SDLT tape format is the extended form of high performance DLT tape technology. Super DLT tape format has been intelligently engineered to support the high performance data storage demands of the enterprisers. SDLT tape technology has enhanced the advantages of DLT tape format by increasing the performance, reliability standards, track density and capacity through technical advancements in media and head design.

HP Super DLT tape drives deliver excellent data performance and greater storage capability. HP SDLT tape drives provide exceptional storage solutions with HP alpha servers, HP ProLiant servers and Open SAN systems. SDLT-320 tape drive represents the first generation SDLT-1 tape technology. SDLT-320 is the optimum choice for enterprise and corporate servers that require greater media reliability and faster backups at lowest cost. In order to boost the recording ability of SDLT-320 tape drive, Hewlett-Packard has introduced LGMR (laser guided magnetic recording).

HP SDLT 1 tape cartridge’s part number is C7980A. Uncompressed data storage capacity of HP SDLT 1 tape is 160GB. This capacity can be extended to 320GB by using data compression. Total ownership cost of high capacity HP SDLT-320 drive is significantly lower than other drive technologies. Therefore you will require lesser tapes to satisfy your storage needs. Lesser data tapes will shrink your backup window thus leading to increased efficiency.

HP has engineered advanced magnetic resistive (MR) tape head, which helps to elevate the data recording density. The HP SDLT-320 drive offers backward compatibility with DLT-4 and SDLT 220GB tape cartridges. HP SDLT-1 tape drive can read DLT-IV tape cartridges. The drive is read/write compatible with SDLT-1 220GB tape cartridges.

Top most brands of DLT-4 and SDLT-1 tapes are listed below: Fuji DLT-IV data tape ( 26112088 ), IBM DLT 4 backup tape (59H3040 ), Imation DLT-IV tapes (11776 and 16186 ), Maxell DLT 4 tapes ( 183270 ), Quantum DLT-IV tape cartridge ( THXKD02 ), Sony DLT-4 tape cartridges ( DL4TK88 ), Dell Super DLT 1 tape ( 09W085 ), IBM SDLT 1 tape ( 35L1119 ), Maxell SDLT 1 tape ( 183700 ), Quantum SDLT 1 tape ( MRSAMCL01 ), Sony SDLT 1 tape ( SDLT1-320 ), and Imation Super DLT 1 tape ( 16260 and 17549 ).

Users of HP SDLT-320 tape drive can access DLT-IV, SDLT 220GB and SDLT 320GB tape cartridges. HP has developed high class C7982A SDLT cleaning cartridge for longer useful life of its SDLT tape drives. The performance level of SDLT-320 tape drive has further been raised by the introduction of PRML (partial response maximum likelihood) mechanism. Durable tape buckling mechanism of HP drive increases the read/write efficiency and decreases tape wear. The backup window reduces by 33 percent as the performance of HP SDLT-320 tape drive reaches maximum of 57.6 GB/hr.

HP has made technological advancements to the design of media and head to upgrade its reliability and output characteristics. HP SDLT-320 drive feature SCSI LVD interface. Its average transfer speed is 16 Mbps. High speed HP SDLT drive supports 5U and 3U rack-mount kit.