[ARSCLIST] Information on open reel players and tapes

[Jay Gaidmore <JGaidmore@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Could somebody lead me in the right direction to finding out more about
reel to reel players and tapes?  I am looking for information that will
help me understand the differences between 1/4 track, 1/2 track, and
full track, full-track mono, 2-track mono and stereo, 2 track-mono, full
track head and two track head.  

If a reel to reel player is described as 1/4" broadcast 2-track, what
does 2-track mean, as well as 1-track, 3 track, and 4-track?  In a
4-channel, 1/4" machine, to what does the 4-channel refer?  How about 2
and 3 channel?

I have seen many references to setting the correct azimuth.  What is
this and how do you set it correctly?

As you can see I am very much a novice trying to learn.  References to
website or publications that would help answer the questions above would
be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance,

Jay

Jay Gaidmore
Archivist
The Library of Virginia