8 years ago, at the NAB 2016 exhibition, SLOMO.TV first introduced the RED ARROW server, which is still considered the most powerful multichannel recording and replay server for 4K/3G/SD/HD. The uniqueness of this server, then and now, is that this 2U system supported the 422 configuration (4 Rec + 4 Search + 2 Play + FX) in 4K replay mode, which no competitor has been able to surpass since. The maximum capacity that other replay server manufacturers could offer at the time was 3 Rec + 1 Play.
In terms of performance for 3G/SD/HD, RED ARROW offered the ability to record up to 20 3G channels and playback 4 3G channels in replay mode, while providing 4 workplaces. In recording mode, the system provided up to 24 channels for simultaneous recording of files for NLE. In addition, RED ARROW had 9 built-in DMR™ racks for 3.5" SATA removable disks. This was a unique server with unmatched capabilities. There are some competitors that can offer a 4 Rec + 2 Play configuration for 4K in UHD, but at the same time their 3G performance is limited to a maximum of 10 recording channels.
Here is an article about the system published by SVG Europe on 3 May 2016:
"Showcased at NAB 2016, RED ARROW offers 4 channels recording, 4 channels search and 2 channels playback with six 4K physical video ports – all in 4K 50p in a single 2RU enclosure. RED ARROW can also be used for 6-channel 4K 50p recording for non-linear editing.
Thanks to its four graphics ports RED ARROW allows four operators to work on one machine at the same time. For example, two operators work with configuration 662 (6 recording, 6 search and 2 replay channels), the other two with configuration 442 (4 recording, 4 search and 2 replay channels). While working simultaneously on one machine, each operator has their own display that can function as the Main Interface or in Multiviewer mode.
The system interface has a built-in Multiviewer that provides monitoring of input and output signals and search through four channels using one standard 1920×1080 monitor. Its SSD based array provides for storage of 266 hours / 100 Mbit HD video. The built-in DMR™ SATA slots can accommodate nine (9) 3.5" SATA drives that can record 18 channels in ProRes 422 and 18 Proxy SD channels or 24 channels DVCPro HD with SD Proxy.
The RED ARROW can be operated as a standalone unit and, unlike others, does not need any additional software or hardware. In 3G or HD the RED ARROW can operate with 20 channels recording and replays, while providing four physical outputs.
In 3G/HD mode the server offers 20 channels of 3G. Unlike competing products that offer maximum 4 channel recording + PRV and PGM typically in 6RU, RED ARROW is described by SLOMO.TV as "a true gamechanger in the field of high-end servers, offering functionalities never dreamed of before".
For integration with various production environments there are two 10 GbE interfaces".
Find out more about the RED ARROW's successor – a cost-effective 4U 4K server, the Fulcrum AT/12G.
