The ZX Spectrum is an 8-bit home computer released in the UK in 1982 by Sinclair Research Ltd. The Spectrum was one of the first mass-marketed home computers in the UK, and is often compared to its main rival, the USA's Commodore 64. Unlike the Commodore, however, the Spectrum used cassette tapes instead of cartridges for its games. The introduction of the Spectrum created a huge increase in software and hardware production across the country, and some claim it launched the UK IT industry. Inventor Clive Sinclair earned a knighthood for "services to British industry" based on the Spectrum's massive impact. Although the machine was discontinued in 1992, classic game aficionados can still enjoy over 20,000 Spectrum titles through the use of emulators.