Black & White Reel to Reel (open reel) Video Recorders.
1965. The Sony CV-2000 / TCV-2010. The worlds 1st domestic video recorder.
Wherever you go or whoever you ask, the Sony CV-2000 is proclaimed as the first domestic video recorder.
To be a little more specific, it is the first domestic video recorder that uses the more compact 1/2-inch
tape systems. Earlier attempts at a domestic recorder used the 1-inch format and were much larger and heavier.
This unit was similar in size to the audio reel to reel machines of the day. It was available in 4 versions.
The CV-2000D with a wood surround, The CV-2000 in a grey case with lid for greater protection and portability.
The TCV-2010 (here) which was a larger unit containing a CV-2000 and a 9-inch monitor that tilted upwards
and a TCV-2020 (below) which also used a larger case, in wood, with monitor but also included a timer.
We are delighted to have a TCV-2010 and a TCV-2020 (see below).
It is probable that the CV-2000 and TCV-2020 found their way into schools and colleges as they were
in stronger cases for storing and deploying regularly whereas the wood surround units are likely to
remain stationary in a domestic setting. That being said some grey cabinet units would find
themelves in the home as in those days "getting out the tape recorder to use it" was a common
activity. In contrast today home entertainment systems tend to be permanently in the living room.
The CV-2000 was made in small numbers and is quite rare. These are probably the most important video recorders
in the museum. There is a fair amount of information about the CV-2000 on the Internet but few museums actually
have one. We are very pleased to finally have two of these units from 1965. There are also some interesting
brochures and manuals (below).
The Sony CVC-2000 camera on our
vintage video cameras page is the camera that was
supplied with the CV-2000 video recorder making a complete set of equipment.
1965. The Sony CV-2000D / TCV-2020. The worlds 1st domestic video recorder.
The fully domestic version of the CV-2000 was the CV-2000D which was in a wooden case.
The fully domestic version of the TCV-2010 was the TCV-2020 which was also in a wooden case
and included an analogue timer clock. If we are to assume that domestic recorders used
1/2-inch tape, were in wood cabinets, then this is indeed the first ever domestic VTR. If we
are also to agree that a domestic VTR (video tape recorder) must also include a recording
timer to be a true domestic recorder, then the TCV-2020 also fits that description perfectly.
This Sony VTR, the TCV-2020, is therefore a very important, historic unit from 1965.
The price tage below was found in the tcv-2020 under the TV. It shows a price of $1150.00 was paid.
The unit sold for around $1400.00 dollars in 1965 including the CVC-2000 camera.
Whether this unit was purchased with the camera is not known.
1965. The Sony CV-2000 / CV-2000D owners manual.
1965. Sony Videocorder Adverts.
Including the TCV-2010 Videocorder, The TCV-2020 Videocorder and the CVC-2000 camera.
1964 The Philips EL3400 VTR.
The first ever, 1-inch reel to reel tape, stand-alone domestic video recorder.
We do now have two of these in the museum, The Philips EL3400 and the Peto Scott clone (see below).
405 lines black and white. Weight 45Kg. 21 valves (tubes). Helical scan recorder.
Philips marketing pictures are shown above.
If anyone knows the make and model of the Philips TV next to the EL3400 in the picture, please let
us know. We can then start looking for one. Maybe we can have a table made to the same design ...
then we need some red carpet, some blinds, a plant pot .... maybe this picture could be re-created?
The EL3400 is having some restoration work done to it and so new pictures will be included in a few weeks.
Several manuals are also in the collection from Nov. 1964 and Jan 1965.
The pictures below show the back removed on the left and the bottom removed on the right.
1964. The Peto Scott E2770
(EL3400 clone).
1-inch reel to reel video tape recorder. The first ever stand-alone domestic video recorder.
We are very pleased to have both versions of the Philips EL3400 in the museum.
This one was supplied to Pete Scott and was clearly the Peto Scott
clone of the Philips unit. The Peto Scott version was primarily aimed at education and found itself
mainly in schools and colleges. It was not exactly the same as the EL3400 as the sockets on the front
and back were different. For example the DIN socket on the front was replaced by a 1/4 inch jack.
This was inline with educational requirements for a type of common connector widely used in schools.
In contains 21 valves (tubes) and weighs 45Kg. Best if 2 people carry it!
Philips TVs from the same era (1964/5).
1965. The Ampex VR 5003 VTR
We believe this to be the first Ampex 1-inch tape video recorder.
Profession 1-inch reel to reel video tape recorder (VTR).
The VR 5003 was the international version of the Ampex 5000 (US version).
Ampex was founded in 1944 and incorporated in Califirnia in 1946. In 1947 they introduced their
first audio tape recorder - the model 200A. In 1956 they introduce their first (reel to reel) video
tape recorder - the VR 1000. This was a quadruplex VTR. It was the first production VTR ever sold
(as opposed to earlier prototypes). It was a large floor standing unit on wheels and cost $50,000
The VR 5003 (& 5000) here from 1965 was called a "portable VTR!"
One person could carry it with a little effort. Build quality was very high.
Ampex are still in business today.
1970 - The Sony AV-3400 Portapack
The second portable reel to reel video recorder.
including leather case camera & power supply. It was the first portable that could
record AND play back video. Included is the AV-3420CE reel to reel video, the
AC–3420CE power supply and the AVC–3240CE EIAJ B/W camera.
The AV-3400 was the most mass produced successful “Portapack” system ever sold.
1969 - The VT-100 AKAI VC-100
with VT Video Camera B/W VTR Videocon Portapack.
This was a very compact highly portable complete 1/4 inch video tape system.
The VT-100 was the first ever 1/4 inch video tape portable VTR. It was the lightest portable
recorder of that era and as such was the lightest reel to reel portable ever made.
1968 - Philips LDL1002 1/2" domestic videotape
reel to reel recorder
This unit was marketed by Philips as a domestic video recorder and it was sold in relatively
large numbers. It could be considered as a very early mass produced domestic
video recorder although clearly three years later than the Sony CV2000.
It used 1/2 inch reels and the unit was no larger than audio tape recorders from that time.
(It is compact at 43.5cm wide by 36cm deep by 19cm high)
Philips marketing brochures were very definitely aimed at the domestic consumer.
The unit is remarkably light. Indeed it is even lighter than many audio reel to reel
recorders of that time at only 13.55Kg.It is also very aesthetically attractive.
It was housed in an attractive wood appearance case to match a domestic setting.
1968 - Philips EL3402 1" videotape
reel to reel recorder
We are delighted to have examples of 1-inch reel to reel video recorders in the museum. Designed for
high quality recordings of master tapes, these units are heavy. This one from 1968 was derived from
the earlier Philips
EL3400 of 1963. However 5 years later, this is a much more advanced and "compact"
unit. In fact, although it is heavy, it is not much different in overall size to 1/2 inch units of the time.
This unit was donated in 2006
National NV 3030 E1 reel to reel video recorder.
1970 approx.
It is important to have a National Panasonic black and white reel to reel video tape recorder
in the museum as this company played a major part in early video development.
A JVC video shoulder cart in it's original box. See below.
Video History. "Time" magazine 1954
Go to the colour reel to reel video page and see,
A pair of Shibaden SV-620 E Color EIAJ VTR video recorders 1/2 PAL reel video recorders.
JVC PORTABLE VIDEO TAPE RECORDER PV-4800E / PV4800E. This was the last reel to reel portable
ever made but it is arguably the first COLOUR domestic portable reel to reel recorder. Indeed it is
arguably the first COLOUR domestic portable recorder whether reel to reel or cassette.
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not money, just old items you no longer want, are always welcome.
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We can send in a courier to pick them up. (Even an international courier). Thank you.
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