RCA tape cartridge: RCA Tape Cartridge Stereo KPS-3077 THE MUSIC OF VICTOR HERBERT GEORGE MELACHRINO

RCA Tape Cartridge Stereo KPS-3077 THE MUSIC OF VICTOR HERBERT GEORGE MELACHRINO

RCA introduced a new cartridge recorder in 1958, using 1/8 inch magnetic tape at 3 3/4 ips and requiring a separate player/recorder. The stereophonic tapes -- which bore a striking resemblance to modern cassettes, but three times larger -- held two one-hour stereo programs, and a 1958 catalog of tapes (mostly fictitious) was released. By August 1959, player/recorder units were finally being shipped to distributors, but only 16 recordings were available. RCA had introduced portable units and playback-only units by 1961, and established a tape club to distribute the cartridges, mostly classical and light jazz instrumentals.