09-17-2005, 01:29 PM
I don't think a standard format is the issue its about making media universally available.
The compact disc and the dvd are examples of when consortia of media manfacturers get together and develop a product - it becomes universal.
On the other hand if you have a media format which is jealously guarded by its manufacturer it is not as successful. One example is the Sony mini-disc. It only became a worldwide media format because of Sony's market penetration, it is however expensive and not regarded as a universal media format.
If Phillips retained as much control of the CD that Sony has of the MiniDisc we may still be using cassette tapes.
The compact disc and the dvd are examples of when consortia of media manfacturers get together and develop a product - it becomes universal.
On the other hand if you have a media format which is jealously guarded by its manufacturer it is not as successful. One example is the Sony mini-disc. It only became a worldwide media format because of Sony's market penetration, it is however expensive and not regarded as a universal media format.
If Phillips retained as much control of the CD that Sony has of the MiniDisc we may still be using cassette tapes.