Using Blu-ray to archive

That LG drive has a SATA interface, so you'll have to arrange for that internally, or use an external case with a FW or USB bridge - or eSATA. That will work.

(The empty drive space in a Mac Pro is IDE/ATAPI. All Mac Pros I believe at present?)

For data archiving - no issues - although BD-REs (rewritables) are only single layer at present (25GB in size). You'll want Toast 10 with the BD plugin.

I assumed we'd have a SATA connection for the extra optical drive. If it's going to be a problem using an internal drive we can go for an external one.

Well, check it out, but I believe the empty drive space has only an IDE/ATAPI cable waiting there - same as the existing Superdrive.

There are apparently two unused SATA ports inside on the MacPro motherboard, but getting to them requires some dexterity and a SATA to SATA cable (not supplied) - they're right next to the main case fans at the front?

I used one of these externally - works fine. Span can supply the LG drive as well, and assemble it all (under a warranty) for you too - no extra cost.

I think for ease we'll look at an external drive instead - LG BE06LU10. Plus we'll be able to use it with out PC systems as well then.

Thanks for the info.

Hi Mooblie,

Do you have any recommendations for reliable Blu-ray media? We've always gone with Verbatim for DVD-R media without problems so we're tempted to do the same with Blu-ray.

Two points of (lack of) convenience about that BE06LU10 drive:
(a) USB 2.0 only (the case I linked to is USB 2.0 and FW400)
and
(b) I see a review says "additional power supply" - don't know if that means an external PSU (the case I linked to has an internal PSU + fan).

I'm sure they'll both work on a PC or Mac.

Only used Verbatim BD-R (Inkjet) and BD-RE so far - all OK. Verbartim BD-R (Inkjet) in bulk from APR Media. All we need now is for TY to do Watershield BD!

I have the external LG drive. Yes, it has additional power supply. I use it with my PC for archiving EX1 files. Works a treat. Not tried it on the mac yet. I also use the Verbatim BD-Rs, 100% reliable so far.

I have started to archive AVI`s to BD dscs in the last couple of weeks. TDK make dual layer BD-RE`s so you can check alls well before commiting to plain discs. Ive been using CDBurnerXP (free) to make data discs. As it can cost me at least £4 for a tape to hold approximately 12Gigs it is becoming more cost effective. Verbatum BD-R DL working out at £12 per disc and holding at least four tapes worth. And you are not restricted to just on the hour of course.
Dougie Leaver

Thanks for all the info guys.

Is this more cost effective than external HDD media? A 1TB drive costs around £70 now - costs around £72 for 300gb Bluray, doesn't it? Mini DV tape costs less than £2 for an hour of footage.

Just burnt our first Blu-ray disc for archiving and it was surprisingly easy. We're using an Apple and it burnt the disc straight from the Finder. Very impressed.

Have been using Blu-ray to archive AVI files, also the multiple WAV file sets created by 24-track projects that will not fit on to a 9Gb DVD. Used LG Blu-ray burner and Verbatim BD-RE (because I had them in stock)

Ray L

Regarding cost, yes I suppose using HDDs is probably cheaper with capacities so big but I just don't trust hard drives long term for archiving (I know that you could argue about the long term reliability of writable optical media buts that's another discussion.). Blu-ray discs with their capacity rival going back to tape in terms of cost. It was cheaper for us to purchase a Blu-ray writer than going for a deck so for us it's the right choice.

I'd also add that with a large HDD all your eggs are in one basket....

Ive just had my second D8 camcorder go west on me. Fire wire socket no longer working. As I have archived a lot of VHS-C (80 X 0.5 hrs.) and S-VHS ( 70 X 2hrs.) tapes to D8 I now find myself in the situation where I have two D8 camcorders that have working fire wire, one new and an older one that will not rewind without creasing the tapes !. No chance of a new as they seem to be no longer made !.
As I stated above above I had started to archive AVI`s to BD dual layer but the cost of doing the lot will be far too prohibitive. A pair of SATA 1TB drives have been purchased along with two hot swappable trayless drive housings. Further drives will be purchased in pairs, hoping one will always be available should there be any problems. Drives are Samsung HD103SI and are 5400 RPM. They run very cool but are still fast enough to work with AVI`s and HDV. There is also a time saving as tape takes real time, a BD disk can take four hours but a drive will take about ten minutes for an hours video.
With manufacturer`s moving away from tape I think its about time I came into the 21st Century. At the moment solid state drives are far to expensive so hard drives it has to be.
Dougie Leaver
surrounded by D8 tapes !!!

The idea is that you make a duplicate backup onto a second hard drive and store it at a different location. Still cheaper that Blu-ray - works out at around £130 per terrabyte for a pair of drives. Nothing is infallible, but, that is a pretty good solution I think.