History of Video in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: September 29, 2025

Video is an electronic medium used for recording, copying, playing, broadcasting, and displaying moving images. It has evolved significantly, starting with mechanical television systems. These were soon superseded by cathode-ray tube (CRT) systems, which themselves have been replaced by modern flat-panel displays. This evolution reflects technological advancements in visual media and display technologies.

1951: Analog Video Tape Recorder Commercially Introduced

In 1951 the analog video tape recorder was commercially introduced.

1951: First VTR Captures Live Images

In 1951, the first video tape recorders (VTR) captured live images from television cameras by writing the camera's electrical signal onto magnetic videotape.

1956: VTRs on Sale

In 1956, Video Tape Recorders(VTRs) were sold for around US$50,000, and videotapes cost US$300 per one-hour reel.

1971: Sony Sells VCR Decks and Tapes

In 1971, Sony began selling videocassette recorder (VCR) decks and tapes into the consumer market.

1997: Commercial Introduction of DVD

In 1997, the DVD was commercially introduced, leading to a decline in sales of videotape and recording equipment.

2006: Commercial Introduction of Blu-ray Disc

In 2006, the Blu-ray Disc was commercially introduced, further contributing to the decline in sales of videotape and recording equipment.

2010: Vertical Video at 5% of Viewing

In 2010, vertical video accounted for only 5% of video viewing.

2013: Digital Cameras Surpass Film Cameras in Hollywood

Since 2013, the use of digital cameras in Hollywood has surpassed the use of film cameras.

2015: Growth of Vertical-Video Viewing Highlighted

In 2015, Mary Meeker highlighted the growth of vertical-video viewing in her 2015 Internet Trends Report, noting that it had grown to 29% of viewing.

2022: Video Transport Over Networks

In 2022, Video may be transported over networks and other shared digital communications links using, for instance, MPEG transport stream, SMPTE 2022 and SMPTE 2110.