According to Michael Gong, Lite-On's Optical Disc Drive Business general manager, Lite-On IT will offer 12x DVD Dual burners later this month because the new 12x models can command higher OEM prices.
Lite-On IT plans to start volume production of 16x DVD Dual burners in the third quarter of this year. 12x models will have a higher gross margin because their OEM prices per burner are higher than the prices for 8x models.
In addition Lite-On IT plans to offer 8x DVD+RW DL in mid-April, as the availability of compatible double-layer DVD discs is still under discussion.
Lite-On IT has begun production of DVD+R DL burners, that will be currently compatible with double-layer media imported from Mitsubishi chemicals.