Small Scale or Large Scale: How EFS Protects Your Media
Every production team, whether a small workgroup or a global facility, needs storage that keeps media safe and available. The kind of protection you need depends on scale. That’s why EditShare EFS uses two layers of redundancy:
RAID 6 inside each node for intra-drive-level protection in smaller setups
XOR parity distributes data and parity blocks across multiple nodes, enabling recovery from the complete failure of a single node
This approach ensures you get the right balance of efficiency, performance, and resilience at any size.
Protection for Small Teams: RAID 6
On a single node, EFS uses RAID 6. This means your system can survive two drive failures in that node without losing access to your media. For many small teams, that’s enough resilience to keep projects moving while drives are swapped out.
Protection for Large Teams: XOR Across Nodes
When you grow into three or more nodes, EFS adds cluster-level protection. This is where XOR parity comes in.
XOR (short for Exclusive OR) is the math behind parity. It works by comparing blocks of data across drives and recording a checksum. If one drive or even an entire node is lost, the system can rebuild the missing data by recalculating it from the remaining blocks.
In EFS, this means:
The cluster can tolerate the failure of a full node, in an EFS 310 deployment up to 16 drives, without taking your media offline.
Your system doesn’t lose a heartbeat, nor does it lose bandwidth, as we have calculated that level of protection into the bandwidth numbers we provide you.
Recovery is faster than with traditional RAID because data and parity are spread across multiple nodes, reducing stress on any single drive.
Why Not Mirroring?
Mirroring works by duplicating everything, which is simple but expensive, you lose half your storage capacity to redundancy. At the Petabyte scale, that cost adds up quickly. EFS gives you stronger protection without wasting space.
Bottom Line
For small systems, RAID 6 keeps your media safe at the drive level. As you scale, XOR parity across nodes takes protection further, guarding against node failures while maintaining performance and efficiency.
With EFS, you don’t have to rethink storage as you grow; resilience and linear bandwidth scale with you.
RAID 6 protects data at the drive level within a single node, allowing up to two drives to fail without data loss. XOR parity works at the cluster level, distributing data and parity across multiple nodes so that even if an entire node fails, media remains online and accessible.
If you’re a smaller team running a single EFS node, RAID 6 is usually enough. Once you scale to three or more nodes, XOR parity provides additional protection against full-node failures, which becomes critical at larger sizes.
No. EFS factors XOR parity into its bandwidth calculations. You get the published performance numbers with parity protection included, so your throughput stays consistent even under protection.
Traditional RAID puts stress on a limited number of drives during rebuilds, which can be slow. EFS spreads data and parity across multiple nodes, so recovery is faster and less taxing on any single drive.
Mirroring duplicates all data, which is simple but highly inefficient. It cuts usable capacity in half, which is costly at petabyte scale. EFS provides strong protection without wasting storage.
In a cluster with three or more nodes, the system stays online and maintains bandwidth. Media remains available, and the missing data is rebuilt automatically from parity.
Yes. As you add nodes, EFS automatically extends resilience and scales bandwidth. You don’t have to redesign your setup or rethink protection as your needs increase.
IBC 2025 was an incredible event, not only for EditShare, but for the entire media and entertainment industry. This year, we showcased innovations that are redefining what’s possible for creators working in a fast-paced, content-hungry world.
The industry is rapidly evolving. With growing demands for 4K, 8K, and file-per-frame workflows, and the continued shift to remote and distributed production, media teams need solutions that deliver speed, scalability, and security without compromise. At EditShare, we’re meeting those challenges head-on.
Our 2025.2.0 release is a major leap forward. Here’s what stood out at IBC:
Smarter Workflows with AI
We’ve embedded cutting-edge AI capabilities into FLOW, transforming content management and automation. These tools allow teams to organize, search, and process media faster than ever, freeing up time for creativity.
Global Collaboration Made Simple
The new ‘Send To Site’ feature in FLOW enables secure, high-speed media transfers across locations, perfect for hybrid and multi-site productions.
And with the MediaSilo + Louper.io integration for synchronized global content review, teams can collaborate in real time from anywhere in the world.
Next-Generation Storage Performance
We introduced high-performance NVMe storage solutions, including a brand-new 24-drive NVMe node, delivering unparalleled speed for demanding workflows.
Our expanded EFS storage family now offers cost-effective NVMe options and hybrid systems that blend HDD and NVMe, giving customers ultimate flexibility and performance.
Security and Reliability at the Core
Security remains a top priority. We’ve rolled out enhanced forensic watermarking and geo-restrictions, ensuring content is protected at every stage. Plus, our advanced disaster recovery tools provide peace of mind with robust data protection and restoration.
Seamless Creative Integrations
Finally, we unveiled new integrations, including a DaVinci Resolve panel, designed to keep editors in their flow while working on shared projects.
These advancements aren’t just about technology, but about empowering creators to work smarter, faster, and more securely, no matter where they are.
At EditShare, our mission is simple: to give media professionals the tools to thrive in a rapidly changing landscape. The excitement and feedback from IBC 2025 reaffirm that we’re on the right path.
If you didn’t get a chance to see these innovations in person, explore them now on our website. Together, let’s push the boundaries of what’s possible in media production.
Whether you’re working on a high-profile project, collaborating with a large team remotely, or need to impress your client, you need tools that make sharing content fast, secure, and insightful. That’s where MediaSilo, the industry-leading cloud-based video feedback tool, comes in.
MediaSilo helps teams streamline video review and approval workflows, organize projects, and ensure secure collaboration for post-production. Here are three powerful features that will save you time, keep your links updated, and give you the visibility you need to stay in control.
1. Use Distribution Lists for Faster Sharing
Do you often share video content with the same group of people? Instead of typing email addresses one by one, take advantage of MediaSilo’s distribution lists.
This feature allows you to save groups of users and non-users for quick sharing. Simply enter your recipients in the Share wizard and select “Save Distribution List.” Anytime you need to share files with that group, just select the list from your workspace.
2. Add or Remove Files from Sent Links (Without Resending)
Need to update a sent link with new files or remove outdated ones? MediaSilo makes it easy to organize video teams and reviewers online without creating a new link every time.
Here’s how to do it in three simple steps:
Navigate to any Project and open the left-side panel to access Sent Links.
Open the link you want to edit and view the files inside.
Drag new files from your Projects, remove files by clicking the “x” icon, or re-order files directly in this panel.
Pro Tip: Assets from a watermarked project cannot be added to a public share link. Learn more about the Insights panel in this short video.
3. Track Engagement with Viewer Progress Bars in Insights
Sharing is only half the job. Knowing what happens next is just as critical. With MediaSilo Insights, you can see exactly who viewed your link, what files they engaged with, and how much progress they’ve made.
Navigate to your Insights dashboard to access all engagement data in real time:
See individual viewer progress on each asset
Track activity across video review and approval software
Access geo-location maps and breakdowns by viewer or file
When someone says “I’ve seen it,” you’ll know for sure.
How MediaSilo Improves Your Sharing Workflow
Your Needs
Other Tools Give You…
MediaSilo Give You…
Fast, secure video sharing with repeat collaborators
Manual email entry every time you share
Distribution Lists to save and reuse recipient groups
Flexibility to update links without resending
Requires creating new links for every update
Editable links so you can add/remove files anytime
Insight into viewer engagement and approval progress
Limited analytics (basic view counts)
Media review workflow management with real-time activity tracking in Insights
With these features, MediaSilo isn’t just about sending files, it’s about managing the entire video collaboration and review process with clarity and control.
FAQs: MediaSilo Sharing and Insights
Q1: How does MediaSilo help with video review and approval workflows? MediaSilo simplifies video review and approval software processes by centralizing comments, approvals, and analytics in one platform. Teams can securely share, review, and track progress without juggling multiple tools.
Q2: Can I use MediaSilo for remote video collaboration?
Yes. MediaSilo is a cloud-based video feedback tool designed for remote teams. It enables secure collaboration for post-production, allowing stakeholders to review and approve assets from anywhere.
Q3: How do Insights improve media review workflow management?
Insights provide real-time data on viewer engagement, including who viewed, downloaded, or approved assets. This makes media review workflow management more efficient by reducing guesswork and improving accountability.
Q4: Is MediaSilo secure for client-facing projects?
Absolutely. MediaSilo offers enterprise-grade security, ensuring your projects remain protected while enabling organized video teams and reviewers online for smooth collaboration.
Q5: What makes MediaSilo the best choice for creative teams?
Unlike basic file-sharing tools, MediaSilo combines video review and approval software, collaboration tools, and workflow analytics into one platform, ideal for creative teams working on tight deadlines.
In creative production, sending work out for review is routine, but the activity that follows is what really drives a project forward. Because once you hit send, your next steps depend on a few key questions:
Did the right people review the content?
Which assets got the most attention?
Who downloaded, commented on, or approved which assets, and when?
Too often, this visibility is missing. You send the latest cut to your team, the deadline is days away, and every round of feedback matters. But hours pass, then days, and you still don’t know if anyone has looked at it.
Without answers, deadlines slip, assets sit untouched, and decisions get made without knowing if the right people have seen the right materials. Most review platforms don’t help much; they might show basic view counts, but not who viewed what, when, or for how long, and even that limited data is often scattered across multiple places.
When Visibility Breaks Down
This lack of visibility leads to:
Wasted time: Manually following up with reviewers just to confirm basic activity.
Missed opportunities: Not realizing a key stakeholder never opened the link before a deadline.
Reduced accountability: No clear audit trail of downloads, comments, or approvals tied to specific viewers and assets.
When these gaps compound, projects stall, feedback loops slow, and the team’s ability to make confident, data-informed decisions suffers. In high-stakes creative workflows, that’s not a risk you can afford.
How MediaSilo Solves This with Insights
At MediaSilo, we believe you should be able to see the full story of your share. Every view, comment, download, and approval is a chapter in that story, and it shouldn’t take multiple tools or guesswork to piece it together.
That’s why we built Insights: to give you a complete, real-time picture of activity, so you always know exactly how your content is being received.
The Ask
Other Platforms Give You…
MediaSilo Gives You…
I need a clear way to see all activity on my shared content, without having to manually search across multiple links and files to piece the information together.
Most platforms offer surface-level analytics, showing only total views without revealing exactly who engaged or what actions they took.
A centralized Insights dashboard that consolidates all engagement data in one place, with the ability to drill into asset histories and viewer actions for a complete view of activity.
I need to track all my shared content in one place, not just the links I’ve created.
In many tools, you can only see the shares you personally created, leaving administrators in the dark about other team activity.
Admin visibility into every link created in your workspace by any user, ensuring complete oversight across all projects.
I need a quick way to match viewers with the assets they’ve engaged with.
Without cross-referencing, it’s hard to tell which viewer saw which assets, especially when they’re spread across multiple links or presentations.
Easily switch between “Viewers” and “Assets”: click a viewer to see every asset they’ve engaged with, or click an asset to see everyone who’s viewed, downloaded, or approved it.
I want to know where an asset has been shared and how it’s performing across all links.
Many platforms can’t trace a single file across multiple share points, limiting performance insights.
Asset-centric reporting shows every share link containing that file, plus the full list of viewers and their engagement history.
With Insights, you can stop guessing and start knowing. In fast-moving workflows, a clear, actionable view into who did what, when – from views to downloads to approvals – is the difference between a smooth, confident delivery and a chaotic follow-up scramble.
Every share link becomes a measurable touchpoint. Instead of chasing updates, you’ll have:
A clear record of every viewer’s activity.
Instant visibility into asset performance across links.
Full workspace oversight for administrators.
The right video review and approval software should do more than collect comments; it should provide analytics across the entire feedback process. That data is what connects media review workflow management, giving teams the clarity they need to stay aligned and keep work moving.
MediaSilo’s Insights feature makes this possible by turning feedback into clear data on who engaged, how, and when – all in one place. With that visibility, you can cut down on guesswork, make faster decisions, and focus your time on the work that matters most.
1. What is MediaSilo Insights? MediaSilo Insights is a feature within our video review and approval software that gives you a real-time view of engagement across all your shared content. It shows who viewed, commented, downloaded, or approved your media, ensuring full transparency and accountability.
2. How does MediaSilo improve media review workflow management? By consolidating all engagement data in one dashboard, MediaSilo eliminates the need for manual tracking. You can see exactly which assets were reviewed, by whom, and when—streamlining your video review workflow and reducing delays.
3. Is MediaSilo secure for sharing sensitive post-production content? Yes. MediaSilo is built for secure collaboration for post-production, offering watermarking, expiring links, and enterprise-grade encryption to keep your media safe during the review process.
4. Can MediaSilo handle large, high-resolution video files? Absolutely. MediaSilo supports large files, making it ideal for creative teams working with 4K or even higher-resolution media. It’s designed for modern video workflows that demand both performance and security.
In our modern media landscape, production teams are pushed to create more content than ever, often from remote or unpredictable environments. Whether you’re producing breaking news, a documentary in the field, or a high-stakes sports broadcast, the expectation is the same: immediate access to footage, real-time collaboration, and secure off-site editing.
Unfortunately, traditional workflows can’t keep up. Media often has to return to base before editing can start, connections are slow and unreliable, and teams end up working in silos, delaying production and driving up costs.
That’s where EditShare comes in. Our production asset management system is designed for hybrid and fully remote teams, giving you the tools to move files, metadata, and projects between locations without friction.
Why Remote Video Workflows Fail, and How EditShare Fixes Them
For many media organizations, outdated post-production setups make remote editing almost impossible. Large files are difficult to transfer securely, collaboration tools are siloed, and metadata often gets lost in the process. EditShare’s approach solves these issues with integrated shared storage, MAM, and automation in a single ecosystem.
EditShare Tools That Power Remote and Hybrid Production
EditShare combines three powerful tools to deliver a remote video production workflow that just works:
FLOW Automation – intelligent workflow automation for media teams that speeds delivery from the field to the edit suite.
Together, they form a video asset management workflow that’s fast, secure, and built for collaboration.
Ultimate EFS Field Unit: Portable Shared Storage Anywhere
Think of the Ultimate EFS Field Unit as a mobile post-production hub. You can set it up in minutes, collaborate with multiple users on-site, and add metadata right after capture. It’s built to handle demanding formats and workflows wherever you’re working.
Why it matters: You don’t have to wait until you’re back in the office to start work. The footage is ready to view with proxies right away, so you can add metadata, tags, and markers. All available in a portable unit with tools you know and love at base, but available on the road.
Connecting to your shared storage from the field has never been easier. With ZeroTier VPN integration, you get a fast, secure link between your field unit and your main facility, without the complexity of traditional VPNs. That means remote video editing tools that let your team keep working, even from the middle of nowhere.
Why it matters: Enable secure, high-speed remote access allowing teams to collaborate seamlessly from anywhere as if they were on the same local network.
FLOW Automation: Workflow Automation for Media Teams
FLOW Automation is where the magic of customizable automated workflows for media teams comes to life. With its “Send to Site” feature, you can:
Send raw media, proxies, and metadata back to HQ
Include searchable tags, markers, and subclips
Trigger transfers with a watch folder, an event, or even a right-click
Why it matters: Editors at your main facility don’t have to wait for physical drives to arrive, they can start cutting as soon as the media is transferred with proxies and markers already in place. No waiting, no duplicated work. Learn more about FLOW’s intelligent automation tools.
Step-by-Step Remote Video Editing Workflow
Capture media in the field with the Ultimate EFS Field Unit.
Create proxies and metadata (markers, subclips, comments) on-site.
Connect securely using ZeroTier VPN.
Send assets to HQ with FLOW Automation’s “Send to Site.”
Begin editing instantly with all your metadata in place.
Why EditShare offers the Best Media Asset Management Software for Video Teams
Portable Shared Storage – Edit anytime, anywhere.
Powerful Automation – Eliminate manual steps.
Real-Time Collaboration – Keep remote and in-studio teams in sync.
Secure Remote Access – Protect your content without slowing you down.
Scalable Workflows – Ideal for indie shoots and enterprise-level production alike.
If you’re looking for a PAM for hybrid production teams that balances speed, security, and simplicity, EditShare is built for you. You can also explore our shared video storage solutions for even more flexibility.
From documentaries and news to sports and reality TV, EditShare empowers your team to work faster, safer, and smarter, no matter where your story takes you.
Ready to build your own killer remote workflow? Contact EditShare to learn how our tools can transform your remote and hybrid production workflows.
For media teams managing massive files, tight deadlines, and fast-paced collaborative workflows, generic file servers just don’t cut it. What you need is shared video storage designed specifically for video production and post workflows.
In this article, we’ll explore how media-optimized storage differs from standard IT storage, and why making the switch can be a game-changer for creative teams.
The Key Differences Between Generic and Media-Optimized Storage
1. Bandwidth Over IOPS: Why Consistent Throughput Matters
Generic Storage: IT systems like databases and email servers are built for high IOPS (Input Output Operations Per Second). That’s fine for tiny, frequent operations like processing emails or database requests, but it fails under the sustained demands of high-bitrate video playback.
Media Storage:Shared video storage is optimized for high-bandwidth, low-latency transfers. It ensures reliable performance even during multi-stream 4K or 8K editing, no frame drops, no playback freezes, just uncomplicated real-time editing. This is essential for collaborative editing for Adobe Premiere Pro and DaVinci Resolve workflows.
Why it matters: Scrubbing through 8K RAW footage during a live client session? You need throughput, not IOPS. Media storage delivers performance you can count on.
2. File Management Tools That Actually Work for Video
Generic Storage: File services like Google Drive or Dropbox lack the intelligence to handle media workflows. Version control is clunky. Metadata is manual. Integrations with creative tools? Limited or nonexistent.
Media Storage: Media storage platforms include production asset management tools that allow smart versioning, automated metadata tagging, and seamless integration with NLEs like Adobe Premiere Pro, Avid, and DaVinci Resolve.
Why it matters: With advanced video review and approval software built into the workflow, your team stops wasting time searching for files and starts focusing on creativity.
3. Scaling Without Downtime or Drama
Generic IT Storage: Scaling often means downtime, migrations, and complex reconfigurations, aka production nightmares.
Media Storage: Media storage for remote post production teams scales. Add new nodes, expand bandwidth, or enable remote collaboration all without interrupting ongoing projects.
Picture this: You’re in post on a global ad campaign. An editor scrubs through 8K timelines smoothly. Your colorist joins remotely to adjust the grade. The client reviews and approves clips in real time using your video review and approval software. Meanwhile, a new storage node is added overnight without downtime. That’s what the best shared storage for video editing teams enables.
Delays in post-production workflows can cost thousands per day in idle talent, missed deadlines, and rework. Investing in shared video storage prevents bottlenecks, protects your schedule, and supports real-time collaboration for every team member no matter where they are.
Why Media Teams Deserve Better
Media professionals shouldn’t have to wrestle with tech built for spreadsheets and PDFs. You need:
Shared video storage tailored to high-res workflows
EditShare’s EFS, FLOW and Mediasilo solutions combine high-performance shared storage with powerful workflow tools, purpose built for post production.
Introduction
Accidental leaks of pre-release content can lead to significant financial losses and reputational damage. For professionals in film, television, and corporate video production, safeguarding sensitive material is paramount. EditShare’s SafeStream technology provides a robust solution to prevent unauthorized distribution and trace leaks back to their source, making it a trusted and secure video sharing solution for modern workflows.
What Is SafeStream?
SafeStream is a real-time video watermarking technology that embeds both visible and invisible (forensic) watermarks into video content, ensuring each copy is uniquely traceable. This dual-layered approach not only deters unauthorized sharing but also facilitates accountability by identifying the source of any leaks. It’s ideal for use as a watermarked video sharing platform or video DRM platform for media screeners.
How SafeStream Works
Visible Watermarks
Visible watermarks display user-specific information directly on the video, such as the viewer’s name or email address. This personalization discourages recipients from sharing the content, as they know it can be traced back to them.
Forensic Watermarks
Forensic watermarks are invisible markers embedded within the video file. They allow content owners to trace the origin of a leak without altering the viewing experience. This is particularly useful when visible watermarks are not feasible and when using an embargoed content distribution tool is critical.
Benefits of Using SafeStream
Leak Deterrence: Personalized watermarks make recipients think twice before sharing unauthorized content.
Traceability: In the event of a leak, forensic watermarks help identify the source quickly with detailed audit trails for shared media.
Compliance: Ensures adherence to industry standards and legal requirements for content security.
Integration: Seamlessly integrates with existing workflows in film, television, and corporate environments.
Implementing SafeStream in Your Workflow
Integrating SafeStream into your post-production process is straightforward. It can be applied during content review stages, internal screenings, or when sharing with external stakeholders. By embedding watermarks at these critical points, you maintain control over your content throughout its lifecycle.
Conclusion
Accidental leaks can have devastating consequences for media professionals. SafeStream offers a proactive approach to content security, combining visible and forensic watermarking to deter unauthorized sharing and effectively trace leaks. By incorporating SafeStream into your workflow, you protect your content, your reputation, and your career with a best-in-class secure video sharing solution.
Ready to elevate your content security? Discover how SafeStream can protect your valuable assets, visit our website and schedule a demo today:
If you’re managing video production with traditional IT storage, chances are your team is running into performance issues—dropped frames, offline media, slow load times, and frustrated editors. And it’s not their fault. They’re doing high-stakes creative work with tools that weren’t designed for the job.
Here’s why it’s happening—and what to do about it.
The IT Storage Problem
Most general-purpose IT storage systems are built to handle lots of small files and transactions—think emails, documents, or databases. These are low-throughput, high-IOPS (input/output operations per second) environments.
Video is the opposite.
Editing high-resolution media requires sustained throughput to stream large video files in real time. When multiple editors are working simultaneously, that demand only increases. Traditional IT storage just wasn’t built for this kind of load, and trying to make it work can lead to serious performance bottlenecks and creative downtime.
Dropped Frames Are a Symptom—Not the Root Cause
Dropped frames, playback lag, and crashes are warning signs that your storage system is under stress. These issues can interrupt workflows, delay projects and make collaboration nearly impossible. Editors may spend more time waiting for media to load than actually cutting footage.
And when projects go offline or files disappear mid-edit, you’re not just losing time and money—you’re losing trust.
The Case for Purpose-Built Storage
At EditShare, we’ve spent over a decade solving these problems for media teams so they can worry about the finished product, not storage. Our EFS shared storage system is engineered from the ground up to support the unique needs of video production. That means:
High-throughput performance: Stream high-bitrate media without dropped frames—even during node failures.
Media-aware architecture: Optimized for large files and real-time playback, not email attachments.
Collaborative editing workflows: Multiple users can work on the same project without stepping on each other’s toes.
Granular permissions: Keep media secure with project-based access control.
Scalability: Whether you’re a small post house or a large broadcast operation, EFS grows with you.
The Bottom Line
If you’re still relying on traditional IT storage, your team is working harder than they need to. Creative professionals deserve a system that supports their workflow, not one that holds them back.
It’s time to upgrade to a storage platform built for media.
Looking for new ways to streamline your media workflows and get more done in less time? The latest FLOW media management update, FLOW 25.1.0, is packed with powerful updates designed to simplify your day-to-day, and now you can see it all in action.
In our latest webinar, Unlocking the Power of FLOW 25.1.0, EditShare’s Senior Product Manager Lucy Seaborne teams up with Global Pre-Sales Technical Manager Adam Lewiston to walk you through the latest features, enhancements, and real-world use cases for this exciting new release.
Whether you’re managing fast-turnaround productions or large-scale archival workflows, FLOW 25.1.0 delivers smarter ways to organize, automate, and collaborate.
Watch the webinar replay to learn:
✅ What’s new in FLOW 25.1.0, including UI improvements, workflow automations, and more
✅ How the latest updates can drive efficiency across your team
✅ Best practices for getting the most out of FLOW, straight from the experts who helped build it
Don’t miss your chance to get up to speed with everything the new release has to offer.
Access the webinar replay now(Free with registration)
Tape isn’t dead! While everyone’s out there singing the praises of cloud storage and trying not to choke on their monthly invoices, tape just keeps doing its thing: Reliable, Affordable, and Built for the long haul. Now we’ve got LTO 10, which is a huge upgrade.
Roadmap: 36 TB Raw Capacity
The roadmap states that LTO 10 will double the raw capacity of LTO 9. If you’re dealing with 4K or 8K RAW footage or just have a mountain of footage that needs to be stored safely and long-term, that’s a big advancement. Fewer cartridges to manage. Less rack space and less shuffling around in the archive room. You will often see larger capacities being discussed, but that’s compressed, which is fine for CRMs or transactional data, but we can’t compress media. So we always work on the raw capacity. You will notice in the image below how it shows two sizes for LTO 10: compressed and raw. We are hearing that the LTO may be capped at 30TB at 400MB/s transfer speed. It’s early days, but we shall see how it pans out.
EditShare ARK and LTO 10 A Perfect Match
Here’s the good news: EditShare ARK will support LTO 10. There’s no need to change how your team works. Everything just runs like it always has, except now your shelves fill up a whole lot slower. That means you’re ready for whatever next-gen content you’re producing, whether that’s episodic 8K delivery, remastering old content in HDR or just trying not to get buried in files.
Now, if you have an existing LTO legacy deployment, let’s say LTO 4, you will need to migrate those tapes back to EFS, deploy a new LTO 10 tape device, and then re-archive them. But you get more than 10 tapes now condensed into one!
Compatibility
Let’s talk about the one weird anomaly. IBM’s datasheet for LTO 10 only says, “IBM LTO 10-tape drive can read and write to LTO Ultrium 10 cartridges.” They don’t mention backward compatibility at all. There is no promise that LTO 10 drives will read LTO 9 or anything older. That’s a break from how LTO has worked for years, where each new gen could usually read two generations back. If you’ve got a mountain of older tapes, you’ll either need to keep older drives around or run a migration strategy. But honestly, that’s just part of managing any archive.
LTO Still Makes Sense for Media Teams
Storage needs in media and entertainment are not shrinking. 8K VFX dailies, every project is bigger than the last. So when you get a format that gives you 36 TB per tape and runs for decades without a subscription attached, that’s worth paying attention to. Tape is a cost-effective long-term archival medium, complemented by our large. Adding EditShare ARK, which compliments FLOW asset management, means every asset that gets archived and FLOW knows its location. It keeps a proxy of that archived file always online, meaning you get a representation of that high-resolution file immediately. Its streamlined initiative and most important, fast.
Final Word
Is LTO 10 perfect? Not quite. The missing backward compatibility might be a pain. But if you’re starting fresh, building new archives, or just want to stop adding shelves every quarter, LTO 10 is the biggest leap we’ve had in years.
