Rivergate Software Inc. - makers of DVDAfterEdit

Digital Linear Tapes (DLT's) have been the standard for submission of DDP Images for replication since day one. Although more and more replication facilities are now accepting images on hard drive, DVR-R data discs, or via FTP, there are still huge libraries of DLT tapes around the world, and DLT tapes have proven themselves to be a reliable storage medium.

DLT Drives

There are more modern DLT drives, but most replicators built their plants several years ago, and won't be able to read tapes from those drives. For replication, use DLT4000, DLT7000, or DLT8000 drives. DLT2000 and DLT2000 XT drives will also work, but only with DLT III cartridges. Do not buy an HVD (high-voltage differential) drive, since the vast majority of SCSI cards are low-voltage and connecting them to an HVD drive will fry them and burn down your office. Most drives are single-ended, but an LVD (log-voltage differential) will also work.

Cabling and Terminators

Proper cables and active terminators are a must. We use Computer Cablemakers in Sacramento. They sell worldwide, have every cable and adapter you could ever want, and are very reasonably priced.

http://www.computercablesource.com/

For UL5D, UL4S/D, or UL3S/D to DLT7000 or DLT8000 use this cable and terminator:
Scsi Cable - VHDCI-68 male to HD68 male - U320 LVD/SE/HVD - 003 foot
Part#: SCSU-320L-003 - $29

http://www.computercablesource.com/scsi-cable-vhdci-68-male-to-hd68-male...

SCSI Terminator - High density 68M Active with LED
Part#: SCST-5420
$15

http://www.computercablesource.com/scsi-terminator-high-density-68m-acti...

If you get an LVD drive, they also have an LVD terminator. And of course they have longer and shorter cables, and cables to go from drive to drive when putting more than one drive on a channel. If you have questions, call them.