Video 2000 and The Videotape Format War
Philips released the first Video 2000 VCR, the VR2020, in the UK in 1979. Philips models were re-badged as Pye, amongst others, and even re-skinned as Bang & Olufsen, whilst Grundig models were re-badged as ITT. Notably, whilst Siemens had re-badged Grundig VCR machines, for Video 2000 they adopted those from Philips.
A key intention of the V2000 format, particularly those sporting the DTF feature, was tape compatibility: A tape from any machine should play perfectly on any other machine. Unfortunately, when the VR2020 reached the shops it was discovered that its audio head was 2.5 mm out of position compared to that on Grundig's Video 2x4. This meant that the sound would be out of sync with the picture when played back on the other type of machine. Both manufacturers hastily moved the audio head 1.25 mm to a common position on the production line, but compatibility issues remained for recordings made on the first generation of machines. Furthermore, the required close tolerances and fragility of the DTF system resulted in significant inter-machine compatibility issues which were never fully resolved.
Manufacturing of Video 2000 ceased in 1988 and Betamax some time after, both having lost the videotape format war to VHS. V2000's failure may be partially attributable to its late entrance to market (slowed by problems in the development of the DTF system). Also, although it was technologically superior to the competition in several ways, it could not compete with VHS and Betamax's key advantages:
- VHS and Betamax already had established market share and considerable prerecorded video libraries
- Betamax camcorders arrived at market first
- VHS and Betamax enjoyed worldwide distribution
By the latter half of the 1980s, Philips had already begun producing their own VHS-compatible VCRs.
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