Plextor Europe announced its first external slot loading Double layer Dual Format drive, the new PX-716UFL, as well as the PX-740UF, the external version of the recently announced PX-740A. Plextor PX-716UFL

The PX-716UFL writes at 16X for DVD+R and DVD-R, and 6X for DVD+R DL and DVD-R DL (Double Layer). The drive rewrites at 8X for DVD+RW and 4X DVD-RW. The PX-716UFL reads CD-ROMs at 48X and DVD-ROMs at 16X.

The PX-716UFL comes in an external version with a slot loading mechanism, providing a longer life span and increased durability, as there is no risk of a tray being broken. The drive is aimed at professional users and comes with an 8MB buffer while also supporting both 12 cm discs as well as 8 cm discs.

Basic features:

Writing

• DVD+R: 16x
• DVD-R: 16x
• DL DVD+R: 6X
• DL DVD-R: 6X
• CD-R: 48x

Rewriting

• DVD+RW: 8x
• DVD-RW: 4x
• CD-RW: 24x
• Reading DVD-ROM: 16x
• CD-ROM: 48x

Buffer Underrun Proof Technology
GigaRec Technology
Intelligent Recording
Taiyo Yuden's "AutoStrategy" is a self-learning writing technology to optimise the writing quality on any type of media
"Intelligent Tilt" controls the laser in three dimensions, to ensure high quality writing and reading if the disc surface has imperfections
"PoweRec" is a complex piece of writing intelligence ensuring superior recording quality at high speeds on certified media
SecureRecording Technology
Silent Mode
Q-Check
VariRec Technology
Supports Lossless Linking (DVD+R/RW)
Zero Link (DVD-R/RW)
Supports Background Formatting
Access Time <100 ms for CD; 150 ms for DVD
8MB Buffer
USB 2.0 & IEEE 1394 (FireWire)
Availability: End of August

The PX-716UFL is supported by a Fast Warranty Service from Plextor.

Plextor PX-740UF

The PX-740UF writes at 16X for DVD+R and DVD-R and 8X for DVD+R DL (Double Layer) and 4X for DVD-R DL (Dual Layer). The drive rewrites at 8X for DVD+RW and 6X DVD-RW. The PX-740UF reads CD-ROMs at 48X and DVD-ROMs at 16X.

The PX-740UF comes in an internal version with a Tray load mechanism.
The Retail package includes: PX-740UF (DVD Recorder); USB cable; screws; Quick Installation Guide; Software (full and trial versions): PlexTools Professional, PlexTools Professional XL, Cyberlink, Nero, Pinnacle, Sonic.

Basic features:

Writing

• DVD+R: 16x
• DVD-R: 16x
• DL DVD+R: 8X
• DL DVD-R: 4X
• CD-R: 48x

Rewriting

• DVD+RW: 8x
• DVD-RW: 6x
• CD-RW: 32x

Reading

• DVD-ROM: 16x
• CD-ROM: 48x

Buffer Underrun Proof Technology
Supports Lossless Linking (DVD+R/RW)
Zero Link (DVD-R/RW)
Supports Background Formatting
Access Time <100 ms for CD; 150 ms for DVD
2MB Buffer
USB 2.0 & IEEE 1394 (FireWire)
Availability: End of August

At the same time, Plextor Japan has announced another DVD burner, based on the ATAPI PX-716A model.

The PX-716AL, which is also an ATAPI slot-loading drive based on the PX-716A. Availability of this drive is schedulled by the end of August, at a price tag of 19,980 Yen. The specific drive will also be available in limited quantities, coming in both black and white versions.