录像机（或简称VCR）是一种装有活动录像带盒的录像机，它带有的磁带用来录制电视广播节目的声音及视频留作以后播放。许多VCR有自己的调谐器（用于电视节目接收）和可编程定时器（用于自动在某个时间录制特定频道的节目）。

后来的VCR型号能够使用标准（SP）和长时（LP）格式录制和播放。LP格式通过牺牲一部分的影片及声音品质提高了能够录制的时间长度。有些型号甚至能够使用超长（EP，ELP或者SLP）格式录制和播放，这种格式将磁带的速度降到了标准模式的三分之一能够录更久；但是，这带来了更多的声音和影片品质下降。超长播放通常针对美国市场，那里的人们通常较少关心回播的品质。

The videocassette recorder, VCR, or video recorder is an electromechanical device that records analog audio and analog video from broadcast television or other source on a removable, magnetic tape videocassette, and can play back the recording. Use of a VCR to record a television program to play back at a more convenient time is commonly referred to as timeshifting. VCRs can also play back prerecorded tapes. In the 1980s and 1990s, until the VCR was superseded by the DVD player and PVR, prerecorded videotapes were widely available for purchase and rental, and blank tapes were sold to make recordings.