Reel-to-ReelAudio reels are played and recorded on players similar to film projectors. The tape is fed from one reel (supply reel) to another (take-up reel), hence the name reel-to-reel. This format was the professional industry standard for many years. It was also quite popular with consumers. However, today it is sometimes impossible to find a working reel-to-reel player. Because of this, most people never hear their recordings.