Information contained in the news releases are current as of the date of the press announcement, but may be subject to change without prior notice.

TDK to Launch Sales of
Compact-size 80GB^*1 / 160GB² Data Cartridge

TDK's DC-DAT160 DAT 160 Data Cartridge is
world's first to pass DAT MG compliance testing^*3

May 7, 2007

TDK Corporation announced that this June it will be launching sales of its DC-DAT160 DAT 160-type Data Cartridge, a compact-size DAT storage media that achieves 80GB capacity (160GB with 2:1 compression). TDK's DAT 160 media is to launch after passing the world's first compliance testing by the DAT MG (Manufacturers Group).

TDK will concurrently launch sales of its DAT Cleaning Cartridge II (DC-DAT8CC).

Offering compact size and high capacity, DDS/DAT data cartridges are widely used for backup applications with servers. The increasing number of internal networks within organizations and continued growth in volume of data requiring storage has generated increased demand for larger storage capacity.

The DAT 160 is a sixth-generation data cartridge system of this highly successful DDS technology, realizing 160GB capacity with compression. As the DAT 160 drive is backward compatible with the current DDS-4 and DAT 72 data cartridges, it affords the added advantage of data continuity.

TDK, as a recording media manufacturer, cooperated with Hewlett-Packard Company, one drive manufacturer, from the initial stages of development, and rapidly completed development to become the world's first to pass compliance testing of its cartridge by the DAT MG.

TDK previously achieved acclaim for the high reliability of its DDS-4, DAT 72 and other DDS/DAT data cartridge products. Its newest DC-DAT160 DAT 160 data cartridge, utilizes Super Finavinx metal magnetic particles and harnesses high-precision coating and other advanced tape manufacturing technologies gained from TDK's experience in previous DDS/DAT data cartridges to realize a large-capacity, high-reliability and high-durability data storage media.

*1 Without compression
*2 With 2:1 compression
*3 As of May 7, 2007, according to TDK investigations.

Product name (Memory capacity), price, date of sales launch

DC-DAT160 DAT 160 data cartridge

(Memory capacity: 80GB without compression, 160GB with 2:1 compression).
Open price. On sale from June, 2007

DC-DAT8CC DAT cleaning cartridge II

Open price. On sale from June, 2007

Main features of TDK DC-DAT160 DAT 160 data cartridge

1. Uses high-coercivity, high-stability Super Finavinx metal magnetic material
   
   TDK's DC-DAT160 utilizes ultra-fine particles of Super Finavinx metal magnetic material with a high coercivity, ensuring excellent aging stability idealized for the high-density recording of the DAT 160 format. By means of highly uniform particle orientation and high-density coating it realizes an ample margin of high output for the DAT 160 format, and moreover boasts a low error rate and outstanding long-term storage stability.
2. Ultra-smooth tape surface realizes low noise with high output
   
   The DAT 160 format, with its short recording wavelength, is susceptible to even the slightest irregularities on the tape surface (magnetic layer surface), which can cause so-called spacing losses. Along with an extremely smooth base film, the DC-DAT160 applies TDK's long years of experience in high-precision ultra-thin film coating technology to precision-coat the tape with the magnetic material. Then a specialized calendaring process smoothes the tape surface. This virtually eliminates spacing losses that can lead to errors and realizes low-noise and high output, along with stabilized characteristics and a high S/N ratio.
3. Outstanding durability and weather resistance, for a strong, reliable tape that stands up to repeated read/writes.
   
   While extremely thin, the DC-DAT160 makes use of a robust base film. A high-durability TDC^* binder forms a tough magnetic layer. Use of a high-function lubricant ensures smooth contact with the rotary heads, while reducing the friction resistance between tape and the drive transport mechanism. By these measures, DC-DAT160 achieves superb durability, maintaining the same low error rate and initial characteristics even after repeated read-writes. It also boasts outstanding weather resistance to realize high reliability in a variety of user environments.
   
   * Three Dimensional Compound
4. High-precision slitting improves tape edge quality and ensures stable characteristics.
   
   A high-precision slitter exclusively for DAT 160 use achieves a high-quality tape edge, which ensures the tape will maintain stable characteristics even through hard, repeated use.
5. New cartridge mechanism featuring sealed construction and high reliability
   
   The new mechanism utilized in the DC-DAT160 is built to extremely high precision, enabling it to realize stable tape run even after repeated read/write operations. Its highly enclosed construction protects the tape from invasion by dirt and dust that can cause errors. A hub lock mechanism, which prevents the tape from slackening due to vibration during transport, also boosts its reliability as a data storage media.

TDK DAT 160 Data Cartridge Specifications

For further information, contact the Corporate Communications Dept.
Tel.: 81-3-5201-7102
E-mail: pr@jp.tdk.com