Using their experience with the U-Matic design both Sony and JVC proceeded to develop a VCR with a ½ inch wide tape for home video use and introduced them to the public in '75 and '76. Sony's product was basically a miniaturization of the U-Matic but with a more advanced recording system. The VHS was also very similar to the U-Matic design with different recording formats, tape sizes, and tape-handling mechanisms. The similarity of the products proved to be a problem for both formats. Neither could differentiate themselves through basic features so neither could gain a technological advantage. As a result the domination of the huge global market required cooperation with other companies to mass produce, license, and distribute both hardware and software.