Nauhalevyjä

Nauhalevyjä, often translated as "tape records" or "reel-to-reel tapes," are an obsolete magnetic recording medium used for storing audio or video. These tapes consist of a thin plastic film coated with a magnetic material, wound onto spools or reels. The information is encoded onto the magnetic layer by a recording head, which magnetizes particles in specific patterns. Playback is achieved by passing the tape over a playback head, which detects the magnetic variations and converts them back into electrical signals.

Historically, reel-to-reel tapes were the primary format for professional audio recording, broadcasting, and home use before the advent of cassette tapes and digital media. They offered high fidelity and the ability to edit recordings by physically cutting and splicing the tape. Different tape widths and speeds were employed, influencing recording capacity and sound quality. Larger reels could store more material but were also bulkier.

While largely superseded by modern technologies, reel-to-reel tapes remain significant in archival contexts and are still appreciated by audiophiles and collectors for their unique sonic characteristics and the tactile experience of their use. The preservation of historical recordings often relies on the careful maintenance and playback of these original tape masters.