I recall reading some years ago that Beta was actually the superior technology, better fidelity, etc., but that VHS had better PR and more financial backing, or something to that effect. Basically, VHS was able to buy its way into the superior position and stayed there, until eventually being replaced by DVD. Speaking of, do you remember those big ass platters the preceded DVD? About the size of a 33rpm record? Can't remember what they were called and don't feel like searching right now. They were supposed to be a better tech at their time as well, but didn't make it for similar reasons. They remind me of the platters that were put on the Voyagers with info about Earth - may have been the same basic tech, but the platter wasn't made entirely of gold.