Video Editing on a NAS - 5 MISTAKES PEOPLE ALWAYS MAKE

Summary

In this video, the presenter outlines five common mistakes video editors make when transitioning to NAS (Network Attached Storage) for video editing. Key points include overlooking long-term scalability and RAID configurations, failing to account for network speed limitations, and choosing NAS systems with underpowered CPUs. The presenter also warns against using Thunderbolt-equipped NAS for editing unless fully optimized, and explains the importance of proper network protocols, such as iSCSI, for seamless file access. The video offers valuable insights for editors considering NAS solutions and aims to help them make informed decisions to avoid costly mistakes.

Takeaways

• 😀 Proper RAID configurations (RAID 5, RAID 6) are critical for video editors to ensure scalability, data protection, and long-term performance as storage needs grow.
• 😀 A network connection speed of at least 10GB Ethernet is recommended for video editing, as 1GB Ethernet can bottleneck performance, especially with large files.
• 😀 Choosing a NAS with an Intel or AMD (x86) processor is preferable over ARM processors for better handling of intensive tasks like video editing.
• 😀 While Thunderbolt NAS systems have high bandwidth (40Gbps), they may not deliver the expected performance. A 10GB Ethernet connection could offer a more stable and faster editing experience.
• 😀 Mapped network drives and synced cloud storage are unsuitable for video editing as they cause delays and crashes. iSCSI targets are a better option for a seamless experience.
• 😀 Network speed and infrastructure (switches, cables, adapters) should match or exceed the NAS system’s capability to ensure optimal performance in high-bandwidth tasks.
• 😀 It's essential to consider both immediate and future storage requirements when choosing a NAS, ensuring the system can expand without major upgrades.
• 😀 The more powerful the NAS system (with proper CPU and network speed), the more reliable your video editing process will be, especially for 4K and higher resolutions.
• 😀 Video editors should not rely on NAS systems with low-end hardware, as they may cause system instability and slow down the workflow.
• 😀 For troubleshooting and more personalized support, users can reach out to NAS forums, advice sections, or communities for guidance on optimizing their NAS setups for video editing.

Q & A

What are the five big mistakes most video editors make when switching to NAS for editing?

The five big mistakes include: 1) Underestimating the importance of RAID and scaling; 2) Neglecting the network connectivity between the NAS and the editing system; 3) Choosing a low-end CPU, especially ARM-based processors; 4) Misunderstanding Thunderbolt-equipped NAS systems and their limitations; 5) Using mapped network drives or synchronized drives for video editing, which can lead to performance issues.

Why is RAID and scaling important when setting up a NAS for video editing?

RAID and scaling are crucial because they determine the expandability, long-term performance, and cost-efficiency of the storage. Making the wrong decision about RAID setup, such as underestimating future storage needs or opting for the wrong RAID configuration, could lead to costly and irreversible mistakes, especially as your storage requirements grow over time.

What is the benefit of RAID configurations like RAID 5 and RAID 6 for video editing?

RAID 5 and RAID 6 configurations offer redundancy, allowing for data protection against drive failures. These setups also provide improved read/write speeds by utilizing multiple drives, which is particularly beneficial when editing high-resolution videos like 4K or 8K. Additionally, RAID configurations can help lower the cost per terabyte of storage.

How does network connectivity impact NAS performance in video editing?

Network connectivity plays a vital role in determining the speed and reliability of data transfer between the NAS and your editing system. A low-speed network connection, such as 1 gigabit Ethernet, can become a bottleneck, limiting your ability to edit videos efficiently. Higher-speed connections, like 10G or 2.5G Ethernet, are recommended for better performance, especially when dealing with high-res video files.

What is the problem with NAS systems that come with ARM-based processors?

ARM-based processors are efficient for basic tasks but underperform when handling complex video editing workloads. These processors struggle with tasks like data compression and real-time video editing, leading to significant performance drops. For optimal video editing, it’s recommended to use NAS systems with Intel or AMD x86 processors.

What are the limitations of Thunderbolt-equipped NAS systems for video editing?

While Thunderbolt offers high bandwidth (up to 40Gbps), Thunderbolt-equipped NAS systems often struggle to fully utilize this speed, typically offering only around 1500-2000 MB/s instead of the expected 4000 MB/s. This is due to limitations in the NAS hardware and the use of IP over Thunderbolt. To avoid these limitations, it's recommended to use a 10GbE adapter rather than relying on Thunderbolt.

Can you edit directly from a NAS over Thunderbolt, or is there a better option?

Editing directly from a Thunderbolt-equipped NAS is not always ideal due to the speed bottlenecks mentioned earlier. A better alternative is to use a 10GbE connection through an adapter, as this can provide more consistent speeds, especially when dealing with large video files. Thunderbolt is useful for convenience, but it doesn’t offer the best performance for video editing in NAS setups.

What is the difference between mapped network drives and iSCSI targets for NAS setup in video editing?

Mapped network drives are a simple way to connect a NAS to your system, but they can cause performance issues when editing large video files, especially if the NAS is not fast enough. On the other hand, iSCSI targets (Internet Small Computer Systems Interface) allow your system to treat the NAS storage as local storage, providing more consistent and faster access to the files, making it ideal for video editing.

Why should video editors avoid using synchronized drives for editing on a NAS?

Synchronized drives, like those used in cloud storage or team shared folders, can cause significant delays when editing video files. As soon as a file is accessed, it has to be downloaded in the background, leading to slow and inconsistent performance, which can crash editing software. These drives are best suited for storage and backup, not active video editing workflows.

What should video editors prioritize when selecting a NAS system for video editing?

Video editors should prioritize RAID scalability, network connectivity speed (preferably 10GbE or better), an efficient CPU (preferably an Intel or AMD x86 processor), and the right storage configuration. It’s also important to consider the future expandability of the NAS to accommodate growing storage needs and avoid getting locked into a system that cannot scale with your demands.