that's not really what makes it an AV drive.

An AV drive is designed to IGNORE data errors, whereas a 'normal' hard drive will attempt to re-read/re-write problem sectors for a set period (up to 15 seconds, depending on the drive) until the internal checksums shows the data is consistent. For a desktop drive this is what you what - it makes sure the drive stores and recalls the correct information. However as the drive is unresponsive for the retry period, it could cause a blip in the video if used to record an AV stream. As a result AV drives ignore any errors and just keep going - a small artifact in a video is preferable to a break in the stream. Such an error could have a huge impact to system stability if it occurs in an OS file though, or it could corrupt a photo or other document and render it useless.

Now you will probably never see these issues, at least while the drive is new. But they are not designed for use in desktop (or 'normal' RAID) systems as they can corrupt data. This is the reason why manufacturers make enterprise disks and video disks - the drive may be the same, but the error-handling firmware is different.

It will be fine, it is designed to have data constantly written so it should last a long time in a PC

This manual describes the functional, mechanical and interface specifications for the following Seagate
SV35 Series SATA model drives:
• ST3500641SV
• ST3250824SV
• ST3160812SV
These drives provide the following key features:
• Specifically designed for surveilance DVRs.
• Optimized power for surveillance systems--spinup limited to a maximum to 2.0 amps.
• Seek profile optimized for surveillance performance and power consumption.
• 7,200 RPM spindle speed.
• 16 Mbyte buffer: ST3500641SV.
• 8 Mbyte buffer: ST3250824SV and ST3160812SV
• High instantaneous (burst) data-transfer rates (up to 300 Mbytes per second).
• Tunneling Magnetoresistive (TMR) recording heads.
• Native Command Queueing with command ordering to increase performance in demanding applications.
• State-of-the-art cache and on-the-fly error-correction algorithms.
• Full-track multiple-sector transfer capability without local processor intervention.
• 350 Gs nonoperating shock.
• Support for S.M.A.R.T. drive monitoring and reporting.
• Support for Read Multiple and Write Multiple commands.
• SeaTools diagnostic software performs a drive self-test that eliminates unnecessary drive returns.
• Supports latching SATA cables and connectors.
• The 3D Defense System™, which includes Drive Defense, Data Defense, and Diagnostic Defense, offers
the industry’s most comprehensive protection for disc drives.

Fortunately I am after a dedicated surveillance drive as I am using an old sata2 samsung for now and that isn't really suitable.
Thanks for the info.

Expired now; no longer able to buy from Amazon.

So no good for storage for movies and music?

define "suitable" - it will do it, but it's not really the right tool for the job. In practice you're unlikely to ever see any issue if you just use the disk to store video files for playback though. It'd probably be fine for ripped discs or similar that you can re-obtain relatively painlessly, but I wouldn't use it to store your wedding videos unless you have another decent backup or two elsewhere.

Now backups is a whole different story too... :smiley:

Thanks for the PM Frank :smiley: Got mine for £73.40 using your code

Yo Frank!! Welcome back buddy.

Thank you that's helpful got an order in was expecting a cancellation notice now will have to think about as was planned for a data drive to back up videos, music and photos. Not operating system or apps in a server. Plex really. Not needed yet but the price was really good have a data drive with no recent backup so balancing that risk. Problems of growing data. But thank you OP.

Great info. With this in mind, would this make this suitable to store and replay video in a server using Plex (OS is on SSD)

£201 now

Totally agree. This is not suitable for 'normal' use.

Great spot. Don't think I've ever seen 5Tb at that price. Heat and ordered!

EDIT: Actually after reading lilbeastie's comment I may cancel as I was planning to upgrade my desktop HDD. Will think about it -
can always cancel before it ships I guess.

that's not really what makes it an AV drive.

An AV drive is designed to IGNORE data errors, whereas a 'normal' hard drive will attempt to re-read/re-write problem sectors for a set period (up to 15 seconds, depending on the drive) until the internal checksums shows the data is consistent. For a desktop drive this is what you what - it makes sure the drive stores and recalls the correct information. However as the drive is unresponsive for the retry period, it could cause a blip in the video if used to record an AV stream. As a result AV drives ignore any errors and just keep going - a small artifact in a video is preferable to a break in the stream. Such an error could have a huge impact to system stability if it occurs in an OS file though, or it could corrupt a photo or other document and render it useless.

Now you will probably never see these issues, at least while the drive is new. But they are not designed for use in desktop (or 'normal' RAID) systems as they can corrupt data. This is the reason why manufacturers make enterprise disks and video disks - the drive may be the same, but the error-handling firmware is different.

Hi Frank :smiley:

Useful in a server (or NAS) setup - cracking price (if it actually ships).

I don't get why they have a version specifically for surveillance, what would be the downsides in using this as a NAS drive?

seagate :disappointed:

Good price but it's an AV drive. Not designed for your typical desktop storage although it may well be fine.

Temp out of stock.. Cracking price though.

Showing as 'Out of Stock'