1964 Sony CV-2000 Prototype Videocorder

This is the oldest existing consumer video tape recorder in the world. A truly bold claim and yet completely true. Built in 1964, this vintage VTR used half inch tape to record BW television and sound. One reel of tape held one hour. This product series, called Videocorders, was the earliest to market and to be purchased in greater than trivial numbers. Sony manufactured tens of thousands of these between 1965 and 1969. Intended for time shifting TV shows in the home, the series found its true market in schools and commercial institutions. Eleven years before Betamax. Visit my web site for more information about this remarkable piece of tech history.

Category:

Science & Technology

Tags:

• +vtr
• +videocorders
• +sony
• +betamax
• +vhs
• +vcr
• +history
• +electronics

[videolabguy]

Eh? Incorrect. The Optacord 500 was made in 1961. A little earlier than the Sony CV format. But, was never produced in any significant quantities. The CV-2000s were manufactured, several thousand per month for four years. Hundreds still exist. No Optoacords that I know of. Optacord was also a huge beast using two inch tape and vacuum tubes. It was never going to be a practical home machine. We could also site the Ampex VR-1500. Tho solid state, it failed for exactly the same reasons. Hugeness!

[videolabguy]

Thanks for the kudos, all. Zipporeel, your collection is beautiful. Having no space at home, my gear must get dusty in a storage unit. Hard to keep it shiny. I would love to learn more about the zippo recorder.

[JULIAN8845]

nice machine.pity the tapes did not last as long.the ones in my university all went gluy

[MaxxFordham]

Holy cow! How did you get that prototype to yourself?

Let's see you test it now!

[wrtlpfmpf]

I wouldn't say it's the earliest home VTR. The Loewe Optacord 500 already came out in the 1950s. And it's claimed to have been marketed as a consumer VTR.

[Zipporeel]

Nice piece, great find, great collection. I wish I never sold my VPR-5

[MichaelTuason]

Nice!

[phantom3rdchannel]

that is real nice. one day i need to fix my Panasonic vtr.