The influx of 16x DVD burners into the market is expected to push down retail prices of 8x and 12x DVD burners, according to Taiwan sales agents for international optical drive brands.

BenQ launched two 16x DVD+RW burner models at the end of last month, and Pioneer started volume production of 16x DVD Dual DL (single-sided double-layer) burners early this month. In addition, LG Electronics and Taiwan makers Lite-On IT and Accesstek will start producing 16x DVD Dual DL models in late July or early August.

Most of the newly launched burners will support DVD disc writing of 16x DVD+R, 8x DVD-R, 4x DVD+RW and 2.4x DVD+R DL.

According to chairman Gary Chen of Gish International, the sales agent for Lite-On IT, the availability of 16x DVD burners is expected to push down local retail prices of 12x Dual models. Lite-On IT and Sony have already lowered retail prices of their 12x DVD Dual burners to below NT$5,000 (US$148), and Chen expects the price to drop below NT$4,000 (US$119).

The Taiwan subsidiary of LG Electronics recently lowered the retail prices of 8x DVD Dual models to below NT$3,000 (US$89), as the company prepares to market LG 16x DVD Dual DL burners.

From DigiTimes