Sony introduced the Betamax video format in late 1975. For a time, Betamax competed head-to-head with the VHS format for dominance of the home video industry. Beta video tapes measured about 12.7 mm and, according to industry analysts of the time, offered superior performance and service to VHS.
Nevertheless, Betamax lost its battle against VHS.

Betamax collectors can find lots of cool tapes, recorders, and Beta video players. Before you play a Beta video, you should clean the video heads and check to see whether the recorder plays properly by inserting a blank tape. It's difficult to replace Betamax heads and tapes, and you don't want to lose valuable collector's edition videos.

The typical beta video tapes available are movies, music videos, and even television shows from the '70s and early '80s. Rare footage like live rock music performances can be found. Popular '80s movies like Flashdance, Caddyshack and Night of the Living Dead are generally available, as are vintage workout tapes and classic 'B' movies. For the ultimate collector, blank Beta video tapes are rare treasures.