If you don’t have the right tools, you’ll find video editing to be daunting, especially if you’re handling a 4k video editing project. From storing raw files, organizing each clip, and rendering final outputs, you need to optimize many things.

When it comes to managing sizable 4k video files, most video marketers face a common problem - running out of storage space. But there’s a way around it. If you start using NAS for 4k video editing, you’ll realize how easy it gets to centrally manage, edit, and share large files.

NAS stands for network-attached storage. Simply put, it is a small device with a lot of storage space. Other computers can access it within your local area network (LAN). If needed, you can also access the storage from an external network.

So, how does it help your agency? Continue reading this blog to learn how switching to a network-attached storage device can optimize your video editing workflow while saving you a lot of time, money, and effort.

Importance Of Network-Attached Storage For 4k Video Editing To The Agency

A network-attached storage (NAS) device is a central data storage unit that connects to and can be accessed by other authorized devices within a network. These devices included a built-in operating system and a processor to run applications and support file-sharing between authorized users.

One of the best things about NAS storage solutions is that multiple users and devices can access them, both from a shared network or remotely (if set up correctly). Generally, your computer is built to read and write data from disc-attached storages (DAS) quicker than network devices. In a NAS set up, you’ll be able to link multiple hard drives to build shared storage. Multiple hard drives mean more capacity, redundancy, and faster transfer rates.

Let us help you understand how a NAS works.

As mentioned, the NAS device is connected to your computer (and other devices). It can be connected using Ethernet cables or via Wi-Fi. Although NAS devices include multiple USB ports, these ports aren’t meant to connect the device to your computer. Instead, these ports are provided to make it easier to back up and transfer data.

Usually, a NAS device holds anywhere between 1 and 24 bays for hard disk drives (HDDs) and solid-state drives (SSDs). It doesn’t have any viewing interface but includes a small computer to be easily accessed once it is connected to the network. Storage capacities vary depending on your business requirements - from a couple of Terabytes to Petabytes of storage space.

How does it help your business?

Well, network-attached storage is organized, fast, and extremely simple to use. Well, network-attached storage is organized, fast, and extremely simple to use. These devices are designed to meet the purpose you need them to - store and manage large amounts of data centrally. Listed below are some of the notable advantages of choosing network access storage for 4k video editing:

• Simple and easy-to-use management tools
• Central management and storage
• Fully scalable
• High and consistent data-transfer speeds
• Easy (and automatic) data backup and data recovery features
• Multi-layered data security
• Supports a large variety of operating systems and applications
• Streamline video editing and collaboration workflow
• Extremely cost-effective compared to external storage
• Multiple users and devices can access files at the same time
• It is easy to physically move around a NAS setup

That said, NAS devices also come with a few drawbacks that you must be aware of, such as:

• Usually, NAS uses the Linux  file system . Hence, you’ll need professional software for data recovery in case of a technical failure
• If you want to manually back up the data, you’ll need to do it using an installed operating system that is supported by the NAS device
• Highly dependent on the available bandwidth
• Can slow down other devices using the same network

Why Does NAS Setup Have Over Video Editing From External Hard Drives?

NAS devices and external hard drives - both are useful when it comes to increasing your company’s storage space. But when it comes to value for money, NAS has multiple heavyweight advantages over the latter.

Listed below are some of the significant aspects where NAS devices overpower external storage solutions:

• Bandwidth - With NAS storage, your data transfer speeds vastly vary based on your resources. On the other hand, external drives are usually limited to a transfer rate ranging between 100 MBps to 200 MBps. If you’re using an older version (USB 2.0), the chances are that the data transfer will be even slower. 
• Cost - Usually, external drives have limited space and aren’t expandable. If you have more data, you’ll need to keep buying new hard drives, which will only add to your expenses. On the contrary, NAS devices include 1 to 24 bays for hard-disk drives. When it comes to storing vast amounts of data, network-attached storage turns out to be the most cost-effective method.
• Usage - One of the biggest problems with external hard drives is usability. It can only be used by one user at a time, which consumes a lot of time and impacts productivity. With NAS, centrally stored files can be accessed by multiple users and devices at the same time. You also need to physically connect an external drive to your device to access the data. But with NAS, you can even access the data remotely.
• Capacity - External drives have limited capacity. You’ll soon run out of space, primarily if you handle large files. In addition, external drives use your computer’s processing power and can impact overall performance. NAS, on the other hand, offers as much space as you need. It isn’t physically connected to your device; hence it doesn’t hog your system’s performance. 
• Hardware - Although external drives are portable and easy to carry, there is the security aspect that you’ll need to consider. You can easily misplace or lose an external drive. They are also prone to theft, wear and tear. However, NAS setups are usually fixed on the spot, connected to the power unit and the router. You can quickly move them around without the fear of losing something.
• Software - When it comes to maintaining an external hard drive, there isn’t any built-in software. You’ll need to manually download apps and tools to check for viruses, backup data, and add authorization rules. But with NAS devices, you don’t have to worry about any of these. You’ll be able to centrally manage files and authorized users, setup data backup and recovery features without the need for any additional software.

How To Set up a NAS device For 4k Video Editing?

Setting up a NAS device for 4k video editing isn’t much difficult. You don’t need to be a tech wizard, but you’ll surely need some technical skills. However, the easiest way is to purchase one that’s pre-built.

Anyway, you’ll need a few things to get started on your own. These include:

• First, you’ll need the primary computer to attach the NAS to your network
• Next, you’ll need the NAS, be it purchased or self-made
• Finally, some data storage devices, preferably hard-disk drives

Other than these, you’ll also need a stable internet connection. A minimum bandwidth of 1GB is highly recommended for optimal performance. 

Bear in mind that there are different options to choose from, but if you need a purpose-based solution, always choose a RAID-based NAS. RAID systems provide enhanced flexibility for both Linux and Windows and include multiple pre-configured disk drives in a Redundant Array of Inexpensive Disks (RAID).

Let’s assume that you already have all of these prerequisites in place. Now you’ll need to start by mapping the files to the NAS. It is quite similar to mapping a network drive on your Windows PC. Here’s what you need to do:

• Open Control Panel > Programs and Features > Turn Windows feature On/Off(Windows devices)
• Scroll down to find SMB 1.0/CIFS Client and select the checkbox
• Build a structure within your storage drive (add folders and sub-folders)
• Set up user rights and permissions
• Configure your NAS device with the computer

That’s it. Your NAS device is now set up for storage. As long as all of your other drives are correctly mapped to the primary device, you (and every authorized user) will have access to the stored data.

Conclusion

We hope this blog helps answer your questions on why you should use the cloud for storage. If you consider all relevant factors, you’ll realize that having massive storage and streamlined throughput in a centralized NAS will provide you with huge benefits over any other storage solution.

Learning to build a NAS setup on your own is fun, but you’ll need to invest time and effort. However, you can get it all done by subscribing to a pay-as-you-use model such as ProMax Systems that offers fast shared storage for video editing workflows.

Get in touch with a ProMax expert 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.