Archive notice: This article was originally published on April 25, 2006. Links and embedded videos are preserved as part of the historical record.
At NAB, Quantum is presenting a new tape drive developed specifically for use in studios. The drive is equipped with a 1-Gbit Ethernet port and can be addressed like Network Attached Storage from all workstations on the network.
The SDLT 600A stores the video data on tape in MXF format. This makes it possible to jump to individual points in clips via timecode. Access is additionally also possible via the integrated FTP server. Because of a disk-like file system at the beginning of the tape, in use this drive is indistinguishable to the user from a usual server or disk drive.
The cartridges (Super DLTtape II) hold 300 GByte and thus offer enough capacity for HD projects. The maximum transfer rate is 288 MBit/s; enough bandwidth for most video applications. The cassettes are designed for a minimum lifespan of 30 years and thus make the medium a suitable backup medium for all file-based workflows.
The drive is available immediately and costs 7.950 US dollars as a stand-alone device and 8.550 US dollars as a 19-inch rack insert.
Further links:
- Quantum SDLT 600A
