Picking tapes for 1/2'' VCRs

Tapes for 1/2'' VCRs come in several flavours, based on tape quality (or "grade"). Quality is a direct function of the reproducibility of a video and audio signal recorded on the tape. Prices of 1/2'' VCR tapes vary based on quality from $2 to $12. In our lab, we have all kinds of tapes. Which one you should use depends on which format you decide to use to record the video and audio signals on the tape.

1/2'' VCRs can record the video and audio signals in several formats:

Every manufacturer has their own labelling scheme to indicate the quality of their tapes. Here is a chart for the tapes we use in the lab. Use it to pick the tape that best fits your needs; please don't use a tape that's too good for your task, as its cost is unjustified.

Task Video Formats Audio Formats Speed JVC TDK Maxell Sony Fuji
SITN classes, giveaway tapes VHS Normal SP XR HS
Daily recording/playback VHS Normal SP, LP SX
Large projector presentations VHS Normal SP, LP, EP EHG E-HG GX-SILVER
VR demos/Music videos VHS Normal, HiFi SP, LP, EP PRO HiFi Hi-Fi XL HIFI
VHS mastering/editing VHS Normal, HiFi SP, LP, EP HD-X PRO
S-VHS format presentations VHS, S-VHS Normal, HiFi SP, LP, EP S-XG XP SUPER PRO SuperVHS SUPER VHS PRO
S-VHS mastering/editing VHS, S-VHS Normal, HiFi SP, LP, EP S-XZ


Last update: 21 February 1996 by Apostolos "Toli" Lerios
tolis@cs.stanford.edu