Why Betamax Lost to VHS

In the late 1970s and early 1980s, the battle for the home video market was just beginning. The biggest contenders were Betamax, format made by Sony, and VHS, made by JVC. Although in many ways the Betamax was considered a superior format, VHS won...but why? In this short video, Bill Hammack ("the Engineer Guy") gives us his take:

This is part of Hammack's series on technological failure, well worth a look!

See also: Mr. Wizard Explains the Laserdisc.

(Via Devour.)