[AnotherUnixGeek]

Then the recording industry became concerned that DAT would encourage piracy because it could be used to make near-perfect digital copies of recorded music. The industry convinced Congress to pass the Audio Home Recording Act in 1992, which required strong -- some might say Draconian -- copy protection for DAT.

This is actually an example of content providers crippling a technology to the point where consumers no longer find it worthwhile. We'll never know whether DAT on it's own merits would have been a flop.

[cliniclinical]

Two words...

Re-Wind...

Having spent many hours in the studio using DATs, I am aware of some of their advantages over CDs, but the buying public will never embrace a literal digital cassette. Sounds better, but just as much of a hassle.

IMHO

[antiRepublicrat]

We'll never know whether DAT on it's own merits would have been a flop.

DAT got pretty popular in Europe, especially among musicians and audiophiles. But the costs were high due to low volume, which was due to this law.