SGL Announces Flashnet Sale to Max Post Providing Dual AXF/LTFS Archive

Max Post, a post production facility based in Burbank, which provides editing and color grading services to Discovery’s hit show Deadliest Catch, has installed SGL’s FlashNet archive with sophisticated Infinity  dashboard. This is SGL’s first FlashNet Infinity sale.

Prior to installing SGL FlashNet, Max Post had a Front Porch system that stored data using SMPTE’s Archive Exchange Format (AXF). The facility required a new archive, fully integrated with Avid’s Interplay PAM system, which could read the existing AXF tapes in its library ensuring long term availability of its content regardless of technology evolution. SGL FlashNet, which uses the LTFS standard, can read and restore from AXF, which means facilities like Max Post can switch to an SGL FlashNet archive without losing precious content or having to change their library in any way.

Deadliest Catch is produced by multi Emmy award-winning production company Original Productions. “Using the AXF conversion tool from SGL allowed us to seamlessly migrate from our old archive provider without having to re-archive all of our AXF tapes to LTFS tapes. This saved us both time and money allowing us to continue to support the needs of our clients while transitioning to a better, faster and more open archive solution,” says H. Scott Randol, VP, Technology & Workflow, Original Productions/MAX Post.

As well as AXF support, Max Post was also attracted to SGL’s Infinity dashboard. During filming of Deadliest Catch, the facility receives thousands of hours of raw material from Original Productions shot on five GoPro cameras attached to fishing boats based in Alaska. This material, which is recorded 24/7, provides additional secondary footage for the show. It’s downloaded to LTFS tapes and sent to Max Post who then create low-res proxy files using SGL FlashNet. They then scan the footage using the FlashNet Infinity dashboard selecting interesting clips that are then restored to Avid Interplay for the next show.

“Facilities want to have the option to switch archive providers regardless of tape format,” says Douglas Wynn, VP Sales Americas. This is often due to rising support costs or features and benefits. Because SGL FlashNet can read and restore AXF this gives companies like Max Post greater choice and more importantly the confidence to know that their material is safe now and in the future.”