There are a variety of videotape formats used within the production industry today. Although deciding what to choose from this list may seem like an overwhelming task, there are only certain formats that are most commonly used and are most practical for consumer or business use.

D-2 Format
D-2 is a very costly format which is often only used by film and video production companies to master their productions. This format comes in a very large videocassette, with its carrying case resembling a small brief case. It is highly expensive, and is only used in cases where the costs of the overall production runs into the high thousands of dollars, and the producers need an extremely reliable digital tape format for their master. This format can be reproduced hundreds of times with no loss of picture or sound quality, and can also survive multiple generations of reproduction common to post production editing.

The D-2 video signal is produced through a digital code similar to that of a digital audio format. In general, the waveform of an analog signal is sampled many times per second and has a digital code assigned to it. As a result, all succeeding reproductions of the master are exact and do not produce any loss in which flaws in the master tape can be further exaggerated.  

1 Inch Format (Also known as "Type C")
1 inch tape format uses a large reel to reel tape machine to both record and duplicate. This is one of the older, but also most durable formats used mostly within the television broadcast industry. This tape is a very costly format to work with and should be used if you plan to present your program to TV stations.

HDCAM Format
HDCAM is the industry-standard ½” High Definition video format, and is configured in either a small or large cassette, depending on running time. HDCAM material is generally acquired in two different frame rates, depending on the desired “look” of the finished product: 60i, or 60 interlaced fields, or 24P, which is recorded with 24 progressive frames, delivering the same motion artifacts as film.

Digital Betacam Format
Digital Betacam is one of the most commonly used professional video formats. It is approximately 3/4 the size of the common VHS tape and is often used because of its portability, sound, image, and reproduction quality. This tape reproduces sound and image using the same process as the D-2 and also includes the same multiple reproduction attributes. This format is considerably less expensive than the D-2.

MiniDV Format
DV is a consumer digital video format. It offers superior component video and 2-channel audio quality at a very affordable price. The digital datarate for DV is 25 Mb/s.

DVCAM Format
DVCAM is Sony’s proprietary professional DV format, which is packaged either in a DV-size cassette or a larger cassette for extended play. Although similar to consumer DV, it includes additional technology to improve the video and audio quality to a professional standard. DVCAM supports 4:2:2 component video processing, comprehensive error correction and 4 audio channels. The digital datarate for DVCAM is 25 Mb/s.

DVCPRO Format
DVCPRO is Panasonic’s proprietary professional DV format and offers similar extended feature to DVCAM. DVCPRO acquisition is available in three different datarates: 25, 50 and 100 Mb/s.

Betacam SP Format
Betacam SP provides broadcast quality performance, as do the above formats, and is the most commonly used analog format of production companies. It is the most often used tape in corporate video productions. The SP signifies that this format processes the video signal in component rather than in the standard VHS composite form. A component video signal is split into three separate signals; red, blue, and green, allowing the tape to produce a sharp high quality image, and many more reproductions before a noticeable degradation in image occurs. A composite signal combines the red, green, and blue all into one resulting in a less defined picture and lower quality reproductions. This tape format is excellent for use as a master tape and provides excellent editing and reproduction durability with minimal signal loss. The audio quality of the BetaSP tape is also superior to the below formats.

Betacam Format
Betacam format is housed in the same type of cassette as the BetaSP, but offers slightly less features and significantly lower quality. Some limitations include the video signal, which is only component, and the audio, which is only two channels. However, this format still allows a very presentable image both for use as a master tape and to make many reproductions from. This tape is an acceptable substitute for the BetaSP if you are working with a limited budget.

3/4 SP Format
3/4 SP tape is an older format which is less often seen or used in current video production. It was used as the standard format for broadcast T.V. news, but has been replaced in recent years by the Betacam tapes. This format uses a 3/4" width of tape that allows for a greater space on which to record a higher resolution image for your video. This is the old format that was commonly used for both remote field productions and indoor sets. Like all SP formats, this tape has good reproduction durability and also provides a near broadcast quality image. This is another format used for corporate videos and cable.

3/4 Format
3/4 format is also near broadcast quality, processing its video signal in composite rather than component form. Most will find that the resolution of a standard composite signal is a step down from the component, but is not a drastic comparison. In many cases however, if you plan to use the 3/4 as a master from which to produce multiple reproductions, then the image will suffer a noticeable loss in resolution as more reproductions are made. Once again, this is another tape used for corporate videos and cable.

Hi 8 Format
Hi 8 is the format used with many camcorders. This tape is good for recording simple business or corporate presentations and meetings. This format is sufficient if you are only looking to make a visual recording of a presentation, but are not looking to make very many reproductions for distribution. The image produced from this tape is acceptable, but may not be suitable if you are looking to produce a polished video for your presentation. Using this format for mastering can affect the quality of your reproductions after just a few passes. Also, in order to appreciate the true resolution of a Hi 8 tape it must be viewed on a Hi 8 deck or camcorder. In the HI 8 format the component signal splits the chrominance and luminance signals, which gives the tape quality a sharper image making it suitable for cable broadcast. If you are looking for a basic format that offers better audio, the Hi 8 provides four channels. Two channels are PCM and the other two are AFM. However, only one pair of these channels can be used at one time. Again, if you're working within budget constraints, this format should satisfy your needs. The small size of this tape makes it portable and easily available for storage and travel.

8mm Format
8mm tape is the same size as the Hi 8 format and is also used with the basic camcorder. Good for recording meetings and presentations, this format is basically used in the same way as the Hi 8, except that the image does not appear as sharp in the final recording. The quality of the 8mm tape is lower than the standard VHS. Using this tape as a master will affect the sharpness of your reproductions, but if it fits your budget and presentation needs, then it should suffice. If you were thinking about getting reproductions onto 8mm, it would not be very practical since the viewers will have to obtain a 8mm deck or camcorder. Also, reproducing from this format onto VHS will show considerable loss in image quality.

SVHS Format
SVHS format is the same size as the VHS tape used in your home VCR or camcorder and offers a sharper image than the regular VHS tape, but it must be played on a Super VHS player. The Super VHS is also a component format, but splits the signal in a slightly different way than the BCSP. As within the Hi 8 format, the SVHS also has a component signal which splits the chrominance and luminance signals, giving the image a quality suitable for cable broadcast. It also offers 400 lines of resolution (which increases the sharpness of the image) rather than the standard 250 lines common in regular VHS and 8mm tapes. Mastering or reproducing your production to SVHS would be sufficient if you intend to make a moderate amount of reproductions from them. This tape is good for the simple and unedited taping of meetings, or other functions, which do not require elaborate production techniques. As for as broadcast use, SVHS is also acceptable for use on public access cable stations.

VHS Format
VHS is the format that you normally use at home or rent from your local video store. The VHS tape is the most widely known and used format for making reproductions of a master. However, if you desire to use this format as a master, then you will notice a huge difference in the quality of your reproductions. Reproducing from this tape format will show a great loss in image quality. VHS quality will also differ based on tape speed (SP, EP, or LP).