Sony reveals new optical disc archive system
updated 07:50 pm EDT, Wed April 18, 2012
Enclosed optical media aimed at archiving media
Sony has revealed a next-generation optical disc archive storage system aimed toward companies that require long-term protected data storage, particularly video. The corporation will also organize an Optical Disc Archive Advisory Group to promote the new format. Initial versions should range from 300GB to 1.5TB and use USB 3.0 to keep the storage running at full speed.
The new system uses enclosed discs, protecting the core media from temperature and humidity changes, while the optical system is also resistant to dust and water, eliminating the need to re-archive due to degradation.
The Optical Disc Archive Advisory Group consists primarily of television companies, including CBS News, Fuji Television, TV Tokyo, Time Warner Cable Sports, and BskyB. The group will look at how to apply the storage medium to current asset management systems and for future use.
Manufacturers supporting the new format with Sony include ASG-Atempo, Dalet, Front Porch Digital, Harris, SGL, Square Box Systems, TDK, and Vizrt. TDK has already announced it will start manufacturing disc media soon.
The storage system is due to arrive by the fall. The company has yet to disclose pricing details, however.
