History of the VHS Tape
VHS tape was the main format for home media entertainment for over a decade, specifically during the 1980s and 1990s. According to the Washington Post, approximately 94.5 million devices to play VHS tapes were still functioning in the United States as of 2005. The format suffered from a slow decline due to the advent and implementation of digital video formats including DVD and DVR technology.
History
VHS tape was invented by the Victor Company of Japan in the mid-1970s. Shizuo Kagaya has received credit for leading the team that developed both the tape and the VHS recorder and player. It was introduced to the consumer market in 1977 for approximately $1060 USD.
Format Wars
After its introduction in September 1976, the VHS tape system was locked in a fierce war over what format home video would take. Although its primary rival was Sony's Betamax, other companies such as Philips, MCA and RCA also produced tape and disc systems that failed to capture the market.
VHS vs. Betamax
VHS tape was able to overcome Betamax by utilizing its ability to rewind and fast forward much faster. It also used a more efficient unthreading system with head-tape contact. VHS also had a longer tape time than its rival, reaching up to nine hours in certain formats.
HiFi
Originally, VHS tape had low-fidelity audio quality stemming from its limited audio track space. In 1985, high-fidelity stereo quality audio was introduced to VHS, allowing for better quality audio tracks that could be linked to multiple speakers.
Decline
According to figures by the Motion Picture Association of America, DVD sales surpassed VHS in the United States as of 2003. By 2006, the majority of major studios quit producing producing VHS tapes, although the format remains popular with collectors and developing countries.
Tags: format home, History Tape, quality audio, United States