National VCR Day is a holiday that falls on June 7th every year and celebrates a piece of archaic technology that people either don’t remember ever using or, if they do, it’s a piece of technology they remember fondly. Although the first VCR was introduced in 1956, it really became available to the masses during the 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s. Unfortunately, during the late 1990s, the DVD began to replace the VCR, and it soon became relegated to the dustbin of history. Why not take the time to celebrate this ancient technology by observing this holiday with friends and family?

The History Of National VCR Day

Unfortunately, we were unable to uncover the history of National VCR Day. We’re simply not sure who started it or when it was started, but we’re willing to bet that it was someone who had misty memories of recording their favorite TV programs.

What we do know, however, is the history of the VCR. This device was first developed by Dr. Norikazu Sawazaki in 1953 and was then subsequently introduced to the public in 1956. It wouldn’t take off, however, until the 1970s, when the home video cassette format was launched by Philips. This format was specifically made for a television station in 1970, but a consumer model became available in 1972.

In 1975, several different companies were involved in the development of the VCR. These companies included Panasonic, Toshiba, Sony, RCA, AMPEX, and JVC. These companies were technologically more sophisticated than the previous VCR models, and demand began to grow. By the end of the 1970s, there were three different technical standards that were all competing with one another. Two of the standards—VHS and Betamax—would become the two leading standards by the early 1980s and would engage in a sales war that has since become known as the Format War.

Sales of VCRs rose dramatically during the 1980s, and as such, the price of these machines became more affordable. In 1975, the average VCR cost was between $1,000 and $1,400, and by 1985, the average VCR price was between $200 and $500.

In March of 1997, the first DVD video players were released for sale in the U.S., and this spelled the beginning of the end for the VCR. Although many people continued to use their VCRs for many years to come, sales of new VCRs dropped off the charts, and Panasonic stopped selling VCRs in 2012.

Observing National VCR Day

Anyone who wants to observe this holiday can do so in a number of different ways. They can watch any VCR tapes they have, either by themselves or with friends. You can also take all of your old VCR tapes of family members and have them digitized to a more modern format. And while you’re doing all of this, don’t forget to use the hashtag #NationalVCRDay on social media to let everyone know how you’re celebrating. The VCR is probably one of the most nostalgic pieces of technology, so why not take the time to remember it