Hitachi, Ltd. today announced that it has commercialized its DVD library array unit
DL511-90 with a maximum memory capacity of 1.95 terabytes (*1), which uses RAID
technology (*2) and achieves a data transmission speed of 6 MB/sec, about five times
(*3) that of earlier models. It will hit the market on an OEM basis on April 1.
With the rising processing capability of computers, a growing number of systems are
being introduced to handle not only texts but large-capacity multimedia data, including
images, video clips and sound. What is more, the adoption of Internet connectivity, data
warehouses, and other facilities is dramatically increasing the amount of data handled,
resulting in growing demand for large-capacity storage facilities.
Under these circumstances, library units incorporating a DVD-RAM drive that
accumulates large amounts of data at low cost and displays high performance in random
accessibility and long-term storage are the object of high expectations as a large-
capacity memory unit capable of meeting a wide range of needs, such as storage of
multimedia data and archive backup.
Hitachi began to sell DVD-RAM drives over the counter in March 1998, ahead of all
other suppliers. The company has also been working hard to expand its market as a
leading manufacturer of DVD-RAM units, by means such as launching the OEM-bound
sale of DL110-10 of the DL series, which are library units incorporating a DVD-RAM
drive.
The new DVD library array unit achieves a storage capacity of up to 1.95 terabytes.
Using RAID technology, it runs in parallel five data library units and one parity library
unit. In write and read operations, the unit achieves a data transfer speed as high as 6
MB/sec, about five times that of earlier models.
In the new system, when one library unit stops, the rest of the units within in the system
can continue the operation. The system also comes with capability to switch
automatically to a spare disc or spare drive and an interruptible power supply as
standard equipment, so that the cache memory is protected and an automatic switch
from an error-affected region to a normal one is ensured. This provides high reliability.
According to the installation requirements, the unit comes in two types: a vertical type
that has a reduced footprint and a horizontal type geared to typical office environments.
This product is suited for archiving and backup storage for systems in research institutes,
governmental offices, financial establishments and large-scale firms where high speed,
high reliability and large capacity are required, and suited also for use as secondary
storage units for storing multimedia information in disc servers and VOD servers in
information service firms.
Hitachi, Ltd., headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, is one of the world's leading global
electronics companies, with fiscal 1997 (ended March 31, 1998) consolidated sales of
8,417 billion yen ($63.8 billion*). The company manufactures and markets a wide
range of products, including computers, semiconductors, consumer products and power
and industrial equipment. For more information on Hitachi, Ltd., please visit Hitachi's
Web site at http://www.hitachi.co.jp.
* At an exchange rate of 132 yen to the dollar.
*1: 1 terabyte (TB) = 1 trillion bytes. This is about 2,000 years worth of newspapers.
*2: RAID technology: This consists of arranging two or more hard disks in parallel and
controlling them as if they were a single unit. The technology aims to accelerate access
and preserve data. The present project uses this technology for DVD-RAM.
*3: As compared with Hitachi's earlier model DL111-10.
<Pricing and shipping dates>
(Prices are OEM sample prices without tax. Discs are not included.)
DL511-90 DVD library array unit (horizontal model):
12,000,000 yen April 1999
DL511-90V DVD library array unit (vertical model):
12,000,000 yen June 1999
<Specifications>
- Unit specifications for DVD library array unit
Changer:
Number of library units: 6 units
RAID level: RAID4 (*1)
Storage capacity: 1.95 TB (unformatted)
Maximum number of discs: 900 discs (6 library units x 150 discs)
Number of drives: 12 drives (2 drives per library unit) (*2)
Import/export of discs: 10-disc cartridge
Interface: Ultra Wide SCSI (up to 40 MB/S)
Power supply:
Voltage: 100-120 VAC, +/- 10%, single phase, or 200-240 VAC, +/- 10%,
single phase (no switchover required)
Frequency: 50/60 +/- 1 Hz
Power consumption:
Steady state (*3): 800 VA or less
Maximum: 830 VA or less
Environment:
Ambient temp.: 5-35°C (operating), -10-50°C (non operating)
Ambient hum.: 20-80% RH (operating), 20-90% RH (non operating)
Heat generated (in a steady state): 690 kcal/h
Dimensions (W x D x H):
DL511-90 (horizontal): 1480 x 850 x 900 mm (*4)
DL511-90V (vertical): 960 x 850 x 1600 mm
Weight (excluding discs): Approx. 400 kg
Drive:
Drive type: DVD-RAM drive
Compatible disc: DVD-RAM discs(write/read supported )
Logical volume capacity: 13 GB (unformatted)
Number of logical volume controls: 150 maximum
Transfer speed:
Write (sustained): 6 MB/S maximum (3 MB/S maximum at verify-
ON)
Read (sustained): 6 MB/S maximum
Redundancy:
Spare disc: Yes
Spare drive: Yes
Redundant power supply: Yes (optional)
Discs:
Disc type: 2.6 GB (single-sided) (Conforms to the industry's universal DVD-
RAM standard.)
*1: Consists of five data library units and one parity library unit.
*2: Of the two units per library unit, one is a spare drive.
*3: This is the value when the changer mechanism is not operating and the drive is in a
write/read operation.
*4: When packed, the unit is divided into two components, each measuring 740 x 850 x
900 mm
-Specifications for an internal DVD-RAM drive:
Interface SCSI-2
Average access time Approx. 210 ms
Transfer speed (sustained) 1.38 MB/S maximum
Burst transfer speed 10 MB/S maximum
Data buffer memory capacity 1 MB
Data block size 2048 bytes
Weight Approx. 1.5 kg
|
