The requirements for writing one task to multiple drives are very specific, and sometimes not understood. The limitations can come in the form of specific interfaces, interface configuration, drive brands, and blank media brands.

Interfaces

There are only two interface types that were developed with the ability to write to multiple disc writing drives at the same time. The other interfaces, even though they contain impressive theoretical abilities on paper, do not meet the realistic requirements necessary for writing to multiple drives.

After rigorous testing with many hardware and software environments, only two interfaces are currently supported for synchronous writing to multiple drives. It is no coincidence that these two interface standards allow for a technique called "daisy-chaining" (each device can be connected in a chain to other devices, with the chain leading to one controller connection).

• FireWire (IEEE-1394) Interface
  
  Using the FireWire interface, while a new idea, rapidly outpaced SCSI as a method for asynchronous communication to multiple drives. FireWire has an advantage in the sense that it puts to use the less expensive and widely available ATAPI/IDE drives that should not be used in multiple drive writing with their native interface.
  
  Bridge-boards have been developed to transform ATAPI/IDE drives into FireWire devices. After attaching a bridge-board on the back of each drive, the drives can be treated as devices that can be used in a daisy-chain configuration. Depending on the drive quality, system configuration, and overall performance, a maximum of 8 devices per FireWire host adapter can be achieved.
  
  Availability and recommendations concerning the hardware to use the FireWire interface are available on the web at http://www.padus.com/support/.
  
  Please read the Hardware Setup Tips section of the Getting Started chapter for tips concerning the use of FireWire drives.

 

• SCSI Interface
  
  SCSI drives, while growing unpopular and somewhat outdated, still have their place in optical disc recording. A large part of the professional market still holds onto SCSI as the true asynchronous interface for access to multiple devices at the same time.
  
  Please read the Hardware Setup Tips section of the Getting Started chapter for tips concerning the use of SCSI drives.
   

Drive Brands

While some drives are capable of working in multiple drive writing situations, others are not. Writing to multiple drives requires more and consistent bandwidth to each drive, or the drives will suffer from buffer under-runs. For this reason, it is very important that high-quality drives are used.

For updated information on drive recommendations, please contact Technical Support or check for information on the web at http://www.padus.com/support/.

Blank Media

Lower quality media can be inconsistent, leading to write errors. There are specific reasons (other than supply issues) for the lower prices of some media in comparison to others.

For updated information on media recommendations, please contact Technical Support or your drive manufacturer.