Backing up XDCAM-Footage

Hi,

I am new to the tapeless workflow, so I am looking for a good way to backup my data. I am working with a XDCAM-EX1R and Adobe Premiere CS4. I already read Alister Chapmans Blog on backing up data, which is a good summary on the hardware side. But what about the software-workflow? If I shoot some footage, I get a BPAV folder structure on my SxS-card. Sonys Clip Browser software allows copying and converting of this structure into several formats, like MXF, Avid AAF, DV... (by the way: what's the difference between the different MXF-Export-possibilities?). To edit my files in Premiere, using MXF-Files works very well...importing the BPAV-Folder structure gives a complicated folder-structure in Premiere. ClipBrowser has now the possibility to convert the BPAV to MXF right on copying (it's in the preferences...). Is there any good reason to keep the whole BPAV-Folders? As I'd like to work with the MXF-Files in Premiere, the Premiere project has links to the MXF, so I'd have to save both MXF and BPAV...I'm a bit confused. Somebody can help me and explain the pros / cons on deleting the BPAV?

Thanks!

Christian

[alisterchapman]

With CS4 you can edit directly from the BPAV folders using Premiere's XDCAM browser. You should always save the entire BPAV folder as if you ever swap edit platforms you may find yourself with files you can no longer edit. In addition the BPAV folders contain all your metadata and metadata will become more important in the future as new options and features get added.