CeBIT 2004 opens its gates on 18-24 March, Hanover. Many new prototype models will be demonstrated from well-known optical storage manufacturers. Although the scenario remains the same for all major IT exhibitions, with the companies demonstrating upcoming prototypes to gain extra publicity, we should mention three announcements from AOpen, Waitec and LG for new ultra-fast DVD burners. Waitec will demonstrate a 16x DVD±R/RW burner both in the internal and external version called ACTION 16 and ACTION 16EX, respectively.

AOpen will demonstrate the DRW8800 8x DVD±R/RW dual burner, possibly in the market before CeBIT, and another 12x dual DVD burner (12x DVD+R write).

The Korean answer comes from LG. The company will present the first 12x super multi-format DVD burner; to support all 5 DVD formats. The GSA-4120B will offer 12x writing for DVD+R, while the rest specifications include 8x DVD-R, 4x DVD-RW/+RW and of course 3x DVD-RAM recording.

Official standards for such high DVD recording speeds hae not yet established, although Philips's working on the 16x DVD+R recording. This speed will mean that a 4.7GB disc will be recorded in 6 minutes. Higher are not feasible due to high rotation speeds required.