International Telemetering Conference Proceedings / October 26-29, 1998 / Town & Country Resort Hotel and Convention Center, San Diego, California / The Test & Evaluation community is starting to migrate toward solid state recording. This paper outlines some of the important areas that are new to solid state recording as well as examining some of the issues involved in moving to a direct recording methodology. Some of the parameters used to choose a solid state memory architecture are included. A matrix to compare various methods of data recording, such as solid state and magnetic tape recording, will be discussed. These various methods will be evaluated using the following parameters: Ruggedness (Shock, Vibration, Temperature), Capacity, and Reliability (Error Correction). A short discussion of data formats with an emphasis on efficiency and usability is included.