Abstract: A recording medium loading device is provided with one detecting member capable of detecting both whether or not a recording medium has been loaded at a predetermined position in a holder and whether or not the holder has been latched at a predetermined position in a recording and reproducing apparatus, so that a plurality of states can be detected with a simple structure.

Abstract: An automatic changing system for a cassette-type medium, having at least one recording and/or reproducing apparatus, a cassette storage apparatus includes multiple cassette storage compartments, and a cassette transporting apparatus by which a selected cassette may be either picked up from a compartment in the cassette storage apparatus and transported to the recording and/or reproducing apparatus, or picked up from the recording and/or reproducing apparatus and transported to the cassette storage apparatus. A cassette carriage is provided which includes three openings through which a cassette may be transported in a selected direction, without the need for a special device by which the cassette may be rotated 90.degree. between the recording and/or reproducing apparatus and the cassette transporting apparatus.