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8mm technology is a
reliable way to store large amounts of computer data. Similar to
DAT but with generally greater capacities, 8mm also employs
helical scan technology. A drawback to the helical scan system is
the complicated tape path. Because the tape must be pulled from a
cartridge and wrapped tightly round the spinning read/write
cylinder, a great deal of stress is placed on the tape.
There are two major protocols, utilizing
different compression algorithms and drive technologies, but the
basic function is the same. Exabyte Corporation sponsors standard
8mm and Mammoth while Seagate and Sony represent a new 8mm
technology known as Advanced Intelligent Tape (AIT).
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