Summary form only given, as follows. This paper sets out to explore some of the many factors that influence developments of new technology in this field. Market factors, industry trends and in particular the migration of technology from one market sector to another. The paper then goes on to reveal the recent developments within Sony Corporation with regard to higher performance tape storage: a 19mm D-l & D-l video recording and the ANSI X3.175.l990 standard; 1/2 inch Digital Betacam and DTF (Digital Tape Format): 8mm video and AIT (Advanced Intelligent Tape). A comparison in terms of performance and typical applications for each is provided together with an indication of the expectations for future development of these formats. (1 page)