Re: FCP Servers/Network

Are you looking for something like a SAN or just a simple network?

Right now my set up has been working great between graphics, and 4 FCP systems (one that is out of town). We have a OS X server, and an internal local network. We can put stuff on the server which can be accessed over the internet or internally. Also we can sent stuff directly to the FCP systems via the local network. We have not upgraded to Gigabit yet, but that will increase the speed even more.

For complete projects and large media files we still just use firewire drives. It takes some time, but at this point it is not worth the money for a SAN.

This set up works great because we all have access to what we need (with the exception of large media files) and we can send links for client review. It is also cheap and easy to set up.

With the addition of Apples remote desktop software things have gotten even cooler. We can now access all of our systems remotely. It is too slow to edit with (and there is no audio) but is is a great way to find files and trouble shoot issues remotely.

So you can really create any type of network you want, it is just a matter of what you need vs. how much you want to spend. And depending on how your want your workflow to run. I have yet to see a Xsan network in action, but it sounds like it could be a great solution, however there is something to be said about keeping projects private. It only takes one mistake to mess everyone up.

Jared
Idea Spring Editing, Inc.
Denver Final Cut Pro UG