A tape deck is a device used to play and record audio on magnetic tape. It typically consists of a cassette player or a reel-to-reel system, allowing users to listen to music or record sounds. Tape decks were popular from the 1960s to the 1990s, often used in home audio systems and portable players. The magnetic tape used in tape decks stores sound by magnetizing particles on a plastic strip. This technology paved the way for the development of other audio formats, such as compact discs and digital audio files. Despite being largely replaced by digital technology, tape decks still have a nostalgic appeal for many music enthusiasts.