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Last Manufacturer of Pro Analog Audio Tape Closes

Posted by ryuzaki0 on from the reel-too-real dept.

goosman writes "Quantegy, the last manufacturer of professional reel-to-reel analog audio tape in the world has closed their plant in Opelika, AL leaving a reported 250 workers without jobs, according to the Opelika-Auburn News. Emtec (the former BASF, which used to be AGFA) was the last European manufacturer and ceased manufacuring in 2002. An audio account of the closing can be heard at NPR."

11 of 550 comments (clear)

  1. Re:Irony by xjerky · · Score: 5, Funny

    Well, at least it recursively explains why they had to shut down.

    --
    A sentence you'll never see on an Internet discussion board: "You know what? You're right."
  2. Re:Irony by jaavaaguru · · Score: 5, Funny

    My soundcard's not working. Does anyone have a copy of this story on reel to reel tape?

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  3. 250 people lost their jobs? by sakusha · · Score: 4, Funny

    I didn't know there were even 250 people who still used analog reel-to-reel tapes. Perhaps there were more people making the tape than using the tape.

    1. Re:250 people lost their jobs? by Squareball · · Score: 4, Funny

      Those poor people.. how would they have ever seen it coming?

  4. Re:Damn by Atrax · · Score: 4, Funny

    A dark day for those of us who loved the old analog sound.

    It's OK, you can build a cheap simulator withtwo cell phones and a crinkly plastic bag.

    (takes tongue back out of cheek)

    --
    Screw you all! I'm off to the pub
  5. Everytime they change formats you have to upgrade. by Momoru · · Score: 4, Funny

    Great. Now I guess i finally have to upgrade to an 8-track.

  6. OT: Recursion Joke in Data Structures Text by Embedded+Geek · · Score: 4, Funny
    I have a well thumbed copy of Data Structures and Algorithms by Aho (the "a" in UNIX "awk," by the way), Ullman, and Hopcroft that I used for an algorithm class many moons ago. During the course, I spent a lot of time poking around the index looking for various things. I noticed the indexes' entry for "Recursive Procedure" includes the page number of the entry itself (see it here).

    The best jokes are always the subtle ones.

    --

    "Prepare for the worst - hope for the best."

  7. Re:Irony by tuxter · · Score: 5, Funny

    I find it ironic that you use the word irony in relation to a metal oxide storage medium.....

  8. Re:Yikes by dimethylsulfoxide · · Score: 3, Funny

    Yes, but can you play it back with a straight pin and a paper cup like vinyl records?

    A good nuclear EMP will render digital playback equipment useless and erase magnetic media.

  9. Re:Yikes by SunFan · · Score: 3, Funny


    Oh God, an audiophile flamewar. Slashdot editors, delete this thread, now! Oh no...it's too late! I'm melting....I'm melting....

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    -- Microsoft is the most expensive commodity operating system and office suite vendor in the marketplace.
  10. Re:How To Satisfy The Irony Police by Bertie · · Score: 4, Funny

    Actually, if you check the latest issue of the Oxford English Dictionary, you'll find the definition of irony is:

    "David Blunkett losing his job as a result of intrusions into his private life"

    See also: "Proof that God has a sense of humour"