What device uses buttons with letters and numbers to select specific records for playing music?

General
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what device uses buttons with letters and numbers to select specific records for playing music?

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What device uses buttons with letters and numbers to select specific records for playing music?

The device you are referring to is a jukebox. A jukebox is a partially automated music-playing device, usually a coin-operated machine, that plays a selection of songs from self-contained media. Here’s a detailed explanation of how it works:

**1. History and Evolution:

  • The jukebox became popular in the mid-20th century, especially in the 1940s and 1950s. Initially, these machines played 78 RPM records, and later they evolved to play 45 RPM records, CDs, and even digital files in modern versions.

**2. Operation:

  • Selection Mechanism: Traditional jukeboxes feature a panel with buttons labeled with letters and numbers. To select a song, you would press a combination of these buttons corresponding to the code assigned to a specific record.
  • Coin Operation: Typically, you insert a coin (or later, a token or bill) to enable the selection mechanism. Once the appropriate amount is inserted, the buttons become active for song selection.

**3. Music Playback:

  • Record Handling: Older jukeboxes mechanically select and play vinyl records. The machine’s internal mechanism would locate and place the selected record onto a turntable, play the song, and then return the record to its slot.
  • Modern Jukeboxes: Newer versions may use CDs or digital files, and song selection can be made via touchscreens or digital interfaces rather than physical buttons.

**4. Cultural Impact:

  • Jukeboxes were a significant part of social culture, especially in diners, bars, and restaurants. They allowed patrons to select their favorite music and became an iconic symbol of the era.

**5. Technological Advancements:

  • Modern jukeboxes often connect to the internet, allowing for a much larger selection of songs and even music videos. They may also feature advanced sound systems and lighting effects to enhance the user experience.

In summary, a jukebox is the device that uses buttons with letters and numbers to select specific records for playing music. This device has evolved over the years but remains a nostalgic and iconic piece of music-playing technology.