EIAJ-1

EIAJ-1 is a videotape format developed by the Electronic Industries Association of Japan (EIAJ) in 1969. It was one of the first half-inch videotape formats and one of the first to use helical scan, as opposed to transverse scanning for Quadruplex. 
== History ==
It was first developed by EIAJ with the backing of several Japanese electronics manufacturers in 1969. EIAJ-1 became the first standardized format, which allowed it to be played on different VTR models, regardless of which brand. 
In the early-1970s, EIAJ-1 was adopted by professionals and some consumers. In its later years, the format continued to be used, due to its lower cost compared to U-matic, which launched in 1971. EIAJ-1 would never have a camcorder unit, and it would be discontinued throughout the 1980s.
== Technical information ==
=== Color ===
EIAJ-1 initially offered black-and-white recording, but in its later years, it adopted color recording for the NTSC and PAL standards.
=== Reels and recording time ===
EIAJ-1 uses 7-inch reels, offering 60 minutes of recording time. The 7-inch reels are meant to be used on open reels. Portable units used 5-inch reels, offering 30 minutes of recording.
=== Scanning ===
Unlike Quadruplex, it was one of the first videotape formats to used helical scanning for reading and writing, but it is an open reel formats, unlike the later videocassette formats.
== Issues ==
=== Threading ===
There was a need to carefully thread the end of the tape around the drum, through a gap between the capstan and pinch roller, and around a variety of guides and tensioners. If the user made errors, the machine would malfunction and the tape could become damaged. This led to the creation of the EIAJ-2 in 1972.
== Usage ==
=== Professional and consumer use ===
During the early-1970s, many business, schools, government agencies, hospitals and even some consumers quickly caught up with the format. This is because the EIAJ-1 format paved the way for consumer analog recording technology to become more affordable and widespread. Some public cable television stations in the 1970s also used EIAJ-1 equipment, because of its low cost, versatility and portability.
=== Later use ===
Because of its lower cost compared to U-matic at the time, along with lighter and more compact EIAJ-1 equipment, and the availability of portable battery-operated EIAJ-1 machines with companion video cameras, it continued to be used in its later years.
== External links ==
* EIAJ-1 - Wikipedia
* EIAJ-1 - Museum of Obsolete Media