8mm data cartridges

[Sridhar Ayengar]

Zane H. Healy wrote:
>> I definitely wouldn't rate DAT/DDS anywhere near that highly.  I've 
>> found that 8mm tapes are fine if you don't write over them again and 
>> again.  I can't say the same for DDS.
> 
> I'm less concerned about the ability to rewrite the tapes than I am 
> about the ability to *READ* the tapes.  My experience has shown that 
> DDS1 tapes are an absolute nightmare, as are 8mm tapes.  However, we've 
> had pretty good luck at work recovering data from DDS2 and newer DAT 
> tapes, as well as QIC150 tapes (though it's been years since anyone has 
> turned up with one of those).

That's what I mean.  I usually can't read DAT tapes that have been 
sitting on the shelf, even if they were new when first written.  The 
only 8mm tapes I couldn't read were the ones that were written and 
written and written.

Peace...  Sridhar