- NEW!
by G_tech on May 3rd, 2008
we bought our first one in the 70's and paid 700.00 for it a curtis matis machine, we thought we were up town, now they are what 29.00 at wal-mart
by Anna on May 2nd, 2008
VCR and Home Video History
VTR vs VCR
Before the days of VCRs (Video cassette recorders), there were machines called VTRs (Video tape recorders).
The VTRs -- video tape recorders -- were similar to reel-to-reel audio tapes, with large spools of multi-track magnetic tapes, from 1/2" to 2" wide by 7,000 feet long, moving at high lineal tape speed (20 to 30 feet per second for the early machines). This high speed was necessary to fit all of the black and white picture information onto the tape.
Experimentation with magnetic tape recording of video signals began just post World-War II. Prototype machines were built in the early 1950s. The first practical, commercial broadcast quality video recorder was released by Ampex in 1956. The model VR-1000 cost $50,000 and used 2" wide videotape. KING-TV in Seattle got Serial Number 1. (CBS in Hollywood had earlier received the first production prototype, the VRX-1000.)
World's First Broadcast via Videotape -- CBS airing of the Douglas Edward and the News program on November 30, 1956, from New York. CBS Television City in Hollywood replayed the broadcast three hours after it was received on the West Coast. The show was in black and white (the VR-1000 was designed for B&W - it could not handle color broadcasts).
World's First All-Transistor VTR (Video Tape Recorder) -- RCA's 1962 release of the TR-22 -- Commercial Use Only
World's First VTR Intended for Home Use -- Developed by SONY in 1964 -- CV-2000 (only a few hundred were sold)
Size: 10-3/4" High x 17" Wide x 15.5" Deep. Tape: 1/2" reel-to-reel, 1 hour max. record at 7-1/2 ips.
World's First Video Cassette Recorder (for home use) -- Phillips Model 1500
Introduced in England in 1972 -- 22" Wide x 6.5" High x 15" Deep
First VHS VCR -- JVC's HR-3300 -- Introduced in the Fall of 1977 -- featured a 2 hour recording time.
World's First HD-Compatible Digital VCR in U.S. Market (July 1999) -- Panasonic PV HD-1000
Panasonic NV-9300 UMATIC VTR.JPG (29608 bytes) (30K)
Late-1970s Panasonic NV-9300 U-Matic VCR 3/4" Tape
Size: 27" Long x 9" high x 20" deep
Weight: "A Ton"
Cost New: $5,000
[return to FAQ] [home]
by canbfrisky on October 18th, 2010
It was in the Hmm early 80's - and its funny you mention the price since a Techy friend
wanted to go 'window shopping' for 1 (I lived in Greeley Co.) So, we had to go all over to actually see and handle them ; We spent around 4 to 5 months searching, and High -end were close to a Grand ! down to 4 to 500.oo dollars He got a 4 head (those were fancy then.) Mitsubishi for $800.oo After a stand and tapes & Extra batteries it was around a thousand dollars ! lol .
Mine was 'State of the art' A J.V.C. (Who first designed V.H.S.) is Still going strong after 12 years of use, and cost $600.oo 12 yrs ago w/ extended warranty .
Of all the Electronic Stores here in Colorado The Best is Called 'Ultimate Electronics'.They Rule!
by Greekgod on September 8th, 2009
Our first was a Sony betamax on 1976 for about £200-00
by KimKfromAbseconNJ on September 8th, 2009
I remember the first ever VCR I owned, a Magnavox VR9510. If I used my cable box, I only could record one show, one channel. That stank.
Look at how far home video has come, especially with DVR's. Record more than one show at a time. Pause or rewind a 'live' show. Set the DVR to record a month's worth, or more, of your favorite show.
by sassie on September 3rd, 2009
I think they came out in the 80's. Had one a long time ago and I think it cost under $100.00.
by KimKfromAbseconNJ on September 3rd, 2009
Here's some more information on video recording, including those professional "Quad" machines I mentioned before..
http://www.lionlamb.us
by Galeanda on May 2nd, 2008
I think they first became popular in the early 70s. There was a big war with betamax. But I think we first got one and paid $500 for a USED one that had cost $1500 new!!! Shocking!!! LOL!
Which Asian company invented the video tape cassette in 1969?
by Answerbag Staff on May 14th, 2011
| 1 person likes this
Did you throw away your VCR?
by XT on November 21st, 2011
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Will a digital tuner VCR work with my analog cable service?
by Answerbag Staff on August 8th, 2010
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Will my VCR record with a new digital TV?
by Answerbag Staff on August 1st, 2010
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When did VCR's first come out? And what price do they go for?
by - M.C.S. - Dave on May 2nd, 2008
| 6 people like this
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Comments
I know the feeling........Thanks for your answer....Plus 6
by - M.C.S. - Dave on May 3rd, 2008
your welcome, M.C.S
by G_tech on May 3rd, 2008
+ 3 G_tech, my aunt and uncle had a Curtis-Mathis TV/stereo combo back in the late 60's. Your family paid a lot for your first VCR.
My family had the first color TV in the neighborhood in the early 60's. It was an RCA Victor.
+ 3 4 U, M.C.S-Dave. I thought VCR's came out in the 80's, I didn't know that they came out in the 70's.
by sassie on September 3rd, 2009