TOKYO (AP) – Japanese electronics maker Funai Electric Co. says it’s yanking the plug on the world’s last video cassette recorder.
A company spokesman, who requested anonymity citing company practice, confirmed Monday that production will end sometime this month, although he would not give a date.
He said the company would like to continue production to meet customer requests, but can’t because key component makers are pulling out due to shrinking demand for VCRs.
Many families and libraries have content stored in the VHS format and want to convert the tapes to DVD or other digital disks.
They can do so using VHS/DVD converters, known as “combos” in Japan. Funai will be rolling out such products later this month, the spokesman said.