The media and entertainment industry is experiencing unprecedented change as they transition from analog to digital production. But how does a broadcaster manage their growing media storage needs? There are options: disk- or server-based storage systems versus tape-based systems. Whereas disks or server storage may be the right choice for content that needs to be accessed often, tape-based systems are more efficient and cost-effective for near-line or off-line storage. In addition, with tape, there is virtually infinite scalability as more tapes can be added at any time to increase storage capacity.
IBM has long been a leader in the evolution of digital tape-based solutions. Our first commercial tape product, the 726 Magnetic Tape Unit, was released over 50 years ago. And we introduced the first cartridge tape device and media for data storage in 1985. Today, we provide two technical options in tape-based systems for broadcasters. An open-standards approach — which we helped define and which licenses significant IBM technology — with our LTO Ultrium Tape Library line and our new enterprise-class IBM TS1120 Tape Drive. Both robotic, tape-based media storage systems — including drives, robotics, movers and media — are less expensive to purchase and maintain, longer lived and require less physical space to house than disk- or server-based systems.
Learn how Fox Broadcasting Company is expanding its high-definition (HD) digital archive system co-designed with IBM to include the 2006 and 2007 NFL, Major League Baseball, NASCAR and "American Idol" seasons on Fox.
Listen and watch the video podcast of Steve Canepa, vice president, global media and entertainment industry, and Andrew Setos, president of engineering for Fox Group, discussing the intersection of technology and broadcasting, and IBM's innovation solution for HD broadcasting.
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