Launch and early models
The first Betamax VCR introduced in the United States was the LV-1901 model, which included a 19 … See more

HiFi audio upgrade
In June 1983, Sony introduced high fidelity audio to videotape as Beta Hi-Fi. For NTSC, Beta HiFi worked by placing a pair of FM See more

Comparison with other video formats
The heads on the drum of a Betamax VCR move across the tape producing a writing speed of 6.9 or 5.832 metres per second with the drum … See more

• 1980s portal
• Betacam – Umatic's replacement. A non-compatible, high-quality standard used by television studios … See more

End of production
On November 10, 2015, Sony announced that it would no longer be producing Betamax video cassettes. Production and sales ended March … See more

In the 1983 David Cronenberg film Videodrome, the character of Max Renn grows an opening in his stomach that accepts Betamax videocassettes. The Betamax format … See more

• The Ultimate Betamax Info Guide – covering the Betamax format in the North American market
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