[Nick Boxer]

Thanks. Suspected as much. Just the weirdest thing. Clips are stillthere… Or effects. Video, photos and music are on the drive. MC is just attributing them to a different drive with the number “3” attached. Every hear of this happening?

Rebuilding the database files was my next thought, so I appreciate that you said that. Know it’s likely irrational, but I always feel like I’m going to mess things up doing that.

[Nick Boxer]

These are the formats and codecs available through the transfer facility, Film Rescue International.

Nick

[Nick Boxer]

Lacie Raid (4Big quadra) has fan system and (according to Lacie) it uses less energy than other drives — meaning it would generate less heat.

I am not committed to Lacie, but it feels like some of the other raid manufacturers are charging an arm and a leg. A friend who uses Sonnet had multiple drive failures and ultimately Sonnet replaced his whole tower — it has been better since.

G-speeds only have Esata connection (and are pricey at that)

And since everybody uses Seagate and Hitachi drives, it would seem that drive failure in a cooled box would be pretty much comparable (unless the manufacturer is using enterprise drives and I am not convinced any of these makers do).

In the past, I used Avid and Rorke SCSI arrays and both seemed to work OK (but i did have more drive failures with the Rorke… also more drives).

I guess I am uncomfortable spending thousands more for technology with (potentially) a relatively short shelf life.

And while Warranty doesn’t mean everything, crappy manufacturers usually give short warranties, otherwise they lose money replacing and repairing stuff. It just seems odd that CalDigit and Sonnet have shorter warranties than Lacie.

Anyway… I get that Bob doesn’t like Lacie. What I would appreciate knowing is what you recommend (Bob, or others), that is in the affordable range and is compatible with a MacBook Pro (want e-Sata and Firewire connections). By affordable, I mean <$2000 (and preferably closer to $1000) for a 4Tb array with hot swappable drives. Thanks for suggestions.

[Nick Boxer]

Was on the Avid site the other day and Snow leopard is not Avid certified yet.

Highest OSX is 10.5.8 (Leopard)

That may be your problem.

Personally, I get frustrated with all the changes and seeming lack of cooperation between the software makers.

Good Luck

[Nick Boxer]

I’d like a recommendation on affordable esata drives as well. Seems years ago, Lacie had a good reputation… then that went south… then (Lacie says) they made changes and all the new drives come with 3 year warranties. I bought a 500Gb Quadra about a year ago and have had good luck with it. They are not the cheapest drives, but they are in the affordable range. I was going to get a G-tech, but read so many things about them disappearing/dismounting from the desktop that I got spooked. I also don’t feel like spending the prices that Caldigit and Sonnet charge (and know several folks who have had trouble with these as well)

The problem is that complaints are anecdotal — only people who have problems complain. I like that Lacie gives a 3 year warranty… Caldigit only gives 2 years.

What do folks recommend in an affordable. multi connector (esata/firewire), drive or raid. I would like to get some reliable drives in the $200-$300 dollar range or 3-4 Tb raid in the sub $1500 price point (minimum 2 year warranty).

I am currently editing on a MacBook Pro with an expresscard 34 esata connection.

Thanks

[Nick Boxer]

Thanks for the input from you and Bob.

Anyone know a good freelance video technician in the Atlanta area? I am a small operation and it is hard to get the support and communication (re meeting configuration needs and exploring cost effective options) from the larger tech providers.

Thanks again,

Nick