Panasonic announced two new DVD multi-drives supporting 3X DVD-RAM and 4X DVD-R writing. The internal ATAPI model is the "LF-M621" and is expected to hit the Japanese market on August 23. The drive will be also available in an external USB 2.0 version with the codename "LF-M660JD", available by September 13.

The estimated street prices are expected to be around 220 EU and 260 EU, for the ATAPI and USB 2.0 models, respectively.

The LF-M621 continues the succesful series of the Panasonic DVD multi-drives, after the "LF-D521 JD/D560JD" being in the market from December, 2002. The new drive offers the same features and specifications as the LF-D521, except the 3X supported writing speed for DVD-RAM and 4X for DVD-R media.

In addition to the recording / editing "DVD-MovieAlbumSE 3" software, the retail package will include Sonic "MyDVD 4.0." DVD player. Moreover, the "B's Recorder GOLD5 BASIC", and the "B's CLiP5" will be bundled for CD/DVD recording and packet writing.

The first 3X DVD-RAM media (DVD-RAM Version2.1/3x-SPEED DVD-RAM) are expected to be available in the market from August 9. Although its price is still open, it is expected to be around 0.8 - 1.4 EU.