In 1972, which company released the first video cassette recorder?

Video Cassette Recording (VCR) is an early domestic analog recording format designed by Philips. It was the first successful consumer-level home video cassette recorder ever released by Philips. The VCR format was introduced in the U.K. and Europe in 1972, just after the Sony U-matic format in 1971. The cost of the VCR was then equivalent to that of a small model automobile.

The VCR format introduced many of the features initially found only on video cassette recorders. They were later found on other consumer electronic devices. The features include: piano-key controls, a clock with timer, and a built-in tuner for recording television shows. Initial playing times were up to 60 minutes. But, the 60 minute tapes were not the most reliable. The thinness of the tapes caused them to break.

Later VCR-LP (long-play) tapes were introduced. VCR-LP used a different recording system (slant azimuth) which allowed them to use a slower tape speed. Next in 1979 Grundig, a German manufacturer of consumer electronics, developed the SVR (Super Video Recording) format. Looking to make their products even better, a few years later Philips and Grundig introduced Video 2000 making VCR, VCR-LP and SVR all obsolete.

More Info: en.wikipedia.org

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8 Comments

Benedicte Corneliussen

Sony demonstrated a videocassette prototype in October 1969, then set it aside to work out an industry standard by March 1970 with seven fellow manufacturers. The result, the Sony U-matic system, introduced in Tokyo in September 1971, was the world's first commercial videocassette format.

Dog001

Sony introduced the Sony U-matic format in 1971. The precursor to Betamax Cassettes. It was intented for commercial or medical recording The first consumer level home VCR system was released by Philips in 1972, even then this system was pre-VHS tape Cassettes. It was more like an old 8-track Audio cassette. But it had a built in tuner for recording TV channels, and a timer clock for start and end times. The Sony U-matic was strictly a recorder/player.

Ray Anderson

Philips invented the idea of "tape in a box" and first developed it as an audio recorder (the compact cassette recorder). They also went on to produce the first video cassette recorder as discussed here. The major issue was that in both devices, and most other Philips products, the quality was very poor, especially their circuit boards. Good ideas, poor production.

Dennis Walker

Well… there you go… I always thought Sony Betamax was the first 😩

Ramrod

"In 1970, Philips developed a home video cassette format specially made for a TV station in 1970 and available on the consumer market in 1972. Philips named this format "Video Cassette Recording" (although it is also referred to as "N1500", after the first recorder's model number)."