Although the format was capable of offering higher-quality video and audio than its consumer rivals, the VHS and Betamax videocassette systems, LaserDisc never managed to gain widespread use in North America, largely due to high costs for the players and video titles themselves and the inability to record TV programming. It also remained a largely obscure format in Europe and Australia. By contrast, the format was much more popular in Japan and in the more affluent regions of Southeast Asia, such as Hong Kong, Singapore, and Malaysia, being the prevalent rental video medium in Hong Kong during the 1990s. Its superior video and audio quality did make it a somewhat popular choice among videophiles and film enthusiasts during its lifespan. COUNT 4
QSN1 Did LaserDisks offer higher or lower quality sound and picture than VHS? ANS1 higher-quality QSN2 Why didn't LaserDisk gain popularity in North America? ANS2 high costs for the players and video titles themselves and the inability to record TV programming QSN3 With whom was LaserDisk a popular choice for it's picture and sound quality? ANS3 videophiles and film enthusiasts QSN4 In what city was LaserDisk used as a popular rental medium in the 1990s? ANS4 Hong Kong