Abstract: An audio-video recording system employs a booth containing a video camera and microphone, a video display screen and timing means connected to the camera to operate it for a predetermined period. The signal from the camera is recorded on a video cassette recorder. Means are provided for distinguishing authorized video cassettes from unauthorized video cassettes enabling the system for recording when an authorized signal is received and preventing recording on an unauthorized cassette. Preferably, the authorizing signal is prerecorded on the tape of the video cassette and erased upon use of the cassette.