Video cassette recorder is a videotape recording and playback machine that comes in several formats for commercial and home use.

Video Cassette Recorder: a videotape recording and playback machine that is available in several formats. Sony’s Beta tape was the first VCR format, but is now defunct. VHS 1/2in tape is the most commonly used format. Although VCRs are analogue recording machines, adapters allow them to store digital data for computer backup. See also VHS.

Video Cassette Recorder

Audio/video playback device that accepts standard analog videocassette tapes (VHS, S-VHS, Hi-8), reads the data from them, and passes along the signals to the video display and audio system. Most VCRs allow a user to record onto the tape in addition to allowing playback of the tape. Many VCRs feature stereo circuitry that can read two tracks of audio information. VCRs have a stop and play feature along with pause, fast forward and rewind to allow the user to view a tape and move around within the tape. VCRs are the most commonly used video devices behind the television itself.