Pioneer Introduces 16X Multi-Format DVD Writer With Dual/Double Layer Compatibility

06 January 2004: Pioneer Europe today announces the availability of its new multiple format DVD writer. The DVR-109 offers Dual/Double Layer support for DVD-R/+R media types at 4X along with 16X writing to DVD-R/+R, 8X writing to +RW and 6X to DVD-RW. The drive’s combined specifications deliver the highest level of all-round DVD-writing performance currently available.

The DVR-109 can write 4.7GB of data to write-once media in seven minutes on either DVD-R or +R media, complemented by the capability to store up to 8.5GB on Dual/Double Layer discs. The product is ideal for a wide range of applications including the authoring, editing and storing of video files*, developing digital music catalogues, building image libraries and backing up data. It is among the first drives to offer 16X write speeds on DVD-R in line with the October approval of the speed enhancement to DVD-R by the DVD Forum.

“Pioneer created the DVD Forum’s preferred specification - DVD-R - which reigns supreme as the most-purchased media format. Our track record for innovation is further underlined by the fact that we are usually first to market with write-speed enhancements. However, while most manufacturers tend to focus on write speed as the key selling points of their drives, Pioneer has also invested in enhancing core technologies. Our drives offer a range of features to improve writing quality and compensate for media irregularities and the DVR-109 represents the optimum evolution in DVD writing performance,” observes Chris Tampsett, Senior Manager, Pioneer Europe Multimedia Division.

The DVR-109’s embedded hardware features - “ Precision Recording Technology” – to enhance DVD writing performance. This technology includes a “Liquid Crystal Tilt/Thickness Compensator” to ensure precise writing by automatically adjusting for Single and Dual/Double Layer media that are warped or of uneven thickness. A n “Ultra Dynamic Resonance Absorber” (Low Vibration Mechanism) is also provided to reduce the instability and vibration caused by imbalanced or damaged media to achieve and maintain the integrity of the recording and playback performance. “Reduced length” – DVR-109 has reduced its outer casing length by 18mm for easy installation into compact towers.

The drive will offer DVD-R Dual Layer compatibility through a firmware upgrade once the DVD-R Dual Layer specification has been officially approved by the DVD Forum. The write speed for selected DVD-R Dual Layer and +R Double Layer media types can also be increased to 6X through this firmware upgrade.

The +RW Alliance is now finalising the +RW 8X format and the product can be enhanced to support this media through a firmware upgrade once the +RW 8X specification has been officially approved by the +RW Alliance.

Availability

The DVR-109 is an OEM system that will be available in PCs and also from Pioneer’s distribution network from the end of January of 2005.

So what are the diferances from the DVR-108? These tables compare the specifications

Writing Speeds

Media	DVR-109	DVR-108
DVD+R	2.4x, 4x, 6x CLV. 8x, 12x PCAV. 16x CAV	2.4x, 4x, 6x CLV. 8x, 12x, 16x ZCLV
DVD-R	1x, 2x, 4x, 6x CLV 8x, 12x PCAV. 16x CAV	1x, 2x, 4x, 6x CLV. 8x, 12x, 16x ZCLV
DVD+RW	2.4x, 4x, 6x CLV. 8x ZCLV	2.4x, 4x CLV
DVD-RW	1x, 2x, 4x, 6x CLV	1x, 2x, 4x CLV
DVD+R DL	2.4x, 4x CLV	2.4x, 4x CLV
DVD-R DL	2x, 4x CLV	---
CD-R	4x, 10x, 16x CLV. 32x, 40x CAV	4x, 10x, 16x CLV 24x, 32x ZCLV
CD-RW	4x, 10x, 16x CLV 20x, 24x ZCLV	4x, 10x, 16x CLV 20x, 24x ZCLV

Reading Speeds

Media	DVR-109	DVD-108
DVD+R	12x CAV	12x CAV
DVD-R	12x CAV	12x CAV
DVD+RW	8x CAV	8x CAV
DVD-RW	8x CAV	8x CAV
DVD+R DL	8x CAV	8x CAV
DVD-R DL	8x CAV	----
DVD-ROM Single	16X CAV	16X CAV
DVD-ROM DUAL	12x CAV	12x CAV
DVD-RAM	2x ZCLV	2x ZCLV
DVD-VIDEO	5x CAV	5x CAV
CD-R	40x CAV	40x CAV
CD-RW	32x CAV	32x CAV
CD-DA	9.3x CAV	9.3x CAV

The differences have been highlighted in bold text with quite a number of enhancements in the recording speeds

DVD+R & DVD-R both have 8x & 12x recording speeds changed from ZCLV to PCAV this should give a decrease in burning time at these speeds together with the lack of the different burning speed rings which are noticeable on the 108 ZCLV burns. The 16x speed burning has changed to CAV from ZCLV which will give a much smoother burn.

DVD+RW has been increased to 6x CLV & 8x ZCLV

DVD-RW had been increased to 6x CLV

DVD-R DL 2x & 4X has been added

CDR has 32x has changed from ZCLV to CAV and an increase to 40x CAV

As for reading speeds the only change is the addition of DVD-R DL at 8x CAV

The improvements in the way the media is burnt should decrease the burning time for each particular speed and the removal of the ZCLV except for the 8x DVD+R DL should give a more even burn over the entire disc.

I look forward to getting my hands on one of these as soon as they become available

Added:  Wednesday, January 05, 2005
Reviewer:  Flash
Related web link:  What are CAV, CLV, PCAV, ZCLV & OPC?
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