Description of a Video Tape

¶ … Video Tape Physical Features of a Video Tape is normally a black, three-dimensional rectangular object measuring about 6 by 3 inches. It is about 1 inch thick. While the color of most of these is black, I have seen video tapes that are blue and others that are red. In the middle front of the tape there are two windows through which two spools of tape may be seen. The tape is also black, while the length may vary.

Very long tape will require small plastic spools in order to provide room inside the case for a large amount of spooled tape. The plastic spools are white. When the tape is shorter, larger spools are used. The windows are made of clear plastic through which to view the tape wound around the spools. Between the spools there is a rectangular depression on the casing itself. This is to provide room for a sticker on which the contents of the tape may be written.

If the video has been rented or bought this space will be decorated with a sticker containing information about the tape that has been bought or rented. The top front of the tape is furnished with a cover that can be flipped open to reveal the tape that is not currently wound on the spools. This top is protected by a button on right hand side of the tape. If this button is pushed, the top can flip open, otherwise the top is securely held in place.

While some tapes may vary, most of them displays the "VHS" sign on the flip top itself, together with an arrow. The arrow goes with the words "Insert this side into recorder," also printed on the flip top. On the other side of the arrow is an instruction warning the user "Do not touch the tape inside." On the bottom side of the casing is also a rectangular indentation, a little shorter than the length of the casing.

Here also a sticker can be placed to reveal the contents of the tape. Next to the indentation appears a letter and number value, such as "E-180" to indicate the length of the tape. Beneath these letters there is a square hole. Inside this hole is a square, the same color as the rest of the casing. This is attached by one of its sides. If this is a rented or bought tape, the square will be absent, and an empty square hole is left.

The back of the video tape consists of a number of rectangular and round holes. Most of these are right underneath the earlier mentioned flip top. The flip top is attached at the front, while it opens towards the back of the tape. There are two round holes halfway down the tape, through which the back of the plastic spools can be seen. Only the white spools are visible, while the tape is covered with the casing.

The visible part of the spools is circular, with holes inside, but not entirely through the spools. They are therefore in the form of a cup.