Storage + Render

[Edgar Pitts]

I thought about reviving the old Storage thread, but I decided to create a new one.

Here is our situation...

We want to create a multi TB storage solution that allows mutiple users access. We will likely keep 100-150 hours of footage "online" for editing and effects. We will be using CS3 with most likely the Cineform 4K 4.4.4 codec. It is doubtful that we would be doing 4K uncompressed.

A shared SAN was recommended in another thread. Would you recommend a turnkey system (if so what models?) or a DIY approach?

Also, would it make sense to build in a render node attached to the SAN for processing from RedCine? Does this need to be seperate?

Thanks so much.

Edgar

[Mike McCarthy]

SAN is really the only efficient and performance way to go. Rorke provided us a good solution.

As far as a Red render node, that depends on your budget and required turnaround time. If you are going to be editing in a hurry, and dedicated Red convertor will definitely speed things up. On the otherhand, batch processing media overnight on your workstations may be economically more efficient.

[Edgar Pitts]

Thanks! What about this model?

http://www.rorke.com/av/galaxy-hdx.cfm

[Mike McCarthy]

We have the 16bay model of that, with 8TB of space. (400-500 MB/s)

[A. Bastaki]

i can get a mac xsan with a fiber card plugged in. i guess that would work too? wait do they take winxp 64 bit?
________
VOLCANO DIGITAL REVIEW

[Edgar Pitts]

Thanks McCarthyTech. Can you please tell me more about your setup? Do you have a fiber switch? How many machines are connected to the array? What are the minimum requirements for this array? Is this array technically a SAN? I appreciate the input.

Edgar

[Mike McCarthy]

We have a 16port Qlogic switch running Dual channel 2Gb fibre to four workstations. It is a true shared SAN, using MetaSAN to control the MetaData. Only issue I would look into is finding ways to break the 2TB barrier, since my 8TB is divided into 4 2TB LUNs that have to be Re-striped into a single partition in Windows, and MetaSAN doesn't work as well with Dynamic NTFS disks. If you are using Vista or XP64, a solution that supports GPT will be helpful if you plan to have a large volume of storage. I wouldn't recommend my workaround for anymore than 8TB (4LUNs). The XP32 option is to increase the blocksize, but Rorke didn't support that at the time.

[Vigen Vartanov]

The better solution is to make full apple San Storage. And if you are yousing Windows Pcs you will need StoreNext Software to connect Windwos or Linux pc to Apple San. Apple san is best for me. may be because we are yousing MAC pcs. But we add some Windows pcs and it's ok.
+ of Apple is , that it is very sipmle. Also you always can add storage space, just you need to buy new Xserv Raid and add it to San. Don't forget to get big Q-Logic 5600 . 16 port for exp. And dont forget that 1 Pc it is 2 Fiber cabels and 2 fiber ports on switch. Sow on 8 port Swith QL 1400 you can connect only 3 PC and 1 Storage :) Also if you can you need to buy Seperate Metadate controler , it can be MAC PC , but it's beter to get Xserv
, also very important is to have secondary metadate controller :) Because without controler pc your sun system is not working. You can put some of Workstations like secondary controller , if primary is down secondary will work with SAN.

But if all youre PC are Windows Based , just foud some SAN solutions not from Apple.

[Edgar Pitts]

I submitted an inquiry to Rooke about the block size, and this is the response that I got back. What do you think about this model?



Thank you for reaching out to us for product information regarding the Rorke Data Galaxy family of RAIDs.

We do have a product that will address your need for blocksize larger than 2TB on Windows XP32.

Your message to our web stated: We are planning on using Windows XP 32 bit. Does your storage solution allow for increased blocksize to get past the 2TB barrier of XP32?

The answer is yes, not with our Galaxy HDx2 – but with the Galaxy 3G (Fibre to SATA or SAS to SAS/SATA RAID 5/RAID 6). We can achieve up to a 16TB blocksize within Windows XP 32.

You can click on the link below for more information, and I am more than happy to discuss configuration options and pricing.

http://www.rorke.com/av/galaxy-3g.cfm

[David Didato]

Facilis Terrablock http://www.facilis.com/

Cross platform access, fibre channel + enet. 8 to 24+ Tb units.

Don't have one now, but planning on it.