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Other World Computing (OWC) has unveiled several new products at CES 2025, including the ThunderBlade X12 professional RAID storage solution and announced the general availability of their Thunderbolt 5 Hub. The company is also introducing new active optical cables and has formed a partnership with Hedge for enhanced LTO archiving solutions.
ThunderBlade X12: Professional-Grade RAID Storage
The OWC ThunderBlade X12 stands out as a solution specifically designed for motion picture professionals and Digital Imaging Technicians (DITs) who require high-capacity, high-speed storage in a portable format. The device addresses the crucial need for RAID 5 compatible storage that can handle demanding workflows while maintaining a compact form factor.
Key Specifications:
- Transfer speeds up to 6,500MB/s, doubling its predecessor’s performance
- Storage options ranging from 12TB to 96TB
- Support for RAID 0, 1, 5, and 10 configurations
- Enhanced thermal management system with dimmable LED indicators
- Premium build quality for professional environments
The ThunderBlade X12 is particularly suited for professionals working with:
- Multi-camera sequences at 4K and 6K
- 8K and 12K RAW video
- Stereoscopic 360 VR (Spatial Video)
- High-end post-production workflows
The device will be available for purchase starting March 2025.
Thunderbolt 5 Hub Now Available
OWC’s Thunderbolt 5 Hub has moved from announcement to general availability, offering expanded connectivity options for professionals requiring additional high-speed ports. The hub converts a single Thunderbolt connection into three Thunderbolt 5 ports and one USB-A port.
Technical Capabilities:
- Bi-directional data speeds up to 80Gb/s
- Enhanced display bandwidth up to 120Gb/s
- Power delivery up to 140 watts
- Support for up to three 8K displays at 60Hz with DSC
- Backward compatibility with Thunderbolt 4, 3, USB4, and USB-C devices
The hub features a fanless aluminium enclosure for silent operation and is now available for £189.99.
USB4 40Gb/s Active Optical Cable Launch
OWC’s new active optical cable solution aims to solve distance limitations in professional setups. These cables support:
Technical Features:
- Stable 40Gb/s bandwidth
- Power delivery up to 240W (3M version) or 60W (4.5M version)
- 8K video resolution support
- EMI/RFI interference immunity
- Universal USB-C connectivity
Available in two lengths:
- 3 metres (9.8 feet) – £98.99
- 4.5 metres (14.76 feet) – £129.99
Strategic Partnership with Hedge for LTO Archiving
OWC has announced a collaboration with Hedge, integrating the latter’s Canister software into the OWC Archive Pro solution. This partnership enhances the LTO archiving experience for media professionals and enterprises.
Combined Solution Benefits:
- 577% ROI compared to HDD storage
- Native storage up to 18TB per tape (45TB compressed)
- Transfer rates up to 300MB/s native (750MB/s compressed)
- Simplified workflow with drag-and-drop functionality
- Cross-platform compatibility
- Automatic cataloguing system
Envoy Ultra: First Thunderbolt 5 Portable SSD
Adding to their Thunderbolt 5 ecosystem, OWC has introduced the Envoy Ultra portable SSD, featuring:
Technical Highlights:
- Speeds exceeding 6,000MB/s
- Available in 2.0TB and 4.0TB capacities
- Built-in Thunderbolt cable
- Waterproof, dustproof, and crushproof design
- Bus-powered operation
- Fanless aluminium construction
The device supports various platforms including:
- Thunderbolt 5 Macs with macOS 15
- Thunderbolt 5 PCs with Windows 11
- Thunderbolt 4/USB4 systems with appropriate OS versions
- iPad Pro models with USB-C ports
Market Impact and Professional Applications
These announcements from OWC demonstrate the company’s focus on professional workflows, particularly in media production and data management. The products address specific challenges faced by content creators, particularly those working with high-resolution video and requiring reliable data archiving solutions.
The introduction of Thunderbolt 5 products shows the natural progression of professional peripherals, offering increased bandwidth for demanding applications while maintaining compatibility with existing systems. This approach helps professionals future-proof their workflows while preserving investments in current equipment.
Availability and Demonstrations
OWC will showcase these products at several CES 2025 events:
- Pepcom’s Digital Experience (January 6)
- ShowStoppers (January 7)
- Everything Tech Event (January 8)
All events will take place in Las Vegas, with demonstrations available at various venues including Caesars Palace and the Bellagio Hotel & Casino.
Conclusion
OWC’s CES 2025 announcements reflect the growing demands of professional workflows, particularly in media production and data management. The combination of new storage solutions, enhanced connectivity options, and strategic partnerships indicates a comprehensive approach to addressing professional needs in content creation and data management.
These products particularly target professionals working with high-resolution video content, large dataset management, and those requiring reliable archiving solutions. The emphasis on Thunderbolt 5 technology throughout the product range suggests a clear direction towards higher bandwidth solutions while maintaining compatibility with existing systems.
For pricing and specific availability in various regions, interested parties should contact OWC directly or visit their website at www.owc.com.
I am James, a UK-based tech enthusiast and the Editor and Owner of Mighty Gadget, which I’ve proudly run since 2007. Passionate about all things technology, my expertise spans from computers and networking to mobile, wearables, and smart home devices.
As a fitness fanatic who loves running and cycling, I also have a keen interest in fitness-related technology, and I take every opportunity to cover this niche on my blog. My diverse interests allow me to bring a unique perspective to tech blogging, merging lifestyle, fitness, and the latest tech trends.
In my academic pursuits, I earned a BSc in Information Systems Design from UCLAN, before advancing my learning with a Master’s Degree in Computing. This advanced study also included Cisco CCNA accreditation, further demonstrating my commitment to understanding and staying ahead of the technology curve.
I’m proud to share that Vuelio has consistently ranked Mighty Gadget as one of the top technology blogs in the UK. With my dedication to technology and drive to share my insights, I aim to continue providing my readers with engaging and informative content.
