Beta and lessons in marketing (was Slide file and Beta)

[P3D Bill Costa - UNH Computing & Information Srvs <W_COSTA@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

    Derek Gee recently wrote in part...

> Betacam is not 'slightly modified'...Try comparing Super-VHS to Super 
> Beta if you'd like a more accurate comparison.

    Quite true.

> From a professional point of view, both VHS and consumer Beta formats
> suck.  

    Here here!

> It is a large LIE that Beta is superior to VHS.  

    Not a lie, a real difference of opinion.  In terms of image quality,
    tape handling (i.e. ability to quickly change modes), etc. etc. -  at
    any give point of time, many people including myself felt that Beta had
    the edge.  The one clear advantage VHS has always been able to maintain
    over Beta at any given point in time was the ability to make longer
    recordings on one cartridge.  But otherwise.... I remember back when it
    was a real horse race, video magazines referred to VHS as
    `clunk-a-vision' --- and with good reason.  

> I'm dreadfully tired of the VHS vs 
> Beta arguements that all those sore losers who bought Beta machines
> keep bringing up, so I'll say no more on this.

    I've always owned both, so I don't know if I qualify as a sore loser. 
    But I think the Beta vs. VHS format wars serves as an excellent example
    of the strength of marketing.  Sony made a number of serious marketing
    mistakes with Beta - one of the chief ones being that they charged 
    companies too much for licensing the Beta format.  JVC's licensing for 
    VHS was much cheaper.  Couple that the Japanese concept of `families'
    of companies that prefer to deal with each other, and Sony found itself
    with only a few partners while JVC had many.  

    So my justification for this post to the 3D list is to point out that
    because of the current state of technology and the public interest in
    Virtual Reality, we may see companies attempt to market 3D gear - this
    time video.  It would be unfortunate if we once again have a war of
    formats.  I think Sony learned a valuable lesson.  Look at the recent
    compromise on the new video CD format between (I believe) the Sony and
    Toshiba camps. One can only hope that a single video 3D format will
    emerge early and be supported by all players.

    							Later....BC

    PS: I personally believe that if Beta had won, nobody would today be
    lamenting the loss of VHS.  The fact that Sony invented the technology
    behind both Beta *and* VHS (i.e. u-wrap and m-wrap technology), the
    fact that Sony went with the u-wrap (Beta) technology says volumes.
    We could continue the debate off-line if you'd like, but I doubt any
    minds will be changed on either side. ;-)

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