CeBIT, 22nd March 2001 - With its new high-speed "CyClone 24/10/40", TDK once more underlines its position as one of Europe's leading manufacturers of premium-class CD technology. This version of the CyClone is the fastest internal IDE CD?R/RW writer worldwide. And it features top-rank performance data. The CyClone's maximum reading speed for CD media is 40X and for CD-R media 24X and CD-RW media up to 10X.

This new version of the TDK CyClone CD-R/RW, just like it's predecessor, the CyClone 16/10/40, outperforms its competitors by the sheer strength of its technical detail. It is one of the first drives to incorporate the latest BURN-Proof generation: BURN-Proof 2.

BURN-Proof 2 includes not only the now familiar BURN-Proof features but also "shockproof operation" and a system for preventing the "link blocks" previously caused by interruptions to writing when using BURN-Proof. BURN-Proof 2 avoids the "buffer underrun error" caused by an "empty" data buffer. It does so by means of a controller which, throughout the write process, continuously monitors the status of the data buffer. If the available data drops below 10 percent of the total buffer capacity, the controller initiates a controlled interrupt to the writing process and sets a write marker. New data is then loaded to the cache and the laser is repositioned. The drive synchronizes the data already written with the new data in the buffer and repositions the laser "behind" the sector most recently written.

BURN-Proof 2 also avoids the usual scenario in which CD writing completely locks up your PC. It ensures instead that, throughout the write process, your PC remains fully operational and available for other applications. Even relatively low-power computers, with TDK CyClone, can thus make high-speed recordings to a CD-R.

The CyClone is supplied together with "Nero", a software package excellently tuned to support BURN-Proof technology. Nero enables the user to process an MS-WORD document or to copy files while copying a CD at 24x speed at the same time. Further, the software bundle that comes with CyClone includes Digital MixMaster and the InCD packet writing program from TDK. Accessories included are the User Manual, the necessary cabling and installation fixtures, one CD-R Reflex Ultra, and one high-speed CD-RW.

TDK provides a one-year warranty on its CD-R/RW burner and offers access to a free telephone support service. The drive will be available from specialist shops and dealers from June 2001 onward at a price of about 700 German Marks / 360 euros.