VHS tape rewinder
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
Much like Beta tape rewinders,[1] VHS tape rewinders 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 facilitate rewinding of a just-watched tape while you watched another. Video rental stores like Blockbuster charged a fee for not rewinding VHS tapes when returning, and had slogans like 'Be kind, please rewind'. The rewinder would rewind tapes smoothly and additionally be several times faster. Using them would also prevent wear and tear on the heads of the VCR itself, and provide convenience to watch the next tape immediately after.[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 regular rewinding rented videotapes. The experts advised using a tape rewinder to save VCR heads from "junk" on rental cassettes.[4]
References
- 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
- Needleman, Rafe (December 3, 2009). "The yogurt makers of tech: Gadgets to avoid". CNET. Archived from the original on August 25, 2014.