Backup Question

I'm looking for a backup solution for my video projects...

Their size ranges from 10 to 100Gb, and sometimes files are larger than 5Gb. Would it be worthwhile to back those up to a bunch of DVDs? Should I use external drives? How are you all dealing with this on a daily basis?

Mike

> Would it be worthwhile to back those up to a bunch of DVDs?

Nope. DVD burn times are grossly higher than data-copy processes. 100GB will take you a super-long day and 25 data DVDs. Just storing those DVDs will be a nightmare, not to mention if you lose one disc out of 25, then the backup is incomplete.

Just buy a bunch of FireWire 400 drives. They're inexpensive now and the prices are going down every day. Also, if your media files (clips) are from batch-listed, timecoded tapes, you really shouldn't back them up. Dump timecoded clips and render files. Keep the project file, graphics and audio, and basically all non-timecoded, non-expendable media (eg. from P2 cards, DVD extracts).


www.derekmok.com

That's precisely where I'm facing a problem, with media from P2 cards. Files are huge, and backing them up is costly.

really the only 2 options for you are going to be hard drives or tape drives. a good fast tape drive is several grand. id side with derek. just buy firewire drives.

what i do is just buy every client (or project, depending on size) a new drive. when the project is complete, the drive gets shelved - DONE.

For P2 media I've been using a system that I believe Shane Ross first mentioned:

You can get blank SATA or IDE hard drives pretty cheap from companies like NewEgg. 160GB drives are pretty standard now and they cost around $50. Buy a bunch of those and get yourself a Universal Drive Adapter (like THIS ONE)
which will allow you to plug the bare drives directly into a USB port to mount them. Format one of these drives, backup your project to it then put it back into the static bag and toss it in your closet. I've saved several projects like this now and while the adapter is a bit cumbersome (lots of cables) it saves a lot of money and space to just store those cheap drives. Way less expensive than a bunch of Firewire drives.

HTH,
JK

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SCQT! Self-contained QuickTime ? pass it on!

thats pretty sneaky JK! wonder if anyone makes that in a fw800 version???

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wonder if anyone makes that in a fw800 version???

Here ya go

splendid! if you were a dame id send ya flowers!