Archiving struggles

2 x 2.66 GHz Dual-Core Intel Xeon 8 GB 667 MHz DDR2 FB-DIMM FCP 7.0.2

Is anyone using LTO3A? I can only get approximately 250 GB onto a 400 GB cartridge before it says even the smallest file is "too large". I don't have Quantel support so they will not even breath in my direction. Any thoughts about the storage capacity isssue would be appreciated.

Nevertheless, I'm thinking it's time to come up with another solution, soon. I would love to hear from folks as to what they are currently using for archiving. I have to have a system that works. Many of my projects are hovering around 400 to 600 GB, even after I consolidate. So, that even the 400 GB cartridge capacity is wanting. And, they are not giving away these cartridges, either - $$. I know LTO 5 has a much higher storage capacity. But, how well does it work? Are there other dependable options? Is anyone relying on anything other than tape archiving? Help!

Thanks.

Gee