U-matic is an analog videotape format introduced by Sony in 1971, originally designed for professional television production and educational use. The tape features a ¾-inch (19mm) width and was the first large-scale commercial product to utilize a cassette-based videotape system. U-matic gained widespread use from the 1970s to the 1990s due to its stability and durability, particularly in television stations and production companies.

Common types of U-matic include:

• U-matic Standard: The earliest model, primarily used for recording and playing professional programs. The large cassette dimensions are 21.9 x 13.7 x 3 cm, and it typically bears a "U-matic" label.

• U-matic S (Small Version): A more compact cassette, making it easier to carry, but it uses the same recording technology as the standard version. The dimensions are approximately 18.5 x 12 x 3 cm.

U-matic reached its peak during the 1970s to early 1980s, widely adopted by television stations, production companies, and educational institutions worldwide. However, with the advent of newer, more efficient formats like VHS and Betacam, U-matic gradually phased out. Sony ceased production of U-matic equipment in the early 1990s, but some institutions continued to use the format for data storage and playback into the early 2000s.