The DAT recorder has an LED or LCD display window which shows various aspects of the recording. Absolute time, remaining time on the tape, or elapsed time for the current selection. Peak-reading bargraph meters that show recording level. If this indicator flashes, there was a loss of data. Usually the electronics can correct for this loss.
Some units show the error rate.
The frequency at which the machine is sampling audio signals, such as 44.1 kHz. This indicator works both during recording and playback. On most models you can switch between 48 kHz and 44.1 kHz. Some units can also record at 32 kHz. A rate of 44.1 kHz is preferred if your tapes will be duplicated on compact disc, because no sample-rate conversion is needed.