The Cassette tape format was introduced in the UK in 1964. It offered a very convenient method of recording and playing music in the car, at home and on portable 'walkman' players. 

 

In 1982 the cassette overtook the traditional LP record as the preferred media for all pre-recorded music. The cassette retained its great dominance until 1993 when the CD raced past, but even today cassette sales are in excess of 100 million units in the UK.  

Since its launch the technology for both tape material and record & playback machines has improved the audio performance very significantly.  However, many issues remain with the cassette tape as a reliable media. It is common for tapes to spill from the cassette, get wrapped around player capstans and stretch and twist after extended use or abuse. Consumers are also looking for the convenience of instant access to the recorded tracks, fast forward and fast rewind is just not instant enough. 

With the launch of the more convenient digital MiniDisc in 1992 and the recent growth and interest in MP3 players, the days of the cassette tape are now limited.   

Philips Blank Tape Cassette

^1/8 Inch tape with two stereo tracks

in each direction (total 4 tracks) 
playing at 1 ^7/8 inches per second

The first portable tape player
arrived from Japan in 1979