 |
|
As the ENG system using U-matic became standard for broadcast stations, on-site reporting became less and less laborious. However, at this time a mobile system consisted of a VTR operator and a sound crew standing behind a cameraman. A group of four or five people was still needed to operate one system. Furthermore, if the cable connecting the camera to the VTR was forgotten, the system was useless. Moreover, the connecting cable often restricted movement. Eventually, broadcast stations began asking for a simpler, lighter system that required fewer people to operate.
At that time, while Takano was working to improve the image quality of the BV series, another section within Sony was developing an industrial-use camera and VTR unit that used a similar sized cassette tape as Betamax.
These two efforts were combined and a new ENG format was developed. This was based on a single unit camera and VTR, employing the same size cassette tape as Betamax. In April 1981, Sony displayed the BVW-1 Betacam unit at the NAB Show. In the meantime, Matsushita launched the M Format, and once again a competition loomed as to which format would dominate the market.
|
 | | The introduction of Betacam further enhanced the mobility of broadcast-use equipment |
|
Sales of home-use Betamax weakened in stark contrast to the surging sales of the Betacam VTR. Eventually, Betacam became the de facto standard for ENG, capturing 95% of the market. The foundation for this impressive outcome was the trust gained by Sony through its marketing efforts of U-matic in the early 1970s.
As Betacam became popular, users began to demand a Betacam VTR with editing capabilities. In 1983, this was realized with the introduction of the BVW-40 model. Sony now offered a full line-up of Betacam equipment from acquisition through post-production. The underlying concept behind Sony's broadcast equipment business was  Customers come first. All product development was undertaken with the convenience of the user in mind.
Eventually, Matsushita tried to reduce Sony's market share by introducing the M-II Format, a successor to the M Format. M-II utilized a metal tape for recording high quality images. Sony responded by introducing Betacam SP (Super Performance), its own line of hardware, which used metal tape. The BVW-505, introduced in 1986, was the first Betacam SP machine. This was widely accepted by users as it not only improved image quality, but also was compatible with conventional Betacam, thus generating growth of the standard throughout the industry.
As often is the case, competition leads to technological improvements. The mobility and functions of Sony's ENG equipment improved drastically thanks to the competition from Matsushita's M and M-II formats.
|
|
|
|
|
|
