Yes, I can still hook up your vcr

One of the things I hear a lot when I visit people’s homes is some version of this:

“My grandson says I should just throw this away.”

Usually the “this” is something like a DVD player, an older stereo system, or a VCR that someone has used for years. The assumption from younger family members is often that these devices are too old to bother with anymore.

Somewhere in the conversation someone usually says, “Why don’t you just stream it?”

That sounds simple, but it doesn’t always solve the problem. Streaming services have thousands of options, but that does not mean they have the specific movie, workout, or recording someone has been enjoying for years.

If you still use something and enjoy it, there is no reason it has to disappear just because technology has moved on.

My wife actually has a perfect example of this. She has one of those old combination VCR and DVD players. Most people stream exercise programs now, but one of her favorite workout routines is on a VHS tape she has used for years. She knows the routine, she likes the instructor, and it works for her.

So yes, the VCR stays.

Sometimes the challenge is simply connecting older equipment to a newer television. Televisions today are designed mainly for streaming devices, cable boxes, and gaming systems, so the ports and settings are different from what older electronics used. The device may still work perfectly, but the way it connects has changed.

In many cases the solution is simple. It may involve using the correct input on the television, adding a small adapter, or adjusting the TV settings so it recognizes the device. Once it is set up properly, the older equipment can work just fine alongside modern devices like streaming boxes and WiFi connections.

Technology should make life easier, not force people to give up the things they enjoy. If you still have a device that works and serves a purpose, there is nothing wrong with keeping it.

And if you still have a VCR you enjoy using, don’t worry. There is a very good chance we can keep it running.