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.

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And in Other News...

[trix_e]

Ford has announced that it will cease production of the Model-T after the 2003 production run. The company cited difficulty in finding craftsmen skilled in sheet metal beating as the primary cause.

Similarly, the Sperry Rand Corporation has ceased all work on new UNIVAC models. Sales had dropped off in recent decades to the point where the financial viability of the line was no longer profitable. It was also noted that the availability of vacuum tubes played into the decision.

Finally, The Mayo Clinic has declared that it will no longer offer leeching as a method of treatment for bad blood humours. "We've found that Mr. Moogle's Magic Tonic works just as effectively without the unsightly hickies," noted Chief of Staff Wilhelm Norton.

Back to you Hemos...