FORMAT

TIMELINE OF NOTABLE MOMENTS IN

THE LIFE OF A VIDEOCASSETTE

 

 - 1956: Ampex introduces the first “practical” videotape recorder (VTR), the 2” Quad, which is used to delay TV programs for different time zones and is based on a rotating head design first patented in 1938.

 

 - 1965: Sony introduces the CV-2000, created using their previous reel-to-reel technology.  It is widely considered one of the world's first home VTRs.

     

- 1969: Japan produces the first affordable VTR, the ½” reel-to-reel. It is adopted by schools, companies, and a few lucky, at-home consumers.

     

- 1971: Sony presents the first cassette-based VTR to reach the consumer market: the ¾” U-matic, replacing ½” reel-to-reel.

     

- 1975: Sony’s ½” Betamax is released, becoming the first successful at-home videocassette recorder (VCR).

     

- 1975: The digital timer becomes standard on analog VCRs.

     

- 1976: Competitor JVC introduces the Video Home System (VHS) format and releases the JVC HR-3300, the first VHS-VCR deck. It is initially launched in Japan and later in the U.S. in 1977.

     

- 1978: Commercial 1” tape is introduced, replacing most Quad decks.

 

- 1980s: The "videotape format wars" progress throughout the decade, as Betamax and VHS compete for superiority among the two systems. The VHS format eventually overtakes the Betamax by the latter part of the decade.

         

- 1984: A Supreme Court ruling allows for television programs to be recorded for later viewing.  'Fair use' is cited as the reason for the decision and VCR sales start to thrive.

 

- 1987: The D-1 Digital VTR is introduced, but it is too expensive for most users.

     

- 1993: Betamax production in the United States comes to an end.

     

- 1995: DVTR prices are low enough for most users, permeating into both the educational/industrial market and the lives of home consumers.

 

- 2002: The last Betamax VCR is produced in Japan and marks the end of a format.