0x44 - Ben Tries Finnish Candy

April 30, 2015

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

0x45 - Ben's Junk: WebTV Box

May 28, 2015

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

0x46 - The Death of Analog TV (Commentary)

June 11, 2015

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

0x47 - Ben's Junk: Super 8 Sound Projector (Sears Sound II - Model 9258)

June 18, 2015

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

0x48 - Archive Riffs: Self-Conscious Guy

June 25, 2015

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

0x49 - VHS Vault Vol. 6 (How's Your Sex Life?) (Valentine's Day Special 2015) (Commentary)

July 2, 2015

I really wanted to be hypnotized! Seriously!

0x50 - (Unofficial) Ben's Junk: Philips CD-I (model 220)

July 9, 2015

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.

0x51 - Ben's Junk: 8-Track (and related) Oddities

August 6, 2015

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

0x52 - Ben's Junk: Sony DT-30 (External VCR Timer)

September 3, 2015

DVR? Two-week advance recording? Wusses.

0x53 - Ben Tries Bonomo's Turkish Taffy

September 17, 2015

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

0x54 - Ben's Junk: Rejuvenique Revisited (plus Contest!)

October 1, 2015

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

0x55 - Halloween Special 2014 (Archive Wares: Rejuvenique) (Commentary)

October 15, 2015

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

0x56 - An Overly Nostalgic Halloween (or, For The Want of a Pail)

October 29, 2015

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

0x57 - For The Want of a Pail (Conclusion)

October 31, 2015

0x58 - Ben's Junk: Fisher-Price PXL 2000 Camcorder

November 12, 2015

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

0x59 - Ben Tries (Thanksgiving Edition) (or, Ben tries Australian Stuff)

November 26, 2015

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

0x60 - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

December 10, 2015

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.

0x61 - Archive Riffs: A Christmas Dream

December 24, 2015

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

0x62 - Ben's CED Collection (Deleted Segment from CED Episode)

January 14, 2016

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

0x63 - Ben's Junk: Guitars! Guitars!! Guitars!!!

January 28, 2016

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

0x64 - Ben's Junk: Ben's Philips CD-I Collection

February 11, 2016

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

0x65 - Ben's Junk: Philips CD-I Peacekeeper Revolver

March 10, 2016

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

0x66 - Ben's Junk: Ben's (Incomplete) Comedy LP Collection

March 24, 2016

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

0x67 - Ben's Junk: Fisher-Price Movie Viewer

April 7, 2016

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

0x68 - Ben's Junk: Commodore 64 (& Peripherals)

May 5, 2016

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

0x69 - Ben's Junk: Sony TT-100 Tuner/Timer (for U-Matic)

May 19, 2016

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

0x70 - Commodore 64 (Commentary)

June 2, 2016

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

0x71 - Ben's Junk: VCR Co-Pilot

June 9, 2016

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.

0x72 - Archive Riffs: Fox Hour Promotional Reel

June 16, 2016

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

0x73 - Record Ripoffs (Commentary)

June 23, 2016

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.

0x74 - Ben's Junk: Magnavox Odyssey 2 (Video Game Console)

June 30, 2016

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

0x75 - Ben's Junk: Colecovision Video Game Console

July 14, 2016

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

0x76 - Ben's Junk: (Some Of) Ben's Vinyl Collection

August 11, 2016

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

0x77 - "The Voice" Module (for Magnavox Odyssey 2)

August 25, 2016

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

0x78 - Flexplay Disposable DVD Update

September 8, 2016

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

0x79 - Fisher-Price Star Station Sing-Along Machine

September 22, 2016

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.

0x80 - Fisher-Price PXL-2000 Camcorder (Halloween Special 2015) (Commentary)

October 20, 2016

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

0x81 - Ben's Junk: bob (Another Nanny Box)

November 3, 2016

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

0x82 - Ben's Junk: DVD Recorder (Panasonic DMR-E55)

November 17, 2016

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

0x83 - Ben's Junk: Gemmy Douglas Fir Talking Christmas Tree

December 15, 2016

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

0x84 - Ben's Junk: Ben's Comic Book Collection

January 12, 2017

Superheroes? What are those?

0x85 - Ben's Junk: Learn To Solder Kit

February 23, 2017

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

0x86 - Ben's Junk: RCA Selectavision CED Player (SGT 250)

March 23, 2017

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

0x87 - Ben's Junk: Ben's Audiophile Albums

April 6, 2017

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.

0x88 - Ben's Junk: Vtech Socrates Educational Video System

May 4, 2017

(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?

0x89 - Ben's Junk: Videocipher II Plus/Manhattan Cable TV Box

May 18, 2017

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

0x90 - Ben's Junk: go reader (Audiobook Device)

June 8, 2017

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

0x91 - Archive Riffs: Dear Miss Gloria

June 15, 2017

I’m ready for my mail, Mr. DeMille.

0x92 - DBX Noise Reduction System (Commentary)

June 22, 2017

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

0x93 - Ben's Junk: Las Vegas Vacation (1997)

June 29, 2017

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.

0x95 - Ben's 10 Favorite Albums (Part 2)

July 27, 2017

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

0x96 - Ben's Junk: MFSL Geo-Tape (Azimuth Alignment Cassette)

August 10, 2017

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

0x97 - Ben's Junk: DBX Cassettes (DBX Addendum)

August 24, 2017

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.

0x98 - Ben's Junk: MFSL Geo-Disc (Turntable Cartridge Alignment Tool)

September 7, 2017

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

0x99 - Ben’s Junk: (New) Speed Calibration Cassette

September 21, 2017

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

0x100 - Ben's Junk: CVS One-Time-Use Camcorder

October 5, 2017

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

0x101 - Conelrad (Halloween Special 2016) (Commentary)

October 19, 2017

The Archive gets nostalgic for nukes…

0x102 - Ben’s Junk: The World of Yesterday (& other Classic Hollywood Fanzines)

November 2, 2017

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

0x103 - Ben's Junk: Realistic Phono Pre-Amp (Model 42-2109)

November 16, 2017

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

0x104 - Ben's Junk: Vidicraft Vidimate Video Enhancer (Model VDM300S)

November 30, 2017

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

0x105 - Ben's Junk: Star Shower Laser Light

December 14, 2017

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

0x106 - Ben's Junk: Sankyo Dualux Dual8 Projector (Model 2000H)

December 27, 2017

…or, Telecine redux.

0x107 - Ben's Junk: Allsop 3 Orbitrac Record Cleaning System

January 11, 2018

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.

0x108 - Ben's Junk: JVC KD-A6 Cassette Deck

January 25, 2018

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

0x109 - Ben's Junk: Discwasher Compact Disc Cleaner

February 8, 2018

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

0x110 - Ben's Junk: Royal Disc Repair System

February 22, 2018

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

0x111 - Ben's Junk: The Archive HQ Bookshelf

March 8, 2018

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

0x112 - Ben’s Junk: MP32C64 Adapter (Commodore Datasette Substitute)

March 22, 2018

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

0x113 - Archive Thrifting #1: Impromptu Investigations

April 5, 2018

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

0x114 - Archive Thrifting #2: Arc of a (Dumpster) Diver

April 19, 2018

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

0x115 - Ben's Junk: K-Tel Record Selector

May 3, 2018

At last! Ben reviews a K-Tel product!

0x116 - Ben's Junk: Teac V-770 Cassette Deck

May 17, 2018

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

0x117 - Discovision Dead Sides

May 31, 2018

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

0x118 - Ben's Junk: ABC Talking Monday Night Football (Board Game)

June 21, 2018

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

0x119 - Archive Riffs: Selling Your Home? (Talking House Transmitter Promo Video)

June 28, 2018

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!

0x120 - Archive Thrifting #3: Beautiful Downtown Aurora's Last Stand

July 5, 2018

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

0x121 - Ben's Junk: Rocketfish Wireless Rear Speaker Kit

August 2, 2018

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.

0x122 - Ben's Junk: Audio Technica AT-LP120 Turntable (Early Thoughts)

August 16, 2018

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

0x123 - Ben's Junk: Ben's Makeshift Bedroom Stereo System

August 30, 2018

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

0x124 - Ben's Junk: Ramsey FM Transmitter (Further Experiments)

September 13, 2018

Sergei’s Catacomb of Classics in stereo, anyone?

0x125 - Archive Thrifting #4: Elvis Sightings

September 26, 2018

Archive Thrifting®: Now in ESTEREO!!!

0x126 - Archive Thrifting #5: Low Money Hu

October 11, 2018

A mere 3½ months in the making!

0x127 - Sounds of Terror! (Halloween Album Review)

October 25, 2018

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

0x128 - Ben's Junk: Pac-Man Fever (Pac-Man Tiny Arcades)

November 8, 2018

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

0x129 - Archive Riffs: Thanksgiving Commercials

November 22, 2018

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

0x130 - Ben's Junk: NES Classic Edition (The Last Word?)

December 6, 2018

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

0x131 - Christmas LaserKaraoke (Deleted Segment from Christmas Special 2018)

December 24, 2018

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

0x132 - Ben's Junk: Nagaoka MP-110H Phono Cartridge

January 3, 2019

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

0x133 - Ben's Junk: Sega Pico ("Edutainment" Console)

January 10, 2019

Time to learn…that edutainment consoles rarely end well.

0x134 - Ben's Junk: SNES Classic Edition (Belated) First Impressions)

January 24, 2019

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

0x135 - Ben's Junk: Tyco VideoCam

January 31, 2019

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

0x136 - Archive Riffs: Valentine’s Day Commercials (A Semi-Romantic Tale)

February 14, 2019

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

0x137 - Archive Thrifting #6: Frostbite Falls

February 28, 2019

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”!

0x138 - Ben's Junk: Ronco Mr. Microphone

March 14, 2019

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…

0x139 - Ben's Junk: GAF Super 8 Sound Film Projector

March 28, 2019

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

0x140 - Ben's Junk: The Big Reel (Film Collector’s Magazine)

April 11, 2019

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.

0x141 - Discovision/Laserdisc Quirks (An Informal Discussion)

April 25, 2019

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).

0x142 - Discovision Dead Sides Vol. 2

May 9, 2019

DVD Easter Eggs? Nah, way too easy.

0x143 - Ben’s Junk: VGA Converters/Public Domain CD-ROMs

May 23, 2019

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

0x144 - Ben’s Junk: Innovative Technologies ITNS-500 Slide “Scanner”

June 13, 2019

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