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Is Betamax overrated?

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    Is Betamax overrated?

    Some of you may have seen Sony's recent TV and magazine ads which promote the Beta format, and Sony's Betamax VCRs in particular, as having a sharper picture than VHS VCRs. I am happy to see this, as it should serve to spread the word around. My local dealer gave me a copy of a little brochure which is intended to help the dealer explain to customers just why Beta is better.

    While some of this material has been covered (over and over) on this forum, much of it hasn't, and I think others would find it interesting.

    Please remember that I am quoting Sony material, so please don't flame at me:

    -----------
    Q. Why does the Sony Betamax have a sharper picture?

    A. Higher writing speed. Writing speed refers to how fast the video heads
    place electronic information (the video program signal) on the moving
    magnetic tape that's in the videocasette. A higher writing speed means
    more "video information" can be recorded on the tape. The more video
    information there is on the tape, the more detailed and sharp the picture
    is. Betamax's writing speed is 20% higher than VHS.

    Q. How did the Sony Betamax get its higher writing speed?

    A. From its larger video head drum. Betamax's video head drum (the part
    of the VCR that transfers the video signal to tape) has a diameter
    21% larger than the drum on a VHS. With our larger drum, we place more
    of that information on the tape to give you a sharper picture.

    Q. What else gives the Sony Betamax a sharper picture?

    A. Faster tape transport. Betamax video tape moves 14% faster through
    the Beta videocasette (in comparable tape speed modes) than VHS tape.
    The faster it moves, the more tape is passed by the video heads
    during recording. That means more tape surface is used for recording;
    and more tape adds up to more details.

    Q. Does the Sony Betamax's sharper picture stay sharper?

    A. Yes. One reason is the Betamax videocasette recorder uses a simple
    U-loading design; VHS has a more complicated M-loading design. In
    U-loading, the tape makes fewer turns (totalling 270 degrees) than
    M-loading, where the tape makes more turns at sharper angles
    (totalling 540 degrees). U-loading places less stress and tension
    on the tape; the tape (and the sharper picture) last longer.

    Q. So the Sony Betamax sharper picture is caused by better mechanical
    design. Anything else?

    A. Better electronics. To get finer detail, the video signal processed
    by the Betamax has been designed to transmit a wider range of darks
    and lights. This range is called detail contrast. It's possible
    because of Sony's advanced circuitry that produces a 30% greater
    FM deviation in a Betamax than in VHS, which gives Betamax a
    sharper picture. The greater FM deviation also helps reduce any
    snow or graininess in the picture.

    Q. What else gives Sony Betamax a sharper picture?

    A. Higher frequencies. Video signals recorded at higher frequencies
    produce a sharper picture. Basically, frequency is the number of
    times a signal moves from the lowest to the highest level every
    second. The AM chroma signal of a Betamax is 9% higher than VHS,
    which results in less interference and color noise. The peak white
    FM frequency is also 9% higher, which means there is proportionately
    less graininess. It all adds up to a sharper picture.
    [The brochure also says the following about the ad campaign:]
    ... it's important for you to know that the campaign is a result of two
    independent consumer surveys:

    - A market research study that showed picture sharpness
    is more important to VCR prospects than the availability
    of prerecorded movies.
    - A nationwide study that showed more people said the
    picture was sharper with Sony Betamax than the top
    14 VHS recorders.
    You can lead a fool to wisdom but you can't make him think.

    #2
    Looks Good !

    When are the new players coming in to the shops ?

    Sigh, I suppose I'll have to upgrade my Cine 8 movie collection now !
    Of all tyrannies, a tyranny sincerely exercised for the good of its victims may be the most oppressive. It would be better to live under robber barons than under omnipotent moral busybodies. The robber baron's cruelty may sometimes sleep, his cupidity may at some point be satiated; but those who torment us for our own good will torment us without end for they do so with the approval of their own conscience.

    C.S. Lewis

    Comment


      #3
      Amiga, Betamax.

      Oh Dear ™

      Comment


        #4
        Originally posted by DimPrawn View Post
        Amiga, Betamax.

        Oh Dear ™
        Threaded: Sort your time machine out. It seems to be causing some sort of rift.
        I am not qualified to give the above advice!

        The original point and click interface by
        Smith and Wesson.

        Step back, have a think and adjust my own own attitude from time to time

        Comment


          #5
          Does this mean I'll have to upgrade to a colour TV licence as well ?
          Of all tyrannies, a tyranny sincerely exercised for the good of its victims may be the most oppressive. It would be better to live under robber barons than under omnipotent moral busybodies. The robber baron's cruelty may sometimes sleep, his cupidity may at some point be satiated; but those who torment us for our own good will torment us without end for they do so with the approval of their own conscience.

          C.S. Lewis

          Comment


            #6
            I applaud both you and your dealers impecable eye for quality and wish you many years of happiness watching both of the films available in the beta format.

            Comment


              #7
              Originally posted by Board Game Geek View Post
              Looks Good !

              When are the new players coming in to the shops ?

              Sigh, I suppose I'll have to upgrade my Cine 8 movie collection now !
              I'd wait for HD-DVD if I were you.
              Where are we going? And what’s with this hand basket?

              Comment


                #8
                There is a brick like device called mobile phone
                anyone used it ?

                Comment


                  #9
                  Does Betamax support 1080p? Or is it only limited to 1080i?
                  Will work inside IR35. Or for food.

                  Comment


                    #10
                    What a tulip post

                    Comment

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