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19 June 2007

Today, CDRLabs brings you an in depth look at LG's latest "Super-Multi" drive, the GSA-H55L. This highly anticipated drive features some of the fastest reading and writing speeds available. The GSA-H55L is capable of 20x DVD±R, 10x DVD±R DL, 8x DVD+RW, 6x DVD-RW and 12x DVD-RAM writing speeds and has a maximum DVD read speed of 16x. LG's new drive also offers a number of features, including support for technologies like LightScribe and SecurDisc.

In this review we'll take a look at some of the features found on the GSA-H55L and see how it compares to some of the 18x and 20x DVD±RW drives from the competition. Does LG's new "Super-Multi" drive have what it takes? Is it the fastest DVD writer around? You'll have to read the review to find out.

LG GSA-H55L 20x Super-Multi DVD±RW/RAM

If you have any comments or questions about this review or the LG GSA-H55L, please post them in the forum. Add a comment

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Optical Storage

19 June 2007

Samsung held a "Storage Power Lunch" in New York today. At the event, the company unveiled a number of new storage products, including their first 20x DVD writer, the SH-S203. Along with support for Serial ATA, the SH-S203 features 20x DVD±R, 16x DVD+R DL and 12x DVD-RAM writing speeds.

Samsung Electronics Ltd., the worldwide digital consumer electronics and information technology leader, announces the world’s fastest DVD burner, the Super-WriteMaster SH-S203. The SH-S203 is a 20X Serial ATA (SATA) DVD burner that offers the fastest DVD+R/-R and DVD+R DL write speeds of any drive on the market today and supports all CD/DVD discs including DVD-RAM. The SH-S203 is shipping nation wide in with a street price of $70 ands is being introduced today at the company’s storage press conference in New York City.

The SH-S203 features the fastest recording times of any drive on the market with industry leading: 20X DVD±R recording, 12X DVD-RAM recording, 16X DVD+R Dual Layer recording, 12X DVD-R Dual Layer recording, 8X DVD+RW recording and 6X DVD-RW recording. Samsung’s first 20X DVD drive supports the SATA interface, with SATA PCs now dominating the PC market. With its SATA interface, the SH-S203 eliminates the need for Master/Slave jumper settings and provides thinner data cables, improving airflow and cable routing.

According to Samsung's press release, the SH-S203 can burn an entire DVD±R disc in about 4 minutes and 38 seconds. This is pretty impressive.. if the drive can deliver on these claims. If you'd like to read more about the SH-S203, the entire press release can be found here. Add a comment

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Optical Storage

19 June 2007

Plextor Europe sent out a press release earlier today, announcing a new external 18x multi-format DVD writer. Along with support for both FireWire and USB 2.0, the PX-810UF features 18x DVD±R, 10x DVD±R DL and 12x DVD-RAM writing speeds.

Following the success of the recently launched internal PX-800A & PX-810SA DVD ReWriters, Plextor announces its new high end external drive - the PX-810UF. This fast 18x drive is ideal for all users as it is compatible with both Mac and PC systems. From professionals and enthusiasts, through to anyone looking for a stylish addition or upgrade to their home/office set-up, the PX-810UF offers the ideal solution. It features Plextor’s legendary quality and reliability in a robust matt black external unit. Fully compatible with Microsoft Vista and the latest Mac OS, it is perfect for the Mac community - including designers, agencies, marketing teams and any small office or home/SOHO users.

No word on price yet. However, the PX-810UF is scheduled to ship in July 2007. More information is available on Plextor's website. Add a comment

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19 June 2007

As we reported a few weeks ago, Toshiba currently plans to put HD DVD drives in all of their notebook computers. The company is apparently starting with their mainstream models, incorporating HD DVD drives into the Satellite P205, Satellite X205 and Qosmio F45. Toshiba also plans to release the first U.S. notebook with a writable HD DVD drive later this year.

Toshiba's Digital Product Division (DPD), a division of Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc., today announced that the Satellite P205, Satellite X205 and Qosmio F45 will be the company's first mainstream mobile solutions to incorporate HD DVD drives, while the Qosmio G45 will be the first U.S. notebook computer with a writeable HD DVD optical drive, and will be available to consumers in time for the back-to-school season.

"In the realm of high definition nothing compares to the capability and quality that is available through HD DVD," said Mark Simons, vice president and general manager, Digital Products Division, Toshiba America Information Systems, Inc. "Due to manufacturing efficiencies being achieved for HD DVD, we're able to add this revolutionary technology into our mainstream consumer notebook lineup at affordable prices."

Toshiba's HD DVD enabled notebooks range in price from $1,449 to $3,199, depending on the model and configuration. More information can be found here. Add a comment

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Optical Storage

18 June 2007

Lite-On has finally unveiled their new series of "Super AllWrite" drives. The DH-20A3L, DH-20A3H, DH-20A3S and DH-20A3P all features 20x DVD±R, 8x DVD±R DL and 12x DVD-RAM writing speeds. The big difference between the four is their support for LightScribe (DH-20A3L and DH-20A3H) and Serial ATA (DH-20A3L and DH-20A3S). Here are some of the drives' specs:

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

Read Speeds: DVD-ROM: 16x Max CD-ROM: 48x Max Access Times: DVD-ROM: 160ms CD-ROM: 160ms

According to April's product roadmap, these drives were supposed to support the DVD-RW DL format. However, looking at the specs on Lite-On's website, that doesn't seem to be the case. More information on all four drives can be found here. Add a comment

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Home Entertainment

18 June 2007

Thanks to Blu-ray.com, we've learned of a new Blu-ray Disc player from Hong Kong based manufacturer, GoWell Enterprises. While details are a bit sketchy, the G875 appears to support HDMI 1.3 and wireless networking and will have 1G of NAND flash memory. Here are some of the player's specs:

· Support Blu-ray driver · USB 2.0 interface(high speed) & card reader · Support SD/MMC/MS/XD card · Support 1G NAND Flash · DISC Playable: Blu-ray disc/H.264/MPEG4/DivX/XviD/DVD/SVCD/VCD/CD/MP3/Kodak Picture/Photo CD/WMV9 · Support: DivX 3.11/4.02/5.02/5.03/5.05 and later, DivXPro, XviD, Nero digital · PAL/NTSC/MULTI TV system compatible · Full function remote control · Support 4:3 & 16:9 TV mode · High Definition video(HDMI V1.3) output · 10/100M BaseT Ethernet (RJ45) · Mini PCI interface, Support wireless home networking · SATA HDD socket · Building in HDD

At this point, its unknown when GoWell's player will be hitting store shelves or how much it will be. As we find out more, we'll let you know. In the mean time, you can read all about the G875 on GoWell's website. Add a comment

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Home Entertainment

18 June 2007

Since late last year, Blockbuster has been testing the waters, renting both Blu-ray and HD DVD titles in 250 of their stores. The company recently announced plans to increase this number to 1700. However, with 70% of the high-def rentals going to Blu-ray, Blockbuster has decided not to offer HD DVD titles at these new locations.

Blockbuster Inc. will rent high-definition DVDs only in the Blu-ray format in 1,450 stores when it expands its high-def offerings next month, dealing a major blow to the rival HD DVD format.

The move, being announced Monday, could be the first step in resolving a format war that has kept confused consumers from rushing to buy new DVD players until they can determine which format will dominate the market.

Blockbuster has been renting both Blu-ray and HD DVD titles in 250 stores since late last year and found that consumers were choosing Blu-ray titles more than 70 percent of the time.

This isn't good news for HD DVD fans. With Blockbuster going Blu-ray, it probably won't be long before smaller video rental services do the same. If you'd like to read more, the entire article can be found here. Add a comment

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Optical Storage

15 June 2007

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

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Optical Storage

15 June 2007

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