Lite-On's next generation internal DVD writers, to be launched from April this year, will offer increased writing speeds for DVD±R media up to 24X as well as the new LabelTag technology.

All drives will include new Lite-On technologies designed for true power users who are concerned with more than just writing speeds. Lite-On's SmartErase technology will be included in all drive versions, and the iHAS624, available in Mid-May, will also feature LabelTag - a new solution in disc labeling.

"PLDS (Philips & Lite-On Digital Solutions) is proud to manufacture the fastest 24X writers in the market, especially with included technologies such as LabelTag," said Christine Hsing, Marketing Manager at PLDS. "LabelTag provides a cost-effective and flexible method for professional disc labeling, a great solution for today's busy professional and people on-the-go."

LabelTag is a patented new feature that allows users to create a label ring on the data side of any standard recordable media - no special media required. Users are still able to add data after the making a label, making burning your label is just as easy as burning your data.

24X will be the fastest writing speed for DVD±R media available on the market and can be achieved on certain quality discs only. The new iHAS624 DVD burner has a S-ATA interface, incorporates LightScribe direct disc labeling technology and supports Lite-Ons own SmartErase feature.

SmartErase, which is included in all new 24X DVD writers, provides users with a permanent solution for erasing discs with confidential data. With SmartErase, users can be sure that private and sensitive data is securely erased and cannot be recaptured.

These new DVD writers will be available in the following versions:

- iHAS324 - 24X SATA with SmartErase; available in Mid-March
- iHAP424 - 24X PATA with SmartErase and LightScribe; available end of March
- iHAS624 - 24X SATA with SmartErase, LightScribe and LabelTag; available in Mid-May