Episode 1: Donny Osmond - Soldier of Love (Michael Bay Salute)

2012-07-26

Michael Bay directed music videos? That would explain a lot.

Runtime: 8 min

Episode 2: National Anthem Conspiracy Theory

2012-08-23

This video has been censored by "The Man" for your pleasure.

Runtime: 4 min

Episode 3: Everlasting Love

2012-09-20

What the hell would make this overplayed moldy-oldie count as an oddity? Find out...

Runtime: 8 min

Episode 4: The Max Headroom Incident of 1987 (Commentary)

2012-10-18

The first Archive Riffs episode. Ben tackles a supposed promotional film for the "Butter & Egg Days Festival" that the Rifftrax guys already did--but they don't know real art (like Ben does).

Runtime: 12 min

Episode 5: Sounds to Make You Shiver

2012-10-31

A nice, compact little review of one of the most (in)famous "drugstore" records ever released. Bet you thought we didn't have a copy!

Runtime: 5 min

Episode 6: TV Sign-Offs (Commentary)

2012-12-13

An informal discussion of the TV Sign-Offs episode.

Runtime: 15 min

Episode 7: Emergency Broadcast Salute (Commentary)

2013-02-07

Something about February always gets Ben thinking about Civil Defense Broadcasting.

Runtime: 17 min

Episode 8: Freedom is a Hammer (Album Review)

2013-03-07

At the time of the Conservative Folk Music episode, some of the artists discussed had yet to make their digital debuts. Naturally, Ben would want to take a look at the CD that rounds up the complete folk-rock works of Janet Greene.

Runtime: 9 min

Episode 9: American EXXXtasy (Commentary)

2013-04-04

Perhaps the Archive's most infamous episode needed a little more context. Maybe not. Nevertheless, it got it anyway--the context, that is.

Runtime: 16 min

Episode 10: Greetings From the Stars (Sort Of)

2013-05-02

Ever wanted to get an (impersonal) birthday greeting from Milton Berle? How 'bout an answering machine message from "Richard Simmons"? Yeah, didn't think so.

Runtime: 8 min

Episode 11: Ask the Archive

2013-05-30

An informal Q & A session. Yep, that's about it.

Runtime: 12 min

Episode 12: Archive Riffs: Petaluma Chicken

2013-06-06

The first Archive Riffs episode. Ben tackles a supposed promotional film for the "Butter & Egg Days Festival" that the Rifftrax guys already did--but they don't know real art (like Ben does).

Runtime: 5 min

Episode 13: Local TV Special (Commentary)

2013-06-13

A commentary cut for the Local TV Special that was originally shelved due to a factual error regarding Indianapolis-based Horror Movie Host, Sammy Terry. Well, that and a couple of other brain farts.

Runtime: 21 min

Episode 14: Archive Riffs: Greedy Humpty Dumpty

2013-06-20

Ben riffs the sole survivor of his childhood Public Domain VHS collection.

Runtime: 10 min

Episode 15: VHS Vault Vol. 1 (Amvest Video) (Commentary)

2013-06-27

Recorded before the original episode premiered. Since then, we've learned that: 1. Audiofidelity Records started in the mid/late 1950's and issued some of the first stereo records. 2. Someone at Audiofidelity went berserk sometime in the '70's and started issuing pirated Beatles albums. 3. Those that signed up for the Kid Pics newsletter wound up on mailing lists for sleazy child beauty pageants (are there any other kind?). Ben has since learned that: 1. Playing a record at 75% of it's original speed is equivalent to flattening the "key" by a fourth, not a flat-fifth. 2. Audio frequencies are exponential. 2. Ben cannot do math in his head.

Runtime: 23 min

Episode 16: Archive Riffs: Say No to Strangers

2013-07-25

Learn to take the safe way to school (but only if you have to walk through Chinatown).

Runtime: 12 min

Episode 17: National Anthem Conspiracy Theory (Redux)

2013-08-22

One of the Archive's earliest episodes seems to have gone missing. As such, Ben has been forced to remake it. Or, this was Ben's (unsurprisingly, failed) submission to the ConBravo indie video showcase.

Runtime: 5 min

Episode 18: Halloween Special 2012 (Commentary)

2013-10-17

An all-too-brief look back at the Archive's first Halloween special.

Runtime: 10 min

Episode 19: Hallmark Presents: Spooky Sounds

2013-10-31

Given we followed up the first Halloween Special with a review of a "spooky sound effects" album, we figured it wouldn't hurt to do it again.

Runtime: 11 min

Episode 20: Archive Riffs: Dining Together

2013-11-28

Chain Aunt Phyllis to the family piano and enjoy an old-fashioned Thanksgiving.

Runtime: 12 min

Episode 21: Christmas Special 2012 (A Fair Use Christmas) (Commentary)

2013-12-12

A much-maligned commentary to a forgotten Archive episode.

Runtime: 24 min

Episode 22: Archive Riffs: A Christmas Fantasy

2013-12-24

Because nothing says "Christmas" quite like creepy wax figures and a bargain-basement Bing Crosby.

Runtime: 7 min

Episode 23: TV DX-ing

2014-01-09

...because the local stations suck.

Runtime: 5 min

Episode 24: Archive Riffs: Live & Learn

2014-01-30

Sid Davis would like to remind you that he loves his wallpaper and hates your child.

Runtime: 14 min

Episode 25: Archive Riffs: Cigarette Commercials

2014-02-27

Since we spent so much time with anti-smoking propaganda last time out, in the name of fairness, we thought we'd share some pro-smoking propaganda. Sorry, no dancing Luckies here (seriously, what can you say about it? Insert smart-ass comments below).

Runtime: 6 min

Episode 26: Backwards Masking (Commentary)

2014-03-27

Everything Ben has to say about the Backwards Masking episode in a mere 12 minutes!

Runtime: 13 min

Episode 27: A Nice Pair (of early, European VCR's)

2014-04-24

Can your heart take the sheer sex appeal of the Philips N1500? No (prescription) pills necessary!

Runtime: 11 min

Episode 28: Blooper Reel

2014-05-15

Alternate Title: Why The Archive isn't terribly conducive to outtake specials.

Runtime: 5 min

Episode 29: VHS Vault Vol. 5 - Y2K (Commentary)

2014-06-05

One of those rare occasions where there was a little TOO much to say in an episode.

Runtime: 24 min

Episode 30: Archive Riffs: Atomic Alert (Elementary Edition)

2014-06-12

Released about five minutes before the Conelrad system was established (and featuring some nice undercranking), 1951's Atomic Alert teaches you how to keep your nuclear experience nice and peaceful.

Runtime: 12 min

Episode 31: Ben's Junk: Sony Super Betamax

2014-06-19

A new spin-off of the Archive in which a piece of equipment is discussed that either has already been discussed in greater detail or that simply wouldn't amount to even a minisode of Archive.

Runtime: 8 min

Episode 32: Ben's Junk: VideoNow PVD Player

2014-06-23

The rejected pilot of Ben's Junk (for reasons that should become readily apparent fairly quickly). This time out, Hasbro's failed attempt at a portable DVD player for kids.

Runtime: 5 min

Episode 33: Format Wars 2 (COMMENTARY)

2014-07-03

By request, Ben discusses "Format Wars". By unilateral action, Ben discusses both "Format Wars" videos in one convenient (for him) commentary.

Runtime: 14 min

Episode 34: Ben's Junk: VHS Camcorder (RCA CC285)

2014-07-31

A "by request" Ben's Junk. Taking a look at the camcorder used to film "Going Analog" and "Y2K Apocalypse Party".

Runtime: 8 min

Episode 35: The Great Archive Treasure Hunt (Commentary)

2014-08-28

Who'da thunk the making of this episode AND the episode itself was about rediscovery?

Runtime: 24 min

Episode 36: Ben's Junk: Tascam Cassette Portastudio

2014-09-25

Perhaps a too-personal installment of Ben's Junk. Don't take that the wrong way...

Runtime: 12 min

Episode 37: Halloween Special 2013 (Commentary)

2014-10-09

Must be that magic time of year again when Ben lazily dusts off the previous year's Halloween episode for a commentary.

Runtime: 12 min

Episode 38: Ben's Junk : 8-Track/Cassette "Adaptor"

2014-11-20

SPOILER ALERT: Whoa-oh here it comes/Watch out boy, it'll chew them up/Whoa-oh here it comes/It's a tape eater!

Runtime: 8 min

Episode 39: Ben's Junk: Multi-System VHS VCR (Hitachi VT-M768EM)

2014-12-04

Finally, a VCR that can play all international formats! What do you mean, it only has mono sound?!? What you do mean I need converter boxes?!?

Runtime: 11 min

Episode 40: Ben's Junk: JVC S-VHS VCR (S7600U)

2014-12-18

The long-awaited conclusion to the two-part Ben's Junk VHS extravaganza. Does this count as the climax?

Runtime: 9 min

Episode 41: Ben's Junk: LaserKaraoke/Laserdisc Player (Pioneer CLD-S304)

2015-01-08

Two episodes of LaserKaraoke and still no demonstration of the machine? Yeah, I'm kinda slow...

Runtime: 9 min

Episode 42: 1-900 ARCHIVE Vol. 2 (Commentary)

2015-01-22

A dual commentary for both 1-900 ARCHIVE volumes. WARNING: Wrestling aficionados may not like what I have to say.

Runtime: 26 min

Episode 43: The DuMont Network (Deleted Game Show Segment)

2015-02-05

The DuMont episode ran ridiculously overlong (gotta love that molasses-slow early TV!). Here is a deleted segment giving an overview on the Game Shows aired on the DuMont Network.

Runtime: 9 min

Episode 44: Ben's Junk: Handheld Electronic Games

2015-03-05

Pouring some additional salt in the gamer wounds...

Runtime: 5 min

Episode 45: Ben's Junk: B-Movies & cult Classics

2015-04-02

Slightly bastardizing the usual Ben's Junk format--but not Ben's Junk itself (that'd hurt).

Runtime: 10 min

Episode 46: Ben Tries Finnish Candy

2015-04-30

...and welcome to (probably the only edition of) "Ben Tries"!

Runtime: 11 min

Episode 47: Ben's Junk: WebTV Box

2015-05-28

A day late, a dollar short--you know the deal.

Runtime: 8 min

Episode 48: The Death of Analog TV (Commentary)

2015-06-11

Little did I know... NOTE: If you don't like my dry, rambling (and stutter-heavy) commentaries, you might wanna skip this one.

Runtime: 23 min

Episode 49: Ben's Junk: Super 8 Sound Projector (Sears Sound II - Model 9258)

2015-06-18

Nothing but the cutting edge in home video technology in Archive-land!

Runtime: 10 min

Episode 50: Archive Riffs: Self-Conscious Guy

2015-06-25

I'm so vain, I KNOW I think this short is about me...

Runtime: 12 min

Episode 51: Oddity Archive: Episode 78.4 - VHS Vault Vol. 6 (How's Your Sex Life?) (COMMENTARY)

2015-07-02

I really wanted to be hypnotized! Seriously!

Runtime: 24 min

Episode 52: (Unofficial) Ben's Junk: Philips CD-I (model 220)

2015-07-09

The original "demo" segment in the CD-I episode ran long. REALLY LONG! This is the complete, intended segment shamelessly re-purposed as a "Ben's Junk" episode.

Runtime: 7 min

Episode 53: Ben's Junk: 8-Track (and related) Oddities

2015-08-06

Just going through some (relatively) recent additions to the Archive's 8-track (and associated) pile.

Runtime: 7 min

Episode 54: Ben's Junk: Sony DT-30 (External VCR Timer)

2015-09-03

DVR? Two-week advance recording? Wusses.

Runtime: 6 min

Episode 55: Ben Tries Bonomo's Turkish Taffy

2015-09-17

Made as a thank you to the viewer who sent this. A thank you for not sending us any Magic Clown ephemera, that is.

Runtime: 6 min

Episode 56: Ben's Junk: Rejuvenique Revisited (plus Contest!)

2015-10-01

Looking back on the mental and physical scars sustained while making the Rejuvenique episode--and the mask too.

Runtime: 14 min

Episode 57: Halloween Special 2014 (Archive Wares: Rejuvenique) (Commentary)

2015-10-15

Recounting one of the Archive's more memorable production experiences.

Runtime: 26 min

Episode 58: An Overly Nostalgic Halloween (or, For The Want of a Pail)

2015-10-29

I hate it when my ideas for holiday specials fall through...

Runtime: 11 min

Episode 59: For The Want of a Pail (Conclusion)

2015-10-31

Runtime: 1 min

Episode 60: Ben's Junk: Fisher-Price PXL 2000 Camcorder

2015-11-12

Discussing what was arguably the most difficult restoration project I’ve (successfully) undertaken. Special thanks once again to Stephen Greer for his generous donation.

Runtime: 12 min

Episode 61: Ben Tries (Thanksgiving Edition) (or, Ben tries Australian Stuff)

2015-11-26

'Cause, you know, Thanksgiving, food...it all makes sense.

Runtime: 11 min

Episode 62: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

2015-12-10

What's with the box? Who's that creepy guy in the intro? Is Chuck Swirsky really a freakin' nerd? Those questions (and more) will be answered in this video.

Runtime: 12 min

Episode 63: Archive Riffs: A Christmas Dream

2015-12-24

The Archive dusts off a minor (albeit severely butchered) art-house classic. Merry Christmas!

Runtime: 13 min

Episode 64: Ben's CED Collection (Deleted Segment from CED Episode)

2016-01-14

Filmed for inclusion on the CED episode (Episode 92), but left off for time.

Runtime: 4 min

Episode 65: Ben's Junk: Guitars! Guitars!! Guitars!!!

2016-01-28

Ben geeks out about guitars for 25 minutes. Watch at your own peril.

Runtime: 25 min

Episode 66: Ben's Junk: Ben's Philips CD-I Collection

2016-02-11

Let’s just say it all just kind of fell into my lap.

Runtime: 14 min

Episode 67: Ben's Junk: Philips CD-I Peacekeeper Revolver

2016-03-10

As promised, here's the second installment on the CD-I collection. Was it worth the wait?

Runtime: 9 min

Episode 68: Ben's Junk: Ben's (Incomplete) Comedy LP Collection

2016-03-24

The one time where it's ok to giggle at Ben's Junk.

Runtime: 17 min

Episode 69: Ben's Junk: Fisher-Price Movie Viewer

2016-04-07

It takes a steady hand to run one of these. Unfortunately, that's something I sorely lack.

Runtime: 6 min

Episode 70: Ben's Junk: Commodore 64 (& Peripherals)

2016-05-05

A wise man once said: “Save the big (stuff) for Ben’s Junk—it needs all the help it can get.”

Runtime: 11 min

Episode 71: Ben's Junk: Sony TT-100 Tuner/Timer (for U-Matic)

2016-05-19

Sometimes it takes a while for Ben's Junk to get in motion.

Runtime: 16 min

Episode 72: Commodore 64 (Commentary)

2016-06-02

Admittedly, a very stream-of-consciousness commentary here, but a(n apparently) necessary one.

Runtime: 32 min

Episode 73: Ben's Junk: VCR Co-Pilot

2016-06-09

I already discussed this one back on the VCR Ephemera episode, but didn't have one, so I couldn't test it. Let's rectify that situation.

Runtime: 10 min

Episode 74: Archive Riffs: Fox Hour Promotional Reel

2016-06-16

Taking a look at a (rather cryptic) promo reel for a series of silent, educational two-reelers.

Runtime: 10 min

Episode 75: Record Ripoffs (Commentary)

2016-06-23

A look at the first installment (and, to a lesser degree, the subsequent installments) of the recurring Record Ripoffs series. This is a commentary I’ve been wanting to do for awhile.

Runtime: 23 min

Episode 76: Ben's Junk: Magnavox Odyssey 2 (Video Game Console)

2016-06-30

A look at one of the many competitors to the Atari 2600.

Runtime: 11 min

Episode 77: Ben's Junk: Colecovision Video Game Console

2016-07-14

Discussing another bit of donated junk--'cause, you know, everybody apparently wants a hand in Ben's Junk.

Runtime: 8 min

Episode 78: Ben's Junk: (Some Of) Ben's Vinyl Collection

2016-08-11

Lately, I've been getting asked quite a bit about my music collection. All I can say is, be careful what you wish for.

Runtime: 42 min

Episode 79: "The Voice" Module (for Magnavox Odyssey 2)

2016-08-25

Oh-oh, won’t you tell me again…and again…and again…

Runtime: 14 min

Episode 80: Flexplay Disposable DVD Update

2016-09-08

Taking another stab at the now-infamous "zombie" disc.

Runtime: 6 min

Episode 81: Ben's Junk: Fisher-Price Star Station Sing-Along Machine

2016-09-22

Fairly recent for an Archivism—let’s take a look at how the current generation of middle and high-schoolers grew up to be such narcissists.

Runtime: 12 min

Episode 82: Fisher-Price PXL-2000 Camcorder (Commentary)

2016-10-20

Yeah, there were some ghosts in the camera—or were they gremlins?

Runtime: 20 min

Episode 83: Ben's Junk: bob (Another Nanny Box)

2016-11-03

ACTUAL (paid) TESTIMONIAL: Parenthood turned out to be a real bitch and we were totally unprepared. Thanks bob!

Runtime: 15 min

Episode 84: Ben's Junk: DVD Recorder (Panasonic DMR-E55)

2016-11-17

Another weapon in the Archive’s—well, archiving arsenal.

Runtime: 11 min

Episode 85: Ben's Junk: Gemmy Douglas Fir Talking Christmas Tree

2016-12-15

Well, I already discussed Big Mouth Billy Bass. Might as well finish the 90’s/Gemmy/Talking Novelty Item concept.

Runtime: 13 min

Episode 86: Ben's Junk: Ben's Comic Book Collection

2017-01-12

Superheroes? What are those?

Runtime: 22 min

Episode 87: Ben's Junk: Learn To Solder Kit

2017-02-23

A soldering kit for kids? Yeah, that about fits my skillset.

Runtime: 16 min

Episode 88: Ben’s Junk: MD Walkman (Minidisc Addendum)

2017-03-09

Like clockwork, I get my hands on a MD Walkman with a mic input just after I finish making the Minidisc episode. I swear it's a conspiracy.

Runtime: 9 min

Episode 89: Ben's Junk: RCA Selectavision CED Player (SGT 250)

2017-03-23

I was downright embarrassed by my old CED Player (see the CED episode). Obviously, an upgrade was in order.

Runtime: 13 min

Episode 90: Ben's Junk: Ben's Audiophile Albums

2017-04-06

For all the overpriced hunks of plastic in my possession, it’s kind of a wonder that this segment of my record collection is so small.

Runtime: 14 min

Episode 91: Ben's Junk: Vtech Socrates Educational Video System

2017-05-04

(conversation overheard at VTech, 1988) Boss: What’s a name that sounds good and smart for our quasi-educational video game console? Engineer: Um, Socrates! Boss: Is he smart? Engineer: Yeah. Boss: Perfect! What’s for lunch?

Runtime: 18 min

Episode 92: Ben's Junk: Videocipher II Plus/Manhattan Cable TV Box

2017-05-18

A couple of obsolete, useless (to me) bits of Pay-TV history—so, of course, I bought them.

Runtime: 15 min

Episode 93: Ben's Junk: go reader (Audiobook Device)

2017-06-08

Ben helps save the environment—with bad audiobooks on a cheap, low-capacity, unalterable mp3 player!

Runtime: 8 min

Episode 94: Archive Riffs: Dear Miss Gloria

2017-06-15

I’m ready for my mail, Mr. DeMille.

Runtime: 13 min

Episode 95: DBX Noise Reduction System (Commentary)

2017-06-22

Effectively tackling the three “(100% showtune-free) Musical March” episodes all at once. Who’da thunk old audio gear could be so controversial?

Runtime: 17 min

Episode 96: Ben's Junk: Las Vegas Vacation (1997)

2017-06-29

A decidedly different installment in the Ben’s Junk series. This time, I take a(n admittedly lengthy) stroll down memory lane about a family vacation from 20 years earlier.

Runtime: 20 min

Episode 97: Ben's 10 Favorite Albums (Part 1)

2017-07-13

Alternate Title: God, Ben! Don’t you listen to anything from this century?!?!

Runtime: 12 min

Episode 98: Ben's 10 Favorite Albums (Part 2)

2017-07-27

Remember kids, these are MY favorite albums, not yours. If there’s any overlap, consider it a happy accident.

Runtime: 12 min

Episode 99: Ben's Junk: MFSL Geo-Tape (Azimuth Alignment Cassette)

2017-08-10

A slightly askew edition of Ben’s Junk. Let’s rectify that situation.

Runtime: 6 min

Episode 100: Ben's Junk: DBX Cassettes (DBX Addendum)

2017-08-24

When researching the DBX episode, as best as I could gather, there were no (legit) pre-recorded DBX-encoded audiocassettes. Turns out there was a line of Classical tapes.

Runtime: 7 min

Episode 101: Ben's Junk: MFSL Geo-Disc (Turntable Cartridge Alignment Tool)

2017-09-07

…and the great Archive A/V tune-up continues.

Runtime: 8 min

Episode 102: Ben’s Junk: (New) Speed Calibration Cassette

2017-09-21

The Archive kicks it up a notch—or at least about one-fifth of one.

Runtime: 8 min

Episode 103: Ben's Junk: CVS One-Time-Use Video Camcorder

2017-10-05

Remember the single-use 35mm camera? How ‘bout a single-use camcorder?

Runtime: 10 min

Episode 104: Conelrad (Halloween Special 2016) (Commentary)

2017-10-19

The Archive gets nostalgic for nukes…

Runtime: 22 min

Episode 105: Ben’s Junk: The World of Yesterday (Classic Hollywood Fanzines)

2017-11-02

Ben gets nostalgic for nostalgia—he’s meta like that.

Runtime: 19 min

Episode 106: Ben's Junk: Realistic Phono Pre-Amp (Model 42-2109)

2017-11-16

Taking a look at an external preamp for the turntable—largely only because the cool kids are into it.

Runtime: 6 min

Episode 107: Ben's Junk: Vidicraft Vidimate Video Enhancer (Model VDM300S)

2017-11-30

An especially dull (or sharp) edition of Ben’s Junk—it’s capable of both.

Runtime: 9 min

Episode 108: Ben's Junk: Star Shower Laser Light

2017-12-14

Ben gets ambitious with his Christmas lights—in that, he’s putting any up at all.

Runtime: 9 min

Episode 109: Ben's Junk: Sankyo Dualux Dual8 Projector (Model 2000H)

2017-12-27

…or, Telecine redux.

Runtime: 13 min

Episode 110: Ben's Junk: Allsop 3 Orbitrac Record Cleaning System

2018-01-11

It’s no secret that the LP’s discussed on Archive were usually (presumably) buried in someone’s backyard. Naturally, we’re open to any new method of cleaning them up.

Runtime: 8 min

Episode 111: Ben's Junk: JVC KD-A6 Cassette Deck

2018-01-25

Ben’s second new (to him) cassette deck in a year. What makes this one so special?

Runtime: 12 min

Episode 112: Ben's Junk: Discwasher Compact Disc Cleaner

2018-02-08

Taking a look at (possibly) the first-ever CD cleaner/repair thing to ever hit the market. Is it a lost classic?

Runtime: 8 min

Episode 113: Ben's Junk: Royal Disc Repair System

2018-02-22

The second installment on CD cleaning/repair devices. Is it Royally good or Royal garbage?

Runtime: 6 min

Episode 114: Ben's Junk: The Archive HQ Bookshelf

2018-03-08

What’s that thing with the face in the background? This, and many (well, a few) other questions will be answered at long last!

Runtime: 25 min

Episode 115: Ben’s Junk: MP32C64 Adapter (Commodore Datasette Substitute)

2018-03-22

Let’s commit a bit of Luddite blasphemy, shall we?

Runtime: 7 min

Episode 116: Archive Thrifting #1: Impromptu Investigations

2018-04-05

Testing out a new, potential subseries—and hitting every conceivable pothole along the way.

Runtime: 15 min

Episode 117: Archive Thrifting #2: Arc of a (Dumpster) Diver

2018-04-19

…figured I’d better shoot at least one episode in Beautiful Downtown Aurora before leaving.

Runtime: 13 min

Episode 118: Ben's Junk: K-Tel Record Selector

2018-05-03

At last! Ben reviews a K-Tel product!

Runtime: 12 min

Episode 119: Ben's Junk: Teac V-770 Cassette Deck

2018-05-17

The MCS deck kinda got fried. Time for another fixer-upper!

Runtime: 12 min

Episode 120: Discovision Dead Sides

2018-05-31

Let’s unearth some (unintentional) pre-DVD Easter Eggs…

Runtime: 15 min

Episode 121: Ben's Junk: ABC Talking Monday Night Football (Board Game)

2018-06-21

An early, talking board game—whose (nearly) every move is dictated by a tiny record.

Runtime: 11 min

Episode 122: Archive Riffs: Selling Your Home?

2018-06-28

Rather serendipitously, just in time to move, we’ve unearthed a promo video for an item that we’ve used on Archive many times—namely, the Talking House Transmitter. Talk about timing!

Runtime: 9 min

Episode 123: Archive Thrifting #3: Beautiful Downtown Aurora's Last Stand

2018-07-05

…because I totally needed a bunch more junk to try and pack up.

Runtime: 24 min

Episode 124: Ben's Junk: Rocketfish Wireless Rear Speaker Kit

2018-08-02

There were a precious few hallmarks of the old Archive HQ that I did NOT want to carry over. Speaker wire running all over the room was one of them.

Runtime: 7 min

Episode 125: Ben's Junk: Audio Technica AT-LP120 Turntable (Early Thoughts)

2018-08-16

Already went over to a direct-drive cassette deck, might as well do the same with vinyl…

Runtime: 19 min

Episode 126: Ben's Junk: Ben's Makeshift Bedroom Stereo System

2018-08-30

Looking into the most intimate areas of Ben’s…half-baked stereo system.

Runtime: 12 min

Episode 127: Ben's Junk: Ramsey FM Transmitter (Further Experiments)

2018-09-13

Sergei’s Catacomb of Classics in stereo, anyone?

Runtime: 11 min

Episode 128: Ask The Archive Live (9/14/2018)

2018-09-17

The Archive’s first livestream since 2014…and just as lo-fi as ever.

Runtime: 30 min

Episode 129: Archive Thrifting #4: Elvis Sightings

2018-09-26

Archive Thrifting®: Now in ESTEREO!!!

Runtime: 29 min

Episode 130: Archive Thrifting #5: Low Money Hu$tla

2018-10-11

A mere 3½ months in the making!

Runtime: 25 min

Episode 131: Sounds of Terror! (Halloween Album Review)

2018-10-25

The return of the Halloween album reviews! Now in screaming, spooktacular stereo!

Runtime: 14 min

Episode 132: Ben's Junk: Pac-Man Fever (Pac-Man Mini Arcades)

2018-11-08

I’ve got search-for-a-reissue-of-the-original-Pac-Man-arcade-game fever…it’s driving me crazy.

Runtime: 12 min

Episode 133: Archive Riffs: Thanksgiving Commercials

2018-11-22

A (non-filling) seven-course meal of Turkey Day commercialism!

Runtime: 7 min

Episode 134: NES Classic Edition (The Last Word?)

2018-12-06

So, what is the Oddity Archive guy doing with a reissue console?

Runtime: 12 min

Episode 135: Christmas LaserKaraoke (Deleted Segment)

2018-12-24

A little stocking stuffer of yuletide caterwauling—er, caroling!

Runtime: 5 min

Episode 136: Ben's Junk: Nagaoka MP-110H Phono Cartridge

2019-01-03

New year, more audio kit. It’s tradition, ya know?

Runtime: 14 min

Episode 137: Ben's Junk: Sega Pico ("Edutainment" Console)

2019-01-10

Time to learn…that edutainment consoles rarely end well.

Runtime: 16 min

Episode 138: Ben's Junk: SNES Classic Edition (Belated) First Impressions)

2019-01-24

Wait, didn’t we already cover this? Talk about déjà vu…

Runtime: 12 min

Episode 139: Ben’s Junk: Tyco VideoCam (Another Kiddie Camcorder)

2019-01-31

Ben’s recovering from a virus (and middle-ear dysfunction). Sounds like a good time to do a (kiddie) camcorder review.

Runtime: 18 min

Episode 140: Archive Riffs: Valentine’s Day Commercials (A Semi-Romantic Tale)

2019-02-14

We’re just a bunch of old softies…with a taste for bent story arcs.

Runtime: 6 min

Episode 141: Archive Thrifting #6: Frostbite Falls

2019-02-28

Will our scrappy hero escape the clutches of the snow monster? Find out in our next installment: “Frosty The Slowman, or, Snow Thanks to You”!

Runtime: 21 min

Episode 142: Ben's Junk: Ronco Mr. Microphone

2019-03-14

Tagline: Ben: Hey, good lookin’! How ‘bout I pick you up later? Attractive Lady: (smacks Ben so hard his fillings are rearranged) Ben: But it worked for the guy in the commercial…

Runtime: 12 min

Episode 143: Ben’s Junk: GAF 3100S Super 8 Film Projector

2019-03-28

Another fixer-upper? In Archiveland? Never!!!

Runtime: 15 min

Episode 144: Ben's Junk: The Big Reel (Film Collector’s Magazine)

2019-04-11

While researching the recent VHS Distributors episode, I kept running into references to a publication known as the “Big Reel”. Turns out, it’s most (in)famous of the old film collector publications—and it’s easy to see why.

Runtime: 18 min

Episode 145: Discovision/Laserdisc Quirks (An Informal Discussion)

2019-04-25

In a way, Laserdiscs never really outgrew their experimental phase. Here’s an informal, overview of SOME of the more idiosyncratic Laserdiscs out there (and/or their packaging).

Runtime: 24 min

Episode 146: Discovision Dead Sides Vol. 2

2019-05-09

DVD Easter Eggs? Nah, way too easy.

Runtime: 13 min

Episode 147: Ben’s Junk: VGA Converters/Public Domain CD-ROMs

2019-05-23

A double dose of turn-of-the-millennium PC goodness!

Runtime: 15 min

Episode 148: Ben’s Junk: Innovative Technologies ITNS-500 Slide “Scanner”

2019-06-13

After a long delay…well, I’ve got some good news and some bad news.

Runtime: 14 min

Episode 149: Archive Riffs: Clutch Cargo (Big “X”, Pts. 4 & 5)

2019-06-20

The Archive finally gets to “see the X”! Spoiler: It’s a rock.

Runtime: 11 min

Episode 150: Mystery 8mm Films/The Ballad of Ben & 8mm (Commentary)

2019-06-27

Let’s see if we can’t clear up some misconceptions about this episode…

Runtime: 24 min

Episode 151: Archive Thrifting #7: Wii, Wii, All The Way Home

2019-07-04

I was going a little stir crazy at the end of last season. So, naturally, I decided to add a little to my at-home clutter.

Runtime: 20 min

Episode 152: Record Ripoffs Commercial Parodies (Vols. 1–9)

2019-07-18

New from K-Smell Records, it’s all those irritating moments that lead off each Record Ripoffs episode in one convenient package! ORDER NOW!!!

Runtime: 20 min

Episode 153: Ben's Junk: Video Action Magazine (Issue #1: December, 1980)

2019-08-01

Readin’ and dreamin’ ‘bout those Archivisms that’ll probably never happen.

Runtime: 15 min

Episode 154: Bennytronics Guitar Noise Experiment (Analog, Circa 1980-style) (COMPLETE SEGMENT)

2019-08-09

All seven minutes of the Archive’s low-grade, wannabe Frippertronics experiment! Earplugs are highly recommended.

Runtime: 8 min

Episode 155: Ben's Junk: Ben's Laserdisc Collection (2019 Edition)

2019-08-15

Uh, oh. Ben’s geeking out again. Get comfy.

Runtime: 49 min

Episode 156: Fostex X-14/Ben's Music "Career": The Gear

2019-08-29

…or, how Ben unwittingly jumped on the “lo-fi” bandwagon.

Runtime: 25 min

Episode 157: Ben's Junk: Whippany Rhythm Master (Circa 1972 Drum Machine)

2019-09-12

Who says Ben’s got no rhythm? He’s got 10 of them!

Runtime: 19 min

Episode 158: Ben's Junk: Burns Theremin

2019-09-26

…or, The Space-Age Sounds of the Oddity Archive! (now available on vinyl and 3¾ips reel)

Runtime: 17 min

Episode 159: Archive Thrifting #8: Break IT You Pay For IT

2019-10-10

Featuring our very Special Guest: Zippy The Chimp!

Runtime: 25 min

Episode 160: Haunted House (Halloween SFX Album Review)

2019-10-24

Can your heart (or better yet, head) stand a trip through this haunted house? No, seriously, this is our most headache-inducing one yet.

Runtime: 11 min

Episode 161: Telesound 13 (Moog/Realistic Concertmate MG-1)

2019-11-06

The first new piece of music I've written and released since 2012. As a challenge to myself, I tasked myself with creating a song using nothing but my old Moog/Realistic Concertmate MG-1 synthesizer--which is a REAL challenge given that I'm not a synth geek and my keyboard skills are dodgy at best. It also had to sound like something that could've been made and released around the time the synth was made (circa 1982). As such, effects are used sparingly and are confined to the basics (read: EQ, reverb & compression). Written as part of my ongoing attempts at creating some new, original incidental music for Oddity Archive. NOTE: Just in case you couldn't tell, the synth pics shown are NOT representative of the patches used.

Runtime: 4 min

Episode 162: Ben's Junk: Realistic Concertmate (Moog) MG-1 Synthesizer

2019-11-07

Whatdaya mean you forgot you had a Moog? Also, synth snobs need not apply.

Runtime: 24 min

Episode 163: Ben's Junk: Sony DCR-TRV320 Digital8 Handycam (Video8 Addendum)

2019-11-21

Since we were already talkin’ Video8, it only seemed right to cover the Archive’s first camcorder…not to mention, a piece of gear still (as of this episode, at least) in regular use around Archive HQ.

Runtime: 15 min

Episode 164: Ben's Junk: Archer Video Processor/Stabilizer (Model 15-1272A)

2019-12-05

Guaranteed to keep this (internet) video from rolling!

Runtime: 13 min

Episode 165: Algorithmic Audio Mastering (CloudBounce Review)

2019-12-09

Can online audio mastering render audio mastering engineers obsolete? The short answer: No. Having said that, it’s not as bad as you’d think.

Runtime: 7 min

Episode 166: Archive Thrifting #9: Christmas Confidential

2019-12-12

Just your standard, good, old-fashioned, combustible, unnerving, overpriced Country Christmas…

Runtime: 26 min

Episode 167: Archive Riffs: Boxing Day Commercials (er, Adverts)

2019-12-26

Celebrating the true meaning of Boxing Day… a whole lotta furniture and carpet sales.

Runtime: 7 min

Episode 168: MovieCD

2020-01-09

A would-be full-fledged video format episode…which got curtailed by (amazingly enough) a lack of computer stuff at Archive HQ.

Runtime: 12 min

Episode 169: Ben's Junk: Cult VHS (& A Few DVD's) (2020 Edition)

2020-01-23

An informal stroll few some cherry-picked titles from Ben’s (somewhat unintentional) collection of B-Movies and Cult Classics.

Runtime: 29 min

Episode 170: Ben's Junk: Behringer U-Phoria UMC404HD Audio Interface

2020-02-06

…or, what happens when ol’ Benny-boy decides he needs more than 2 microphone inputs.

Runtime: 18 min

Episode 171: Ben's Junk: Behringer neutron (analog, Monophonic) Synthesizer

2020-02-20

Yes, I bought another synth. Yes, I swatted myself on the nose with a rolled-up newspaper over my lack of self-control.

Runtime: 24 min

Episode 172: F.D.G. (Oddity Archive Sign-Off Muzak)

2020-03-02

Now you can enjoy a classic OA sign-off without all that pesky talking and technical junk! F.D.G. = Fully Digital Gunk? Faulty Daily Gherkins? Make up your own acronym.

Runtime: 3 min

Episode 173: Ben's Junk: Industrial Laserdiscs/ Anderic (Reproduction) Service Remote

2020-03-05

Lookin’ under the hood of Ben’s laserdisc player (quite appropriately) with some General Motors discs.

Runtime: 17 min

Episode 174: Ben's Music "Career", Vol. 4.5: Greetings From Elderbush Gulch Multitracks (An Addendum)

2020-03-19

Benny-boy’s (non-accredited) Audio School is now in session!

Runtime: 32 min

Episode 175: Enhanced CD's (& other multimedia CD's) (an informal chat)

2020-04-02

Please note that this episode may not run correctly unless your monitor is running at a minimum of 256 colors and your system has at least 12MB of available RAM.

Runtime: 22 min

Episode 176: Ben's Junk: The OA (semi-)Supercomputer/OA Recording Studio Redux

2020-04-16

Well, my last attempt at a semi-regular home audio recording rig failed…and my regular laptop is on its last legs. Here’s my attempt at solving both issues at once.

Runtime: 18 min

Episode 177: Ben's Junk: Sony SLO-325 Industrial Betamax

2020-04-30

Time to take a bet(t)a look at the Archive’s first Betamax—from before the Archive even existed (in every sense).

Runtime: 19 min

Episode 178: Ben's Junk: 1953 & 1956 Hoffman Television Catalogs

2020-05-14

A genuine televisual feast.

Runtime: 26 min

Episode 179: Ben's Junk: Tiger Quiz Wiz

2020-05-28

Question #196.5: What is the Quiz Wiz lacking? Multiple Choice: A. An objective B. A reward C. Entertainment value D. All of the above

Runtime: 13 min

Episode 180: Ben Minnotte - Switched-On Pavanned (Moog Instrumental)

2020-06-03

In honor of the "Switched-On Archive" episode, I figured I'd make two pieces of music, one to represent both extremes of the trend of late '60's/early '70's Moog Synthesizer albums--the good and the "bad". This rendition of the Archive's usual theme song is intended to salute/work within the realm of the album that (unwittingly) started it all, Wendy Carlos' "Switched-On Bach" (1968). This was created entirely on a Moog MG-1 and was done strictly within the realm of what was possible in the late '60's and early '70's. Keeping in spirit with the original, monophonic synths of the '60's, I used NONE of the polyphonic settings.

Runtime: 1 min

Episode 181: Ben Minnotte - The Happy Moog (Gets Stuck In Rush Hour) ("Moog" Instrumental)

2020-06-05

My half-salute to/half-parody of those especially tacky late '60's/early '70's Moog Synthesizer albums. The cheese factor goes to 11 here. This was created...without a Moog. Instead, I used a Behringer Neutron monophonic synth (more potential whiz-bang sound effects than my Moog MG-1) and a circa 1972 Whippany Rhythm Master. This was recorded with the general limitations of this period of recording gear.

Runtime: 2 min

Episode 182: Ben's Junk: First Alert FTR-960R Time-Lapse VCR (+ Time-Lapse Tape)

2020-06-18

The Archive gets secure...or just paranoid.

Runtime: 13 min

Episode 183: Archive Riffs: Moving Up To Amateur Radio

2020-06-25

OA calling CQ, hopefully DX, lookin’ for the QT on the DL while TCB.

Runtime: 15 min

Episode 184: Archive Thrifting #10: Before We Were SO Rudely Interrupted

2020-07-02

Archive Thrifting is a magical tool of last resort…Why? Because it NEVER fails!

Runtime: 19 min

Episode 185: Ben's Junk: Sony U-Matic & Industrial Betamax Wired Remotes

2020-07-09

…or, Ben’s weirdest pet-project to date! (kerchunk)

Runtime: 21 min

Episode 186: The Battle At Elderbush Gulch (2020 Redux)

2020-07-20

Initially intended as a full-band "electric" tune, but recorded as a folk piece back in 2004. Sixteen years later, I'm finally getting around to an electric version--albeit with some slightly cinematic modifications.

Runtime: 4 min

Episode 187: Archive Thrifting #11: This Can Not Be The Right Price Deal

2020-07-23

Runtime: 27 min

Episode 188: Ben's Junk: Pioneer RH-65 8-Track Deck

2020-08-06

Meet the Archive’s new (to us) 8-track deck…

Runtime: 18 min

Episode 189: Ben's Junk: Denon UD-M30 CD Receiver

2020-08-13

A rare, intimate, bedroom edition of Ben’s Junk…

Runtime: 14 min

Episode 190: Pavanned (Documentary Style) (Vaporwave?)

2020-08-24

I was informed that the regular version was too upbeat and concise for the Episode 200 OA documentary. This was my best attempt at making it as dreary and hazy as possible.

Runtime: 1 min

Episode 191: In Your Hands (Violin & "Mellotron" Thing)

2020-08-24

Representing the dry, yet thoughtful end of Episode 200...

Runtime: 2 min

Episode 192: Ep. 200 Rebuttal & Deleted Scenes

2020-08-27

Ok, time for my side of the story...

Runtime: 15 min

Episode 193: Nitrogené (Synth Instrumental)

2020-09-10

Somehow I started with what I thought was a pretty cool-sounding canned rhythm (running through a guitar delay pedal) and wound up with a Jean-Michel Jarre pastiche. No idea how I got there.

Runtime: 2 min

Episode 194: Ben's Junk: JVC HR-S7600U S-VHS ET VCR (REVISITED)

2020-09-24

Since I had S-VHS and VCR’s on the brain already (moreso than usual), it seemed like the right time to revisit one of the early, ultra-wonky Ben’s Junk topics.

Runtime: 19 min

Episode 195: Ben's Junk: Buster Keaton Video Collection

2020-10-08

October 4, 2020 marked the 125th anniversary of comedian/filmmaker Buster Keaton’s birth. Consider this the Archive’s (slightly belated and rambling) tribute to one of the greats…

Runtime: 41 min

Episode 196: Archive Thrifting #12: (Not-So) Scary Deals

2020-10-22

It’s the first Archive Thrifting Spooktacular! Strangely enough, it’s probably one of the least scary Thrifting episodes to date.

Runtime: 25 min

Episode 197: Ben's Junk: (New) Polaroid 600 Film (& old camera(s))

2020-11-05

You can keep your fancy digital cameras, thank you very much.

Runtime: 10 min

Episode 198: Ben's Junk: (Some of) Ben's Audiocassette Collection

2020-11-19

A slow-speed ramble for a slow-speed format.

Runtime: 36 min

Episode 199: Ben's Junk: (New) Dubreq Stylophone

2020-12-03

We be stylin’…stylus(in’), that is…y’all.

Runtime: 16 min

Episode 200: Archive Thrifting #13: Deck The Hauls

2020-12-17

Fillin’ up the ol’ one-horse open sleigh with…some junk.

Runtime: 26 min

Episode 201: Ben's Junk: (some of) Ben's Vinyl Collection Vol. 2

2021-01-28

Time to get back in the groove! (dodges tsunami of rotten produce)

Runtime: 47 min

Episode 202: Ben's Junk: Sega Genesis Mini (Miniature Game Console)

2021-02-11

Finishing up the trilogy of belatedly-acquired, nostalgically-motivated miniature video game consoles…

Runtime: 17 min

Episode 203: Home Video Recording, 1972-Style (or, Ben's Complete U-Matic Rig)

2021-02-25

Only about seven years in the making… With the occasional small liberty, a recreation of the first, commercially-available home videotape recording setup in North America. Depending on your perspective, it’s either hardcore or half-baked.

Runtime: 29 min

Episode 204: Ben's Junk: Toshiba 20AF43 CRT TV

2021-03-11

No one should ever get this excited over something this mundane… Or, this CRT is 20 AF…y’all.

Runtime: 12 min

Episode 205: Archive Thrifting #14: (Non-)Luck of the (Non-)Irish

2021-03-18

You’ll be green with envy over these finds…or not.

Runtime: 21 min

Episode 206: Phonies (Answering Machine Greetings)

2021-04-01

Just when you thought the Archive couldn’t get any more phake…

Runtime: 12 min

Episode 207: Archive Riffs: A Taxing Set of Commercials (Tax Day Special)

2021-04-15

It’s time to get down to business in Archiveland!

Runtime: 8 min

Episode 208: Ben's Junk: GPX Digital TV Tuner + Recorder

2021-04-29

Can a (relative) cheapie from Menard’s drag the Archive’s off-air recording capabilities (kicking and screaming) into the 21st century? Sort of…

Runtime: 23 min

Episode 209: A Geeky Evening With Benny-Boy

2021-05-13

A late-night, low-light, romantic fishing expedition with everybody’s favorite Oddity Archivist…fishing for ArchiveAnnex material, that is.

Runtime: 32 min

Episode 210: Ben's Junk: ClonerAlliance Box Pro (Video Capture Device)

2021-05-27

Could it be I’ve finally stumbled onto the rightful heir of the VCR? Looks like it…

Runtime: 23 min

Episode 211: Ben's Junk: JVC HM-DH30000U & Mitsubishi HD-HS2000u D-VHS VCR's

2021-06-10

A double-(4)-header of D-VHS (when possible) goodness!

Runtime: 16 min

Episode 212: Episode 200 (Behind The Box) (Commentary)

2021-06-17

If ever an OA episode needed a commentary track, it’s this one…

Runtime: 27 min

Episode 213: Archive Thrifting #15: Out Of This World Deals

2021-06-24

Featuring deals so far outta sight, they’re outta mind!

Runtime: 18 min

Episode 214: Ben's Junk: Akai GX-220 Reel-To-Reel Audiotape Deck

2021-07-08

Of course, I had to pick up a rare and unusual deck for a tape cleaning rig. Also, not to be confused with the Akai GX-220D.

Runtime: 21 min

Episode 215: History of VHS (COMPLETE SERIES)

2021-07-15

You wanted a history lesson? You got a history lesson!

Runtime: 104 min

Episode 216: Ben's Casino Travelogue (Deleted Segment From How I Spent My Summer VIII)

2021-07-29

The Archive delivers its first real travelogue…granted, it was all of a half-hour away from home, but still.

Runtime: 7 min

Episode 217: Archive Thrifting #16: La Cage Aux Thrifting

2021-08-05

Thrifting can be a real drag…but not when Ben’s around!

Runtime: 22 min

Episode 218: VCR Cleaning (A Public Service Video)

2021-08-19

A bit of VHSMR for everyone…

Runtime: 31 min

Episode 219: Channel Update (9/2021) (Sony AV-3600 Update, Sencore VA62, etc.)

2021-09-02

There’s plenty in the OA oven right now, just none of it is rising.

Runtime: 25 min

Episode 220: VCR Rabbit Revisited

2021-09-09

I got things just a hare wrong the first time around, so let’s hop to another round of tests…

Runtime: 26 min

Episode 221: Ben's Junk: Video Store Regulars (& Memories)

2021-09-23

Most people would rent a video once…Benny-boy was just insane enough to rent the same tapes over and over…then eventually buy them.

Runtime: 27 min

Episode 222: Ben’s Junk: Wolverine Moviemaker Pro 8mm & Super8 Film Scanner

2021-10-07

A half-hour Ben’s Junk? You might say the machine caused it to run reely long.

Runtime: 30 min

Episode 223: Archive Thrifting #17: Spooktacular Savings

2021-10-21

Get a witches shawl on and find a broomstick you can crawl on…and go thrifting with Benny-boy! (snap, snap)

Runtime: 25 min

Episode 224: Thereminiature/Pavanned (Version 6.66)

2021-10-31

0:01 - Thereminiature (featuring Sty Lo Phone) (A bit of B-Movie cheese) 1:36 - Pavanned (Version 6.66) (A half parody of/half tribute to the Alan Parsons Project)

Runtime: 6 min

Episode 225: Ben's Junk: Sony Digital Mavica (Model MVC-FD73) (Floppy Disk Digital Camera from 1999)

2021-11-04

Finally getting into this newfangled digital camera stuff…whatdaya mean you can’t get 3.5” floppies anymore?!?

Runtime: 18 min

Episode 226: Ben's Junk: Coolmusic Ring Modulator (& other FX) ("Max Headroom" Hijacker Voice)

2021-11-18

Does Ben really think he’s better than Chuck Swirsky? That freakin’ liberal…

Runtime: 22 min

Episode 227: Ben's Junk: Christmas TV VHS & DVD's

2021-12-02

‘Tis the season…for holiday specials. Here’s some of my favorites…

Runtime: 25 min

Episode 228: Archive Thrifting #18: Shortwave Santa

2021-12-16

Run, run Rudolph…towards another pile of junk!

Runtime: 26 min

Episode 229: Ben’s Music “Career” (The Complete Saga)

2021-12-30

Move over, “History of the Eagles”. There’s a new rock doc opus in town…

Runtime: 202 min

Episode 230: Ben's Junk: Keyfax Update/Pioneer GGF1381 Laserdisc Service Remote/Discovision Dead Sides Vol. 3

2022-01-06

Going down a mental rabbit hole…in the most Archivian way possible.

Runtime: 21 min

Episode 231: The Wire (via Sony PCM-701ES, Betamax)

2022-01-12

Not so much chosen for musical content, but because of the long spaces between phrases and major volume drops. Shame it isn't more EQ'd, this'd the ultimate stress test for a PCM unit otherwise.

Runtime: 2 min

Episode 232: Ben's Junk: VuPoint Digital Video Converter (or, the circa 2010 YouTube video device)

2022-01-20

Feeling nostalgic for those early YouTube potato video captures? I’ve got just the scratch for that itch…

Runtime: 19 min

Episode 233: Ben's Junk: The Clapper

2022-02-03

At long last, Ben’s Junk gets the clap…per.

Runtime: 17 min

Episode 234: Laserdisc Laser Rot

2022-02-17

A little mythbusting (and philosophizing)…OA style.

Runtime: 24 min

Episode 235: Ben's Junk: Magnus Chord Organ

2022-03-03

After last week’s video, I had to seek a 600-second miracle of my own. It seems to involve turning into a less-charming Daniel Johnston.

Runtime: 15 min

Episode 236: Ben's Junk: Blonder-Tongue BTX-111 "Ultraverter" (& ONTV Box Update)

2022-03-17

An addendum to the “Prehistoric UHF” episode…and the “ONTV/Pay TV Vol. 2” episode—about three years too late.

Runtime: 14 min

Episode 237: Ben's Junk: Prog & Metal VHS, Beta & Laserdiscs

2022-03-31

For those about to rock (in 11/4 time), we salute you…

Runtime: 24 min

Episode 238: Ben's Junk: Newtek Calibar (A Pen-Sized Test Pattern Generator)

2022-04-14

Ben recreates the best TV program of all time—the color bars!

Runtime: 15 min

Episode 239: A BENefit for a new computer…or a loose Ask The Archive

2022-04-22

Flying by the seat of Benny's ripped (by wear and tear) jeans using only an iPad and his (half-)wit to try and raise money for a new computer.

Runtime: 100 min

Episode 240: Ben's Junk: Hotronic AP41 (Frame Synchronizer & Time Base Corrector)

2022-04-28

It takes a lot to keep Ben’s Junk together…‘cause Ben’s Junk ain’t no good when it’s distorted and out-of-sync.

Runtime: 23 min

Episode 241: The “Can I Remember It?” stream (or, a smaller BENefit)

2022-05-07

A little (non-alcoholic) wine, a little song...which'll all cease if the price is right. Otherwise, we'll chat and I may pick a techie brain or two.

Runtime: 142 min

Episode 242: CD Frustrations & Easter Eggs

2022-05-12

A casual chat…if only because the prospect of the sixth “Ben’s Junk” in a row was too much to bear.

Runtime: 20 min

Episode 243: A Tour of the New OA Computer Rig (OA Computer Tour 2022)

2022-05-19

Please note, these are the statements of an analog-brained lunatic and are probably woefully inaccurate. In other words, never give an analog brain a computer.

Runtime: 22 min

Episode 244: Ben's Junk: Sony CVM-51UW and Panasonic WV-BM990 CRT Monitors

2022-06-02

CRT’s are for squares…which we proudly are.

Runtime: 24 min

Episode 245: The Eraser Laserdisc Experiment

2022-06-23

Tackling one of the great urban legends of the Laserdisc format. Are there any “good” copies of Eraser? And, no, I’m not referring to the film itself.

Runtime: 17 min

Episode 246: Archive Thrifting #19: Radios, Radios

2022-06-30

Got a new phone (not by choice)…which means a new camera…which means…test drive time!

Runtime: 26 min

Episode 247: Archive Riffs: Hey, Stop That!

2022-07-07

It’s a(n apparent) fine line between deep expressionism and wonky student film.

Runtime: 7 min

Episode 248: Ben's Junk: Midland WR400 NOAA Weather Radio (& other Radio Ramblings)

2022-07-14

Mother Nature: (throws flash floods, tornadoes, derechos and blizzards at Archive HQ) Ben: I get the hint already! Geez…

Runtime: 24 min

Episode 249: Ben's Junk: Sony SRF-A100 AM/AM Stereo/FM Portable Radio

2022-07-20

A truly nice little radio (especially on the AM front)…and a nice little prelude to the OA 10th Anniversary episode.

Runtime: 10 min

Episode 250: Archive Thrifting #20: Fair(mont) (St.) Clouds over Mankato

2022-07-28

Taken while shooting the AM Stereo episode. If nothing else, it was the least sticker-shock-intensive part of the trip.

Runtime: 17 min

Episode 251: Ben Repairs: Radio Shack Executive Stress Eliminator

2022-08-04

Testing out a potential, new occasionally recurring thing in which I undertake minor repairs on some item…and, as always, mock it a bit.

Runtime: 18 min

Episode 252: Sony Videocorders Update (CV-2100 & AV-3600) (8/2022)

2022-08-18

…and the single most challenging project I’ve ever taken on…continues to kick my butt. Share in the frustration, won’t you?

Runtime: 34 min

Episode 253: Ben's Junk: Tyler Portable TV (model TTV701-7)

2022-09-01

Hope you like fussy, fidgety, unintuitive setups…and 45-minute Ben’s Junks.

Runtime: 46 min

Episode 254: Ben's Junk: Sears Whisper-Matic IV (& Victorian-Era Theater Slides)

2022-09-15

Hey Buddy, wanna see some early 20th century movie theater slides? Didn’t think so.

Runtime: 24 min

Episode 255: Ben's Junk: Ben's Blackhawk Films Collection (minus the videotapes)

2022-09-22

…or, Ben gets nostalgic for other people’s nostalgia.

Runtime: 24 min

Episode 256: Ben's Junk: Sony Trinitron PVM-1343MD (Professional Video Monitor)

2022-10-06

A rather unprofessional look at a truly professional piece of gear. Such is the Archive… And, yes, “Junk” is used in the loosest way possible here.

Runtime: 25 min

Episode 257: Archive Thrifting #21: We Already Have Halloween At Home

2022-10-20

Mom, can we buy some Halloween? (see title for answer)

Runtime: 19 min

Episode 258: Benny M.'s TV Party (Commentary)

2022-10-24

I think I have some ‘splainin’ to do regarding this one. NOTE: I recorded this back in early June (2022) as a fail-safe in case the thrifting episode I was trying to make fell through. Some of the points discussed here are now outdated.

Runtime: 22 min

Episode 259: Halloween Special 2022 Blooper Reel

2022-11-03

…or, as some might call it, “Ben’s Final Descent Into Madness”.

Runtime: 4 min

Episode 260: Ben's Junk: Telemeter Pay TV Box (Circa 1960)

2022-11-17

It’s (apparently) a fine line between your TV and a taxi meter…

Runtime: 21 min

Episode 261: Ben's Junk: Favorite (and/or Notable) Christmas Albums

2022-12-01

Even old scrooge Benny-boy has those Christmas tunes that get his foot (arrhythmically) a-tappin’.

Runtime: 42 min

Episode 262: Archive Thrifting #22: Christmas In Elbonia

2022-12-15

The merriest* thrifting video of the year! *FACT CHECK: Mostly false.

Runtime: 22 min

Episode 263: Archive Thrifting #23: Holiday Hangover

2022-12-29

Old year, old junk. Poetic, ain’t it?

Runtime: 21 min

Episode 264: Magna-Guard (or, Copy-Protection, Vol. 3)

2023-01-05

And the quest for that form of copy protection that’ll make my VCR burst into flames continues…

Runtime: 26 min

Episode 265: Ben's Junk: RCA BW003 (1978 Home Video Camera)

2023-01-19

Please inspect Ben’s Junk for damage before use…and let it warm up for awhile…and don’t point it at anything bright for more than a second or two. You know what, forget it.

Runtime: 26 min

Episode 266: Ben's Junk: Forbidden KLAK (via the Archer Multiple Video Distribution System)

2023-02-02

You wanted more Oddity Archive…After Dark? Here ya go. Just don’t expect anything too hot.

Runtime: 15 min

Episode 267: Ben's Junk: Realistic (Radio Shack) FM Wireless Lavalier Microphone System (Circa 1988)

2023-02-23

For those looking to up their YouTube microphone game…had such a thing existed in 1988.

Runtime: 20 min

Episode 268: Ben's Junk: (Some of) Ben's TV-on-DVD Collection

2023-03-09

For how much TV I watched when I was younger, it’s a wonder my brains didn’t completely leak out of my ears. See the beginning of the de-evolution of Benny-boy here…

Runtime: 30 min

Episode 269: Ben's Junk: Hitachi Visionbook Pro 7560 Laptop (or, My 1st, failed attempt at a Windows 98 Rig)

2023-03-23

…because I MUST get my Diamond Rio loaded (ideally, with Diamond Rio songs)!

Runtime: 21 min

Episode 270: Ben's Junk: Ben's Mad Magazine Stash

2023-04-06

What—Me Ramble?

Runtime: 27 min

Episode 271: Noelle's Mystery Tapes (& Channel Update - 4/2023)

2023-04-20

Some like roses on a date, some like candy. Benny-boy likes uncatalogued analog magnetic media.

Runtime: 24 min

Episode 272: Ben's Junk: 80's Music Videos (on Laserdisc)

2023-05-04

Oddity Archive and MTV have a momentary cease-fire to appreciate some 80’s tuneage.

Runtime: 29 min

Episode 273: Ben's Ugly A/V Rack

2023-05-18

Hey! Nice rack, Benny-boy! (snicker)

Runtime: 11 min

Episode 274: Betacam SP (1st Test...From A Newbie's Perspective)

2023-05-22

A ferric-oxide (or metal, depending on the tape) baptism…by fire.

Runtime: 13 min

Episode 275: Christmas Morning on a June Evening (or, Mail Day From Tyrone)

2023-06-22

Hope you have your June tree up (ideally, something deciduous), 'cause we're about to celebrate Christmas in June.

Runtime: 20 min

Episode 276: Archive Thrifting #24: The Delicate Sound of Thrifting

2023-07-06

Some things don’t come easy…like the first thrifting video of 2023 (more than halfway into the year, no less).

Runtime: 25 min

Episode 277: Ben's Junk: X-10 Videosender (another VCR Rabbit-esque device)

2023-07-13

Coming right at the end of the usefulness for something like this. Let’s see if it’s too little, too late…or right on time.

Runtime: 19 min

Episode 278: Revenge of the Sony AV-3600 Videocorder (1st Test)

2023-07-20

Some people’s sinuses come back from Arizona…my AV-3600 came back from Arizona—arguably the same headache.

Runtime: 12 min

Episode 279: Archive Thrifting #25: 3M (Moderate Minnesota Madness)

2023-08-10

Celebrating the 25th OA Thrifting video by doing one in Minnesohta, doan ‘cha know?

Runtime: 30 min

Episode 280: Fix It or Forget It? (NEC S-VHS Deck)

2023-08-10

It’s everybody’s favorite new (not quite) nerdy game show…Fix It or Forget It!!!

Runtime: 19 min

Episode 281: Ben's Junk: 1966 (partial) Zenith Phonevision Pay TV Box

2023-08-24

The Archive phones it in…phoneVISION, that is.

Runtime: 16 min

Episode 282: Ben's Junk: SelecTV Pay TV Box

2023-09-07

Oddity Archive®: Only for the most SelecTiVe viewers!

Runtime: 15 min

Episode 283: Ben's Junk: ClonerAlliance ViewLite AV (Video Capture Device)

2023-09-21

A little device with a lot of potential…but does it live up to it?

Runtime: 37 min

Episode 284: Ben's Junk: Sears Du-All Eight (8mm Viewer/Editor)

2023-10-05

Well, it does du all, I’ll give it that…

Runtime: 19 min

Episode 285: Archive Thrifting #26: Indian Summer

2023-10-12

Dragging out the Summer a little longer…whether you like it or not.

Runtime: 25 min

Episode 286: Ben's Junk: Sharp VL-E47 "Viewcam" (Video8 Camcorder, circa 1995)

2023-11-30

Oddity Archive®: Now in glorious Hi-Fi Mono!

Runtime: 21 min

Episode 287: Archive Thrifting #28: Scandalous Santa

2023-12-14

Just hear those cash tills jing-a-ling’—ring-ting-tinga-ling…

Runtime: 24 min

Episode 288: Archive Thrifting #29 (Christmas Leftovers)

2023-12-28

From that part of the Archive that’s a bit like that old take-out in the back of your fridge…that you forgot about.

Runtime: 18 min

Episode 289: Ben's Junk: Ben's Rifftrax DVD & Blu-Ray Collection

2024-01-04

Looking at the Rifftrax collection…with only minimal snark…which may very well go against the laws of riff comedy.

Runtime: 26 min

Episode 290: Ben's Junk: Denon RCD-N10 CD Receiver

2024-01-18

…because Benny-boy apparently goes through mini stereos like (insert absurdly famous pop star) goes through boyfriends.

Runtime: 37 min

Episode 291: Ben's Junk: Magnavox H2160MW9 (or, Exploring Someone's Old Personal DVR)

2024-01-25

The tech geek equivalent of rummaging through someone’s medicine cabinet…

Runtime: 24 min

Episode 292: Ben's Junk: Wometco Home Theatre (WHT) Pay TV Decoder Box

2024-02-15

Archiveco Home Theatre®: Now serving Lawn Guyland & New Joisey!

Runtime: 22 min

Episode 293: Ben’s Junk: ClearClick Video2USB/ A Tour of Ben’s Livestream Setup

2024-02-22

Some livestreamers run PC games…Benny-boy likes to run Betamax tapes.

Runtime: 27 min

Episode 294: How To Unstretch Video (via HandBrake)

2024-02-29

For us old fartknockers that haven’t yet warmed up to stretch-o-vision…

Runtime: 7 min

Episode 295: Ben's Junk: Laser Video File Laserdisc Catalog (Mid-1992)

2024-03-14

Thumbing through the catalog of the hottest new video format (by OA standards).

Runtime: 35 min

Episode 296: Ben's Junk: Some More of Ben's Audiocassette Collection (Mystery Box!)

2024-03-21

Come on down to Crazy Benny’s for…a bunch of audiocassettes that you probably don’t care about.

Runtime: 24 min

Episode 297: Magnavox H2160MW9 Personal DVR/DVD Recorder UPDATE (A Failure)

2024-03-28

Trying to bulk dump the contents of the DVR. Here’s how NOT* to do it… *No Hard Drives were harmed in the making of this episode. It was reinstalled and all material is still 100% intact.

Runtime: 9 min

Episode 298: Ben's Junk: Videolok (VCR Anti-Theft Device)

2024-04-11

Inconvenience and mildly annoy those evil VCR thieves with the Videolok!

Runtime: 21 min

Episode 299: Ben's Junk: Rhoades Teledapter (TV Stereo Simulator)

2024-04-18

Don’t wanna wait for Stereo TV’s to be invented? Here ya go!

Runtime: 15 min

Episode 300: Windows 98 Laptop Update (4/2024)

2024-04-25

The saga continues. On and on…and on…and on…

Runtime: 12 min

Episode 301: CD Rot Rant

2024-05-09

Benny-boy’s (non-accredited) Physical Media Studies class is now in session!

Runtime: 27 min

Episode 302: Ben A.'s Mystery Tapes (A Not-So-Livestream)

2024-05-16

An unintentional episode of Oddity Archive…After Dark…in the most literal sense.

Runtime: 48 min

Episode 303: Windows 98 Laptop Update (5/2024) (She Lives!)

2024-05-23

Ben christens his newly-functional laptop…by playing a little Slim Whitman.

Runtime: 23 min

Episode 304: Ben's Junk: Whole House FM Transmitter 3.0

2024-06-20

Ben’s 3(.0)rd attempt at FM, Part 15-legal microbroadcasting! Let’s see if it’s the charm…

Runtime: 26 min

Episode 305: Ben Vs. The Cursed U-Matic Tape

2024-06-27

A quick experiment evolves (er, devolves) into a borderline documentary…on the subject of cleaning mold off an old ¾” “U-Matic” videotape. And they say OA isn’t mainstream…

Runtime: 30 min

Episode 306: Archive Thrifting #30: Wet Fireworks

2024-07-04

Spend the 4th of July the American way…shopping for junk.

Runtime: 19 min

Episode 307: Ben's Junk: A Tower of Vidicraft

2024-07-11

(with apologies to Frank Sinatra) …’cause it’s Vidicraft, wicked Vidicraft. And, although I know it’s strictly taboo…

Runtime: 28 min

Episode 308: Quasar Great Time Machine (Round 2?)

2024-08-01

After making the Great Time Machine episodes in 2023, I was offered another unit in exchange for transferring some tapes. I may not have gotten the better part of that deal.

Runtime: 10 min

Episode 309: Ben's Junk: My First DVD's

2024-08-08

Something I never thought I’d have…warm, gooey nostalgia for the Y2K era.

Runtime: 31 min

Episode 310: Ben's Junk: JamC@m Digital Camera

2024-08-15

A trip back to the late-90’s. Of course, that means being unnecessarily EXTREEEEME!!!! (insert dorky camera zoom)

Runtime: 23 min

Episode 311: Archive Thrifting #31: Summer's End

2024-08-22

The little brats are finally back in school. Let’s go thrifting…

Runtime: 20 min

Episode 312: More Fun With Moldy U-Matic Tapes

2024-09-05

Mold®: Now available in yellow and brown!

Runtime: 13 min

Episode 313: Ben's Junk: :CueCat Barcode Scanner

2024-09-12

Truly from the audiovisual litterbox, an impractical solution to a problem that didn’t/doesn’t exist. Or, Benny-boy officially becomes a cat herder...and hoarder.

Runtime: 22 min

Episode 314: Ben's Junk: Sencore "Little Huey" Test Pattern Generator

2024-09-19

A color bar generator called “Little HUEy”. No, it’s not a Norm MacDonald joke…I think.

Runtime: 13 min

Episode 315: Ben's Junk: Casio CMD-10 watch

2024-10-10

Keep losing that remote control? Perhaps there’s just too many gosh-darn buttons? We’ve got a (borderline-toy) solution for you!

Runtime: 18 min

Episode 316: Ben's Junk: Laserviews Laserdisc Magazines

2024-10-17

I set out to discuss laserdiscs and wound up on a tear about various movies. Ain’t that always the way?

Runtime: 25 min

Episode 317: Archive Thrifting #32: Halloween Hootenanny

2024-10-24

Grab yer pardner, do-si-do…and go thrifting with ol’ Benny-boy!

Runtime: 23 min

Episode 318: Halloween Special 2023 (Season of the Wince) (Commentary)

2024-10-28

Discussing the great swindle that is my little parody of “Halloween III”…and mustaches.

Runtime: 21 min

Episode 319: Ben's Junk: Realistic (Radio Shack) Astronaut 8 Radio

2024-11-09

A radio that’ll send you into outer space…8 times!

Runtime: 18 min

Episode 320: Ben's Junk: Down Beat Magazine (10/23/1975)

2024-11-14

An Up Beat (by my standards) look at an issue of Down Beat magazine. Now, excuse me while I clap out-of-rhythm…

Runtime: 17 min

Episode 321: Ben’s Junk: Thanksgiving Traditions (and not-so-traditions)

2024-11-21

You can get anything you want at Benny-boy’s (non-existent) Restaurant…

Runtime: 20 min

Episode 322: Ben’s Junk: VHS is Life Mold Cleaning Rig REDUX

2024-12-05

A product so nice, I had to review it twice…

Runtime: 26 min

Episode 323: Archive Thrifting #33: Christmas Clutter

2024-12-12

Out in the stores there’s so much clutter/Let’s listen to Benny-boy groan and mutter…

Runtime: 18 min

Episode 324: Ben’s Junk: Epiphone ED-100NS Acoustic Guitar

2024-12-26

My first steel string acoustic guitar…which was even cheaper than the ones Esteban was hawking on TV at the time.

Runtime: 16 min

Episode 325: Ben’s (Failed) Gimmick CD (A Rant)

2025-01-09

The OA soundtrack album was SUPPOSED to be the most tricked-out CD of all time…of course, things didn’t pan out. And, yes, this may very well be the geekiest, most jargon-heavy discussion I’ve ever given.

Runtime: 18 min

Episode 326: Ben’s Junk: NuReality Vivid 3D (Mock Surround Sound Processor)

2025-01-16

Mono reprocessed for stereo? How quaint. How ‘bout stereo reprocessed for surround sound?

Runtime: 18 min

Episode 327: Ben's Junk: Optoma PK320 Pico Pocket Projector

2025-01-23

Benny-boy covers a projector…but not a film projector. Blasphemy, I know.

Runtime: 19 min

Episode 328: Albums I Love (That I’m Supposed To Hate)

2025-02-27

…because it’s (apparently) cool to be contrarian.

Runtime: 23 min

Episode 329: Monkeeing Around

2025-03-06

Hey, hey…the Ben’s Junk items I was gonna cover fell through. Let’s get nostalgic.

Runtime: 22 min

Episode 330: Ben’s Junk: Sony eMarker (SoundHound before SoundHound)

2025-03-13

You’ve heard of “oddware”, right? This is outright “deadware”.

Runtime: 9 min

Episode 331: DiscoVision Dead Sides Vol. 5

2025-03-20

Easter Eggs are earned, my friend…

Runtime: 23 min

Episode 332: Ben’s Junk: RCA RC5230Z DIVX/DVD Player (More “Deadware”)

2025-03-27

Fulfilling another one of my utterly pointless life missions…almost.

Runtime: 25 min

Episode 333: 25 Pounds of Laserdiscs (Mail Day From Paul C.)

2025-04-10

True Archive® excitement, doled out by the pound…

Runtime: 16 min

Episode 334: Ben's Junk: Half A Halloween Movie Collection

2025-05-01

Let’s celebrate (Halfway to) Halloween with…half a Halloween movie franchise collection.

Runtime: 19 min

Episode 335: Ben’s Junk: APF TV Fun (“Sportsarama” Model)

2025-05-08

Sportsarama®: Somehow even less convenient than scheduling an actual game of tennis (or hockey or handball)!

Runtime: 18 min

Episode 336: Pre-Recorded SuperBeta (and some minor mythbusting)

2025-05-17

With all the hype about the 50th anniversary of the Betamax home video format, let’s not forget the 40th anniversary of…SuperBeta(max).

Runtime: 17 min

Episode 337: Ben’s Junk: Sears Tele-Games Pinball Breakaway (Atari Video Pinball)

2025-05-23

I always wanted a pinball machine…

Runtime: 22 min

Episode 338: State of the Archive Address/General Chat/Q&A (5/30/2025)

2025-06-05

Runtime: 197 min