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While 100GB and 128GB Blu-ray BDXL discs are finally a reality, this hasn't stopped TDK from pushing the technology to new limits. According to the Japanese website, Tech-On!, TDK has now developed a 1TB (yes, terabyte) optical disc. This disc contains 16 layers, with each layer capable of storing 33GB on each side.
The company realized the large capacity by forming 16 recording layers, each of which has a capacity of 32 Gbytes on each side of the disc. The number of layers of an existing Blu-ray disc is four at most.
TDK succeeded in forming 16 layers by developing a disc material with a high light transmittance. Specifically, the light transmittance of one layer is 95.1%, and that of 16 layers is 72.6%.
Despite the number of layers, TDK claims that the time it takes to read one layer is the same as a standard Blu-ray Disc and the error rate is low enough for commercialization. The only problem they still have is the thickness of the recording layer (260μm), which needs to be 100μm or less to conform to the Blu-ray Disc specification.
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Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., a worldwide leader in digital consumer electronics and information technology, announced today its newest consumer-friendly external DVD writer, the SE-S084F optical disc drive. This drive will be available just in time for the holiday season at select online retail outlets.
“Weighing less than one pound and available in five distinct colors, the Samsung SE-S084F DVD Writer was built for netbook and mini PC users, who require the flexibility of a smaller device, but do not want to sacrifice the benefits of an optical disc drive,” said John Suh, director of OMS sales, optical disc drive division for Samsung Semiconductor, Inc. “For ultimate portability, the DVD writer offers customers high-performance reading and writing functions directly from a USB power source, removing the need for an AC adaptor or power cables.”
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Hitachi-LG Data Storage Inc. (HLDS), a global leader and technology innovator in optical disc storage (ODD), revealed to introduce SATA 6.0Gbps based 2nd Generation, 'Hybrid Drive', as a successive product to ODD Hybrid Drive 1st Generation introduced in Taiwan last June which was loaded with SSD (Solid State Drive) for the first time in the world, at CEATEC 2010 held in Makuhari Messe, Japan, from October 5 to 9.
The 2nd Generation, 'Hybrid Drive', is an innovative product equipped with SATA III (6.0Gbps) based improved speed, and a comprehensive SATA port, by accumulating ODD & SSD circuits in a integrated PCB. This is a perfect reincarnation of the previous ODD structure, and users of all PC products can utilize HDD, ODD, SDD at the same time without having to change the entire system, by just exchanging the previous ODD.
Differentiated functions have been added to the Hybrid Drive such as the Green Playback; a low electricity - Title playing technology, and a comparison of real functions between Hybrid Drive applied products and non applied products of AIO (All-in-one) PC, Mini PC, HTPC, Gaming/Premium Notebook, will be introduced at this CEATEC 2010.
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Sony Optiarc America today announced its first slim, portable and external Blu-ray Disc® (BD) rewritable drive to compliment notebooks, netbooks or desktop PCs.
The new BDX-S500U model writes single BD-R media at up to 6X and dual layer BD-R media at up to 4X speeds, recording a full 25GB disc in about 20 minutes. The 6X recording speed is achieved using 6X compatible BD-R media, and one 25GB Sony BD-R blank disc comes included in the retail box. Also included with the drive is CyberLink's Media Suite 8 for capturing, authoring, editing, backing up, viewing high-definition personal content and playing back Blu-ray Disc movies including 3D Blu-ray movies.
The portable drive offers quick and easy connectivity with a high speed USB (USB 2.0) digital interface for simple setup and maximum flexibility. It can be shared between computers for personal video, data, music or image backup, making it an excellent replacement drive for a standard DVD drive while offering all the benefits of Blu-ray Disc technology, including 3D Blu-ray high-definition playback capabilities.
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Pioneer Japan sent out a press release this morning, announcing its new 12x Blu-ray Disc writer, the BDR-S06J. This Serial ATA equipped drive 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 8x. The BDR-S06J also includes features like Pioneer's PowerRead and PureRead2 technologies as well as an advanced firmware that reduces noise by adjusting the rotation speed when playing movies. Pioneer rounds all this out with a software bundle from CyberLink that supports Blu-ray 3D playback via PowerDVD 9.
The BDR-S06J is scheduled to ship in early October and is expected to cost about 30,000 Yen ($361US).
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DigiTimes has reported that CMC Magnetics recently obtained certifcation from the Blu-ray Disc Association for its 50GB 6x BD-R DL media. According to the article, they are the first manufacturer outside of Japan to do so.
CMC Magnetics, the largest Taiwan-based maker of blank optical discs, on September 13 announced it has obtained certification from the Blu-ray Disc (BD) Association for its 50GB single-sided double-layer (DL) BD-R (recordable) discs at 6x write/read speed and has started volume production with monthly shipment volume to reach 150,000-200,000 discs beginning October 2010.
CMC is the first maker other than Japan-based ones to obtain the certification, the company pointed out. Based on the technology, CMC has been developing more advanced 3-layer and 4-layer BD-R formats, BDXL, the company indicated
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Sony Optiarc Europe has launched a new external Blu-ray Disc writer for intensive media users called BDX-S500U. This multi-talented device replaces an entire media centre. It writes to Blu-ray Disc at 6x speed, plays Blu-ray Disc movies, DVDs and CDs, archives large quantities of data and is suitable as a back-up medium and playback unit for practically any kind of terminal device. The BDX-S500U is also perfect for mobile technology fans who want maximum image quality and unlimited memory while they are on the move.
Installed in the living room, the BDX-S500U from Sony Optiarc is an impressively versatile unit. Delivered with the CyberLink BD Suite, the external burner replaces the DVD player in the home cinema system. It is also optimally equipped for future home cinema applications as one of the first Blu-ray Disc players for 3D movies. The BDX-S500U can be used for the fast and long-term archiving of personal memories such as family photos, for video collection organisation and for the storage of favourite music from the PC or audio player. Users who have a PC, notebook and netbook now only need one drive for all three devices. They can quickly and conveniently store vast quantities of data and always have access to the CDs and DVDs in their video and music collection. Even when travelling, movie and TV series fans benefit from the BDX-S500U because this compact and light Blu-ray Disc Writer delivers brilliant images – whether the user is on the train, in the hotel, using a notebook or a flat screen.
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Sony Optiarc has launched a new 12x Blu-ray Disc writer. The BWU-500S is designed for all PC users who appreciate high image quality. Whether you are movie fan, amateur video maker or hobby photographer – if you have a passion for images and need a lot of memory, the BWU-500S from Sony Optiarc offers you practically unlimited possibilities. The drive writes high-resolution TV images and personal memories in optimum quality to Blu-ray Discs or DVDs. It is also ideal as a playback unit for HD flat screens or HD computer projectors. The BWU-500S is also equipped for future movie, TV and gaming applications – and it plays back 3D movies perfectly.
The new Blu-ray Disc drive from Sony Optiarc is distinguished by its versatility. The BD writer not only delivers excellent image recording and playback quality, it is also suitable for back-ups and the long-term archiving of large volumes of data. The BWU-500S organises personal movie, photo and movie collections, preserves irreplaceable memories for the future and frees up space on your hard disc. Blu-ray Discs have a very long lifespan, which means they can store valuable content for long periods of time. Thanks to the device’s downward compatibility you can also continue to use your existing CDs and DVDs. The BWU-500S ensures that valuable digital content doesn’t get lost and it transforms a games or work PC into a comprehensive media centre that is fully equipped for future movie and TV applications.
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Buffalo Japan sent out a press release this morning, announcing its new portable, 3D-enabled Blu-ray Disc writer. The the BP3D-PI6U2-BK is capable of 6x BD-R, 6x BD-R DL, 4x BD-R LTH, 2x BD-RE and 2x BD-RE DL writing speeds and a maximum BD-ROM read speed of 6x. The drive also supports Pioneer's PureREAD and PowerRead technologies and can be powered off a computer's USB bus or the included AC adapter. Last but not least, the BP3D-PI6U2-BK comes bundled with CyberLink's PowerDVD 9 software which enables Blu-ray 3D playback as well as 2D to 3D conversion of DVD movies.
The BP3D-PI6U2-BK is scheduled to ship in early September and is expected to cost about 28,500 Yen ($338US).
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The new Extreme Slim External DVD-RW from ASUS combines attractive aesthetics with the advanced optical media features demanded by portable PC users in a single slim, USB-powered package.
Marking a departure from the bulky and bland appearance of typical external optical drives, the Extreme Slim External DVD-RW continues the emphasis placed by ASUS on innovative design. The extremely thin and compact squared form factor offers a refreshing take on this class of accessory, revitalizing the work and play spaces of PC users with a fun, easy to carry device.
It makes optical media accessible and effortless, fitting easily into any bag. The Extreme Slim External DVD-RW offers a high degree of portability, with its 14mm profile and lightweight construction. This extends full DVD read and write data and content handling to any Windows PC, being particularly helpful to users of netbooks, as those computers often do not have a built-in optical drive.
