Betamax failure

BETAMAX FAILUREGROUP MEMBERS:MARIA IQBAL (9691)MARINA QADIR (10195)

INTRODUCTION• Developed by Sony, Released in Japan May

10, 1975.• Format for Videocassette Recording (VCR).• Machine Designed to deliver Home Video-

Taping equipment.• After introduction of Philips VCR in 1972.• BETA means “the way signals are recorded” ,

MAX means “Maximum”• It Is also known as ‘Beta’ Greek letter beta (β)

FEATURES• VCR is an electro-mechanical device

which is used for recording and playing back. It uses magnetic tape recording format.•Betamax provide better Picture

Quality.• Initially, It provide one hour of video

recording.

FEATURES (CONT.)

• Later In 1977, Sony introduced Betamax SL-8200 which provide two hour recording time. • Betamax Cassette is smaller in size than VHS, it contains

12.7mm wide video tape.

Betamax SL-8200

BETAMAX UPGRADATION

• Betamax HIFI: In 1984, High Fidelity audio- sound with little distortion, Frequency to 400kHz.• Super Betamax: in 1988,

frequency till 800kHz.

FAILURE OF BETAMAX

• Rival JVC developed VHS system (Video Home System) just a year later its introduction. Which developed Videotape Format War.• Weak marketing strategy.• Short recording time (VHS could record for six hours and

Betamax only for two hours max).• Refused to License their format.

FAILURE (CONT.)

•Mass manufactured object (VHS was about 29 Ibs and Betamax was about 36 Ibs)• Ownership goes down & VHS took 95% of market share.• Overweening pride, Sony claimed that it is technically

superior model • Sony's decision to ignore VHS.

DISCONTINUATION

• Betamax Recorder discontinued in 2002• On Nov 10, 2015. Sony Announced that Betamax tape will

cease manufacturing by march 2016.

SUGGESTIONS

• Improve marketing strategy (what customer wants: reduced Cost Increased recording time)• Should move with the changing environment

(Technological Advancement)