Introduced by Sanyo in 1974, the first VCord format (VCord I) basically took 1/2 " reel to reel tape and repackaged it in a cassette. The first type I machines could record and play 30 & 60 minute cassettes, while the later type II machines could accept the slightly larger 120 minute cassettes. The type II machines were backwards compatible with the type I 30 & 60 minute tapes.

Sanyo and Toshiba were the key players in this market.  Interesting to note is that this was the first consumer vcr to offer two recording speeds !