Will we be able to watch VHS tapes after all TVs go HD? Will they still make VCRs?

Question

Will we be able to watch VHS tapes after all TVs go HD? Will they still make VCRs?

Answer 1

HDTVs are going to be backwards compatible with analog devices like VCRs for a long time. That's not the problem.

The problem is, what are you going to play VHS tapes on?

You can still buy DVD/VCR combo units but they are not going to be made very much longer, there just will not be enough demand for them to justify their manufacture.

Modern VCRs are not built to be repaired or to last that long. I'm sure there will be a few older (1980's?) VCRs maintained for several decades by companies that sell conversion services.

Obviously people can convert their old home movies from VHS to DVDs or some other digital format. But the reliable lifespan of DVD-Rs leaves a lot to be desired.

And if you store a copy on a hard drive and put it away? Do you even think that mechanical hard drives will still be used in 20 years? Let alone with a compatible electrical interface?

Answer 2

Most HD sets I know of still support analog video.  So, yes, you can still play your VHS tapes on an HDTV set.

I hope this helps.