Data Storage Technology
Tape Data Recovery - Data Storage Technology
Data Storage Technology (DST) is a magnetic tape data storage format introduced by Ampex in 1992. DST tapes are 19 mm (3/4 inch) wide. There are three standard tape cartridge sizes - small, medium and large - compatible with each generation.
Compared to similar tape technologies available in the early 1990s, DST format offered higher speed and capacity.
Ampex introduced a wide range of data storage systems on DST.
Milestones in Ampex DST
- In 1992, Ampex introduced a range of computer mass storage devices based on DST. In 1995, Ampex introduced the DIS 120i and DIS 160i dual port, data/instrumentation recorders.
- In 1996, the company introduced a new double density DST data storage product line that had the highest capacity data storage system in the industry.
- In 1997, Ampex introduced DST 712 Automated Cartridge Library System, capable of storing up to 5.8 terabytes and having an aggregate data transfer rate of up to 40 MB/sec.
- In 1998, Fox Television Network became the first network to store its primetime television programs as data files on DST media and library systems.
- In 1999, Ampex enhanced the DST 712 library system, making it more scalable and allowing multiple DST 712 cabinets to be connected via a simple cartridge pass through mechanism.
Ampex also converted DST format into a digital videotape format, DCT, using the same design of cassette. In 1992, it also introduced DCT products using digital image compression technology. This includes DCT 1700d, the finest videotape recorder ever produced in the industry.
