Data recorder for multiple media formats

A data recorder comprising:

• an I/O port for receiving data to be stored and outputting data to be read;
• a cartridge including a media storage and a media processor connected to the media storage;
• the media processor including media capability data which is specific to the media storage;
• a host processor connected to the I/O port;
• a bus connector removable connecting the cartridge to the recorder, and the media processor and the host processor being connected to the connector by a Pathway Bus;
• and
• when the cartridge is connected to the connector, the media capability data is transmitted from the media processor to the host processor and the host processor communicates data with the media processor as a function of the received media capability data.