BENQ 1625 including Lightscribe technology

[Scour]

Hello!

Only 8x DVD-R ? That´s not I´m waiting for, why did Benq do that?

[dolphinius_rex]

Hello!

Only 8x DVD-R ? That´s not I´m waiting for, why did Benq do that?

For the DW1625? I'm not sure why they did that... however it's based on similar hardware to the DW1620 so it's possible this might be changed in time to 16x.

[Scour]

Hello!

Only 8x DVD-R ? That´s not I´m waiting for, why did Benq do that?

For the DW1625? I'm not sure why they did that... however it's based on similar hardware to the DW1620 so it's possible this might be changed in time to 16x.

Hope, you´re right. 8x DVD-R is not a real argument for me, my old LG 4082 can also burn @8x

[dodecahedron]

seeing as i purchased the BenQ 1620 today, now's a good time to ask all the folks with the insider info for an update.
when are the new models 1625, 1640, coming out?
tomorrow? or next Monday ?

[Ian]

1625 in March. No word on the 1640 though. I'm guessing shortly after the 1625.

The 1625 is actually slower than your 1620. The only real benefit is support for LightScribe.

[dolphinius_rex]

1625 in March. No word on the 1640 though. I'm guessing shortly after the 1625.

The 1625 is actually slower than your 1620. The only real benefit is support for LightScribe.

The DW1640 is scheduled for release one month after the DW1625.

[dodecahedron]

OK and what's the difference between 1620 and 1640?
are they based on the same hardware (= 1620 can be 'modded' into 1640)?

[dolphinius_rex]

OK and what's the difference between 1620 and 1640?
are they based on the same hardware (= 1620 can be 'modded' into 1640)?

Nope.

The DW1625 is based on the DW1620 hardware, but is not moddable because there is actual hardware added to incorperate the lightscribe ability.

The DW1640 is based on new hardware, and will allow for faster speeds for RWs, and probably DVD-R9 recording.

[eleewhm]

its here released oficially in singapore on 10 March

http://forums.hardwarezone.com/showthread.php?t=963296

[dodecahedron]

thanks for the heads-up, eleewhm

[eleewhm]

another update from lightscribe for BenQ

i lifted what is interesting...

5. Can the LightScribe drive be upgraded to take advantage of the speed enhancement?

Yes. There will be a software update available to take advantage of the speed enhancement and a drive firmware update may be required. LightScribe-enabled software can detect when an update is needed, and will prompt you to get one.



6. Will I need to purchase a new LightScribe DVD drive when the new media with the speed enhancement is available in the market?
LightScribe has just announced a 50% speed enhancement, to be available in the next quarter, which completes a full LightScribe label burning within 20 minutes. Such enhancement comes from changes made to the discs themselves, and these new media will be compatible with the existing drive.

[RJW]

The DW1640 is based on new hardware, and will allow for faster speeds for RWs, and probably DVD-R9 recording.

What about 8x Dual layer DVD+R? The specificiations should probally be there at the time.
Knoweing the involvement of Philips I would expect that it will support it.

[dolphinius_rex]

The DW1640 is based on new hardware, and will allow for faster speeds for RWs, and probably DVD-R9 recording.

What about 8x Dual layer DVD+R? The specificiations should probally be there at the time.
Knoweing the involvement of Philips I would expect that it will support it.

Not confirmed yet, but it's possible it will be added through a firmware upgrade. Given how BenQ handled the DW1620, I wouldn't be surprised at all if we saw increased specs from the date of release to the date of discontinuation.