Fascinating True Stories From the Flip Side of History

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First VCR System

A June 2, 1959, syndicated Associated Press article discusses a new invention by RCA called the Hear-See. It would enable someone to make a recording of their favorite television program or create their own home movies and play it back on a television set.  

The Home-See was clearly a little ahead of its time, but what they were referring to was an early VCR system. RCA estimated that the recorder would cost about $500 ($4,100 today) in mass production.  A camera may set you back an additional $100 ($820 today.)

The RCA Hear-See Videoplayer being presented to David Sarnoff.
The RCA Hear-See Videoplayer being presented to David Sarnoff.
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