Sony Kills Betamax

Hiawatha writes "Years after losing its grip on the consumer VCR market, Sony has announced that it will discontinue the Betamax format. "With digital machines and other new recording formats taking hold in the market, demand has continued to decline and it has become difficult to secure parts," Sony said in a statement." Finally. Although this is the prototypical example of good technology outdone by better marketing, it's an example of a company being stupidly obstinate about wanting to own a system, and shooting themselves in the foot. Update: 08/27 17:52 GMT by H : Yes, they were successful in broadcast, and to some degree overseas - but the commercial success was still severely limited to, say, VHS.

Comments

Betamax was quite popular outside of the US.

[Anonymous Coward]

I'm sorry to disappoint you, when you say 'finally', but Betamax was quite popular in places outside of the US. Also, some professional equipment used Betamax. While the Hemos' comment on Betamax vs VCR is technically correct, I don't think he grasps its popularity in other market segments and countries. Hemos, just because it isn't popular in Holland, MI, doesn't mean other places don't use it.

betaMAX

[Anonymous Coward]

I don't think BetaMAX and the 3/4 inch Beta professional format are the same thing. I can't believe they would kill all beta. Virtually ALL professional taping is done with Beta.

Re:Fooey

[CarrionBird]

Which is why the DMCA makes trafficking (sp?) in Beta VCRs illegal.
Also old VHS models without the automatic gain bullshit.

Feh.