Panasonic Reel to Reel Tape Recorder, Model RQ-705, circa 1967

In 1930, a new material--plastic tape coated with magnetic pigment--opened worlds of possibility for sound recording and data storage. Professionals used open-reel magnetic tape recorders to pre-record radio shows; consumer models were used for home recording and music playback. The format was sonically superior to compact cassettes introduced in 1963, but shifted to niche use by the 1980s.