Next up to bring a DVD+R DL (dual layer) drive out is IO Data. And the ATAPI drive is o­nly 20,790 yen - about $181 USD.

IO Data Device Corporation will release two DVD±R/RW drives in the back part of May, each supporting DVD+R dual layer recording. The ATAPI internal "DVR-ABN8W" and the USB 2.0 external "DVR-iUN8W" will be made available, for 20,790 yen and 25,140 yen respectively.

DVD+R DL's discs have two recording layers per side, making for a maximum recording capacity of 8.5GB. DVD Video recorded with DVD+R retains a high level of compatibility with dual layered DVD-ROMs, and playback of these discs is possible with a consumer DVD player.

The drive used is the "ND-2510A" made by NEC. The recording speed of DVD+R DL is 2.4x, DVD±R 8x, DVD±RW 4x, CD-R 32x, and CD-RW 16x. The buffer is 2MB.

Included software is the DVD+R DL supporting "DVD MovieWriter 3 SE for I-O DATA" authoring software, "B's Recorder GOLD BASIC Ver.7" writing software, "B's CLiP5" packet writing software, "Ulead DVD player" DVD playback software, and "VideoStudio 7 SE" video editing software. Supported operating systems are Windows ME, 2000, and XP.

The "DVR-iUN8W" features an indepently developed "i Connect" port in addition to USB 2.0, meaning that it supports IEEE 1394 connection with use of an optional IEEE 1394 convertor cable. It also features a function to automatically switch to USB power when the PC is switched o­n and off. The external dimensions are 162 x 268 x 50mm (W x D x H), and the weight is about 1.7kg.



Inspired by:
http://www.watch.impress.co.jp/av/docs/20040513/iodata1.htm

News Release:
http://www.iodata.jp/news/2004/05/dvr-abn8w.htm

Product Information (DVR-ABN8W):
http://www.iodata.jp/prod/storage/dvd/2004/dvr-abn8w/

Product Information (DVR-iUN8W):
http://www.iodata.jp/prod/storage/dvd/2004/dvr-iun8w/