2017-06-15

[public] 581K views, 24.2K likes, 202 dislikes audio only

Technology Connections

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This is the continuing exploration of Sony's repeated missteps in the development and marketing of the Beta videotape format.

Link to Part 1: /youtube/video/FyKRubB5N60

Also, since making this video, I've made a much more recent video on the Betamovie itself! Check it out here: /youtube/video/a47kMoYkES0

The segment comparing the image quality between Beta and VHS was de-interlaced rather poorly by Premiere when rendering this video at 30p. Therefore, both formats look worse than they do in real life. The original footage is correctly interlaced at 60i, and in my upcoming video with simply that footage I will upload at 60p and hopefully it looks more like it does on my end. Trust me, they look pretty darn similar. Plus, that video contains more complex images to analyse the data a little more thoroughly, so stay tuned!

Link to new comparison video: /youtube/video/_oJs8-I9WtA

You can support Technology Connections on Patreon! Find me here:

https://www.patreon.com/technologyconnections

Image credits!

Beta HiFi

http://www.betamaxcollectors.com/images/sonybetamaxsl-5200_1.jpg

SuperBeta

http://www.tmraudio.com/product/sony-sl-hf900-video-cassette-recorder-super-beta-hi-fi-betamax

VHS HQ

https://www.picclickimg.com/00/s/MTIwMFgxNjAw/z/BYMAAOSw5cNYcnOx/$/Magnavox-VR9361-4-Head-HiFi-Stereo-VCR-VHS-_57.jpg

ED Beta

http://www.betainfoguide.net/Closeups.htm

BetaMovie

http://www.betainfoguide.net/BMC110a.jpg

video8

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/bd/Video_8_1985a.jpg

video8 cassette

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/4/49/Video_8_cassette.jpg

The Rise and Fall of Beta:

http://www.betainfoguide.net/RiseandFall.htm