Quantum DLT 2000 Handbook page 125

Figure 11-2 Tape Path Is a Key
industry-leading reliability, long life, and accuracy. Six precision
rollers guide tape to internal take-up reel; the Super DLTtape drive
uses four rollers.
from the cartridge along a gently curving path (see Figure 11-2)
past the write-read-write head to the take-up reel. Unlike helical
scan drives, in which the tape recording surface makes contact
with numerous rollers and guides (see Figure 11-3), the recording
surface of the DLTtape media touches only the write/read head.
This minimizes wear and abrasion.
DLTtape drives use a computer-controlled dual-motor system that
precisely controls tape acceleration, deceleration, and write/read
speed. One motor pulls the tape across the write/read head, while
the second motor controls tape tension. This system eliminates
tape stress and is one important reason DLTtape media can easily
withstand a million passes.
Information is recorded on DLTtape media in a serpentine linear
format. The DLTtape drive begins recording at the start of the tape
reason for DLTtape media's
QUANTUM DLTtape HANDBOOK 11.3