Sony adds SATA interface to tape drives

Sony claims it is the first manufacturer of tape drives that integrate a SATA interface. So far, the interface is limited to the firm's AIT Turbo series that offer a native capacity from 40 GB (AIT-1) and 80 GB (AIT-2) with compressed storage space of up to 208 MB and a sustained data transfer rate of 12 MB/s.

According to Sony, the new drives are shipping now. Suggested retail pricing is $650 for the AITi100-ST and $1070 for the AITi200-ST.