I still have one, and that's exactly what I use it for: To record a show for someone.
I tried burning it to a DVD from an MPEG recorded from a TV card on my computer, but it took way too long (both in actual time, and how much time I had to spend messing with it) and they had trouble with it as well.
So the VCR is still in active (but infrequent) use. I wrote a little script to generate VCR+ codes directly from MythTV listings and I program the VCR weeks in advance.
Doesn't bother me in the least. I am in the camp with Nicholas Negroponte who in his book Being Digital dismissed HD video as a waste of bandwidth, arguing that the same bandwidth should be used for more personalized, interactive experiences.
Basically standard def video is fine for almost any entertainmment. I'd much rather get smooth streaming of a lower-def video than choppy, pixelated HD without having to pay for a top-tier connection speed from my ISP.
I tried burning it to a DVD from an MPEG recorded from a TV card on my computer, but it took way too long (both in actual time, and how much time I had to spend messing with it) and they had trouble with it as well.
So the VCR is still in active (but infrequent) use. I wrote a little script to generate VCR+ codes directly from MythTV listings and I program the VCR weeks in advance.