IBC: Quantum Unveils Its First Video Autoloader

Archive notice: This article was originally published on September 10, 2006. Links and embedded videos are preserved as part of the historical record.

At the IBC, storage manufacturer for backup, recovery and archiving Quantum (stand 10.520) brought along its first automatic tape system developed for on-demand access to and archiving of video content. With a capacity of up to 4.8 terabytes, the SuperLoader 3A is suitable for file-based workflows in broadcasting, editing and postproduction. The professional SDLT 600A video tape drive is now also available in Europe.

Digitisation confronts broadcasters and production studios with enormous data growth. Quantum’s SDLT 600A and SuperLoader 3A are intended to provide suitable storage solutions for this, with an integrated, tape-based file system, Gigabit Ethernet connectivity and MXF support. MXF permits access to video data independently of operating system and application.

When installed in a rack, the SuperLoader 3A occupies two rack units (2U), can be equipped with up to two magazines of eight data tapes each, and scales to a total capacity of 4.8 terabytes when fully expanded. For loading or removal for the archive, a magazine including cartridges can be removed completely. For replacing individual tape cartridges, a separate eject mechanism, the so-called mail slot, is located on the front of the housing.

The SDLT 600A is available as a standalone or built-in drive. It is suitable for editing or archiving in postproduction or exchanging data between workgroups. For this purpose, simple integration into various file-based workflows is possible, such as transferring Panasonic P2 camera data from a full memory card.

Through the Gigabit Ethernet interface, broadcasters can integrate both the SDLT 600A and SuperLoader 3A into the network, which can then be addressed via all PC workstations or servers respectively. MXF support makes it possible to read subclips and timecodes on the data tape. The tapes are equipped with their own directory system and enable direct access via the network or applications without additional software.

The standalone SDLT 600A drive is already available, while the SuperLoader 3A is to follow later. The manufacturer’s recommended price for the standalone drive is 7,950 US dollars, and 8,550 US dollars for the built-in version for server racks. The price of the SuperLoader 3A is 12,000 US dollars.

Further Links:

• Quantum