I am looking for a long-term method for saving home video.
My client would like to save their home digital video files from video cameras safely for a very, very long time. They would like their family history kept securely.
Some videos were taken and saved on digital video tape, which I know will degrade after 'x' amount of years.
Others were recorded directly onto mini-DVD's
I've had enough DVD's stop working on me to not trust them as a sole method.
I've thought of the following:
1. Transfer all taped and mini-DVD video to a RAID. Level 1 at least, because I don't trust any hard drive. I've seen several level 5 RAIDs that offer constant testing of the media, with alerts automatically emailed should defects be discovered.
2. Archive all the files onto DVD's using a backup program. Making 2 sets, and keeping sets one set on the shelf, one in a safe deposit box. (Time consuming, and the pain-in-the-neck factor might keep them from doing it promptly) Also - what is the practical storage life for this type of data?
3. Get a second raid, have it connected to the cable modem at a relative's house.
Set up a VPN connection between the main house and the second house, and set up synchronization software that will automatically duplicate the video files as they are added or edited.
The downside of this method is that the hard drives in the Raid will eventually need maintenance. But since their computers will always need maintenance, this will be just one more thing to maintain, just like the the rest of the appliances in a home.
I am assuming that this will be a lot cheaper than online storage such as Iron Mountain.
Any other suggestions would be appreciated.
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