Archive notice: This article was originally published on September 13, 2008. Links and embedded videos are preserved as part of the historical record.
Sonnet Technologies, one of the leading suppliers of desktop storage solutions for professional Macintosh, Windows and Unix systems in the film, video and broadcast industries, is introducing the Fusion F3 at IBC. The compact RAID system, with two high-performance 3.5-inch hard drives, features an exceptionally versatile aluminum-and-steel enclosure. It can be installed easily in high-quality A/V racks, while also being suitable for mobile and desktop use. The system is available in 1 TB, 2 TB and 3 TB configurations.
The Fusion F3 meets all the requirements of audio and video professionals. The system is fast, robust and exceptionally quiet. Four different interface types and an integrated power supply make it convenient to use and enable integration into a wide range of environments. One or two Fusion F3 units can be installed side by side in a 1U rack.
Features at a Glance:
Hardware RAID: The two-drive Sonnet F3 features an integrated RAID controller. It supports “fast” (RAID 0), “safe” (RAID 1) and “large” (concatenated) modes. Because the RAID functionality operates independently of the operating system, the various modes can be used with virtually any host device.
Quad Interface: For maximum data-transfer speed, the Fusion F3 has an eSATA interface. FireWire 800, FireWire 400 and USB 2.0 are also integrated for flexible use.
Speed: Connected through the eSATA interface and configured as RAID 0, the Fusion F3 achieves read/write speeds of 156 MB/sec. This is sufficient for editing multiple streams.
Quiet: Quiet equipment is particularly important in the media industry. Sonnet therefore developed a sophisticated, extremely quiet cooling system for the Fusion F3. Instead of one large fan, it uses two smaller, temperature-controlled fans that operate almost silently. Only the operating noise of the hard drives remains audible.
Integrated Power Supply: Sonnet has integrated a universal power supply into the Fusion F3, eliminating the extra burden of an external power brick. Supporting 110–240 V and 50–60 Hz, the integrated power supply can be operated worldwide with a standard power cable.
Robust and Reliable: The rugged aluminum-and-steel enclosure is designed for demanding mobile use. The side-by-side hard drives are mounted separately to prevent mutual vibration. Additional operational reliability is provided by the dual temperature-controlled fans with automatic failover.
Rack-Mountable: The Fusion F3 can be placed flat on a surface or stood vertically in the supplied bracket. With the optional rack-mount kit, one or two Fusion F3 units can be operated side by side in a 1U rack. The Fusion F3 is 1.75 inches high and, at 8.5 inches, occupies half the width of a 1U rack. The enclosure is 14.25 inches deep. For convenient operation in a rack, power and configuration switches, along with indicator LEDs for drive activity, errors and operation, are located on the front.
Elegant Industrial Design: The machined aluminum front panel and rugged metal switches give the Fusion F3 a premium appearance. The LED indicators can be dimmed for use in dark environments.
“The Fusion F3 is an exceptionally versatile system with outstanding performance and intelligent design. It perfectly meets the requirements of professional storage and editing applications,” explains Robert Farnsworth, CEO of Sonnet Technologies. “The newest addition to the Fusion product line combines the look and feel of high-end A/V components, the reliability and performance of a professional RAID system, and the flexibility and durability of a mobile solution.”
Like all Sonnet products, the Fusion F3 benefits from the long-term support of an experienced manufacturer. Sonnet offers complete solutions ranging from adapter cards and storage enclosures to certified and tested hard drives, making the manufacturer a central source for multimedia storage solutions.
The Fusion F3 – 1 TB (FUS-F3-1TB), Fusion F3 – 2 TB (FUS-F3-2TB) and Fusion F3 – 3 TB (FUS-F3-3TB) will be available from October 2008. Sonnet will announce product pricing when the products become available.
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