Pioneer Electronics Announces 16x DVD±RW - DVR-A08XL

[Ian]

PIONEER INTRODUCES WORLD'S FIRST AND FASTEST MULTIPLE FORMAT DVD DRIVE COMBINED WITH 4X DOUBLE LAYER WRITE

TECHNOLOGY

LONG BEACH (July 13, 2004) - Consumers can now have twice the storage capacity of DVD recordable disks with the new double-layer DVD internal drive from Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc., that is two times faster than previous generation drives. Pioneer Electronics, the leader in recordable DVD technology, today announced the DVR-A08XL, the industry's first multiple format 16x16 drive with 4x double-layer technology that puts an end to the speed race in the DVD recording arena. At 16x, a consumer can burn a DVD-R or +R disc faster than ever before.

The DVR-A08XL is capable of writing at speeds up to 16x on DVD-R and +R discs that are designed for this recording speed, as well as specified 8x media (for more information on specified 8x media visit www.pioneerelectronics.com ). With 16x media not yet available, Pioneer's DVR-A08XL is allowing customers to write on currently available 8x media at faster speeds by capitalizing on Pioneer's over specification technology, a writing strategy designed to allow the A08XL to record at higher speeds with certain media. The double-layer technology extends data storage capacity on DVD recordable discs from 4.7 gigabytes to 8.5 gigabytes. The new drive is also dual format, which support DVD-R and DVD-RW disc formats as well as the +R and +RW formats to eliminate consumer confusion.

The DVR-A08XL, which records high-speed DVD-RW and +RW discs at up to 4x speed, and CD-R at up to 32x and CD-RW discs at up to 24x speed, will also feature Pioneer-developed Liquid Crystal Control System for precise recording onto the surface of discs that may be warped or slightly irregular, assuring optimum recording performance.

Additionally, the drive features new, quiet drive technology which reduces up to 75% of operating noise and vibration compared to previous models, making the burning process practically silent. The DVR-A08XL will be available in black, silver and beige to match a wider variety of computer cases.

"With the launch of the DVR-A08XL, Pioneer is putting an end to the DVD speed race," said James Rowley, vice president of optical sales at Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. "This drive provides the fastest speeds possible, allowing users to increase their productivity while running multiple applications."

Pioneer's double-layer drive comes bundled with software by Ulead®, that allows novice and savvy customers an efficient way to transfer, browse, modify and distribute digital media. The software package provided with the A08XL includes the following programs:

* Ulead DVD MovieFactory 3.5 Disc Creator allows you to burn movies, slideshows, data and music to CD or DVD in an instant.
* Ulead Video Studio 8.0SE allows first-time users to edit and create professional-looking videos with ease.
* Ulead Photo Explorer 8.5SE provides an efficient way to transfer, browse, modify and distribute photos, music and video.
* Ulead Burn.Now 1.5 is easy to use disc recording software. Users can take full advantage of their CD/DVD burner to create data and audio discs plus copy discs.
* Ulead DVD Player 1.5 offers high compatibility and plays commercial DVDs and DVDs created by other Ulead products.
* NovaBACKUP 7.1 prevents users from losing data. Virtually all businesses today rely heavily on computers and computer systems. Losing information on any of these systems could be potentially disastrous. NovaStor's NovaBackup helps reduce these risks for both businesses and end users at ease. NovaBackup allows users the choice of a variety of different backup media, including DVDs and CDs. Its ease of use and advanced options makes it an ideal solution for any home user, small business or large corporation.

The DVR-A08XL also includes the following two new offerings for customers:


* Netflix (Nasdaq: NFLX), the world's largest online DVD movie rental service, will offer A08 users a coupon for a free 14-day trial of service for customers who sign up for Netflix's rental service.
* Videomaker Magazine, the world's most popular monthly consumer video production publication, is offering new owners of the DVR-A08XL a free issue of their publication.

The DVR-A08XL is expected to be available in August at a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $179.99.

Pioneer's Industrial Business Solutions Group is the leader and technical innovator in optical disc technology for the industrial market. It provides professional business-to-business products across a wide range of
markets including, professional video/audio, educational, medical, legal and banking.

Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. is headquartered in Long Beach, Calif., and its U.S. Web address is www.pioneerelectronics.com <http://www.pioneerelectronics.com>. Its parent company, Pioneer Corporation, is a leader in optical disc technology and a preeminent manufacturer of high-performance audio, video, computer and cable
television equipment for the home, car and business markets. The company focuses on four core business domains including DVD, display technologies, Digital Network Entertainment and components. Founded in 1938 in Tokyo, Pioneer Corporation (NYSE:PIO) employs more than 36,000 people worldwide. Its shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange.

Additional DVR-A08 specifications:
Write Speeds
DVD-R: 16X(ZoneCLV), 12X(ZoneCLV), 8X(ZoneCLV), 6X, 4X, 2X, 1X
DVD-RW: 4X, 2X, 1X
DVD+R: 16X(ZoneCLV), 12X(ZoneCLV), 8X(ZoneCLV), 6X, 4X, 2.4X
DVD+RW: 4X, 2.4X
DVD+R DL: 4X, 2.4X
CD-R: 32X(ZoneCLV),24X(ZoneCLV),16X,10X,4X
CD-RW: 24X(ZoneCLV),20X(ZoneCLV),16X,10X,4X
DVD-ROM/DVD-Video(single layer) Read Speeds
Quiet Mode 5X Max
Performance Mode 16X Max
DVD-ROM/DVD-Video(dual layer)
Quiet Mode 5X Max
Performance Mode 12X Max
DVD-R 12X Max
DVD-RW: 8X Max
DVD+R 12X Max
DVD+RW: 8X Max
DVD+R DL: 8X Max
DVD-RAM: 2X(ZoneCLV)
CD-ROM/AudioCD(data extraction)
Quiet Mode 9.3X Max
Performance Mode 40X Max
VideoCD 9.3X Max
CD-R 40X Max
CD-RW 32X Max
Data buffer size 2MB
Interface ATAPI(PIO Mode4/MultiWordDMA Mode2/Ultra DMA Mode4)
Dimensions(WxHxD) 148(W)x42.3(H)x198(D)mm
Weight 1.1kg

[Mystery Man]

One good extra addition that it doesnt have would be dvd ram burning support like the lg drive has. I do like the DL 4x burn support

[Ian]

Nice looking drive

[Mystery Man]

That link up top dont work. Better take out the forward slash & bracket out

[rdgrimes]

Interesting that Pio is announcing support for speeds and media that doesn't exist. There's no spec for DVD-R 12x or 16x, much less any planned media. Same for DL-4x.
And what's that about ZCLV at 16x? That makes it the slowest 16x.

[Han]

And only 2 MB buffer....

[happyperoil]

And only 2 MB buffer....

and no bitsetting, i suppose

[dolphinius_rex]

And only 2 MB buffer....

Do you really think at DVD burning speeds that an 8mb buffer makes a difference over a 2MB buffer? It doesn't even offer 1 full second more of buffer protection

That drive looks smokin! But the only problem with the dual layer support is that most DVD players will not be able to play the burned discs if they aren't bitset to DVD-ROM....

But since Pioneer is now smacking both the DVD+RW Alliance *AND* the DVD-Forum in the face... maybe they'll release a tool as well?

So the real question is... do we get this hot new item? or do we wait for the A09?

[Ian]

Three colors..





I wonder if we'll actually get the white one in the US this time.

[happyperoil]

there is no +R DL logo

[Decel]

Additional DVR-A08 specifications:
Write Speeds
DVD-R: 16X(ZoneCLV), 12X(ZoneCLV), 8X(ZoneCLV), 6X, 4X, 2X, 1X
DVD-RW: 4X, 2X, 1X
DVD+R: 16X(ZoneCLV), 12X(ZoneCLV), 8X(ZoneCLV), 6X, 4X, 2.4X
DVD+RW: 4X, 2.4X
DVD+R DL: 4X, 2.4X
CD-R: 32X(ZoneCLV),24X(ZoneCLV),16X,10X,4X
CD-RW: 24X(ZoneCLV),20X(ZoneCLV),16X,10X,4X
DVD-ROM/DVD-Video(single layer) Read Speeds
Quiet Mode 5X Max
Performance Mode 16X Max
DVD-ROM/DVD-Video(dual layer)
Quiet Mode 5X Max
Performance Mode 12X Max
DVD-R 12X Max
DVD-RW: 8X Max
DVD+R 12X Max
DVD+RW: 8X Max
DVD+R DL: 8X Max
DVD-RAM: 2X(ZoneCLV)
CD-ROM/AudioCD(data extraction)
Quiet Mode 9.3X Max
Performance Mode 40X Max
VideoCD 9.3X Max
CD-R 40X Max
CD-RW 32X Max
Data buffer size 2MB
Interface ATAPI(PIO Mode4/MultiWordDMA Mode2/Ultra DMA Mode4)
Dimensions(WxHxD) 148(W)x42.3(H)x198(D)mm
Weight 1.1kg

Dang, on my way to get a 2510A when i saw this one...... urgh
though 180+$ is a tad higher than 80$
but still =(

[dolphinius_rex]

I bet Philips is pissing their pants right now over this

[Boba_Fett]

WTF!? No support for DVD-R DL? If Pioneer ain't doing it, then who will? Not good, not good at all

[thegdog]

Interesting that Pio is announcing support for speeds and media that doesn't exist. There's no spec for DVD-R 12x or 16x, much less any planned media. Same for DL-4x.

They address that in the press release through judicious use of asterisks.

* Until such time as 16x media is available (expected October 2004) 16x write speeds can be achieved on selected 8x speed DVD-R/+R media types. A list of such media will be published on Pioneer's website.

** 4x Double Layer media is not expected to be available until January 2005. Until then 4x write speeds can be achieved on selected +R 2.4x Double Layer media. A list of such media will be published on Pioneer's website.

[dolphinius_rex]

WTF!? No support for DVD-R DL? If Pioneer ain't doing it, then who will? Not good, not good at all

Wait until December 2004 for the Pioneer A09

[happyperoil]

2005? i know by the end of 2004 or first quarter of 2005

[dolphinius_rex]

2005? i know by the end of 2004 or first quarter of 2005

Oops! typo

[wicked1]

My next drive

[Alejandra]

Three colors..



I wonder if we'll actually get the white one in the US this time.

This is mine

[thegdog]

I wonder how much the DVR-108 OEM models will debut at?

[Decel]

When they say August, do they mean Aug 1st'ish or 30th'ish?
And are OEMs released at the same time?

[thegdog]

When they say August, do they mean Aug 1st'ish or 30th'ish?
And are OEMs released at the same time?

They were announced for "late July" release in Japan. I'm guessing it probably won't be until mid to late August here.

[digitaldoc]

Hardly worth waiting for the A09. DVD-R DL: who knows if the media will ever exist, and how much it will cost. This looks like an excellent drive with very fast speeds. The silver case looks great and would match my case perfectly.

[Scour]

Hello!

Great looking drives with nice specs.

But I´m disappointed that no DVD-R DL is supportet

[aviationwiz]

Z-CLV, no thanks, not interested in downgrading.


BTW, dolph, when burning at 8x on my 712 v my 107, makes a huge difference of resources used, and what I can do simultanesouly, big imporvement from the 708 too, so that leads me to believe that the 8MB buffer does help it, at least in this case.