TDK

TDK - was founded in Tokyo, Japan, on 7 December 1935 to manufacture the iron-based magnetic material ferrite, which had been recently invented by Yogoro Kato and Takeshi Takei. In 1952 and 1957 they began production of magnetic tapes, with compact cassette tapes following in 1966; it is for these that the company is most widely noted. TDK used to manufacture an extensive portfolio of magnetic and optical media, including several formats of videotape and blank CD-R and recordable DVD discs until the recording business was sold to Imation in 2007. Operations in the USA began in 1965 with a New York City office, and European operations began in 1970 with an office in Frankfurt, West Germany. Since 1997 TDK has gradually withdrawn from the production of compact cassettes. First with the MA-X and AR ("Acoustic Response"), then the AD ("Acoustic Dynamic") and SA-X line in 2001 and 2002 respectively, then the MA ("Metal Alloy") line in 2004. The SA ("Super Avilyn") and D ("Dynamic") lines were withdrawn in 2012 under Imation ownership. In late 2007, Imation acquired TDK's recording business, including flash media, optical media, magnetic tape, and accessories, for $300 million. This also included a license to use the "TDK Life on Record" brand on data storage and audio products for 25 years. In September 2015, Imation announced that it had agreed to relinquish this license and would cease selling TDK-branded products by the end of the year.

Brand Manufacturer Model Description Type Length Year Made in Market
VHS, Video Home System: TDK  - SC 180 TDK TDK SC Type I Normal 180 Thailand Australia
VHS, Video Home System: TDK  - STD 120 TDK TDK STD Type II Chrome 120 Mexico North America
VHS, Video Home System: TDK  - TV 150 TDK TDK TV Type I Normal 150 Japan North America
VHS, Video Home System: TDK  - TV 240 TDK TDK TV Type I Normal 240 Japan North America
VHS, Video Home System: TDK  - TV 120 TDK TDK TV Type II Chrome 120 Japan
VHS, Video Home System: TDK  - TVR 180 TDK TDK TVR Type I Normal 180 UK
VHS, Video Home System: TDK  - TVR 240 TDK TDK TVR Type I Normal 240 Australia
VHS, Video Home System: TDK  - Vivid 120 TDK TDK Vivid T-120VIBH Type I Normal 120 USA North America
VHS, Video Home System: TDK  - XP 240 TDK TDK XP Type I Normal 240 Europe Australia, Europe