Regulating a Video Revolution

Abstract

In the past five years the medium of videotape has grown tremendously. Movies can be rented on videotape from a diverse and ever increasing number of sources, including convenience stores, supermarkets, and even automatic vending machines. Home video earns nearly three times as much annual revenue as the theatrical movie industry, and the video rental market has grown an average of 25% per year. Some estimate that by 1990 videocassette recorders (VCRs) will be in 78% percent of American homes and that 50% of all households will own two VCRs. Home viewing of major productions is now commonplace in America with the typical VCRowning family renting more than six videotapes each month.