Old Technology
Intended for use with analog camcorders and a VHS or BETA Recorder
I have included some block connection diagrams should assist in understanding what the function of this equipment is. In brief, it is a controller of the source and target equipment - it does not process any of the video or audio content.
The controlled source uses a wired connection, designed for use with Sony products but not limited to these. Other sources such as Sanyo, Canon, Nikon, Fuji, Ricoh, Kyocera, Grundig, Olympus and Yashica are mentioned in the manual. What is important, the remote socket on the source machine must be either a stereo mini-mini socket or a mini 5 pin socket (similar in appearance to a SVHS socket)
The controlled target has two methods of control, IR or wired. If your target is a Sony product, it can communicate either by a wired connection or IR but if it is non-Sony, IR control is the only option.
The IR control system in the unit has both presets for various manufacturers and you can program the system to "learn" the codes from your own remote.
All video and audio connections are made direct from the source to the target machine.
It is then up to the controller to decide what is transferred to the target equipment, cuts etc
Sony Video Editing Console
Family Studio Series
Model: RM-E33F
Video standard: PAL
Supplied in the ORIGINAL packing material and outer box
All items in the original package are supplied:
RM-33F Controller (which includes the cable which connects to the source equipment - permanent connection)
Cable for wired connection to the Target equipment
Adaptor cable from Stereo mini-mini to a special 5 pin mini connector
Original SONY Power supply (plug pack style)
Original printed operating instructions
COSMETIC CONDITION:
Very good condition, clean and undamaged
Just one minute issue, the sliding tray underneath the unit has a user instruction guide made of thin plastic that slides out - this has been left out at some stage and the end of the sheet is "creased"
Other than that, a very nice unit cosmetically
TESTING:
Just some basic tests undertaken - this was bought by us years ago and then put away with the advent of digital video systems. Placed into storage and only now just taken out to see if there is any interest in this old system.
Powers up fine.
It has a type 2025 battery underneath to retain memory, I have fitted a new battery. This battery is vital, if the battery gets too low the system power lights and display flash, (this battery allows for all settings to be retained) and the system will not work.
I DO NOT HAVE A SUITABLE (OLD) CAMCORDER OR PLAYER TO TEST THIS CONTROLLER WITH - I HAVE TO ASSUME IT IS STILL FUNCTIONING
HOWEVER, I have checked the very important IR control side of things. I first made sure I can setup for learning a non-Sony remote, following the manual (its been a long time!) I read the codes from the test remote (programming is key by key - you push the remote function such as PLAY and the Sony Editing equipment reads this code, next you repeat for every other function you require) and then made sure the console was sending out IR codes when I try editing of the non-existent target recorder. Everything worked fine, I was able to transfer the codes easily and control equipment (DVD player) via the IR on the Sony equipment (actually I used a DVD remote and player for testing, not having a VCR any longer).
The block diagrams show the IR being emitted from just the right-hand side of the equipment but in fact IR is emitted from both sides (rear) so the positioning of the equipment in relation to the recorder is not very critical.
The Operating Manual is very clear and takes the reader through a simple step by step to setup the functions the user requires, including the various cut and editing functions.
Dated equipment for sure but possibly someone has a use for this equipment still.
