PlayTape
Encyclopedia
Playtape was an audiotape format and playback system introduced in 1966 by Frank Stanton. It was a two-track system, and was launched to compete with existing 4-track cartridge
technology. They used small ⅛" tape. The tapes played anywhere from 8 to twenty-four minutes, and were self rewinding. Because of its portability, PlayTape was an almost instant success, and over 3000 artists had published in this format by 1968. White cases usually meant about 8 songs were on the tape.
At the time of PlayTape's launch, vinyl records reigned supreme, and Earl Muntz's Stereo-Pak (based on the broadcast "Fidelipac
" cartridge system) was also a popular sound delivery system, and his car players were offered with stereo sound. Bill Lear
's 8-track tape system, though in production, had still not achieved its market potential. Moreover, neither Lear or Muntz was offering a portable player, though Muntz eventually did sell one.
While PlayTape found some success in targeting the youth audience, it was not as successful in targeting the business audience. Stanton marketed his device as a dictation machine, but he was unable to persuade businesses to adopt his creation. Issues of player quality limited sales, and ultimately, the introduction of home and portable players by the 4-track and 8-track manufacturers led to the demise of PlayTape.
Only a handful of small compact players, and a few very rare car players were sold to the open market. In the United States
, Volkswagen
was the only manufacturer to offer them as optional equipment. They are collector’s items today.
4-track cartridge
The Muntz Stereo-Pak, commonly known as the 4-track cartridge, is a magnetic tape sound recording cartridge technology. The in-car tape player that played the Stereo-Pak cartridges was called the Autostereo, but it was generally marketed under the common Stereo-Pak trade name.The Stereo-Pak...
technology. They used small ⅛" tape. The tapes played anywhere from 8 to twenty-four minutes, and were self rewinding. Because of its portability, PlayTape was an almost instant success, and over 3000 artists had published in this format by 1968. White cases usually meant about 8 songs were on the tape.
At the time of PlayTape's launch, vinyl records reigned supreme, and Earl Muntz's Stereo-Pak (based on the broadcast "Fidelipac
Fidelipac
The Fidelipac, commonly known as an NAB cartridge or simply cart, is a magnetic tape sound recording format, used for radio broadcasting for playback of material over the air such as radio commercials, jingles, station identifications, and music. Fidelipac is the official name of this industry...
" cartridge system) was also a popular sound delivery system, and his car players were offered with stereo sound. Bill Lear
Bill Lear
William Powell Lear was an American inventor and businessman. He is best known for founding the Lear Jet Corporation, a manufacturer of business jets...
's 8-track tape system, though in production, had still not achieved its market potential. Moreover, neither Lear or Muntz was offering a portable player, though Muntz eventually did sell one.
While PlayTape found some success in targeting the youth audience, it was not as successful in targeting the business audience. Stanton marketed his device as a dictation machine, but he was unable to persuade businesses to adopt his creation. Issues of player quality limited sales, and ultimately, the introduction of home and portable players by the 4-track and 8-track manufacturers led to the demise of PlayTape.
Only a handful of small compact players, and a few very rare car players were sold to the open market. In the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
, Volkswagen
Volkswagen
Volkswagen is a German automobile manufacturer and is the original and biggest-selling marque of the Volkswagen Group, which now also owns the Audi, Bentley, Bugatti, Lamborghini, SEAT, and Škoda marques and the truck manufacturer Scania.Volkswagen means "people's car" in German, where it is...
was the only manufacturer to offer them as optional equipment. They are collector’s items today.