Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP
Posting-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site houxm.UUCP
Path: utzoo!linus!security!genrad!grkermit!masscomp!clyde!burl!hou3c!hocda!houxm!5121cdd
From: 5121cdd@houxm.UUCP
Newsgroups: net.video
Subject: Re: Bye-bye Beta?
Message-ID: <681@houxm.UUCP>
Date: Mon, 23-Jan-84 14:31:26 EST
Article-I.D.: houxm.681
Posted: Mon Jan 23 14:31:26 1984
Date-Received: Fri, 27-Jan-84 06:05:18 EST
References: <498@bbncca.ARPA>
Organization: Bell Labs, Holmdel NJ
Lines: 25

I seriously doubt that Sony will drop the Beta format.  It is true that
Sony did develop the Beta format, and that it is technically superior to
VHS (Beta is based on the pro 3/4" U-Matic format and is much less
demanding on the tape -- fewer harsh bends, etc), however, it is also
true that Sony developed the VHS format.  Sony licenses the rights to
the other manufacturers to produce VHS VCRs.  It is clear that Sony made
a choice as to which format has a future and has "stayed the course".

Also, Sony has just developed Beta Hi-Fi whichs adds excellent quality
audio capability to the video -- VHS Hi-Fi is slated to come out shortly,
but, again, it is not quite as good as the Beta Hi-Fi.  Interestingly
enough, Nakamichi has bought into the Beta Hi-Fi approach and is
reportedly planning to market their own models.

I doubt that the video "guru" (or business analyst) was much of either --
25% of a multi billion dollar industry is non-trivial.

I personally own a Sony SL-2000 (VCR) and TT-2000 (Tuner/Timer) and have
had both excellent luck and results.  I, however, mainly use the SL-2000
as a storage medium for digital audio using the Sony PCM-F1.


Craig Dory
AT&T Bell Laboratories
Holmdel, NJ