History (1988): Sharp, New Name in Data-DAT

Sharp this fall will sample releasea data-DAT drive for data processing applications that is compatible with half-inch reel-to-reel magnetic tape.

Mass production is scheduled to begin before year-end. The DAT drive adopts a sequential format that records information according to space in the file to simplify control and obtain a wider recording area.

It features a storage capacity of 1.2GB with 120mn DAT tape and error correction capability of 10.15.

The drive unit incorporates four heads and uses a read-after-write function to check errors. It is the same size as a 5.25-inch FDD.

This article is an abstract of news published on the former paper version of Computer Data Storage Newsletter on issue ≠7, volume ≠1, published on August 1988.