Reborn Tech Maniac

Chapter 551 Integrating Home Entertainment System
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Akio Morita, president of Sony, and Norio Oga, president of Sony, who restrained their edge and traveled in a low-key manner, came to the famous electric street Akihabara for a "private visit".

Here, home appliance stores such as TVs, washing machines, and refrigerators are still thriving, and there are many stores for VCRs, stereos, and music CDs. Among the best-selling products are Sony's top products.

However, neither Akio Morita nor Norio Oga showed any joy on their faces, because Akihabara still has a more popular hot-selling item, which is the second-generation Xiaobawang game console.Various related game stores are in the ascendant.

"Men are all busy playing golf, don't women have their own entertainment besides housework?"

This kind of provocative advert made Dancing Machine a popular video game among Japanese women. The slogan of "fitness in entertainment" made everyone see what it means to "women earn the best money".

People's obsession with dancing machines has directly driven the sales of the second-generation Subaru game console. As the market share of this platform continues to increase, it will naturally give consumers the opportunity to purchase other types of games.

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"This cassette is the one Akina Nakamori mentioned on the TV show."

"Great, it's finally time for business, please wrap it up for me."

……

Such conversations between the salesman and the customer came to the ears of Akio Morita and Norio Oga from time to time, making them frown frequently.

"The second-generation Xiaobawang game console is so expensive, and millions of units have been sold. We are only at the level of cooperative development of CD-ROM drives, and it is a pity that we are indifferent to this market." Norio Ohga There was eagerness in his tone.

"The competition in the home video game console market is too fierce. In Japan alone, there are senior manufacturers such as Nintendo, Sega, and NEC. Especially last year, the home video game console market collapsed in North America. I don’t know how many companies were affected. Bankruptcy." Akio Morita shook his head, "The hot sales of the second-generation Bully game console depended on the dancing machine, but the trend of dancing machines sweeping Japan is a phenomenon and almost impossible to replicate."

"But after the reshuffle, as far as the world is concerned, the number of game companies that have decreased sharply has a larger living space. Just like EA, it is almost monopolizing the video game industry now. And even if Nintendo's FC game console encounters A serious setback, but it can still be maintained." Norio Ohga was obviously more optimistic.

"I am not opposed to Sony's entry into the field of home video game consoles, but before that, it is necessary to accumulate technology well. Compared with Atari's collapse, EA, which has become larger and larger, can survive this sudden The market disaster that is coming is really frightening."

Akio Morita said with a stern expression: "We must admit that the technology of Tanghuan's companies is advanced enough, and there are few rivals in the speed of response. Just based on the COMDEX rhythm in the spring and autumn of each year, new products are launched every six months. , will almost drag down all competitors.”

"That's true." Dahe Nooro nodded, "Let's take the personal computer as an example. I thought that after obtaining the authorization of the second-generation Fangyuan personal computer compatible machine, I could fully understand the technology of this industry, but I didn't expect , The three generations of Fangyuan personal computers have added so many new tricks, and the performance of the upgrades seems to be endless. Fortunately, the personal computer business is profitable, and we have not suffered a loss.”

"Tang Huan's ability to maintain a leading position in these highly competitive industries for a long time does not depend solely on technological advantages." Akio Morita pointed to a billboard in front of a game store and said, "Look, the royalty system launched by EA and Taito , how well-organized the game developers on the second-generation Xiaobawang game console platform are, each game is given various positions like a movie rating system."

"However, I heard that the implementation process of this royalty system was not smooth." Norio Ohga showed a smile on his face, "At the beginning, in order to maintain their share of game works, EA and Taito gave Harder Mori, Namco, Capcom, Jericho, Konami and other third-party game companies set an upper limit of four games per year, but they were opposed, so the upper limit was raised from four games to six games, and Turn the hard cap into a soft cap, as long as the quality and rating of the game is up to standard, it will not be under the limit."

"But from the current point of view, I think EA and Taito are playing a game of retreat." Akio Morita also smiled, but there was a hint of playfulness in his smile.

"The opposition from third-party game companies happened after the dance machine was a big success and the market share of the second-generation Xiaobawang game console platform rose sharply. This just shows that they are extremely optimistic about the prospects of the second-generation Xiaobawang game console platform."

"EA and Taidong are like the big bad wolf who coaxed Little Red Riding Hood to open the door. Although they agreed to relax the upper limit of the number of games for game developers, they made them further sign a major agreement in the royalty system, including game ratings and centralized production. He piled up detailed terms and left the outside world with an image of being willing to share benefits with his partners, which is really cunning and cunning to the extreme."

Hearing Akio Morita's analysis clearly and logically, Norio Oga opened his mouth, but was still speechless in the end.

"Obviously, EA is sorting out the order in the field of video games as an industry leader, trying to re-establish a set of market rules that can operate stably in the long run."

Akio Morita continued leisurely: "Then let's sit on the sidelines and enjoy the benefits. On the one hand, we can observe and learn from EA's experience, and on the other hand, we can wait for the recovery of the home video game console market in North America."

Da Hedian nodded with great enthusiasm and convincing, "Then the president thinks, how long will we have to wait before we are suitable to enter the home video game console market."

"It mainly depends on two conditions." Akio Morita stretched out his fingers and counted. "First, the North American home video game console market must show clear signs of recovery. I estimate that it will take at least two years. Second, we need industry rules. The opportunity for change is like the opportunity to upgrade from 8-bit PCs to 16-bit PCs. Without this condition, latecomers will not be able to break through the monopoly advantage of EA, the overlord.”

"It seems that we really have to try our best for a while." Dahe Nianxiong sighed softly, "Tang Huan's methods are indeed clever, but some of his methods have always puzzled me. Take a personal computer Take video game consoles, which have been tirelessly driving the development of the CD-ROM."

"Do you think that Tang Huan already has a considerable interest in the video recorder market, and if he raises the status of CD-ROM in this way, he is fighting with each other and weakening the existing profitability for no reason?" Akio Morita asked with great interest.

"I really think so. Tang Huan quickly launched a new videotape format, S-VHS, after he got the authorization of video recorders and videotapes from JVC. As a result, it has basically replaced the VHS format. Otherwise, our Betamax format would not be in the situation. With such a sudden turn, we have to make many concessions in the process of cooperation with RCA in order to regain the disadvantage in the United States."

Norio Ohga observed Morita Akio, who was leading the matter, and saw that his expression remained unchanged, but he still added: "Tang Huan is currently coming from behind in this field, and even stepped on the original owner of VHS, JVC. Fortunately, there was no such thing as CD-DA put him in our Betamax camp like that."

After finishing the foreshadowing, Dahe Norio continued to say with confidence: "Tang Huan is using CD-ROM, a business whose business model has yet to be verified, and squeezing S-VHS video recorders, a business whose market value has matured. I don't know. What's going on in his head? No wonder someone calls a madman in addition to an upstart."

"The world often regards geniuses as madmen. In fact, they just don't understand the genius's thoughts." Akio Morita smiled faintly, "I brought you to Akihabara with me this time just to see if I can figure out the Tang Dynasty." Huan’s plan. Son Zhengyi’s younger brother opened an electrical appliance store here. With his brother’s close relationship with Tang Huan, he was even able to get some conceptual products and business. Maybe we can get a glimpse of it.”

The two were chatting, and the subordinate in charge of leading the way said respectfully: "The president, the president, is this electrical appliance store. Some of the latest products here need to be ordered, and even have to sign a confidentiality and feedback agreement."

Akio Morita waved his hand and strode into the electrical appliance store belonging to the Sun family. The first sales area that caught his eye was the hot video game area.In addition to the second-generation Xiaobawang game consoles and game cartridges, the products sold also include various peripherals, Xiaobawang handhelds, Xiaobawang arcade machines, and electronic games running on personal computer platforms.

A salesperson was demonstrating to a pair of young men and women that the second-generation Xiaobawang game console is connected to the TV through the AV terminal, which is superior to connecting the TV through a tuner.

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"Sure enough, I'm not afraid of interference, the picture is so delicate. When playing with the dancing machine, the effect is even better." The woman praised happily.

"Then don't buy a Sony TV for our new house, buy a Sharp TV. In addition to supporting the AV terminal, the infrared remote control is really very convenient to use. When watching a program, you can just press it and you can be lazy. .” The man laughed.

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Akio Morita's face darkened when he heard this.

He was just about to lift his legs to walk in when the salesperson suggested to the couple of young men and women who were about to get married: "You two, how can there be no video recorder in the home entertainment system? Why don't you go to the area over there and have a look? Go to the warehouse to get you the game console."

The young men and women walked in another direction like a stream of kindness, and happened to be on the same road with Akio Morita and Norio Oga.

……

Looking at the S-VHS video recorders of Epson, JVC, Panasonic, Sharp, Kyocera and other brands on the shelves, Akio Morita felt dazzled.

Sony is also obsessed with controlling industry standards. As early as in the videotape format competition in the 1970s, it dominated everything with the U-Matic format, which aroused the hatred of companies such as Panasonic, so it supported JVC in the new round of videotape format competition. The VHS format was the opposite of Sony's Betamax format.

It is precisely because of Sony's "single food" style of work that Akio Morita is very uncomfortable with the appearance of so many brands of S-VHS video recorders.

When the salesman greeted him with a smile and asked which one he was interested in, Akio Morita subconsciously asked: "Why don't you have a video recorder that supports Betamax format?"

"The S-VHS format is one generation more advanced than the Betamax format. S-VHS has all the functions provided by Betamax; but on the other hand, many functions of S-VHS are not available in Betamax, and regardless of the number of video recorder product types, or video tape program content Even Betamax cannot match the richness of S-VHS. Therefore, we only sell the more popular S-VHS video recorders here."

The salesman's tireless and detailed explanation not only failed to win the appreciation of Akio Morita, but made him fuming with anger, thinking in his heart, "When will Sony, the king of videotape industry standards, be reduced to being so skillfully belittled by a small salesman?" Where?"

Seeing Akio Morita's displeased expression, Norio Ohga quickly took over the conversation and asked, "You have so many types of S-VHS video recorders here, it's a bit confusing. Which one is the best, please recommend it."

"It depends on your actual needs." Obviously, the salesperson often sees the situation where customers are at a loss, and he is very familiar with it. "For example, from the perspective of the most powerful functions, the Epson video recorder will be in the forefront. It supports S-VHS tapes can be up to 8 hours long."

Akio Morita curled his lips disdainfully, "As long as Sony is willing, it can sacrifice the image quality to make the Betamax video tape last up to 8 hours."

The salesman continued to introduce: "The S-VHS format is known as the most complete videotape analog recording standard, and it can even be connected to Fangyuan personal computer as a device for backing up data."

Hearing this, Akio Morita froze for a moment, and his face gradually became serious. There seemed to be a scene in front of his eyes that organically integrated home entertainment systems such as TV, video recorder, game console, and audio.

The salesman raised his finger, "In addition, this Epson video recorder supports a new video tape digital recording format - D-VHS, which has more powerful functions. However, customers need to become our members before purchasing."

"D-VHS in digital recording format?" Akio Morita muttered, remembering the CD-ROM actively promoted by Tang Huan. He faintly felt that there seemed to be some connection in it.

After Ohe Norio asked a few more words, the two new guests said: "We are going to buy another video surveillance system, and it would be best to install it today. Is your engineer here?"

(End of this chapter)