End of an Era: Video-Cassette Recorders Join Dinosaurs

Video-Cassette Recorders, (VCRs) which have been losing in popularity steadily ever since compact disks and DVDs entered the market, will finally no longer be manufactured anywhere in the world. The very last maker of VCRs, Japanese electronics producer Funai Electric Company, has announced it will no longer manufacture this outmoded way to enjoy movies at home.

The company spokesman, who remains unnamed due to company policy, said that production will end sometime in July, but an exact date was not given. He said that key component makers are pulling out because of the declining demand for the product.
He added that the company would have chosen to continue production according to consumer demand, even if it is light, but it is impossible under the circumstances.

There are many individuals, families and libraries all over the world with content stored in the VHS format. Since these tapes can be converted to DVDs using VHS-DVD recorder players made by other companies, there is no need for alarm.

In 2015 Funai produced three-quarters of a million VCR units capable of playing back or recording cassette tapes. Just 15 years before that number was 15 million, 70 percent of the US market.

About James Cannon

James Cannon is an experienced hedge fund analyst. He has served on the advisory boards for various different Fortune 500 companies as well as serving as an adjunct professor of finance. James Cannon has written for a variety of Financial Magazines both on and off line. Contact James at james[at]businessdistrict.com