LPs

LPs, or long-playing records, are a format of vinyl records designed to hold longer continuous playback than the earlier 78 rpm records. Most commonly 12 inches in diameter, though 10-inch LPs were also produced, LPs use a microgroove on a vinyl disc to store audio as a continuous spiral groove. Standard playback is at 33 1/3 revolutions per minute, enabling roughly 15–22 minutes per side on a 12-inch disc, depending on groove spacing and fidelity. The term derives from the long-playing capability that allowed full-length albums, as opposed to singles. LPs were introduced by Columbia Records in 1948, and quickly adopted by other major labels, heralding the album era of rock, pop, jazz, and classical music.

The record's groove encodes analog sound, with stereo LPs using two channels. LPs are housed in paper or cardboard sleeves to protect the surface; the most common packaging is a single or gatefold jacket. The format also included 10-inch and 12-inch variants, with 12-inch becoming the standard for albums. Materials are typically polyvinyl chloride (PVC); playback requires a turntable, tonearm, cartridge, and stylus.

In the late 20th century, vinyl faced competition from tapes and then CDs, but in the 21st century LPs experienced a revival among collectors and audiophiles and remain in production worldwide. Modern LPs frequently use colored or picture discs, remastered reissues, and limited editions, often with extensive liner notes and artwork.