videókazetták

Videókazetták, often referred to as video tapes, are a magnetic tape recording format for storing analog video and audio signals. They were introduced in the late 1970s and became the dominant home video format for decades, largely replacing earlier formats like Betamax. The most common type of videocassette was the VHS (Video Home System), developed by JVC. Other formats included Betamax by Sony and Video 2000 by Philips.

A videocassette consists of a plastic casing containing two reels of magnetic tape. When inserted into a VCR (videocassette recorder), the tape is pulled across the read/write heads of the VCR, allowing for playback or recording of video and audio content. The analog nature of the signal meant that picture and sound quality could degrade over time and with repeated use.

Videókazetták revolutionized home entertainment by allowing consumers to record television programs and rent movies for playback at their convenience. This led to the rise of video rental stores. Despite their popularity, videókazetták were eventually superseded by digital formats such as DVDs and Blu-ray discs, and later by streaming services, due to their superior picture and sound quality, durability, and ease of use. While largely obsolete today, some collectors and enthusiasts still maintain and use videókazetták.