It should be noted that this website uses the term, “Home Video,” in two different ways. Firstly, it uses it as an umbrella term for the viewing of movies in the home, physical or otherwise. Secondly, its also the label given to the era in time where movies are being released on physical video formats. By default, the timeline below displays all events (with more always being added). Because the timeline has many events, use the buttons below to narrow down your interests.
November 15th - 17th, 1976
First Annual International Videodisc Programming Conference Is Held
The first annual International Videodisc Programming Conference is held. Strangely, representatives from neither MCA nor RCA (the forerunners of the videodisc race) are present.
January, 1977
Quasar VR-1000 (The Great Time Machine)
Utilizing Matsushita’s VX format, Quasar (the American subsidiary of Matsushita) releases the Great Time Machine (model VR-1000) to the American market. The device immediately fails and no subsequent models are released in the U.S.
February, 1977
Zenith Partners With Sony To Sell Betamax VCRs
Zenith, America’s biggest TV manufacturer, agrees to market and produce Betamax machines in the U.S.. This is a major move by Sony to capture the American market.
March, 1977
Entertainment Video Releasing Offers Movies On Videocassette
Mark Slade’s company, “Entertainment Video Releasing” begins advertising adult films on U-matic and Betamax in Videography magazine. They would later include a variety non-adult titles to their catalogue, likely public domain features.
March, 1977
Sony Launches Their 2-Hour Betamax Cassette
Sony introduces Beta-II, a new two-hour videocassette that can record an entire movie on a single videocassette. These new cassettes require the latest Betamax VCR to record the full two hours, the SL-8200.
March, 1977
3M Announces Metafine IV Magnetic Tape
3M reveals their latest creation, Metafine IV, a magnetic tape that not only allows for longer recording durations, but at an affordable price. The new tape makes videocassettes even more competitive against the upcoming videodisc formats.
May 25th, 1977
Star Wars Opens in Theaters
George Lucas’s sci-fi epic, Star Wars, opens in theaters across the country. Although seemingly unrelated to home video, the hit rejuvenates Hollywood, specifically its distributor, 20th Century Fox. Months later, they would agree to license out their classics for videocassette distribution.
June, 1977
Time-Life Makes Available BBC Programs On Betamax
Time-Life adds BBC programs to their video catalog.
July, 1977
Magnetic Video Licenses 50 Titles From 20th Century Fox
In July of 1977 commercial tape duplicator Andre Blay closed a deal with 20th Century Fox to license 50 titles from their library for $6000 each. The success that followed would send shockwaves throughout the video industry.
August 23rd, 1977
RCA Announces the Selectavision VHS VCR
RCA reveals to the media that they would be releasing a VHS VCR under their Selectavision moniker. Manufacturing is already underway.
October, 1977
RCA Selelctavision VBT-200 (VHS)
The very first VHS VCR hits the American market in the form of the RCA Selectavision VBT-200.
October, 1977
Blackhawk Films Add Betamax Videocassettes to Their Catalog
Prestigious home movies distributor, Blackhawk Films, begins to offer Betamax videocassettes after 50 years of only dealing in film. The move is their attempt to adapt to the changing market.
October, 1977
Magnetic Video Titles Reach Retail Stores
Magnetic Video’s line of 20th Century Fox titles are made available to the public via retail outlets such as electronic and record stores. They cost $49.95.
October, 1977
Quality X Releases Adult Titles On Betamax and VHS
Quality X forms to distribute adult titles on the new Beta/VHS formats. First advertises this month in Al Goldstein’s Screw magazine.
November, 1977
Magnetic Video Forms the Video Club of America
The Video Club of America offers a mail order delivery service of discounted cassettes (20% off) upon paying a $10 membership fee. They first advertise in The New York Times on November 20th.
November 26th, 1977
Magnetic Video Advertises in TV Guide With Massive Success
Magnetic Video advertises a 2-page advertisement for the Video Club of America in TV Guide, costing the company $30,000. The campaign is wildly successful, generating over $140,000 in orders and club subscription fees after just a few days.
December, 1977
George Atkinson Creates the First Video Rental Storefront
Atkinson opens “Video Cassette Rentals” in Los Angeles, the first brick and mortar video rental shop in the country. First Advertised on December 6th in The Los Angeles Times, the store opens with both 1/2″ and 3/4″ formats. According to Atkinson, the store opens with both VHS and Betamax versions of the Magnetic Video catalog.
February, 1978
MEDA Media-Home Entertainment Is Announced
Filmmaker Charles Band announces MEDA, an acronym which stands for “Media-Home Entertainment Distribution Association.” The new home video label will specialize in distributing independent films and other programs on VHS and Betamax. Their first two titles, Flesh Gordon and Alice in Wonderland, are announced the following month.