1950's: BBC vs Ampex

[NewVista]

For six years BBC expends unknown public monies & manpower trying to build a VTR

While Ampex solves the problem in a few months at no public expense.

At Ampex , it was just a side project as company was stretched with Audio, Instrumentation recorders
and Mag Film Sound projects.

Even after availability of of practical alternative product, BBC continues to throw Public money
at their doomed project until late 50's.