Sonnet Technologies' Qio professional universal media reader/writer and eSATA controller is a convenient and high-speed alternative to standalone card readers, SATA controllers and various adapters, combining their functionality in a compact, rugged case and fulfilling the data handling needs of videographers with multiple cameras using different memory card formats. Qio will be available in October for $999.

The Sonnet Qio supports major HD video memory card formats—Sony SxS, Panasonic P2, CompactFlash, and SDHC—with two slots for each (SDHC shared with SxS) and the ability to transfer data from all cards concurrently.

For quick migration of data, the Qio contains an eSATA controller based on Sonnet's acclaimed Tempo SATA E4P SATA host controller card, which through its four eSATA ports enables users to connect two Sonnet Fusion F2 portable rugged RAID storage units, four Sonnet Fusion DQR5 four-drive RAID 5 systems, or any other drive system with an eSATA interface. Users can copy files between any cards, attached drives, or host computer with aggregate bandwidth of up to 250MB/s.

"We talked to many customers who had combinations of Sony, Panasonic, and RED cameras and wanted some way to transfer the data from any of them at full speed to hard drives, needed drive-to-drive copy capability, and desired a compact, portable, rugged, and battery-operable package," said Robert Farnsworth, CEO of Sonnet Technologies. "The Qio does this and more. The Qio can also attach and power two Fusion F2s—the Qio's companion portable rugged RAID drive units—each with 1TB capacity."

The Qio connects to a Mac or PC through an included cable and either an ExpressCard/34 (for notebooks) or a PCIe interface adapter (for desktops). The included adapter extends the computer's 2.5Gb/s PCIe bus to the Qio, delivering performance far superior to USB and FireWire adapters. The unit's SxS and P2 slots also accept ExpressCard/34 adapters and CardBus cards, respectively, enabling users to utilize WiFi, FireWire, USB, Gigabit Ethernet, and other adapters as well. For notebook users, the Qio sextuples the number of expansion card slots. Desktop users can swap adapter cards without having to open the case.

Designed for in-studio or on-location use, Qio's robust aluminum case is a perfect match for the Sonnet Fusion F2 RAID storage system, sharing the same 15 cm (5.9 in.) by 16 cm (6.2 in.) footprint. The Qio measures 3 cm (1.2 in.) tall, and attached 1TB Fusion F2s add 1.8 cm (0.7 in.) each as they stack on top.

A universal 12V output AC power supply with wall plugs for U.S., Japan, Europe, U.K., and Australia is included that will power the Qio plus two F2s. For battery-powered operation, the included XLR 4-pin adapter cable can route battery power to the Qio plus attached Fusion F2s. Qio and Fusion F2 are compatible with Mac OS 10.5+, Windows Vista, and XP.

The Qio, which includes a carrying case, will be available in October at a suggested retail price of $999 with either a PCIe interface card or an ExpressCard/34 interface card. Additional interface cards may be purchased separately.

Fusion F2 is $499 to $599, available with 5400rpm or 7200rpm 2.5-inch drives.