12 Old-School Tech Demo Tapes That Have Vanished
These 12 retro tech demo tapes once showed off the future — but now, they’re buried in the past.
- Chris Graciano
- 3 min read
Demo tapes were used by IT companies to promote their latest devices and software when CDs and VHS were seen as cutting-edge. These tapes were widely used at retail establishments and during trade exhibitions. They have largely vanished today.
1. Apple Newton Promo Tape
Felix Winkelnkemper on Wikimedia Commons
This video pitched the Newton as the future of personal computing, complete with handwriting recognition and stylus input. The tape was slick, but the product flopped.
2. Sega Dreamcast Retail Demo VHS
Ryan Somma on Flickr
Sent to game stores ahead of launch, this tape hyped the Dreamcast’s graphics and online features. It was loud, fast-paced, and full of arcade footage.
3. Microsoft Windows 95 Launch Video
K. Latham on Flickr
Starring Matthew Perry and Jennifer Aniston, this quirky VHS aimed to explain Windows 95 to the masses. It mixed comedy with awkward tech tutorials.
4. Commodore Amiga Graphics Demo
Federigo Federighi on Wikimedia Commons
This tape showed off the Amiga’s revolutionary visuals and audio capabilities. With surreal animations and synthesized music, it wowed audiences at trade shows.
5. Panasonic 3DO System Showcase
Evan-Amos on Wikimedia Commons
A flashy sales tool for the short-lived 3DO console, the tape bragged about full-motion video and surround sound. It promised a new era in gaming. The console didn’t last — and neither did the tape.
6. IBM Aptiva Multimedia Demo
Terje Norli on Wikimedia Commons
Distributed with Aptiva PCs, this VHS highlighted features like voice navigation, CD-ROMs, and family software. It painted the home computer as a lifestyle upgrade.
7. Sony MiniDisc Introduction Tape
sean dreilinger on Flickr
Created to educate retailers and audiophiles, this promo explained why MiniDiscs were superior to CDs and cassettes. It was sleek and futuristic, just like the product.
8. Nintendo Power VHS Mailers
Zero Noun on Wikimedia Commons
Sent to magazine subscribers, these tapes hyped upcoming games with developer interviews and gameplay footage. They were highly collectible at the time.
9. Philips CD-i Infomercial Tape
Evan-Amos on Wikimedia Commons
A clunky attempt to market the CD-i as both a gaming console and multimedia device. The demo was full of stiff acting and awkward game clips. It failed to excite and quickly faded into obscurity.
10. Gateway 2000 Welcome Video
MBlairMartin on Wikimedia Commons
New Gateway PC buyers received a VHS walkthrough that introduced them to their system. With dated graphics and cheesy narration, it was both helpful and cringe-worthy.
11. Sharp Viewcam Demo Reel
WITNESS:: See it. Film it. Change it. on Flickr
Promoting their camcorder with the signature side-view screen, this tape showed families using the device in staged home moments. It tried hard to look casual and relatable. Today, it’s pure retro cheese.
12. AOL Startup Disk Commercial Tape
Jeran Renz on Wikimedia Commons
Sometimes bundled with computers or in the mail, this short tape explained how to install AOL using the included disk. It walked users through the dial-up process step-by-step.