Pioneer is dominating the DVD writer business following the introduction of the first multi-functional DVD-R/RW writer, the DVR-A03, in March 2001. In just six months, 800,000 writers shipped worldwide to leading manufacturers including Apple, Compaq, Sony Vaio and NEC Computers International (NEC CI) as well as direct to consumers. In 2001 Pioneer's European sales of DVD-R/RW drives totalled 140,000 and Pioneer anticipates that in 2002 its European sales will more than double to 300,000 units.

This news comes as Hitachi Maxell reported that it is to double production of DVD-R media to 700,000 per month to meet with the increase in DVD-R/RW drives installed in PCs.

"Initial sales of the DVR-A03, with the support of leading PC manufacturers, suggests that the DVD-R/RW is set to become the de facto platform for general purpose IT and home entertainment storage applications," said Mark Grotefeld, marketing communications manager, Pioneer Multimedia Division. "Our OEM partners are incorporating the DVR-A03 into their offerings to great effect and are achieving great results, even at this early stage."

Detlef Bosse, executive director, Desktop & Solutions Division, NEC CI, said, "DVD plays a pivotal role in converging consumer electronics and IT, creating an exciting new wave of applications. We always endeavour to partner industry leaders and have worked with Pioneer, the DVD specialists, to ensure we are delivering the best possible solution. We are committed to supporting the -RW standard as digital video becomes increasingly significant to our customers who require the best-of-breed technology with which to share precious memories and create personalised DVDs. Pioneer has helped us to create a powerful solution for all of our customers, from novice users who wish to watch that happy occasion over and over again, to the creative professionals who can take advantage of the 4.7GB storage capacity."