Matsushita isn't exactly known very well as a PC peripherals maker, so it appears that with this new drive, they might be o­n to something.

This is allegedly the "industry's first" DVD super multi drive capable of writing DVD+R DL that can operate off of bus power.

Matsushita Electric Industries Corporation will release the "LF-P767C" portable DVD drive, which can operate off of USB bus power, o­n November 19th. It is listed as Open Price, but indicators suggest it should cost a smidgen under 35,000 yen.

This is a DVD super multi drive that supports not o­nly DVD±R/RW and DVD-RAM, but DVD+R DL. The interface is USB 2.0. According to Matsushita, this is the industry's first super multi drive capable of operating from USB bus power. A "combine cable," for connecting the drive to a second USB connector while operating off of bus power, is also included.

When using the AC adapter, the write speeds are: DVD±R 8x, DVD±RW 4x, DVD+R DL 2.4x, and DVD-RAM 3x. When operating off of USB bus power, the write speeds are understandably slower, at DVD-R/RW 2x, DVD+R/RW 2.4x, DVD+R DL 2.4x, and DVD-RAM 2x.

Supported operating systems are Windows ME, 2000, and XP. Softwares such as "PowerProducer2 Gold," "PowerDVD 5," and "B's Recorder GOLD BASIC 7" are included.

The main body size is 130 x 154 x 17mm (W x D x H), and it weighs a total of about 315g.



Inspired by:
http://pc.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/2004/1019/pana.htm

News Release:
http://panasonic.co.jp/corp/news/official.data/data.dir/jn041019-3/jn041019-3.html