Abstract: A system for discriminating between the front and back surfaces of a tape over the entire length thereof, which comprises a device for discriminating the tape surfaces at least at one end of the tape, and a device for detecting any twisted section at an intermediate point of the moving tape on the basis of a change in the projected area of the tape in the tape width direction.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for loading a recording medium such as a video magnetic tape into a magazine or cartridge employing an S-shaped running path. Both surfaces of the recording medium are placed over winding cores and held in the S-shape by stationary and movable forming pins. The reels of the winding cores are held so as to shift the assembly to a position above a body part of the magazine on a pallet transported by a conveyor belt. The assembly is then lowered so that the guide members forming the S-shaped running path are inserted into hollow lower end portions of the forming pins. The forming pins are then lifted from the guide members as the reels are released.

Abstract: A number of reel groups each consisting of two or more reels are axially arranged side by side on reel support shafts. A number of tapes equal to the number of reel groups are wound simultaneously, one on a corresponding reel of each reel group. When the tapes are fully wound up on the reels of the reel groups, the reel groups are axially shifted on the shafts to change reels. The axial movement of the reel groups may be made by axially sliding the reels on the shaft or by axially shifting the reels and the shaft together.