Panasonic finally stops making VCRs for home market
updated 07:00 pm EST, Mon February 13, 2012
Will still make recorders in 2 factories elsewhere
Panasonic has finally stopped making VCRs for its domestic market. The company disclosed that it ceased production of the outdated tape-based recording and playback devices at the end of last year. Once its existing inventory is exhausted, the company will stop selling the players in Japan.
The Japanese electronics company first began selling VCRs in Japan during 1977. The combination recorder and player, which used VHS tapes, was the main media platform for home movies and movie rentals for decades. Ultimately, they were replaced by DVDs, Blu-ray discs, and later Internet video.
Panasonic will continue to make VCRs in two plants in China and Slovakia, which are serving areas that still have a more substantial base of viewers. The company plans to continue making and selling the devices outside of Japan as long as it is justified by global markets. [via Wall Street Journal]
