Video Cassette Recorder (VCR) Turns 30 : DVD and TiVO in New Era

WCF Courier reports that the Video Cassette Recorder also known popularly as VCR is celebrating its 30th birthday.

Some snippets from their report
“The 1975 debut of the video cassette recorder forever changed American television viewing habits, but with the advent of new technology, the VCR may be entering its final decade.”

“Rocky Mountain News reported DVDs overtook VHS sales in 2001, and DVD rentals surpassed VHS for the first time in 2004.”

“Combination machines allow VHS tapes to be dubbed onto DVD. While picture and sound quality does not improve in the transfer, a DVD is a more durable format and requires less physical storage space than VHS, says Jeff Stein, assistant professor of electronic media at Wartburg College in Waverly.

“Further sealing the fate of the VCR is the digital video recorder. TiVo, the most well known of DVRs, allows consumers to pause live television and watch programs at their convenience by digitally recording them onto a hard drive similar to that of a computer.”

I have several old VHS cassettes lying around, but no video cassette player as the old one broke down. DVD is a much more convenient and durable option now, especially as you can play the DVD’s on the computers DVD player, or see them on your huge television with a TV tuner card and enjoy. But the VCR was great fun while it was around!