DigiTimes has reported that CMC Magnetics recently received level A certification for its 2x BD-RE media. According to the article, they are the first Taiwanese manufacturer to do so.
CMC Magnetics, a maker of optical discs in Taiwan, on June 12 announced it has acquired level A certification for its 2x Blu-ray Disc (BD)-RE (rewritable) SL (single-sided single-layer) discs, the first recipient among Taiwan makers of optical discs.
If you'd like to read more, the entire article can be found here. Add a comment
AOpen has released some details on their new 20x "Super-Multi" drive, the DSW2012P . This new drive features 20x DVD±R, 8x DVD±R, 8x DVD+RW, and 12x DVD-RAM writing speeds. Here are some of the drive's specs:



Writing Speeds:
DVD+R: 20x
DVD+RW: 8x
DVD+R DL: 8x
DVD-R: 20x
DVD-RW: 6x
DVD-R DL: 8x
DVD-RAM: 12x
CD-R: 48X
CD-RW: 32x

Read Speeds:
DVD-ROM: 16x Max
DVD±R: 16x Max
DVD±R DL: 8x Max
DVD-RAM: 12X Max
CD-ROM: 48x Max
CD-ROM: 32x Max

Access Times:
DVD-ROM: 160ms
CD-ROM: 160ms


Like the DSW1812P, the DSW2012P appears to be based on a Lite-On design. The DSW2012P is shipping now, and can be purchased through various resellers for less than $40. Full details can be found on AOpen's website. Add a comment
ASUS doesn't appear to be choosing a side in the battle between Blu-ray and HD DVD. At this year's Computex, the company unveiled the BC-1205PT Blu-ray Disc drive and HR-0205T HD DVD drive. As Tech-On reports, these drives will be priced at $270 and $180 respectively.

At COMPUTEX TAIPEI 2007 being held in Taipei, Taiwan, Asustec computer Inc. (ASUS) of Taiwan is exhibiting the BC-1205PT Blu-ray Disc (BD) drive and HR-0205T HD DVD drive, both for a desktop PC.

These models are available at very low prices of about $270 and $180 (USD), respectively, because they do not have data writing functionality for BD and HD DVD. Reportedly, the company is also planning to launch the products in Japan, targeting the release as early as summer 2007.

The BC-1205PT boasts a high reading speed of 5x from BD-ROM/R/RE. It is capable of both reading and writing various types of DVD and CD formats. The HR-0205T can read at 2.4x speed from HD DVD-ROMs.
If I had to guess, I'd say that the BC-1205PT and HR-0205T are based on the Pioneer BDC-S02 and Toshiba SD-H802A. I'm sure we'll find out when they ship later this year. In the mean time, you can read more about ASUS's new drives here. Add a comment
Fujifilm announced today that they will be bringing Labelflash DVD media to the U.S. market. Similar in concept to HP's LightScribe technology, Labelflash lets you burn graphics and text onto the tops of special DVD discs.
FUJIFILM today announced the availability of recordable media for the Labelflash enabled laser-labeling DVD drives. This technology is being introduced in the U.S. market with select models of the new Toshiba Satellite A205/P205 Notebook computer series.

Labelflash technology was created as a joint project between engineers at Yamaha Corporation and Fujifilm Corporation. DVD drives enabled with Labelflash allow users to create customized, professional-looking DVDs with clear, finely detailed labeling by inscribing high-quality images and text directly into a specialized dye within the disc. The process eliminates the need for specialized printers, inks or sticky labels.

Fujifilm recordable media for Labelflash is initially available in DVD-R (16x) format and are capable of burning images in as little as five (5) minutes in ‘Fast’ mode and 15-20 minutes for the highest contrast.
Let's hope that Pioneer and Optiarc decide to bring their Labelflash compliant drives to the U.S. as well. If you'd like to read more, Fujifilm's entire press release can be found here. Add a comment
While the GGW-H10N has just started to ship, LG already has a new "Super Multi Blue" drive in the works. Details are still a bit sketchy. However, Tech-On reports that the GGW-H20N is an upgraded version of the GGW-H10N capable of writing to BD-R/RE media and reading HD DVD's.

Hitachi LG Data Storage, Inc. (Hitachi LG) has exhibited "GGW-H20N" prototype optical disc drive for desktop PCs that supports both Blu-ray Disc (BD) and HD DVD at its booth as a reference presentation at "COMPUTEX TAIPEI 2007" being held in Taipei, Taiwan.

"We have already started sample shipments and plan volume production and shipments for the second half of 2007," a booth attendant said.
Tech-On also reports that LG will be offering the GGC-H20N. This lower priced drive will lack the GGW-H20N's BD-R/RE recording capabilities. If you'd like to read more, Tech-On's entire article can be found here. Add a comment