[Info-vax] OT: About Digital and divisions

[glen herrmannsfeldt]

Richard B. Gilbert <rgilbert88 at comcast.net> wrote:

(snip)
> Sony, in many ways, was not too bright!  Their home video tape system
> was technically superior.  They had it locked up with patents and were
> unable or unwilling to license those patents.  They wanted the WHOLE pie!

Especially Beta-HiFi worked much better than VHS-HiFi, and could
be done without adding more heads.

> VHS came along.  It also was patented but the holders of those patents 
> were willing to license to just about anyone who was willing and able to
> to meet their *very reasonable terms*.

Also, VHS went to slower (and lower quality) speeds, and so won
over those who didn't care about picture quality.

> Can you buy a "BetaMax" new, today?  Would you buy a BetaMax????????
> Guess who got rich!!  Hint; it wasn't Sony's stock holders!

Beta stayed popular in the professional market for many years
after it faded from the home market.  

-- glen