Video Tape Recorder - Definition

A video tape recorder (VTR), is a tape recorder that can record video material.

History of video tape recording

• Charles P. Ginsburg, at Ampex Corporation

Technologies

Video tape recorder technologies include:

Analog reel-to-reel

• VERA (BBC)
• Ampex
• 2-inch quad videotape
• B-format videotape
• C-format videotape

Professional cassette / cartridge based systems

• U-Matic (3/4")

VHS

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Digital Video tape formats

• D1 (Sony)
• D2 (Sony)
• D3
• D5
• Digital Betacam (Sony)
• Betacam IMX (Sony)
• DV
• MiniDV
• Digital8 (Sony)

Consumer formats

• Video 2000 (Philips)
• Betamax
• VHS
• S-VHS (JVC)
• VHS-C (JVC)
• Video8
• Hi8™
• MICROMV™
• Cartrivision

See video cassette recorder for a full treatment of domestic formats.