play back

Hi,

“After switchover VCR’s and DVD recorders will allow you to play back tapes and DVD’s, but you’ll only be able to record the channel you’re watching.”

What does play back here mean?
Is it to watch it later, to watch it again, or just to watch? Or something else?

Can you help me please understand this sentence?
Many thanks

In this case “play back” means to watch a tape or DVD that has been recorded earlier. “play back”, as opposed to simply “play”, tends to suggest that you made the recording yourself, but this is not certain.

There is no need for apostrophes in “VCRs” and “DVDs”.

Dear Dozy
Many thanks for this.
Alkan