Get inspired by this Museum of Failure!
The newly opened 'Museum of Failure' in Sweden on failed innovations is a lesson in embracing your errors
Curated By: Madhu Kapparath
Sony Betamax
1975-2002
In 1975, Sony launched an innovative home video tape recorder called Betamax. When JVC released the competing VHS format a year later, it started a decade long videotape-format war. Betamax was higher quality than VHS, but it was also more expensive. The VHS could record a full movie, whereas the Betamax was initially limited to only one hour. While Sony refused to license the format to other firms, JVC built an ecosystem of partners and offered a greater selection of films. By the middle of the 1980s, VHS had won the war. This classic story of tech innovation failure demonstrates that technical excellence and being first to market is not enough. Sony learned from their failure. They successfully introduced the digital Compact Disc (CD) by strategically partnering with the music industry. The company bought a record company and is now a giant in both entertainment and electronics.
1975-2002
In 1975, Sony launched an innovative home video tape recorder called Betamax. When JVC released the competing VHS format a year later, it started a decade long videotape-format war. Betamax was higher quality than VHS, but it was also more expensive. The VHS could record a full movie, whereas the Betamax was initially limited to only one hour. While Sony refused to license the format to other firms, JVC built an ecosystem of partners and offered a greater selection of films. By the middle of the 1980s, VHS had won the war. This classic story of tech innovation failure demonstrates that technical excellence and being first to market is not enough. Sony learned from their failure. They successfully introduced the digital Compact Disc (CD) by strategically partnering with the music industry. The company bought a record company and is now a giant in both entertainment and electronics.
