Small Tree Capitalizes on Thunderbolt 2

Small Tree Communications, LLC, in Ethernet-based shared storage and networking, will showcase its ThunderNET2 solutions for post-production professionals at NAB 2014.

ThunderNET2 TN2-10-2PF
2 port 10GbE SFP+
to Thunderbolt 2 connectivity

With ThunderNET2, users will be able to support 4K video file transfer and display simultaneously.

Created to support post-production pros harnessing the increased processing power available in today’s all-in-one desktop and laptop computers, ThunderNET2 opens up a world of possibilities.

Combining high performance I/O capabilities of Thunderbolt 2 with the flexibility of PCIe, ThunderNET2 provides creative media professionals a cost effective solution to integrate Thunderbolt equipped platforms into high performance storage and data networks.

ThunderNET2 features improvements to ThunderNET solution introduced last year and which already has provided performance enhancements for post-production companies.

One company whose efficiency has been optimized with ThunderNET is 3-Legged Dog (3LD), a community-oriented and artist-run production and development studio for emerging and established artists and organizations that create large-scale experimental artworks of all kinds.

“Using Small Tree’s ThunderNET, we’re pushing an insane amount of data – like composites up to 20K,” said Cameron Vokey, line producer, 3LD. “If we were using straight up Gigabit, this would not be happening. It needs to be as fast as Thunderbolt. We wouldn’t be getting the R/W speeds we’re achieving without ThunderNET.”

ThunderNET2 boasts 1 or 10GbE connectivity to Mac Pro, iMac, Mac Mini, MacBook Pro or MacBook Air systems, providing higher levels of network performance and connecting seamlessly to Small Tree’s Ethernet shared storage appliance, TitaniumZ, or 10GbE switches. It can also provide additional GbE connectivity to the user’s current network.

“With its more compact design combined with the 20% increase in performance, ThunderNET2 provides a very cost effective solution for Thunderbolt equipped systems,” said Corky Seeber, president, Small Tree. “Typically, these same systems don’t provide enough network connection flexibility for professionals in the creative fields. ThunderNET2 capitalizes on the new Thunderbolt 2 technology to create an affordable and extremely powerful solution for the post-production industry.”

Adding network bandwidth to any computer with a Thunderbolt 2 port, ThunderNET2 can be configured to support specific requirements, allowing customers to select the proper amount of bandwidth to meet workflow demands and budgets.