Summary
A VHS tape rewinder is an electronic device used to rewind VHS tapes. Rewinding is necessary because VHS tapes are irreversible: they contain only one audio/video-track intended for playback in one direction.
History edit
Much like Beta tape rewinders,[1] VHS tape rewinder devices were created shortly after the production of videotapes and were used for several reasons. One was because VCRs were believed to make kinks in the tapes which could corrupt playback after several rewinds. Another was to free up the VCR for viewing other tapes while the tape was being rewound. Video rental stores like Blockbuster charged a fee for not rewinding returned VHS tapes, and had slogans such as 'Be kind, please rewind'. A rewinder could rewind tapes smoothly and be several times faster. Using a rewinder would also prevent wear and tear on the VCR heads.[2][3]
In 1993 a video magazine editor surveyed electronics repair experts, asking them, "What is the worst thing you can do to your VCR?" The most common answer was regularly rewinding rented videotapes. Experts advised the use of tape rewinders to save VCR heads from "junk" on rental cassettes.[4]
References edit
- ^ Somerfield, Harry (January 31, 1993). "All-Purpose Remote Easy, Expensive". Chicago Sun-Times. Archived from the original on June 8, 2011.
- ^ Long, Do (December 12, 1996). "Sure-shot gifts for video fans". Toronto Star. Archived from the original on October 25, 2012. Retrieved July 7, 2017.
- ^ "Do I Need Another Electronic Device". Home Toys. November 18, 2005. Archived from the original on July 12, 2011.
- ^ Thompson, Wayne (February 20, 1993). "Tape Rewinders Save VCR Heads from Junk on Rental Cassettes". Deseret News. Archived from the original on December 28, 2019. Retrieved August 3, 2022.
External links edit
- Needleman, Rafe (December 3, 2009). "The yogurt makers of tech: Gadgets to avoid". CNET. Archived from the original on August 25, 2014.