Features - Storage Innovations:

DOT HILL INTRODUCES RIO Xtreme STORAGE SERVER AT NAB 2004

Dot Hill will introduced the RIO Xtreme storage server at NAB 2004. The new high-bandwidth RIO Xtreme is optimized for data-intensive, rich media environments including 2K, HD and SD video and film editing and effects, streaming technologies, data broadcasting, and delivery of digital and high definition television (HDTV) programming.

RIO Xtreme ran with four video editing workstations using a variety of applications showing different stages of editing in partner Bright Systems' booth C7822. RIO Xtreme delivered multiple stream capture and playback to demonstrate the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of enabling multi-user shared access to data.

"The RIO was a good choice because it's completely scalable with relatively inexpensive modules and can use inexpensive drives," said Alex Peacock, owner of 33 1/3 Productions. "That will enable us to add bandwidth cost effectively as we move to HD production. This is great. Why waste time when you could be making more money?"

The RIO Xtreme storage server supports both high-bandwidth streaming storage and low-cost nearline storage. This compact 1U (1.75 inches high) storage server offers mixed storage connectivity to Fibre Channel, SATA and SBOD disk subsystems. RIO Xtreme delivers multiple simultaneous HD and 2K streams and supports all levels of non-linear editing. RIO Xtreme was developed using Chaparral technology. Dot Hill acquired Chaparral Network Storage on Feb. 24 and is marketing this product line and all future products under the Dot Hill brand.

Because RIO Xtreme enables multiple users to simultaneously edit video clips by allowing access to centralized data, productivity is enhanced. Its fault tolerant design delivers a high availability infrastructure that includes redundant, hot-swappable components. RIO Xtreme has tested and proven interoperability with major hardware and software editing platforms.

"We are pleased to announce the RIO Xtreme at NAB, which is well attended by customers in the rich media and entertainment space," said Omar Barraza, Dot Hill's director of marketing. "The RIO Xtreme is very well suited to video editing, post-production and delivery of streaming media and other highbandwidth applications. We hope to quickly gain brand awareness for Dot Hill and build market share with RIO Xtreme in the entertainment industry."