LabGuy's World: JVC (Nivico) VTR's of Prehistory Directions:  For a larger view of any image, click on the small image. To return, click your browser's back button.  No Picture New Info!      JVC's 70 years have been marked by many technological innovations and groundbreaking product introductions. In 1959, JVC developed the forerunner of today's VCR when it launched the KV-1, the world's first two-head helical scan VTR. The 2 head helical scanning system is now used in virtually every analog video recorder in the world; a color version of the KV-1 made its debut in 1960.      In 1963, JVC developed and marketed the smallest two-head, 1 inch VTR with a built-in TV monitor. The company introduced the color video cartridge recorder, the prototype of today's U-Format VCR, in 1966.      In 1969, JVC invented the "color under" color recording method used in U-Format, 8mm video, Hi-8, VHS and S-VHS. The process was an important step in making color VCRs affordable.      A VCR incorporating a tuner and timer was introduced by JVC in 1972. Two years later, the company developed the world's first color portable VTR system and the world's first 3/4-inch U-Format VCR with noiseless still and pause functions.      One of the biggest milestones in JVC's history was its introduction of the VHS format in 1976 which launched the global video revolution. A decade later, the company received an Emmy Award for its achievements.      For more info about early JVC / Nivico, go to [This Site]. KV-1: In 1959, JVC developed the forerunner of today's VCR when it launched the KV-1, the world's first two-head helical scan VTR. The 2 head helical scanning system is now used in virtually every analog video recorder in the world; a color version of the KV-1 made its debut in 1960. Photo: Found on the web. KV-2: New photo! The following text is taken from a JVC / Nivico stock report from the 1965-66 fiscal year: All transistor video tape recorder for industrial and educational use. Built-in micro TV for monitoring. One inch wide tape (1/2 wide of ordinary set). Surprisingly low tape consumption. Exclusive double head construction. Remote control operation possible. Single frame and slow motion operation for special studies. Finally! I have been searching for this machine's model number for three years! This is the same machine that I show on my Dage Catalog Page. Here is a little more information from the March 1964 issue of Electronics World Magazine: A bandwidth of 3 Mhz, a tape speed of just under 6 IPS will record a 63 minute TV program on a standard 7" reel of 1" video tape. A built in monitor shows the recorded picture. Photo #1 & Info: LabGuy. Photo #2: Marcel Snijders KV-600:Here is a picture of one of JVC's early one inch video machines! No other information available on this one. I have heard rumors of other early JVC models like; KV-800 & KU-800. If anyone has any information about or photos of these machines, please contact me.  Photo: De Historie Van De Video! No Picture  JVC introduced the color video cartridge recorder, the prototype of today's U-Format VCR, in 1966.  [HOME]......[JVC CATALOG]......[CATALOG INDEX] Last updated: February 10, 2005