VHD in the USA: Videodisc Failure to Launch 

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As 42 years old Japanese man, I must say this demo disc is Real Time Machine to my childhood. This saves the mood of 80s era perfectly... and Logo DECO made me scream!

I faxed my complaint to JVC in 1980. They replied with a cave drawing on a piece of slate. It was rather vulgar.

Focusing on AHD. Last year I bought a 1985 TEAC A-919 DC amp. It was a bit of a blind purchase because I had no information about it, but it turned out to be brilliant. This amp has a dedicated AHD line, color highlighted like the CD one (I figure to make them special somehow). They call these: digital outputs. Since I had no clue what AHD was, I tried some 33-year-old customer support from TEAC. Amazingly enough they replied. They fed me information from one of the Japanese engineers who built this amp, and it turns out that, back in 1984, this amp was part of the AHD plan for Europe. When launched at Christmas 1985, they already knew AHD was not going anywhere near Europe, which also rendered this amp obsolete at the beginning of 1986. Since the A-919 DC was the very top of the range, and no other TEAC amp has the AHD output, I can only assume they were planning to market AHD in Europe as better than (or at least as good as) CD. I apologize for the long comment, I believe this was my first comment on RU-vid anyway. Ever. Probably the last, because I tend to bore. :)) Cheers.

It's always great to start my Sunday with a bowl of sugary cereal and watch a British guy prattle about obscure video disc formats for half an hour. Thanks for making my morning something just a little bit more special.

Techmoan - Arabesque’s accidental PR manager!

Loved that New Zealand map correction :-D

I've collected Laserdisc for more than twenty years, got into it just before DVD came out. I think Lasaerdisc's biggest advantages over its competitors had a lot to do with form-factor and packaging. At the time that Laserdisc debuted as a premium video format, vinyl records were still the generally best quality for audio for casual methods to play music. Audiophiles that weren't into reel-to-reel were already used to handling and storing 12" discs with paper jackets, and many Laserdiscs had jacket artwork as elaborate as anything you'd get with a record. Packaged Laserdiscs are thicker than vinyl records, but of the three formats they were the thinnest. More movies can fit on a linear distance of shelving due to the lack of caddy. And then there's the video tape angle. CED didn't offer enough advantage over VHS and came with some pretty serious drawbacks for player reliability, and if the picture quality wasn't especially better than VHS then there wasn't a lot of reason to adopt it. Laserdisc was essentially broadcast-quality, and players are pretty reliable (both my players still have all their original parts, no new belts or anything) so if one could afford it, LD had some perks for higher end simply not readily available through any other medium. EDIT: As for DVD, it took off in part because of marketing, but in part because it was priced right. LD titles frequently cost $50 or more new (mine were literally all used) and VHS was around $20. DVDs launched for less than $30, often $24.99, and prices fell dramatically. Additionally as better TVs became the norm, people wanted to replace older VHS titles with DVD quality, and the rightsholders responded, putting lots of older titles out on DVD and for lower prices than new releases.

Some of the release titles are great. "Everything you always wanted to know about sex", "How to avoid being cheated at cards". Amazing.

New video from Techmoan. Great for a calm Sunday.

During the video, when you said "So that's it", my brain expected to hear "for the moment, as always thanks for watching"

This episode is approved by the New Zealand Geographical Society.

I recognize that "Thunder Storm" game. It came out on the Sega CD as "Cobra Command". One of the better FMV titles.

you should just say "Matsus***ta" with a censorship bleep, so nobody can complain

Mat, the more you talk about this system and it's discs, the more I want to invest in it for the nostalgic value, and I NEVER had interest in Laser disc or the RCA system (though I also love your coverage of those formats as well). Thank you for your continued focus and dedication to obscure, unknown and under-appreciated formats.

yes I was hoping for California Girls as the unlabeled VHD , great video sir and best of luck on your channel.

That Thunder Storm footage is gold. The MSX never ceases to surprise me.

your videos get more and more exciting each time i watch them just because you go out of your way to find physical copies of films and the players to play them on while also managing to enjoy yourself at the same time.

The 3DO system was involved with this and Matsushita, (later). The Thunderstorm game looks like a redo of the laser disc arcade game Cobra Command. A game from the same time period and system as Dragons Lair. Also, the clip of the movie effects shot with the blood spray, has a very young effects wizard Tom Savini in it with his trademark mustache. He did tons of horror effects in films.

Arabesque was great! Beginning of Sandra's career. She had successful solo career as well as being voice in her then husband's Enigma project. And she still continue her career.

20:51 I write it here because no one is writing here. Her name is Yasuha, the daughter of the famous Japanese Rakugo comedian Hayashiya Sanpei I.

This VHD video series has been brilliant. Thank you for producing it!

You know I think your channel's videos now need to start with that "You are now in the VHD world" splash screen, but have it say Techmoan World imstead.

Cliff Richard did have some success in the U.S. in the late '70s-early '80s, with "We Don't Talk Anymore" and "Dreamin'" both cracking the Billboard Top 10.

Loving the content. Thank you! These old format videos you do are quite interesting on what ideas we had years ago.

This is definitely one of the very best channels on RU-vid. Great work.

Another super video about a format I'd never heard of and have no interesting in owning. Love it

Again you bring a smile to m face Matt. I can't remember how many reps came into my shop offering this and that when it came to new formats. Customers were always asking me which format was going to win and all I could say was probably none of them.

"Please fax your complaints to 1980" hahahaha

When you played the clip from the Thunder Storm game. It reminded me of ‘Cobra Command’ that came bundled with the SEGA Mega CD 2 it looks the be the same game even had the same start sequence and voice. Great video as always.

I just finished up binging the Oddity Archive and *his* thoughts on CED and other obsolete, screw-up media. I don't know why I was surprised, but it was a surprise to see Techmoan in the end-slate Patreon list. Old tat makes great bedfellows.

A fantastic insight into another forgotten format. Thank you for taking the time and effort to make these 2 videos. btw, I love the Kickstopper video and appreciate the effort taken to compile it.

I know that I'm late, but two thumbs up. I learn more from you and Technology Connections than a majority of you tube channels

extremely informative and entertaining. i learn new things with every video

Its neat to see all the various formats you uncover. I honestly must have lived in a cave in the 80's and 90's because except for laser disk I had no idea the other formats could have been.... Trouble with laser disk was it was darn expensive compared to the first affordable VCR machines that I kind of remember costing around $350 circa 1984.

Really enjoyed this. I appreciate the time you have spent on this research. This channel is perfect for me

How can people dislike this content? Anyway Techmoan keep trucking on. All the best to you I can't wait till you hit the 1 mill subscribers mark, you deserve it!

"Doc! We gotta go back to 1980! They didn't put Guam on the map!" "Marty, no American can point out Guam on a map anyway."

Utterly fantastic half hour of entertainment. Thanks Matt for bringing the forgotten formats to life.

Great vid. I wish you good luck on finding more of those VHD discs. Maybe even the prototype USA VHD player.

Born in the US in 1982. The only laser disc player i've ever seen was in a dark corner of my middle school library. Only a few people knew about it. I spent a more than a few rainy lunch periods watching movies like back to the future. It was considered a relic by the mid 90's, so that figure of ownership peaking in 1998 is surprising.

Great video, and I'm kind of surprised that it came this close to launching in the US, only reason why I even knew what VHD even was came from looking into MSX stuff one day really bored when I was looking into collecting for the system. Although I have nearly bought a RCA CED a couple of times as I've ran into players with discs like 4 times now in just the last few years.

You do such a great job in turning all the information and facts into an interesting video :)

Sir i love all of your videos and they are all well thought out and you can tell you have either done extensive research or you just know you thing... prob both. GREAT JOB!! :-)

"california girls" looks pretty spicy, woah momma

As usual, I came for the obscure tech but stayed for the lowkey shade throwing.

your sark and British wit never ceases to make me chuckle when I watch these!

Thank you for this entertaining and informational video. The end was the best, as I was really curious about what was on that disc inside the clear caddie.

I've never heard of the Eatles before. Were they like the Beatles but with a fast food addiction?

0:59. Thank you, Techmoan, for giving us a fifty-first state! Can't wait to see your evaluation of it!

Another outstanding and educational video! Your channel is awesome.

Your videos are always so well researched!

Thanks for giving New Zealand the respect it deserves :D (from a kiwi)

Just want to say how well produced and interesting all your videos are. This is better than most TV nowadays.

Arabesque!-) being a fan of your channel for about a year, enjoying it very much each episode!! More of it!!!

The plot-twist in the end was awesome! Who could`ve imagined what`s on that blank disk you showed on the previous VHD video!

"The Man Who Loved Animals" until he got caught at it.

18:31 - That old school anime style. :)

Great work as always, very entertaining, laughed out loud several times:)

Love the size of your New Zealand overlay, proud Kiwi watching down under

Another excellent deep dive. I love this kind of stuff, especially when you can actually find media produced for a format. This isn't too related to VHD, in which I mean not in the slightest, but I wonder if you've had a look at the HitClips format? Since you did Pocket Rockers a while back, this might be worth a look.

Cliff Richard was all over the radio in the early 80's here in the states.

Ekusaitingu gemu desu ne! Man, I love wasei-eigo. Great video yet again, Mr. Moan.

I like that You are always including "adjusted for inflation" when mentioning prices. It is really helpful !

Arabesque again ? - It's like being Rick-Rolled ! !

Thorn EMI put me through university, paid for my driving lessons and paid me a wage throughout all that (mid '80's), then made me redundant almost immediately as they closed the arm I officially worked for. Must have cost them a fortune !

Great job sir! Wonderfully concise!

It's not for your channel, these obscure audio and video formats that you profile would never be known to me. Thank you so much for sharing.

I’d have no interest at all in nearly all of the things you cover if it weren’t for the fact they’re in videos made by you. Your videos are well-produced and well-researched. You also have a fantastic camera manner and a passion for what you’re talking about that shows and is infectious. Great content.

wow... there was actually blue moon (astronomical occurrence) just today... and this video is called "once in a blue moon"...

Your videos are historical documents. Incredible production. Thank you!

Great job on adding New Zealand onto that map! I couldn't tell the difference between the addition and the original VHD screenshot.

That "California Girls" disc cover though....obviously meant high quality inside.

I forgot about the Disc Lord... Greatest marketing in history!

pretty much the coolest thing yet lol. thanks for collecting all this stuff and sharing.

Blimey, this is like the demo of the century part 2 (RIP Doug Englebert). But seriously, this format had so many applications it's just fantastic. Thanks for this video, superb detail and a joy to watch.

I got a bit nervous when you were cracking open that case at the end. If I damaged a disc that rare I'd be devastated. Even with it being what it is

Looking forward to the CD-I video.

Great work great review love your work ❤

A lot of smug and wit when dealing with (stupid) complaints from previous videos... I love it, keep it up.

Even in Japanese, you are technically pronouncing "Matsushita" correctly. The audio clip you found of the pronunciation is actually a contraction. Japanese contractions like this were actually frowned upon into the 1980's according to my various Japanese grammar books. But all language changes over time and by the late 80's, they realized they weren't going to stop it no matter what they did.

Just wait until I perfect my punch card digital video player

If only C5 channel (UK TV) had been this good I would still be watching it, interesting and excellent.A big like from me .

I was genuinely on the edge of my sit when you started playing the mystery VHD.

My friends father had All newest tech of the Times..he passed away and when clearing the house i Found a VHD player with 12 videos. Die hard etc. At that time i junked it.. kicking myself now...I didn't Know how Rare it was. Wouldn't load the Candy.

19:44 I actually own the Rare VHS release of the mascot character they used to advertise the VHD format from Anime Vision Magazine. You mind if I reference your video when I cover that one day?

Very interesting video, amazes me how many technologies failed to even get released in the US back then

This is sooo exciting, hope good ppl (like you) will get hold of those discs and preserve them

Old technology is something that I never knew I would love so much

*instantly googles Momoco Club*

WOW!! And here I thought DVD was the forerunner of branching content technology. Love these tech history videos!!! And yes, I re-pronounce it “Mat-soo-sh’tah” in my head every time you say Matsushita. 🤣🤣

Good job,another format i didnt even know existed,It was an amazing time,those early 80`s,Seemed like everyone and their dog,cat,budgie had an electronic device/player/computer out there!

Thanks Techmoan for another excellent video - Where do I sign up for Momoco Club!?

Wow, you guys know about Oak Island.....

And as always, loved your vid :D

Another cracking video! Infotainment! You're like a digital Indiana Jones 2.0 searching for ancient obsolete tech history and relics!

The only people in the US that knew about Cliff Richard in the 80's heard about him from watching bootleg copies of The Young Ones lol

random semi-related trivia about the pronunciation thing, Japanese companies will often have multiple "official" pronunciations of their name as naturalised for different regions. For example, "Nikon" as below: - In Japan: "Ni-kon" - In American: "N-eye-con" - In Europe: "Nick-on"

I love your videos! Great presentation, great memories, and oh so informative! Thanks so much. By the way, I read and speak Japanese fluently so if you ever need a brochure or manual or even just a title translated, I'd be happy to help.

Commenting so someone will complain about why I commented before the video was out.