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.