CompuServe Messages

I think most of the problems reported with RLL were from people using MFM-rated drives with RLL controllers. With RLL-rated media I believe there is little or no difference in reliability. Remember, an RLL controller stores 50% more information in the same space. If the oxide particles in the media are too large then it will effectively "filter out" the higher frequency data. I believe RLL-rated drives use plated media. The oxide is evaporated onto the platter in a vacuum chamber, which gives a finer "grain" to the coating. The old technology used an oxide slurry which was "painted" on. Of course, not all plated media gets an RLL rating. Jon