[ MODEL-SPECIFIC MEDIA // PRODUCT RECORD ]
Sony AIT-5 Data Cartridge (SDX5-400C)
This entry identifies the removable medium SKU, not its drive or dock. Confirm the exact model label, medium generation, host format and drive/dock compatibility before use.
IDENTIFICATION: Sony manufacturer SKU SDX5-400C; Advanced Intelligent Tape 5 (AIT-5), 8 mm AME data cartridge. Native capacity is distinguished from any data-dependent compression estimate.
Capacity, physical format and compatibility
| Manufacturer / SKU | Sony SDX5-400C |
|---|---|
| Medium / generation | Advanced Intelligent Tape 5 (AIT-5), 8 mm AME data cartridge; AIT-5; approximately 246 m of 8 mm Advanced Metal Evaporated tape; includes MIC feature. |
| Native capacity | 400 GB native; up to 1,040 GB with a 2.6:1 compression assumption; actual capacity varies with content. |
| Drive/dock compatibility | Sony AIT-5 drive specifically qualified for SDX5-400C; verify earlier-generation read/write support and firmware against the exact drive manual. Designed for Sony AIT-5 drives. Support for AIT-4 or earlier media differs by drive and firmware; only use older media when that exact AIT-5 drive manual confirms support. Not LTO, DDS or DLT media. |
| Physical medium | Compact sealed 8 mm cassette with reels, leader and shell write-protect control; SDX5-400C uses Sony MIC cartridge-management memory. |
| Electrical interface | No host data or power plug; compatible AIT drive reads/writes magnetic tape and communicates with MIC through cartridge contacts. Host interface is part of the drive/library. |
| Format limits | 400 GB is native capacity; compression is data-dependent. Drive generation, MIC/firmware support, and WORM versus rewritable variants constrain use; shell fit does not ensure interchangeability. |
Storage and preservation cautions
Store in its protective case, cool and dry, away from dust, contaminants, direct sun and magnetic fields. Handle only the shell, acclimatize before use, verify migration, and retain a working compatible reader plus independent backups.
- Do not force media into a drive/dock or use improvised cleaners, lubricants or repairs. Stop if the shell, connector, tape leader or disk enclosure is damaged.
- Preserve more than one independent copy, verify checksums after transfer, and document the drive/dock, firmware, OS and format used. Plan migration before compatible equipment is lost.
Manufacturer and archival sources
- Sony AIT cartridge product-line datasheet (archival copy)Archived Sony data identifies AIT media generations and native capacity.
- Sony — AIT Line-Up reference sheetSony-hosted legacy product reference for the AIT range.
- Library of Congress — Care, Handling, and Storage of Audiovisual MaterialsArchival guidance for magnetic tape preservation.
Capacity labels, compressed ratings, and compatibility are model- and host-specific. Product references and exact drive/dock manuals take precedence over shell fit or a generic family name.