Pioneer announced the DVR-S706-J, a new external DVD/CD RW drive in a sleek design, capable of 8x writing speed for DVD+/-R discs and 4x for DVD+/-RW media.It also records at 24x speed with CD-R and CD-RW discs. DVD-RAM playback is also supported to improve the playback compatibility in DVD formats. The new writer has drastically reduced operating noise during the high speed rotation by employing the UltraDRA and reviewing the internal structure for quiet operation. Plus, the "Performance Adjusting Firmware" automatically controls the disc's rotation speed to keep operation noise at the minimum in the write and read modes.

By installing the "Performance Adjusting Utility", application software bundled with the writer, the users can manually select the disc rotation mode from the three modes to change the read speed. In addition to automatic switching of the rotation speed by the Performance Adjusting Firmware, the Performance Adjusting Utility enables users to manually change the disc rotation modes: the quiet mode (factory mode) to start reading at the low rotation, the performance mode to start reading at the high rotation, and the standard mode not to automatically change the disc rotation.

Standard IEEE1394 and USB2.0 ports connectivity is supported and the monthly production is expected to be 2,000 units.

The Pioneer DVR-S706-J employs the Pioneer dveloped technologies of Liquid Crystal Tilt Compensator, Smart Laser Driver, Ultra Dynamic Resonance Absorber, and Precision Recording Technology. Furthermore, by supporting the Distributed Defect Real Management System (with the use of SAI's WriteDVD! software, supplied with the unit), the new writer further increases the DVD-RW recording reliability.

Availability in the start of May.



Bundled Software for the DVR-S706-J

DVD MovieWriter Advance SE (by Ulead Systems):
MovieWriter Advance SE is personal authoring software that enables users to make their own DVDs in a simple and enjoyable way. Users can compile their own full-fledged DVD titles using the simple controls and varied templates.
Main features:
- The VR import function to easily edit VR-format data recorded disc on their PCs
- Dolby Digital (AC-3) audio recording
- The slideshow function to view still images on a DVD player
VideoStudio 7 SE (by Ulead Systems)
VideoStudio 7 SE video-editing software features a variety of editing tools that offer speed and ease of use
Main features:
- A variety of editing functions such as transition effect
- The real-time rendering preview to reduce the editing time
RecordNow (by Sonic Solutions)
RecordNow is DVD/CD-writing software aimed at a wide range of users, from beginners to PC experts
Main features:
- Two recording modes available
- A variety of data recording functions such as "quick format" and "multiborder"
Write DVD! (by SAI)
WriteDVD! is packet writing software that supports the popular "quick format" and offers an easy, floppy disk-style writing operation with its drag-and-drop function. Main features:
- Supporting the Distributed Defect Real Management System (DRT-DM) to handle DVD-RW media
Simple Backup (by Sonic Solutions)
Simple Backup software simplifies irritating backup tasks, making it easy to back up important data, including system data
WinDVD 5 (by Intervideo)
DVD-Video playback software. It also plays DVD discs recorded in the VR mode
Performance Adjusting Utility
This software allows the users to manually select the disc rotation mode from three modes (Quite, Performance, and Standard) to change the read speed (disc rotation).