DVD-RAM?

[sps]

I need something to archive large amounts of data (2-3 GB chunks at a time). Archiving to multiple CD-Rs is too labor intensive. Tapes are too slow and not reliable enough. Is DVD-RAM pretty much my only option? If so, what do you think about DVD-RAM? Is it a technology that's going to stick around for awhile, or will it quickly be replaced by DVD-R or DVD-RW? Can anybody point me to a good site which would tell me more about the different writeable DVD standards?

 

[esung]

There's too many different writable DVD product that's out or coming out, either supported by different company.. so I wouldn't get a DVD-RAM just yet. there's DVD-RW and DVD+RW as well.. both can archive more then DVD-RAM. (and there's always DVD-R)

 

[Pariah]

Depending on your budget and how long you want to wait, it looks like DVD-R is just about to break the $1000 mark. Pioneer has announced the DVR-A03, but who knows when it will actually be released.

 

[Scitex]

Magneto-Optical could be another solution depending on how much you want to spend on a drive and media.

 

[ddiccico]

I have a Panasonic 5.2 GB DVD-RAM drive. the 5.2 GB media are about $25 each, and it's very easy to use. It plays every format I know of - DVD-ROM, CD, CDR, CDRW, etc.

 

[sps]

Maybe I need to clarify cost-wise. I need to stay under $1000 ($999.99 is ok) or else I have to go through a capital expenditure process that takes forever. If DVD-R is obtainable for under $1000, that sounds interesting. Do any of you know where I can find some more information?

Thanks for the replies.

 

[Gunbuster]

It's not the qic-80 days anymore, cant the new tape drives haul ass and hold ~100gig+

Edit: looks like DLT drives break your budget

 

[Pariah]

Here is the pioneer drive:

Pioneer

PCWorld has short review of it. Supposed to retail for about $995.

 

[ddiccico]

<< I need to stay under $1000 >>

For that much you could get a DVD-RAM drive (about $300-$400), and 30-40 5.2 GB disks.