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Xsan / Xraid or Rorke Galaxy HDX with imageSAN2 with FCP 5 and Kona2
We are finally leaving 2 of our Media 100 systems behind and switching to FCP within the next month. The other 2 Media100 suites will be upgraded within the next 8 months. We have decided to go with the FCP5, Kona2 cards and new G5 machines. My dilemma is that my boss wants the storage for these new systems to be shared. I was looking very seriously at the XRaid / Xsan solution. I have had several conversations with Apple about putting this system together. Basically we came up with a XRaid,G5 xserver(MDC)and a backup G5 xserver(MDC) for this SAN solution. I like this system because it is an all apple solution but I am just an editor and worried about having to manage a system with all these variables and not having a strong background in networking. When I was talking to my local A/V reseller about this situation he told me the Rorke Galaxy HDX with imageSAN2 might be the way to go for ease of use. This would eliminate the need for servers. I had a long conversation with Rorke and I am very interested in this solution. Is anybody using the Rorke configuration? How does it work for shared storage. Does it play well with FCP5/Kona2?
One more question. How are you guys managing FCP project files with shared systems? Are your FCP project files on a separate server that everyone can get to or do you keep your project files on the local machine.
Thanks for your input
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5 Replies
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I’m setting up a SAN here as well, but I’m incorporating the Medea FCR2X arrays. I feel they’re better for the money and tech support is second to none.
I plan to keep the project files on the local machines and then if they need to go somewhere else, they can easily be copied to the server and pulled down to whichever machine needs it.
Walter Biscardi, Jr.
Creative Genius, Biscardi Creative Media
https://www.biscardicreative.comNow in Production, “The Rough Cut,” https://www.theroughcutmovie.com
“I reject your reality and substitute my own!” – Adam Savage, Mythbusters
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Having just used the largest Xsan for video in the UK, a few comments:-
(there is a photo on my website)Xsan works very well, a bit of a mind bend though if you are used to Unity as it doesn’t work like that!
You just import the files you need. Keep it lean & fast to keep the project overhead down.We only tested one shared project on the san and that seemed fine although the overall concensus is that projects started locally then transferred to the san will eventually corrupt.
What I would say though is make sure you go to a reseller that has Xsan experience. It is not rocket science to setup, but it is not easy either. Once you configure your san you cannot go back and start tinkering to improve performance, you will lose the data. Set it up, soak test it, then start using it. My vote would be for 5.6TB XserveRAIDs as every LUN needs a port on the fibre channel switch and maybe think about a 4G FCS as this is now the limiting factor for speed in the equation. If you want to use a “san in a can” solution, try looking at the Terrablock.
Try posting on the Xsan forum should you need any more info
Peter
Having a rest after working 6 weeks without a day off
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I operated on a 10 seat Xsan and within a few weeks felt fairly comfortable with the process of maintaining the system/using the Terminal, etc.. Once you’ve got it going, it’s a great solution. I second the need for a good VAR that can help you troubleshoot if need be.
Kevin Monahan
Author – Motion Graphics and Effects in Final Cut Pro
fcpworld.com -
[Peter Wiggins] “We only tested one shared project on the san and that seemed fine although the overall concensus is that projects started locally then transferred to the san will eventually corrupt.”
We’ve been starting projects locally and storing them on the SAN for over a year now. Haven’t noticed any corruption as a result of that workflow.
We’re currently running nearly 100 clients with 48 terrabytes of storage on two separate X-SAN’s. While there are other SAN solution’s out there, Apple’s X-SAN gives you a level of flexibility and connectivity that I’ve not seen elsewhere. X-SAN is NOT a plug and play operation, but with a bit of knowlege and care in installation, it can certainly deliver the goods.
Peter is absolutely right that X-SAN DOES NOT OPERATE LIKE A UNITY! The biggest issue we have with “new to FCP” editors is trying to explain to them that media does not live in a project… it just lives in a folder accessible to all. If you’re contemplating an X-SAN FCP install, make sure your VAR knows what they’re doing.
Mark
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Thanks for the great responses. If anyone has a suggestion for a good VAR in/or near the Ohio area that would be great. The dealer I have talked to said they can do it but sometimes I don’t have the greatest of confidence in them.
Also, does anyone have any experience with Rorke Data?
Thanks again
John
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