Reference Guide
LTO Media Handbook 11
Media Color Schemes
Table 6 describes the media color schemes and labels for PowerVault LTO 
tapes.
  NOTE: All Dell LTO cleaning media are black in color. Depending on the vintage of 
the cartridge it may be marked Ultrium 1, 2, 3, or a combination of 1, 2, and 3. For 
more details on cleaning media, see "Cleaning Media" on page 13.
  NOTE: All Ultrium-x tapes may not be of the same color. To determine the correct 
media for your tape drive, see the Ultrium label on the tape. 
  NOTE: PowerVault LTO tape drives support media from all certified media vendors. 
However, it is recommended that you use Dell branded media in all PowerVault LTO 
drives.
  NOTE: WORM media that is not labeled "Dell" is always two toned with gray on the 
bottom and uses the respective color chosen by the tape vendor on the top. 
  NOTE: The WORM label is present on the media regardless of media vendor.
Table 6.  Media Color Schemes for PowerVault LTO Tapes
Media 
Type
Ultrium-1 
Media
Ultrium-2 
Media
Ultrium-3 
Media
Ultrium-4 
Media
Ultrium-5 
Media
LTO-3 WORM 
Media
LTO-4 WORM 
Media
LTO-5 WORM 
Media
Color 
Scheme
Black Purple Blue-
Gray
Green Red  Blue-Gray 
on top and 
gray below.
Green on 
top and 
gray below.
Red on top 
and gray 
below 
Label
Ultrium
-1
Ultrium
-2 
Ultrium
-3
Ultrium
-4
Ultrium
-5










