FAQ
Does R3D Data Manager verify R3D files for content?
R3D Data Manager ensures that the zeros and ones that the RED Camera wrote to your RED MEDIA are in exactly the same order and length on all your destinations. If the RED Camera did not write a file correctly or your RED Media did not read the data correctly, it cannot protect you against those types of failures.
What information should I put in the RED Media Type?
This should be a unique identifier that would help you to identify a particular RED Media. This should be as specific as possible.
Do I need to fill out all the project information?
Fill in as little or as much info as you feel is necessary. The more information the better. But R3D Data Manager does not rely on any of this information to work correctly.
Will R3D Data Manager overwrite any data?
R3D Data Manager will only overwrite data if you explicitly set it to do so. The option "If the RDC Folder Exists" controls this setting. Only if that is set to "Overwrite" will it overwrite any data.
Which type of hash should I use?
For most applications, a MD5 hash is more than enough to verify that files are correct amongst copies. The chances of 2 files having the exact same hash are less than 1%, but it is possible. However, the chances of 2 files having the exact same sha1 hash are less than 0.001%. And the chances of 2 files having the same hash for sha256 are so insignificant, researchers have not been able to computer the probability as yet. The trade off though is that it takes 6 times longer to create a sha1 hash as opposed to a md5 hash. It takes 6 times longer again to create a sha256 as opposed to a sha1. So with more time comes better quality.
Whats the different between md5, sha1, and sha256?
The difference is just the precision that the hash for each file is calculated. With the longer span of time you anticipate between re-checks of files, the higher hash function you should use. In practical terms, a md5 hash will serve fine for the production and part of post. However, as time moves forward, you should probably use a better hash function to offset any dropped bits. With archival material, you should absolutely generate sha256 sums.
Can I re-check files that Ive already copied?
Yes, simply select the folder outside of the RDC folders as your source. Then click on "Check R3D Checksums". This will go through and re-check each RDC folder to ensure each file listed is correct with the saved checksums.
Where are the checksums saved?
They are saved to a file called "md5sums.txt", "sha1sums.txt" or "sha256sums.txt", depending on the type of hash function used. These files are saved in the RDC folder that should also contain the R3D file(s) and original camera-created Quicktime files. In addition, the checksum of each file copied is saved in the file "ProjectInformation.txt", in the root of each destination directory.
I'm already in the process of copying items. Can I change any options?
You can change any options at any time, and they will take effect as soon as is possible on each copy operation. For example, if it is already creating checksums and you choose "Don't check checksums" then it will finish the current checksum, but not process any more checksums.
When are files deleted from the source?
Files are only deleted on the source if the following conditions are met:
- The source media has been identified as a RED Media (red drive, cf card, etc).
- All copy operations are complete
- Each copy operation was completed successfully
- If enabled, each checksum of each destination matched the saved source checksum for each file
- If the option is enabled in the "Destination Options" section
Only after all the above conditions are met does R3D Data Manager delete files.
Will R3D Data Manager delete files from my hard drive?
R3D Data Manager will only delete files if the source is identified as a RED Media, if all the copy options are successful and if enabled. Since most likely your hard drive would not be identified as a RED Media, the option wont even exist, and is disabled.
The "Erase Options After Successful Transfer" is checked, but grayed out. I don't want it to delete the files! How do I change it?
If this option is grayed out, then the source media has not been identified as a RED Media, and therefore it will not delete anything at any time from the source, regardless of how the options appear to be set.
How does R3D Data Manager determine if the source is a RED Media?
When the camera formats a RED Media, it places specific files on the media. These files are only for the cameras use, and have no function or bearing on the saved images later. R3D Data Manager checks for the existence for these files. It is possible to create a folder that looks like a RED Media, with these files and usurp the protection offered by R3D Data Manager, but you would have to do this deliberately.
How many destinations can I add?
You can have up to 100 destinations for your source material. Your copy process will complete at the speed of your slowest device.
I pressed "Start Copy", but I don't see any of the progress bars in the destinations moving. Whats going on?
It may take a minute for the first file to be copied and progress bars to start moving. However, as long as the icon is spinning, data is moving.
What happens when I press "Start Copy"?
First, R3D Data Manager will go through and figure out if any of the destinations have the same folders as the source. If so, it will deal with these as you have your options set ("overwrite", "ask", "new folder"). Then it will check to see if there is still a checksum process on the source media and wait for it to finish. Once done, it will copy the files over, then (if enabled) check each copied file. Once you press the start copy button, you should be able to walk away while the computer thinks.
Can I see exactly what happening at each step?
Absolutely. Simply open up the "Activity Log". This will show you each process as it happens. Each file copied and checksumed will be listed, as well as the result of each process.
What if there are errors with the copy or checksums?
If there are any errors, it will alert you to those errors. It will point out which destinations had errors, and what those errors were. For a more detailed report, you can always open the "Activity Log". If there are ever any errors, and the source is a RED Media, NO files will be deleted.
How do I know that the copies and checksums completed successfully?
At the end of the copy process a icon will appear telling you that the operation competed successfully. If there are any errors, it would report them. Also if everything was fine, it will report that also. You have to click on OK to continue after this report is shown.
Anything else I should know?
Backups. Make lots, keep plenty, and check often.
