Pioneer Europe announces first multiple format 16X DVD writer with 4X +R DL
Pioneer launches DVR-A08XL, industry's first DVD writer to support 16x write speeds on both DVD-R/+R along with the option to write at 4x speed on Double Layer media.
With the facility to write 4.7GB of data to write-once media in seven minutes, or store up to 8.5GB on Double Layer media, the DVR-A08XL enhances a wide range of DVD applications including the authoring, editing and storing of video files, developing digital music catalogues, building image libraries and backing up data.
"Writing speed and data capacity are the key performance factors for DVD writers and understandably manufacturers have focused on these issues in the build up to the launch of next generation writers. Indeed, with its 16x write-speed complemented by the flexibility to store up to 8.5GB - equivalent to four hours of Standard Play (SP) video quality - the DVR-A08XL leads the pack.
At the same time, customers are also concerned about the overall technical capabilities and the design of DVD drives and with a range of colour options and advanced technology improving the form and functionality of the product, we are confident that the DVR-A08XL will become the premier DVD writer for professionals and consumers alike," observes Chris Tampsett, Senior Manager, Pioneer Europe NV, Multimedia Division.
Enhanced technology and features
The DVR-A08XL is available in beige and black colours to complement the contemporary design of new PCs and offers a wide range of technologies to produce a fast yet quiet DVD writer. Improved writing speeds can generate higher noise levels due to the increased velocity of disc rotation and consumer research indicates that the background ambient noise of DVD drives is becoming more noticeable.
The DVR-A08XL incorporates Pioneer's QuietDrive technology that was first introduced in the DVR-A07XL. QuietDrive features a honeycomb design in the unit's top outer casing that reduces vibration from the drive mechanism. Together with noise dampening firmware and a lack of integral fan, ambient noise from the DVR-A08XL is significantly reduced.
The DVR-A08XL also features a range of innovations, "Precision Recording Technology", that improve DVD writing performance.
Precision Recording Technology includes:
Smart Laser Driver - the drive circuitry has been moved to the laser pick up to prevent signal distortion between the main board and the drive pick up.
Liquid Crystal Tilt/Thickness Compensator - the mechanism helps to ensure precise writing onto the surface of discs that have become warped or are of uneven thickness. Such media can also cause vibration in the drive mechanism that impairs recording quality. Ultra
Dynamic Resonance Absorber (Low Vibration Mechanism) - this acts to reduce the instability and vibration which is caused by imbalanced or damaged media, to achieve and maintain the integrity of the recording and playback performance.
The drive will be available in September for under ?200 through Pioneer resellers and retailers. An OEM version of the drive - the DVR-108 - will also be available through PC manufacturers. (The DVR-108 does not include the honeycomb chassis or the front bezel design of the DVR-A08XL, as it is an internal drive intended for OEM manufacturers to install in their PC's.)
Software bundle
The DVR-A08XL is bundled with a high-quality software suite 'MyDVD Studio Deluxe' from Sonic. This enables consumers to easily capture video and edit the footage and also provides DVD authoring, writing and playback functionality. Key features include:
MyDVD Deluxe - enables users to easily move from capture to edit, to writing. It also supports the creation of professional looking DVDs and VideoCDs with menus and buttons.
DLA (Drive Letter Access) - allows 'drag-and-drop' functionality to write data files directly onto the CD or DVD icon where they are processed, formatted and burned in a single step - the same as using a hard drive.
RecordNow! - includes all the features needed for writing CDs and DVDs, exact copies, and disc images - completed with just a few clicks of the mouse. Now with Double Layer support, users can benefit from double the storage capacity.
Simple Backup - provides users with comprehensive, fast, and easy-to-use data protection. Backup and restore can be completely automated by easy-to-follow wizards, providing trouble-free operation. The easiest way to backup a PC.
CinePlayer - delivers the highest quality video playback available for users' PCs. Additionally, CinePlayer is the first DVD player to support the OpenDVD? format, making it possible to seamlessly open your OpenDVD? project in MyDVD for further editing.
* Until such time as 16x media is available (expected October 2004) 16x write speeds can be achieved on selected 8x speed DVD-R/+R media types. A list of such media will be published on Pioneer's website.
** 4x Double Layer media is not expected to be available until January 2005. Until then 4x write speeds can be achieved on selected +R 2.4x Double Layer media. A list of such media will be published on Pioneer's website.
"Writing speed and data capacity are the key performance factors for DVD writers and understandably manufacturers have focused on these issues in the build up to the launch of next generation writers. Indeed, with its 16x write-speed complemented by the flexibility to store up to 8.5GB - equivalent to four hours of Standard Play (SP) video quality - the DVR-A08XL leads the pack.
At the same time, customers are also concerned about the overall technical capabilities and the design of DVD drives and with a range of colour options and advanced technology improving the form and functionality of the product, we are confident that the DVR-A08XL will become the premier DVD writer for professionals and consumers alike," observes Chris Tampsett, Senior Manager, Pioneer Europe NV, Multimedia Division.
Enhanced technology and features
The DVR-A08XL is available in beige and black colours to complement the contemporary design of new PCs and offers a wide range of technologies to produce a fast yet quiet DVD writer. Improved writing speeds can generate higher noise levels due to the increased velocity of disc rotation and consumer research indicates that the background ambient noise of DVD drives is becoming more noticeable.
The DVR-A08XL incorporates Pioneer's QuietDrive technology that was first introduced in the DVR-A07XL. QuietDrive features a honeycomb design in the unit's top outer casing that reduces vibration from the drive mechanism. Together with noise dampening firmware and a lack of integral fan, ambient noise from the DVR-A08XL is significantly reduced.
The DVR-A08XL also features a range of innovations, "Precision Recording Technology", that improve DVD writing performance.
Precision Recording Technology includes:
Smart Laser Driver - the drive circuitry has been moved to the laser pick up to prevent signal distortion between the main board and the drive pick up.
Liquid Crystal Tilt/Thickness Compensator - the mechanism helps to ensure precise writing onto the surface of discs that have become warped or are of uneven thickness. Such media can also cause vibration in the drive mechanism that impairs recording quality. Ultra
Dynamic Resonance Absorber (Low Vibration Mechanism) - this acts to reduce the instability and vibration which is caused by imbalanced or damaged media, to achieve and maintain the integrity of the recording and playback performance.
The drive will be available in September for under ?200 through Pioneer resellers and retailers. An OEM version of the drive - the DVR-108 - will also be available through PC manufacturers. (The DVR-108 does not include the honeycomb chassis or the front bezel design of the DVR-A08XL, as it is an internal drive intended for OEM manufacturers to install in their PC's.)
Software bundle
The DVR-A08XL is bundled with a high-quality software suite 'MyDVD Studio Deluxe' from Sonic. This enables consumers to easily capture video and edit the footage and also provides DVD authoring, writing and playback functionality. Key features include:
MyDVD Deluxe - enables users to easily move from capture to edit, to writing. It also supports the creation of professional looking DVDs and VideoCDs with menus and buttons.
DLA (Drive Letter Access) - allows 'drag-and-drop' functionality to write data files directly onto the CD or DVD icon where they are processed, formatted and burned in a single step - the same as using a hard drive.
RecordNow! - includes all the features needed for writing CDs and DVDs, exact copies, and disc images - completed with just a few clicks of the mouse. Now with Double Layer support, users can benefit from double the storage capacity.
Simple Backup - provides users with comprehensive, fast, and easy-to-use data protection. Backup and restore can be completely automated by easy-to-follow wizards, providing trouble-free operation. The easiest way to backup a PC.
CinePlayer - delivers the highest quality video playback available for users' PCs. Additionally, CinePlayer is the first DVD player to support the OpenDVD? format, making it possible to seamlessly open your OpenDVD? project in MyDVD for further editing.
* Until such time as 16x media is available (expected October 2004) 16x write speeds can be achieved on selected 8x speed DVD-R/+R media types. A list of such media will be published on Pioneer's website.
** 4x Double Layer media is not expected to be available until January 2005. Until then 4x write speeds can be achieved on selected +R 2.4x Double Layer media. A list of such media will be published on Pioneer's website.
