History of Samsung (10): The world’s first dual deck VCR completed and massive Chinese production begins: 1988-1992

World’s first dual deck VCR completed

Samsung achieved sustained growth in the VCR market as the 1990s began. In fact, Samsung took 15.8 percent of market share for VCRs in Korea. Samsung’s VCRs and TVs led the new era of a growing visual display market.

In 1989, Samsung completed development of its hi-fi system, Top Star. In 1990 Samsung succeeded in developing a dual deck VCR for the first time in the world. It had x180 speed and a pioneering “artificial intelligence” feature. In 1991, Samsung developed a Super VHS VCR and hi-fi Jog/shuttle VCR. Then in 1992, Samsung developed both an 8mm VCR and a cordless VCR. These VCRs were evaluated as the best in quality, productivity and performance, and gained in popularity in Japan and around the world.

Complex established for microwaves in Malaysia

Malaysia subsidiary SEMA achieved $9 million dollars in sales, well over its original $6 million dollars goal.

SEMA established a complex in September 1990 to begin mass production of 400,000 microwaves per year. Later SEMA expanded its complex to produce 800,000 microwaves per year for export to other countries.

Contract Signed to Establish VCR Company in China

In 1992, Samsung decided to enter the great emerging market in China. For the first time as a Korean company, Samsung established Tianjin Samsung Electronics Company (TSEC) in cooperation with Tianjin Communications and Broadcasting Group Co., Ltd (TCB) for manufacturing and selling VCRs. TSEC secured a place for the complex in Tianjin and began mass production of VCP (Video Cassette Players) in June 1993.  Later that summer, Samsung began to produce VCRs as well.

Korea’s first 64M DRAM completed 

Samsung Electronics succeeded in developing the first 64 D RAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) which was closely followed by Hitachi from Japan in August, 1992. This successful development of the first 64M D RAM, positioned Samsung Electronics as one of the top electronics companies in R&D and mass production categories.

64Mega D RAM, which used C-MOS process, required super refined technology. Many advanced semiconductor makers failed to produce 0.35 micron process. As Samsung succeeded in developing the first 64M D RAM, it opened the possibility to develop 256M DRAM in the near future.

European Service Center Established in the U.K 

In August 1992, Samsung Electronics established a European Service Center in the U.K. This was an important move for Samsung Electronics in light of the North American Free Trade Agreement and EC Integration (a precursor to the EU). Additionally, this center allowed Samsung to learn about advanced service systems from Europe.

Next story will be about Samsung Electronics’ adoption of new CI and development of world’s first 256-mega DRAM semiconductor

*The History of Samsung Electronics

(1) Paving a New Path 1968~1970

(2) Diversification and Expansion 1971~1974

(3) Meeting Demands for Energy Efficiency 1975~1976

(4) Innovation and efficiency combine for record-beating production and export boom! (1977~1978)

(5) Suwon R&D Center Expands Knowledge Base: Samsung Semiconductor Expands Production Base 1979~1980

(6) History of Samsung (6): Entering the Global marketplace 1981~1983

(7) Semiconductor Breakthroughs and High-Profile Sponsoring 1984-1985

(8) RAM Grows as Tape Recorders Shrink, Awards Pile Up: 1986-87 

(9) Restructuring the Company to Clarify Its Purpose: 1988-1989