Happy 65th to the 45!:D RCA released 76 EP box sets and 104 45 rpm singles to the market on March 31, 1949. "The new life-long record, which is less than seven inches in diameter is made of durable, lightweight vinyl plastic and plays up to five minutes and twenty seconds on each side. The record player, which operates at 45 rpm, contains the fastest record-changing mechanism ever designed. The excellent quality and clarity of tone of the new reproducing system has been highly praised by outstanding musicians. There is every indication that as a significant achievement in the evolution of the phonograph it will ultimately benefit the majority of consumers as well as the entire record industry. The durable record player, together with a substantial catalogue of records, soon will be available to the public."