One of the most significant issues that makes me uncomfortable with tapeless workflows is the lack of backup for my source videos. Though I seldom have to recapture my DV or HDV video once I’m finished with a project, sometimes I do, and there’s a comfort factor to knowing that the tape is there. Sure, I should dutifully back up every SD or P2 card during capture, but I should also watch what I eat and do more yoga, and you know what happened to those two resolutions.

Well, Primera Technology has gone a long way towards quieting my fears with a tapeless video production workflow created by integrating Imagine Products‘ ShotPut Pro with their line of CD/DVD/Blu-ray recorder/printers. When you install ShotPut Pro, you can designate up to three archive locations, which can include the Primera printer.

When you insert your P2, AVCHD, Sony SxS or RED ONE cards, the software takes over, automatically copying the video as designated, and firing up the Primera recorder to burn the disc backup. If you’ve got less than a full DVD or Blu-ray disc, you can leave the disc open for incremental writes; if you’re archiving a 32 or 64 GB card, the software can span multiple Blu-ray discs. The software costs $89 and should be available in May, 2009. Another option is ProxyMill ($189), which copies over the video to the designated locations, and then creates preview quality QuickTime movies, then archives the video like ShotPut Pro.

If you’re interested in a Primera Blu-ray burner, now is the time, as Primera is running a Blu-ray is free special through April 30, 2009. Basically, you can buy the Bravo XR-Blu and Bravo XRP-Blu for the price of the DVD version, which saves you $2,000 for the former and $4,000 for the latter, or get $500 off the Bravo SE.

Finally, earlier this year, Primera announced PT Protect, a disc copy protection system that’s ideal for small disc runs like those produced by event and wedding videographers. In my own practice, I might sell 100 DVDs for a local ballet, but any family with a teenager can easily convert the one disc purchased into holiday presents for all their friends and relatives.

VideoWrite is completely transparent during normal playback, but resists the ripping techniques used by common disc copying programs, preventing copying. You buy per disc licenses from Primera, with pricing starting at $225 for 100 licenses, and scaling to $3750 for 5,000 licenses.