Information is recorded in the popular tape format of advanced intelligent tape by the help of heliacal scan technique. Helical scan is a powerful and reliable technique which is used in AIT backup storage tape for high density recording. This tape recording mechanism is also used by other recording technologies such as video cassette recorders, digital audio recorders, VHS videotape, 4mm DAT, Mammoth lines and Exabyte's 8mm. diagonal tracks and spinning head for data reading/writing are used in AIT tape media. Complex transport procedure is used by the heliacal scan but is very gentle on AIT media thus ensuring superior data reliability.
When the AIT tape cartridge is inserted into the tape drive, the tape drive components pull out the tape reel and wrap it around the tape head. Ampex invented the heliacal scan mechanism in 1956. It was the faster recording technique and had the sufficient storage capability. Therefore it was mainly used for recording TV programs. Diagonal track and rotating head in AIT tape format result in slow traveling tape which speeds up the transfer speed. The AIT tape drive pulls the tape reel from the cartridge and afterwards it is wrapped around the tape head.
In helical scan, the tape reel moves at a slow speed but the tape head moves at a fast speed. The tape head is tilted in the AIT tape format which brings a new tape area into play along with each tape head’s rotation. Signal’s each segment is recorded across the tape reel as a diagonal stripe. In helical scan mechanism, the circular drum wraps the AIT tape’s reel at an angle and records the information onto the media with increased level of reliability and accuracy.
Helical scan is also used by digital audio tapes (DAT) and Mammoth-2 tape format for data reading and recording. AIT backup tape format is most cost efficient for mid-range tape market. It is more robust, powerful and reliable tape medium that other tape formats. AIT has become the most popular tape format that ensures fast data searching and unmatched data reliability with high level of data throughput. AIT backup tape is the most efficient and smartest choice for tape automation and stand alone working environments. All the versions of AIT backup tape deliver unparalleled performance and outstanding durability to protect the precious data for longer time periods. The WORM technology adds to the data security features of AIT tape storage format resulting in prevention of data deletion and alterations. WORM functionality is the reliable feature incorporated in AIT which protects the customer’s data.
Data searching speed has been boosted in the AIT format enabling it to save time and cost. The memory in cassette (MIC) contributes to fast searching. The MIC functions as a data index in AIT tape format. MIC technology has also contributed in reducing media load times leading to improved efficiency. The native speed and capacity of AIT-2 drive is 6 MBps and 50GB respectively. AIT is the best backup solution in terms of durability, data reliability, storage capacity and media stability. The smooth tape surface enables error free data writing at a fast transfer rate.