Notifications
Clear all

DVD Archiving

7 Posts
6 Users
0 Likes
504 Views
(@snazbaz)
Posts: 1
New Member
Topic starter
 

Hi,

We are currently archiving lots of our cases to DVD using a Pioneer DVR-109 writer, and labelling each disc indvidually. This way we can keep a backup copy of the case, and also send one out to the customer in a format that's easy for them to read.

Does anyone know of a system that can automate this process ? Maybe a DVD duplicator or just some software that can help to speed up the process.

Currently we drag and drop the Encase / FTK files into Nero and then burn the DVD, and start again.

Thanks for any info.

 
Posted : 18/05/2005 5:02 pm
(@gmarshall139)
Posts: 378
Reputable Member
 

cd/dvd robots exist that will load the discs automatically as they are burned. Some models include printers and will make and apply the labels as part of the process. I don't have a link right off hand but you should find something by googling "cd robot".

 
Posted : 18/05/2005 6:21 pm
(@johnyale)
Posts: 2
New Member
 

Just a word of caution.

We have been taking images, using Encase for about 3 years. Archiving is a nightmare. We have used CDs with a robot, very reliable, but no longer practicable because of size.

DVD archiving is hit and miss. Although it appears to work well, we have had many many occassions of failure, trying to restore. DVD's have a percentage failure rate.

As such, if we do have smaller cases to archive to DVD, we tend to burn them using nero and selecting the tab to varify the image after burning. it is suprising how many you find that wont varify, then need re doing.

I prefare large drives and drag and drop. problem there is expense….

A company called'Cedar' make DVD robots, you can choose which drives you want to use in them

then theres tapes… the jury is still out. 😀

 
Posted : 20/05/2005 3:23 pm
(@gmarshall139)
Posts: 378
Reputable Member
 

Good point John. I verify all evidence files burned to DVD's. My verify percentage is very high. Of course that's no guarantee that they will work in 5 or 10 years. It seems that there is no perfect archival solution.

 
Posted : 20/05/2005 3:37 pm
mark777
(@mark777)
Posts: 101
Estimable Member
 

We use a Condre Automated Forensic Archive machine linked to our storage server. It has a DVD writer and a 150 bay DVD spindle. Basically you point it at the folder you have the files you want to save in and it brings them into its own 200 (Can be bigger if you want) Gb drive,and records them onto however many DVDs it takes to hold them all.

When you path the files to the DVD robot you can enter whatever details you want like case reference number, suspect name, OIC etc. When the DVD is burned it is placed into a printer and all the details you entered are printed on the front of the disk. In our case we also print the Force Crest on the DVD as well cos we are posers I suppose

It also numbers the DVDs as 1 of 30, 2 of 30 etc.

It will also take the Encase case files and backup files and hash values are done for each DVD against the files put onto it and the hash text log is saved on the disk as well.

Cost about £6000 but lets you just fire a load of jobs onto it and forget about it while it does them.

Ps it also has a reverse function in that you can put 150 DVDs seized into it and it will copy them into a folder of your choice from where you can just acquire the folder in Encase without having to do them one at a time.

we bought it from a company called Fernico but I do not have any contact Details to hand at home. If anybody wants them send me a message and i will return.

Just so you know I don't work for Fernico just use their robot and find it quite a good time saving device

 
Posted : 21/05/2005 10:58 pm
(@__dongle_)
Posts: 1
New Member
 

We use one of the network accessible AutoStar II devices from the Rimage corporation >>http//www.rimage.com/home.html<&lt;

It is capable of burning and labeling huge numbers of CD's or DVD's. The model we have has 4 spindle bins for media, 4 burners and 1 label device.

We burn an insane amount of cd/dvd media and the device has held up well.

Of course, it is somewhat expensive. The AutoStar starts at $5000 US but for volume work, it is well worth the investment.

 
Posted : 02/05/2006 8:55 pm
(@armresl)
Posts: 1011
Noble Member
 

DVD's are a great storage method but people often forget that they are easily scratched, warped, or cracked and need a climate that is not contatntly changing.

 
Posted : 02/05/2006 11:11 pm
Share: