Plextor Europe sent out a press release this morning, announcing its first external Blu-ray drive. Along with support for both FireWire and USB 2.0, the PX-B920UF features 4x BD-R, 4x BD-R DL and 2x BD-RE writing speeds and is capable of playing back both Blu-ray and HD DVD movies. The drive will be available through European retailers at the end of this month.
Leading optical drive manufacturer and storage expert Plextor announces its first external ReWriter drive for burning high capacity Blu-ray discs – the PX-B920UF. Offering up to 50GB storage capacity (double layer), the dual-format drive is capable of writing Blu-ray discs at 4x (BD-R) and also plays HD-DVD ROM discs.
This fast drive is ideal for users serious about their storage and movies - and with both USB2.0 and FireWire connectivity, it’s compatible with Mac and PC systems. In addition, Plextor has added extra convenience by including LightScribe technology to enable custom text and designs to be printed/burned onto discs.
Developed from the company’s existing internal range of Blu-ray drives, the technology is experiencing serious demand from high-end users. Rudy de Meirsman, Sales & Marketing Manager of Plextor Europe, explains: “Blu-ray drives are really taking off as HD movies become popular, availability increases and prices come down. Consumers still want high end, high reliability premium drives as part of their PC/audiovisual setup, despite the economic slowdown.”
The PX-B920UF with a new black casing with satin finish (also used for PX-830UF) uses the latest Blu-ray technology (and reads HD-DVDs), but is also a highly versatile dual-layer DVD drive that combines multiple formats - DVD R/RW and RAM - into one. It can accept both 12cm and 8cm discs (in the horizontal position) and has a 4MB buffer to ensure there is no data interruption. Write speeds: 4x BD-R, 2xBD-RE, 16x DVD+R/-R, 8x DVD+RW, 6x DVD-RW, 4x DVD+/-R DL, 5x DVD-RAM, 40x CD-R and 24x CD-RW.
The PX-B920UF is designed with a dual interface for extra flexibility – conveniently including both USB2 and FireWire connectors on the rear panel (as denoted by ‘UF’ abbreviation). In addition, the drive comes with an editing and burning software package suitable for all users: InterVideo WinDVD8 and Ulead DVD MovieFactory 5.5 SE, and Burn.Now 4.5 SE.
Having been developed to strict environmental and recycling standards, the Plextor PX-B920UF meets EU RoHS (restriction of hazardous substances) and WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) directives.
Availability & Warranty
The Plextor PX-B920UF will be available from end of October 2008 at Plextor’s network of dealers. It is covered by Plextor’s Fast Warranty Service (2-year warranty in the EU, Norway and Switzerland (Collect & Return); other countries 1-year carry-in).