[Feature Request] Support for Real Cassette Tape Loading

[wtwangcb]

For machines with cassette tape interface, support real-time loading of programs from external Audio sources such as a cassette tape player.
Reference implementation can be found in ZESarUX Emulator for ZX Spectrum.

[mamehaze]

MAME is preservation orientated, using original media directly risks damaging it each time you use it.

It's always safer / better to create an image of the media first, rather than risking the original media; you never know if a tape deck is going to decide to eat the tape while playing it.

Working from an image is also deterministic, so you're not going to end up with different results each time due to flakey media, everything you do is repeatable.

While I understand the request, it goes against the goals of the project IMHO.

[wtwangcb]

Not necessarily from original media. I mean real time loading from external audio sources, be it a tape deck or digital tape image play device like a phone or miniduino.
After all, being able to load directly from tapes is really a nostalgic experience.

[rb6502]

MAME supports audio input so it's possible for someone to add now, but I don't imagine any regular contributors are going to be that interested.