1971 - 1990
U-matic is an analog video cassette format first introduced by Sony in October 1969. In September 1971
was introduced to the market. It was the first video format to store videotape on a cassette, as opposed to the various
compared to open reel formats. Videotape is 3⁄4 inch (19 mm) wide, so the format is often
known as “three-quarter inch” or simply “three-quarter”.
Unlike most other cassette tape formats, the reels in the cassette rotate in opposite directions, during playback the
one moves clockwise, while the other moves counterclockwise.
The first improved version of the format was released in 1976 as U-matic High Band, and the second development was released in 1986 as U-matic SP.
was introduced. The format was discontinued in the 1990s.