Sony DTC-57ES - Manual (Page 45)

Construction of the DAT cassette
Safety tab
Track Format
DAT can record various kinds of information in addition to
the audio signal as iilustrated below. Since the information,
such as sub-codes are recorded in different areas, it does
not affect the audio signal, and enables post edit recording
of the data without erasing the audio signal.
Marginal area
Located on the both margins of the tape for stable contact
between the tape and the rotating head. No data is
recorded in these areas.
Sub-code area 1 and 2
Sub-codes (start ID, skip ID, and program number) are
recorded in these areas. These data are recorded in two
areas to avoid burst error, and for easier access during
high speed search. The capacity of these areas is about
four times of that of a compact disc, and it contains many
possibilities for the future.
ATF (Automatic Track Rnding/Following) area 1 and 2
The signal for tracking is recorded in these areas, it
enables a stable tracking performance of the rotating head.
Main area
The digital audio signai is recorded in this area, in addition
to the signai, Main IDs containing the data for sampling
frequency, parity bit, etc., are recorded together here.
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