What is reel to reel?

Answer 1

A tape or movie strip moves from one reel where it's stored to another reel past a reading head and in doing so enables us to know what's on the tape or movie. An example of a reel to reel (or open reel) tape recorder is found here: http://www.oaktreeent.com/Stereo_Open_Reel-Reel_Tape_Decks_Recorders.htm A cassette tape has a similar arrangement but you can't see it so well since it's enclosed. The reel of a reel to reel machine which takes up the tape or movie strip after it has been dragged past the reading head or projector lens assembly.