In a move to further strengthen its leading position in CD-R technology, TDK EUROPE today announced the introduction of its latest ultra-fast CyClone CD-R/CD-RW Writer AI-321040X.Performing CD-R writing at 32x normal speed, the new internal unit reduces recording time for a complete CD to less than 3 minutes Moreover, the unit is equipped with proprietary technology including Buffer Underrun Protection and CRSC (Continuous Recording Speed Control), which ensures optimum data flow management and recording at the fastest possible speed allowed by the media used. CD-RW writing is at 10x,and CD-ROM reading at 40x normal speed. The unit runs under Windows 95/98/98SE/Me/2000/XP Windows NT 4.0 or higher and requires a free E-IDE (ATAPI)interface connector. It comes with Ahead's acclaimed NERO BURNING ROM, InCD and TDK's innovative Digital Mixmaster software. The TDK CyClone CD-R/CD-RW Writer AI- 21040X is set to retail at € 249 starting January 2002.

The new AI-321040X is the latest extension of TDK's highly successful range of CyClone computer peripherals. The drive ’s most outstanding features include Buffer Underrun Protection and CRSC (Continuous Recording Speed Control).Buffer Underrun Protection is a sophisticated method of data-stream and writing-process management, which not only guarantees error-free writing, but also preserves the multi-tasking capabilities of Windows PCs in full. CRSC continuously monitors the condition of the recording area over the whole disc to determine the highest possible recording speed. The writer may adjust the recording speed if the disc characteristics cannot support the user-selected speed. CRSC thus ensures optimum recording quality at the highest possible recording speed.

The bundled software includes Ahead's NERO BURNING ROM 5.5,InCD 3 and TDK Digital Mixmaster – programs that number among the most versatile CD burning software currently on the market.