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HomeTopicsTelevisionVideo Cassette Recorders
Video Cassette RecordersMany people might not view the invention of the video cassette recorder (VCR) as a major event in the development of television. However, most historians would say that it had an extremely significant impact. While many people today view movies and videos on DVD players, some of us still enjoy our VCRs. In fact, some of us own a VCR combo that allows us to watch both video cassette tapes and DVDs. How Does a VCR Work?A VCR is actually a pretty complicated piece of machinery. A VCR must wind a thin piece of film-like tape through its recording heads and translate the data on the tape into images that your television can read.
The process is somewhat similar to that of a sound recording, except for the fact that a videotape contains a considerably greater amount of data for both images and sound. Reading and translating this data requires a very intricate internal design that features drums, heads and rollers.
History of VCRsCharles Ginsburg and Ray Dolby first invented the VCR in 1956, marking a significant advancement in TV technology. Prior to the invention of the VCR, all TV programs were live and people didn't have the option to watch a program at will.
However, while the VCR was first invented in 1956, it wasn’t commercially available until Sony manufactured the first mass-produced models in 1969. Because these VCRs cost $1,395, many people couldn’t afford them. In the 1980s and 1990s, however, VCR prices dropped dramatically, allowing many people to buy them and use them in their homes. Today, you can get a good VCR for approximately $50.
VCRs vs. DVDsWhile VCRs are still a popular way to watch videos and record TV shows for personal or professional use, a new format has come on the scene: the DVD. DVDs use an optical storage disc format that has superior sound and image quality.
DVDs also offer a great deal of interesting features that VHS players cannot. The disc format allows the content to be viewed in a non-linear fashion, allowing viewers to skip around from one part of the movie to another without fast-forwarding or rewinding for extended periods. Also, many DVDs feature deleted scenes, games and alternate tracks with commentary. Although DVDs offer user-friendly viewing, VCRs offer user-friendly recording, requiring the user to simply insert a blank tape and hit the Record button. Alternately, recording a DVD is more complicated, generally involving a computer, camcorder or other device.
Should You Own a VCR?There are many reasons that you may want to own a VCR. A primary reason may be to watch any past home movies or video tapes that you already own. Another might be a personal preference for the format.
Cost is yet another reason that some prefer VCRs to DVD players: Videotapes are less expensive than their DVD counterparts. Also, not all films have been transferred to DVD format and, therefore, may be available only on VHS tapes.
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