N1502

Philips N1502

FORMAT: VCR

DATE: 1976

56x36x16cm

Although only a few years after the original N1500, and the same format, the 1502 could hardly look more different. Gone is the wood and aluminium styling, replaced by a battleship grey plastic case, and the analogue clock has been upgraded to a digital timer.

In fact all the controls - now all on the sloping fascia - have been re-worked, with the single exception of the rotary tracking knob on the left. The colour-killer, audio meter and audio level control have disappeared, the machine being entirely automatic, and the operating keys are now set flush with the fascia.

The carriage is an unusual tilting affair, released by a lever which also controls the power to the machine. This means that you can't eject without switching the machine off; however, this is more logical than it sounds as VCR format machines keep the tape laced as long as the power is on.

The 1502 added a still-frame button; when this was in the 'on' position, the picture being scanned by the heads was sent to the TV even when the tape was stopped. The still picture produced is surprisingly good, with no noise bars or other disruption.

The timer allowed a recording to be programmed several days in advance, though only one recording could be set up, and the clock is backed-up by a battery so that power-cuts will not cause the machine to lose the time - or more seriously, the programmed recording.

Internally, the layout is pretty much the same as the 1500, though more electronic circuits are crammed in. A few chips are now used, though most of the electronics is still discrete, with aluminium cans shielding each circuit from interference from those around it.

The picture sharpener circuit, optional on the 1500, is now built in.

This machine is ex-BBC, and was found at a car boot sale. It was repaired using parts from another, and now works - though the tape-speed control is rather erratic.