Patent ID: 6411460
Filing Date: 2002-06-25
Classification: G11B

Abstract:
A method comprising:writing servo code on a tape having an overall width, and a usable width less than the overall width, using a servo writer configured to transport the tape in a length direction normal to the width, and configured to write servo code linearly in the direction of the length of the tape in bands, the servo code being written simultaneously in the respective bands, the bands together extending beyond the usable width of the tape; writing servo code on a second tape having a width, using the same servo writer; using a first tape drive, separate from the servo writer, erasing at least a lengthwise portion of at least one of the servo bands and writing a data track in its place, the erasing including erasing substantially the entire width of the servo band, wherein the data track has a position along the width of the tape corresponding to the position along the width of the tape where the erased servo band was located; and using a second tape drive, different from the first tape drive, erasing at least a lengthwise portion of one of the servo bands of the second tape, and writing a data track in its place, wherein the data track on the second tape is in a position, relative to the width, different from the position of the data track on the first tape.