VCR Age

In the introduction to The VCR Age, Levy describes the home video phenomenon as a fresh research site for examining some of the enduring themes and controversies of media theory. Building on and synthesizing the early literature, Part One examines the history of the VCR age and considers just how integral the VCR is to television households. Part Two focuses on specific patterns of home video use and the social\psychological factors which condition and influence them. Contributors discuss the public's perception of video, question where these perceptions originate, classify principal motives for using home video and identify types of VCR users. Part Three looks at specific VCR behaviours in individuals and their consequences, including the relationship between self-esteem and video use among adolescents and the effects of VCR mediated content. Finally, in Part Four contributors address the impact of home video on the quality of life, discussing its yet unfulfilled promise of media diversity, its use in different countries, and its impact on worldwide culture. The VCR Age presents an overview of the home video phenomenon, suggests some future directions for research and points to new sets of problems, issues and challenges for communication scholars. It is important reading for students and scholars in all areas of mass communication.Levy, Mark R. is the author of 'VCR Age', published 1989 under ISBN 9780803932999 and ISBN 0803932995.