Skip to main content
search

You have a DAT (Digital Audio Tape)

A Digital Audio Tape was in use from 1987 to 2005. It looks like a Compact Cassette, but it is only half its size. The recording technique also differs, because a DAT tape contains a digital signal. Moreover, the tape is only readable on one side. Make no mistake: that side can contain up to 180 minutes of audio clips.

Read more

DAT

Professional use

DAT tapes are not common in living rooms. They were especially popular with studios and radio stations. They were also useful for the creation of back-ups of computer systems. However that is a thing of the past. Since the beginning of this century, more and more users have switched to other carriers.

DAT

Did you know …

… that DAT recorders are able to register programme numbers? In that way you can select an individual recording, just like on a CD.

Discover more about the history of DAT tapes:

About this website

This website is an initiative set up by meemoo, the Flemish Institute for Archives, supported by the Flemish Government and ERDF. Please do not hesitate to contact us with your comments, questions or recommendations. For more information about meemoo, visit www.meemoo.be/en.

Logo excellence in media preservationThe project won an Archive Achievement Award in October 2019, presented by FIAT/IFTA, within the ‘Excellence in Media Preservation’ category.

With the support of the European Union and Flanders

Close Menu