National NV-850 (1983) | First National Hi-Fi VHS

 

The National NV-850 marked a significant transition from VCRs being utility video players to high-end audio-visual components. The National NV-850 (often identified as the NV-850A or NV-850-B) was released in 1983 as National/Panasonic’s first major foray into the VHS Hi-Fi market. It was designed to compete with the high-fidelity sound of Betamax and was marketed as a "professional-grade" machine for home consumers, often used in university video labs and production environments. The core feature of the NV-850 was its FM-modulated depth-multiplexed audio. It achieved sound quality near FM stereo or CD levels, with a dynamic range of approximately 80dB. The front panel featured prominent multi-color LED audio level meters, which were essential for manual recording level adjustment. Users could switch between Left channel only, Right channel only, or standard linear mono tracks. The NV-850 is remembered for its "classic" early-80s styling before the industry moved toward cheaper, plastic designs. Metal Construction: Unlike later models, the NV-850 featured a heavy metal chassis and a flip-down door that concealed secondary controls for the timer and Hi-Fi settings. Reflecting its professional leanings, many versions came with BNC video jacks rather than the standard RCA, requiring adapters for home use. It used a complex belt-driven system (specifically the VBK46 belt kit) and a tracking dial that was highly regarded for its precision compared to later auto-tracking systems. Longevity & Maintenance Issues: Power Supply Heat - A known issue with the NV-850 was insufficient ventilation, which could lead to early failure of the power supply capacitors. Backup Power - The machine utilized three "Gold Cap" capacitors to maintain clock and timer settings during power outages; these are often found oxidized or leaking in vintage units today. The idler wheel and pinch rollers are the most frequent points of failure today, often requiring replacement to restore fast-forward or rewind functions.

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