When the 3592-2E uses a partial tape for output, the tape might have been written in the EFMT1, EFMT2, or EEFMT2 recording formats. It is then extended in the same format. MEDIA9 and MEDIA10 partial tapes are always recorded using EFMT2 or EEFMT2 technology.

The 3592-1 and 3592-2 might also use these partial tapes. If a tape was initially written by a 3592-2E, it might have been written in the EFMT1, EFMT2, or EEFMT2 recording formats. If the tape was written in EFMT1, it can be selected by a 3592-1 for extension. If the tape was written in EFMT1 or EFMT2, it can be selected by a 3592-2 for extension.