VHS distribution grinds to a halt

We already gave VHS a proper burial after JVC became the last firm to shut the door on VHS player production, but there was still one nail in the coffin that wasn't quite hammered shut. Today, it all ends. The last notable distributor of VHS films -- Distribution Video Audio out of Palm Harbor, Florida -- has shipped its final truckload of tapes, probably to a small town library or a mom 'n pop shop in a place you'll never hear of. According to co-owner Ryan J. Kugler: "It's dead, this is it, this is the last Christmas, without a doubt." An unceremonious way to exit, sure, but we have a sneaking suspicion that it'll one day be able to say it made it longer than practically every other physical film format that succeeded it. Here's one last tear for the format that was -- now, time to plan a trip to the local flea market.

[Via CNET]

[Garst Posted Dec 23rd 2008 2:51AM]

Goodbye, old friend! Most of us knew you our entire life, and we never imagined we would out live you. And we'll never forget your kind message of "Be kind, rewind." We will rewind, good buddy. We will rewind.

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 23rd 2008 8:13AM]

31 years wow, and people don't think Blu-ray will last another 5 years? Please.

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 23rd 2008 9:11AM]

Um, do I really have to point out that VCRs are still available everywhere electronics are sold in the form of DVD/VCR combos?
I just bought a Panasonic DVD burner with a VCR built right in.
Hello, is this thing on?

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 23rd 2008 10:37AM]

But can you find a dedicated VCR? I still have an old Panasonic hanging around that I use to record things for my mother-in-law, but I haven't seen a dedicated, VHS-only player in years. Plenty of DVD/VHS decks, yes, but no VHS-only.

I would really like to find a nice DVD/VHS deck with an ATSC tuner (my mother-in-law again). Has anyone seen one of those?

[willwork4ammo Posted Dec 23rd 2008 10:43AM]

Costco's got them. DVD-R with upscaling/VHS/ATSC tuner. Think the current brand is Panasonic. They have a Sony, but no tuner with that one. About $240 for the Panasonic if I remember correctly.

[simbadogg Posted Dec 23rd 2008 5:00PM]

i dont know why anyone high ranked you. yes, you can still buy dual deck units...but can you find any place that still sells a standalone? same thing in car audio can be said about the cassettes if you ask me. Sure there were still some autos that were sold w/ cassette cd combos, but you'd be hard pressed in the early 00s to find a car that came w/ cassette only

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 23rd 2008 8:49PM]

Thanks goodness.