ALSO CALLED: Cassette Recorders, Video Cassette Recorders, and Video Recorders
DEFINITION: A VCR (videocassette recorder) is an electromechanical device for recording and playing back full-motion audio-visual programming on cassettes containing magnetic tape. Most videocassettes have tape measuring 1/2 inch (1.27 cm) in width. The most common application of the VCR is its use by consumers for the purpose of playing and recording television (TV) programs and for creating home video recordings.  … 
Definition continues below.

VCR DEFINITION (continued): …  A TV camera equipped with a VCR is called a camcorder. The abbreviation VCR can also stand for videocassette recording.

The first VCRs were designed and built in the 1960s, and became available to the public around 1970. The technology rapidly evolved and the equipment came down in price, so by the mid-1970s it was within the reach of the average consumer. Today there are two major types of VCR technology in use, known as VHS (Video Home System) and Betamax. Both types were developed in Japan, VHS by Japan Victor Company (JVC) and Betamax by Sony. VHS … 
VCR definition sponsored by WhatIs.com, powered by WhatIs.com an online computer dictionary