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Cassettes, decks, Walkmans and video formats: how the gear worked, what the switches mean and how to keep it running.

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Betamax vs VHS: Why VHS Won
Latest in Retro TechBetamax vs VHS: Why VHS Won

Betamax's early lead in picture quality was not enough to overcome VHS's true strength: longer recording times and better market access. VHS won the video format war by supplying what…

Cassette Player Eating Tapes? FixesRetro TechCassette Player Eating Tapes? Fixes

When a cassette deck chews up the tape, the immediate suspicion is always the cassette itself. The tape might be old, or on the cheap side. But it turns out the transport hardware often…

Type I vs Type II CassettesRetro TechType I vs Type II Cassettes

The three types of audio cassettes — Type 1 (normal), Type 2 (chrome) and Type 4 (metal) — are aimed at optimized playback for different characteristics. Their names refer to the tape's…

What a Walkman Cost in the 80sRetro TechWhat a Walkman Cost in the 80s

The Sony Walkman, an iconic device from the 1980s, didn't start as a cheap gadget. When the original TPS-L2 model launched in 1979, it cost $200—the equivalent of $800 in today's dollars.…

Dolby B vs Dolby CRetro TechDolby B vs Dolby C

When playing or digitizing a cassette tape, it is crucial to set the Dolby switch to match the noise reduction system used when the tape was originally recorded. This ensures the best…