A major innovation in its day, the video cassette recorder or the VCR was first commercially released in 1956 by American electronics company, Ampex. The VRX-1000 did not become an instantly popular piece of equipment found in everyone's living rooms. This was in large part because of its price tag - it cost a whopping $50,000!
The Rise and Fall of VCR's Fortunes
Over time, as technology developed, the VCR became much more affordable and it became a popular piece of electronics in the 1980s and 1990s. The Telcan made by British company, Nottingham Electric Valve Company, was one of the first commercially produced VCR for homes.
The VCR industry took a hit with the entrance of laser discs and compact discs and its use rapidly declined. Today, the VCR is no longer manufactured.
How to Celebrate?
- Own a VCR? Or know someone who does? Then have a VCR party! Watch a movie on tape and make retro dishes to serve your guests. What about dressing up as someone who was famous during the heydays of the VCR?
Did You Know…
…that first produced in the United Kingdom in 1963, Telcan is the shorter name for television in a can?
VCR Day Observances
| Year | Weekday | Date | Name |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | Sat | Jun 7 | VCR Day |
| 2026 | Sun | Jun 7 | VCR Day |
| 2027 | Mon | Jun 7 | VCR Day |
| 2028 | Wed | Jun 7 | VCR Day |
| 2029 | Thu | Jun 7 | VCR Day |
| 2030 | Fri | Jun 7 | VCR Day |
| 2031 | Sat | Jun 7 | VCR Day |
| 2032 | Mon | Jun 7 | VCR Day |
| 2033 | Tue | Jun 7 | VCR Day |
| 2034 | Wed | Jun 7 | VCR Day |