VideoFax
From Sega Retro
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VideoFax was a series of VHS cassettes given to Gremlin/Sega arcade distributors in North America. The idea was to give potential buyers a visual demonstration of Gremlin/Sega's products, rather than having to travel to see the new machines in person.
Gremlin/Sega introduced the concept in June 1980, with the first three covering Astro Fighter, Carnival and Digger[1]. Each tape was about seven minutes in length[1], demonstrating not only what the game looked like, but how to play it. The company planned to release cassttes for every game it produced going forward.
VideoFax cassettes were also produced to explain how to service the games too, usually starring customer service manager Steve Margolin (being nicknamed "Margolin tapes")[1].
The concept of pre-recorded home video cassettes was still relatively new in 1980, so Gremlin/Sega gave away players as a sales incentive. It was reportedly well received by distributors (who in turn would use the tapes to advertise to individual arcades).
The idea for VideoFax is credited to then-president Frank Fogleman, with production undertaken by director of video production Ron Stein[1]. It is not known how many VideoFax cassettes were produced, or when Sega stopped producing them.