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Series SeasonSeason 0 episodes2012

Oddity Archive

Specials

No season overview available.

Episodes

Each episode has its own detail page.

Episode 18 min2012-07-26

Donny Osmond - Soldier of Love (Michael Bay Salute)

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

Episode 24 min2012-08-23

National Anthem Conspiracy Theory

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

Episode 38 min2012-09-20

Everlasting Love

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

Episode 412 min2012-10-18

The Max Headroom Incident of 1987 (Commentary)

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).

Episode 55 min2012-10-31

Sounds to Make You Shiver

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!

Episode 615 min2012-12-13

TV Sign-Offs (Commentary)

An informal discussion of the TV Sign-Offs episode.

Episode 717 min2013-02-07

Emergency Broadcast Salute (Commentary)

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

Episode 89 min2013-03-07

Freedom is a Hammer (Album Review)

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.

Episode 916 min2013-04-04

American EXXXtasy (Commentary)

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

Episode 108 min2013-05-02

Greetings From the Stars (Sort Of)

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.

Episode 1112 min2013-05-30

Ask the Archive

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

Episode 125 min2013-06-06

Archive Riffs: Petaluma Chicken

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).

Episode 1321 min2013-06-13

Local TV Special (Commentary)

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.

Episode 1410 min2013-06-20

Archive Riffs: Greedy Humpty Dumpty

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

Episode 1523 min2013-06-27

VHS Vault Vol. 1 (Amvest Video) (Commentary)

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.

Episode 1612 min2013-07-25

Archive Riffs: Say No to Strangers

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

Episode 175 min2013-08-22

National Anthem Conspiracy Theory (Redux)

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.

Episode 1810 min2013-10-17

Halloween Special 2012 (Commentary)

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

Episode 1911 min2013-10-31

Hallmark Presents: Spooky Sounds

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.

Episode 2012 min2013-11-28

Archive Riffs: Dining Together

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

Episode 2124 min2013-12-12

Christmas Special 2012 (A Fair Use Christmas) (Commentary)

A much-maligned commentary to a forgotten Archive episode.

Episode 227 min2013-12-24

Archive Riffs: A Christmas Fantasy

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

Episode 235 min2014-01-09

TV DX-ing

...because the local stations suck.

Episode 2414 min2014-01-30

Archive Riffs: Live & Learn

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

Episode 256 min2014-02-27

Archive Riffs: Cigarette Commercials

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).

Episode 2613 min2014-03-27

Backwards Masking (Commentary)

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

Episode 2711 min2014-04-24

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

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

Episode 285 min2014-05-15

Blooper Reel

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

Episode 2924 min2014-06-05

VHS Vault Vol. 5 - Y2K (Commentary)

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

Episode 3012 min2014-06-12

Archive Riffs: Atomic Alert (Elementary Edition)

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.

Episode 318 min2014-06-19

Ben's Junk: Sony Super Betamax

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.

Episode 325 min2014-06-23

Ben's Junk: VideoNow PVD Player

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.

Episode 3314 min2014-07-03

Format Wars 2 (COMMENTARY)

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

Episode 348 min2014-07-31

Ben's Junk: VHS Camcorder (RCA CC285)

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

Episode 3524 min2014-08-28

The Great Archive Treasure Hunt (Commentary)

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

Episode 3612 min2014-09-25

Ben's Junk: Tascam Cassette Portastudio

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

Episode 3712 min2014-10-09

Halloween Special 2013 (Commentary)

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

Episode 388 min2014-11-20

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

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!

Episode 3911 min2014-12-04

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

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?!?

Episode 409 min2014-12-18

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

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

Episode 419 min2015-01-08

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

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

Episode 4226 min2015-01-22

1-900 ARCHIVE Vol. 2 (Commentary)

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

Episode 439 min2015-02-05

The DuMont Network (Deleted Game Show Segment)

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.

Episode 445 min2015-03-05

Ben's Junk: Handheld Electronic Games

Pouring some additional salt in the gamer wounds...

Episode 4510 min2015-04-02

Ben's Junk: B-Movies & cult Classics

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

Episode 4611 min2015-04-30

Ben Tries Finnish Candy

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

Episode 478 min2015-05-28

Ben's Junk: WebTV Box

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

Episode 4823 min2015-06-11

The Death of Analog TV (Commentary)

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

Episode 4910 min2015-06-18

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

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

Episode 5012 min2015-06-25

Archive Riffs: Self-Conscious Guy

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

Episode 5124 min2015-07-02

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

I really wanted to be hypnotized! Seriously!

Episode 527 min2015-07-09

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

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.

Episode 537 min2015-08-06

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

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

Episode 546 min2015-09-03

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

DVR? Two-week advance recording? Wusses.

Episode 556 min2015-09-17

Ben Tries Bonomo's Turkish Taffy

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

Episode 5614 min2015-10-01

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

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

Episode 5726 min2015-10-15

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

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

Episode 5811 min2015-10-29

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

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

Episode 591 min2015-10-31

For The Want of a Pail (Conclusion)

No episode overview available.

Episode 6012 min2015-11-12

Ben's Junk: Fisher-Price PXL 2000 Camcorder

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

Episode 6111 min2015-11-26

Ben Tries (Thanksgiving Edition) (or, Ben tries Australian Stuff)

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

Episode 6212 min2015-12-10

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

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.

Episode 6313 min2015-12-24

Archive Riffs: A Christmas Dream

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

Episode 644 min2016-01-14

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

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

Episode 6525 min2016-01-28

Ben's Junk: Guitars! Guitars!! Guitars!!!

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

Episode 6614 min2016-02-11

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

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

Episode 679 min2016-03-10

Ben's Junk: Philips CD-I Peacekeeper Revolver

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

Episode 6817 min2016-03-24

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

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

Episode 696 min2016-04-07

Ben's Junk: Fisher-Price Movie Viewer

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

Episode 7011 min2016-05-05

Ben's Junk: Commodore 64 (& Peripherals)

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

Episode 7116 min2016-05-19

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

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

Episode 7232 min2016-06-02

Commodore 64 (Commentary)

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

Episode 7310 min2016-06-09

Ben's Junk: VCR Co-Pilot

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.

Episode 7410 min2016-06-16

Archive Riffs: Fox Hour Promotional Reel

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

Episode 7523 min2016-06-23

Record Ripoffs (Commentary)

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.

Episode 7611 min2016-06-30

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

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

Episode 778 min2016-07-14

Ben's Junk: Colecovision Video Game Console

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

Episode 7842 min2016-08-11

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

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

Episode 7914 min2016-08-25

"The Voice" Module (for Magnavox Odyssey 2)

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

Episode 806 min2016-09-08

Flexplay Disposable DVD Update

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

Episode 8112 min2016-09-22

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

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.

Episode 8220 min2016-10-20

Fisher-Price PXL-2000 Camcorder (Commentary)

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

Episode 8315 min2016-11-03

Ben's Junk: bob (Another Nanny Box)

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

Episode 8411 min2016-11-17

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

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

Episode 8513 min2016-12-15

Ben's Junk: Gemmy Douglas Fir Talking Christmas Tree

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

Episode 8622 min2017-01-12

Ben's Junk: Ben's Comic Book Collection

Superheroes? What are those?

Episode 8716 min2017-02-23

Ben's Junk: Learn To Solder Kit

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

Episode 889 min2017-03-09

Ben’s Junk: MD Walkman (Minidisc Addendum)

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.

Episode 8913 min2017-03-23

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

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

Episode 9014 min2017-04-06

Ben's Junk: Ben's Audiophile Albums

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.

Episode 9118 min2017-05-04

Ben's Junk: Vtech Socrates Educational Video System

(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?

Episode 9215 min2017-05-18

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

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

Episode 938 min2017-06-08

Ben's Junk: go reader (Audiobook Device)

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

Episode 9413 min2017-06-15

Archive Riffs: Dear Miss Gloria

I’m ready for my mail, Mr. DeMille.

Episode 9517 min2017-06-22

DBX Noise Reduction System (Commentary)

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

Episode 9620 min2017-06-29

Ben's Junk: Las Vegas Vacation (1997)

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.

Episode 9712 min2017-07-13

Ben's 10 Favorite Albums (Part 1)

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

Episode 9812 min2017-07-27

Ben's 10 Favorite Albums (Part 2)

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

Episode 996 min2017-08-10

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

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

Episode 1007 min2017-08-24

Ben's Junk: DBX Cassettes (DBX Addendum)

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.

Episode 1018 min2017-09-07

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

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

Episode 1028 min2017-09-21

Ben’s Junk: (New) Speed Calibration Cassette

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

Episode 10310 min2017-10-05

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

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

Episode 10422 min2017-10-19

Conelrad (Halloween Special 2016) (Commentary)

The Archive gets nostalgic for nukes…

Episode 10519 min2017-11-02

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

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

Episode 1066 min2017-11-16

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

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

Episode 1079 min2017-11-30

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

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

Episode 1089 min2017-12-14

Ben's Junk: Star Shower Laser Light

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

Episode 10913 min2017-12-27

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

…or, Telecine redux.

Episode 1108 min2018-01-11

Ben's Junk: Allsop 3 Orbitrac Record Cleaning System

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.

Episode 11112 min2018-01-25

Ben's Junk: JVC KD-A6 Cassette Deck

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

Episode 1128 min2018-02-08

Ben's Junk: Discwasher Compact Disc Cleaner

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

Episode 1136 min2018-02-22

Ben's Junk: Royal Disc Repair System

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

Episode 11425 min2018-03-08

Ben's Junk: The Archive HQ Bookshelf

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

Episode 1157 min2018-03-22

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

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

Episode 11615 min2018-04-05

Archive Thrifting #1: Impromptu Investigations

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

Episode 11713 min2018-04-19

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

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

Episode 11812 min2018-05-03

Ben's Junk: K-Tel Record Selector

At last! Ben reviews a K-Tel product!

Episode 11912 min2018-05-17

Ben's Junk: Teac V-770 Cassette Deck

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

Episode 12015 min2018-05-31

Discovision Dead Sides

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

Episode 12111 min2018-06-21

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

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

Episode 1229 min2018-06-28

Archive Riffs: Selling Your Home?

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!

Episode 12324 min2018-07-05

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

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

Episode 1247 min2018-08-02

Ben's Junk: Rocketfish Wireless Rear Speaker Kit

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.

Episode 12519 min2018-08-16

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

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

Episode 12612 min2018-08-30

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

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

Episode 12711 min2018-09-13

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

Sergei’s Catacomb of Classics in stereo, anyone?

Episode 12830 min2018-09-17

Ask The Archive Live (9/14/2018)

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

Episode 12929 min2018-09-26

Archive Thrifting #4: Elvis Sightings

Archive Thrifting®: Now in ESTEREO!!!

Episode 13025 min2018-10-11

Archive Thrifting #5: Low Money Hu$tla

A mere 3½ months in the making!

Episode 13114 min2018-10-25

Sounds of Terror! (Halloween Album Review)

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

Episode 13212 min2018-11-08

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

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

Episode 1337 min2018-11-22

Archive Riffs: Thanksgiving Commercials

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

Episode 13412 min2018-12-06

NES Classic Edition (The Last Word?)

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

Episode 1355 min2018-12-24

Christmas LaserKaraoke (Deleted Segment)

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

Episode 13614 min2019-01-03

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

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

Episode 13716 min2019-01-10

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

Time to learn…that edutainment consoles rarely end well.

Episode 13812 min2019-01-24

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

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

Episode 13918 min2019-01-31

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

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

Episode 1406 min2019-02-14

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

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

Episode 14121 min2019-02-28

Archive Thrifting #6: Frostbite Falls

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”!

Episode 14212 min2019-03-14

Ben's Junk: Ronco Mr. Microphone

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…

Episode 14315 min2019-03-28

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

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

Episode 14418 min2019-04-11

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

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.

Episode 14524 min2019-04-25

Discovision/Laserdisc Quirks (An Informal Discussion)

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).

Episode 14613 min2019-05-09

Discovision Dead Sides Vol. 2

DVD Easter Eggs? Nah, way too easy.

Episode 14715 min2019-05-23

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

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

Episode 14814 min2019-06-13

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

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

Episode 14911 min2019-06-20

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

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

Episode 15024 min2019-06-27

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

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

Episode 15120 min2019-07-04

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

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.

Episode 15220 min2019-07-18

Record Ripoffs Commercial Parodies (Vols. 1–9)

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

Episode 15315 min2019-08-01

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

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

Episode 1548 min2019-08-09

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

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

Episode 15549 min2019-08-15

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

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

Episode 15625 min2019-08-29

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

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

Episode 15719 min2019-09-12

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

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

Episode 15817 min2019-09-26

Ben's Junk: Burns Theremin

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

Episode 15925 min2019-10-10

Archive Thrifting #8: Break IT You Pay For IT

Featuring our very Special Guest: Zippy The Chimp!

Episode 16011 min2019-10-24

Haunted House (Halloween SFX Album Review)

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

Episode 1614 min2019-11-06

Telesound 13 (Moog/Realistic Concertmate MG-1)

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.

Episode 16224 min2019-11-07

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

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

Episode 16315 min2019-11-21

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

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.

Episode 16413 min2019-12-05

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

Guaranteed to keep this (internet) video from rolling!

Episode 1657 min2019-12-09

Algorithmic Audio Mastering (CloudBounce Review)

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.

Episode 16626 min2019-12-12

Archive Thrifting #9: Christmas Confidential

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

Episode 1677 min2019-12-26

Archive Riffs: Boxing Day Commercials (er, Adverts)

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

Episode 16812 min2020-01-09

MovieCD

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

Episode 16929 min2020-01-23

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

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

Episode 17018 min2020-02-06

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

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

Episode 17124 min2020-02-20

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

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

Episode 1723 min2020-03-02

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

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.

Episode 17317 min2020-03-05

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

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

Episode 17432 min2020-03-19

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

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

Episode 17522 min2020-04-02

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

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.

Episode 17618 min2020-04-16

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

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.

Episode 17719 min2020-04-30

Ben's Junk: Sony SLO-325 Industrial Betamax

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

Episode 17826 min2020-05-14

Ben's Junk: 1953 & 1956 Hoffman Television Catalogs

A genuine televisual feast.

Episode 17913 min2020-05-28

Ben's Junk: Tiger Quiz Wiz

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

Episode 1801 min2020-06-03

Ben Minnotte - Switched-On Pavanned (Moog Instrumental)

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.

Episode 1812 min2020-06-05

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

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.

Episode 18213 min2020-06-18

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

The Archive gets secure...or just paranoid.

Episode 18315 min2020-06-25

Archive Riffs: Moving Up To Amateur Radio

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

Episode 18419 min2020-07-02

Archive Thrifting #10: Before We Were SO Rudely Interrupted

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

Episode 18521 min2020-07-09

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

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

Episode 1864 min2020-07-20

The Battle At Elderbush Gulch (2020 Redux)

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.

Episode 18727 min2020-07-23

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

No episode overview available.

Episode 18818 min2020-08-06

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

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

Episode 18914 min2020-08-13

Ben's Junk: Denon UD-M30 CD Receiver

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

Episode 1901 min2020-08-24

Pavanned (Documentary Style) (Vaporwave?)

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.

Episode 1912 min2020-08-24

In Your Hands (Violin & "Mellotron" Thing)

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

Episode 19215 min2020-08-27

Ep. 200 Rebuttal & Deleted Scenes

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

Episode 1932 min2020-09-10

Nitrogené (Synth Instrumental)

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.

Episode 19419 min2020-09-24

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

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.

Episode 19541 min2020-10-08

Ben's Junk: Buster Keaton Video Collection

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…

Episode 19625 min2020-10-22

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

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

Episode 19710 min2020-11-05

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

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

Episode 19836 min2020-11-19

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

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

Episode 19916 min2020-12-03

Ben's Junk: (New) Dubreq Stylophone

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

Episode 20026 min2020-12-17

Archive Thrifting #13: Deck The Hauls

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

Episode 20147 min2021-01-28

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

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

Episode 20217 min2021-02-11

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

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

Episode 20329 min2021-02-25

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

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.

Episode 20412 min2021-03-11

Ben's Junk: Toshiba 20AF43 CRT TV

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

Episode 20521 min2021-03-18

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

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

Episode 20612 min2021-04-01

Phonies (Answering Machine Greetings)

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

Episode 2078 min2021-04-15

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

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

Episode 20823 min2021-04-29

Ben's Junk: GPX Digital TV Tuner + Recorder

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

Episode 20932 min2021-05-13

A Geeky Evening With Benny-Boy

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

Episode 21023 min2021-05-27

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

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

Episode 21116 min2021-06-10

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

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

Episode 21227 min2021-06-17

Episode 200 (Behind The Box) (Commentary)

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

Episode 21318 min2021-06-24

Archive Thrifting #15: Out Of This World Deals

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

Episode 21421 min2021-07-08

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

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.

Episode 215104 min2021-07-15

History of VHS (COMPLETE SERIES)

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

Episode 2167 min2021-07-29

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

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

Episode 21722 min2021-08-05

Archive Thrifting #16: La Cage Aux Thrifting

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

Episode 21831 min2021-08-19

VCR Cleaning (A Public Service Video)

A bit of VHSMR for everyone…

Episode 21925 min2021-09-02

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

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

Episode 22026 min2021-09-09

VCR Rabbit Revisited

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

Episode 22127 min2021-09-23

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

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.

Episode 22230 min2021-10-07

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

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

Episode 22325 min2021-10-21

Archive Thrifting #17: Spooktacular Savings

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

Episode 2246 min2021-10-31

Thereminiature/Pavanned (Version 6.66)

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)

Episode 22518 min2021-11-04

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

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

Episode 22622 min2021-11-18

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

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

Episode 22725 min2021-12-02

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

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

Episode 22826 min2021-12-16

Archive Thrifting #18: Shortwave Santa

Run, run Rudolph…towards another pile of junk!

Episode 229202 min2021-12-30

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

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

Episode 23021 min2022-01-06

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

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

Episode 2312 min2022-01-12

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

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.

Episode 23219 min2022-01-20

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

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

Episode 23317 min2022-02-03

Ben's Junk: The Clapper

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

Episode 23424 min2022-02-17

Laserdisc Laser Rot

A little mythbusting (and philosophizing)…OA style.

Episode 23515 min2022-03-03

Ben's Junk: Magnus Chord Organ

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.

Episode 23614 min2022-03-17

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

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

Episode 23724 min2022-03-31

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

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

Episode 23815 min2022-04-14

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

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

Episode 239100 min2022-04-22

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

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.

Episode 24023 min2022-04-28

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

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.

Episode 241142 min2022-05-07

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

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.

Episode 24220 min2022-05-12

CD Frustrations & Easter Eggs

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

Episode 24322 min2022-05-19

A Tour of the New OA Computer Rig (OA Computer Tour 2022)

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.

Episode 24424 min2022-06-02

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

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

Episode 24517 min2022-06-23

The Eraser Laserdisc Experiment

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.

Episode 24626 min2022-06-30

Archive Thrifting #19: Radios, Radios

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

Episode 2477 min2022-07-07

Archive Riffs: Hey, Stop That!

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

Episode 24824 min2022-07-14

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

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

Episode 24910 min2022-07-20

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

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

Episode 25017 min2022-07-28

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

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

Episode 25118 min2022-08-04

Ben Repairs: Radio Shack Executive Stress Eliminator

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

Episode 25234 min2022-08-18

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

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

Episode 25346 min2022-09-01

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

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

Episode 25424 min2022-09-15

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

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

Episode 25524 min2022-09-22

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

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

Episode 25625 min2022-10-06

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

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.

Episode 25719 min2022-10-20

Archive Thrifting #21: We Already Have Halloween At Home

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

Episode 25822 min2022-10-24

Benny M.'s TV Party (Commentary)

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.

Episode 2594 min2022-11-03

Halloween Special 2022 Blooper Reel

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

Episode 26021 min2022-11-17

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

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

Episode 26142 min2022-12-01

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

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

Episode 26222 min2022-12-15

Archive Thrifting #22: Christmas In Elbonia

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

Episode 26321 min2022-12-29

Archive Thrifting #23: Holiday Hangover

Old year, old junk. Poetic, ain’t it?

Episode 26426 min2023-01-05

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

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

Episode 26526 min2023-01-19

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

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.

Episode 26615 min2023-02-02

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

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

Episode 26720 min2023-02-23

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

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

Episode 26830 min2023-03-09

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

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…

Episode 26921 min2023-03-23

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

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

Episode 27027 min2023-04-06

Ben's Junk: Ben's Mad Magazine Stash

What—Me Ramble?

Episode 27124 min2023-04-20

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

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

Episode 27229 min2023-05-04

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

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

Episode 27311 min2023-05-18

Ben's Ugly A/V Rack

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

Episode 27413 min2023-05-22

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

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

Episode 27520 min2023-06-22

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

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

Episode 27625 min2023-07-06

Archive Thrifting #24: The Delicate Sound of Thrifting

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

Episode 27719 min2023-07-13

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

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.

Episode 27812 min2023-07-20

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

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

Episode 27930 min2023-08-10

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

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

Episode 28019 min2023-08-10

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

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

Episode 28116 min2023-08-24

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

The Archive phones it in…phoneVISION, that is.

Episode 28215 min2023-09-07

Ben's Junk: SelecTV Pay TV Box

Oddity Archive®: Only for the most SelecTiVe viewers!

Episode 28337 min2023-09-21

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

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

Episode 28419 min2023-10-05

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

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

Episode 28525 min2023-10-12

Archive Thrifting #26: Indian Summer

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

Episode 28621 min2023-11-30

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

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

Episode 28724 min2023-12-14

Archive Thrifting #28: Scandalous Santa

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

Episode 28818 min2023-12-28

Archive Thrifting #29 (Christmas Leftovers)

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.

Episode 28926 min2024-01-04

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

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

Episode 29037 min2024-01-18

Ben's Junk: Denon RCD-N10 CD Receiver

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

Episode 29124 min2024-01-25

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

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

Episode 29222 min2024-02-15

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

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

Episode 29327 min2024-02-22

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

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

Episode 2947 min2024-02-29

How To Unstretch Video (via HandBrake)

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

Episode 29535 min2024-03-14

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

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

Episode 29624 min2024-03-21

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

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

Episode 2979 min2024-03-28

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

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.

Episode 29821 min2024-04-11

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

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

Episode 29915 min2024-04-18

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

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

Episode 30012 min2024-04-25

Windows 98 Laptop Update (4/2024)

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

Episode 30127 min2024-05-09

CD Rot Rant

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

Episode 30248 min2024-05-16

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

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

Episode 30323 min2024-05-23

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

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

Episode 30426 min2024-06-20

Ben's Junk: Whole House FM Transmitter 3.0

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

Episode 30530 min2024-06-27

Ben Vs. The Cursed U-Matic Tape

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…

Episode 30619 min2024-07-04

Archive Thrifting #30: Wet Fireworks

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

Episode 30728 min2024-07-11

Ben's Junk: A Tower of Vidicraft

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

Episode 30810 min2024-08-01

Quasar Great Time Machine (Round 2?)

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.

Episode 30931 min2024-08-08

Ben's Junk: My First DVD's

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

Episode 31023 min2024-08-15

Ben's Junk: JamC@m Digital Camera

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

Episode 31120 min2024-08-22

Archive Thrifting #31: Summer's End

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

Episode 31213 min2024-09-05

More Fun With Moldy U-Matic Tapes

Mold®: Now available in yellow and brown!

Episode 31322 min2024-09-12

Ben's Junk: :CueCat Barcode Scanner

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.

Episode 31413 min2024-09-19

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

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

Episode 31518 min2024-10-10

Ben's Junk: Casio CMD-10 watch

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

Episode 31625 min2024-10-17

Ben's Junk: Laserviews Laserdisc Magazines

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

Episode 31723 min2024-10-24

Archive Thrifting #32: Halloween Hootenanny

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

Episode 31821 min2024-10-28

Halloween Special 2023 (Season of the Wince) (Commentary)

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

Episode 31918 min2024-11-09

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

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

Episode 32017 min2024-11-14

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

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

Episode 32120 min2024-11-21

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

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

Episode 32226 min2024-12-05

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

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

Episode 32318 min2024-12-12

Archive Thrifting #33: Christmas Clutter

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

Episode 32416 min2024-12-26

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

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

Episode 32518 min2025-01-09

Ben’s (Failed) Gimmick CD (A Rant)

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.

Episode 32618 min2025-01-16

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

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

Episode 32719 min2025-01-23

Ben's Junk: Optoma PK320 Pico Pocket Projector

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

Episode 32823 min2025-02-27

Albums I Love (That I’m Supposed To Hate)

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

Episode 32922 min2025-03-06

Monkeeing Around

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

Episode 3309 min2025-03-13

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

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

Episode 33123 min2025-03-20

DiscoVision Dead Sides Vol. 5

Easter Eggs are earned, my friend…

Episode 33225 min2025-03-27

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

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

Episode 33316 min2025-04-10

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

True Archive® excitement, doled out by the pound…

Episode 33419 min2025-05-01

Ben's Junk: Half A Halloween Movie Collection

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

Episode 33518 min2025-05-08

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

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

Episode 33617 min2025-05-17

Pre-Recorded SuperBeta (and some minor mythbusting)

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

Episode 33722 min2025-05-23

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

I always wanted a pinball machine…

Episode 338137 min2025-06-05

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

No episode overview available.

Episode 33962 min2025-06-12

Ben’s Junk: (Some of) Ben’s Vinyl Collection Vol. 3

77 LP’s (and a stray 45) in an hour. Now, THAT is efficiency…

Episode 34014 min2025-06-19

A Lot of Cartrivision (A Prelude?)

Some people take in stray dogs and cats. I (apparently) take in stray early home video tapes.

Episode 34137 min2025-06-26

Thrifting Delivery (Mail Day From Nick S.)

Well, I haven’t really been able to go thrifting in the better part of a year. Time for the thrifting to come to me!

Episode 34219 min2025-07-03

Ben's Junk: The Worst (and Ben's First) Portable TV

Taking a look at quite possibly the world's last working Action-brand portable TV. Last, not because it's rare or anything, it's just THAT poorly made.

Episode 34316 min2025-07-17

State of the Archive Address (7/2025)

WARNING: This update includes some unpleasant and frank medical discussion which may upset some viewers. Please watch at your own discretion.

Episode 344118 min2025-07-24

Archiveland Public Domain Theatre: Bela Lugosi Meets A Brooklyn Gorilla (VHS-sourced)

Ya coulda had a Keaton, but instead the viewers spoke and chose...AliExpress Martin & Lewis.

Episode 3454 min2025-07-28

OA Update (7/28/2025)

Hot off the presses--recorded overnight. Let's just say things are moving a bit quickly right now.

Episode 34622 min2025-07-31

Ben’s Junk: Sony Color Watchman (FDT-5BX5)

The most un-portable portable TV of all time! I like it anyway.

Episode 34719 min2025-08-14

Ben's Junk: Boyalink Wireless Lavalier Microphone

Ain’t no microphone gonna tie me down!

Episode 34811 min2025-08-18

OA Update (8/18/2025)

This should be the last of these update videos…

Episode 34923 min2025-08-21

These DVD-R’s are JUNK!/Another Cursed Tape?

Rotting DVD-R’s and shedding videotapes? Must be Archiveland.

Episode 35028 min2025-08-27

Ben’s Junk: Laserdisc Acquisitions (2019-2025)

Yes, more shiny, 12-inchers…laserdiscs, that is. Get your mind out of the gutter.

Episode 35115 min2025-09-04

Ben’s Junk: Robins Cassette Erase-Tab Remover

…because a plain old screwdriver was just too gosh darn simple.

Episode 35218 min2025-09-11

Ben's Junk: Casio LCD Handheld TV's

Oddity Archive®: Now presented in “Mosquito Net-Vision”*! *patent pending

Episode 35316 min2025-09-18

YouTube A.I.-Generated Episode Topics

NOTE: OA-generated content will vary in quality, will be inaccurate, and shouldn’t be relied on for professional advice.

Episode 35417 min2025-09-25

Ben’s Junk: Behringer Solina String Ensemble (ARP Synth Clone)

We will only accept the most wood-grain and polyester sounds here in Archiveland!

Episode 355139 min2025-09-26

Archiveland Public Domain Theatre: Sunrise: A Song of Two Humans (1927) (Silent Movie Day 2025)

Probably the only time you'll ever see a drama on PD Theatre. It just seemed appropriate right now.

Episode 35616 min2025-10-02

Ben’s Junk: e-kara Handheld Karaoke

Karaoke is back in Archiveland! No lasers this time though.

Episode 35720 min2025-10-16

Ben’s Favorite Halloween TV Episodes & Specials

Let’s scare ourselves to death with…a discussion of a handful of comedies.

Episode 35820 min2025-10-23

Archive (Half-)Thrifting #35 Wicked Wanderings

A bubbling cauldron of...things that would make a witch gag.

Episode 35948 min2025-11-06

Mystery Betamax From Denver

Here we go trying to time travel again…

Episode 36027 min2025-11-13

Ben’s Junk: Tascam Guitar & Vocal “Trainers”

Another one from the “couldn’t afford it back then” file…

Episode 36129 min2025-11-20

Albums I’ve Owned…Too Many Times

Maybe I need to join RCA (Record Collectors Anonymous, that is)…

Episode 36230 min2025-12-04

Ben's Junk: Blackhawk Films 1980-81 Winter Catalog

Just looking over some uniquely Archivian gift ideas…

Episode 36316 min2025-12-11

Four Favorite (Non-)Christmas Movies

SPOILER ALERT: No, “Die Hard” is not on my list.

Episode 36424 min2025-12-18

Archive Thrifting #36: A Tree For Benny

All I want for Christmas is…a nice, little tree for Archive HQ.

Episode 36566 min2025-12-19

Archiveland Public Domain Theatre: Classic Christmas TV

Three tasty morsels from the kinescope era...

Episode 36648 min2025-12-19

Archiveland Public Domain Theatre: Jack Benny X-Mas (if that's ok with YT)

No episode overview available.

Episode 367124 min2025-12-21

The "Is My Camera Working?” Mini-Stream

No episode overview available.

Episode 36817 min2026-01-01

Archive Thrifting #37: New Year’s (Footage) Blowout!

All thrifting footage must go! No reasonable offer will be refused!

Episode 36916 min2026-01-08

Ben's Junk: Martin DXK2 Acoustic Guitar (2004)

Let’s take an affectionate look at the Archive’s second-most famous resident (second only to the cardboard box). Benny-boy falls somewhere much farther down the list.

Episode 37062 min2026-01-12