What are some alternative or new uses for used vcrs?  What else can
they be used for other than recording and playing video? What sites
can I go to find information about this?

Hi,

Here are seven uses I thought of or was able to find (although only
the first five count):

1. As a backup for computer data

Since VCR tapes are a magnetic medium, they can be used for a backup
of a hard drive or other computer data.  Considering the low price of
hard drives these days it may not be worth the effort, but if you're
on a low budget it might be OK.

Can a VCR be used for computer backup?
http://www.repairfaq.org/REPAIR/F_vcrfaqc.html

PC to VCR Backup System
http://www.viscountvideo.com/danmere.htm

DVT VCR
http://www.atarimagazines.com/startv5n6/dvt_vcr.html

2. As a fancy appliance timer.

I would have never thought of this, but apparently it can be done.

How can I use an old deceased VCR as a sophisticated appliance timer?
http://www.repairfaq.org/REPAIR/F_vcrfaqc.html#VCRFAQC_011

3. As a picture-in-picture tuner.

Some TVs have a picture-in-picture feature, which inserts a small
picture inside of the main one.  I suspect its biggest use is for
people who are trying to track two sports contests and once and want
to be able to switch between two games as needed.  Often, the second
picture needs to come from an external tuner.  A VCR can be used for
this purpose.

Picture-in-Picture Hookup
http://www.classic-cable.com/pages/CustomerService/hookUp.html#pipAnchor

4. As an RF modulator for videogames.

This is one use I've put a nonfunctioning VCR to (the tape drive
doesn't work).  We have a videogame that has an A/V output and a TV
without such an input.  The solution was either to buy an RF modulator
or to use the free solution: The output of the videogame goes to the
an input jack on the VCR, then the VCR output on channel 3 is
connected to the TV.

5. As a channel converter for older TVs. This is another thing I've
done for using an old TV that's not cable ready. Assuming the VCR can
handle the cable channels, plug in the cable to the VCR, then connect
the TV to the VCR, set it to the VCR output channel, and use the VCR
for tuning.

5. To provide the raw materials for an art project.

Recycled art projects
http://id.essortment.com/recycledartpro_rses.htm

6. As a paperweight.

As you can see with the following Google search, many people
dissatisfied with their VCRs have suggested using them to hold paper
in place.

Google search: vcr paperweight
://www.google.com/search?num=25&hl=es&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&q=vcr+paperweight

I hope you find these suggestions useful.

Sincerely,

mvguy




Google search terms used:
vcr "tape backup"
://www.google.com/search?num=25&hl=es&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&q=vcr+%22tape+backup%22&btnG=B%C3%BAsqueda+en+Google

vcr pip
://www.google.com/search?num=25&hl=es&ie=UTF-8&oe=utf-8&q=vcr+pip

Although not as well researched, here are some suggestions that
sprouted from the deep recesses of my brain:
Some of the really old ones (that weigh nearly 40lbs.) could make a
handy boat anchor.
Wheel chocks for keeping a trailer from rolling.
As a frisbee (they are actually more aerodynamic than they look)
A candle holder
The seat for an outdoor swing
In combination with a sledge hammer, a very useful outlet for anger
management

I don't know much about how the XBox or PS2 connects to TVs these days
but back when Atari2600 was big, I used the VCR to record my games so
if I broke the highscore I would have proof for my brother and sister.
The recordings can also be used to replay games and try and work out
better strategies.