Term of the Moment
dithering
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Definition: DAT
(1) (DATa) See DAT file.
(2) (Dynamic Address Translator) A hardware circuit that converts a virtual memory address into a real address. See virtual memory.
(3) (Digital Audio Tape) An earlier magnetic tape technology from Sony that was used for audio recording and data backup. Introduced in 1987, DAT used 4mm cartridges that looked like thick audio cassettes. DAT was initially a CD-quality audio format that was expected to replace analog audiotapes for consumers but wound up being used by professional musicians and sound studios. In 1988, Sony and HP defined the Digital Data Storage (DDS) format for DAT as a computer storage medium. Like videotapes, DAT used helical scan recording. In 2005, Sony ceased production of DAT drives. See magnetic tape and ADAT.
DAT Cartridge
Helical Scan Formats
(2) (Dynamic Address Translator) A hardware circuit that converts a virtual memory address into a real address. See virtual memory.
(3) (Digital Audio Tape) An earlier magnetic tape technology from Sony that was used for audio recording and data backup. Introduced in 1987, DAT used 4mm cartridges that looked like thick audio cassettes. DAT was initially a CD-quality audio format that was expected to replace analog audiotapes for consumers but wound up being used by professional musicians and sound studios. In 1988, Sony and HP defined the Digital Data Storage (DDS) format for DAT as a computer storage medium. Like videotapes, DAT used helical scan recording. In 2005, Sony ceased production of DAT drives. See magnetic tape and ADAT.
Type Native Capacity DDS-1 2GB DDS-2 4GB DDS-3 12GB DDS-4 20GB DDS-5 36GB
DAT provided up to 36GB of native storage in a cartridge that was a little thicker than an audio cassette but smaller overall.
These are the helical scan tape formats used for digital storage. See helical scan.