Other World Computing (OWC) had lots to show off at the recently concluded CES 2025. Perhaps the most notable for the digital filmmaking community is the introduction of the ThunderBlade X12 and Active Optical Cable. ThunderBlade X12 is a professional-grade RAID solution featuring TB5, and the OWC USB4 40Gb/s Active Optical Cable promises long-distance connectivity without compromising speed or reliability. The technology is designed to serve Motion Picture Professionals and DITs looking for a production shuttle RAID capable of offering large amounts of storage at extremely fast sustained speeds in a portable solution in order to streamline ingestion and backup times on set.

It can also serve as a premium editing drive for video editors and VFX artists working with data-intensive workflows such as multi-cam sequences at 4K and 6K, 8K and 12K RAW video, or stereoscopic 360 VR (Spatial Video).

Key ThunderBlade X12 Features/Functionality include:
• Speeds up to 6,500MB/s – double the performance of its predecessor
• Capacities from 12TB to 96TB with RAID 0, 1, 5, and 10 configurations
• Premium build with dimmable LED lights and enhanced thermal stability
• Ideal for workflows involving 8K RAW, 16K video, or VR production

The OWC ThunderBlade X12 will be available in March.

Meanwhile, the OWC Active Optical Cable is the fastest, most powerful, and most reliable solution for cost-effective long-distance connectivity of Thunderbolt 4/3 and USB4/3/2 devices. It provides up to 40Gb/s of stable bandwidth, up to 240W of power delivery, and up to 8K video resolution at up to 15 feet. Featuring universal USB-C connectivity and optical fiber technology, it eliminates the 2-meter distance limit of traditional copper-based Thunderbolt and USB4 cables so devices can be placed further away for noise reduction, provide more convenient access, be hidden for a more aesthetic work environment, and enable more efficient cable management in professional settings.

Key OWC Active Optical Cable Features/Functionality include:
• Longer distance connectivity enables optimal placement of USB4 and Thunderbolt 4/3
devices for a highly organized, convenient, quieter, and productive workspace
• Work and play faster with up to 40Gb/s of stable data transfer speed over long-distance
• Connect to millions of Thunderbolt 4/3 and USB4/3/2 USB-C equipped docks, displays,
eGPUs, PCIe expansion, external SSDs, RAID storage, and accessories
• Lab-certified to safely deliver up to 240 watts (3M) or 60 watts (4.5M) to charge your
 devices quickly
• Supports high-resolution displays up to 8K, including DisplayPort over Thunderbolt,
 Apple Pro Display XDR, Apple Studio Display, LG Ultrafine, and any display plugged into a Thunderbolt dock or hub
• Braided nylon exterior over advanced internal fiber optical cable for highly durable and 
consistent signal reliability immune to EMI/RFI interference

The OWC USB4 40Gb/s Active Optical Cable is now available in two lengths: 3 meters (9.8 feet) for $98.99 and 4.5 meters (14.76 feet) for $129.99

In other OWC news, their Thunderbolt 5 Hub is now generally available (GA), making a great compact connectivity solution to solve the big problem of not having enough Thunderbolt 5 ports. Now you can turn a single cable connection from your machine into three Thunderbolt 5 ports and one USB-A port. The unit offers up to 80Gb/s of bi-directional data speed, (up to 2x faster than Thunderbolt 4 and USB4,) and up to 120Gb/s for higher display bandwidth needs.

Key Thunderbolt 5 Hub Features/Functionality include:
• Adds more universally compatible Thunderbolt 5 (USB-C) ports to a Mac, PC, or iPad Pro to greatly expand device connectivity possibilities and productivity
• Work and play faster with up to 80Gb/s of bi-directional data speed and up to 120Gb/s for higher display bandwidth needs
• No worries or confusion…connect to Thunderbolt 5, Thunderbolt 4, Thunderbolt 3, USB4, or USB-C machine or device with 100% compatibility
• Delivers the best performance of devices with today’s computers and the best speed possible in the future with any Thunderbolt 5 Mac or PC
• Create three separate daisy chains of devices – even bus-powered – and remove devices from one chain without affecting the other chains
• Safely delivers up to 140 watts to charge the most power-hungry notebook computer
• Connect to the latest and future Thunderbolt, USB-C, and DisplayPort displays for incredible 4K, 5K, 6K, and up to three 8K displays
• Built-in OWC reliability and dependability for Mac and Windows
• Fanless aluminum enclosure for quiet and cool operation

The OWC Thunderbolt 5 Hub is now generally available for $189.99