HiPac

HiPac (stylized as HIPAC)(pronounced as high-pack), is an audio tape cartridge format, introduced in August 1971 on the Japanese consumer market by Pioneer[1] and discontinued in 1973 due to lack of demand. In 1972 it only achieved a market share of 3% in equipping new cars.[2] In the mid 1970s, the format was repurposed as a children's educational toy called ポンキー (Ponkey) and was used in the analog tape delay "Melos Echo Chamber".

Media typeMagnetic tape endless loop
EncodingStereo analog signal
Capacity2 × 30 min @ 1⅞ IPS
Block size30 min @ 1⅞ IPS
Read mechanismstereo tape head
Write mechanismprerecorded only
Developed byPioneer, HIPAC Council
Dimensions70 × 85 × 12 mm
Weight~ 50 g
Usageportable and mobile audio playback devices
Extended fromPlayTape
ReleasedAugust 1971
DiscontinuedMid-1970s

Cartridge

HiPac is a successor of the PlayTape cartridge, licensed by Toshiba and had similar dimensions of 70 mm × 85 mm × 12 mm (2.76 in × 3.35 in × 0.47 in), which is closer to Compact Cassette than other cartridges containing Bernard Cousino's endless loop tape. Depending on the tape length, the weight is about 50 g (1.8 oz) and used the wider four-track magnetic tape of the compact cassette with 3.81 mm (0.150 in) The four audio tracks are separated into two stereo programs. The second program is recorded in the same direction as the first, unlike the Compact Cassette.[3]

There are two specified tape speeds with metric rounded 4.8 cm/s at 60 minutes playtime and rounded 9.5 cm/s at 30 minutes playtime. The tape speed is detected automatically by a notch in the cartridge's case. The smaller of these tape speeds is 1⅞ IPS,[4] which is exactly 4.7625 cm/s and identical to the Compact Cassette which is specified with rounded metric 4.75 cm/s. One of the cartridges had an original retail price recommendation of 1920 Yen (5799 Yen in 2019 prices).

Player device

The model "GP-100", a player without broadcast receiver was US$55 at the time, which corresponds to $347 in 2019 when adjusted for inflation. A selection of 180 cartridge titles were produced. Possibly due to lack of demand, apparently some of the remaining players were installed and sold in portable cases as models "GP-106" and "GP-505", equipped with stereo speakers, power supply, and battery compartment, as well as inputs for wall power grid and automotive voltage.[5][6]

HiPac Council

In addition to Pioneer, the following companies were participating.[4]

References
  1. Ten Japanese Firms Back New Mini Stereo System, Billboard, 24 July 1971, p 19
  2. Imported Blanks Big Business Billboard vol 85, No. 40, 6 October 1973, p 68
  3. Major Specifications of the "HIPAC" Cartridge, Billboard
  4. Stereo Cartridges: Outlook Bullish, Billboard, 17 February 1973, p 28
  5. Techmoan: Hipac - The lost tape : Pioneer's forgotten 1970s cassette rival, YouTube, 29 September 2017
  6. factorymoon: PIONEER HIPAC ハイパックGP-505, YouTube 6 May 2014
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