What Happened to VCRs? And Can You Still Buy Them Online?
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What ever happened to VCRs? The former living room staple disappeared with little fanfare, leaving scant evidence to show it even existed. As the MiniDisc player, the floppy disc and the fax machine discovered, technology’s invention and disappearance is a pretty cutthroat process. So, let’s look at the history (and fate) of VCRs and VCR/DVD combo devices before checking where they’re available for purchase.
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What Is a VCR?
A videocassette recorder (or VCR) is a device capable of playing the analog video and audio information stored on a VHS tape/cassette through a connected TV. This process requires a VHS (video home system) tape to be loaded into the VCR via a mechanical loading (and ejection) system. Once loaded, a number of recording heads in the VCR read and convert the information stored on the VHS tape into TV-compatible signals that can be watched and listened to. If this all sounds too complicated, think of a VHS as a less advanced, more mechanically complicated DVD, and the VCR as a DVD player.
The History (and Death) of the VCR
At the time of the original VCR’s release in 1976, it was an industry-leading, sought-after technology. Compact (for the ’70s), one-inch thick VHS tapes could be purchased or rented before being enjoyed at the VCR owner’s leisure. VCRs gave viewers more freedom over what TV shows and movies to watch and when to watch them.
This convenience led to the VCR’s rise to unrivaled supremacy in the home-entertainment industry. This 30-year reign was accompanied by the rise of the home video store, which saw companies like Blockbuster Video become household names for purchasing and renting VHS tapes.
However, just before the turn of the millennium, the Digital Versatile Disc (DVD) and the DVD player were born. This new technology was far superior, and it wasn’t long before consumers responded, and DVDs took the lead by 2002. When compared to one another, the benefits of a DVD over a VHS tape include:
Being more physically compact
Being more durable/reliable — no moving parts
Storing higher quality digital information (not analog)
The ability to instantly skip
Not needing to be rewound
Having fewer long-term storage issues
And so, the VCR’s days were numbered. The last movie to be put onto VHS was A History of Violence in 2006, while new VCR players officially ceased production in 2016. According to Forbes, the last VCR player was manufactured by a Japanese electronics company called Funai. Thankfully, there’s still a stack of VHS tapes in the attic or one is just interested in exploring older tech, it’s still possible to buy new, used, and refurbished VCRs. In addition, there are plenty of VCR/DVD combo devices for sale on sites like Amazon.
To tap into a sense of nostalgia make use of that old stack of VHS tapes, read on for the best VCD/DVD combo players.
The Best VCR/DVD Combos You Can Still Buy Online
While manufacturers may have discontinued VCR and VCR/DVD combo devices, that doesn’t mean getting hold of one is particularly difficult. It may come at a steeper price if looking for a new or unused device, but if pre-owned or refurbished devices will do the trick, there are plenty of great deals. Below are SPY’s top picks for the best new and used devices available.
1. Toshiba SD-V296 DVD Player/VCR Combo
BEST OVERALL NEW
If on the hunt for a brand new device, this Toshiba SD-V296 DVD Player/VCR Combo may be just the ticket. The stylish VCR/DVD combo can play VHS, CD, DVD, and VCDs, and offers several features such as one-touch recording, simultaneous DVD playback, VHS recording, and JPEG viewing. The ColorStream Pro also delivers some of the highest on-screen color quality seen in VHS. Additionally, to save a few bucks, the combo player is available in used and refurbished devices.
Toshiba SD-V296 DVD Player/VCR Combo
2. Panasonic VCR VHS Hi-Fi Stereo Player Recorder
BEST BUDGET
At around $100, this Panasonic PV-8662 VCR VHS Hi-Fi Stereo Player Recorder is a budget-friendly answer to seeing VHS tapes come to life on screen again. The four-head device includes several user-friendly functions such as a program index search function, and Hawaii-Fi stereo sound. Plus, it’s worth noting that eBay is a great place to begin searching for the cheapest ways to buy a VCR player.
Panasonic VCR VHS Hi-Fi Stereo Player Recorder
Pre-Owned/Refurb/New VCR Players
3. Panasonic VCR VHS Player
BEST VCR PLAYER
This Panasonic VCR VHS Player is another used option that comes with all the key elements required to enjoy a VHS collection on screen. For a more pleasant viewing experience, the player automatically adjusts and corrects the digital picture and tracking. It also has four heads and front and rear composite AV inputs. The user-friendly button arrangement makes this a great choice for anyone of almost any age to understand and use.
Panasonic VCR VHS Player
4. Sony SLV-D380P DVD/VCR Combo Player
FASTEST REWIND
The Sony SLV-D380P DVD/VCR Combo Player can rewind a T-120 VHS tape in as little as 120 seconds. It also features a progressive output for a DVD player (480p) and can handle CD, MP3, and JPEG playback. The combo device is also supplied with the original multi-band TV remote control and batteries. It sports four-head Hi-Fi stereo and offers a 30-day money-back guarantee to provide greater shopping confidence.
Sony SLV-D380P DVD/VCR Combo Player
5. Sony VCR VHS Player
BEST BUNDLE
In addition to the Sony VCR VHS Player, this bundle includes several handy extras to ensure users are ready to start screening tapes immediately. The multi-piece combo comes with a remote control, an HDMI cable, an AV cable, an AV:USB adapter, an AV:HDMI converter, and VHS digitizing software. It’s a great setup for users looking for a way to transfer their VHS collection onto DVDs or to create digital video files. Furthermore, any purchase comes with a 30-day free return policy.
Sony VCR VHS Player
6. FUNAI DV220FX4 DVD Player/VCR Combo
ALSO CONSIDER
The FUNAI DV220FX4 DVD Player/VCR Combo keeps things simple. In-line recording, four heads, and a progressive scan video give users a good balance of quality and control. The user-friendly button arrangement under each functional element further makes this an easy device to master. The supplied remote control further adds to this familiar and convenient feel, while video outputs, audio outputs (left and right), Dolby Digital, and an S-video output complete the device.
FUNAI DV220FX4 DVD Player/VCR Combo
7. JVC VCR/VHS Player
BEST GUARANTEE
While it may be pre-owned, buyers can be confident when purchasing this JVC VCR VHS Player. Each device has been inspected, tested, cleaned by qualified staff, and comes backed by a 90-day Amazon Renewed guarantee. In addition to the VCR, the box contains a remote control, an instruction manual, an AV:HDMI converter, an HDMI cable, an AV:RCA cable, and a USB capture device with accompanying software. This gives users the key elements they need to create digital files from existing VHS tapes.
JVC VCR/VHS Player
8. Magnavox DVD Recorder/4-Head Hi-Fi VCR
BEST SPLURGE
The Magnavox DVD Recorder/4-Head Hi-Fi VCR is a feature-filled combo player with almost everything a DVD and VCR enthusiast could ask for. It’s capable of 1080p up conversion and includes an HDMI output, an S-video input/output, and Dolby Digital stream out. The conversion capabilities include DVD to VCR and vice versa, meaning it’s a great option if looking to convert any VHS tapes on their last legs. Furthermore, it can record up to six hours, giving users plenty of time to get what they need.
Magnavox DVD Recorder/4-Head Hi-Fi VCR
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