magnetbånd

Magnetbånd, or magnetic tape, is a flexible plastic tape coated on one side with a magnetizable material that stores information in magnetic patterns. It has been used since the mid-20th century for audio, video and data recording.

The tape base is typically a thin polymer film such as PET (polyethylene terephthalate). The magnetic coating contains magnetic particles, such as iron oxide, chromium dioxide, or metal particles, dispersed in a binder. The quality of the coating and the tape thickness influence signal strength and noise.

In audio, magnetic tape enabled multi-track recording, high-fidelity stereo, and portable cassettes. Video formats used magnetic tape on wider tapes. Data storage used magnetic tape cartridges and open reels; later, linear tape-open (LTO) and other standards became common for archival and backup.

Tape formats vary by width and speed, from narrow consumer tapes to wider professional formats used in broadcast and data centers. Modern data storage relies on automated tape libraries and robotics, with LTO as a major standard offering high capacity and long archival life.

Preservation and care: Magnetic tape ages through binder degradation and potential demagnetization. Some tapes suffer sticky shed, where the binder becomes sticky. Proper storage—cool, dry conditions, away from magnetic fields—and timely data migration to newer media help preserve content.