F. S. Pantalone’s Weblog

When I think failure one huge one comes to mind, Sony’s Betamax. With the on going battle between Microsoft Corporation’s HD-DVD and Sony’s Blue-Ray, I thought reflecting on Beta Tapes would be a good. JVC released VHS in 1980 and by 1988 Sony conceded defeat when it too began producing VHS recorders. Betamax and especially SuperBetamax had a higher quality than VHS but the battle was won in the marketing. Sony set the standard and controlled the market with their U-matic. So, JVC (Victor Co. of Japan) had a great idea to create their own and compete, which as we know didn’t turn out well for Sony.

• 350×240 (250 lines): Video CD
• 330×480 (250 lines): Umatic, Betamax, VHS, Video8
• 400×480 (300 lines): Super Betamax, Betacam (professional)
• 440×480 (330 lines): analog broadcast
• 560×480 (420 lines): LaserDisc, Super VHS, Hi8

• 670×480 (500 lines): Enhanced Definition Betamax
• 720×480 (500 lines): DVD, miniDV, Digital8, Digital Betacam (professional)
• 720×480 (400 lines): Widescreen DVD (anamorphic)
• 1280×720 (700 lines): D-VHS, HD DVD, Blu-ray, HDV (miniDV)
• 1920×1080 (1000 lines): D-VHS, HD DVD, Blu-ray, HDCAM SR (professional)

In Japan, Betamax had a little bit more success and eventually evolved into Enhanced Definition Betamax with more than 500 lines resolution. It is clear that Sony had the better product, which just shows with out good marketing you will fail.