Sony Hi8 camcorders were first introduced in 1990 and quickly became a popular choice for consumers. Sony was ahead of its time with the introduction of digital video recording capabilities that had previously only been available on professional-grade equipment. They featured 8mm tapes, which offered higher resolution than VHS tape and allowed users to record up to 120 minutes at one time. In addition, they included features like built-in stereo sound and image stabilization technology, making them ideal for producing high quality home videos. The increased popularity of DVD's eventually led to the decline in production of these camcorders as most people preferred discs over tapes due to their improved storage capacity and ease of use. Despite this shift in consumer preference, Sony continues to produce Hi8 compatible equipment today such as cameras, decks, players and blank cassettes.