It became the replacement in the professional video and broadcast television industries for the then-incumbent 2-inch quadruplex videotape (2-inch Quad for short) open-reel format.

1-inch Type C is capable of "trick-play" functions such as still, shuttle, and variable-speed playback, including slow motion.

2-inch quadruplex videotape machines lacked these capabilities, due to the segmented manner in which it recorded video tracks onto the magnetic tape.

[3] 1-inch tape gained numerous uses in television production including outside broadcasts where it was used for instant replays and creating programme titles.

1-inch machines were considerably smaller and more reliable than preceding two-inch versions and were seen by operators as a major technological breakthrough.

Due to this smaller size, it was possible for OB crews[clarification needed] to transport and use multiple machines, allowing for much more complex editing to be done on site for use within the programme.