January, 1984 - The Betamax Case

On January 17, 1984, the Supreme Court decided (5 to 4) that it was okay for individuals to use VCRs in the home to record shows for later viewing and that doing so did not violate federal copyright laws.

The vote was a close one. Â I wonder if our technology would have progressed as it has if the decision had been otherwise.

Sony v. Universal Studios

My son was born two months after this decision. Â In his lifetime, we have gone from Betamax to DVDs and Blueray technology, and from the old Commodore and Tandy and Apple computers to today's desktop, laptop and netbook computers.

The first cell phone also came out in 1984. Â It weighed 2 pounds, offered only a half hour of talk time and sold for $3,995.

The first cell phone a true 'brick'

My how times have changed.

Comments: 10

Mary Ann Slavcheff Jan 11, 2010, 3:24pm UTC

I remember my old Betamax recorder.

Marilyn M. Jan 11, 2010, 4:03pm UTC

Never had one. By the time I was ready to record, they were already on the next technology. That's usually how it works with me. :-)

reply to this comment

Matthew M. Jan 11, 2010, 5:17pm UTC

Imagine where we would be without You Tube...

The first cell phone cost $3995 and had very limited features. Compare that with today. Capitalism rocks!!!!! Now let's apply it to healthcare!