Audio Engineer's Reference Book, 2nd Edition

3.4 Digital audio tape

3.4.1 Introduction

3.4.1.1 History

Digital audio tape (DAT) is not a new product. The history of DAT starts nearly at the same time as compact disc (CD) players. It seemed logical that if a CD disc was to replace the analogue audio disc, there was also a need for a digital tape to replace the analogue audio cassette. But the origin of the DAT system lies also in the professional audio world, where the use of pulse code modulation processors putting the PCM information on VCR systems (U-matic, Betamax, etc.) meant a boost to the quality of recording and transmitting audio in the professional world, but were too expensive and cumbersome to use for the general public. Around June 1983, two possibilities were agreed for further ...