Specials
2012 · 382 episodes
Episodes
1. Donny Osmond - Soldier of Love (Michael Bay Salute)
July 26, 2012 · 8m
Michael Bay directed music videos? That would explain a lot.
2. National Anthem Conspiracy Theory
August 23, 2012 · 4m
This video has been censored by "The Man" for your pleasure.
3. Everlasting Love
September 20, 2012 · 8m
What the hell would make this overplayed moldy-oldie count as an oddity? Find out...
4. The Max Headroom Incident of 1987 (Commentary)
October 18, 2012 · 12m
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).
5. Sounds to Make You Shiver
October 31, 2012 · 5m
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!
6. TV Sign-Offs (Commentary)
December 13, 2012 · 15m
An informal discussion of the TV Sign-Offs episode.
7. Emergency Broadcast Salute (Commentary)
February 7, 2013 · 17m
Something about February always gets Ben thinking about Civil Defense Broadcasting.
8. Freedom is a Hammer (Album Review)
March 7, 2013 · 9m
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.
9. American EXXXtasy (Commentary)
April 4, 2013 · 16m
Perhaps the Archive's most infamous episode needed a little more context. Maybe not. Nevertheless, it got it anyway--the context, that is.
10. Greetings From the Stars (Sort Of)
May 2, 2013 · 8m
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.
11. Ask the Archive
May 30, 2013 · 12m
An informal Q & A session. Yep, that's about it.
12. Archive Riffs: Petaluma Chicken
June 6, 2013 · 5m
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).
13. Local TV Special (Commentary)
June 13, 2013 · 21m
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.
14. Archive Riffs: Greedy Humpty Dumpty
June 20, 2013 · 10m
Ben riffs the sole survivor of his childhood Public Domain VHS collection.
15. VHS Vault Vol. 1 (Amvest Video) (Commentary)
June 27, 2013 · 23m
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.
16. Archive Riffs: Say No to Strangers
July 25, 2013 · 12m
Learn to take the safe way to school (but only if you have to walk through Chinatown).
17. National Anthem Conspiracy Theory (Redux)
August 22, 2013 · 5m
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.
18. Halloween Special 2012 (Commentary)
October 17, 2013 · 10m
An all-too-brief look back at the Archive's first Halloween special.
19. Hallmark Presents: Spooky Sounds
October 31, 2013 · 11m
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.
20. Archive Riffs: Dining Together
November 28, 2013 · 12m
Chain Aunt Phyllis to the family piano and enjoy an old-fashioned Thanksgiving.
21. Christmas Special 2012 (A Fair Use Christmas) (Commentary)
December 12, 2013 · 24m
A much-maligned commentary to a forgotten Archive episode.
22. Archive Riffs: A Christmas Fantasy
December 24, 2013 · 7m
Because nothing says "Christmas" quite like creepy wax figures and a bargain-basement Bing Crosby.
23. TV DX-ing
January 9, 2014 · 5m
...because the local stations suck.
24. Archive Riffs: Live & Learn
January 30, 2014 · 14m
Sid Davis would like to remind you that he loves his wallpaper and hates your child.
25. Archive Riffs: Cigarette Commercials
February 27, 2014 · 6m
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).
26. Backwards Masking (Commentary)
March 27, 2014 · 13m
Everything Ben has to say about the Backwards Masking episode in a mere 12 minutes!
27. A Nice Pair (of early, European VCR's)
April 24, 2014 · 11m
Can your heart take the sheer sex appeal of the Philips N1500? No (prescription) pills necessary!
28. Blooper Reel
May 15, 2014 · 5m
Alternate Title: Why The Archive isn't terribly conducive to outtake specials.
29. VHS Vault Vol. 5 - Y2K (Commentary)
June 5, 2014 · 24m
One of those rare occasions where there was a little TOO much to say in an episode.
30. Archive Riffs: Atomic Alert (Elementary Edition)
June 12, 2014 · 12m
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.
31. Ben's Junk: Sony Super Betamax
June 19, 2014 · 8m
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.
32. Ben's Junk: VideoNow PVD Player
June 23, 2014 · 5m
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.
33. Format Wars 2 (COMMENTARY)
July 3, 2014 · 14m
By request, Ben discusses "Format Wars". By unilateral action, Ben discusses both "Format Wars" videos in one convenient (for him) commentary.
34. Ben's Junk: VHS Camcorder (RCA CC285)
July 31, 2014 · 8m
A "by request" Ben's Junk. Taking a look at the camcorder used to film "Going Analog" and "Y2K Apocalypse Party".
35. The Great Archive Treasure Hunt (Commentary)
August 28, 2014 · 24m
Who'da thunk the making of this episode AND the episode itself was about rediscovery?
36. Ben's Junk: Tascam Cassette Portastudio
September 25, 2014 · 12m
Perhaps a too-personal installment of Ben's Junk. Don't take that the wrong way...
37. Halloween Special 2013 (Commentary)
October 9, 2014 · 12m
Must be that magic time of year again when Ben lazily dusts off the previous year's Halloween episode for a commentary.
38. Ben's Junk : 8-Track/Cassette "Adaptor"
November 20, 2014 · 8m
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!
39. Ben's Junk: Multi-System VHS VCR (Hitachi VT-M768EM)
December 4, 2014 · 11m
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?!?
40. Ben's Junk: JVC S-VHS VCR (S7600U)
December 18, 2014 · 9m
The long-awaited conclusion to the two-part Ben's Junk VHS extravaganza. Does this count as the climax?
41. Ben's Junk: LaserKaraoke/Laserdisc Player (Pioneer CLD-S304)
January 8, 2015 · 9m
Two episodes of LaserKaraoke and still no demonstration of the machine? Yeah, I'm kinda slow...
42. 1-900 ARCHIVE Vol. 2 (Commentary)
January 22, 2015 · 26m
A dual commentary for both 1-900 ARCHIVE volumes. WARNING: Wrestling aficionados may not like what I have to say.
43. The DuMont Network (Deleted Game Show Segment)
February 5, 2015 · 9m
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.
44. Ben's Junk: Handheld Electronic Games
March 5, 2015 · 5m
Pouring some additional salt in the gamer wounds...
45. Ben's Junk: B-Movies & cult Classics
April 2, 2015 · 10m
Slightly bastardizing the usual Ben's Junk format--but not Ben's Junk itself (that'd hurt).
46. Ben Tries Finnish Candy
April 30, 2015 · 11m
...and welcome to (probably the only edition of) "Ben Tries"!
47. Ben's Junk: WebTV Box
May 28, 2015 · 8m
A day late, a dollar short--you know the deal.
48. The Death of Analog TV (Commentary)
June 11, 2015 · 23m
Little did I know... NOTE: If you don't like my dry, rambling (and stutter-heavy) commentaries, you might wanna skip this one.
49. Ben's Junk: Super 8 Sound Projector (Sears Sound II - Model 9258)
June 18, 2015 · 10m
Nothing but the cutting edge in home video technology in Archive-land!
50. Archive Riffs: Self-Conscious Guy
June 25, 2015 · 12m
I'm so vain, I KNOW I think this short is about me...
51. Oddity Archive: Episode 78.4 - VHS Vault Vol. 6 (How's Your Sex Life?) (COMMENTARY)
July 2, 2015 · 24m
I really wanted to be hypnotized! Seriously!
52. (Unofficial) Ben's Junk: Philips CD-I (model 220)
July 9, 2015 · 7m
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.
53. Ben's Junk: 8-Track (and related) Oddities
August 6, 2015 · 7m
Just going through some (relatively) recent additions to the Archive's 8-track (and associated) pile.
54. Ben's Junk: Sony DT-30 (External VCR Timer)
September 3, 2015 · 6m
DVR? Two-week advance recording? Wusses.
55. Ben Tries Bonomo's Turkish Taffy
September 17, 2015 · 6m
Made as a thank you to the viewer who sent this. A thank you for not sending us any Magic Clown ephemera, that is.
56. Ben's Junk: Rejuvenique Revisited (plus Contest!)
October 1, 2015 · 14m
Looking back on the mental and physical scars sustained while making the Rejuvenique episode--and the mask too.
57. Halloween Special 2014 (Archive Wares: Rejuvenique) (Commentary)
October 15, 2015 · 26m
Recounting one of the Archive's more memorable production experiences.
58. An Overly Nostalgic Halloween (or, For The Want of a Pail)
October 29, 2015 · 11m
I hate it when my ideas for holiday specials fall through...
59. For The Want of a Pail (Conclusion)
October 31, 2015 · 1m
60. Ben's Junk: Fisher-Price PXL 2000 Camcorder
November 12, 2015 · 12m
Discussing what was arguably the most difficult restoration project I’ve (successfully) undertaken. Special thanks once again to Stephen Greer for his generous donation.
61. Ben Tries (Thanksgiving Edition) (or, Ben tries Australian Stuff)
November 26, 2015 · 11m
'Cause, you know, Thanksgiving, food...it all makes sense.
62. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
December 10, 2015 · 12m
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.
63. Archive Riffs: A Christmas Dream
December 24, 2015 · 13m
The Archive dusts off a minor (albeit severely butchered) art-house classic. Merry Christmas!
64. Ben's CED Collection (Deleted Segment from CED Episode)
January 14, 2016 · 4m
Filmed for inclusion on the CED episode (Episode 92), but left off for time.
65. Ben's Junk: Guitars! Guitars!! Guitars!!!
January 28, 2016 · 25m
Ben geeks out about guitars for 25 minutes. Watch at your own peril.
66. Ben's Junk: Ben's Philips CD-I Collection
February 11, 2016 · 14m
Let’s just say it all just kind of fell into my lap.
67. Ben's Junk: Philips CD-I Peacekeeper Revolver
March 10, 2016 · 9m
As promised, here's the second installment on the CD-I collection. Was it worth the wait?
68. Ben's Junk: Ben's (Incomplete) Comedy LP Collection
March 24, 2016 · 17m
The one time where it's ok to giggle at Ben's Junk.
69. Ben's Junk: Fisher-Price Movie Viewer
April 7, 2016 · 6m
It takes a steady hand to run one of these. Unfortunately, that's something I sorely lack.
70. Ben's Junk: Commodore 64 (& Peripherals)
May 5, 2016 · 11m
A wise man once said: “Save the big (stuff) for Ben’s Junk—it needs all the help it can get.”
71. Ben's Junk: Sony TT-100 Tuner/Timer (for U-Matic)
May 19, 2016 · 16m
Sometimes it takes a while for Ben's Junk to get in motion.
72. Commodore 64 (Commentary)
June 2, 2016 · 32m
Admittedly, a very stream-of-consciousness commentary here, but a(n apparently) necessary one.
73. Ben's Junk: VCR Co-Pilot
June 9, 2016 · 10m
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.
74. Archive Riffs: Fox Hour Promotional Reel
June 16, 2016 · 10m
Taking a look at a (rather cryptic) promo reel for a series of silent, educational two-reelers.
75. Record Ripoffs (Commentary)
June 23, 2016 · 23m
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.
76. Ben's Junk: Magnavox Odyssey 2 (Video Game Console)
June 30, 2016 · 11m
A look at one of the many competitors to the Atari 2600.
77. Ben's Junk: Colecovision Video Game Console
July 14, 2016 · 8m
Discussing another bit of donated junk--'cause, you know, everybody apparently wants a hand in Ben's Junk.
78. Ben's Junk: (Some Of) Ben's Vinyl Collection
August 11, 2016 · 42m
Lately, I've been getting asked quite a bit about my music collection. All I can say is, be careful what you wish for.
79. "The Voice" Module (for Magnavox Odyssey 2)
August 25, 2016 · 14m
Oh-oh, won’t you tell me again…and again…and again…
80. Flexplay Disposable DVD Update
September 8, 2016 · 6m
Taking another stab at the now-infamous "zombie" disc.
81. Ben's Junk: Fisher-Price Star Station Sing-Along Machine
September 22, 2016 · 12m
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.
82. Fisher-Price PXL-2000 Camcorder (Commentary)
October 20, 2016 · 20m
Yeah, there were some ghosts in the camera—or were they gremlins?
83. Ben's Junk: bob (Another Nanny Box)
November 3, 2016 · 15m
ACTUAL (paid) TESTIMONIAL: Parenthood turned out to be a real bitch and we were totally unprepared. Thanks bob!
84. Ben's Junk: DVD Recorder (Panasonic DMR-E55)
November 17, 2016 · 11m
Another weapon in the Archive’s—well, archiving arsenal.
85. Ben's Junk: Gemmy Douglas Fir Talking Christmas Tree
December 15, 2016 · 13m
Well, I already discussed Big Mouth Billy Bass. Might as well finish the 90’s/Gemmy/Talking Novelty Item concept.
86. Ben's Junk: Ben's Comic Book Collection
January 12, 2017 · 22m
Superheroes? What are those?
87. Ben's Junk: Learn To Solder Kit
February 23, 2017 · 16m
A soldering kit for kids? Yeah, that about fits my skillset.
88. Ben’s Junk: MD Walkman (Minidisc Addendum)
March 9, 2017 · 9m
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.
89. Ben's Junk: RCA Selectavision CED Player (SGT 250)
March 23, 2017 · 13m
I was downright embarrassed by my old CED Player (see the CED episode). Obviously, an upgrade was in order.
90. Ben's Junk: Ben's Audiophile Albums
April 6, 2017 · 14m
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.
91. Ben's Junk: Vtech Socrates Educational Video System
May 4, 2017 · 18m
(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?
92. Ben's Junk: Videocipher II Plus/Manhattan Cable TV Box
May 18, 2017 · 15m
A couple of obsolete, useless (to me) bits of Pay-TV history—so, of course, I bought them.
93. Ben's Junk: go reader (Audiobook Device)
June 8, 2017 · 8m
Ben helps save the environment—with bad audiobooks on a cheap, low-capacity, unalterable mp3 player!
94. Archive Riffs: Dear Miss Gloria
June 15, 2017 · 13m
I’m ready for my mail, Mr. DeMille.
95. DBX Noise Reduction System (Commentary)
June 22, 2017 · 17m
Effectively tackling the three “(100% showtune-free) Musical March” episodes all at once. Who’da thunk old audio gear could be so controversial?
96. Ben's Junk: Las Vegas Vacation (1997)
June 29, 2017 · 20m
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.
97. Ben's 10 Favorite Albums (Part 1)
July 13, 2017 · 12m
Alternate Title: God, Ben! Don’t you listen to anything from this century?!?!
98. Ben's 10 Favorite Albums (Part 2)
July 27, 2017 · 12m
Remember kids, these are MY favorite albums, not yours. If there’s any overlap, consider it a happy accident.
99. Ben's Junk: MFSL Geo-Tape (Azimuth Alignment Cassette)
August 10, 2017 · 6m
A slightly askew edition of Ben’s Junk. Let’s rectify that situation.
100. Ben's Junk: DBX Cassettes (DBX Addendum)
August 24, 2017 · 7m
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.
101. Ben's Junk: MFSL Geo-Disc (Turntable Cartridge Alignment Tool)
September 7, 2017 · 8m
…and the great Archive A/V tune-up continues.
102. Ben’s Junk: (New) Speed Calibration Cassette
September 21, 2017 · 8m
The Archive kicks it up a notch—or at least about one-fifth of one.
103. Ben's Junk: CVS One-Time-Use Video Camcorder
October 5, 2017 · 10m
Remember the single-use 35mm camera? How ‘bout a single-use camcorder?
104. Conelrad (Halloween Special 2016) (Commentary)
October 19, 2017 · 22m
The Archive gets nostalgic for nukes…
105. Ben’s Junk: The World of Yesterday (Classic Hollywood Fanzines)
November 2, 2017 · 19m
Ben gets nostalgic for nostalgia—he’s meta like that.
106. Ben's Junk: Realistic Phono Pre-Amp (Model 42-2109)
November 16, 2017 · 6m
Taking a look at an external preamp for the turntable—largely only because the cool kids are into it.
107. Ben's Junk: Vidicraft Vidimate Video Enhancer (Model VDM300S)
November 30, 2017 · 9m
An especially dull (or sharp) edition of Ben’s Junk—it’s capable of both.
108. Ben's Junk: Star Shower Laser Light
December 14, 2017 · 9m
Ben gets ambitious with his Christmas lights—in that, he’s putting any up at all.
109. Ben's Junk: Sankyo Dualux Dual8 Projector (Model 2000H)
December 27, 2017 · 13m
…or, Telecine redux.
110. Ben's Junk: Allsop 3 Orbitrac Record Cleaning System
January 11, 2018 · 8m
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.
111. Ben's Junk: JVC KD-A6 Cassette Deck
January 25, 2018 · 12m
Ben’s second new (to him) cassette deck in a year. What makes this one so special?
112. Ben's Junk: Discwasher Compact Disc Cleaner
February 8, 2018 · 8m
Taking a look at (possibly) the first-ever CD cleaner/repair thing to ever hit the market. Is it a lost classic?
113. Ben's Junk: Royal Disc Repair System
February 22, 2018 · 6m
The second installment on CD cleaning/repair devices. Is it Royally good or Royal garbage?
114. Ben's Junk: The Archive HQ Bookshelf
March 8, 2018 · 25m
What’s that thing with the face in the background? This, and many (well, a few) other questions will be answered at long last!
115. Ben’s Junk: MP32C64 Adapter (Commodore Datasette Substitute)
March 22, 2018 · 7m
Let’s commit a bit of Luddite blasphemy, shall we?
116. Archive Thrifting #1: Impromptu Investigations
April 5, 2018 · 15m
Testing out a new, potential subseries—and hitting every conceivable pothole along the way.
117. Archive Thrifting #2: Arc of a (Dumpster) Diver
April 19, 2018 · 13m
…figured I’d better shoot at least one episode in Beautiful Downtown Aurora before leaving.
118. Ben's Junk: K-Tel Record Selector
May 3, 2018 · 12m
At last! Ben reviews a K-Tel product!
119. Ben's Junk: Teac V-770 Cassette Deck
May 17, 2018 · 12m
The MCS deck kinda got fried. Time for another fixer-upper!
120. Discovision Dead Sides
May 31, 2018 · 15m
Let’s unearth some (unintentional) pre-DVD Easter Eggs…
121. Ben's Junk: ABC Talking Monday Night Football (Board Game)
June 21, 2018 · 11m
An early, talking board game—whose (nearly) every move is dictated by a tiny record.
122. Archive Riffs: Selling Your Home?
June 28, 2018 · 9m
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!
123. Archive Thrifting #3: Beautiful Downtown Aurora's Last Stand
July 5, 2018 · 24m
…because I totally needed a bunch more junk to try and pack up.
124. Ben's Junk: Rocketfish Wireless Rear Speaker Kit
August 2, 2018 · 7m
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.
125. Ben's Junk: Audio Technica AT-LP120 Turntable (Early Thoughts)
August 16, 2018 · 19m
Already went over to a direct-drive cassette deck, might as well do the same with vinyl…
126. Ben's Junk: Ben's Makeshift Bedroom Stereo System
August 30, 2018 · 12m
Looking into the most intimate areas of Ben’s…half-baked stereo system.
127. Ben's Junk: Ramsey FM Transmitter (Further Experiments)
September 13, 2018 · 11m
Sergei’s Catacomb of Classics in stereo, anyone?
128. Ask The Archive Live (9/14/2018)
September 17, 2018 · 30m
The Archive’s first livestream since 2014…and just as lo-fi as ever.
129. Archive Thrifting #4: Elvis Sightings
September 26, 2018 · 29m
Archive Thrifting®: Now in ESTEREO!!!
130. Archive Thrifting #5: Low Money Hu$tla
October 11, 2018 · 25m
A mere 3½ months in the making!
131. Sounds of Terror! (Halloween Album Review)
October 25, 2018 · 14m
The return of the Halloween album reviews! Now in screaming, spooktacular stereo!
132. Ben's Junk: Pac-Man Fever (Pac-Man Mini Arcades)
November 8, 2018 · 12m
I’ve got search-for-a-reissue-of-the-original-Pac-Man-arcade-game fever…it’s driving me crazy.
133. Archive Riffs: Thanksgiving Commercials
November 22, 2018 · 7m
A (non-filling) seven-course meal of Turkey Day commercialism!
134. NES Classic Edition (The Last Word?)
December 6, 2018 · 12m
So, what is the Oddity Archive guy doing with a reissue console?
135. Christmas LaserKaraoke (Deleted Segment)
December 24, 2018 · 5m
A little stocking stuffer of yuletide caterwauling—er, caroling!
136. Ben's Junk: Nagaoka MP-110H Phono Cartridge
January 3, 2019 · 14m
New year, more audio kit. It’s tradition, ya know?
137. Ben's Junk: Sega Pico ("Edutainment" Console)
January 10, 2019 · 16m
Time to learn…that edutainment consoles rarely end well.
138. Ben's Junk: SNES Classic Edition (Belated) First Impressions)
January 24, 2019 · 12m
Wait, didn’t we already cover this? Talk about déjà vu…
139. Ben’s Junk: Tyco VideoCam (Another Kiddie Camcorder)
January 31, 2019 · 18m
Ben’s recovering from a virus (and middle-ear dysfunction). Sounds like a good time to do a (kiddie) camcorder review.
140. Archive Riffs: Valentine’s Day Commercials (A Semi-Romantic Tale)
February 14, 2019 · 6m
We’re just a bunch of old softies…with a taste for bent story arcs.
141. Archive Thrifting #6: Frostbite Falls
February 28, 2019 · 21m
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”!
142. Ben's Junk: Ronco Mr. Microphone
March 14, 2019 · 12m
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…
143. Ben’s Junk: GAF 3100S Super 8 Film Projector
March 28, 2019 · 15m
Another fixer-upper? In Archiveland? Never!!!
144. Ben's Junk: The Big Reel (Film Collector’s Magazine)
April 11, 2019 · 18m
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.
145. Discovision/Laserdisc Quirks (An Informal Discussion)
April 25, 2019 · 24m
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).
146. Discovision Dead Sides Vol. 2
May 9, 2019 · 13m
DVD Easter Eggs? Nah, way too easy.
147. Ben’s Junk: VGA Converters/Public Domain CD-ROMs
May 23, 2019 · 15m
A double dose of turn-of-the-millennium PC goodness!
148. Ben’s Junk: Innovative Technologies ITNS-500 Slide “Scanner”
June 13, 2019 · 14m
After a long delay…well, I’ve got some good news and some bad news.
149. Archive Riffs: Clutch Cargo (Big “X”, Pts. 4 & 5)
June 20, 2019 · 11m
The Archive finally gets to “see the X”! Spoiler: It’s a rock.
150. Mystery 8mm Films/The Ballad of Ben & 8mm (Commentary)
June 27, 2019 · 24m
Let’s see if we can’t clear up some misconceptions about this episode…
151. Archive Thrifting #7: Wii, Wii, All The Way Home
July 4, 2019 · 20m
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.
152. Record Ripoffs Commercial Parodies (Vols. 1–9)
July 18, 2019 · 20m
New from K-Smell Records, it’s all those irritating moments that lead off each Record Ripoffs episode in one convenient package! ORDER NOW!!!
153. Ben's Junk: Video Action Magazine (Issue #1: December, 1980)
August 1, 2019 · 15m
Readin’ and dreamin’ ‘bout those Archivisms that’ll probably never happen.
154. Bennytronics Guitar Noise Experiment (Analog, Circa 1980-style) (COMPLETE SEGMENT)
August 9, 2019 · 8m
All seven minutes of the Archive’s low-grade, wannabe Frippertronics experiment! Earplugs are highly recommended.
155. Ben's Junk: Ben's Laserdisc Collection (2019 Edition)
August 15, 2019 · 49m
Uh, oh. Ben’s geeking out again. Get comfy.
156. Fostex X-14/Ben's Music "Career": The Gear
August 29, 2019 · 25m
…or, how Ben unwittingly jumped on the “lo-fi” bandwagon.
157. Ben's Junk: Whippany Rhythm Master (Circa 1972 Drum Machine)
September 12, 2019 · 19m
Who says Ben’s got no rhythm? He’s got 10 of them!
158. Ben's Junk: Burns Theremin
September 26, 2019 · 17m
…or, The Space-Age Sounds of the Oddity Archive! (now available on vinyl and 3¾ips reel)
159. Archive Thrifting #8: Break IT You Pay For IT
October 10, 2019 · 25m
Featuring our very Special Guest: Zippy The Chimp!
160. Haunted House (Halloween SFX Album Review)
October 24, 2019 · 11m
Can your heart (or better yet, head) stand a trip through this haunted house? No, seriously, this is our most headache-inducing one yet.
161. Telesound 13 (Moog/Realistic Concertmate MG-1)
November 6, 2019 · 4m
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.
162. Ben's Junk: Realistic Concertmate (Moog) MG-1 Synthesizer
November 7, 2019 · 24m
Whatdaya mean you forgot you had a Moog? Also, synth snobs need not apply.
163. Ben's Junk: Sony DCR-TRV320 Digital8 Handycam (Video8 Addendum)
November 21, 2019 · 15m
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.
164. Ben's Junk: Archer Video Processor/Stabilizer (Model 15-1272A)
December 5, 2019 · 13m
Guaranteed to keep this (internet) video from rolling!
165. Algorithmic Audio Mastering (CloudBounce Review)
December 9, 2019 · 7m
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.
166. Archive Thrifting #9: Christmas Confidential
December 12, 2019 · 26m
Just your standard, good, old-fashioned, combustible, unnerving, overpriced Country Christmas…
167. Archive Riffs: Boxing Day Commercials (er, Adverts)
December 26, 2019 · 7m
Celebrating the true meaning of Boxing Day… a whole lotta furniture and carpet sales.
168. MovieCD
January 9, 2020 · 12m
A would-be full-fledged video format episode…which got curtailed by (amazingly enough) a lack of computer stuff at Archive HQ.
169. Ben's Junk: Cult VHS (& A Few DVD's) (2020 Edition)
January 23, 2020 · 29m
An informal stroll few some cherry-picked titles from Ben’s (somewhat unintentional) collection of B-Movies and Cult Classics.
170. Ben's Junk: Behringer U-Phoria UMC404HD Audio Interface
February 6, 2020 · 18m
…or, what happens when ol’ Benny-boy decides he needs more than 2 microphone inputs.
171. Ben's Junk: Behringer neutron (analog, Monophonic) Synthesizer
February 20, 2020 · 24m
Yes, I bought another synth. Yes, I swatted myself on the nose with a rolled-up newspaper over my lack of self-control.
172. F.D.G. (Oddity Archive Sign-Off Muzak)
March 2, 2020 · 3m
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.
173. Ben's Junk: Industrial Laserdiscs/ Anderic (Reproduction) Service Remote
March 5, 2020 · 17m
Lookin’ under the hood of Ben’s laserdisc player (quite appropriately) with some General Motors discs.
174. Ben's Music "Career", Vol. 4.5: Greetings From Elderbush Gulch Multitracks (An Addendum)
March 19, 2020 · 32m
Benny-boy’s (non-accredited) Audio School is now in session!
175. Enhanced CD's (& other multimedia CD's) (an informal chat)
April 2, 2020 · 22m
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.
176. Ben's Junk: The OA (semi-)Supercomputer/OA Recording Studio Redux
April 16, 2020 · 18m
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.
177. Ben's Junk: Sony SLO-325 Industrial Betamax
April 30, 2020 · 19m
Time to take a bet(t)a look at the Archive’s first Betamax—from before the Archive even existed (in every sense).
178. Ben's Junk: 1953 & 1956 Hoffman Television Catalogs
May 14, 2020 · 26m
A genuine televisual feast.
179. Ben's Junk: Tiger Quiz Wiz
May 28, 2020 · 13m
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
180. Ben Minnotte - Switched-On Pavanned (Moog Instrumental)
June 3, 2020 · 1m
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.
181. Ben Minnotte - The Happy Moog (Gets Stuck In Rush Hour) ("Moog" Instrumental)
June 5, 2020 · 2m
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.
182. Ben's Junk: First Alert FTR-960R Time-Lapse VCR (+ Time-Lapse Tape)
June 18, 2020 · 13m
The Archive gets secure...or just paranoid.
183. Archive Riffs: Moving Up To Amateur Radio
June 25, 2020 · 15m
OA calling CQ, hopefully DX, lookin’ for the QT on the DL while TCB.
184. Archive Thrifting #10: Before We Were SO Rudely Interrupted
July 2, 2020 · 19m
Archive Thrifting is a magical tool of last resort…Why? Because it NEVER fails!
185. Ben's Junk: Sony U-Matic & Industrial Betamax Wired Remotes
July 9, 2020 · 21m
…or, Ben’s weirdest pet-project to date! (kerchunk)
186. The Battle At Elderbush Gulch (2020 Redux)
July 20, 2020 · 4m
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.
187. Archive Thrifting #11: This Can Not Be The Right Price Deal
July 23, 2020 · 27m
188. Ben's Junk: Pioneer RH-65 8-Track Deck
August 6, 2020 · 18m
Meet the Archive’s new (to us) 8-track deck…
189. Ben's Junk: Denon UD-M30 CD Receiver
August 13, 2020 · 14m
A rare, intimate, bedroom edition of Ben’s Junk…
190. Pavanned (Documentary Style) (Vaporwave?)
August 24, 2020 · 1m
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.
191. In Your Hands (Violin & "Mellotron" Thing)
August 24, 2020 · 2m
Representing the dry, yet thoughtful end of Episode 200...
192. Ep. 200 Rebuttal & Deleted Scenes
August 27, 2020 · 15m
Ok, time for my side of the story...
193. Nitrogené (Synth Instrumental)
September 10, 2020 · 2m
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.
194. Ben's Junk: JVC HR-S7600U S-VHS ET VCR (REVISITED)
September 24, 2020 · 19m
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.
195. Ben's Junk: Buster Keaton Video Collection
October 8, 2020 · 41m
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…
196. Archive Thrifting #12: (Not-So) Scary Deals
October 22, 2020 · 25m
It’s the first Archive Thrifting Spooktacular! Strangely enough, it’s probably one of the least scary Thrifting episodes to date.
197. Ben's Junk: (New) Polaroid 600 Film (& old camera(s))
November 5, 2020 · 10m
You can keep your fancy digital cameras, thank you very much.
198. Ben's Junk: (Some of) Ben's Audiocassette Collection
November 19, 2020 · 36m
A slow-speed ramble for a slow-speed format.
199. Ben's Junk: (New) Dubreq Stylophone
December 3, 2020 · 16m
We be stylin’…stylus(in’), that is…y’all.
200. Archive Thrifting #13: Deck The Hauls
December 17, 2020 · 26m
Fillin’ up the ol’ one-horse open sleigh with…some junk.
201. Ben's Junk: (some of) Ben's Vinyl Collection Vol. 2
January 28, 2021 · 47m
Time to get back in the groove! (dodges tsunami of rotten produce)
202. Ben's Junk: Sega Genesis Mini (Miniature Game Console)
February 11, 2021 · 17m
Finishing up the trilogy of belatedly-acquired, nostalgically-motivated miniature video game consoles…
203. Home Video Recording, 1972-Style (or, Ben's Complete U-Matic Rig)
February 25, 2021 · 29m
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.
204. Ben's Junk: Toshiba 20AF43 CRT TV
March 11, 2021 · 12m
No one should ever get this excited over something this mundane… Or, this CRT is 20 AF…y’all.
205. Archive Thrifting #14: (Non-)Luck of the (Non-)Irish
March 18, 2021 · 21m
You’ll be green with envy over these finds…or not.
206. Phonies (Answering Machine Greetings)
April 1, 2021 · 12m
Just when you thought the Archive couldn’t get any more phake…
207. Archive Riffs: A Taxing Set of Commercials (Tax Day Special)
April 15, 2021 · 8m
It’s time to get down to business in Archiveland!
208. Ben's Junk: GPX Digital TV Tuner + Recorder
April 29, 2021 · 23m
Can a (relative) cheapie from Menard’s drag the Archive’s off-air recording capabilities (kicking and screaming) into the 21st century? Sort of…
209. A Geeky Evening With Benny-Boy
May 13, 2021 · 32m
A late-night, low-light, romantic fishing expedition with everybody’s favorite Oddity Archivist…fishing for ArchiveAnnex material, that is.
210. Ben's Junk: ClonerAlliance Box Pro (Video Capture Device)
May 27, 2021 · 23m
Could it be I’ve finally stumbled onto the rightful heir of the VCR? Looks like it…
211. Ben's Junk: JVC HM-DH30000U & Mitsubishi HD-HS2000u D-VHS VCR's
June 10, 2021 · 16m
A double-(4)-header of D-VHS (when possible) goodness!
212. Episode 200 (Behind The Box) (Commentary)
June 17, 2021 · 27m
If ever an OA episode needed a commentary track, it’s this one…
213. Archive Thrifting #15: Out Of This World Deals
June 24, 2021 · 18m
Featuring deals so far outta sight, they’re outta mind!
214. Ben's Junk: Akai GX-220 Reel-To-Reel Audiotape Deck
July 8, 2021 · 21m
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.
215. History of VHS (COMPLETE SERIES)
July 15, 2021 · 1h 44m
You wanted a history lesson? You got a history lesson!
216. Ben's Casino Travelogue (Deleted Segment From How I Spent My Summer VIII)
July 29, 2021 · 7m
The Archive delivers its first real travelogue…granted, it was all of a half-hour away from home, but still.
217. Archive Thrifting #16: La Cage Aux Thrifting
August 5, 2021 · 22m
Thrifting can be a real drag…but not when Ben’s around!
218. VCR Cleaning (A Public Service Video)
August 19, 2021 · 31m
A bit of VHSMR for everyone…
219. Channel Update (9/2021) (Sony AV-3600 Update, Sencore VA62, etc.)
September 2, 2021 · 25m
There’s plenty in the OA oven right now, just none of it is rising.
220. VCR Rabbit Revisited
September 9, 2021 · 26m
I got things just a hare wrong the first time around, so let’s hop to another round of tests…
221. Ben's Junk: Video Store Regulars (& Memories)
September 23, 2021 · 27m
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.
222. Ben’s Junk: Wolverine Moviemaker Pro 8mm & Super8 Film Scanner
October 7, 2021 · 30m
A half-hour Ben’s Junk? You might say the machine caused it to run reely long.
223. Archive Thrifting #17: Spooktacular Savings
October 21, 2021 · 25m
Get a witches shawl on and find a broomstick you can crawl on…and go thrifting with Benny-boy! (snap, snap)
224. Thereminiature/Pavanned (Version 6.66)
October 31, 2021 · 6m
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)
225. Ben's Junk: Sony Digital Mavica (Model MVC-FD73) (Floppy Disk Digital Camera from 1999)
November 4, 2021 · 18m
Finally getting into this newfangled digital camera stuff…whatdaya mean you can’t get 3.5” floppies anymore?!?
226. Ben's Junk: Coolmusic Ring Modulator (& other FX) ("Max Headroom" Hijacker Voice)
November 18, 2021 · 22m
Does Ben really think he’s better than Chuck Swirsky? That freakin’ liberal…
227. Ben's Junk: Christmas TV VHS & DVD's
December 2, 2021 · 25m
‘Tis the season…for holiday specials. Here’s some of my favorites…
228. Archive Thrifting #18: Shortwave Santa
December 16, 2021 · 26m
Run, run Rudolph…towards another pile of junk!
229. Ben’s Music “Career” (The Complete Saga)
December 30, 2021 · 3h 22m
Move over, “History of the Eagles”. There’s a new rock doc opus in town…
230. Ben's Junk: Keyfax Update/Pioneer GGF1381 Laserdisc Service Remote/Discovision Dead Sides Vol. 3
January 6, 2022 · 21m
Going down a mental rabbit hole…in the most Archivian way possible.
231. The Wire (via Sony PCM-701ES, Betamax)
January 12, 2022 · 2m
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.
232. Ben's Junk: VuPoint Digital Video Converter (or, the circa 2010 YouTube video device)
January 20, 2022 · 19m
Feeling nostalgic for those early YouTube potato video captures? I’ve got just the scratch for that itch…
233. Ben's Junk: The Clapper
February 3, 2022 · 17m
At long last, Ben’s Junk gets the clap…per.
234. Laserdisc Laser Rot
February 17, 2022 · 24m
A little mythbusting (and philosophizing)…OA style.
235. Ben's Junk: Magnus Chord Organ
March 3, 2022 · 15m
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.
236. Ben's Junk: Blonder-Tongue BTX-111 "Ultraverter" (& ONTV Box Update)
March 17, 2022 · 14m
An addendum to the “Prehistoric UHF” episode…and the “ONTV/Pay TV Vol. 2” episode—about three years too late.
237. Ben's Junk: Prog & Metal VHS, Beta & Laserdiscs
March 31, 2022 · 24m
For those about to rock (in 11/4 time), we salute you…
238. Ben's Junk: Newtek Calibar (A Pen-Sized Test Pattern Generator)
April 14, 2022 · 15m
Ben recreates the best TV program of all time—the color bars!
239. A BENefit for a new computer…or a loose Ask The Archive
April 22, 2022 · 1h 40m
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.
240. Ben's Junk: Hotronic AP41 (Frame Synchronizer & Time Base Corrector)
April 28, 2022 · 23m
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.
241. The “Can I Remember It?” stream (or, a smaller BENefit)
May 7, 2022 · 2h 22m
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.
242. CD Frustrations & Easter Eggs
May 12, 2022 · 20m
A casual chat…if only because the prospect of the sixth “Ben’s Junk” in a row was too much to bear.
243. A Tour of the New OA Computer Rig (OA Computer Tour 2022)
May 19, 2022 · 22m
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.
244. Ben's Junk: Sony CVM-51UW and Panasonic WV-BM990 CRT Monitors
June 2, 2022 · 24m
CRT’s are for squares…which we proudly are.
245. The Eraser Laserdisc Experiment
June 23, 2022 · 17m
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.
246. Archive Thrifting #19: Radios, Radios
June 30, 2022 · 26m
Got a new phone (not by choice)…which means a new camera…which means…test drive time!
247. Archive Riffs: Hey, Stop That!
July 7, 2022 · 7m
It’s a(n apparent) fine line between deep expressionism and wonky student film.
248. Ben's Junk: Midland WR400 NOAA Weather Radio (& other Radio Ramblings)
July 14, 2022 · 24m
Mother Nature: (throws flash floods, tornadoes, derechos and blizzards at Archive HQ) Ben: I get the hint already! Geez…
249. Ben's Junk: Sony SRF-A100 AM/AM Stereo/FM Portable Radio
July 20, 2022 · 10m
A truly nice little radio (especially on the AM front)…and a nice little prelude to the OA 10th Anniversary episode.
250. Archive Thrifting #20: Fair(mont) (St.) Clouds over Mankato
July 28, 2022 · 17m
Taken while shooting the AM Stereo episode. If nothing else, it was the least sticker-shock-intensive part of the trip.
251. Ben Repairs: Radio Shack Executive Stress Eliminator
August 4, 2022 · 18m
Testing out a potential, new occasionally recurring thing in which I undertake minor repairs on some item…and, as always, mock it a bit.
252. Sony Videocorders Update (CV-2100 & AV-3600) (8/2022)
August 18, 2022 · 34m
…and the single most challenging project I’ve ever taken on…continues to kick my butt. Share in the frustration, won’t you?
253. Ben's Junk: Tyler Portable TV (model TTV701-7)
September 1, 2022 · 46m
Hope you like fussy, fidgety, unintuitive setups…and 45-minute Ben’s Junks.
254. Ben's Junk: Sears Whisper-Matic IV (& Victorian-Era Theater Slides)
September 15, 2022 · 24m
Hey Buddy, wanna see some early 20th century movie theater slides? Didn’t think so.
255. Ben's Junk: Ben's Blackhawk Films Collection (minus the videotapes)
September 22, 2022 · 24m
…or, Ben gets nostalgic for other people’s nostalgia.
256. Ben's Junk: Sony Trinitron PVM-1343MD (Professional Video Monitor)
October 6, 2022 · 25m
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.
257. Archive Thrifting #21: We Already Have Halloween At Home
October 20, 2022 · 19m
Mom, can we buy some Halloween? (see title for answer)
258. Benny M.'s TV Party (Commentary)
October 24, 2022 · 22m
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.
259. Halloween Special 2022 Blooper Reel
November 3, 2022 · 4m
…or, as some might call it, “Ben’s Final Descent Into Madness”.
260. Ben's Junk: Telemeter Pay TV Box (Circa 1960)
November 17, 2022 · 21m
It’s (apparently) a fine line between your TV and a taxi meter…
261. Ben's Junk: Favorite (and/or Notable) Christmas Albums
December 1, 2022 · 42m
Even old scrooge Benny-boy has those Christmas tunes that get his foot (arrhythmically) a-tappin’.
262. Archive Thrifting #22: Christmas In Elbonia
December 15, 2022 · 22m
The merriest* thrifting video of the year! *FACT CHECK: Mostly false.
263. Archive Thrifting #23: Holiday Hangover
December 29, 2022 · 21m
Old year, old junk. Poetic, ain’t it?
264. Magna-Guard (or, Copy-Protection, Vol. 3)
January 5, 2023 · 26m
And the quest for that form of copy protection that’ll make my VCR burst into flames continues…
265. Ben's Junk: RCA BW003 (1978 Home Video Camera)
January 19, 2023 · 26m
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.
266. Ben's Junk: Forbidden KLAK (via the Archer Multiple Video Distribution System)
February 2, 2023 · 15m
You wanted more Oddity Archive…After Dark? Here ya go. Just don’t expect anything too hot.
267. Ben's Junk: Realistic (Radio Shack) FM Wireless Lavalier Microphone System (Circa 1988)
February 23, 2023 · 20m
For those looking to up their YouTube microphone game…had such a thing existed in 1988.
268. Ben's Junk: (Some of) Ben's TV-on-DVD Collection
March 9, 2023 · 30m
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…
269. Ben's Junk: Hitachi Visionbook Pro 7560 Laptop (or, My 1st, failed attempt at a Windows 98 Rig)
March 23, 2023 · 21m
…because I MUST get my Diamond Rio loaded (ideally, with Diamond Rio songs)!
270. Ben's Junk: Ben's Mad Magazine Stash
April 6, 2023 · 27m
What—Me Ramble?
271. Noelle's Mystery Tapes (& Channel Update - 4/2023)
April 20, 2023 · 24m
Some like roses on a date, some like candy. Benny-boy likes uncatalogued analog magnetic media.
272. Ben's Junk: 80's Music Videos (on Laserdisc)
May 4, 2023 · 29m
Oddity Archive and MTV have a momentary cease-fire to appreciate some 80’s tuneage.
273. Ben's Ugly A/V Rack
May 18, 2023 · 11m
Hey! Nice rack, Benny-boy! (snicker)
274. Betacam SP (1st Test...From A Newbie's Perspective)
May 22, 2023 · 13m
A ferric-oxide (or metal, depending on the tape) baptism…by fire.
275. Christmas Morning on a June Evening (or, Mail Day From Tyrone)
June 22, 2023 · 20m
Hope you have your June tree up (ideally, something deciduous), 'cause we're about to celebrate Christmas in June.
276. Archive Thrifting #24: The Delicate Sound of Thrifting
July 6, 2023 · 25m
Some things don’t come easy…like the first thrifting video of 2023 (more than halfway into the year, no less).
277. Ben's Junk: X-10 Videosender (another VCR Rabbit-esque device)
July 13, 2023 · 19m
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.
278. Revenge of the Sony AV-3600 Videocorder (1st Test)
July 20, 2023 · 12m
Some people’s sinuses come back from Arizona…my AV-3600 came back from Arizona—arguably the same headache.
279. Archive Thrifting #25: 3M (Moderate Minnesota Madness)
August 10, 2023 · 30m
Celebrating the 25th OA Thrifting video by doing one in Minnesohta, doan ‘cha know?
280. Fix It or Forget It? (NEC S-VHS Deck)
August 10, 2023 · 19m
It’s everybody’s favorite new (not quite) nerdy game show…Fix It or Forget It!!!
281. Ben's Junk: 1966 (partial) Zenith Phonevision Pay TV Box
August 24, 2023 · 16m
The Archive phones it in…phoneVISION, that is.
282. Ben's Junk: SelecTV Pay TV Box
September 7, 2023 · 15m
Oddity Archive®: Only for the most SelecTiVe viewers!
283. Ben's Junk: ClonerAlliance ViewLite AV (Video Capture Device)
September 21, 2023 · 37m
A little device with a lot of potential…but does it live up to it?
284. Ben's Junk: Sears Du-All Eight (8mm Viewer/Editor)
October 5, 2023 · 19m
Well, it does du all, I’ll give it that…
285. Archive Thrifting #26: Indian Summer
October 12, 2023 · 25m
Dragging out the Summer a little longer…whether you like it or not.
286. Ben's Junk: Sharp VL-E47 "Viewcam" (Video8 Camcorder, circa 1995)
November 30, 2023 · 21m
Oddity Archive®: Now in glorious Hi-Fi Mono!
287. Archive Thrifting #28: Scandalous Santa
December 14, 2023 · 24m
Just hear those cash tills jing-a-ling’—ring-ting-tinga-ling…
288. Archive Thrifting #29 (Christmas Leftovers)
December 28, 2023 · 18m
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.
289. Ben's Junk: Ben's Rifftrax DVD & Blu-Ray Collection
January 4, 2024 · 26m
Looking at the Rifftrax collection…with only minimal snark…which may very well go against the laws of riff comedy.
290. Ben's Junk: Denon RCD-N10 CD Receiver
January 18, 2024 · 37m
…because Benny-boy apparently goes through mini stereos like (insert absurdly famous pop star) goes through boyfriends.
291. Ben's Junk: Magnavox H2160MW9 (or, Exploring Someone's Old Personal DVR)
January 25, 2024 · 24m
The tech geek equivalent of rummaging through someone’s medicine cabinet…
292. Ben's Junk: Wometco Home Theatre (WHT) Pay TV Decoder Box
February 15, 2024 · 22m
Archiveco Home Theatre®: Now serving Lawn Guyland & New Joisey!
293. Ben’s Junk: ClearClick Video2USB/ A Tour of Ben’s Livestream Setup
February 22, 2024 · 27m
Some livestreamers run PC games…Benny-boy likes to run Betamax tapes.
294. How To Unstretch Video (via HandBrake)
February 29, 2024 · 7m
For us old fartknockers that haven’t yet warmed up to stretch-o-vision…
295. Ben's Junk: Laser Video File Laserdisc Catalog (Mid-1992)
March 14, 2024 · 35m
Thumbing through the catalog of the hottest new video format (by OA standards).
296. Ben's Junk: Some More of Ben's Audiocassette Collection (Mystery Box!)
March 21, 2024 · 24m
Come on down to Crazy Benny’s for…a bunch of audiocassettes that you probably don’t care about.
297. Magnavox H2160MW9 Personal DVR/DVD Recorder UPDATE (A Failure)
March 28, 2024 · 9m
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.
298. Ben's Junk: Videolok (VCR Anti-Theft Device)
April 11, 2024 · 21m
Inconvenience and mildly annoy those evil VCR thieves with the Videolok!
299. Ben's Junk: Rhoades Teledapter (TV Stereo Simulator)
April 18, 2024 · 15m
Don’t wanna wait for Stereo TV’s to be invented? Here ya go!
300. Windows 98 Laptop Update (4/2024)
April 25, 2024 · 12m
The saga continues. On and on…and on…and on…
301. CD Rot Rant
May 9, 2024 · 27m
Benny-boy’s (non-accredited) Physical Media Studies class is now in session!
302. Ben A.'s Mystery Tapes (A Not-So-Livestream)
May 16, 2024 · 48m
An unintentional episode of Oddity Archive…After Dark…in the most literal sense.
303. Windows 98 Laptop Update (5/2024) (She Lives!)
May 23, 2024 · 23m
Ben christens his newly-functional laptop…by playing a little Slim Whitman.
304. Ben's Junk: Whole House FM Transmitter 3.0
June 20, 2024 · 26m
Ben’s 3(.0)rd attempt at FM, Part 15-legal microbroadcasting! Let’s see if it’s the charm…
305. Ben Vs. The Cursed U-Matic Tape
June 27, 2024 · 30m
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…
306. Archive Thrifting #30: Wet Fireworks
July 4, 2024 · 19m
Spend the 4th of July the American way…shopping for junk.
307. Ben's Junk: A Tower of Vidicraft
July 11, 2024 · 28m
(with apologies to Frank Sinatra) …’cause it’s Vidicraft, wicked Vidicraft. And, although I know it’s strictly taboo…
308. Quasar Great Time Machine (Round 2?)
August 1, 2024 · 10m
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.
309. Ben's Junk: My First DVD's
August 8, 2024 · 31m
Something I never thought I’d have…warm, gooey nostalgia for the Y2K era.
310. Ben's Junk: JamC@m Digital Camera
August 15, 2024 · 23m
A trip back to the late-90’s. Of course, that means being unnecessarily EXTREEEEME!!!! (insert dorky camera zoom)
311. Archive Thrifting #31: Summer's End
August 22, 2024 · 20m
The little brats are finally back in school. Let’s go thrifting…
312. More Fun With Moldy U-Matic Tapes
September 5, 2024 · 13m
Mold®: Now available in yellow and brown!
313. Ben's Junk: :CueCat Barcode Scanner
September 12, 2024 · 22m
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.
314. Ben's Junk: Sencore "Little Huey" Test Pattern Generator
September 19, 2024 · 13m
A color bar generator called “Little HUEy”. No, it’s not a Norm MacDonald joke…I think.
315. Ben's Junk: Casio CMD-10 watch
October 10, 2024 · 18m
Keep losing that remote control? Perhaps there’s just too many gosh-darn buttons? We’ve got a (borderline-toy) solution for you!
316. Ben's Junk: Laserviews Laserdisc Magazines
October 17, 2024 · 25m
I set out to discuss laserdiscs and wound up on a tear about various movies. Ain’t that always the way?
317. Archive Thrifting #32: Halloween Hootenanny
October 24, 2024 · 23m
Grab yer pardner, do-si-do…and go thrifting with ol’ Benny-boy!
318. Halloween Special 2023 (Season of the Wince) (Commentary)
October 28, 2024 · 21m
Discussing the great swindle that is my little parody of “Halloween III”…and mustaches.
319. Ben's Junk: Realistic (Radio Shack) Astronaut 8 Radio
November 9, 2024 · 18m
A radio that’ll send you into outer space…8 times!
320. Ben's Junk: Down Beat Magazine (10/23/1975)
November 14, 2024 · 17m
An Up Beat (by my standards) look at an issue of Down Beat magazine. Now, excuse me while I clap out-of-rhythm…
321. Ben’s Junk: Thanksgiving Traditions (and not-so-traditions)
November 21, 2024 · 20m
You can get anything you want at Benny-boy’s (non-existent) Restaurant…
322. Ben’s Junk: VHS is Life Mold Cleaning Rig REDUX
December 5, 2024 · 26m
A product so nice, I had to review it twice…
323. Archive Thrifting #33: Christmas Clutter
December 12, 2024 · 18m
Out in the stores there’s so much clutter/Let’s listen to Benny-boy groan and mutter…
324. Ben’s Junk: Epiphone ED-100NS Acoustic Guitar
December 26, 2024 · 16m
My first steel string acoustic guitar…which was even cheaper than the ones Esteban was hawking on TV at the time.
325. Ben’s (Failed) Gimmick CD (A Rant)
January 9, 2025 · 18m
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.
326. Ben’s Junk: NuReality Vivid 3D (Mock Surround Sound Processor)
January 16, 2025 · 18m
Mono reprocessed for stereo? How quaint. How ‘bout stereo reprocessed for surround sound?
327. Ben's Junk: Optoma PK320 Pico Pocket Projector
January 23, 2025 · 19m
Benny-boy covers a projector…but not a film projector. Blasphemy, I know.
328. Albums I Love (That I’m Supposed To Hate)
February 27, 2025 · 23m
…because it’s (apparently) cool to be contrarian.
329. Monkeeing Around
March 6, 2025 · 22m
Hey, hey…the Ben’s Junk items I was gonna cover fell through. Let’s get nostalgic.
330. Ben’s Junk: Sony eMarker (SoundHound before SoundHound)
March 13, 2025 · 9m
You’ve heard of “oddware”, right? This is outright “deadware”.
331. DiscoVision Dead Sides Vol. 5
March 20, 2025 · 23m
Easter Eggs are earned, my friend…
332. Ben’s Junk: RCA RC5230Z DIVX/DVD Player (More “Deadware”)
March 27, 2025 · 25m
Fulfilling another one of my utterly pointless life missions…almost.
333. 25 Pounds of Laserdiscs (Mail Day From Paul C.)
April 10, 2025 · 16m
True Archive® excitement, doled out by the pound…
334. Ben's Junk: Half A Halloween Movie Collection
May 1, 2025 · 19m
Let’s celebrate (Halfway to) Halloween with…half a Halloween movie franchise collection.
335. Ben’s Junk: APF TV Fun (“Sportsarama” Model)
May 8, 2025 · 18m
Sportsarama®: Somehow even less convenient than scheduling an actual game of tennis (or hockey or handball)!
336. Pre-Recorded SuperBeta (and some minor mythbusting)
May 17, 2025 · 17m
With all the hype about the 50th anniversary of the Betamax home video format, let’s not forget the 40th anniversary of…SuperBeta(max).
337. Ben’s Junk: Sears Tele-Games Pinball Breakaway (Atari Video Pinball)
May 23, 2025 · 22m
I always wanted a pinball machine…
338. State of the Archive Address/General Chat/Q&A (5/30/2025)
June 5, 2025 · 2h 17m
339. Ben’s Junk: (Some of) Ben’s Vinyl Collection Vol. 3
June 12, 2025 · 1h 2m
77 LP’s (and a stray 45) in an hour. Now, THAT is efficiency…
340. A Lot of Cartrivision (A Prelude?)
June 19, 2025 · 14m
Some people take in stray dogs and cats. I (apparently) take in stray early home video tapes.
341. Thrifting Delivery (Mail Day From Nick S.)
June 26, 2025 · 37m
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!
342. Ben's Junk: The Worst (and Ben's First) Portable TV
July 3, 2025 · 19m
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.
343. State of the Archive Address (7/2025)
July 17, 2025 · 16m
WARNING: This update includes some unpleasant and frank medical discussion which may upset some viewers. Please watch at your own discretion.
344. Archiveland Public Domain Theatre: Bela Lugosi Meets A Brooklyn Gorilla (VHS-sourced)
July 24, 2025 · 1h 58m
Ya coulda had a Keaton, but instead the viewers spoke and chose...AliExpress Martin & Lewis.
345. OA Update (7/28/2025)
July 28, 2025 · 4m
Hot off the presses--recorded overnight. Let's just say things are moving a bit quickly right now.
346. Ben’s Junk: Sony Color Watchman (FDT-5BX5)
July 31, 2025 · 22m
The most un-portable portable TV of all time! I like it anyway.
347. Ben's Junk: Boyalink Wireless Lavalier Microphone
August 14, 2025 · 19m
Ain’t no microphone gonna tie me down!
348. OA Update (8/18/2025)
August 18, 2025 · 11m
This should be the last of these update videos…
349. These DVD-R’s are JUNK!/Another Cursed Tape?
August 21, 2025 · 23m
Rotting DVD-R’s and shedding videotapes? Must be Archiveland.
350. Ben’s Junk: Laserdisc Acquisitions (2019-2025)
August 27, 2025 · 28m
Yes, more shiny, 12-inchers…laserdiscs, that is. Get your mind out of the gutter.
351. Ben’s Junk: Robins Cassette Erase-Tab Remover
September 4, 2025 · 15m
…because a plain old screwdriver was just too gosh darn simple.
352. Ben's Junk: Casio LCD Handheld TV's
September 11, 2025 · 18m
Oddity Archive®: Now presented in “Mosquito Net-Vision”*! *patent pending
353. YouTube A.I.-Generated Episode Topics
September 18, 2025 · 16m
NOTE: OA-generated content will vary in quality, will be inaccurate, and shouldn’t be relied on for professional advice.
354. Ben’s Junk: Behringer Solina String Ensemble (ARP Synth Clone)
September 25, 2025 · 17m
We will only accept the most wood-grain and polyester sounds here in Archiveland!
355. Archiveland Public Domain Theatre: Sunrise: A Song of Two Humans (1927) (Silent Movie Day 2025)
September 26, 2025 · 2h 19m
Probably the only time you'll ever see a drama on PD Theatre. It just seemed appropriate right now.
356. Ben’s Junk: e-kara Handheld Karaoke
October 2, 2025 · 16m
Karaoke is back in Archiveland! No lasers this time though.
357. Ben’s Favorite Halloween TV Episodes & Specials
October 16, 2025 · 20m
Let’s scare ourselves to death with…a discussion of a handful of comedies.
358. Archive (Half-)Thrifting #35 Wicked Wanderings
October 23, 2025 · 20m
A bubbling cauldron of...things that would make a witch gag.
359. Mystery Betamax From Denver
November 6, 2025 · 48m
Here we go trying to time travel again…
360. Ben’s Junk: Tascam Guitar & Vocal “Trainers”
November 13, 2025 · 27m
Another one from the “couldn’t afford it back then” file…
361. Albums I’ve Owned…Too Many Times
November 20, 2025 · 29m
Maybe I need to join RCA (Record Collectors Anonymous, that is)…
362. Ben's Junk: Blackhawk Films 1980-81 Winter Catalog
December 4, 2025 · 30m
Just looking over some uniquely Archivian gift ideas…
363. Four Favorite (Non-)Christmas Movies
December 11, 2025 · 16m
SPOILER ALERT: No, “Die Hard” is not on my list.
364. Archive Thrifting #36: A Tree For Benny
December 18, 2025 · 24m
All I want for Christmas is…a nice, little tree for Archive HQ.
365. Archiveland Public Domain Theatre: Classic Christmas TV
December 19, 2025 · 1h 6m
Three tasty morsels from the kinescope era...
366. Archiveland Public Domain Theatre: Jack Benny X-Mas (if that's ok with YT)
December 19, 2025 · 48m
367. The "Is My Camera Working?” Mini-Stream
December 21, 2025 · 2h 4m
368. Archive Thrifting #37: New Year’s (Footage) Blowout!
January 1, 2026 · 17m
All thrifting footage must go! No reasonable offer will be refused!
369. Ben's Junk: Martin DXK2 Acoustic Guitar (2004)
January 8, 2026 · 16m
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.
370. The "Had To Buy A New Phone/Camera” Mini-Stream (+ a Philips CD-I game)
January 12, 2026 · 1h 2m
371. CD Mastering Gimmicks (HDCD, Sound Shaping, NoNoise)
January 15, 2026 · 23m
Benny-boy’s (non-accredited) Audio School is back in session!
372. My Most Expensive CD’s
January 29, 2026 · 18m
Not intended as a flex in any way, shape or form.
373. Ben's Junk: Japanese CD's (but not Japanese Music)
February 12, 2026 · 23m
As close to J-Pop as we’re ever getting in Archiveland…
374. Ben’s Junk: MST3K (Mystery Science Theater 3000) VHS Collection
February 26, 2026 · 23m
At long last, the Archive boards the Satellite of Love…
375. Ben’s Junk: Early Home Video Tapes (1972-82)
March 12, 2026 · 36m
A sampling of magnetic oxide goodness from the early days of home video…and...no discs, thank you very much.
376. (An Attempt At) Futureproofing My Music Collection
March 19, 2026 · 29m
Despite my best efforts, enshittification has finally arrived in Archiveland.
377. Ben’s Junk: Radio Shack SPL (Sound Pressure Level) Meter
April 2, 2026 · 24m
It only took an audio nerd like me until 2024 to acquire an SPL meter. It only took me until 2026 to use it.
378. Ben's Junk...At 78RPM
April 9, 2026 · 32m
Old, musty and dusty. In other words, a perfect descriptor for Ben’s Junk!
379. Six Thrift Store Vinyl Bin Staples (That Don’t Suck)
April 23, 2026 · 25m
Six of the absolute most uncool albums I’ve ever discussed...even by my standards.
380. Ben’s Favorite Summer Movies
May 7, 2026 · 24m
Turn off the lights, close the blinds, crank the A/C and chill out to the Oddity Archive…
381. Ben’s First Vinyl Albums
May 21, 2026 · 29m
Either I was WAY ahead of my time or WAY behind. I’m still not sure…
382. Ben’s Junk: Reel-To-Reel Album Collection
June 4, 2026 · 36m
A special, “by-request” Ben’s Junk! Because no one can ever get enough of Ben’s Junk…