archives tape vs DVD

i continue to update by date on cdrs in multi saved sessions as we go day by day then back up to DVD at the end as the primary backup on bigger multi song projects that take many sessions i also i use a 2nd fire wire backup then back to plastic at the end of the production

I use AIT 2 at the end of the project and Firewire drives during the project. Remember it's not backed up if it's not backed up twice.

cool thanks for the info. We use a DVD backup system now, but it seems we have to use 3 DVDs for a big session and it is a pain. I am just trying to get an average of what people use. In terms of transfering for someone to take to another studio, it seems CD and DVD is more common now?

I use a VXA firewire tape drive. Can load off about 50 gigs of data on one tape. It's been reliable for large storage. The issue with tape drives vs DVD or something like that, is that tape is "linear". It takes a while to cue it up..etc. When you select file to restore, it might rewind, stop, pause..then search forward thru the tape..etc. Once it finds the part to restore..this part happens very quickly. (as good as scsi tape drives I've used). DVD or FW hard drives..give you very quick random access to files. It makes sense, that since the tape is much more suited for large off line archiving..that it makes a good long term or redundant data backup. But, it wouldn't be so hot for daily use..ie..restoring backups..constantly. the access isn't fast enough. The copying is..but the linear nature of it..means lots of searching in the deck till you get to the files..etc. The FW VXA is a great deal for what it is. About 750..includes restrospect (which has been reliable)...and the larger tapes can hold about 50 to 60 gigs of data. (tapes can be pricey..but still cheap considering how much data they hold). It copy's very fast...but the access to it is slooow. It takes it about 3 mins to rewind..and hunt for the files...then just a few seconds to copy them. It takes about 4 mins to eject the tape (it rewinds...the pauses..then nudges forward..then pauses...then finally ejects tape). So, the operation of it is rather sluggish..but the data copy is fast..for large amounts..and it's extremely reliable. Hope that helps.

me? I use two things: 1. local firewire drive(they are so cheap and store tons of data) 2. I also back up on DDS-4 and store offisite.. BUT NOTHING will last forever.