Chapter 290: The Hero and My Enemy

From a technical point of view, among the player, content carrier, and storage format, the player operates the content carrier, and the content carrier serves the storage format. x-on:topx-on:pointx-on:novelx-on:fiction,

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

The development of the videotape system was motivated by the popularity of television in the United States in the earlier period.

Due to the different time zones in the eastern and western parts of the United States, the American TV industry needs to find a device to record the TV programs on the east coast, and then broadcast them when the programs in the west are also broadcast.

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

Founded in 1944, the American storage device manufacturer ampex can be regarded as one of the important pioneers in this industry. The first practical audio and video tapes in the United States came from it.

After making several experimental devices, ampex launched the first market-successful video tape recorder in 1956.

The product uses a two-inch or 51-centimeter tape, known as the 2'quadruplex format, and the prefix "quad" comes from the four heads it uses. This recording method is also known as lateral recording.

When it records the format, the rotation speed is 14400 per minute, and the corresponding rotation speed is 15000 when the pal format is used. A standard videotape is 4,800 feet long and can record an hour of television.

Although the 2'quadruplex video recorder became the world's first practical TV video tape, it was due to the high price of 50,000 US dollars. Only the TV networks and the largest private stations. to afford it.

1959. Japanese companies have entered this field, and Toshiba has developed a new tape recording method that is different from quadruplex—helical scanning, which can be implemented in reel—reel—roll-to-roll tape. This form is basically popular now. Yes, the well-known dual-head tape structure.

Sony quickly started to make use of this technology. In 1963, it launched the first reel-reel video recorder 2'pv-100 for business, medical, aviation and educational purposes, and Philips' similar product was 1'el3400.

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

But the shortcomings of this product are too obvious, the price is expensive, and it can only record 20 minutes at a time.

It only supports the only black and white format available in the UK, and it is quite difficult for users to assemble by themselves.

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

Ampex and Ampex followed suit in 1965 with their own reel--reel black-and-white video recorders for the home consumer market, priced under $1,000.

At the same time. Unpackaged disk systems gradually evolved into cartridges.

In 1970, Sony developed an industry standard with seven other cooperating manufacturers. The Sony u-system, the world's first commercial videocassette format.

This videotape uses 3/4 inch - 19 cm tape and has a maximum playback time of 90 minutes.

Due to the ease of use, u- soon swept other consumer video systems in the Japanese and North American markets, and u-VCRs were widely used in TV stations, schools and business fields.

It can be said that from the 1950s to the 1970s, the development of the videotape 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 achieving success in the mass market.

It didn't become a mass consumer item until the late 1970s, when European and Japanese companies developed advanced machines with more accurate electronic timers and longer recording times.

Until now, there were three competing, physically incompatible standards for videocassette technology.

Among them, the third format was launched by Philips in 1978.

This product is only sold in Europe. Due to its limited features and unreliable reputation, its prospects are pessimistic, and it can be regarded as a passerby role and simply ignored.

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

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

Of course, although the manufacturers who participated in the previous stage of the development of the video tape system became spectators, this did not prevent them from following suit and making money.

Through the success of u- in the initial battle, Sony has accumulated a profound 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. .

Comparing the two, VHS provides a longer playback time than Betamax, and the tape transport mechanism is not as complicated as Betamax.

The fast forward and reverse speed of VHS is much faster than that of Betamax, because the playback head has left the tape before the tape scrolls at high speed.

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

The reason why Sony's betamax lost in the second stage of the video recorder standard competition. The reasons are very complicated. For example, because of the victory in the first stage of market competition, the company has become arrogant and arrogant, the patented technology is not good enough but it is self-satisfied, and the operation is too independent, which leads to the lack of partners and so on.

And its backstage boss, Panasonic, has a low enough attitude and a flexible enough attitude. When asked to increase the playback time by reducing the picture quality, Sony refused, but knelt and licked.

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

However, betamax, which was defeated in the field of mass applications, is still very popular in the field of broadcast applications, after all, the latter cares more about image quality.

According to the development of the historical track, the direction of this standard battle will not become clear until 1984. Before that, each of them is desperately racing to enclose the market and seize the market.

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

so. Originally, the situation of time and space can only be used as a reference, and Tang Huan has to do some actual research to know what he knows.

Under the advance arrangement of Hideaki Yaskawa, Tang Huan first visited Sony Corporation, and its chairman Akio Morita and director Norio Ohga personally entertained them, 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 according to the historical development, Kazuo Iwama would die of cancer, and Norio Oga would take over as president.

In other words, in the next decade or so, Sony's head of family will be Akio Morita and Kazuo Iwama.

Although it seemed that he was being treated graciously, Tang Huan did not have any mood swings. He deserved such a standard, and the courtesy of the Japanese was just out of respect for the strong. The evil idea in the head is still right.

During the exchange of greetings, Tang Huan took a special look at Akio Morita, who was very famous 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.

Akio Morita's contribution to Sony is manifested in many aspects: Sony's financing and listing in the United States, creation of the extremely successful Walkman "Walkman" brand, acquisition of Columbia Pictures...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 created "On the Uselessness of Education", which emphasized that companies should focus on personal ability rather than academic background.

This concept questioned the traditional Japanese employment practices, and aroused great repercussions in Japan at that time. It became a super bestseller and was reprinted more than ten times. He also won the reputation of "breaking the traditional framework and employing talents in an eclectic manner".

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".

When this book was published, Japan’s economic situation was at its craziest. Sony bought Columbia, Panasonic bought Universal, and Mitsui bought the Rockefeller Building.

In this climate of economic growth in Japan, the book quickly became a topic of discussion, and many unauthorized editions 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 independent status in various fields including economy and diplomacy, especially relative to the United States.

The book said: "The warlike Japanese who provoked the war for no reason, and the brutal Japanese who caused the Nanjing Massacre, these are two misunderstandings of the Japanese, and they are also the two root causes of 'beating Japan'. We must take measures to eliminate it.”

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

His hero, my enemy, that's all.

Although Tang Huan doesn't like Akio Morita, it won't affect his business with Sony. What's more, with a channel of communication, there will be a chance to make a move, right?

Just like Weng Jingjing once asked, "Can a big man be a good actor?", of course the answer is yes. everyone's heart. But there is a copy of "Actor's Self-cultivation".

"I came to Sony to disturb you this time. I feel very sorry. I specially prepared a small gift to express my heart." Tang Huan waved his hand, and his entourage brought up a few words written by him, all of which came from "The Analects of Confucius". Classics still have a certain status in Japanese high society, and the names of the Japanese royal family are often quoted.

Tang Huan's calligraphy is completely handy, and Akio Morita and Kazuo Iwama seem very happy.

"We also prepared a small gift. We have a good understanding with Mr. Tang." Akio Morita gestured with his eyes, and a secretary brought up a beautiful gift box.

When Tang Huan opened it, it turned out that Sony was trying its best to build it, and it was also Akio Morita's proud work-"Walkman" walkman.

"I've been famous for this product for a long time." Tang Huan pretended to be pleasantly surprised, even put on headphones, and pressed the play button.

It is undeniable that the quality of Sony products is indeed unique. Take the earphones in front of you as an example. After decades, the mass products may not be able to match the sound quality.

Tang Huan raised his eyebrows slightly, not because he admired the excellent quality of Sony Walkman. Instead, 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. In the choice of gifts, Sony can be described as painstaking ah. Of course, this also shows Sony's public relations ability.

Through this kind of reciprocity, the atmosphere of the talks between the two parties naturally became more harmonious, and the content of the conversation was quickly brought to the main topic.

Tang Huan didn't directly say, I want to see whether your betamax or your vhs is better, but took a roundabout route.

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

You must know that the external storage device that is popular on personal computers is a 525-inch floppy disk system. Such a size really makes the design of the mainframe chassis feel inconvenient, and its performance in terms of capacity is not satisfactory.

In addition, with the in-depth research and development of database applications, a new generation of computer monitoring systems has also been included in Zheru'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 global monthly shipment of the second-generation Fangyuan computer has exceeded 10,000 units.

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

If the high-end model adopts the configuration mode of dual floppy drives, this number will obviously increase.

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

...

The book said: "The warlike Japanese who provoked the war for no reason, and the brutal Japanese who caused the Nanjing Massacre, these are two misunderstandings of the Japanese, and they are also the two root causes of 'beating Japan'. We must take measures to eliminate it."

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

His hero, my enemy, that's all.

Although Tang Huan doesn't like Akio Morita, it won't affect his business with Sony. What's more, with a channel of communication, there will be a chance to make a move, right?

Just like Weng Jingjing once asked "Can a big man be a good actor", the answer is of course, everyone has a book "Actor's Self-cultivation".

"I feel very sorry to disturb Sony this time. I specially prepared a small gift to express my heart." Tang Huan waved his hand, and his entourage brought up a few words written by him, all of which came from "The Analects of Confucius". Classics still have a certain status in Japanese high society, and the names of the Japanese royal family are often quoted.

Tang Huan's calligraphy is completely handy, and Akio Morita and Kazuo Iwama seem very happy.

"We also prepared a small gift, but we have a good understanding with Mr. Tang." Akio Morita gestured with his eyes, and a secretary brought up a beautiful gift box.

When Tang Huan opened it, it turned out that Sony was working hard to build it, and it was also Akio Morita's favorite work - "Walkman" walkman.

"I've been famous for this product for a long time." Tang Huan pretended to be pleasantly surprised, even put on headphones, and pressed the play button.

It is undeniable that the quality of Sony products is indeed unique. Take the earphones in front of you as an example. After decades, the mass products may not be able to match the sound quality.

Tang Huan raised his eyebrows slightly, not because he admired the excellent quality of Sony Walkman, but because 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 that Sony has taken great pains in choosing gifts. Of course, this also shows Sony's public relations ability.

Through this kind of reciprocity, the atmosphere of the talks between the two parties naturally became more harmonious, and the content of the conversation was quickly brought to the main topic.

Tang Huan didn't directly say, I want to see whether your betamax or your vhs is better, but took a detour (to be continued...)

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