[bombcar]

We have to remember that at the time of the decision, there really wasn't any source of things to copy with a Betamax recording device besides commercial broadcast TV and other copyrighted materials.

Camcorders and such devices where you could make your own content were very rare, if available at all.

[Aerroon]

I don't think that justifies the decision though. People did personally own cameras. Also, broadcast TV might want to use it for copies themselves.

[indymike]

Camcorders were not, but cameras and portable battery powered tape decks were.