Archiving footage and projects (FCP 7 & iMac)

[fieldreportermf]

Hello All,

In order to use my footage(AVCHD), I need to convert it to an editable format and in so doing create a need for a massive amount of storage. I currently have 4 full external hard drives on my desk and I'd like to avoid buying more right away. My question is:

Can I burn all project files (footage, FCP project file, additional media) to a DVD and archive that way as opposed to keeping all of it in a folder on an external hard drive? Can I then delate the projects of the hard drive to make space?

If so, can someone give me some tips on the best method? Should i export an XML version and burn that?

Many thanks for suggestions.

 

[handsome pete]

That will certainly work, but you're not going to get much on a dvd (especially if you're including footage).

 

[Alex H.]

The best thing to do is to use DVD-R to archive your FCP project file and any non-footage sources such as music, stills, graphics, etc. Then, get a portable USB drive to archive your AVCHD camera master files (which really should have been done already). You can always convert the movie files again if you need to restore the project, and the camera files take up much less space.

 

[David Saraceno]

Massive amounts of storage requirements and SD DVDs and burn times sometimes don't provide an efficient backup strategy.

 

[Matt Gottshalk]

Drobo.

 

[fieldreportermf]

Thanks for the responses mcgeedigital, David S, handsome pete and C2V.

C2V- I think I'll try your suggestion-many thanks.

 

[Stephen Powling]

I agree with Mcgee...Drobo's save lives.