Beocord V 6000

The Beocord V 6000 replaced the V 3000 as the “other” video recorder in the B&O range, for those for whom the VX models were too expensive, too complex, or both. It would work with any Beovision television set of the period, and relied on the remote control sensor in the TV for operation via a Beolink 1000. The televisions for which the V 6000 was particularly intended were the LE and LS ranges, which were also basic models. Text copyright © Beocentral. Unauthorised reproduction prohibited.

Whilst the Beocord V 3000 had been a Hitachi machine (whose mechanical section bore a very slight resemblance to that of the VX models), the V 6000 was made by Grundig, and in line with their other video recorders used a Philips mechanism of the “turbo deck” type. Text copyright © Beocentral. Unauthorised reproduction prohibited.

The conversion to a “B&O” was similar in some ways to the V 3000 too. For example, the display was fitted with a filter to make the numbers orange. Whilst the display itself was quite large, hardly any of it was used – even the clock was removed – leaving just a tape counter which worked only when the machine was on and a tape was inserted. The sockets at the rear were also renamed to suit the B&O application, and the 4 “RCA” type audio connectors removed. Unlike the V 3000 however, the cabinet had been restyled. The styling appeared convincing, though the machine was surprisingly large (much bigger than the V 3000 and taller and deeper than the VX models). In fact, the styling was the most enduring aspect of the V 6000, it was carried on in shrunken and tidied up form for the V 8000 video recorder, DVD 1 DVD player and HDR 1 hard disc recorder. Text copyright © Beocentral. Unauthorised reproduction prohibited.

In lieu of most of the display, the V 6000 was given an on-screen menu system which was superficially similar to that of the better televisions of the period. This was spoiled slightly because the characters were rather small, and were introduced into the PAL video signal as opposed to being sent through the RGB pins of the SCART connector. This meant that they appeared a little washed-out and indistinct on the television screen. The rest of the machine worked reasonably well, though the results were not as good as the more expensive VX. Text copyright © Beocentral. Unauthorised reproduction prohibited.

The V 6000 did have some features that the VX range lacked. For example, a teletext decoder was fitted that allowed subtitles to be recorded along with the picture without having to use the television as a source. It was also the first B&O video recorder to have the tape mechanism mounted centrally, which although it offered no technical advantage, was fashionable at the time. Text copyright © Beocentral. Unauthorised reproduction prohibited.

The V 6000 was withdrawn at the same time as the VX 7000 and both models were replaced by the Beocord V 8000. It could be argued that this was more of a direct replacement for the V 6000 as it used similar styling and mechanicals. Text copyright © Beocentral. Unauthorised reproduction prohibited.