This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Sony Releases Blu-Ray Betamax Combo Player
Melding a little of the new with a little of the old, Sony has recently released a Blu-Ray Betamax combo device so one can still enjoy his Beta library as well as his ever growing HD Blu-Ray DVD collection.
Much ballyhooed when it was introduced in the '70s, Betamax's popularity dwindled when Sony refused to license X-rated adult films onto the Beta format. JVC's backed VHS standard rapidly grew marketshare, despite their inferior quality to Beta, solely because it allowed adult content to be recorded on VHS. Not only did this cause a revolution in homes around the world - being able to own and rent movies to be shown in one's own house - but it changed the way porn was enjoyed. Now people no longer had to frequent seedy XXX movie houses, they could watch "Debbie Does Dallas" in the privacy of their own bedrooms.
Beta's popularity never went down in the commercial world, as Beta SP remained the standard for broadcast professionals until DV began to take over, especially in the television production.
Although Blu-Ray has yet to seriously make a dent in the market, the DVD format known for its crisp detail is poised to be the next set-top box in your home. By melding the two, Sony is sure to have another hit on their hands... as long as someone starts releasing porn on Blu-Ray.
h/t Metafilter
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
