Videocassette recorder

The videocassette recorder, VCR, or video recorder is an electromechanical device that records analog audio and analog video from broadcast television or other source on a removable, magnetic tape videocassette, and can play back the recording. Use of a VCR to record a television program to play back at a more convenient time is commonly referred to as timeshifting. VCRs can also play back prerecorded tapes. In the 1980s and 1990s, until the VCR was superseded by the DVD player and PVR, prerecorded videotapes were widely available for purchase and rental, and blank tapes were sold to make recordings.

Most domestic VCRs are equipped with a television broadcast receiver (tuner) for TV reception, and a programmable clock (timer) for unattended recording of a television channel from a start time to an end time specified by the user. These features began as simple mechanical counter-based single-event timers, but were later replaced by more flexible multiple-event digital clock timers. In later models the multiple timer events could be programmed through a menu interface displayed on the playback TV screen ("on-screen display" or OSD). This feature allowed several programs to be recorded at different times without further user intervention, and became a major selling point.

VCR (band)

VCR is a punk band with synthpop leanings. The band formed in November 2002 in Richmond, Virginia with a relatively unique lineup of a drummer, a bassist, and 3 synthesizers.

The band released their debut, self-titled EP on Richmond-based label Pop Faction in 2003. The release was limited to roughly 1000 copies. After no touring, the band was signed by SideOneDummy Records in 2005. The label re-released the band's debut EP with a slightly altered track listing that year. In 2006, the band released their first full-length album, Power Destiny.

In 2007 the band played their last show. In 2011 the Misfits Cassette was re-released on vinyl by Riot Style Records.

Lineup

Discography

VCR (song)

"VCR" is the fourth single by The xx, from their self-titled debut album. The single was first released in the UK on 24 January 2010. The song was also featured on the episode "Black Friday" from the television series Lie to Me. Music critic Robert Christgau named it the tenth best single of the year.

Track listing

Chart performance

"VCR'" entered the UK Indie Chart on 31 October 2010 at number 15; as well as the UK Singles Chart at number 132, marking the band's second most successful single behind "Islands" which peaked at number 34 in September 2010.

Release history

Cover versions

"VCR" was covered by Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark. Their version was published at SoundCloud on 18 November 2010 and released as a B-side to "History of Modern (Part I)" on 28 February 2011.