Archive notice: This article was originally published on May 13, 2008. Links and embedded videos are preserved as part of the historical record.
The new VideoRAID ST and SR solutions combine real-time performance and cost-effective SATA (Serial Advanced Technology Attachment) drive technology with guaranteed data security even if a hard drive fails. Unlike other RAID solutions that do not guarantee availability during drive reconstruction, Avid VideoRAID users can keep pace with the rapid rhythm of digital content production without performance or data loss: failed drives are reconstructed simultaneously in the background. Users also benefit from Avid’s real-time playback function for up to two uncompressed HD streams on only eight VideoRAID drives. The VideoRAID ST and SR disk arrays carry a three-year warranty on the drive mechanism and enclosure.
Kirk Arnold, Executive Vice President and General Manager at Avid Video, said: “This is another example of the value Avid places on high-quality products that offer great performance and real customer value. With the real-time parity of the new solutions, Avid helps prevent high costs and the loss of valuable time during downtime. The introduction of these new RAID solutions, together with the recently presented editing product range, shows that Avid lives and drives the ‘New Thinking’ approach.”
Avid VideoRAID ST/SR is available in configurations with five (ST) or 16 (SR) drives. Many Avid editing systems—including the newly introduced Media Composer, Symphony Nitris, and NewsCutter product families—as well as third-party applications can be connected through the industry-standard SAS (Serial Attached SCSI). By using RAID (Redundant Array of Inexpensive Disks), which can easily process several uncompressed SD and HD streams and offers a capacity of 2.5 TB to 16 TB per editing system, the products provide genuine parity protection.
Overview—new features of Avid VideoRAID ST/SR
· Content fault tolerance: Real-time parity RAID goes beyond conventional RAID protection. The systems can continue operating at full performance without data loss. Even if a hard drive fails, every project can be completed without data loss or the need for immediate drive replacement.
· Full performance during drive reconstruction: Avid VideoRAID ST/SR eliminates costs caused by system downtime because the system remains fully operational while drives are being rebuilt. Once the failed drive has been reconstructed, Avid VideoRAID immediately restores full data security.
· Configuration flexibility: Avid offers different configurations—as a five- or 16-drive array, with up to two supported arrays per CPU and supported raw capacity from 2.5 TB to 16 TB.
· Redundant power supplies (VideoRAID SR models): Load-sharing, robust power supplies provide additional security because systems continue operating without delay even with only one power supply.
· Replaceable controllers, drives, and power supplies: These components can be replaced quickly and easily for maximum uptime.
· The new RAID solutions are optimally matched to Avid editing systems and software.
Pricing and availability
The new Avid VideoRAID solutions were expected to be available in Q2 2008. Prices for Avid VideoRAID solutions started at €5,355 including VAT for the 2.5 TB configuration (information without guarantee).
