At CES 2025, Other World Computing (OWC) introduced three new products designed to enhance high-end video production workflows. The most notable is the ThunderBlade X12 RAID storage system, capable of supporting 12K video production. This system boasts transfer speeds up to 6,500MB/s—double the speed of its predecessor. Available in capacities ranging from 12TB to 96TB, it supports RAID 0, 1, 5, and 10 configurations and is slated for release in March.
Also unveiled was a new USB4 40Gb/s Active Optical Cable, addressing the distance limitations of traditional copper cables. This cable supports data transfer speeds up to 40Gb/s and display resolutions up to 8K. It’s available in 3-meter ($98.99) and 4.5-meter ($129.99) lengths. The 3-meter version offers up to 240 watts of power delivery, while the 4.5-meter version provides 60 watts.
Finally, OWC’s Thunderbolt 5 Hub, now available for $189.99, offers three Thunderbolt 5 ports and a single USB-A port. This hub supports bi-directional data speeds up to 80Gb/s, with bandwidth up to 120Gb/s for display needs. It’s capable of delivering up to 140 watts of power for notebook charging and supports multiple display configurations, including three 8K displays. The hub features a fanless aluminum enclosure.
The ThunderBlade X12 is specifically targeted at digital imaging technicians and video editors working with demanding formats, including multi-camera sequences at 4K, 6K, 8K, and 12K RAW video, or stereoscopic 360 VR content. The hub’s power delivery and multiple display capabilities are designed to streamline the post-production process.