LabGuy's World: Extinct RCA Video Equipment Directions: For a larger view of any image, click on the small image. To return, click your browser's back button.  RCA Video Tape Recorders: RCA Longitudinal: This is RCA's first attempt at any kind of video recorder. Developed in 1954 by Harry F. Olson. It is a longitudinal (fixed head) machine. Uses half inch tape on 17-inch reels runnning at 360 IPS and recording 5 tracks. 1 track for video luminance plus sync, 3 tracks for the red, green, and blue signals and 1 track for FM audio. Photo and Info: Matt Patoray.  RCA Mag Tape: This is RCA's attempt at a home VCR from the early 1970's. It used 3/4" tape, ran at 3 IPS and recorded 60 minutes on 918 feet of tape. It used a four head scanner that intruded into the cassette housing. Signal processing was alleged to be direct recording, like a broadcast quad machine. This machine never went into production. The previous information is from my own memory. If you know of any errors, and have more info, please contact me. Photo: Matt Patoray.  New photo & Info! (01.10.08) SelectaVision MagTape System - RCA TO MARKET COLOR VIDEO PLAYER FOR CONSUMERS      The latest home video recorder / player, which will be available in 1973, is the all solid state RCA SelectaVision MagTape unit. Measuring 22" X 17-3/4" X 5-1/4", the unit has a front panel slot to accept a 9" X 6-1/4" X 1-1/2" molded plastic tape cartridge. A set of piano key switches are used to control the various operations. The only connection between the player / recorder and the TV set is through the antenna terminals. The set is tuned to an unused channel for tape operation.      The player / recorder includes both VHF and UHF tuners so that a monochrome or color recording can be made of one channel while watching another. An automatic timer is also included to turn the recorder on at any desired time. There is provision for using an external black and white camera for the "do-it-yourself" TV producer, at home or at work.      Although the first units will be independent of the TV set, RCA points out that they will be followed by combination models incorporating both color TV receiver and the player / recorder. The final pricing will be determined when the system reaches the selling stage, but is expected to be under $700; the cartridges will cost about $30.      When not in use, the book size tape cartridge is completely closed so that the tape is never exposed or handled. Chromium dioxide (high energy) tape is used and the approximate 900' of tape in a cartridge permits about one hour of use. When the cartridge is inserted in the slot, an internal lever opens the cartridge to permit the tape to come into contact with the rotating headwheel (four heads). Photo and Info: Popular Electronics Magazine; November 1972. EIAJ? (model# unknown): An early time lapse VTR for surveillance. Circa: mid 70's. It looks like a modified Sony AV-3600. Photo: Unknown magazine Ad.  RCA Video Cameras: CC-002: New Photo and info!A first generation, single vidicon, consumer color video camera. These were used with early VHS portapack VTR's. It uses a one inch vidicon with striped color filter, has a 1-1/2" B/W CRT viewfinder  and a built in condenser microphone. Photo: LabGuy.  CC-002: New Photo and info!Another view of the first generation, single vidicon, consumer color video camera.  [HOME]......[CATALOG INDEX] Last updated: January 09, 2005