Videocassette recorder:Sears Betavision Video Cassette Recorder

The first Sony Betamax videocassette recorders made their debut in Japan in 1975. Sony hoped to establish the standard format for VCRs and videocassettes, but the release of the competing VHS format in the U.S. in 1977 resulted in a fierce competition. This 1979 VCR retailed by Sears was actually produced by Sanyo. It represents the decline of the Beta format since, by 1980, VHS systems dominated with 60% of sales in the U.S. consumer market. Market success led in turn to economies of scale and the lower price of VHS led to the ultimate demise of the Beta format, although Sony continued to make Betmax recorders until 2002.