A TS1130 (3592 Model E06) tape drive is able to read in the five 3592 recording formats (EFMT1, EFMT2, EEFMT2, EFMT3, and EEFMT3), but can only write in four of the recording formats (EFMT2, EEFMT2, EFMT3, and EEFMT3). For a DISP=OLD request (or DISP=MOD treated as OLD), preference is given to the lower technology devices first. For an EFMT2 recorded volume, preference is given to the base Model E05 and then to the encryption-capable 3592 Model E05 and then to the 3592 Model E06. For an EEFMT2 request, preference is given to the encryption-capable 3592 Model E05, and then to the 3592 Model E06.

If the read-compatible special attribute indicator is enabled for an EFMT1 formatted volume, preference is given to the 3592 Model J1A, followed by the 3592 Model E05, then the encryption-capable 3592 Model E05, and then the 3592 Model E06. OAM will use the read-compatible special attribute indicator (TDSSPEC) in the tape configuration database (TCDB) or usage of the LABEL=(,,,IN) on the DD statement of JCL to determine if an EFMT1 formatted volume is eligible to be read by a 3592 Model E06 device. If the read-compatible special attribute is not set for an EFMT1 volume, preference is given to the 3592 Model J1A, then the 3592 Model E05, and then the encryption-capable 3592 Model E05.

For a DISP=NEW request, a TS1130 tape drive is considered eligible for an EFMT2 or EEFMT2 request, as well as for the new EFMT3 and EEFMT3 requests. If a media type is not specified, for an EFMT3 or EEFMT3 scratch request, the preference is MEDIA9 followed by MEDIA5 and then MEDIA7, enabling the higher capacity cartridges to be selected first.