What was used before dvds?

Before DVDs, the primary format for home video was VHS (Video Home System) tapes, which were introduced in the late 1970s. VHS tapes allowed consumers to record television shows and watch movies at home, becoming the dominant format for video rental and home viewing. LaserDiscs were also available, offering higher quality but were less popular due to their larger size and cost. Additionally, Betamax, a competing format, was briefly popular but ultimately fell out of favor against VHS.