<< It's the old Betamax vs VHS argument again. Betamax was undoubtedly the
better format - smaller size tapes with higher quality pictures and sound,
and the tapes were slightly longer! >> (Stainless Steel Rat)
Actually, Betamax had a *shorter* recording time than VHS, and that is the
main reason why VHS won out over Beta. When VHS was first introduced,
Betamax could only record one hour on a tape (versus VHS's two hours), which
was impractical for Americans who wanted to tape television movies. As the
competition intensified between the two formats, VHS continued to pull ahead
in recording time. Betamax didn't have a chance because Sony was too stupid
to consider surveys indicating the American preference for longer recording
time.
As for the MP3-MD debate, Sony would be smart to consider bundling a cheap
portable recorder with an optical out sound card. That would put its
product in electronic stores' PC departments so that minidisc could compete
with MP3. At Best Buy at least, MP3 players are merchandised in the Home
Audio Department as well as in the PCHO Department, and in the PCHO
Department, MP3 players can be found on a prominent front endcap, in the
back lock-up wall, *and* (beginning this week) in the multimedia peripherals
section. Sony desperately needs to play catch up if it wants to win this
popularity contest!
Daryl
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