>can arguably be credited for VHS winning over BetaMax
This is something that is always mentioned, but sometimes I wonder if it is not a myth, or a simple exaggeration or simplification.
This is something that is always mentioned, but sometimes I wonder if it is not a myth, or a simple exaggeration or simplification.
BetaMax housings were very small, so they didn't have enough capacity for feature films unless they were run at 1/2 or 1/3 speed, which reduced quality. The thing is, VHS could also be run slower to improve run times, but instead of maxing out at 90m, they could run for almost 250m for tapes about at the same price.
Tapes with longer run times eventually came to market, but well after VHS had established itself.
The first standalone Betamax VCR was the SL-7200 on which the timer was a $45 optional add-on.
Also at the time people were already buying wall socket timers for their reel-to-reel tape decks to record the radio, these would also work with a Betamax deck. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XbNgbtZJAcU
https://flashbak.com/product-genius-eulogy-sony-betamax-1975...
Don't forget they continued the same scenarios in DVD's + vs - R!