D1D was a digital magnetic tape cassette data storage format introduced by Sony that used the same shells as the D1 digital video cassette. It used ¾-inch (19 mm) wide tape, which like D1 was recorded using a helical scan process.
The D1 video cassette was introduced in 1987, but the D1D cassette was introduced later in 1990 for use in Sony’s DIR-1000 series of digital instrumentation recorders. A DIR-2000 model was also produced that was not part of Sony’s official product line and was only sold in small numbers. An automated tape library, DMS (Digital Mass Storage System), was also available.
The DIR systems were intended for functions such as telemetry, radar, astronomy, satellite data gathering and mass storage of graphic data.
The tapes came in two sizes, SD1-1300LA (large) with a capacity of 100 GB on 1300 meters of tape, and SD1-600MA (medium) with a capacity of 40 GB on 600 meters of tape. D1 video cassettes could also be used, including the S (small) size.
Sony ceased support for the DIR-1000 and DIR-2000 machines in 2012.
Figures
Dimensions: L size: 36.6 cm × 20.6 cm × 3.3 cm. M size: 25.5 cm × 15 cm × 3.3 cm
Capacity: L size: 100 GB, M size: 40 GB