We first saw the mTape LTO box from mLogic demonstrated at IBC 2013. The unit is now shipping, offering fast, reliable backups of data using Thunderbolt.
Archiving. We have said it before, it is not the most sexy of subjects in TV production, but it is one of the most necessary. You don't realise how valuable a file is until you haven't got it!
mLogic has announced that their Thunderbolt equipped LTO-6 mTape is now shipping. Priced at $3,599 it brings LTO tape backup via Thunderbolt without having to have a SAS Interface. That makes it perfect for the new Mac Pro. We came across the mTape last year and although the colour has changed, the size, connectivity and performance are the same. It is the first tape drive system to receive Thunderbolt certification from Apple and Intel.
The rear of the mLogic mTape at IBC 2013.
Although the cost of the box might initially seem expensive, archiving a lot of data will be less expensive than buying multiple Thunderbolt drives. You'll also not have to worry about spinning up a RAID on a regular basis or replacing duff drives in a set. mTape can work like a drive, which means you can drag-and-drop files for ease, but the write and recall speeds will obviously be a lot, lot longer. No indication from their website if mTape is a Thunderbolt 2 device.
- The world’s first Thunderbolt-enabled LTO-6 tape drive
- Thunderbolt certified by Apple and Intel
- Supports LTFS for drag and drop functionality
- Two Thunderbolt ports for daisy-chaining
- SAS expansion port (enables writing to two or more LTO drives simultaneously)
- Compatible with backup/archive software from Archiware, Imagine Products, StorageDNA, TOLIS, YoYotta and others
- Portable form factor with rugged, light-weight aluminum construction
- DC powered for operation in any environment
I am the Editor-in-Chief of FCP.co and have run the website since its inception ten years ago.
I have also worked as a broadcast and corporate editor for over 30 years, starting on one inch tape, working through many formats, right up to today's NLEs.
Under the name Idustrial Revolution, I have written and sold plugins for Final Cut Pro for 13 years.
I was made a Freeman of Lichfield through The Worshipful Company of Smiths (established 1601). Though I haven't yet tried to herd a flock of sheep through the city centre!
Current Editing
2020 has been busy, the beginning of the year was finishing off a new property series (cut on FCP) for Channel 4 called The Great House Giveaway. I also designed and built the majority of the graphics as Motion templates. It has been a great success and the shows grabbed more viewers in the 4pm weekday slot than any previous strand. It has been recommissioned by C4 for 60 episodes, including prime-time versions and five themed programmes. The shows have also been nominated for a 2021 BAFTA.
Although both were postponed to later in the year, I worked again on ITV's coverage of the Tour de France and La Vuelta. 2020 was my 25th year of editing the TdF and my 20th year as lead editor. The Tour was the first broadcast show to adopt FCPX working for multiple editors on shared storage.
BBC's Snooker has played a big part in my life, I've been editing tournament coverage since 1997. I'm proud to be part of a very creative team that has pioneered many new ideas and workflows that are now industry standard in sports' production. This is currently an Adobe Premiere edit.
Covid cancelled some of the regular corporate events that I edit such as trade shows & events. I was lucky however to edit, from home, on projects for Amazon Kindle, Amazon Black Friday, Mastercard and very proud to have helped local charitable trust Kendall & Wall secure lottery funding.
As for software, my weapon of choice is Final Cut Pro and Motion, but I also have a good knowledge and broadcast credits with Adobe Premiere Pro, MOGRT design and Photoshop.
Plugin Design & Development
I'm the creative force behind Idustrial Revolution, one of the oldest Final Cut Pro plugin developers. It hosts a range of commercial and free plugins on the site. One free plugin was downloaded over a thousand times within 24 hours of release.
I also take on custom work, whether it is adapting an existing plugin for a special use or designing new plugins for clients from scratch. Having a good knowledge of editing allows me to build-in flexibility and more importantly, usability.
FCP.co
Now in its 10th year and 4th redesign, running FCP.co has given me knowledge on how to run a large CMS- you are currently reading my bio from the database! Although it sounds corny, I am pretty well up on social media trends & techniques, especially in the video sector. The recent Covid restrictions has enabled live FCP.co shows online. This involves managing a Zoom Webinar through Restream.io to YouTube and Facebook.
The Future
I'm always open to new ideas and opportunities, so please get in touch at editor (at) fcp.co. I've judged film competitions, presented workflow techniques to international audiences and come up with ideas for TV shows and software programs!
