The playing time of the tape is increased by using only half the width of the track, for when the tape has reached the end of its run in one direction (using the top half or track) it is inverted and run though agin using the other half.
Tapes come in different lengths. As recordings can be made at different speeds, tapes have a variety of playing times. These are shown below. The introduction of “ long-play” taps makes it possible to increase the playing time of standard taps by 50 percent.