A VCR, or Video Cassette Recorder, is a device that allows users to play and record video content on magnetic tape. It uses a cassette, which is a plastic case containing a reel of tape, to store movies and television shows. VCRs became popular in the late 1970s and 1980s, enabling people to watch films at home and record their favorite programs for later viewing. VCRs typically connect to a television and can be operated with a remote control. They played a significant role in the home entertainment industry until the rise of DVDs and digital streaming services, which offered higher quality and more convenient options for viewing content.