tapes
U-matic tapes come in many varieties and types. Sony's range of tapes set the standard. At present there are three series of tapes available: KSP, XBR and BRS. All types comes in two sizes. Large and Small. The smaller tapes are the only ones that will fit into the portable recorders such as the VO-6800 or the BVU-150.

The Tapes series available are:
KSP series
Small:KSP-S10 KSP-S20Large:KSP-10 KSP-20 KSP-30 KSP-60
XBR series
Small:KCS-10XBR KCS-20XBRLarge:KCA-10XBR KCA-20XBR KCA-30XBR KCA-60XBR
BRS series
Small:KCS-10BRS KCS-20BRSLarge:KCA-10BRS KCA-20BRS KCA-30BRS KCA-60BRS

Here the number denotes tape running running time. For example a KCS-10XBR is a ten minute tape. In practice manufacturers always include a little extra tape to allow for lace-up etc, so the actual running time will be nearer twelve minutes.

The different series tapes are suitable for the different U-matic formats: Hi, Lo-band and SP. The KSP tape is the highest specification and is recommended for SP recordings, XBR for high-band and the BSR for Lo-band.

Other manufacturers producing U-matic tapes include Maxell, 3M and Ampex.