what is a vcr

A VCR, or videocassette recorder, is an electromechanical device that records analog audio and analog video from broadcast television or other AV sources and can play back the recording after rewinding. It was introduced in the 1970s and quickly became a household staple, allowing people to record and play back television shows and movies at home, giving them more control over their viewing experience. The VCR allowed people to record one or more television programs, depending on the VCR, and a popular feature was unattended recording, which allowed a person to set the device to begin recording at a certain time without further prompting. VCRs can also play back prerecorded tapes, which were widely available for purchase and rental starting in the 80s and 90s. The use of a VCR to record a television program to play back at a more convenient time is commonly referred to as time shifting. VCRs declined in popularity during the early 21st century and in July 2016, Funai Electric, the last manufacturer of them, ceased production. The VCR was a significant technological advancement that changed the way people watched television and movies, although it has been largely replaced by newer technologies such as DVDs, Blu-rays, and digital streaming.