[Info-vax] OT: About Digital and divisions

[Richard B. Gilbert]

On 11/20/2011 4:42 PM, glen herrmannsfeldt wrote:
> 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.
>

And the "professional market" represents what percent of Sony's profits?
0.1% perhaps?