Rebirth of the Tech Madman

From a technical point of view, among the players, content carriers, and storage formats, the player operates the content carrier, and the content carrier serves the storage format. ＠Top＠Point＠小＠Say,

Therefore, video recorders have generally followed the history of video tapes, and disputes over storage formats that have been fighting for each other have been around for a long time.

The development of the video tape system was driven by the popularity of televisions in the United States in an earlier period.

Due to the different time zones in the eastern and western United States, the American television industry needs to find a device to record the TV shows on the east coast and wait until the time for the show to be broadcast in the west.

Taking this as an opportunity, many companies including ampex and ampex have participated in the development work.

Established in 1944, the American storage equipment manufacturer ampex is one of the important pioneers in this industry. The first practical audio and video tapes in the United States came from its handwriting.

After making several experimental devices, ampex launched the first video tape recorder that achieved market success in 1956.

This product uses a two-inch or 51-cm tape, which is called the 2'quadruplex format. The prefix of "quad" comes from the 4 magnetic heads it uses. This recording method is also called horizontal recording.

In the recording format, the speed is 14400 per minute, and the corresponding speed in the pal format is 15000. A standard video tape is 4800 feet long and can record 1 hour of TV programs.

2‘The quadruplex video recorder has become the world’s first practical TV video tape, but it is priced as high as $50,000. Only the TV network and the largest private TV station. To be able to afford it.

In 1959. Japanese companies have entered this field. Toshiba has developed a new tape recording method that is different from quadruplex, spiral scanning, which can be realized in reel-reel-reel-to-reel tape. This form is basically popular now. , The well-known dual-head tape structure.

Sony quickly used this technology to start making efforts. In 1963, it launched the first reel-reel video recorder 2'pv-100 for business, medical, aviation and educational purposes. Philips' similar product is 1'el3400.

These applications belong to the professional field. The first video recorder for home applications also appeared in 1963, which was made by the Nottingham Electronic Vacuum Tube Company in the United Kingdom.

However, the shortcomings of this product are too obvious, the price is expensive, it can only record 20 minutes at a time, only supports the only black and white format available in the UK, and it is quite difficult for users to assemble it by themselves.

However, Japanese companies are best at solving these problems. In 1964, Sony introduced the cv-2000, a more mature and usable home video recorder.

In 1965, ampex and He also launched their own reel-reel black and white video recorders for the household consumer market at a price of less than US$1,000.

At the same time. The non-packaged reel system gradually evolved into a cassette type.

In 1970, Sony developed an industry standard together with seven other co-manufacturers. That is, the Sony u-system, which is the world's first commercialized video cassette format.

This kind of video tape uses 3/4 inch-19 cm tape, and the maximum playback time is 90 minutes.

Due to the ease of use, u-VCR quickly swept other consumer video tape systems in the Japanese and North American markets, and u-VCRs have been widely used in television stations, schools, and business fields.

It can be said that from the 1950s to the 1970s, the development of the video tape system at this stage can only be said to be in the stage of technology accumulation and survival of the fittest, and it is far from successful in the mass market.

It wasn't until the late 1970s, when European and Japanese companies developed advanced machines with more accurate electronic timers and longer recording times, that it became a major consumer product.

Up to now, there are three competing and physically incompatible different video cassette technical standards on the market.

Among them, as the third format, Philips launched in 1978.

This product is only sold in Europe. Due to its limited characteristics and unreliable reputation, the outlook is pessimistic, and it can be regarded as a passerby role and directly ignored.

It has to be said that Japan's innovation capabilities may not have many advantages, but in terms of technological improvement and optimization, it has repeatedly occupied the top spot in the world.

And this videotape format dispute is a good proof. The remaining two standards belong to Japanese companies. One is Sony, which is the first to launch betamax, and the other is JVS, which quickly followed up and launched vhs.

Of course, the manufacturers who participated in the previous stage of the development of the video tape system have become spectators, but it does not prevent them from following the trend of production to make money.

Through the first victory of u-, Sony has accumulated a deep technical background in the field of video recorders. Betamax evolved from u- and was launched in 1975; and the-vhs standard was developed by the company in 1976 .

In comparison between the two, vhs provides longer playback time than betamax, and the tape transport mechanism is not as complicated as betamax.

vhs is much faster than betamax's fast forward and reverse speeds, because the playback head has left the tape before the tape is reeled at high speed.

In terms of picture quality, the betamax format is better, but this advantage is often not as attractive as a longer playback time for users. And when entering the United States. Universal, who was afraid of impacting the film business, went to court.

The reason why Sony's betamax was defeated in the second stage of the video recorder standard competition. The reasons are very complicated. For example, I became arrogant because of the victory in the first stage of the market competition, the patented technology is not good enough but stands still, and the operation is too independent, which leads to the lack of partners.

And its backstage boss, Panasonic, has a low enough attitude and flexible enough attitude. When asked to increase the playing time by reducing the quality of the picture, Sony refused, and kneeled and licked it.

So that's it. The balance of power between the two camps has undergone a decisive change.

However, betamax, which failed in the mass application field, is still very extensive in the broadcast application field. After all, the latter cares more about image quality.

According to the historical trajectory, the direction of this battle of standards will not become clear until 1984. Before that, each of them desperately raced to occupy the market.

Tang Huan knows the stakes and knows how to choose, but after all, his strength is impressive. If you stand on Sony's side, it may really make Sony win in the end.

and so. The original situation of time and space can only be referenced, and Tang Huan has to actually investigate it before he can know it.

Under the advance arrangement of Yaskawa Hideaki, Tang Huan first visited Sony. Its chairman Akio Morita, director Norio Oga and others personally came forward to entertain him, while the president Kazuo Iwama failed to show up due to health reasons.

Tang Huan didn't think much about it, because he knew that Kazuo Iwama would die because of cancer, and Oga Norio would take over as president.

In other words, in the next ten years, the heads of Sony will be Akio Morita and Kazuo Iwama in front of them.

Although it seems that he was treated with hospitality, Tang Huan did not have any mood swings. He deserves such a standard. Moreover, the courtesy of the Japanese is only a kind of respect for the strong. Even if he nods and bows, he is polite. The ghost idea in his head is still correct.

During the greeting, Tang Huan made a special observation of Akio Morita, who is extremely prestigious in Japan.

This person served as a naval technical lieutenant during World War II and met Ibuka, so after the war, the two co-founded Sony.

Morita Akio’s contribution to Sony is manifested in many aspects: Sony’s financing and listing in the United States, the creation of the extremely successful Walkman "Walman" brand, the acquisition of Columbia Films... all the way to promote the brand to the world.

However, Akio Morita is not a peaceful businessman, and his remarks are even more noticeable.

For example, in the 1960s, Akio Morita wrote "The Uselessness of Education", which emphasized that companies should focus on personal abilities, not academic backgrounds.

This concept questioned the traditional Japanese employment habits and caused great repercussions in Japan at that time. It became a super bestseller and was republished more than ten times. He also won the reputation of "breaking the traditional frame and employing talents in any way."

In the last year of the 1980s in the original time and space, Akio Morita and political figure Shintaro Ishihara co-edited a book-"Japan Can Say No."

The publication period of this book was the craziest stage of Japan's economic situation. Sony bought Columbia, Panasonic bought Universal, and Mitsui bought Rockefeller Building... It feels like Japan would like to buy the entire United States.

In this climate of economic growth in Japan, the book quickly became a hot topic of discussion, and many unauthorized versions were translated into English and circulated in the United States.

It can be said that this book is famous for advocating that Japan should improve its autonomy in various fields including economy and diplomacy, especially its autonomy relative to the United States.

The book says: "The belligerent Japanese who provoked the war for no reason, the brutal Japanese who caused the Nanjing Massacre are two misunderstandings about the Japanese and the two reasons for'beating Japan'. We must adopt Measures to eliminate it."

However, in the authorized translation, Morita Akio's article was not included, which is said to be caused by Sony's concern that its own interests will be affected.

His hero, my enemy, that's it.

Although Tang Huan does not have a cold with Akio Morita, this will not affect his business with Sony. What's more, with the channels of communication, there will be a chance to start.

Just like the sentence Weng Jingjing once asked, "Can a big person be a good actor", the answer is of course. In everyone's heart. But there is a book "The Self-cultivation of an Actor".

"I'm here to disturb Sony this time. I feel very sorry. I specially prepared a small gift to express my heart." Tang Huan waved his hand, and his entourage sent a few pictures of his writing, all of which were from the "Analects of Confucius". Classics still have a certain status in Japanese upper class society, and the names of Japanese imperial families are often quoted.

Tang Huan's calligraphy was completely taken, Akio Morita and Kazuo Iwama looked very happy.

"We also prepared a small gift. It's a close connection with Mr. Tang." Akio Morita gestured with his eyes, and a secretary brought up a beautiful gift box.

Tang Huan opened it and saw that it was Sony’s efforts to build, and it was also Morita Akio’s proud work-the "Walkman" walkman.

"I've been famous for this product for a long time." Tang Huan gave a pleasant surprise, even putting on headphones and pressing the play button.

It is undeniable that the quality of Sony products does have its own uniqueness. Take the headset in front of you as an example. The masses after decades may not be comparable in sound quality.

Tang Huan raised his eyebrows slightly, not because he admired the excellent quality of Sony Walkman. But he actually heard Deng Lijun's song, which is the new single released in Japan in the first half of this year-the original dream.

It seems. Sony has taken great pains in the selection of gifts. Of course, this also shows Sony's public relations capabilities.

Through this kind of courtesy exchange, the atmosphere of the talks between the two parties was naturally more harmonious, and the content of the conversation was quickly pulled to the topic.

Tang Huan did not directly say, I want to see which of your betamax and vhs is better, but a circuitous route.

Sony has made significant progress in the development of 35-inch floppy disks and corresponding drives this year. For this, the second-generation Fangyuan computer is really interested.

You know, the current popular external storage device on personal computers is a 525-inch floppy disk system. Such a size really makes the host chassis design inconvenient, and its capacity performance is also unsatisfactory.

In addition, with the deepening of database application research and development, a new generation of computer monitoring systems has also been included in the philosopher's plan. It is logical that Sony's betamax standard has become the focus of investigation.

For these two potential markets, Sony is very tempted.

The monthly shipment of the second-generation Fangyuan computer worldwide has exceeded 10,000 units.

If Sony's 35-inch floppy disk system can become the standard equipment for the second-generation Fangyuan computer, it means that it has sales of 10,000 units.

If the dual floppy drive configuration mode is adopted among high-end models, this number will obviously increase.

As for the surveillance field, Sony has been involved in the first stage of the previous videotape development, but it really feels fresh and interesting for the new generation of surveillance systems controlled by computers.

...

The book says: "The belligerent Japanese who provoked the war for no reason, the brutal Japanese who caused the Nanjing Massacre are two misunderstandings about the Japanese and the two reasons for'beating Japan'. We must adopt Measures to eliminate it."

However, in the authorized translation, Morita Akio's article was not included, which is said to be caused by Sony's concern that its own interests will be affected.

His hero, my enemy, that's it.

Although Tang Huan does not have a cold with Akio Morita, this will not affect his business with Sony. What's more, with the channels of communication, there will be a chance to start.

Just like the sentence Weng Jingjing once asked "Can a big person be a good actor", the answer is of course. Everyone has a book "The Self-cultivation of an Actor" in everyone's heart.

"This time I came to Sony to bother me, and I feel very sorry. I specially prepared a small gift to express my heart." Tang Huan waved his hand, and his entourage sent a few words written by him, all of which came from "The Analects". Classics still have a certain status in the upper class of Japan, and the names of Japanese imperial families are often quoted.

Tang Huan's calligraphy was completely taken, Akio Morita and Kazuo Iwama looked very happy.

"We also prepared a small gift, but it has a close connection with Mr. Tang." Akio Morita gestured with his eyes, and a secretary brought up a beautiful gift box.

Tang Huan opened it and saw that it was Sony's efforts to build ~www.wuxiaspot.com~ and it was also Morita Akio's proud work-the "walkman" walkman.

"I've been famous for this product for a long time." Tang Huan gave a pleasant surprise, even putting on headphones and pressing the play button.

It is undeniable that the quality of Sony products does have its own uniqueness. Take the headset in front of you as an example. The masses after decades may not be comparable in sound quality.

Tang Huan raised his eyebrows slightly, not because he admired the excellent quality of Sony Walkman, but because he heard Deng Lijun's song, which is the new single released in Japan in the first half of this year-the original dream.

It seems that Sony has taken great pains in the selection of gifts. Of course, this also shows Sony's public relations capabilities.

Through this kind of courtesy exchange, the atmosphere of the talks between the two parties was naturally more harmonious, and the content of the conversation was quickly pulled to the topic.

Tang Huan did not directly say, I want to see which of your betamax and vhs is better, but rather a roundabout way (to be continued...)

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