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Sony To End Sales of Betamax Tapes Next Year

AmiMoJo writes: In March 2016 Sony will finally end sales of its Betamax video tapes. The firm revealed on its website that it will also stop shipping the Micro MV cassette, used in video cameras. Sony launched the format in 1975, a year before JVC's rival the VHS cassette — which eventually became the market leader after a long battle between the two brands and their fans. Although many felt Betamax was the superior format, most cite the longer recording length of VHS tapes — three hours versus one — and the cheaper manufacturing costs for VHS machines as the main factors as to why VHS eventually won out. When my dad stops buying VHS tapes in bulk, maybe that market will finally wither away, too.

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  1. VHS tapes in bulk? by xxxJonBoyxxx · · Score: 1, Funny

    >> When my dad stops buying VHS tapes in bulk

    This is probably BS, but I'll bite anyway. Why would "your dad" purchase VHS tapes "in bulk" - is he taping every episode of his favorite shows? Is there a "pirating for seniors" effort we could start to help people like this?