Digital Linear Tape

The lower cost "value line" was initially manufactured by Benchmark Storage Innovations under license from Quantum.

Later drives into the early 1990s improved the data density of the DLTtape III cartridge, up to 10 GB.

DLT uses linear serpentine recording with multiple tracks on half-inch (12.7 mm) wide tape.

Tape speed and tension are controlled electronically via the reel motors; there is no capstan.

DLT7000 and 8000 tilt the head forward and backward to reduce crosstalk between adjacent tracks through azimuth; this is called Symmetric Phase Recording.

Media are guaranteed for 30 years of data retention under specified environmental conditions; they are easily damaged by mishandling (dropping or improper packaging during shipment.)