A New Video-Tape Recording System

This new video-tape recording system uses only one revolving head and is capable of continuous recording of the whole TV field on a slant track on the magnetic tape. Problems previously encountered with multiple-head systems are avoided, and simplification in both construction and operation results from this innovation. This system is expected to be particularly effective when used for color video recording. Research on the new video-tape recorder was begun at the Toshiba Matsuda Research Laboratory in 1953, and the new system was established in the laboratory the following year. The first experimental VTR-1 was completed in 1958. The VTR-1 prototype system was demonstrated to the public in September, 1959, and commercial production of the new video-tape recorder followed.