Types of Turntables Manual:              All functions must be done manually, from putting the arm on the record to taking it off. Semi-Automatic: The arm will be manually put on the record, but at the record's end will either just shut the unit off, lift off the record and shut off, or return the tonearm to the tonearm "rest" and turn off. Fully Automatic: Pushing a button, lever or similar will set the machine in motion. There may be adjustments for record size, so the arm will go to the proper start position. The tonearm will fift off at end of play, go to the "rest", and shut off. Linear Tracking:  Tables of this nature track with a straight arm connected to a motor at the rear of the table and the arm move and its holder move all the way across the record in a linear fashion. Programmable: As in a CD player, you can set the order of play that you desire. These machines are rather rare, but they are around. Changer, or "multiple Play": Same as a fully automatic unit, but will have a long center spindle that you can stack around 6 records on, and they will play one at a time, then the unit will shut off.  Drive Systems Idler drive:         A high-speed induction or induction/synchronous motor will have a stepped pulley on it. An idler wheel (or "intermediate" wheel rides on the motor pull and the inner rim of the platter, thus transferring the motor's torque to the platter. Usually found on changers. Belt drive:          A lower speed induction, induction/synchronous, synchronous, or DC servo motor will have a pulley on it. A belt would go around that puller and either the outer edge of the platter, or an inner rim of the platter. A quieter drive system, found mostly in manuals, semi-automatics and fully automatics, but there are some changers that use this system. Direct-drive:      The spindle that the platter sits on IS the motor. It is always a fully electronically controlled motor. Usually found on manual, semi-automatic and fully-automatic units. Technics, however did make a series of stacking changers utilizing the direct-drive motor