RCA VKT-650 (1984)
The RCA VKT-650 was an early VHS Hi-Fi videocassette recorder in RCA's Selectavision line. It was on sale by late 1984 at $1,295. High Fidelity (September 1984, p.54) described a deck with a timer programmable up to a year ahead for eight events, on-screen programming, a wireless remote, and VHS Hi-Fi stereo audio. The front panel measured 17 by 4½ inches and the chassis was 14¾ inches deep. It had one unswitched AC convenience outlet rated at 300 watts.
The Hi-Fi audio was the headline feature. High Fidelity's Diversified Science Laboratories measurements (September 1984, p.56) showed weighted flutter on the Hi-Fi tracks of about 0.01%. The same deck's standard linear audio tracks measured 0.17% to 0.25% at SP, LP, and EP speeds. The review also flagged a couple of quirks. The sharpness control affects playback only, and the microphone input is monophonic.
Audio's November 1984 comparison of six VHS Hi-Fi recorders (p.54) listed the VKT-650 with eight programmable events - the same count as the GE, JVC, Jensen, Panasonic, and Sharp decks in that roundup. The owner's manual was well written, though High Fidelity noted it didn't fully explain some of the unit's eccentricities.
Beyond this period-press record, the VKT-650's broader history is thin, but the late-1984 reviews give a clear picture of a capable early VHS Hi-Fi deck.
- VHS Hi-Fi stereo audio; VHS videocassette recorder
- One-year / eight-event tuner-timer with on-screen programming
- Wireless remote control
- Front panel 17 × 4½ in; depth 14¾ in plus connection clearance
- One unswitched AC outlet (300W max)
- Price at introduction: $1,295
Similar items on eBay
No exact RCA VKT-650 listings are live right now — these searches show current RCA and similar vintage audio gear on eBay:
As an eBay Partner, we earn from qualifying purchases. This helps support our independent vintage technology research.