"..Ricoh Disc Media and Systems-Center today announced its high performance 8X CD-R/4X CD-RW drive with a 32X CD-reading capability for mass shipping in early March. Called the Ricoh MediaMaster MP7080 series, the package outpaced three other 8X CD-R/RW drives during internal testing for file writing and data transfer rates for CD-R, CD-RW recording and CD-ROM.

Priced at $239.00, the MediaMaster MP7080 comes with an internal ATAPI/E-IDE drive, Adaptec Easy CD Creator premastering software and Adaptec DirectCD UDF packet writing software, one Ricoh CD-R disc, one Ricoh Direct CD pre-formatted CD-RW disc, quick start guide, mounting screws, audio cable and IDE cable.

Ricoh increased the write speed by improving the precise pulse strategy and the high power Laser Diode. A newly developed LSI controls write power and pulse width, sets in details and helps stabilize high speed writing. A huge 4MB buffer memory was installed to ensure stable writing and prevent buffer underruns. Digital audio users will benefit from the 32X audio data extraction. The drive monitors noise errors caused by scratches or other imperfections and supports Ricoh's new Type 80 media. The MediaMaster MP7080 drive supports the following ten standard formats: CD-DA, CD-ROM, CD-ROM/XA, CD Extra, Mixed-Mode CD, PhotoCD, CD-I, CD TEXT, Bootable CD and Video CD.."