Sony DTC-57ES - Manual (Page 44)

Technical Information
Recording Format of DAT
To record and playback the digital signal converted from
the analog signal, a recording/playback system which
ensures the frequency range of a few megahertz is
necessary. Since this is very difficult for conventional
stationary head system, the DAT deck adopted a helical
scan system with rotary heads which provides fast relative
tape speed. In addition, the DAT uses metal tape. These
factors provide a high density recording of 114 Mbit/inch*.
Tape Format and Construction of DAT Cassette
The tape format of DAT and construction of DAT cassette
are illustrated below. Although the width of tape is the same
as conventional audio cassette tape, the tolerance is very
strict as much as +0/-0.02 mm.
The cassette shell has sealing mechanism to prevent
contamination of the tape.
Tape format
Direction of tape transport
A. Direction of head scanning
20
*
Minus azimuth a
Tape edge
Bus azimuth a
48 kHz mode, 44.1 kHz mode. 32 kHz
mode. 32 kHz-LP mode, 32 kHz-4ch mode 44.1 kHz wide track mode
(for contact printing)
A Tape width (mm) 3.81 (+0.-0.02)
W Width of recording area (mm) 2.613
L Track length 23.501 23.471
P Track pitch (pm) 13.591 20.41
B Track center (mm) 1.905
c
Optional track 1 (mm) 0.5
D Optional track 2 (mm) 0.5
E Edge guard 1 (mm) 0.1
F Edge guard 2 (mm) 0.1
e Track angle (degrees) 6“22'59.5’ 6°23'29.4*
a Head gap azimuth
angle (degrees) ±20»(±15')
Note
With 030 (mm) head drum, wrap angle is 90.0°, and still angle is 6° 22'.
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