Western Digital introduces 26TB CMR HDDs for WD Red Pro and G-DRIVE Lines

NAB Show

The Growing Need for Data Storage

If you’ve been keeping an eye on the tech landscape, you know that advancements in AI, video production, analytics, and virtual reality are reshaping the way we create and consume content. As these technologies evolve, so does the demand for data storage. It’s not just about having space; it’s about having the right capacity, performance, and flexibility to handle everything from production and editing to collaboration and archiving. Enter Western Digital, stepping up to the plate with some exciting new product enhancements aimed squarely at meeting these growing needs.

HDD Capacity and Performance for Creative Workflows

Western Digital is ramping up its game with higher capacities across its Professional product suite. Think of it as a turbo boost for your storage solutions. The latest products feature enterprise-class Ultrastar 7200 RPM HDDs, designed for high performance and reliability. Let’s break down some of the standout products, shall we?

First up is the

208 TB G-RAID Shuttle 8

(U.S. MSRP $8,199.99). This beast is a transportable eight-bay hardware RAID solution, perfect for anyone needing massive storage on the go—whether you’re on location or in the studio. It supports a variety of RAID configurations, from 0 to 60, and delivers jaw-dropping transfer speeds of up to 1700 MB/s read and 1500 MB/s write in default RAID 5. Imagine the efficiency when you can daisy-chain up to five additional devices!

Next, we have the

104 TB G-RAID SHUTTLE 4

(U.S. MSRP $4,499.99). This compact four-bay RAID solution is built for real-time video editing and super-fast data access. It’s perfect for those multi-stream 4K, 8K, and VR workflows. It comes preconfigured in RAID 5 for optimal performance, but you can tweak it to suit your needs with RAID 0, 1, or 10 setups. Plus, you guessed it—you can daisy-chain it too!

For those looking for something a bit smaller, the

52 TB G-RAID PROJECT 2

(U.S. MSRP $1,699.99) packs a punch with two enterprise-grade Ultrastar hard drives. Pre-configured with RAID 0, it’s all about rapid data access and sustained transfer speeds. It’s compatible with Thunderbolt 3 and USB-C, making it a fantastic choice for quick data transfers.

Then there’s the

26 TB G-DRIVE PROJECT

(U.S. MSRP $999.99), designed to back up and protect your valuable work. This drive also features a SanDisk Professional PRO-BLADE SSD Mag slot, bringing modular SSD performance into the mix. Fast, efficient file sharing and seamless editing? Yes, please!

And let’s not forget about the

26 TB G-DRIVE

(U.S. MSRP $649.99), which offers ultra-reliable storage with a USB-C interface for speedy backups. With speeds up to 260 MB/s read and 270 MB/s write, it’s all about getting the job done efficiently.

Expanding NAS HDD Leadership

On the NAS front, Western Digital is introducing the

26 TB WD Red Pro HDD

(U.S. MSRP $569.99). This drive is designed to meet the escalating storage demands of NAS environments, offering enhanced performance and scalability for high-intensity workloads. With a workload rating of up to 550 TB/year and a staggering 2.5 million hours MTBF, it’s built for 24/7 use. Whether you’re a creative professional or managing enterprise-level NAS systems, this drive is engineered to keep up with your demands. Plus, it’s equipped with OptiNAND technology for improved data tracking and efficiency.

What’s Next for Western Digital?

Nitin Kachhwaha, Director of Product Management at Western Digital, sums it up perfectly: “At Western Digital, we are constantly redefining what’s possible to meet the evolving storage demands of creatives and professionals.” With the introduction of their expanded lineup, they’re not just keeping pace—they’re setting the standard for what’s possible in a data-driven world.

Catch Western Digital at NAB

If you’re as excited as we are about these innovations, mark your calendars! Western Digital will showcase these new products and more at the NAB Show in Las Vegas from April 5th-9th. You can find them at booth SL3916 in the South Hall Lower building. It’s a great opportunity to see these powerful storage solutions in action and chat with the folks behind the tech. So, are you ready to elevate your data storage game?

Background Information

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About SanDisk:

SanDisk, established in 1988, is a important American company specializing in flash memory and storage solutions. They are for their memory cards, USB drives, and solid-state drives (SSDs). SanDisk has played a vital role in the development of portable data storage solutions, catering to the needs of both consumers and businesses with reliable and innovative storage products.

  

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About Western Digital:

Western Digital, established in 1970, is a important data storage solutions provider known for its wide range of hard drives and solid-state drives. Catering to various applications, from personal computers to enterprise storage systems, Western Digital emphasizes data management and security. With a reputation for reliability and innovative solutions, the company has been pivotal in shaping the storage industry. Their products are trusted by individuals, businesses, and data centers worldwide

  

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Event Info

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About NAB Show:

The NAB Show, short for the National Association of Broadcasters Show, is an annual event that serves as a premier gathering for professionals in the media, entertainment, and technology industries. Held in Las Vegas, it brings together a diverse array of exhibitors, speakers, and attendees from around the globe to showcase the latest innovations, products, and solutions shaping the future of broadcasting and digital media.

  

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Technology Explained

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HDD: A Hard Disk Drive (HDD) is a classic data storage device that utilizes spinning disks, or platters, coated with a magnetic material to store and retrieve data. An actuator arm with read/write heads accesses data by moving over the spinning platters. HDDs offer large storage capacities at a comparatively lower cost per gigabyte, making them suitable for applications where massive data storage is required, such as servers and desktop computers. However, HDDs are slower in terms of read and write speeds compared to SSDs due to the mechanical nature of their operation. They are more susceptible to physical shocks and are less energy-efficient due to the need to constantly spin the platters.

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MTBF: MTBF (Mean Time Between Failures) is a measure of reliability used in the computer industry to determine the average time a system or component can be expected to operate without failure. It is a measure of the average time a system or component can be expected to operate without failure. MTBF is used to determine the expected lifetime of a system or component, and is used to compare the reliability of different systems or components. It is also used to determine the expected maintenance intervals for a system or component, and to determine the expected cost of ownership for a system or component. MTBF is an important metric for the computer industry, as it helps to ensure that systems and components are reliable and cost-effective.

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NAS: Network Attached Storage (NAS) is a specialized storage device or server that provides centralized data storage and access over a network, usually using Ethernet connections. NAS systems are designed to offer a convenient and efficient way to store and share files among multiple users or devices within a home or office environment. Unlike traditional storage solutions, NAS devices operate independently and have their own operating systems and management interfaces. They are characterized by easy setup and configuration, making them accessible even to users with limited technical expertise. NAS devices can offer various features, including data redundancy through RAID configurations, remote access over the internet, automatic backup, media streaming, and even application hosting in some advanced models. As a versatile and user-friendly storage solution, NAS has become a popular choice for both personal and small business use.

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RAID: RAID (Redundant Array of Independent Disks) is a technology used in the computer industry to increase the performance, reliability, and storage capacity of computer systems. It works by combining multiple hard drives into a single logical unit, allowing them to be accessed as if they were a single drive. This allows for faster data access, as multiple drives can be accessed simultaneously, and for increased reliability, as data can be stored redundantly across multiple drives. RAID is commonly used in servers, workstations, and other high-performance computing systems, as well as in consumer-level storage solutions such as NAS (Network Attached Storage) devices.

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SSD: A Solid State Drive (SSD) is a modern data storage device that employs flash memory technology to store data electronically. Unlike traditional hard disk drives (HDDs), SSDs have no moving parts, resulting in significantly faster read and write speeds. This leads to quicker boot times, faster application loading, and smoother overall system performance. SSDs are known for their durability, shock resistance, and energy efficiency, making them ideal for laptops, ultrabooks, and other portable devices. They come in various form factors, including 2.5-inch, M.2, and PCIe cards, and are favored for their reliability, quiet operation, and reduced heat generation

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USB-C: USB-C is a new type of USB connector that is quickly becoming the industry standard for connecting devices to computers. It is a reversible connector, meaning it can be plugged in either way, and it is capable of transferring data at speeds up to 10 Gbps. It is also capable of providing up to 100 watts of power, making it ideal for charging laptops and other devices. USB-C is quickly becoming the go-to connector for connecting peripherals to computers, such as external hard drives, monitors, and printers. It is also being used to connect smartphones and tablets to computers, allowing for faster data transfer and charging. USB-C is quickly becoming the industry standard for connecting devices to computers, and its applications are only expected to grow in the future.

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