Preface
This book is the result of several readings on the growing interest of an emerging new technology in the media. Curiosity, as well as interest, prompted my quest to document the history of video recording technology and the factors that contributed to such changes in new technologies. During my research for the PhD Comprehensive Examination in Media Theory, I came to realize that although video recording technology has made a great impact on the media, and more recently on consumers, little was known about its origin. Understanding its relationship to film and television technologies, I was also curious to explore not only its history, which I discovered was buried deep in magnetic recording history, but also what factors brought about such technological changes. During the 4-year period that followed, this curiosity led to intensive research culminating in the birth of this text.

The basis of this study is twofold: First, the influence of two pioneers in the field of video recording technology, Ampex Corporation and RCA, is imminent in this study. Of the primary research materials collected, those from these two organizations (especially Ampex) form the bulk of this study. For the first time in their history, Ampex opened their archives to the extent required by this study (which not only deals with video recording but also includes audio magnetic recording technology). Peter Hammar's (curator and consultant at the Ampex Museum) relentless input, provided through several meetings, telephone calls, and recorded interviews, served as an integral part of this study. Wendy Chu's contribution at the David Sarnoff RCA Research Laboratory Library in Princeton, New Jersey, was also valuable. The second part of this study deals with the determining factors resulting in changes of such new technologies. Dr. Janet Staiger, an authority on the subject of film technology with several publications and a dissertation to her credit, has made a great impact on this aspect of my text. I thank each of these individuals.

During the 4-year period it took to complete this research, several other individuals have contributed generously. For their assistance in obtaining those materials that are not available in any public library, I am particularly indebted to Judy Friedman of the NBC Library and Doris Katz of the Research Department at NBC in New York, Edana McCaffery of the Television Information Center in New York, and also to Mark Schubin. Considering how important various periodicals, technical journals, and government publications were to this study, it would not have been possible to accomplish my task without the assistance of The New York Public Library's Science, Performing Arts, and Patent Divisions and the Theatre Arts Library. I am particularly indebted to Professor William K. Everson, my mentor, whose advice and guidance were invaluable throughout my doctorate program at New York University.

Prologue
The video recording industry is one of the most economically viable industries today. Its popularity has culminated in the continual expansion of the consumer market for videocassette recorders. However, all along, its history has taken a backseat. Contributing to this ignorance is the lack of adequate text that attempts to trace the origin of magnetic audio/video recording. This book shows that the concept of magnetic recording was seriously considered by the mid-1800s, resulting in its ultimate practical use in the early 1900s. Initially developed in Europe, audio magnetic recording, although seen by many as a potential success, failed due to factors including mismanagement, blackmail, and inferior technology. The revival of this technology came in the 1930s when a market was imminent for it in the broadcast industry. Europeans, especially Germans, pioneered an intensive development, signalling the appearance of a new and superior audio magnetic technology during the World War II years.

The transfer of this technology to the United States after the war resulted in another evolution in the industry. By the early 1950s, audio magnetic recording had established a firm root in the broadcast industry in America which had earlier rejected to transcription. By the mid- 1950s it was evident that the principle of magnetic recording could be extended to include videotape recording of television programs. Thus, network television companies were assured of a permanent resolution to their long problem involving television recording. Amidst an intensive competition culminating in developments and improvements on various video recording equipment, the industry has expanded into the home with the introduction of videocassette recording. This text has attributed the continued growth in the industry to economic, scientific (technological), sociological, and ideological factors. The impact of video recording technology has been felt in many other related industries including television and advertising, cable television and theatrical movies. So far, video recording has found its applications in a wide variety of areas including educational and commercial industries (especially television recording) and finally home entertainment...