7 Things You Must Do Before Using NAS For Video Editing

Ask any video editor, and they’ll tell you that fast storage is critical and can’t be compromised when it comes to editing high-resolution videos. Although there are several video editing solutions, network-attached storage (NAS) consumes less power, produces less heat and vibration, offers high read/write speed, and is highly efficient.

NAS for video editing is the perfect solution, optimized for video production teams. It offers various features, including enhanced collaboration, data protection, centralized management, and more. If you have a team of editors working on the same files from multiple devices and need maximum storage, you might want to consider upgrading to a network storage device.

In this blog, we’ll take a deeper look into how NAS stands out from other shared storage solutions and why you should use it for video editing.

Does My Agency Need NAS?

You may be using cloud storage like Google Drive or Dropbox or physical drives for data storage. But there are several convincing reasons why you should upgrade to NAS. Lately, NAS devices have become very popular with businesses across industries because of the perfect balance of security and central management.

To understand how a NAS storage server can be a value addition for your agency, you must first understand what NAS is and how it works.

In the simplest terms, network-attached storage (NAS) provides cloud and local storage functionality, allowing you to store large amounts of data and access it from anywhere. The NAS server connects directly to a dedicated computer through a USB cable. The entire setup consists of hardware, such as the NAS unit that contains storage drives, RAM, and processors. The required NAS software is deployed on to the hardware, enabling data storage and sharing.

Here are some compelling reasons to use NAS:

1. Easy to use: The entire process of setting up a NAS server isn’t overly complicated. All you need to do is plug the device and connect it to your network using an ethernet cable or WiFi. Most NAS applications offer a web-based interface, making it extremely easy to set up.
2. Remote accessibility: Most NAS drives allow you to set up remote access. Authorized users can access the shared files from anywhere globally without staying glued to fixed workstations or downloading any additional software.
3. Additional storage: All NAS units contain ample space to add extra storage drives, allowing you to add space as and when needed. Unlike cloud storage and physical drives, it is easier to find the fitting NAS for your agency as they’re available in several storage sizes, ranging from a few gigabytes to several terabytes.
4. Data backup and redundancy: Most NAS drives include built-in RAID options. It allows you to duplicate data across multiple drives. This way, if one drive breaks down, you’ll already have a copy. You’ll need to pay extra for this feature, but it’s worth it. Besides, NAS servers include advanced security features like encrypted disk volumes to minimize the risk of data theft.
5. Sharing and collaboration: NAS storage for video editing makes it easy for distributed teams to work together on projects seamlessly. With centrally managed files, all members can directly access the correct files without syncing everything first. It allows you to manage user roles and access rights and does most of the hard work.

If your agency relies on high bandwidth, fast and regular backups, easy to use interface, increased collaboration, and no better alternative than a NAS server for post-production. You’ll be able to enjoy the benefits of a private cloud while having complete control and additional benefits such as built-in security, file/folder, and user management, superior data encryption, and expandable storage, among others.

Requirements Of Agency Before Using NAS

A few years ago, video agencies used to edit raw footage using popular editing tools like Adobe, DaVinci, etc., on their computer’s HDD or SSD or from an external storage device. It worked because there wasn’t much demand for high-resolution (4k, 8k, UltraHD) videos. However, today’s market is different. 

Editing large raw files is no longer possible through SATA disks and external devices as 4k videos demand higher performance and fast speeds. To get the best out of NAS servers, you need to ensure that your agency has the required hardware and software. The good news is that your preferred service provider will let you know the requirements so you can quickly get started.

That said, here are a few minimum requirements to derive significant benefits from NAS storage:

• Capacity: Take into account the total number of employees you have and how much data you’ll be storing. Depending on your agency’s storage space requirement, you’ll need to procure the hard drives that’ll be added to your NAS array. For instance, if you invest in an 8-bay NAS loaded with 8TB drives, you’ll be able to store 64TB of data. Keep in mind that the more space you need, the costlier the setup.
• Connectivity: Most top-level NAS devices include built-in access points, enabling you to connect laptops, tablets, and smartphones wirelessly. There’s no need to connect the NAS device to a shared network router, and it is helpful for users who’ll be performing multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Operating System: As with any device, the operating system acts as your point of interaction with the storage server. If you choose a NAS setup running on an OS that you aren’t familiar with, it’ll be a bad investment. When finalizing a NAS server, consider factors such as the operating system’s version, stability, and how it works with the hardware. We recommend using a Windows-based NAS set up.
• Number of Disks: As mentioned earlier, NAS devices allow you to set up different RAID levels. Choose the suitable RAID configuration so that you have backup data in case of an unforeseen drive failure. Also, keep in mind that the higher the RAID configuration, the more money you’ll have to shell out.
• RAM: NAS devices rely on random access memory (RAM) to perform efficiently. If your team wants to shuffle between multiple tabs and programs seamlessly, you’ll need to invest in more RAM. An ideal way of calculating the required RAM is by allocating 1GB RAM per 1TB of storage.
• Efficiency: Finally, take into account the power consumed by the NAS server. As a thumb rule, you don’t want to invest in a setup that consumes more than 130 watts of power when used at its full extent.
• File Protocols: See to it that your NAS storage includes all necessary file and network protocols. The bare minimum configuration should support Network File System 3.0 (NFS 3.0) and support Server Message Block 3.0 (SMB Version 3.0).

On-Premise Vs. Off-premise?

Fundamentally, the significant difference between on-premise and off-premise storage is where your data is stored. For instance, on-premise storage means that the data remains within your jurisdiction. Storage servers and related hardware are installed in your office/home premises, and you’ve complete control over the virtual or physical servers used to hold your data.

On the other hand, off-premise storage means that your data is stored in third-party servers, managed by service providers, and licensed on a subscription basis. You don’t need to worry about backups, redundancy, or maintenance as the vendors take care of everything.

Both of these storage solutions have different features. Here’s a quick list for your reference:

Conclusion

Summing it up, upgrading to NAS for video editing will have an immensely positive impact on your team’s overall productivity and efficiency. It’ll help your agency save time, cut unnecessary overheads, and streamline the video editing workflow. Besides, when it comes to storing vast amounts of data, network-attached storage turns out to be the most cost-effective method.

If you’re on the lookout for a state-of-the-art NAS set up to simplify your post-production workflow, check out ProMAX Systems, offering remote, on-premise NAS hardware and software for video professionals. 

With Promax’s fast shared storage for video editing workflows, your entire editing team can access the files they need when they need them. Connect ProMax expert immediately to learn how your video marketing team can access, edit, and save multiple files simultaneously without the need to be physically present in the office.