The VCR format used large square cassettes with 2 co-axial reels, one on top of the other, containing 1⁄2-inch-wide (12.7 mm) chrome dioxide magnetic tape.

The 60-minute videocassettes proved very unreliable, suffering numerous snags and breakages due to the very thin 17-micrometre (0.67-mil) video tape.

The cassette would then completely jam and require dismantling to clear the problem, and the tape would then be creased and damaged.

In mid-1977, Philips announced they were considering distribution of the format in North America, and it was test marketed for several months.

The only model to be built was the Grundig SVR4004, with a few detail variations such as optional audio/video connectors, plus a rebadged ITT 240.

This chart provides an overview of playing times (in minutes) for the most common cassettes released for standard VCR, VCR-LP and SVR.

*) LVC 180 was not recommended for use in a standard VCR machine due to a thin tape base.

This had "first generation" mechanics including magnetic braking servo systems applied to relatively large mains voltage induction motors.

The N1520 was a N1500 without TV tuner and timer, but with editing functions assemble and insert (using four video heads), 2 track linear audio (not stereo but independent mono channels) and direct AV in/out connections.

Slightly improved colour circuitry compared to the original N1500, also modified field blanking to reduce flyback interference on some televisions.

Earlier machines had a hardwired mains cable, later ones were fitted with a standard "Figure-8" C7 power socket.

Slower tape-speed and a slant-azimuth recording technique (to almost eliminate cross-talk between video tracks without using tape-wasting guard-bands) made possible the longer playing time without a noticeable loss in picture quality.

Denis Norden promoted this model in the industrial video "The Philips Time Machine".

[5] Similar to the Philips model N1700, the N1702 had a lighter coloured top cover (N1702 was silver and black whilst the N1700 was grey).

A 4-digit counter, a 9-day timer, separate mains lead (not hardwired in), and a test-pattern generator to aid TV tuning.

In the late 1970s, the VCR formats were superseded altogether by Video 2000 (also known as 'Video Compact Cassette' or VCC).