Video streams and documentation in the lab: a customized OBS server with space for (almost) everything

1 - Introduction and Requirement Profile 2 - Intel or AMD? 3 - What is the purpose of a RAM disk? 4 - NAS Hard Drive for Storage 5 - Video Ccapturing and Encoding 6 - Summary and Conclusion

Topping with a surcharge: a huge mechanical hard disk

The use of a large, fast HDD in the scenario described has several practical and technical advantages, particularly with regard to data flow control, reliability and cost efficiency for large amounts of data. In everyday studio use with high video throughput and network-based data transfer to a NAS, a locally installed HDD as buffer storage and parallel emergency backup makes perfect sense and is technically justified. First of all, such an HDD provides a robust, fail-safe and locally available buffer solution to centrally store all recorded video attempts, clips and intermediate cuts. This not only relieves the network path, but also the NAS infrastructure, as the data does not have to be transferred in real time. Instead, the export can take place on a time-controlled or manual basis once the recording process is complete, for example in a phase with less network load. This separation of recording and transmission ensures a much more stable performance of the OBS system and prevents disruptions caused by network jitter, latency peaks or temporary NAS availability problems.

The new WD Red Pro with 26 TB expands Western Digital’s NAS-optimized hard drive series with a model with a particularly high capacity, which is specifically designed for demanding application scenarios in small to medium-sized company networks. With a storage volume of 26 terabytes, it offers sufficient space for large data archives, continuous video recordings or virtual machines in NAS systems with up to 24 drive bays. The hard disk relies on conventional magnetic writing (CMR) and deliberately dispenses with SMR technology, which also makes it suitable for write-intensive workloads. I will also publish a test on this in the near future.

It operates at 7200 revolutions per minute, has 512 megabytes of cache and uses the specially adapted NASware 3.0 firmware, which ensures optimized interaction with NAS operating systems. Functions such as TLER (Time-Limited Error Recovery) and a designed continuous operation with an annual workload of up to 300 terabytes make it a reliable component for RAID arrays. The connection continues to be made via SATA at 6 gigabits per second, with firmware and mechanics specifically designed for short response times and reduced vibrations. The latter is supported by integrated rotation sensors.

With the 26 TB version, Western Digital is responding to the increasing demand for high storage density and durable mechanics for professional NAS environments, where traditional hard disks continue to be used as the main medium for large amounts of data. However, this HDD is also capable of recording multiple video streams simultaneously at a constant write rate as long as they are sequential writes. Unlike SSDs with limited capacity and a high price per terabyte, a classic hard disk offers enough space for dozens of hours of material, even at 4K resolutions, without immediately reaching the capacity limit. This storage requirement should not be underestimated, especially for longer recordings, experimental takes or larger multicam setups.

The parallel function as a redundant recording path in the event that the NAS or network connection fails is another key advantage. In the event of packet loss, temporary WLAN dropouts or write errors on the network drive, the raw data is completely retained on the local HDD. This redundancy can be realized without additional infrastructure or software complexity, as OBS and similar recording tools can easily write to local paths while the transfer to the network runs as a secondary process.

In addition, the HDD allows for prompt viewing and rough editing of clips directly on the OBS system or a connected editor without having to rely on NAS access. This can be particularly useful if a technical review is to be carried out immediately after recording, for example to check whether the sound, exposure or synchronicity are correct. The local availability of data enables faster workflows and reduces unnecessary network access, which is not only slower in WLAN mode but also more susceptible to interference than wired infrastructures.

In addition, local storage on a large HDD also contributes to the organizational structure of data management. It acts as a kind of quarantine area for raw data that has not yet been checked or viewed. Only after review and positive evaluation is the data transferred to the NAS for actual further processing, archiving or distribution. This not only reduces the network load, but also increases data consistency, as only checked content is processed further.

For me, a large, fast HDD in the OBS server offers several clear advantages: it acts as a fail-safe buffer for ongoing recordings, reduces network dependencies, relieves the SSD and the NAS system, offers enough space for large amounts of data and supports a quick preliminary check of the content through local availability. In combination with a RAM disk for temporary system data and an SSD for the operating system, this results in a balanced and resilient storage setup for semi-professional or professional studio use.

Anyone wondering about the cable ties in the two pictures: This installation location was deliberately chosen because it proved to be the quietest and coolest place in the entire system for operating the hard disk. Although the NZXT H7 Flow used offers a screw mounting option for 3.5-inch hard disks, anyone who knows how loud such high-capacity hard disks can become during operation will never mount them directly on the bare chassis without decoupling. Instead, the hard disk rests on the rubber buffers of the lower housing fans, which largely dampens mechanical vibrations.

The perforated metal in the base also ensures an even air supply, which keeps the operating temperature low even during continuous operation. The cable ties fix the drive absolutely securely without rigidly bracing it, and allow tension-free mounting, which has proven to be optimal both acoustically and thermally. A pragmatic solution that often works better in practice than some officially intended mounting positions.