U-Matic, n.
(juːˈmætɪk)
Also U-matic.
[f. U (in sense 2 a), from the shape of the tape path around the drum and heads of the machine, + -matic.]
A proprietary name for a videocassette format, and for video and television equipment designed to accept this format. Cf. *Betamax n.
| 1972 Trade Marks Jrnl. 7 June 1095/1 U-Matic... Electrical and electronic instruments and apparatus..; radio and television apparatus; video tape recorders, video tape players, monitor television receiving sets, recording and pre-recorded video tape... 13th September, 1971. 1973 Official Gaz. (U.S. Patent Office) 17 Apr. tm176/1 U-Matic. For video tape recorders and/or reproducers, and video cassettes... First use Aug. 2, 1971. 1975 Business Week 19 May 48/3 Betamax is a sophisticated version of Sony's highly successful $1,800 U-Matic tape recording cartridge unit. 1982 Financial Times 5 Feb. 10/3 Sony..decided that the tape should be in cassette form so that the general public would be able to use the recorder. Its first such product, today called the U-matic, was introduced in 1969. 1986 Melody Maker 19 Apr. 49/4 (Advt.), Promos & live gigs at lowest prices on U-matic equipment. 1988 Engineering News-Record 18 Feb. 47/2 The movie is available in VHS, Beta, U-Matic, 16 mm film and MPO. |