How Does A VCR Work? : Part 1 : The Tape Path

If you grew up in the 80s, you remember just how popular the VCR was. It seemed that everyone owned a VCR at that time. Renting video tapes was a huge part of the 80s experience. I have so many great memories of renting some awesome films. There was nothing more exciting to teenaged me.

When VCRs first came out, they were very expensive, and could really only be afforded by wealthy folks. But as the 80s progressed, the prices of VCRs decreased more and more. I recall at one point you could buy a brand new VCR for less than $50, And I absolutely loved taping shows off of the TV!

I am going to do a series of videos looking at how the VCR works. Eventually I will look specifically at the science of the video tape, and how sound and images are captured on the tape. I will also look at how the footage from the video tape gets transferred to the TV screen

In this video, I take a specific look at the path of the VHS tape as it travels through the VCR. Not all VCRs were exactly the same, but many of them followed this same trajectory.

I still have many of the VHS tapes that I recorded all those decades ago. I really enjoy digitizing some of this old material. Of course, we all know that with time eventually all video tapes will degrade. So, if you have anything of value, it is always a good idea to digitize it before it becomes unwatchable.

Do you still use a VCR? Do you still watch or collect VHS tapes? What is your all time favorite video tape? What memories do you have of VCRs back in the 80s or 90s? Feel free to leave a comment!

On this channel I post videos relating to retro and vintage technology. Things like cassettes, CDs, old cameras, laser disc, radios, TVs, DVDs, vinyl, VCRs, home recording gear, microphones, mixers, synthesizers, drum machines, video games, and so much more. If this is your thing, please subscribe!