Do You Need a NAS System for Video Production? Here’s Why We Invested in One
As a Winnipeg-based video production company handling large volumes of high-resolution footage, efficient and secure data storage is crucial to our daily operations. Recently, we decided to invest over $4,000 in a Network-Attached Storage (NAS) system. While it was a significant expense, it’s already transforming our workflow and making a big difference for our clients. Here’s an in-depth look at what a NAS system is, why we chose it, and how it’s impacting our video production services in Winnipeg.
What Is a NAS System?
A NAS, or Network Attached Storage system, is a specialized server for file storage and sharing over a network. For a company like ours in Winnipeg video production, a NAS acts as a secure, centralized hub for data, where we can store, organize, and quickly access files across multiple devices. It’s like a high-capacity hard drive with built-in networking, designed for handling the large file sizes and rapid access needs of video production professionals.
Why Traditional Storage Solutions Weren’t Enough
Before investing in a NAS, we managed our media files using a combination of solid-state drives (SSDs) and traditional hard drives. While SSDs (like the T7 models we use) are incredibly fast, they have limited storage, which can be an issue in video production, where even a single project’s footage can quickly fill up available space. On the other hand, traditional hard drives offer more storage at a lower price, but they lack the speed necessary to edit large files directly.
For any Winnipeg video production company working with 4K footage and beyond, the balance of speed and storage is essential—and that’s where a NAS system shines.
The Solution: Our QNAP NAS System
Investing in a NAS has given us a system that combines large-scale storage with improved access speeds. Our QNAP NAS includes four bays with 18TB hard drives in each, offering ample room for all our projects. Configured in a RAID 5 setup, it provides data protection, so if one drive fails, we won’t lose any of our work. This level of reliability is critical for any video production studio in Winnipeg that wants to keep client projects secure.
Key Features of Our NAS Setup
1. 10-Gigabit Ethernet Connection: Speed is everything in video production, especially for companies needing to work quickly across large media files. Our NAS’s 10-gigabit ethernet connection supports fast, seamless data transfer across our network, allowing us to access project files from any workstation without lag.
2. NVMe SSD Cache: Our NAS system also includes a four-terabyte NVMe SSD cache, which significantly speeds up access to frequently used files. When we upload footage to the NAS, it first saves onto the SSD, which has faster read/write speeds, then transfers to the main hard drives. This feature is invaluable in Winnipeg video production, where quick access to files can make a big difference in meeting deadlines.
3. RAID 5 Data Protection: Our RAID 5 configuration is another crucial part of our NAS setup. For Winnipeg video production companies, data security is a top priority, and RAID 5 gives us peace of mind. It allows for data recovery in case a drive fails, minimizing potential downtime and keeping our projects on track.
Lessons Learned in NAS Setup
One initial oversight we encountered was installing a single four-terabyte NVMe SSD rather than two two-terabyte SSDs. With two SSDs, we’d have the benefit of both read and write capabilities, which would further boost our access speeds. It’s a fixable issue, but an important lesson for any other Winnipeg-based video production teams considering a similar investment.
Why a NAS System Was Worth the Investment
While storage upgrades aren’t the most exciting part of video production, having a reliable NAS system has already made a positive impact on our team and our clients. With easy access to archived footage and improved project load times, we’re able to dedicate more time to the creative aspects of our work. For any Winnipeg video production company seeking to improve productivity, a NAS system is an investment worth considering.
If your video production workflow is being slowed by storage limitations or inefficient data management, a NAS system can be an excellent solution to improve speed, accessibility, and data security. At our Winnipeg video production studio, we’re seeing these benefits firsthand, and we’re excited to continue optimizing our process to better serve our clients.