Both Hitachi LG Data Storage and Panasonic will launch super-multi DVD recorders that will support 16x recording for DVD-RAM. Panasonic and Hitachi-Maxell showcased the results of their co-development of the first 16x DVD-RAM media at IFA, Berlin. Hot on the heels of yesterday's report, Panasonic will launch Q1 of 2006 the SW-9586 super-multi recorder that will support 16 x recording for DVD-RAM and DVD-R/+ R. Basic specifications of the drive are illustrated below.

Model	Panasonic SW-9586
Type	Half-height, tray loading
Interface	IDE
	Write	Read
DVD-RAM	16x (6-16x CAV)	16x
DVD-R	16x	16x
DVD-R DL	4x	8x
DVD-RW	6x	8x
DVD+R	16x	16x
DVD+R DL	8x	8x
DVD+RW	8x	12x
CD-R	48x	48x
CD-RW	32x	40x
CD-ROM	N/A	48x
DVD-ROM SL	N/A	16x
DVD-ROM DL	N/A	8x

The 16x recording for DVD-RAM was achieved by using a newly developed faster servo system, implementing the CAV writing method at 11,000 rpm as well as by using a new writing strategy.

Hitachi and Panasonic dropped the traditional multi-pulse write strategy, and implemented the "castle" strategy, which was also used when recording at high speeds with DVD+RW media. The new strategy, combined with the new phase-change materials used in the DVD-RAM media, would allow high-speed recording.

Maxell has developed the BCM (Bismuth Coupling Material) recording layer for 16x DVD-RAM that achieved a shorter writing time with high speed crystallization in high temperatures. High temperatures while recording at 16x are due to the use of a 300mW laser.



The BCM material will also be adopted by the Blu-Ray media manufacturers. Hitachi Maxell will launch the new media within the year.

Hitachi LG also plans to begin shipping a 16x super-multi recorder in 2006.