YouTube Adds ‘VHS Mode’ for VCR’s 57th Birthday
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iStockphoto/Thinkstock(NEW YORK) — In celebration of the 57th birthday of the first commercial VCR, Google’s YouTube team has added a special touch to the site for the day.
“VHS Mode” or “Tape mode” allows you to add static to your HD YouTube videos. On select videos, there is a small tape icon on the left corner of the player box. Select it, and not only will some small static appear over the video, but when you pause, it will enhance the static.
On April 14, 1956 the Ampex VRX-1000 — the first commercial videotape recorder — was demoed at the National Association of Radio and Television Broadcasters Convention.
According to CED Magic, the VRX-1000 was renamed the Mark IV and was sold for $50,000. Today, you can buy a VCR for as low as $69 though the tapes are rapidly fading from shelves.
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