Mitsubishi Chemical announced this week that their "ARLEDIA" DVD-R media is now being sold under the Verbatim brand. These archival grade discs feature DYN-AZO dye and a Au/Ag (gold/silver) reflective layer which offers twice the lifetime of conventional DVD-R media. The discs also have a special hard coating that protects the recording surface from scratches and fingerprints.

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The new Verbatim brand ARLEDIA media is available in both single (DHR47HAD1V1) and five packs (DHR47HAD5V1) which are priced at around 480 Yen ($5.79US) and 2280 Yen ($27.50US), respectively.

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Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. continues its innovation in the optical disc drive category with today’s announcement of its new professional, high definition BDXL internal Blu-ray Disc drive. The Pioneer BDR-206MBK, BDXL writer for Windows based personal computers, is the first drive to read and write using the new multi-layer recordable Blu-ray Disc format. BDXL more than doubles the current maximum Blu-ray Disc storage capacity and is ideal for various commercial uses such as video and broadcast archiving and storage, capturing and playback of high definition programming or data archiving needs. The BDR-206MBK also enhances recording accuracy and further limits artificial noise for quality playback.

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By integrating additional layers to traditional Blu-ray Discs, BDXL offers up to 128 GB of storage capacity on a quadruple layer disc. The BDR-206MBK drive allows users to read/write BD-R XL and BD-RE XL triple layer (100GB) and BD-R XL quadruple layer (128GB) discs. Additionally, the drive can play back and record on virtually all disc formats including CD, DVD, and Blu-ray Disc. The drive comes bundled with CyberLink software to support BDXL and is ready for use out of the box. For a limited time, Pioneer is including a piece of BD-R XL 100GB media for free with each drive.

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Lite-On, a global leader of optical storage solutions, announces the new eNAU608 External Slim DVD writer that lets users personalize their drive and disc. The decorative interchangeable top cover inserts included in the drive give the device a stylish twist. Moreover, users can create their own inserts by simply adding their favorite pictures or patterns to the cover. The eNAU608 features both LabelTag and LightScribe direct disc labeling technologies for their DVDs or CDs.

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The eNAU608 is a slim and portable external 8X DVD writer wrapped in an elegant slim case that offers an easy and convenient solution for sharing photos, creating home videos or backing up data. The compact and lightweight design is ideal for laptops and netbooks and is USB-powered so no other cables or adapters need to be carried, making the eNAU608 a perfect companion for professionals, students and people on the go.

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I-O Data Japan sent out a press release this morning, announcing two new 3D-enabled Blu-ray Disc writers. The internal BRD-3DS12 is capable of 12x BD-R, 12x BD-R DL, 6x BD-R LTH, 2x BD-RE and 2x BD-RE DL writing speeds and a maximum BD-ROM read speed of 10x. The external BRD-3DU8 isn't quite as fast. Due to its USB 2.0 interface, the drive's BD-R and BD-R DL writing speeds are limited to only 8x.  

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The BRD-3DS12 and BRD-3DU8 come bundled with WinDVD BD3D as well as Nero 9 Essentials and are expected to cost 28,50 Yen ($343US) and 29,600 Yen ($356US), respectively, when they hits stores at the end of November.

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Lite-On announces today the introduction of their most versatile 24X DVD writer to date: the iHAS624. The iHAS624 is a fast and reliable SATA DVD Writer with various disc labeling techniques as well as Smart-Erase for safe and permanent disc erasing. The drive is designed for DVD writing at 24X and features the latest optical drive technologies for accurate disc writing. This DVD Writer reduces the time it takes to reliably secure business files, backup personal files or create DVD videos.

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Using LabelTag means a convenient and cost-effective way for labeling any DVD±R single layer disc without using additional software. LabelTag is a patented Lite-On feature that allows users to create a circular label on the data discs. When creating the disc, users can add text and/or images printed on the same side of the disc where the data is stored. No need to use markers, stickers, or even the hassle of flipping the disc. There is no special media required and the disc remains fully compatible with other playback devices.

Additionally, users can choose to label their discs with LightScribe technology. With LightScribe one can directly create customized labels and burn them onto LightScribe compatible DVDs and CDs.

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I-O Data Japan sent out a press release this morning, announcing its new portable 6x Blu-ray Disc writer, the BRP-U6. While measuring a mere 137×154×20mm, this USB bus powered drive is capable of 6x BD-R, 6x BD-R LTH, 4x BD-R DL, 2x BD-RE and 2x BD-RE DL writing speeds and a maximum BD read speed of 6x. The BRP-U6 is also backwards compatible with all DVD and CD formats and comes bundled with Nero 9 Essentials.

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The BRP-U6 is expected to ship in early December for a suggested retail price of 22,100 Yen ($266US).

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Plextor, a leading brand of high-performance digital media solutions, announces a new 24X DVD writer in Europe. The PX-L890SA is a highly accurate internal DVD RW developed for high quality DVD and CD burning. It has been designed with a rigid chassis and multiple dampers to absorb vibrations ensuring recording quality and stability, even at maximum 24X. Specially designed airflow paths cool the motor and other heat producing components extending the operational life of the drive.

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The drive is bundled with Nero 9 Essentials software and Plextor's own PlexUtilities and also incorporates LightScribe direct disc labeling.

The key features of recording accuracy, speed and powerful utility software make the PX-L890SA an essential choice for any purchaser requiring precise DVD burning.

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Plextor, a leading brand of high-performance digital media solutions, announces a new 12X BD writer in Europe. The PX-LB950SA is an exceptional high-speed Blu-ray writer, providing both smooth high-definition video playback and large-capacity data storage. It is able to record a 25GB single-layer disc in unprecedented 12 minutes and offers a substantial 50GB of data storage on a double layer Blu-ray disc, making the PX-LB950SA the ideal device for high-definition video and other data applications.

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Every aspect of the PX-LB950SA has been designed for data recording accuracy at 12X, while simultaneously reducing operational noise and vibrations. The drive is provided with PowerDVD 9 BD Suite, which incorporates a full range of flexible software tools for 3D Blu-ray playback and standard Blu-ray and DVD playback and recording. In addition, the powerful PlexUtilities software, of comprehensive test tool, media information, drive information, and drive tuning system, is also included. And with LightScribe direct disc labeling, users can burn customized labels on any LightScribe compatible discs.

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Lite-On, a global leader of optical storage solutions, presents their new external slim DVD writer with interchangeable cover patterns. Match fashions, express individuality, or brighten up your mood. Users can customize their drive design with their favorite cover pattern.

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The eNAU608 is a reliable Lite-On 8X DVD burner wrapped in an elegant slim case; perfect for sharing photos, creating home videos, or backing up downloads on the go. Users can enjoy disc burning and watch DVD movies on any notebook thanks to the compact and light design of the drive.

For added convenience the power to the portable drive is provided by USB, no other cables or adapters need to be carried. The eNAU608 is compatible with all common DVD and CD formats including DVD+R, DVD+RW, DVD-R, DVD-RW, DVD+R9, DVD-RAM, DVD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW, and CD-ROM.

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Sony Optiarc America today announced its next-generation half-height internal Blu-ray Disc® (BD) rewritable drives for the computer aftermarket. Available in a retail and OEM configuration, the new drives are an ideal replacement burner for a standard DVD drive while offering all the benefits of Blu-ray Disc technology, including Blu-ray 3D™ high-definition playback.

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The drives write single BD-R media at up to 12X and dual layer BD-R media at up to 8X speeds, recording a full 25GB disc in about 10 minutes.  The 12X recording speed is achieved using 6X compatible BD-R media.

The BWU-500S retail branded model comes with CyberLink’s Media Suite 8 software for capturing, authoring, editing, backing up, viewing high-definition personal content and playing back Blu-ray Disc movies including 3D Blu-ray movies.  Also included in the retail box is one 25GB Sony BD-R blank disc.

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