I would know how the hvx users archive them capture files from the P2 card.

I archive all footage onto dvd, at least two copies of all footage.

I also archive the finished product on dvd as well. Again, two copies.

With a capacity of only 4 GB, I can't imagine the number of DVDs required to archive a P2 HD project. I think the best method of archiving (as well as the most cost-effective and manageable method) is a tape drive. See http://www.dvinfo.net/conf/showpost.php?p=697232&postcount=4

Like Jim, I back up all my footage on two DVD copies.

I will probably be getting the Quantum DLT-600a.

It has gig-e and is MXF aware. The tapes are good for 30 years.

Not cheap, but it is a far better (and longer term) solution than FW hard drives, which is what I had been using.

DVD-Rs as well here, 2 per 8GB card stored in a dual-disc jewel case. The inconvenience of splitting across 2 discs is offset by the savings in media cost vs. double-layer discs. Works for the time being...

OK I have to ask, how do you split the footage across 2 DVD's from an 8 gig P2?

JP

After transfering the P2 card to an internal or ext. hard drive, I unlock the contents of the VIDEO folder and put half the .MXF files in a separate folder. The CONTENTS and .txt file go on one disc and the folder with the additional video files goes on the second disc. I label them xyz_A and xyz_B and store in a double-disc case.

Excellent suggestion Benjamin, is there a reason why you use DVD-R over +R, I was under the impression +R was better for data storage? Also what speed do you burn at? I just downloaded a program called Handy Backup which will let you write across mulitple DVD's at once (leaves a small folder a little like the .TXT file for when you want to reconstruct, I then used the program to rebuild the files to a folder on my firewire enclosure and imported them into Edius Pro without any dramas (used the no compression option). Here's the link if you are interested (I hope it's OK to post links on this forum?) http://www.handybackup.net/download.shtml

At the moment I am investigating a dual HDD e-sata external enclosure with mirroring for security, then just swapping out the drives as they become full. Because I spend up to 6 months at a time on the road in a caravan it's a bit of a pain dragging out a lappy to burn to DVD (I have my faimly with me and space is at a premium) either as I film it or even worse after I have archived to disc after a number of days.

JP

Jonathan,

Let us know what HDD e-sata external enclosure you end up getting.

I also use DVDs to back up my data, but I use the P2 Viewer program to put together roughly 3.5 GB of data onto virtual P2 cards in the computer and then make DVDs of the virtual cards. I choose to use 3.5 GB so that I can combine two of these cards for playback on an 8 GB P2 card if desired. If I didn't need that option, I'd make 4.5 GB virtual P2 cards and then make the DVDs. Also, 500 GB external hard drives are getting very cheap (as low as $ 120, shipped free in the US by Amazon). I archive important material onto at least two of these drives as well.