OWC unveils its cutting-edge Thunderbolt 5 storage and connectivity solutions, including the ThunderBlade X12 shuttle RAID capable of handling demanding 12K RAW workflows and the first Thunderbolt 5 portable SSD with speeds over 6000MB/s designed specifically for media production professionals who work in challenging environments.

First Take Speed: OWC's new storage solutions deliver dramatic performance improvements for intensive post-production workflows

The new generation of Thunderbolt 5 technology comes with solutions built specifically for the unique challenges faced by film and broadcast professionals. The standout product is the ThunderBlade X12, which represents a significant leap forward in portable high-capacity RAID storage.

• The ThunderBlade X12 offers up to 96TB capacity in a portable form factor, making it ideal for on-set data management and post-production

• Optimized for RAID 0/5/10 configurations, it provides the flexibility needed for different production environments

• The system is specifically engineered to handle 4K to 12K RAW video, multi-cam sequences, and stereoscopic 360 VR workflows

• Expected general availability is late April 2025

Director's Toolkit: Beyond raw specs, OWC's ecosystem approach solves real production challenges across the entire workflow

OWC isn't just launching isolated products but rather building an interconnected ecosystem that addresses pain points at every stage of production and post. Their comprehensive lineup spans from on-set capture through post-production and archiving.

• The Envoy Ultra Thunderbolt 5 portable SSD delivers over 6000MB/s real-world speed while being remarkably rugged for field use

• OWC's Atlas Memory Cards & Readers provide professional-grade durability and speed for initial capture

• For collaborative workflows, the Jellyfish shared storage solutions offer scalable capacity from terabytes to petabytes with intuitive management software

• The recently launched Archive Pro Ethernet provides network-based LTO backup for protecting finished projects and raw media

The Connectivity Cut: The often-overlooked hub and connectivity solutions may be the most important tools for maximizing creative technology investments

While storage gets most of the attention, OWC's connectivity solutions provide the critical infrastructure that makes complex workflows possible. Their new Thunderbolt 5 Hub transforms a single connection into multiple high-speed ports.

• The Thunderbolt 5 Hub offers up to 80Gb/s bi-directional data speeds—twice as fast as Thunderbolt 4

• For display-intensive work, the hub can dedicate up to 120Gb/s for higher bandwidth needs

• The compact design addresses the persistent shortage of Thunderbolt ports on even high-end computers

• OWC solutions will be showcased not just at their booth but also at partner locations including Atlas Lens, AJA Systems, and Hedge

Production Wrap: This new generation of Thunderbolt technology represents a true inflection point for how post teams will structure their technical pipelines

As production resolutions continue to climb and workflows grow more complex, the infrastructure behind creative work becomes increasingly critical.

Intel's Client Connectivity Division GM Ben Hacker emphasized the collaboration with OWC, noting how ThunderBlade X12 with Thunderbolt technology enables creators to "focus on creativity without storage limitations." This sentiment captures the fundamental value proposition of these tools—removing technical barriers to creative expression