Beta vs. VHS

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What do you like: Beta vs. VHS?

A lot of people want to know which one is better, Betamax (often called Beta) or Video Home System (almost always called VHS).

Many people have a strong opinion on it.

Some people think Beta is better because it has better quality and a smaller format. Other people think VHS is better because there's more movies and other content available on it.

The debate of Betamax vs VHS may turn out to be the most serious format war ever.

What's your opinion?

Which do you prefer?
Betamax tapes on Amazon
VHS Tapes on Amazon

more...

Beta

Betamax, May 10, 1975

Sony created Betamax with a 1/2 inch wide videotape, no guard band, and azimuth recording.

Makers of Beta video recorders and players: Sony, Sanyo, Aiwa, Toshiba, Murphy, NEC, Zenith, and Pioneer.

Video: Betamax is nice because it offers higher quality video than VHS. 250 compared to 240 horizontal lines, less video noise, and lower video crosstalk

Audio: The Beta HiFi technology is better than the Dolby B of the VHS decks. Not only was the audio quality better, the VHS stereo track faded on one side after several plays, and Beta did not.

VHS

Video Home System, September 1976

Sony bought the rights to VHS from Roberts, and then sold it to JVC. It also has a 1/2 inch wide videotape.

Nearly every manufacturer makes a model for the United States, and many make models for the European and Asian markets.

Video length: VHS is nice because it has a longer recording and playback length. The original version offered the U.S. markets a 1-hour recording time while VHS offered 4-hour. Current models can get 10-12 hours on VHS, and Betamax can only record 5 hours on a tape.

Tell us which YOU like!

Which do you prefer?

Tell us if you like Betamax or VHS, and why!

Fetching blurbs now... please stand by

Betamax, baby!

Joshua says:

Beta is better but Blu-ray whoops them both!

Posted May 02, 2009

Danny says:

Dispite the fact that Beta does have drawbacks, mainly due to the high cost, and time limits on tape, it's annoying that have to change tape at least twice during a movie, I go with beta. Beta has a higherer image quality, and is much more durable. VHS might be fine for pornography, but that's about it. Beta will be aroubnd for a while. One some will steal a VHS player and say, "Oh no! VHS!"

Posted May 02, 2009

VHS, man!

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