Re: [FCP-L] Video Archive - What are you using?

Hard drives. Nothing else is practical in our workflow. I use a
Blacx dock and bare drives. I am nowhere near as pessimistic about
near term viability of bare hard drives (3-5 years) and think the need
to spin-up or otherwise verify drives on the shelf is somewhere
between overblown and absurd (yes, I have done the research)
especially if you have two copies.

Invest in a good, fast interface, preferably eSata. Avoid USB at all
costs. It's too damn slow.
Establish a workflow that assures that you have actually copied what
you intended. The biggest danger is an error in the original backup
process itself.
(Can anyone recommend an OSX copy utility that actively verifies or a
reliable bit compare?)
Run a disk check (or "verify") as the last step before putting the
drive away.
Make two independent copies.
Do not make your second copy from your first copy. Ideally, your
second copy should be stored "off site."
Consider using two different drives models (or at least manufacturing
runs) to avoid getting two drives with the same flaw. There is no
reason at all for the drives to match.
Establish an archiving system that will allow you to easily locate
what you backed up.
Consider spending a bit more for "enterprise" class drives. They are
not that much more expensive and are built to higher standards.
Do not buy the latest and greatest models/capacities. Stick with
"work horse" models that have an established reputation.

Have fun.

Tod Hopkins
Hillmann & Carr Inc.
todhopkins@hillmanncarr.com

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