PCTalk.info

Hi I have an Exabyte 8505XL tape backup device [8mm tapes], which according to the manual will except 15, 54, 112, and 160 metre tapes.

However it also says:

All EXATAPE 160m XL data cartridges contain a single Recognition
System stripe located on the tape leader for media identification. The
EXB-8205XL and EXB-8505XL are capable of detecting this stripe,
which they use to distinguish data-quality metal-particle media, such
as EXATAPE, from other 160m media.

To maintain data integrity, the EXB-8205XL and EXB-8505XL
automatically eject 160m data cartridges or equivalent length video
cartridges that are not equipped with the Recognition System stripe.
By rejecting potentially inferior media, the extended length tape
drives ensure greater data reliability and protect the read and write
heads from unnecessary wear.

Does this mean I can only use tapes which have the media stripe and does this apply for all tapes or just the 160m ones?

Also do standard 8mm tapes include this stripe or do I have to buy Exabyte branded media?

Any ideas anyone?

It would appear from your post that any tape having this stripe would be acceptable but the drives will reject any 160m tape that does not have it.

Do you know if there are standard 160m tapes available with the stripe or do I need to buy only Exabyte tapes?

I don't use tapes at all, so would not want to give you any information that could be potentially wrong.

Have you tried google?

PCTalk.info

Tied Up In Tape

Tied Up In Tape