ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Video tape recorder

A video tape recorder is a machine that you use to record and watch TV shows and movies on special videotapes.

Imagine your favorite TV show is on right now, but you can't watch it because you have to go to bed. With a video tape recorder, you can record the show onto a videotape so you can watch it later when you have more time.

The videotape recorder has different buttons you can push to make it do different things. One button is the "record" button, which you push when you want to start recording the TV show or movie onto the videotape. Another button is the "play" button, which you push when you want to watch what you recorded.

Now, let's talk about the videotape itself. It looks like a rectangle and has a special tape inside that's really thin and long. When you put the videotape into the recorder, the machine reads the tape and shows you whatever is on it. If you recorded a TV show earlier, then you can watch it by putting the videotape in and pressing the "play" button.

Overall, a video tape recorder is a way to watch and record TV shows and movies so you can enjoy them later. It's like having a magic box that can help you save and watch your favorite things on TV whenever you want!