Hard disk manufacturer Maxell is shipping a new group of external hard drives, maxdata tank.

Broadcasters will find them useful for handling archiving and backup duties, storing large files and serving automation systems.

Available in 1 TB and 2 TB configurations, the quad interfaces design handles USB 2.0, eSATA, FireWire 400 and FireWire 800. Drive speed is 7200 rpm and there is a 16 MB buffer cache.

The heat- and shock-resistant drives and enclosures also are designed to operate in rigorous environments such as automotive and industrial situations. The drives can be oriented horizontally or vertically.

Explaining the larger drives, Maxell Senior Marketing Manager Patricia Byrne said, “High definition has created an archiving and backup challenge for video, broadcast and post-production professionals.”

Prices: 1TB - $212.78; 2TB - $326.50.