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Video Cassette Recorders (VCR). the main due to their physical size and cost. In
The VTR suffered from one major defect - the most cases, there was no built-in tuner or timer.
need to thread the tape. The introduction of a
cassette system offered a better alternative The U-Matic system eventually appeared in
three different versions: The original 1970s
U-Matic format, referred to as Low Band (LB), High
In the early 1970s, Sony, Panasonic (then Band (HB) and Special Performance (SP).
called National), JVC and others introduced a
new system called U-Matic. The tape was 3/4 In the early 1980s Sony introduced the BVU
inch wide and was enclosed in a cassette. Once (Broadcast Video U-Matic) format, and the
inserted into the VCR, the tape was automati- 'original’ U-Matic format became known as
cally loaded around the video head drum and low-band. This high-band format had an
was held captive in the machine until it was improved colour recording system and lower
ejected. The VCRs (and tapes) were quite noise levels. The introduction of ENG
large, but gave better quality images to the (electronic news gathering) using the BVU
earlier VTRs, with the added advantage of platform for TV news and production brought
ease of use. A more compact version, known instant results, unlike the film processes used
as U-Matic S was introduced at a later date. to date. The expense and time limitations saw
the end of using 16mm film for this everyday
purpose.

Philips N1500 VCR
The N1500, can probably claim to be the first
domestic VCR. It had all of the requirements:
Reasonably small (for the time), a built in
tuner to record off air programs, a timer and an
RF output, making direct connection to the
TV's antenna terminals possible – no AV con-
Sony U-Matic VCR (Source Internet) nections needed.

The mechanical clock did not offer precise
The U-Matic system was taken up, mainly by turn on times - I actually had one of these
schools and industry, as well as the TV sta- machines for a couple of years, and setting the
tions. Not too many appeared in the home, in mechanical clock to get it to start right on time
was difficult. With only one hour tapes availa-

Philips N1500 VCR and tapes (Source Internet)

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