We've learned that Samsung has a new Super-WriteMaster drive on the way. Along with 12x DVD-RAM writing speeds, the SH-S182D can write to both DVD+R and DVD-R media at 18x. At this speed, the drive is expected to take only 4 minutes and 48 seconds to burn an entire 4.7GB DVD±R disc.


Writing Speeds:

DVD+R: 18x
DVD+RW: 8x
DVD-RW: 6x
DVD±R DL: 8x
DVD-RAM: 12x
CD-R: 48x
CD-RW: 32x

Read Speeds:

DVD-ROM: 16x
DVD±R: 12x
DVD±RW: 8x
DVD±R DL: 8x
DVD-RAM: 12x
CD-ROM: 48x
CD-R/RW: 40x

We have not heard if or when the SH-S182D will be available in the US. As we learn more, we'll let you know. In the mean time, feel free to leave your comments in our forum. Add a comment
Toshiba Japan has announced the launch of their new HD DVD equipped notebook PC, the Qosmio G30/697HS. Designed for multimedia use, the Qosmio G30/697HS ships with a 2.0GHz Intel Core Duo processor, 17-inch widescreen LCD and HD DVD-ROM drive.

Toshiba Corporation today continued its roll out of next generation HD DVD products with the announcement of the launch of the world's first notebook PC with an HD DVD-ROM drive. "Qosmio G30/697HS" will be available in the Japanese market in mid May, as the latest product in Qosmio line-up of AV notebook PC series. Along with playback of HD DVD content, the new Qosmio can read and write to current DVD and CD discs, including DVD+/-R DL (dual-layer) and DVD-RAM.*2

The groundbreaking Qosmio series has consistently redefined the capabilities and performance of AV notebook computers. "Qosmio G30/697HS" continues this tradition by being first in the world to integrate an HD DVD-ROM drive. The slim-type 12.7mm-thick drive achieves this thin form factor with an optical system requiring only a single objective lens to read HD DVD discs and to read and write to DVDs and CDs. The PC's combination of a high-performance dual-core CPU, the "Intel CoreTM Duo Processor T2500 (operating frequency 2.00GHz)," and high-performance graphics accelerator, the "NVIDIA GeForceTM Go 7600," with advanced PC software technology delivers stunning image quality in playback of HD DVD content.
No word on price yet. However, Toshiba expects to ship the Qosmio G30/697HS by the middle of May. More information can be found here. Add a comment
TDK has announced that they've started shipping their 25GB recordable and rewritable Blu-ray Disc media. Here's part of their press release:

TDK, a world leader in digital recording solutions, today announced that it has begun shipping 25GB recordable and rewritable Blu-ray Disc media to retailers nationwide. A pioneer of blue laser recording technology and founding member of the Blu-ray Disc Association, TDK is the first to market with bare Blu-ray Disc media. Retail pricing is set at $19.99 for a 25GB BD-R (recordable), $24.99 for a 25GB BD-RE (rewritable). In addition, TDK will ship 50GB Blu-ray Disc media later this year with retail pricing set at $47.99 for a 50GB BD-R (recordable) and $59.99 for a 50GB BD-RE (rewritable).

The revolutionary single-sided discs are bare, cartridge-free media. The 25GB products are single layer whereas the 50GB products have a dual layer recording material structure. TDK first shipped mass production samples in December 2005, and with the subsequent issuance of the relevant license, the company immediately commenced full force manufacturing.
TDK's press release also mentions that they've created 100GB, quad-layer Blu-ray Disc prototypes and have pushed recording speeds to 216Mbps (6x). The company is also in the process of developing the world's first 200GB Blu-ray Disc prototype. If you'd like to read more, TDK's entire press release can be found here. Add a comment
BenQ and Lite-On IT have announced that they've formed a strategic alliance. As part of the deal, Lite-On will acquire BenQ's storage-related assets, which includes their customer portfolio and the right to use their technologies and patents. At the same time, BenQ will receive approximately NT$1.2 billion in cash and acquire a 13% stake in Lite-On.
Lite-On IT and BenQ today announced that they have formed a strategic alliance that will bring together two of the industry's leading players and enhance the overall competitiveness of Taiwan's storage sector. The transaction is expected to increase Lite-On IT's global market share to 27%, making it the world's No. 2 optical disk drive (ODD) maker.

As part of the alliance, Lite-On IT will acquire BenQ's storage-related assets, including BenQ's ODM customer portfolio and the rights to use BenQ's technology portfolio. Lite-On IT will also receive order commitments on BenQ-branded storage products.

"This strategic alliance combined with our manufacturing advantages, will allow Lite-On IT to further sharpen its competitiveness in the ODM market and become the No. 2 ODD manufacturer worldwide," expressed Raymond Soong, Chairman of Lite-On IT. "In partnering with BenQ, Lite-On IT expects to benefit from increased manufacturing efficiency, greater economies of scale, and a larger market share."
I must admit that I am a little surprised by this bit of news. Nevertheless, its going to be interesting to see what happens. If you'd like to read more, the entire press release can be found here. Add a comment
The results are in and our readers have chosen the BenQ DW1650/1655 as the top DVD writer for the month of March. Here are the top five drives:
  1. BenQ DW1650/1655
  2. LG GSA-4167B
  3. Plextor PX-716A
  4. BenQ DW1640
  5. NEC ND-3550A/3551A
Your favorite drive didn't make it onto the list? Then go and vote for April's top DVD writer. Add a comment
Just a reminder that CDRLabs is offering an ad-free subscription-based service. For a low monthly or yearly fee, CDRLabs.com can be viewed without any ads. This subscription service also gives members access to a special section of the forum and benefits like a larger attachment quota. The larger quota is great for all of you that like to upload writing quality scans.

As our introductory price, we will be offering the following subscription options:
  • $1/month subscriptions, with the option of auto-renewing

  • $10/year subscriptions, with the option of auto-renewing
  • For instructions on how to subscribe, please see this forum thread. Add a comment
    While the battle between Blu-ray and HD DVD has taken center stage, there is another war going on between Taiwan's FVD and China's EVD formats. According to DigiTimes, things are looking good for FVD as a major promoter of EVD has run into some financial troubles.
    FVD (forward versatile disc), Taiwan's self-developed DVD standard, is getting a boost in the fight against EVD (enhanced versatile disc), a China-developed DVD standard, as Beijing E-World Digital Technology, a major promoter of the EVD standard, has defaulted on some loan payments and now stands to lose some of its patents, sources said.

    The China-based company used nine patents to secure a loan of 14 million yuan (about US$1.7 million) from two international financing companies and it has now defaulted on repayment of this loan. As a result of this, one of the financing companies is preparing to auction some of the patents, said sources at China's State Intellectual Property Office (SIPO).
    The article also mentions that various companies have decided to roll out PC-use FVD discs in the US and Europe. If you'd like to read more, head on over to DigiTimes. Add a comment
    Xilisoft has announced their new all-in-one DVD ripping software, DVD Ripper Platinum. Combining the features of DVD Ripper and DVD Audio Ripper, DVD Ripper Platinum promises to be the "most powerful and comprehensive DVD ripping tool on the market."
    Xilisoft DVD Ripper Platinum is designed to be easy enough for a beginner to use, while still offering great customization capabilities to satisfy the needs of more experienced users. Intuitive default settings can automatically adjust the sound levels and ripping speed of the conversion files. Or high end output settings can be used to allow the user to adjust these features selectively.

    DVD's can be ripped to any custom file size necessary. Xilisoft DVD Ripper Platinum also auto-splits output files into several files to fit on a CD-R or for use on other personal media devices. Media devices such as MP4, PSP, iPod, mobile phones and PDA's are supported. Xilisoft DVD Ripper Platinum allows you to rip any segment of a DVD, also allows ripping of target subtitle and audio tracks.
    If you'd like to try it out, a trial version of DVD Ripper Platinum can be downloaded from Xilisoft's website. Otherwise, more information can be found here. Add a comment
    DigiTimes has reported that the Japan-based Sino-JP has decided not to invest in Optodisc. According to the article, the two companies were unable to settle on the price and volume of new shares and convertible bonds.
    Optodisc Technology, a second-tier maker of DVD discs in Taiwan, on April 5 announced that Japan-based Sino-JP Assets Management has decided to cancel its original plan of becoming its largest shareholder because both sides have been unable to settle on the price and volume of new shares and convertible bonds to be issued.
    For now, Optodisc plans to seek other target investors. If you'd like to read more, head on over to DigiTimes. Add a comment
    Advanced Media has announced their new RIDATA 8X DVD+R Double Layer media. With a capacity of 8.5GB, these discs can hold 4 hours of DVD-quality video, 16 hours of VHS-quality video or over 120 hours of MP3 audio.
    Advanced Media, Inc., manufacturer and marketer of the popular RIDATA brand of recordable CD and DVD media, electronic storage products, and digital media accessories, is introducing an 8x DVD+R Double Layer optical disc to its product line at Spring Retail Vision 2006. With an amazing 8.5GB of storage capacity, the advanced, single-sided disc is perfect for virtually any business or household application Shipments will begin immediately.

    "Users of the RIDATA 8x DVD+R Double-Layer medium, featuring a dramatically increased speed, will enjoy fast, reliable storage with a wide range of playback options.," stated Harvey Liu, Advanced Media president. "We are pleased to first offer it to the retail industry that will be taking advantage of Spring Retail Vision."
    No word yet on pricing or availability. As we find out more, we'll let you know. In the mean time, Advanced Media's entire press release can be found here. Add a comment