LaCie storage solutions

(Booth 1843) today announced new storage solutions, including a 2TB RAID FireWire 800 subsystem for video pros, a unique direct-disc labeling technology on d2 DVD burners, a realtime MPEG-1/2 encoder that can instantly convert DV files to MPEG file format, a portable 40GB hard drive for direct playback of multimedia files on any standard TV, a new mini "plug 'n play" networkable drive designed for small businesses, a larger 1TB Ethernet Disk for sharing data with up to 25 people, a new color profiling solution for professionals, and more.

• LaCie today unveiled its new Biggest F800 RAID subsystem for professional use, offering secure storage for up to 2TB data. The 4-bay array supports RAID levels 0, 0+1, 5 and RAID 5+hot spare in a sturdy aluminum enclosure with FireWire 800 and USB 2.0 interfaces. It will ship in spring of 2005.




• LaCie also introduced a comprehensive calibration and profiling solution for graphics professionals: the new LaCie blue eye pro automatic hardware calibration solution is specially tuned to work with the LaCie 321 Monitor. Utilizing the monitor's unique DDC interface, blue eye pro software can adjust settings with a single click, automatically creating and activating an ICC profile that ensures consistent colors throughout the workflow. It will ship later this month.




• LaCie and LightScribe are partnering to offer the first direct disc labeling drive. Specially configured LaCie d2 DVD+/-RW Double Layer burners now offer the ability to burn precise, iridescent labels with desired text and graphics using the same laser that burns the data. This LightScribe Direct Disc Labeling technology means people no longer have to use printers, permanent markers or adhesive labeling to develop and burn creative designs onto their CDs and DVDs. It is expected to ship later this month.




• LaCie has boosted the capacity of its Ethernet Disk to 1TB. Up to 25 people can instantly store and backup data across a network simultaneously without taking bandwidth away from a central server. Administers also have the ability to fully customize user access controls from any computer on the network through an user-friendly web administration tool, and files can be accessed via HTTP or FTP on Macs or PCs. It will ship in Winter 2005, according to the company.





• LaCie introduced an affordable network hard drive for use in homes or small offices: the LaCie Ethernet Disk mini with up to 500GB shared storage space is designed for small office and home environments. It features plug and play installation: anyone plugged into the dual-purpose Ethernet Disk mini can instantly share files via the Ethernet connection without having to install drivers. The drive can be attached via USB 2.0 to any individual computer for faster throughput and a private connection. It will ship in Winter 2005.




• LaCie introduced a new tool for video editors and home users to aid in DVD creation: the LaCie FastCoder. This unique hardware encoder allows people to convert DV NTSC video files to MPEG-1 and/or MPEG-2 in realtime on Apple Macintosh G3, G4 and G5 systems with a native FireWire port. With the LaCie FastCoder, conventional software encoding times are reduced by two to 15 hours. It is expected to ship next month.




• LaCie has launched LaCie silverscreen, a portable USB hard drive with the ability to plug directly into multi-standard television sets for instant playback of stored movies, music or photos. The ultra slim and quiet drive comes in 40GB or 80GB capacities. LaCie silverscreen enables a real home theater experience with surround sound using an optical digital output that supports compressed Dolby Digital 5.1 and DTS pass through. A handy remote control is included for easy menu surfing and playback. It will ship later this month.

by MacNN Staff