my review.
Let me show you The Lyte...from 1987
I was sent the new bluetooth personal stereo cassette player/recorder from 'We Are Rewind' - here's my evaluation. Non-affiliated link to the We Are Rewind website: https://www.wearerewind.com
A look back at some of the notable videos from 2022 - followed by an (entirely optional) ten minute update chat about the off-screen problems that affected the on-screen output this year.
An unwise purchase made forty years ago still irks after all these years.
One of the most unusual CD players made wasn’t created for people like me - but that doesn’t stop me from having fun with one now.
The Coturn CT-01 is a premium portable rechargeable bluetooth-equipped vinyl record player I first reviewed in 2021. The one I tested back then had some issues. I now have a newer version that promises to r esolve these problems. Time to do some tests.
Bird Buddy is a smart bird feeder that identifies, photographs and catalogues birds that visit it. But only when it feels like it.
You'd be surprised what you find inside an old briefcase. Addendum: The FM receiver on this model is mono - a separate 'Stereocast' adaptor was available. If things work out, I should have one of these in my possession soon. All being well I'll be able to demonstrate this in a future video.
If you queued up in a UK Post Office in the 1980s you might have seen one of these carts in action. If you were in business or education in 1970s America you might have viewed a presentation from one of these carts. It's a format that you were made to watch, whether you wanted to or not.
A ‘radio’ that lets you listen in to broadcasts from cities around the world…but there’s a catch.
In Part Two of a three part series looking at HiFi micro systems over the years - I examine a Japan only system from the early 2000s which once promised to be your one stop audio visual source shop.
It's the UK in the sixties, you turn on your television to watch the football but because of a transmitter fault, rather than seeing the match you hear what’s on this tape instead. Let's have a listen. Massive thanks to Mart for lending the tape and to Ringway Manchester for the help.
25 years before 3D Blu-ray, some enthusiasts in Japan were watching 3D movies in their homes courtesy of the 3D VHD system. Better late than never I'm going to try it out. CORRECTION/CLARIFICATION Regarding the way the disc stores the 3D - as mentioned it’s two frames per rotation made up of four fields, what I neglected to mention though was that the fields alternate for each eye. So it’s left eye field 1, right eye field 1, left eye field 2, right eye field 2 …and that’s our two frames for that rotation - so then the pickup moves onto the next ring. I know almost no one will read this, but for that one person who does and who gives a hoot,…Hi, I hope you have a great day.
I found a weird tape machine on ebay. I probably should have left it there. WARNING: This video provides no satisfaction.
This week I’ve been attempting to fix up two vintage 8-Track proto-Boomboxes. Products featured: Learjet P-550X & RCA 3-5531A
A while back I picked up a National SL-N25. It has a feature that makes it stand out from the other models in the National Panasonic Technics range of linear-tracking turntables. It's time to test it out.
The Mighty Tiny is a very small record player from the 1960s that claimed to be "The smallest record player in the world", but was it?
I liked the Bang & Olufsen A1 2nd gen Bluetooth speaker when I reviewed it last year...but is it even more impressive when connected as a stereo pair?
A look at what’s new with Philips long dead 1990s Digital Compact Cassette format.
The smallest music tape cart format in the world, ever...probably. FAQ Q) Dimensions? A) The Bandai cart measures 33mm x 28mm x 10mm
A hand cranked cassette player that enabled tapes to be played pretty much anywhere.| Let’s take a look at it.
Did you ever wonder what device was responsible for playing the music heard through headphones plugged into the armrest of an aeroplane? Here's one tape based machine that was still providing passengers with in-flight entertainment more recently than you might expect.
What in the world is a 'LITTLE JAMMER meets KENWOOD' ? A look at Bandai's Little Jammer 'Live Stage' music entertainment system.
A long awaited look at the final 1960s stereo* version of the Tefifon - the KC4. After many years I’ve acquired this almost mythical Tefifon, but was it worth the wait?
In this video I attempt to get my Sony WM-FS555 playing cassettes again.
Captured from a D-Theater HD DVHS Demo Tape - more here: https://youtu.be/jiu0LPeLQPE In 2002 D-Theater launched in the US - the dealers needed a demo tape of HD footage. JVC reused some HD video that had been shot as a demo for the Japanese HD market back in 1993. This footage would have most likely been originally used for a HiVision MUSE demo (an HD Broadcast, Tape & Laserdisc format). You can determine that the year is 1993 by the adverts in Times Square - The Radio 501 CD that's advertised on a billboard came out in 1993 and Paper Moon is playing at the Marquis Theater. For those wondering what HD video camera tech existed in 1993 - there are a few options, but it's likely that this footage was shot with a HDVS camera- perhaps a Sony SONY HDC-500 attached to a HDV-10 portable recorder which recorded on UniHi 3/4" tape. Music - Living for the City - Muzak Version (Originally Stevie Wonder) / Autumn in New York - Kimiko Itoh
An exclusive video just for Patrons. A rambling chat that includes an update on a few of the things I’m currently working on. LINKS Those chrome tapes on eBay: http://goo.gl/XFQZt9 (it’s 5 for £9.99) If I hear about any other good deals I’ll post them on Twitter https://twitter.com/Techmoan My second off-topic youtube channel: http://youtube.com/youtube_pedant 8-Bit Buy on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/adric22
A behind-the-scenes Patreon only video.
Not every project works out - unwittingly I decided to record a Behind The Scenes video for this one.
I thought I'd been on youtube for 10 years on 26 July 2017...so I made this video.
Patreon Exclusive detailing the making of a video.
RetroTech made famous by a Netflix series title sequence - imported from Japan, but is it worthless junk or a half-price deal?
No credits outro as requested on Patreon.
Week 297 of lockdown and the cracks are stating to show.
00:00 Intro 01:54 Cassette resurgence 16:36 ION Street Rocker deleted intro 22:19 Wall art etc 26:58 Korg Hi-Kara update 32:33 Content match woes 39:43 T-Shirt preamble 41:00 Monolith parcel 54:33 World’s worst fashion model 57:05 Auto-complete comment responses 1:00:42 Weird advert 1:04:24 Old movies 1:08:56 ‘Skip intro’ 1:11:50 Finito Patreon Extra Skip Intro’s upload of Movies Vol 1. Jan 1987 https://youtu.be/bhaelTTzEDQ
November 2020 Patreon chit chat. 00:00 Weak Intro 02:18 OLED update 11:30 RC-M90 quick mention 12:59 MD Mid-week flop 16:41 Subtitles? 17:51 Tapete answers 21:48 False Starts 26:32 Unboxing 37:19 Skip Intro returns Patreon Extra: Skip Intro’s upload of Movies Vol 2 March 1987 https://youtu.be/Nqij6l5gg4A Link - The Uher chaps
00:00 Intro 02:32 My Radio experience 26:12 Oddness 34:16 Catalyst Browse Demo 39:00 Random internet stuff 41:48 Car stuff 44:30 Pick of the month 55:33 Bye!
00:00 Start 01:00 All about April 11:04 Non-comments comments 27:06 Broadband woes 33:31 New camera 35:21 My Car Charging Experience 51:10 Youtube suggestions 52:14 Nakamichi Turntable 54:35 What happened to the MDs? 57:05 CD Player issue 58:11 New Intro 01:01:08 Wrap-up
00:00 Start 00:15 Family matters 08:40 Mobile video-making kit 20:35 Comments on comments 45:09 iMac’s missing function 49:48 Throwing good money after bad 54:38 Charles Wright’s TC8 mystery 1:00:21 The End
LINKS ARE POSTED ON PATREON https://www.patreon.com/posts/53776534
Links to things mentioned in this video; VHD Interactive Promo: https://youtu.be/Yu6c7wf6O0E VHD Japanese Promo: https://youtu.be/yyZycXrYIrQ Wire Recorder Render: https://www.artstation.com/artwork/4b... Calculator Wars Video: https://youtu.be/ansXGewduN4 Vintage Tech Hunters on History: https://www.history.co.uk/shows/vinta... Databits video about TED: https://youtu.be/XkP4ZJnMVOs Technology Connections video about Flexplay: https://youtu.be/ccneE_gkSAs Motion Activated Night Light : https://amzn.to/2HTy394 (Affiliated) ( I couldn’t find the one I use - this is an alternative) Hyper Drive for iPad Pro : https://www.hypershop.com/pages/hyper... VHD Audio Alert Ringtones: http://pc.cd/tl7otalK List of orphaned Patreon Names getting deleted https://www.patreon.com/posts/hologra...
I thought you might enjoy this clip of audio I found on an old cassette. It talks about DVD just prior to the launch in the UK. There's a spectacularly inaccurate analyst prediction of DVD's potential towards the end of the recording. The audio cuts off abruptly because that's the end of the tape - that's all there is.