Another plus is the durability of DVDs, which resemble compact discs. There is no tape to tear and the DVDs won't degrade with each playing the way videotapes do. DVD players can even play CDs, which is a primary selling point for multi-disc DVD players. With proper care, DVDs, like CDs, will play perfectly for decades. The only drawback currently is that you can't record on DVDs.
Recorders are available but cost several thousand dollars.
Until the prices come down, VCRs will stick around. The success of DVDs supersedes recordability. More people have satellite dishes and cable, so they have the opportunity to see the shows they want to see. For Traviss, the success of DVDs has also boosted his sales of higher-end TVs, audio receivers and speakers. New components help viewers enjoy the improved image and surround-sound capabilities that DVDs offer, he said.