wwb (12/13/82)
Beta format is supposed to be technically superior to VHS. VHS outsells Beta in the east and midwest. Beta outsells VHS in the west. The record/playback heads and drive (the guts of the recorder) are identical for all brands and all models of Beta recorders, Sony, Sears, Sanyo, Zenith, etc. They are all made by Sony. The features that you get in more expensive decks, like special effects, longer timers, etc. determine the price. Video record and playback quality is identical. The same is true for VHS, one japanese company makes the record/playback heads, etc. for all VHS recorders and sells them to all manufacturers, like RCA. By the way, Sony invented both VHS and Beta technology. VHS was their first try but they found the inherent quality unacceptable. They started over and came up with Beta. After Beta was well into the market place, they leased the rights to VHS. Considering they get a percentage of each VHS deck sold, as well as making the components for all Beta decks, I don't think they care too much which sells the most. The most important thing to consider when selecting your format is compatibility with you friend's machines. I got a Beta because my friends had Beta recorders. Because you often tend to trade tapes, compatibility is important. Walt Barnes .../ihuxn/wwb