Sony VO-2630
Description
The Sony VO-2630 is a U-matic Lo Band recorder/player introduced around 1978, classified as a "Type 2" U-matic. It is a workhorse machine designed for general-purpose recording and playback in educational, industrial, and institutional settings. The VO-2630 records in PAL or SECAM standards and can play back PAL, SECAM, and NTSC 4.43 colour tapes — note that it does not support native NTSC 3.58 recording or playback. It offers 300-line monochrome and 250-line colour horizontal resolution with an audio frequency response of 50Hz to 12kHz. Video connections use BNC and a proprietary 8-pin TV connector, while audio is provided through line (-10dB, 100kΩ), microphone (-60dB), and TV inputs with line, monitor, TV, and headphone outputs. The unit accepts multiple selectable voltage settings (110V, 120V, 127V, 220V, and 240V) making it suitable for worldwide use. A High-Band retrofit kit was available that allowed the VO-2630 to play back U-matic High Band tapes in addition to standard Lo Band recordings. When connected with a second VO-2630 or a VO-2030 player, high-quality transfers are possible using the DUB connector.