Halo Post Production Selects Pixit Storage

Halo Post Production has installed PixStor software-defined storage from Pixit Media at its London facility. Powered by Netapp E series storage, the system was implemented and installed by ERA. The installation is aimed at enhancing Halo's 4K capabilities.

For high-end work at Halo Post Production, the PixStor network currently supports six real-time 4K clients, including Nucoda grading systems, Flame VFX and Avid Media Composers. There are a further two 4K conform and I/O stations. A separate workflow supports an additional 20 2D/3D clients and multiple render nodes, within the same logical storage space. The Network fabric was architected using a loss-less, non-blocking mellanox IP core of 40Gb and 10Gb dependent on client connections.

Daniel Napier, Technical Director at halo, explained: "We wanted an advanced storage solution, but to avoid any proprietary technologies or restrictive and expensive infrastructures like Fibre Channel. It quickly became clear that PixStor was the right solution for us, not least because they could guarantee perfect playback on multiple 4K workstations and complex VFX workflows.

"ERA and Pixit bring a real, in-depth knowledge of the applications we use," he continued. "Their real-world experience and consultative approach proved invaluable in creating our central storage resource, that we know we can rely on to deliver even the most demanding raw formats."

"We routinely use PixStor for high performance systems, both on premises and in the cloud," added Sean Baker, Commercial Director at ERA. "We can take a clear requirements specification from the client, and use Pixit's design tools to implement a software-defined storage system that provides exactly what is required, with a clear path for expansion in the future."

www.eraltduk.com

(JP)