WD expands surveillance-class hard drive line with 6TB Purple

WD has announced they are expanding the capacity of the WD Purple line of surveillance-class HDD's up to 6TB. WD Purples are purpose-built HDDs designed to specifically address video surveillance workloads. Video camera recording has unique requirements, and the enhancements in the Purple series reduce dropped frames and allow simultaneous recording of up to 32 high-definition cameras.

Security cameras continue to be used in more and more applications, and the advent of 4K high-definition models has created the need for more capacity. The WD Purple series is tested for broad compatibility with all of the leading video surveillance systems, and proprietary WD technologies boost performance and video recording accuracy.

• AllFrame - In conjunction with ATA streaming, AllFrame reduces video frame loss, improves playback and increases the number of drive bays supported. WD Purple includes exclusive firmware enhancements that enable improved playback and minimize interruptions within a surveillance system.
• IntelliSeek Technology - With low power consumption playing a crucial role in high-temperature always-on surveillance environments, IntelliSeek technology calculates the optimum seek speeds for the system workload, enabling lower power consumption and reducing noise and vibration.

Chris Ramseyer took a detailed look at the original Purple series in this review, and be sure to look to our storage areas for more detailed product analysis of everything storage in the consumer and enterprise segments. The new 6TB WD Purple has an MSRP of $329.99, and WD Purple's are available from 1TB to 6TB capacities.