Episodes
- 1
1. Donny Osmond - Soldier of Love (Michael Bay Salute)
26 Jul 2012 · 8 min
Michael Bay directed music videos? That would explain a lot.
- 2
2. National Anthem Conspiracy Theory
23 Aug 2012 · 4 min
This video has been censored by "The Man" for your pleasure.
- 3
3. Everlasting Love
20 Sept 2012 · 8 min
What the hell would make this overplayed moldy-oldie count as an oddity? Find out...
- 4
4. The Max Headroom Incident of 1987 (Commentary)
18 Oct 2012 · 12 min
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
5. Sounds to Make You Shiver
31 Oct 2012 · 5 min
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
6. TV Sign-Offs (Commentary)
13 Dec 2012 · 15 min
An informal discussion of the TV Sign-Offs episode.
- 7
7. Emergency Broadcast Salute (Commentary)
7 Feb 2013 · 17 min
Something about February always gets Ben thinking about Civil Defense Broadcasting.
- 8
8. Freedom is a Hammer (Album Review)
7 Mar 2013 · 9 min
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
9. American EXXXtasy (Commentary)
4 Apr 2013 · 16 min
Perhaps the Archive's most infamous episode needed a little more context. Maybe not. Nevertheless, it got it anyway--the context, that is.
- 10
10. Greetings From the Stars (Sort Of)
2 May 2013 · 8 min
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
11. Ask the Archive
30 May 2013 · 12 min
An informal Q & A session. Yep, that's about it.
- 12
12. Archive Riffs: Petaluma Chicken
6 Jun 2013 · 5 min
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
13. Local TV Special (Commentary)
13 Jun 2013 · 21 min
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
14. Archive Riffs: Greedy Humpty Dumpty
20 Jun 2013 · 10 min
Ben riffs the sole survivor of his childhood Public Domain VHS collection.
- 15
15. VHS Vault Vol. 1 (Amvest Video) (Commentary)
27 Jun 2013 · 23 min
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
16. Archive Riffs: Say No to Strangers
25 Jul 2013 · 12 min
Learn to take the safe way to school (but only if you have to walk through Chinatown).
- 17
17. National Anthem Conspiracy Theory (Redux)
22 Aug 2013 · 5 min
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
18. Halloween Special 2012 (Commentary)
17 Oct 2013 · 10 min
An all-too-brief look back at the Archive's first Halloween special.
- 19
19. Hallmark Presents: Spooky Sounds
31 Oct 2013 · 11 min
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
20. Archive Riffs: Dining Together
28 Nov 2013 · 12 min
Chain Aunt Phyllis to the family piano and enjoy an old-fashioned Thanksgiving.
- 21
21. Christmas Special 2012 (A Fair Use Christmas) (Commentary)
12 Dec 2013 · 24 min
A much-maligned commentary to a forgotten Archive episode.
- 22
22. Archive Riffs: A Christmas Fantasy
24 Dec 2013 · 7 min
Because nothing says "Christmas" quite like creepy wax figures and a bargain-basement Bing Crosby.
- 23
23. TV DX-ing
9 Jan 2014 · 5 min
...because the local stations suck.
- 24
24. Archive Riffs: Live & Learn
30 Jan 2014 · 14 min
Sid Davis would like to remind you that he loves his wallpaper and hates your child.
- 25
25. Archive Riffs: Cigarette Commercials
27 Feb 2014 · 6 min
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
26. Backwards Masking (Commentary)
27 Mar 2014 · 13 min
Everything Ben has to say about the Backwards Masking episode in a mere 12 minutes!
- 27
27. A Nice Pair (of early, European VCR's)
24 Apr 2014 · 11 min
Can your heart take the sheer sex appeal of the Philips N1500? No (prescription) pills necessary!
- 28
28. Blooper Reel
15 May 2014 · 5 min
Alternate Title: Why The Archive isn't terribly conducive to outtake specials.
- 29
29. VHS Vault Vol. 5 - Y2K (Commentary)
5 Jun 2014 · 24 min
One of those rare occasions where there was a little TOO much to say in an episode.
- 30
30. Archive Riffs: Atomic Alert (Elementary Edition)
12 Jun 2014 · 12 min
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
31. Ben's Junk: Sony Super Betamax
19 Jun 2014 · 8 min
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
32. Ben's Junk: VideoNow PVD Player
23 Jun 2014 · 5 min
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
33. Format Wars 2 (COMMENTARY)
3 Jul 2014 · 14 min
By request, Ben discusses "Format Wars". By unilateral action, Ben discusses both "Format Wars" videos in one convenient (for him) commentary.
- 34
34. Ben's Junk: VHS Camcorder (RCA CC285)
31 Jul 2014 · 8 min
A "by request" Ben's Junk. Taking a look at the camcorder used to film "Going Analog" and "Y2K Apocalypse Party".
- 35
35. The Great Archive Treasure Hunt (Commentary)
28 Aug 2014 · 24 min
Who'da thunk the making of this episode AND the episode itself was about rediscovery?
- 36
36. Ben's Junk: Tascam Cassette Portastudio
25 Sept 2014 · 12 min
Perhaps a too-personal installment of Ben's Junk. Don't take that the wrong way...
- 37
37. Halloween Special 2013 (Commentary)
9 Oct 2014 · 12 min
Must be that magic time of year again when Ben lazily dusts off the previous year's Halloween episode for a commentary.
- 38
38. Ben's Junk : 8-Track/Cassette "Adaptor"
20 Nov 2014 · 8 min
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
39. Ben's Junk: Multi-System VHS VCR (Hitachi VT-M768EM)
4 Dec 2014 · 11 min
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
40. Ben's Junk: JVC S-VHS VCR (S7600U)
18 Dec 2014 · 9 min
The long-awaited conclusion to the two-part Ben's Junk VHS extravaganza. Does this count as the climax?
- 41
41. Ben's Junk: LaserKaraoke/Laserdisc Player (Pioneer CLD-S304)
8 Jan 2015 · 9 min
Two episodes of LaserKaraoke and still no demonstration of the machine? Yeah, I'm kinda slow...
- 42
42. 1-900 ARCHIVE Vol. 2 (Commentary)
22 Jan 2015 · 26 min
A dual commentary for both 1-900 ARCHIVE volumes. WARNING: Wrestling aficionados may not like what I have to say.
- 43
43. The DuMont Network (Deleted Game Show Segment)
5 Feb 2015 · 9 min
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
44. Ben's Junk: Handheld Electronic Games
5 Mar 2015 · 5 min
Pouring some additional salt in the gamer wounds...
- 45
45. Ben's Junk: B-Movies & cult Classics
2 Apr 2015 · 10 min
Slightly bastardizing the usual Ben's Junk format--but not Ben's Junk itself (that'd hurt).
- 46
46. Ben Tries Finnish Candy
30 Apr 2015 · 11 min
...and welcome to (probably the only edition of) "Ben Tries"!
- 47
47. Ben's Junk: WebTV Box
28 May 2015 · 8 min
A day late, a dollar short--you know the deal.
- 48
48. The Death of Analog TV (Commentary)
11 Jun 2015 · 23 min
Little did I know... NOTE: If you don't like my dry, rambling (and stutter-heavy) commentaries, you might wanna skip this one.
- 49
49. Ben's Junk: Super 8 Sound Projector (Sears Sound II - Model 9258)
18 Jun 2015 · 10 min
Nothing but the cutting edge in home video technology in Archive-land!
- 50
50. Archive Riffs: Self-Conscious Guy
25 Jun 2015 · 12 min
I'm so vain, I KNOW I think this short is about me...
- 51
51. Oddity Archive: Episode 78.4 - VHS Vault Vol. 6 (How's Your Sex Life?) (COMMENTARY)
2 Jul 2015 · 24 min
I really wanted to be hypnotized! Seriously!
- 52
52. (Unofficial) Ben's Junk: Philips CD-I (model 220)
9 Jul 2015 · 7 min
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
53. Ben's Junk: 8-Track (and related) Oddities
6 Aug 2015 · 7 min
Just going through some (relatively) recent additions to the Archive's 8-track (and associated) pile.
- 54
54. Ben's Junk: Sony DT-30 (External VCR Timer)
3 Sept 2015 · 6 min
DVR? Two-week advance recording? Wusses.
- 55
55. Ben Tries Bonomo's Turkish Taffy
17 Sept 2015 · 6 min
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
56. Ben's Junk: Rejuvenique Revisited (plus Contest!)
1 Oct 2015 · 14 min
Looking back on the mental and physical scars sustained while making the Rejuvenique episode--and the mask too.
- 57
57. Halloween Special 2014 (Archive Wares: Rejuvenique) (Commentary)
15 Oct 2015 · 26 min
Recounting one of the Archive's more memorable production experiences.
- 58
58. An Overly Nostalgic Halloween (or, For The Want of a Pail)
29 Oct 2015 · 11 min
I hate it when my ideas for holiday specials fall through...
- 59
59. For The Want of a Pail (Conclusion)
31 Oct 2015 · 1 min
- 60
60. Ben's Junk: Fisher-Price PXL 2000 Camcorder
12 Nov 2015 · 12 min
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
61. Ben Tries (Thanksgiving Edition) (or, Ben tries Australian Stuff)
26 Nov 2015 · 11 min
'Cause, you know, Thanksgiving, food...it all makes sense.
- 62
62. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)
10 Dec 2015 · 12 min
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
63. Archive Riffs: A Christmas Dream
24 Dec 2015 · 13 min
The Archive dusts off a minor (albeit severely butchered) art-house classic. Merry Christmas!
- 64
64. Ben's CED Collection (Deleted Segment from CED Episode)
14 Jan 2016 · 4 min
Filmed for inclusion on the CED episode (Episode 92), but left off for time.
- 65
65. Ben's Junk: Guitars! Guitars!! Guitars!!!
28 Jan 2016 · 25 min
Ben geeks out about guitars for 25 minutes. Watch at your own peril.
- 66
66. Ben's Junk: Ben's Philips CD-I Collection
11 Feb 2016 · 14 min
Let’s just say it all just kind of fell into my lap.
- 67
67. Ben's Junk: Philips CD-I Peacekeeper Revolver
10 Mar 2016 · 9 min
As promised, here's the second installment on the CD-I collection. Was it worth the wait?
- 68
68. Ben's Junk: Ben's (Incomplete) Comedy LP Collection
24 Mar 2016 · 17 min
The one time where it's ok to giggle at Ben's Junk.
- 69
69. Ben's Junk: Fisher-Price Movie Viewer
7 Apr 2016 · 6 min
It takes a steady hand to run one of these. Unfortunately, that's something I sorely lack.
- 70
70. Ben's Junk: Commodore 64 (& Peripherals)
5 May 2016 · 11 min
A wise man once said: “Save the big (stuff) for Ben’s Junk—it needs all the help it can get.”
- 71
71. Ben's Junk: Sony TT-100 Tuner/Timer (for U-Matic)
19 May 2016 · 16 min
Sometimes it takes a while for Ben's Junk to get in motion.
- 72
72. Commodore 64 (Commentary)
2 Jun 2016 · 32 min
Admittedly, a very stream-of-consciousness commentary here, but a(n apparently) necessary one.
- 73
73. Ben's Junk: VCR Co-Pilot
9 Jun 2016 · 10 min
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
74. Archive Riffs: Fox Hour Promotional Reel
16 Jun 2016 · 10 min
Taking a look at a (rather cryptic) promo reel for a series of silent, educational two-reelers.
- 75
75. Record Ripoffs (Commentary)
23 Jun 2016 · 23 min
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
76. Ben's Junk: Magnavox Odyssey 2 (Video Game Console)
30 Jun 2016 · 11 min
A look at one of the many competitors to the Atari 2600.
- 77
77. Ben's Junk: Colecovision Video Game Console
14 Jul 2016 · 8 min
Discussing another bit of donated junk--'cause, you know, everybody apparently wants a hand in Ben's Junk.
- 78
78. Ben's Junk: (Some Of) Ben's Vinyl Collection
11 Aug 2016 · 42 min
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
79. "The Voice" Module (for Magnavox Odyssey 2)
25 Aug 2016 · 14 min
Oh-oh, won’t you tell me again…and again…and again…
- 80
80. Flexplay Disposable DVD Update
8 Sept 2016 · 6 min
Taking another stab at the now-infamous "zombie" disc.
- 81
81. Ben's Junk: Fisher-Price Star Station Sing-Along Machine
22 Sept 2016 · 12 min
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
82. Fisher-Price PXL-2000 Camcorder (Commentary)
20 Oct 2016 · 20 min
Yeah, there were some ghosts in the camera—or were they gremlins?
- 83
83. Ben's Junk: bob (Another Nanny Box)
3 Nov 2016 · 15 min
ACTUAL (paid) TESTIMONIAL: Parenthood turned out to be a real bitch and we were totally unprepared. Thanks bob!
- 84
84. Ben's Junk: DVD Recorder (Panasonic DMR-E55)
17 Nov 2016 · 11 min
Another weapon in the Archive’s—well, archiving arsenal.
- 85
85. Ben's Junk: Gemmy Douglas Fir Talking Christmas Tree
15 Dec 2016 · 13 min
Well, I already discussed Big Mouth Billy Bass. Might as well finish the 90’s/Gemmy/Talking Novelty Item concept.
- 86
86. Ben's Junk: Ben's Comic Book Collection
12 Jan 2017 · 22 min
Superheroes? What are those?
- 87
87. Ben's Junk: Learn To Solder Kit
23 Feb 2017 · 16 min
A soldering kit for kids? Yeah, that about fits my skillset.
- 88
88. Ben’s Junk: MD Walkman (Minidisc Addendum)
9 Mar 2017 · 9 min
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
89. Ben's Junk: RCA Selectavision CED Player (SGT 250)
23 Mar 2017 · 13 min
I was downright embarrassed by my old CED Player (see the CED episode). Obviously, an upgrade was in order.
- 90
90. Ben's Junk: Ben's Audiophile Albums
6 Apr 2017 · 14 min
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
91. Ben's Junk: Vtech Socrates Educational Video System
4 May 2017 · 18 min
(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
92. Ben's Junk: Videocipher II Plus/Manhattan Cable TV Box
18 May 2017 · 15 min
A couple of obsolete, useless (to me) bits of Pay-TV history—so, of course, I bought them.
- 93
93. Ben's Junk: go reader (Audiobook Device)
8 Jun 2017 · 8 min
Ben helps save the environment—with bad audiobooks on a cheap, low-capacity, unalterable mp3 player!
- 94
94. Archive Riffs: Dear Miss Gloria
15 Jun 2017 · 13 min
I’m ready for my mail, Mr. DeMille.
- 95
95. DBX Noise Reduction System (Commentary)
22 Jun 2017 · 17 min
Effectively tackling the three “(100% showtune-free) Musical March” episodes all at once. Who’da thunk old audio gear could be so controversial?
- 96
96. Ben's Junk: Las Vegas Vacation (1997)
29 Jun 2017 · 20 min
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
97. Ben's 10 Favorite Albums (Part 1)
13 Jul 2017 · 12 min
Alternate Title: God, Ben! Don’t you listen to anything from this century?!?!
- 98
98. Ben's 10 Favorite Albums (Part 2)
27 Jul 2017 · 12 min
Remember kids, these are MY favorite albums, not yours. If there’s any overlap, consider it a happy accident.
- 99
99. Ben's Junk: MFSL Geo-Tape (Azimuth Alignment Cassette)
10 Aug 2017 · 6 min
A slightly askew edition of Ben’s Junk. Let’s rectify that situation.
- 100
100. Ben's Junk: DBX Cassettes (DBX Addendum)
24 Aug 2017 · 7 min
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
101. Ben's Junk: MFSL Geo-Disc (Turntable Cartridge Alignment Tool)
7 Sept 2017 · 8 min
…and the great Archive A/V tune-up continues.
- 102
102. Ben’s Junk: (New) Speed Calibration Cassette
21 Sept 2017 · 8 min
The Archive kicks it up a notch—or at least about one-fifth of one.
- 103
103. Ben's Junk: CVS One-Time-Use Video Camcorder
5 Oct 2017 · 10 min
Remember the single-use 35mm camera? How ‘bout a single-use camcorder?
- 104
104. Conelrad (Halloween Special 2016) (Commentary)
19 Oct 2017 · 22 min
The Archive gets nostalgic for nukes…
- 105
105. Ben’s Junk: The World of Yesterday (Classic Hollywood Fanzines)
2 Nov 2017 · 19 min
Ben gets nostalgic for nostalgia—he’s meta like that.
- 106
106. Ben's Junk: Realistic Phono Pre-Amp (Model 42-2109)
16 Nov 2017 · 6 min
Taking a look at an external preamp for the turntable—largely only because the cool kids are into it.
- 107
107. Ben's Junk: Vidicraft Vidimate Video Enhancer (Model VDM300S)
30 Nov 2017 · 9 min
An especially dull (or sharp) edition of Ben’s Junk—it’s capable of both.
- 108
108. Ben's Junk: Star Shower Laser Light
14 Dec 2017 · 9 min
Ben gets ambitious with his Christmas lights—in that, he’s putting any up at all.
- 109
109. Ben's Junk: Sankyo Dualux Dual8 Projector (Model 2000H)
27 Dec 2017 · 13 min
…or, Telecine redux.
- 110
110. Ben's Junk: Allsop 3 Orbitrac Record Cleaning System
11 Jan 2018 · 8 min
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
111. Ben's Junk: JVC KD-A6 Cassette Deck
25 Jan 2018 · 12 min
Ben’s second new (to him) cassette deck in a year. What makes this one so special?
- 112
112. Ben's Junk: Discwasher Compact Disc Cleaner
8 Feb 2018 · 8 min
Taking a look at (possibly) the first-ever CD cleaner/repair thing to ever hit the market. Is it a lost classic?
- 113
113. Ben's Junk: Royal Disc Repair System
22 Feb 2018 · 6 min
The second installment on CD cleaning/repair devices. Is it Royally good or Royal garbage?
- 114
114. Ben's Junk: The Archive HQ Bookshelf
8 Mar 2018 · 25 min
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
115. Ben’s Junk: MP32C64 Adapter (Commodore Datasette Substitute)
22 Mar 2018 · 7 min
Let’s commit a bit of Luddite blasphemy, shall we?
- 116
116. Archive Thrifting #1: Impromptu Investigations
5 Apr 2018 · 15 min
Testing out a new, potential subseries—and hitting every conceivable pothole along the way.
- 117
117. Archive Thrifting #2: Arc of a (Dumpster) Diver
19 Apr 2018 · 13 min
…figured I’d better shoot at least one episode in Beautiful Downtown Aurora before leaving.
- 118
118. Ben's Junk: K-Tel Record Selector
3 May 2018 · 12 min
At last! Ben reviews a K-Tel product!
- 119
119. Ben's Junk: Teac V-770 Cassette Deck
17 May 2018 · 12 min
The MCS deck kinda got fried. Time for another fixer-upper!
- 120
120. Discovision Dead Sides
31 May 2018 · 15 min
Let’s unearth some (unintentional) pre-DVD Easter Eggs…
- 121
121. Ben's Junk: ABC Talking Monday Night Football (Board Game)
21 Jun 2018 · 11 min
An early, talking board game—whose (nearly) every move is dictated by a tiny record.
- 122
122. Archive Riffs: Selling Your Home?
28 Jun 2018 · 9 min
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
123. Archive Thrifting #3: Beautiful Downtown Aurora's Last Stand
5 Jul 2018 · 24 min
…because I totally needed a bunch more junk to try and pack up.
- 124
124. Ben's Junk: Rocketfish Wireless Rear Speaker Kit
2 Aug 2018 · 7 min
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
125. Ben's Junk: Audio Technica AT-LP120 Turntable (Early Thoughts)
16 Aug 2018 · 19 min
Already went over to a direct-drive cassette deck, might as well do the same with vinyl…
- 126
126. Ben's Junk: Ben's Makeshift Bedroom Stereo System
30 Aug 2018 · 12 min
Looking into the most intimate areas of Ben’s…half-baked stereo system.
- 127
127. Ben's Junk: Ramsey FM Transmitter (Further Experiments)
13 Sept 2018 · 11 min
Sergei’s Catacomb of Classics in stereo, anyone?
- 128
128. Ask The Archive Live (9/14/2018)
17 Sept 2018 · 30 min
The Archive’s first livestream since 2014…and just as lo-fi as ever.
- 129
129. Archive Thrifting #4: Elvis Sightings
26 Sept 2018 · 29 min
Archive Thrifting®: Now in ESTEREO!!!
- 130
130. Archive Thrifting #5: Low Money Hu$tla
11 Oct 2018 · 25 min
A mere 3½ months in the making!
- 131
131. Sounds of Terror! (Halloween Album Review)
25 Oct 2018 · 14 min
The return of the Halloween album reviews! Now in screaming, spooktacular stereo!
- 132
132. Ben's Junk: Pac-Man Fever (Pac-Man Mini Arcades)
8 Nov 2018 · 12 min
I’ve got search-for-a-reissue-of-the-original-Pac-Man-arcade-game fever…it’s driving me crazy.
- 133
133. Archive Riffs: Thanksgiving Commercials
22 Nov 2018 · 7 min
A (non-filling) seven-course meal of Turkey Day commercialism!
- 134
134. NES Classic Edition (The Last Word?)
6 Dec 2018 · 12 min
So, what is the Oddity Archive guy doing with a reissue console?
- 135
135. Christmas LaserKaraoke (Deleted Segment)
24 Dec 2018 · 5 min
A little stocking stuffer of yuletide caterwauling—er, caroling!
- 136
136. Ben's Junk: Nagaoka MP-110H Phono Cartridge
3 Jan 2019 · 14 min
New year, more audio kit. It’s tradition, ya know?
- 137
137. Ben's Junk: Sega Pico ("Edutainment" Console)
10 Jan 2019 · 16 min
Time to learn…that edutainment consoles rarely end well.
- 138
138. Ben's Junk: SNES Classic Edition (Belated) First Impressions)
24 Jan 2019 · 12 min
Wait, didn’t we already cover this? Talk about déjà vu…
- 139
139. Ben’s Junk: Tyco VideoCam (Another Kiddie Camcorder)
31 Jan 2019 · 18 min
Ben’s recovering from a virus (and middle-ear dysfunction). Sounds like a good time to do a (kiddie) camcorder review.
- 140
140. Archive Riffs: Valentine’s Day Commercials (A Semi-Romantic Tale)
14 Feb 2019 · 6 min
We’re just a bunch of old softies…with a taste for bent story arcs.
- 141
141. Archive Thrifting #6: Frostbite Falls
28 Feb 2019 · 21 min
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
142. Ben's Junk: Ronco Mr. Microphone
14 Mar 2019 · 12 min
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
143. Ben’s Junk: GAF 3100S Super 8 Film Projector
28 Mar 2019 · 15 min
Another fixer-upper? In Archiveland? Never!!!
- 144
144. Ben's Junk: The Big Reel (Film Collector’s Magazine)
11 Apr 2019 · 18 min
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
145. Discovision/Laserdisc Quirks (An Informal Discussion)
25 Apr 2019 · 24 min
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
146. Discovision Dead Sides Vol. 2
9 May 2019 · 13 min
DVD Easter Eggs? Nah, way too easy.
- 147
147. Ben’s Junk: VGA Converters/Public Domain CD-ROMs
23 May 2019 · 15 min
A double dose of turn-of-the-millennium PC goodness!
- 148
148. Ben’s Junk: Innovative Technologies ITNS-500 Slide “Scanner”
13 Jun 2019 · 14 min
After a long delay…well, I’ve got some good news and some bad news.
- 149
149. Archive Riffs: Clutch Cargo (Big “X”, Pts. 4 & 5)
20 Jun 2019 · 11 min
The Archive finally gets to “see the X”! Spoiler: It’s a rock.
- 150
150. Mystery 8mm Films/The Ballad of Ben & 8mm (Commentary)
27 Jun 2019 · 24 min
Let’s see if we can’t clear up some misconceptions about this episode…
- 151
151. Archive Thrifting #7: Wii, Wii, All The Way Home
4 Jul 2019 · 20 min
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
152. Record Ripoffs Commercial Parodies (Vols. 1–9)
18 Jul 2019 · 20 min
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
153. Ben's Junk: Video Action Magazine (Issue #1: December, 1980)
1 Aug 2019 · 15 min
Readin’ and dreamin’ ‘bout those Archivisms that’ll probably never happen.
- 154
154. Bennytronics Guitar Noise Experiment (Analog, Circa 1980-style) (COMPLETE SEGMENT)
9 Aug 2019 · 8 min
All seven minutes of the Archive’s low-grade, wannabe Frippertronics experiment! Earplugs are highly recommended.
- 155
155. Ben's Junk: Ben's Laserdisc Collection (2019 Edition)
15 Aug 2019 · 49 min
Uh, oh. Ben’s geeking out again. Get comfy.
- 156
156. Fostex X-14/Ben's Music "Career": The Gear
29 Aug 2019 · 25 min
…or, how Ben unwittingly jumped on the “lo-fi” bandwagon.
- 157
157. Ben's Junk: Whippany Rhythm Master (Circa 1972 Drum Machine)
12 Sept 2019 · 19 min
Who says Ben’s got no rhythm? He’s got 10 of them!
- 158
158. Ben's Junk: Burns Theremin
26 Sept 2019 · 17 min
…or, The Space-Age Sounds of the Oddity Archive! (now available on vinyl and 3¾ips reel)
- 159
159. Archive Thrifting #8: Break IT You Pay For IT
10 Oct 2019 · 25 min
Featuring our very Special Guest: Zippy The Chimp!
- 160
160. Haunted House (Halloween SFX Album Review)
24 Oct 2019 · 11 min
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
161. Telesound 13 (Moog/Realistic Concertmate MG-1)
6 Nov 2019 · 4 min
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
162. Ben's Junk: Realistic Concertmate (Moog) MG-1 Synthesizer
7 Nov 2019 · 24 min
Whatdaya mean you forgot you had a Moog? Also, synth snobs need not apply.
- 163
163. Ben's Junk: Sony DCR-TRV320 Digital8 Handycam (Video8 Addendum)
21 Nov 2019 · 15 min
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
164. Ben's Junk: Archer Video Processor/Stabilizer (Model 15-1272A)
5 Dec 2019 · 13 min
Guaranteed to keep this (internet) video from rolling!
- 165
165. Algorithmic Audio Mastering (CloudBounce Review)
9 Dec 2019 · 7 min
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
166. Archive Thrifting #9: Christmas Confidential
12 Dec 2019 · 26 min
Just your standard, good, old-fashioned, combustible, unnerving, overpriced Country Christmas…
- 167
167. Archive Riffs: Boxing Day Commercials (er, Adverts)
26 Dec 2019 · 7 min
Celebrating the true meaning of Boxing Day… a whole lotta furniture and carpet sales.
- 168
168. MovieCD
9 Jan 2020 · 12 min
A would-be full-fledged video format episode…which got curtailed by (amazingly enough) a lack of computer stuff at Archive HQ.
- 169
169. Ben's Junk: Cult VHS (& A Few DVD's) (2020 Edition)
23 Jan 2020 · 29 min
An informal stroll few some cherry-picked titles from Ben’s (somewhat unintentional) collection of B-Movies and Cult Classics.
- 170
170. Ben's Junk: Behringer U-Phoria UMC404HD Audio Interface
6 Feb 2020 · 18 min
…or, what happens when ol’ Benny-boy decides he needs more than 2 microphone inputs.
- 171
171. Ben's Junk: Behringer neutron (analog, Monophonic) Synthesizer
20 Feb 2020 · 24 min
Yes, I bought another synth. Yes, I swatted myself on the nose with a rolled-up newspaper over my lack of self-control.
- 172
172. F.D.G. (Oddity Archive Sign-Off Muzak)
2 Mar 2020 · 3 min
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
173. Ben's Junk: Industrial Laserdiscs/ Anderic (Reproduction) Service Remote
5 Mar 2020 · 17 min
Lookin’ under the hood of Ben’s laserdisc player (quite appropriately) with some General Motors discs.
- 174
174. Ben's Music "Career", Vol. 4.5: Greetings From Elderbush Gulch Multitracks (An Addendum)
19 Mar 2020 · 32 min
Benny-boy’s (non-accredited) Audio School is now in session!
- 175
175. Enhanced CD's (& other multimedia CD's) (an informal chat)
2 Apr 2020 · 22 min
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
176. Ben's Junk: The OA (semi-)Supercomputer/OA Recording Studio Redux
16 Apr 2020 · 18 min
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
177. Ben's Junk: Sony SLO-325 Industrial Betamax
30 Apr 2020 · 19 min
Time to take a bet(t)a look at the Archive’s first Betamax—from before the Archive even existed (in every sense).
- 178
178. Ben's Junk: 1953 & 1956 Hoffman Television Catalogs
14 May 2020 · 26 min
A genuine televisual feast.
- 179
179. Ben's Junk: Tiger Quiz Wiz
28 May 2020 · 13 min
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
180. Ben Minnotte - Switched-On Pavanned (Moog Instrumental)
3 Jun 2020 · 1 min
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
181. Ben Minnotte - The Happy Moog (Gets Stuck In Rush Hour) ("Moog" Instrumental)
5 Jun 2020 · 2 min
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
182. Ben's Junk: First Alert FTR-960R Time-Lapse VCR (+ Time-Lapse Tape)
18 Jun 2020 · 13 min
The Archive gets secure...or just paranoid.
- 183
183. Archive Riffs: Moving Up To Amateur Radio
25 Jun 2020 · 15 min
OA calling CQ, hopefully DX, lookin’ for the QT on the DL while TCB.
- 184
184. Archive Thrifting #10: Before We Were SO Rudely Interrupted
2 Jul 2020 · 19 min
Archive Thrifting is a magical tool of last resort…Why? Because it NEVER fails!
- 185
185. Ben's Junk: Sony U-Matic & Industrial Betamax Wired Remotes
9 Jul 2020 · 21 min
…or, Ben’s weirdest pet-project to date! (kerchunk)
- 186
186. The Battle At Elderbush Gulch (2020 Redux)
20 Jul 2020 · 4 min
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
187. Archive Thrifting #11: This Can Not Be The Right Price Deal
23 Jul 2020 · 27 min
- 188
188. Ben's Junk: Pioneer RH-65 8-Track Deck
6 Aug 2020 · 18 min
Meet the Archive’s new (to us) 8-track deck…
- 189
189. Ben's Junk: Denon UD-M30 CD Receiver
13 Aug 2020 · 14 min
A rare, intimate, bedroom edition of Ben’s Junk…
- 190
190. Pavanned (Documentary Style) (Vaporwave?)
24 Aug 2020 · 1 min
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
191. In Your Hands (Violin & "Mellotron" Thing)
24 Aug 2020 · 2 min
Representing the dry, yet thoughtful end of Episode 200...
- 192
192. Ep. 200 Rebuttal & Deleted Scenes
27 Aug 2020 · 15 min
Ok, time for my side of the story...
- 193
193. Nitrogené (Synth Instrumental)
10 Sept 2020 · 2 min
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
194. Ben's Junk: JVC HR-S7600U S-VHS ET VCR (REVISITED)
24 Sept 2020 · 19 min
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
195. Ben's Junk: Buster Keaton Video Collection
8 Oct 2020 · 41 min
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
196. Archive Thrifting #12: (Not-So) Scary Deals
22 Oct 2020 · 25 min
It’s the first Archive Thrifting Spooktacular! Strangely enough, it’s probably one of the least scary Thrifting episodes to date.
- 197
197. Ben's Junk: (New) Polaroid 600 Film (& old camera(s))
5 Nov 2020 · 10 min
You can keep your fancy digital cameras, thank you very much.
- 198
198. Ben's Junk: (Some of) Ben's Audiocassette Collection
19 Nov 2020 · 36 min
A slow-speed ramble for a slow-speed format.
- 199
199. Ben's Junk: (New) Dubreq Stylophone
3 Dec 2020 · 16 min
We be stylin’…stylus(in’), that is…y’all.
- 200
200. Archive Thrifting #13: Deck The Hauls
17 Dec 2020 · 26 min
Fillin’ up the ol’ one-horse open sleigh with…some junk.
- 201
201. Ben's Junk: (some of) Ben's Vinyl Collection Vol. 2
28 Jan 2021 · 47 min
Time to get back in the groove! (dodges tsunami of rotten produce)
- 202
202. Ben's Junk: Sega Genesis Mini (Miniature Game Console)
11 Feb 2021 · 17 min
Finishing up the trilogy of belatedly-acquired, nostalgically-motivated miniature video game consoles…
- 203
203. Home Video Recording, 1972-Style (or, Ben's Complete U-Matic Rig)
25 Feb 2021 · 29 min
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
204. Ben's Junk: Toshiba 20AF43 CRT TV
11 Mar 2021 · 12 min
No one should ever get this excited over something this mundane… Or, this CRT is 20 AF…y’all.
- 205
205. Archive Thrifting #14: (Non-)Luck of the (Non-)Irish
18 Mar 2021 · 21 min
You’ll be green with envy over these finds…or not.
- 206
206. Phonies (Answering Machine Greetings)
1 Apr 2021 · 12 min
Just when you thought the Archive couldn’t get any more phake…
- 207
207. Archive Riffs: A Taxing Set of Commercials (Tax Day Special)
15 Apr 2021 · 8 min
It’s time to get down to business in Archiveland!
- 208
208. Ben's Junk: GPX Digital TV Tuner + Recorder
29 Apr 2021 · 23 min
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
209. A Geeky Evening With Benny-Boy
13 May 2021 · 32 min
A late-night, low-light, romantic fishing expedition with everybody’s favorite Oddity Archivist…fishing for ArchiveAnnex material, that is.
- 210
210. Ben's Junk: ClonerAlliance Box Pro (Video Capture Device)
27 May 2021 · 23 min
Could it be I’ve finally stumbled onto the rightful heir of the VCR? Looks like it…
- 211
211. Ben's Junk: JVC HM-DH30000U & Mitsubishi HD-HS2000u D-VHS VCR's
10 Jun 2021 · 16 min
A double-(4)-header of D-VHS (when possible) goodness!
- 212
212. Episode 200 (Behind The Box) (Commentary)
17 Jun 2021 · 27 min
If ever an OA episode needed a commentary track, it’s this one…
- 213
213. Archive Thrifting #15: Out Of This World Deals
24 Jun 2021 · 18 min
Featuring deals so far outta sight, they’re outta mind!
- 214
214. Ben's Junk: Akai GX-220 Reel-To-Reel Audiotape Deck
8 Jul 2021 · 21 min
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
215. History of VHS (COMPLETE SERIES)
15 Jul 2021 · 104 min
You wanted a history lesson? You got a history lesson!
- 216
216. Ben's Casino Travelogue (Deleted Segment From How I Spent My Summer VIII)
29 Jul 2021 · 7 min
The Archive delivers its first real travelogue…granted, it was all of a half-hour away from home, but still.
- 217
217. Archive Thrifting #16: La Cage Aux Thrifting
5 Aug 2021 · 22 min
Thrifting can be a real drag…but not when Ben’s around!
- 218
218. VCR Cleaning (A Public Service Video)
19 Aug 2021 · 31 min
A bit of VHSMR for everyone…
- 219
219. Channel Update (9/2021) (Sony AV-3600 Update, Sencore VA62, etc.)
2 Sept 2021 · 25 min
There’s plenty in the OA oven right now, just none of it is rising.
- 220
220. VCR Rabbit Revisited
9 Sept 2021 · 26 min
I got things just a hare wrong the first time around, so let’s hop to another round of tests…
- 221
221. Ben's Junk: Video Store Regulars (& Memories)
23 Sept 2021 · 27 min
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
222. Ben’s Junk: Wolverine Moviemaker Pro 8mm & Super8 Film Scanner
7 Oct 2021 · 30 min
A half-hour Ben’s Junk? You might say the machine caused it to run reely long.
- 223
223. Archive Thrifting #17: Spooktacular Savings
21 Oct 2021 · 25 min
Get a witches shawl on and find a broomstick you can crawl on…and go thrifting with Benny-boy! (snap, snap)
- 224
224. Thereminiature/Pavanned (Version 6.66)
31 Oct 2021 · 6 min
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
225. Ben's Junk: Sony Digital Mavica (Model MVC-FD73) (Floppy Disk Digital Camera from 1999)
4 Nov 2021 · 18 min
Finally getting into this newfangled digital camera stuff…whatdaya mean you can’t get 3.5” floppies anymore?!?
- 226
226. Ben's Junk: Coolmusic Ring Modulator (& other FX) ("Max Headroom" Hijacker Voice)
18 Nov 2021 · 22 min
Does Ben really think he’s better than Chuck Swirsky? That freakin’ liberal…
- 227
227. Ben's Junk: Christmas TV VHS & DVD's
2 Dec 2021 · 25 min
‘Tis the season…for holiday specials. Here’s some of my favorites…
- 228
228. Archive Thrifting #18: Shortwave Santa
16 Dec 2021 · 26 min
Run, run Rudolph…towards another pile of junk!
- 229
229. Ben’s Music “Career” (The Complete Saga)
30 Dec 2021 · 202 min
Move over, “History of the Eagles”. There’s a new rock doc opus in town…
- 230
230. Ben's Junk: Keyfax Update/Pioneer GGF1381 Laserdisc Service Remote/Discovision Dead Sides Vol. 3
6 Jan 2022 · 21 min
Going down a mental rabbit hole…in the most Archivian way possible.
- 231
231. The Wire (via Sony PCM-701ES, Betamax)
12 Jan 2022 · 2 min
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
232. Ben's Junk: VuPoint Digital Video Converter (or, the circa 2010 YouTube video device)
20 Jan 2022 · 19 min
Feeling nostalgic for those early YouTube potato video captures? I’ve got just the scratch for that itch…
- 233
233. Ben's Junk: The Clapper
3 Feb 2022 · 17 min
At long last, Ben’s Junk gets the clap…per.
- 234
234. Laserdisc Laser Rot
17 Feb 2022 · 24 min
A little mythbusting (and philosophizing)…OA style.
- 235
235. Ben's Junk: Magnus Chord Organ
3 Mar 2022 · 15 min
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
236. Ben's Junk: Blonder-Tongue BTX-111 "Ultraverter" (& ONTV Box Update)
17 Mar 2022 · 14 min
An addendum to the “Prehistoric UHF” episode…and the “ONTV/Pay TV Vol. 2” episode—about three years too late.
- 237
237. Ben's Junk: Prog & Metal VHS, Beta & Laserdiscs
31 Mar 2022 · 24 min
For those about to rock (in 11/4 time), we salute you…
- 238
238. Ben's Junk: Newtek Calibar (A Pen-Sized Test Pattern Generator)
14 Apr 2022 · 15 min
Ben recreates the best TV program of all time—the color bars!
- 239
239. A BENefit for a new computer…or a loose Ask The Archive
22 Apr 2022 · 100 min
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
240. Ben's Junk: Hotronic AP41 (Frame Synchronizer & Time Base Corrector)
28 Apr 2022 · 23 min
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
241. The “Can I Remember It?” stream (or, a smaller BENefit)
7 May 2022 · 142 min
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
242. CD Frustrations & Easter Eggs
12 May 2022 · 20 min
A casual chat…if only because the prospect of the sixth “Ben’s Junk” in a row was too much to bear.
- 243
243. A Tour of the New OA Computer Rig (OA Computer Tour 2022)
19 May 2022 · 22 min
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
244. Ben's Junk: Sony CVM-51UW and Panasonic WV-BM990 CRT Monitors
2 Jun 2022 · 24 min
CRT’s are for squares…which we proudly are.
- 245
245. The Eraser Laserdisc Experiment
23 Jun 2022 · 17 min
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
246. Archive Thrifting #19: Radios, Radios
30 Jun 2022 · 26 min
Got a new phone (not by choice)…which means a new camera…which means…test drive time!
- 247
247. Archive Riffs: Hey, Stop That!
7 Jul 2022 · 7 min
It’s a(n apparent) fine line between deep expressionism and wonky student film.
- 248
248. Ben's Junk: Midland WR400 NOAA Weather Radio (& other Radio Ramblings)
14 Jul 2022 · 24 min
Mother Nature: (throws flash floods, tornadoes, derechos and blizzards at Archive HQ) Ben: I get the hint already! Geez…
- 249
249. Ben's Junk: Sony SRF-A100 AM/AM Stereo/FM Portable Radio
20 Jul 2022 · 10 min
A truly nice little radio (especially on the AM front)…and a nice little prelude to the OA 10th Anniversary episode.
- 250
250. Archive Thrifting #20: Fair(mont) (St.) Clouds over Mankato
28 Jul 2022 · 17 min
Taken while shooting the AM Stereo episode. If nothing else, it was the least sticker-shock-intensive part of the trip.
- 251
251. Ben Repairs: Radio Shack Executive Stress Eliminator
4 Aug 2022 · 18 min
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
252. Sony Videocorders Update (CV-2100 & AV-3600) (8/2022)
18 Aug 2022 · 34 min
…and the single most challenging project I’ve ever taken on…continues to kick my butt. Share in the frustration, won’t you?
- 253
253. Ben's Junk: Tyler Portable TV (model TTV701-7)
1 Sept 2022 · 46 min
Hope you like fussy, fidgety, unintuitive setups…and 45-minute Ben’s Junks.
- 254
254. Ben's Junk: Sears Whisper-Matic IV (& Victorian-Era Theater Slides)
15 Sept 2022 · 24 min
Hey Buddy, wanna see some early 20th century movie theater slides? Didn’t think so.
- 255
255. Ben's Junk: Ben's Blackhawk Films Collection (minus the videotapes)
22 Sept 2022 · 24 min
…or, Ben gets nostalgic for other people’s nostalgia.
- 256
256. Ben's Junk: Sony Trinitron PVM-1343MD (Professional Video Monitor)
6 Oct 2022 · 25 min
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
257. Archive Thrifting #21: We Already Have Halloween At Home
20 Oct 2022 · 19 min
Mom, can we buy some Halloween? (see title for answer)
- 258
258. Benny M.'s TV Party (Commentary)
24 Oct 2022 · 22 min
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
259. Halloween Special 2022 Blooper Reel
3 Nov 2022 · 4 min
…or, as some might call it, “Ben’s Final Descent Into Madness”.
- 260
260. Ben's Junk: Telemeter Pay TV Box (Circa 1960)
17 Nov 2022 · 21 min
It’s (apparently) a fine line between your TV and a taxi meter…
- 261
261. Ben's Junk: Favorite (and/or Notable) Christmas Albums
1 Dec 2022 · 42 min
Even old scrooge Benny-boy has those Christmas tunes that get his foot (arrhythmically) a-tappin’.
- 262
262. Archive Thrifting #22: Christmas In Elbonia
15 Dec 2022 · 22 min
The merriest* thrifting video of the year! *FACT CHECK: Mostly false.
- 263
263. Archive Thrifting #23: Holiday Hangover
29 Dec 2022 · 21 min
Old year, old junk. Poetic, ain’t it?
- 264
264. Magna-Guard (or, Copy-Protection, Vol. 3)
5 Jan 2023 · 26 min
And the quest for that form of copy protection that’ll make my VCR burst into flames continues…
- 265
265. Ben's Junk: RCA BW003 (1978 Home Video Camera)
19 Jan 2023 · 26 min
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
266. Ben's Junk: Forbidden KLAK (via the Archer Multiple Video Distribution System)
2 Feb 2023 · 15 min
You wanted more Oddity Archive…After Dark? Here ya go. Just don’t expect anything too hot.
- 267
267. Ben's Junk: Realistic (Radio Shack) FM Wireless Lavalier Microphone System (Circa 1988)
23 Feb 2023 · 20 min
For those looking to up their YouTube microphone game…had such a thing existed in 1988.
- 268
268. Ben's Junk: (Some of) Ben's TV-on-DVD Collection
9 Mar 2023 · 30 min
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
269. Ben's Junk: Hitachi Visionbook Pro 7560 Laptop (or, My 1st, failed attempt at a Windows 98 Rig)
23 Mar 2023 · 21 min
…because I MUST get my Diamond Rio loaded (ideally, with Diamond Rio songs)!
- 270
270. Ben's Junk: Ben's Mad Magazine Stash
6 Apr 2023 · 27 min
What—Me Ramble?
- 271
271. Noelle's Mystery Tapes (& Channel Update - 4/2023)
20 Apr 2023 · 24 min
Some like roses on a date, some like candy. Benny-boy likes uncatalogued analog magnetic media.
- 272
272. Ben's Junk: 80's Music Videos (on Laserdisc)
4 May 2023 · 29 min
Oddity Archive and MTV have a momentary cease-fire to appreciate some 80’s tuneage.
- 273
273. Ben's Ugly A/V Rack
18 May 2023 · 11 min
Hey! Nice rack, Benny-boy! (snicker)
- 274
274. Betacam SP (1st Test...From A Newbie's Perspective)
22 May 2023 · 13 min
A ferric-oxide (or metal, depending on the tape) baptism…by fire.
- 275
275. Christmas Morning on a June Evening (or, Mail Day From Tyrone)
22 Jun 2023 · 20 min
Hope you have your June tree up (ideally, something deciduous), 'cause we're about to celebrate Christmas in June.
- 276
276. Archive Thrifting #24: The Delicate Sound of Thrifting
6 Jul 2023 · 25 min
Some things don’t come easy…like the first thrifting video of 2023 (more than halfway into the year, no less).
- 277
277. Ben's Junk: X-10 Videosender (another VCR Rabbit-esque device)
13 Jul 2023 · 19 min
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
278. Revenge of the Sony AV-3600 Videocorder (1st Test)
20 Jul 2023 · 12 min
Some people’s sinuses come back from Arizona…my AV-3600 came back from Arizona—arguably the same headache.
- 279
279. Archive Thrifting #25: 3M (Moderate Minnesota Madness)
10 Aug 2023 · 30 min
Celebrating the 25th OA Thrifting video by doing one in Minnesohta, doan ‘cha know?
- 280
280. Fix It or Forget It? (NEC S-VHS Deck)
10 Aug 2023 · 19 min
It’s everybody’s favorite new (not quite) nerdy game show…Fix It or Forget It!!!
- 281
281. Ben's Junk: 1966 (partial) Zenith Phonevision Pay TV Box
24 Aug 2023 · 16 min
The Archive phones it in…phoneVISION, that is.
- 282
282. Ben's Junk: SelecTV Pay TV Box
7 Sept 2023 · 15 min
Oddity Archive®: Only for the most SelecTiVe viewers!
- 283
283. Ben's Junk: ClonerAlliance ViewLite AV (Video Capture Device)
21 Sept 2023 · 37 min
A little device with a lot of potential…but does it live up to it?
- 284
284. Ben's Junk: Sears Du-All Eight (8mm Viewer/Editor)
5 Oct 2023 · 19 min
Well, it does du all, I’ll give it that…
- 285
285. Archive Thrifting #26: Indian Summer
12 Oct 2023 · 25 min
Dragging out the Summer a little longer…whether you like it or not.
- 286
286. Ben's Junk: Sharp VL-E47 "Viewcam" (Video8 Camcorder, circa 1995)
30 Nov 2023 · 21 min
Oddity Archive®: Now in glorious Hi-Fi Mono!
- 287
287. Archive Thrifting #28: Scandalous Santa
14 Dec 2023 · 24 min
Just hear those cash tills jing-a-ling’—ring-ting-tinga-ling…
- 288
288. Archive Thrifting #29 (Christmas Leftovers)
28 Dec 2023 · 18 min
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
289. Ben's Junk: Ben's Rifftrax DVD & Blu-Ray Collection
4 Jan 2024 · 26 min
Looking at the Rifftrax collection…with only minimal snark…which may very well go against the laws of riff comedy.
- 290
290. Ben's Junk: Denon RCD-N10 CD Receiver
18 Jan 2024 · 37 min
…because Benny-boy apparently goes through mini stereos like (insert absurdly famous pop star) goes through boyfriends.
- 291
291. Ben's Junk: Magnavox H2160MW9 (or, Exploring Someone's Old Personal DVR)
25 Jan 2024 · 24 min
The tech geek equivalent of rummaging through someone’s medicine cabinet…
- 292
292. Ben's Junk: Wometco Home Theatre (WHT) Pay TV Decoder Box
15 Feb 2024 · 22 min
Archiveco Home Theatre®: Now serving Lawn Guyland & New Joisey!
- 293
293. Ben’s Junk: ClearClick Video2USB/ A Tour of Ben’s Livestream Setup
22 Feb 2024 · 27 min
Some livestreamers run PC games…Benny-boy likes to run Betamax tapes.
- 294
294. How To Unstretch Video (via HandBrake)
29 Feb 2024 · 7 min
For us old fartknockers that haven’t yet warmed up to stretch-o-vision…
- 295
295. Ben's Junk: Laser Video File Laserdisc Catalog (Mid-1992)
14 Mar 2024 · 35 min
Thumbing through the catalog of the hottest new video format (by OA standards).
- 296
296. Ben's Junk: Some More of Ben's Audiocassette Collection (Mystery Box!)
21 Mar 2024 · 24 min
Come on down to Crazy Benny’s for…a bunch of audiocassettes that you probably don’t care about.
- 297
297. Magnavox H2160MW9 Personal DVR/DVD Recorder UPDATE (A Failure)
28 Mar 2024 · 9 min
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
298. Ben's Junk: Videolok (VCR Anti-Theft Device)
11 Apr 2024 · 21 min
Inconvenience and mildly annoy those evil VCR thieves with the Videolok!
- 299
299. Ben's Junk: Rhoades Teledapter (TV Stereo Simulator)
18 Apr 2024 · 15 min
Don’t wanna wait for Stereo TV’s to be invented? Here ya go!
- 300
300. Windows 98 Laptop Update (4/2024)
25 Apr 2024 · 12 min
The saga continues. On and on…and on…and on…
- 301
301. CD Rot Rant
9 May 2024 · 27 min
Benny-boy’s (non-accredited) Physical Media Studies class is now in session!
- 302
302. Ben A.'s Mystery Tapes (A Not-So-Livestream)
16 May 2024 · 48 min
An unintentional episode of Oddity Archive…After Dark…in the most literal sense.
- 303
303. Windows 98 Laptop Update (5/2024) (She Lives!)
23 May 2024 · 23 min
Ben christens his newly-functional laptop…by playing a little Slim Whitman.
- 304
304. Ben's Junk: Whole House FM Transmitter 3.0
20 Jun 2024 · 26 min
Ben’s 3(.0)rd attempt at FM, Part 15-legal microbroadcasting! Let’s see if it’s the charm…
- 305
305. Ben Vs. The Cursed U-Matic Tape
27 Jun 2024 · 30 min
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
306. Archive Thrifting #30: Wet Fireworks
4 Jul 2024 · 19 min
Spend the 4th of July the American way…shopping for junk.
- 307
307. Ben's Junk: A Tower of Vidicraft
11 Jul 2024 · 28 min
(with apologies to Frank Sinatra) …’cause it’s Vidicraft, wicked Vidicraft. And, although I know it’s strictly taboo…
- 308
308. Quasar Great Time Machine (Round 2?)
1 Aug 2024 · 10 min
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
309. Ben's Junk: My First DVD's
8 Aug 2024 · 31 min
Something I never thought I’d have…warm, gooey nostalgia for the Y2K era.
- 310
310. Ben's Junk: JamC@m Digital Camera
15 Aug 2024 · 23 min
A trip back to the late-90’s. Of course, that means being unnecessarily EXTREEEEME!!!! (insert dorky camera zoom)
- 311
311. Archive Thrifting #31: Summer's End
22 Aug 2024 · 20 min
The little brats are finally back in school. Let’s go thrifting…
- 312
312. More Fun With Moldy U-Matic Tapes
5 Sept 2024 · 13 min
Mold®: Now available in yellow and brown!
- 313
313. Ben's Junk: :CueCat Barcode Scanner
12 Sept 2024 · 22 min
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
314. Ben's Junk: Sencore "Little Huey" Test Pattern Generator
19 Sept 2024 · 13 min
A color bar generator called “Little HUEy”. No, it’s not a Norm MacDonald joke…I think.
- 315
315. Ben's Junk: Casio CMD-10 watch
10 Oct 2024 · 18 min
Keep losing that remote control? Perhaps there’s just too many gosh-darn buttons? We’ve got a (borderline-toy) solution for you!
- 316
316. Ben's Junk: Laserviews Laserdisc Magazines
17 Oct 2024 · 25 min
I set out to discuss laserdiscs and wound up on a tear about various movies. Ain’t that always the way?
- 317
317. Archive Thrifting #32: Halloween Hootenanny
24 Oct 2024 · 23 min
Grab yer pardner, do-si-do…and go thrifting with ol’ Benny-boy!
- 318
318. Halloween Special 2023 (Season of the Wince) (Commentary)
28 Oct 2024 · 21 min
Discussing the great swindle that is my little parody of “Halloween III”…and mustaches.
- 319
319. Ben's Junk: Realistic (Radio Shack) Astronaut 8 Radio
9 Nov 2024 · 18 min
A radio that’ll send you into outer space…8 times!
- 320
320. Ben's Junk: Down Beat Magazine (10/23/1975)
14 Nov 2024 · 17 min
An Up Beat (by my standards) look at an issue of Down Beat magazine. Now, excuse me while I clap out-of-rhythm…
- 321
321. Ben’s Junk: Thanksgiving Traditions (and not-so-traditions)
21 Nov 2024 · 20 min
You can get anything you want at Benny-boy’s (non-existent) Restaurant…
- 322
322. Ben’s Junk: VHS is Life Mold Cleaning Rig REDUX
5 Dec 2024 · 26 min
A product so nice, I had to review it twice…
- 323
323. Archive Thrifting #33: Christmas Clutter
12 Dec 2024 · 18 min
Out in the stores there’s so much clutter/Let’s listen to Benny-boy groan and mutter…
- 324
324. Ben’s Junk: Epiphone ED-100NS Acoustic Guitar
26 Dec 2024 · 16 min
My first steel string acoustic guitar…which was even cheaper than the ones Esteban was hawking on TV at the time.
- 325
325. Ben’s (Failed) Gimmick CD (A Rant)
9 Jan 2025 · 18 min
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
326. Ben’s Junk: NuReality Vivid 3D (Mock Surround Sound Processor)
16 Jan 2025 · 18 min
Mono reprocessed for stereo? How quaint. How ‘bout stereo reprocessed for surround sound?
- 327
327. Ben's Junk: Optoma PK320 Pico Pocket Projector
23 Jan 2025 · 19 min
Benny-boy covers a projector…but not a film projector. Blasphemy, I know.
- 328
328. Albums I Love (That I’m Supposed To Hate)
27 Feb 2025 · 23 min
…because it’s (apparently) cool to be contrarian.
- 329
329. Monkeeing Around
6 Mar 2025 · 22 min
Hey, hey…the Ben’s Junk items I was gonna cover fell through. Let’s get nostalgic.
- 330
330. Ben’s Junk: Sony eMarker (SoundHound before SoundHound)
13 Mar 2025 · 9 min
You’ve heard of “oddware”, right? This is outright “deadware”.
- 331
331. DiscoVision Dead Sides Vol. 5
20 Mar 2025 · 23 min
Easter Eggs are earned, my friend…
- 332
332. Ben’s Junk: RCA RC5230Z DIVX/DVD Player (More “Deadware”)
27 Mar 2025 · 25 min
Fulfilling another one of my utterly pointless life missions…almost.
- 333
333. 25 Pounds of Laserdiscs (Mail Day From Paul C.)
10 Apr 2025 · 16 min
True Archive® excitement, doled out by the pound…
- 334
334. Ben's Junk: Half A Halloween Movie Collection
1 May 2025 · 19 min
Let’s celebrate (Halfway to) Halloween with…half a Halloween movie franchise collection.
- 335
335. Ben’s Junk: APF TV Fun (“Sportsarama” Model)
8 May 2025 · 18 min
Sportsarama®: Somehow even less convenient than scheduling an actual game of tennis (or hockey or handball)!
- 336
336. Pre-Recorded SuperBeta (and some minor mythbusting)
17 May 2025 · 17 min
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
337. Ben’s Junk: Sears Tele-Games Pinball Breakaway (Atari Video Pinball)
23 May 2025 · 22 min
I always wanted a pinball machine…
- 338
338. State of the Archive Address/General Chat/Q&A (5/30/2025)
5 Jun 2025 · 137 min
- 339
339. Ben’s Junk: (Some of) Ben’s Vinyl Collection Vol. 3
12 Jun 2025 · 62 min
77 LP’s (and a stray 45) in an hour. Now, THAT is efficiency…
- 340
340. A Lot of Cartrivision (A Prelude?)
19 Jun 2025 · 14 min
Some people take in stray dogs and cats. I (apparently) take in stray early home video tapes.
- 341
341. Thrifting Delivery (Mail Day From Nick S.)
26 Jun 2025 · 37 min
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
342. Ben's Junk: The Worst (and Ben's First) Portable TV
3 Jul 2025 · 19 min
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
343. State of the Archive Address (7/2025)
17 Jul 2025 · 16 min
WARNING: This update includes some unpleasant and frank medical discussion which may upset some viewers. Please watch at your own discretion.
- 344
344. Archiveland Public Domain Theatre: Bela Lugosi Meets A Brooklyn Gorilla (VHS-sourced)
24 Jul 2025 · 118 min
Ya coulda had a Keaton, but instead the viewers spoke and chose...AliExpress Martin & Lewis.
- 345
345. OA Update (7/28/2025)
28 Jul 2025 · 4 min
Hot off the presses--recorded overnight. Let's just say things are moving a bit quickly right now.
- 346
346. Ben’s Junk: Sony Color Watchman (FDT-5BX5)
31 Jul 2025 · 22 min
The most un-portable portable TV of all time! I like it anyway.
- 347
347. Ben's Junk: Boyalink Wireless Lavalier Microphone
14 Aug 2025 · 19 min
Ain’t no microphone gonna tie me down!
- 348
348. OA Update (8/18/2025)
18 Aug 2025 · 11 min
This should be the last of these update videos…
- 349
349. These DVD-R’s are JUNK!/Another Cursed Tape?
21 Aug 2025 · 23 min
Rotting DVD-R’s and shedding videotapes? Must be Archiveland.
- 350
350. Ben’s Junk: Laserdisc Acquisitions (2019-2025)
27 Aug 2025 · 28 min
Yes, more shiny, 12-inchers…laserdiscs, that is. Get your mind out of the gutter.
- 351
351. Ben’s Junk: Robins Cassette Erase-Tab Remover
4 Sept 2025 · 15 min
…because a plain old screwdriver was just too gosh darn simple.
- 352
352. Ben's Junk: Casio LCD Handheld TV's
11 Sept 2025 · 18 min
Oddity Archive®: Now presented in “Mosquito Net-Vision”*! *patent pending
- 353
353. YouTube A.I.-Generated Episode Topics
18 Sept 2025 · 16 min
NOTE: OA-generated content will vary in quality, will be inaccurate, and shouldn’t be relied on for professional advice.
- 354
354. Ben’s Junk: Behringer Solina String Ensemble (ARP Synth Clone)
25 Sept 2025 · 17 min
We will only accept the most wood-grain and polyester sounds here in Archiveland!
- 355
355. Archiveland Public Domain Theatre: Sunrise: A Song of Two Humans (1927) (Silent Movie Day 2025)
26 Sept 2025 · 139 min
Probably the only time you'll ever see a drama on PD Theatre. It just seemed appropriate right now.
- 356
356. Ben’s Junk: e-kara Handheld Karaoke
2 Oct 2025 · 16 min
Karaoke is back in Archiveland! No lasers this time though.
- 357
357. Ben’s Favorite Halloween TV Episodes & Specials
16 Oct 2025 · 20 min
Let’s scare ourselves to death with…a discussion of a handful of comedies.
- 358
358. Archive (Half-)Thrifting #35 Wicked Wanderings
23 Oct 2025 · 20 min
A bubbling cauldron of...things that would make a witch gag.
- 359
359. Mystery Betamax From Denver
6 Nov 2025 · 48 min
Here we go trying to time travel again…
- 360
360. Ben’s Junk: Tascam Guitar & Vocal “Trainers”
13 Nov 2025 · 27 min
Another one from the “couldn’t afford it back then” file…
- 361
361. Albums I’ve Owned…Too Many Times
20 Nov 2025 · 29 min
Maybe I need to join RCA (Record Collectors Anonymous, that is)…
- 362
362. Ben's Junk: Blackhawk Films 1980-81 Winter Catalog
4 Dec 2025 · 30 min
Just looking over some uniquely Archivian gift ideas…
- 363
363. Four Favorite (Non-)Christmas Movies
11 Dec 2025 · 16 min
SPOILER ALERT: No, “Die Hard” is not on my list.
- 364
364. Archive Thrifting #36: A Tree For Benny
18 Dec 2025 · 24 min
All I want for Christmas is…a nice, little tree for Archive HQ.
- 365
365. Archiveland Public Domain Theatre: Classic Christmas TV
19 Dec 2025 · 66 min
Three tasty morsels from the kinescope era...
- 366
366. Archiveland Public Domain Theatre: Jack Benny X-Mas (if that's ok with YT)
19 Dec 2025 · 48 min
- 367
367. The "Is My Camera Working?” Mini-Stream
21 Dec 2025 · 124 min
- 368
368. Archive Thrifting #37: New Year’s (Footage) Blowout!
1 Jan 2026 · 17 min
All thrifting footage must go! No reasonable offer will be refused!
- 369
369. Ben's Junk: Martin DXK2 Acoustic Guitar (2004)
8 Jan 2026 · 16 min
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
370. The "Had To Buy A New Phone/Camera” Mini-Stream (+ a Philips CD-I game)
12 Jan 2026 · 62 min
- 371
371. CD Mastering Gimmicks (HDCD, Sound Shaping, NoNoise)
15 Jan 2026 · 23 min
Benny-boy’s (non-accredited) Audio School is back in session!
- 372
372. My Most Expensive CD’s
29 Jan 2026 · 18 min
Not intended as a flex in any way, shape or form.
- 373
373. Ben's Junk: Japanese CD's (but not Japanese Music)
12 Feb 2026 · 23 min
As close to J-Pop as we’re ever getting in Archiveland…
- 374
374. Ben’s Junk: MST3K (Mystery Science Theater 3000) VHS Collection
26 Feb 2026 · 23 min
At long last, the Archive boards the Satellite of Love…
- 375
375. Ben’s Junk: Early Home Video Tapes (1972-82)
12 Mar 2026 · 36 min
A sampling of magnetic oxide goodness from the early days of home video…and...no discs, thank you very much.
- 376
376. (An Attempt At) Futureproofing My Music Collection
19 Mar 2026 · 29 min
Despite my best efforts, enshittification has finally arrived in Archiveland.
- 377
377. Ben’s Junk: Radio Shack SPL (Sound Pressure Level) Meter
2 Apr 2026 · 24 min
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
378. Ben's Junk...At 78RPM
9 Apr 2026 · 32 min
Old, musty and dusty. In other words, a perfect descriptor for Ben’s Junk!
- 379
379. Six Thrift Store Vinyl Bin Staples (That Don’t Suck)
23 Apr 2026 · 25 min
Six of the absolute most uncool albums I’ve ever discussed...even by my standards.
- 380
380. Ben’s Favorite Summer Movies
7 May 2026 · 24 min
Turn off the lights, close the blinds, crank the A/C and chill out to the Oddity Archive…
- 381
381. Ben’s First Vinyl Albums
21 May 2026 · 29 min
Either I was WAY ahead of my time or WAY behind. I’m still not sure…
- 382
382. Ben’s Junk: Reel-To-Reel Album Collection
4 Jun 2026 · 36 min
A special, “by-request” Ben’s Junk! Because no one can ever get enough of Ben’s Junk…
- 383
383. Exploring Someone Else’s Microsoft Zune
18 Jun 2026 · 31 min
Consider this a dig through a living time capsule of the late 2000’s…
- 384
384. Ask The Archive Live! (Thurs. 6/18/2026)
18 Jun 2026 · 223 min
- 385
385. Sittin' all alone in a hotel room...
24 Jun 2026 · 41 min
- 386
386. Promo for Sergei’s Catacomb of Classics #15
25 Jun 2026 · 3 min
Sergei’s back…and so is his preferred spot on the dial!
- 387
387. Archive Thrifting #38: VHSurfin’ U.S.A.
2 Jul 2026 · 21 min
Some folks surf the ocean waves during the summer, others surf the magnetic tape waves. Take a wild guess which one I partake in…
- 388
388. (exploring) Fuzzy’s Quasar Great Time Machine Tapes (Vol. 1)
9 Jul 2026 · 59 min
For the first (proper) time in three years…let’s spend some (great) time with the Great (amount of) Time Machine!
- 389
389. VHS Is Life Mold Cleaning Rig (Round 2)
16 Jul 2026 · 17 min
Adding to my (thoroughly unintentional) subgenre of moldy tape recovery videos…
- 390
390. Archiveland Public Domain Theatre: The Screaming Skull (1958, VHS-sourced)
30 Jul 2026 · 125 min
Anyone that dies of fright while watching this livestream is eligible for a free burial. Just have the deceased send along the appropriate paperwork (notarized, of course). Sorry, all paperwork MUST come from the departed. No exceptions!
- 391
391. Ben’s Junk: Laserviews Laserdisc Magazines (Vol. 2)
6 Aug 2026 · 29 min
An unintentional chronicle of 1997. As in, the start of the transition from VHS and Laserdiscs to DVD.
- 392
392. Elmo 912/S Super 8mm Sound Editor/Viewer (a Work-in-Progress)
11 Aug 2026 · 16 min
A quick, totally unscripted, heavily rambling little update on one of my little ongoing projects.
- 393
393. Ben’s Junk: Heathkit CA-1 Conelrad Alarm (Deadware)
13 Aug 2026 · 19 min
Despite all the times I’ve discussed the history of Civil Defense Broadcasting, there was one bit of early history I was blissfully unaware of…
- 394
394. Ben's Junk: Blackhawk Film Digest Catalogs (1982)
27 Aug 2026 · 34 min
An especially sepia-toned edition of Ben’s Junk. Maybe I oughta get that checked out…
- 395
395. Exploring Fuzzy's Quasar Great Time Machine Tapes Vol. 2
3 Sept 2026 · 71 min
We’re havin’ a party! A simultaneously sticky and sandpapery party. Must be the dreaded Quasar Great (amount of) Time Machine.
- 396
396. Archive Thrifting #39: Half & Half
17 Sept 2026 · 19 min
A little old, a little new. A little damaged, and a bit musty too.
- 397
397. Archiveland Public Domain Theatre: The Cat & the Canary (1927, VHS -Sourced) (Silent Movie Day 2026)
1 Oct 2026 · 116 min
A dual-purpose livestream. A belated movie for Silent Movie Day (usually Sept. 29th) and a soft-launch into Halloween season.
- 398
398. Ben’s Junk: Videonics Titlemaker 3000 (1996)
8 Oct 2026 · 37 min
The first installment in an especially long-term look into the equipment used at America’s last analog TV station, Archiveland’s own KLAK-31.
- 399
399. Oddity Archive: Episode 308.2 – Ben’s Junk: (Some of) Ben’s Halloween Albums
15 Oct 2026 · 34 min
Spook along with Benny!* *If you dare. MWAHAHAHAHA!!!
- 400
400. KLAK Goes Commercial/2025 Halloween Special (COMMENTARY)
26 Oct 2026 · 22 min
Discussing the most unabashedly commercial episode in OA history…which didn’t help KLAK’s sales one bit.
- 401
401. Haunted Homestead (Haunted House Ad, 2026)
28 Oct 2026 · 1 min
Archiveland’s first haunted house attraction! $1 off coupons available at Benard’s!
Oddity Archive Specials: quick answers
How many episodes are in Oddity Archive Specials?
Specials of Oddity Archive has 401 episodes, about 146 hours in total.
When did Oddity Archive Specials come out?
Specials premiered on 26 Jul 2012.