Digital Video - December 2007 - (Page 35) capacity to 1.36 TB, with an equal amount being utilized as the mirrored data and one drive completely free as the hot spare. I personally work now primarily with DVCPRO HD footage and the above-mentioned data rates prove more than adequate for as many as seven levels of real-time in Final Cut Pro 6. The Silicon Image software provides options for notification of failure and automatic rebuilding of the RAID in such an event. In fact, one evening as I was working at an adjacent computer, I received an e-mail from the MacPro that the RAID was initiating an automatic rebuild. Physically looking at the lights on the enclosure and the Silicon Image management software indicated that Drive 1 (actually the second drive, since it numbers 0 to 4) was disconnected and rebuild had commenced. It took about three hours to rebuild close to a terabyte of data. My former hot spare (Drive 4) was now part of the RAID, and Drive 1 showed functional but disconnected. All data was present and all files opened properly. I opened the enclosure door and reseated the drive. It was recognized by the Silicon Image software, and I was able to configure it as the hot spare. My only speculation here is that the problem was an intermittent connection in the enclosure itself. But I am so glad that I configured that drive as Raid 0+1. I had experienced a failure protected by automatic data restoration. In fact, the only way in which I even would have known I experienced a failure was via the e-mail notification from the software. RECOMMENDATIONS If you need a RAID and you’re not one who likes to tinker, buy a pre-configured RAID from a total support vendor. If you do not have the time or the inclination to concern yourself with hardware matters, and just need to produce video, go the total support route. I strongly recommend CalDigit (www.caldigit.com) and Dulce Systems (www.dulcesystems.com) for pre-built RAIDS—both companies know video. Remember, SATA is faster than FireWire. Fibre Channel might be faster yet, but it comes at a much higher cost. In running under RAID 0, consider backup strategies wisely. Here is where a backup of another unit even running RAID 1 could provide two more levels of protection to data. If you are only editing DV, do not add this layer of complexity to your work. If, however, you are editing SD uncompressed, DVCPRO HD, HDCAM and even beyond, you need a RAID. Whether self-configured or pre-configured, careful planning of your data rate and storage needs is the essential first step. Still, do not shy away from the DIY path. It can be done successfully with even a modicum of technical knowledge and ability for self-support. Good luck! DV Ned Soltz is a filmmaker, consultant, trainer and writer based in Arlington, Texas. He’s also a contributing editor to DV sister publication, Videography. http://www.caldigit.com http://www.dulcesystems.com http://www.digidata.com http://www.integritydatasystems.net
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