To print: Select File and then Print from your browser's menu.

    -----------------------------------------------

     This story was printed from CdrInfo.com,

     located at http://www.cdrinfo.com.

    -----------------------------------------------

Best-in-Class Component Enables Direct Laser Labeling onto CDs and DVDs, Delivers Cost Savings

Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE:A) today announced that its AEDR-8300 reflective optical encoder has been incorporated into the LightScribe Direct Disc Labeling technology. The encoder's ability to interact with light-sensitive media, highly accurate position sensing and surface-mount packaging fully support the technical requirements of LightScribe at a significant cost savings. Agilent has already shipped one million encoders to manufacturers in the LightScribe program since December.

LightScribe is a technology that provides a simple way to laser-etch silkscreen-quality labels on CDs and DVDs. Using the same laser that burns data in a disc drive, LightScribe creates precise, iridescent labels on the disc itself, eliminating the need for adhesive labels. This innovation garnered LightScribe the prestigious 2004 "Best of What's New" award (computing category) from Popular Science magazine.

The LightScribe technology is being incorporated by major PC and aftermarket brands, optical disc drive manufacturers, CD and DVD manufacturers and software makers, including: BenQ, CMC Magnetics Corporation, CyberLink Corp., Hitachi-LG Data Storage, HP, Imation, InterVideo Inc., LaCie, Lite-On IT, Memorex, MicroVision Development Inc., Mitsubishi Chemical Co., Moser Baer India Ltd., Nero, Philips Media, Philips BenQ Digital Storage, Roxio, Sonic Solutions Software, TDK, Toshiba Samsung Storage Technology and Verbatim.

"The reflective optical encoder designed into the LightScribe technology was selected based on its best-in-class, motion-sensing capabilities as well as Agilent's consistent ability to deliver high-quality, reliable products," said Kent Henscheid, marketing manager for LightScribe. "We look forward to continuing to engage Agilent and its optical encoder products as we grow the LightScribe business."

The space-saving design of Agilent's AEDR-8300 optical encoder makes it the ideal complement to the space-constrained LightScribe application. Its size, 4 mm x 5 mm, is roughly 45 percent smaller than its nearest competitor. In conjunction with surface-mount packaging, this small size allows design engineers to easily incorporate the encoder into tight spaces, such as the inside of a CD/DVD drive.

"We are pleased that LightScribe has chosen our reflective optical encoder for its award-winning LightScribe platform," said Chong Khin Mien, vice president and general manager for the Motion Control Products Division in Agilent's Semiconductor Products Group. "Consumers are continually demanding increased performance and functionality from computing products. We are delighted to be part of the LightScribe technology platform, as it promises to deliver on both fronts while revolutionizing the way businesses and consumers label discs."

Agilent's AEDR-8300 encoder features a resolution of 80 lines per inch, providing highly accurate position sensing to detect the position of a rotating disc. A wide operating temperature range (-20 C to 85 C) ensures the encoder will work in high-temperature environments. The encoder consists of an LED light source, a special photodetector IC with integrated electronics and integrated optics. Supplied in a solder-bump SO-6 lead-free package, the AEDR-8300 reduces the overall area required on a printed circuit board by 30 percent, which in turn reduces system cost. The encoder operates at rated performance for frequencies up to 30 kHz.