System for selectively interfacing information carriers by physically accepting cassettes

A method of recording and/or reading signals on/from information carriers of different types, each of said carriers being disposed within a respective cassette, said cassettes being substantially identical in dimensions and shape and each having an identification characteristic signifying the type of information carrier disposed therein, comprising the steps of:

• providing at least a first apparatus comprising a movable first blocking element and adapted for recording and/or reading signals on/from information carriers of a first of said types upon insertion of such information carrier in a first correct orientation, and at least a second apparatus comprising a movable second blocking element and adapted for recording and/or reading signals on/from information carriers of a second of said types in a second correct orientation,
• in response to an attempt to insert a correctly orientated cassette, having an identification characteristics signifying an information carrier of one of said types different from said first type, into said first apparatus, sensing the identification characteristic on the cassette and blocking complete insertion of such cassette,
• in response to an attempt to insert a cassette, having an identification characteristic signifying an information carrier of said first type and an orientation different from said first correct orientation, into said first apparatus, blocking complete insertion of such cassette,
• in response to an attempt to insert a cassette, having an identification characteristic signifying an information carrier of said first type in said first correct orientation, into said first apparatus, sensing the identification characteristic on the cassette and permitting movement of said first blocking element to allow complete insertion of such cassette,
• in response to an attempt to insert a correctly orientated cassette, having an identification characteristic signifying an information carrier of one of said types different from said second type, into said second apparatus, sensing the identification characteristic on the cassette and blocking complete insertion of such cassette,
• in response to an attempt to insert a cassette, having an identification characteristic signifying an information carrier of said second type and an orientation different from said second correct orientation, into said second apparatus, blocking complete insertion of such cassette, and
• in response to an attempt to insert a cassette, having an identification characteristic signifying an information carrier of said second type in said second correct orientation, into said second apparatus, sensing the identification characteristic on the cassette and permitting movement of said second blocking element to allow complete insertion of such cassette.