I came across this and thought it was somehow funny - and also kind of sad. Some of the higlights in the rise and fall of Beta in Sony-land.
* June 1974 - Sony holds demo of first working Beta prototype
* June 1975 - Sony introduces SL-6300 Beta deck, and LV-1801 TV/VCR console, in Japan. Console demoed at Summer CES in Chicago.
* February 1976 - Sony introduces SL-7200 deck at $1260, with optional timer for $40. Sony deliberately eliminates video input and audio dub mode for U.S. version of the Japanese model.
* September 1978 - Sony introduces the SL-5400, first BII/BIII recorder; first consumer VCR with visible picture search. Sony assures the public that VHS will never match this feature.
* June 1982 - Sony secretly previews Beta Hi-Fi to software suppliers at Summer CES, causing widespread rumors and turmoil. Sony also intros the SL-2500 , first Beta VCR with infrared remote.
* January 1983 - Sony ballyhoos Beta Hi-Fi at Winter CES with the SL-5200 in an elaborate demonstration. Assures press and public that VHS will never be able to match this feature.
* January 1985 - Sony introduces SuperBeta at Winter CES with the high-end SL-HF900 and assures the public that VHS will never be able to match this feature. The SL-HF900 is first VCR with jog/shuttle knob.
* August 1986 - Sony introduces the high-end, feature-laden SL-HF1000, first consumer editing VCR with flying erase heads and improved "Super High-Band" recording mode, but in B-I only. Only Sony Beta to ever have a built-in character generator and Black Screen mode.
* June 1987 - JVC demos Super VHS at Summer CES, claiming 400 lines of resolution. Sony counters with demo of ED Beta format, using new metal tape, claiming 500 lines of resolution.
* January 8, 1988 - Sony demonstrates finished ED Beta models, prototype ED Beta camcorder, and U.S. Laserdisc players. Denies persistent rumors that they will soon market VHS recorders. (related article from 1988 - Sony tries to fight back with Beta ED)
* January 12, 1988 - Sony announces they will add VHS format to worldwide product line. Assures public that they will not abandon existing Beta market.
* 1993 - Sony introduces the LAST American Beta VCR, the SL-HF2000. Mediocre picture quality, few features.
* August 2002 - Sony Tokyo FORMALLY announces it will cease production of all Beta machines worldwide by the end of the year.
* June 1974 - Sony holds demo of first working Beta prototype
* June 1975 - Sony introduces SL-6300 Beta deck, and LV-1801 TV/VCR console, in Japan. Console demoed at Summer CES in Chicago.
* February 1976 - Sony introduces SL-7200 deck at $1260, with optional timer for $40. Sony deliberately eliminates video input and audio dub mode for U.S. version of the Japanese model.
* September 1978 - Sony introduces the SL-5400, first BII/BIII recorder; first consumer VCR with visible picture search. Sony assures the public that VHS will never match this feature.
* June 1982 - Sony secretly previews Beta Hi-Fi to software suppliers at Summer CES, causing widespread rumors and turmoil. Sony also intros the SL-2500 , first Beta VCR with infrared remote.
* January 1983 - Sony ballyhoos Beta Hi-Fi at Winter CES with the SL-5200 in an elaborate demonstration. Assures press and public that VHS will never be able to match this feature.
* January 1985 - Sony introduces SuperBeta at Winter CES with the high-end SL-HF900 and assures the public that VHS will never be able to match this feature. The SL-HF900 is first VCR with jog/shuttle knob.
* August 1986 - Sony introduces the high-end, feature-laden SL-HF1000, first consumer editing VCR with flying erase heads and improved "Super High-Band" recording mode, but in B-I only. Only Sony Beta to ever have a built-in character generator and Black Screen mode.
* June 1987 - JVC demos Super VHS at Summer CES, claiming 400 lines of resolution. Sony counters with demo of ED Beta format, using new metal tape, claiming 500 lines of resolution.
* January 8, 1988 - Sony demonstrates finished ED Beta models, prototype ED Beta camcorder, and U.S. Laserdisc players. Denies persistent rumors that they will soon market VHS recorders. (related article from 1988 - Sony tries to fight back with Beta ED)
* January 12, 1988 - Sony announces they will add VHS format to worldwide product line. Assures public that they will not abandon existing Beta market.
* 1993 - Sony introduces the LAST American Beta VCR, the SL-HF2000. Mediocre picture quality, few features.
* August 2002 - Sony Tokyo FORMALLY announces it will cease production of all Beta machines worldwide by the end of the year.