Samsung announced today an external DVD ReWritable disc drive named SE-W164C, which utilizes 16X WriteMasterTM technology.

As reported to us from US-west distributing channels, this is a portable DVD recorder capable of reading and writing in both the DVD+ and DVD- formats. The double layer support is 5X. The unit is currently shipping with a reported street price of $199.

Connection to any laptop or PC is being made via USB 2.0 and the unjit can be mounted vertically as well for increased user convenience. It is offered in black color and in it looks amazingly sympathetic with ivory or black-tone PC's. On the plus side is a large air vent on the back of the drive for preventing overheating via air circulation. A groove on the side of the front door and the back of the bezel, enables noise reduction and prevents dust from entering the unit, a big plus for an external unit.

DVD+RW is being accoblished at 8X and DVD-RW at 6X. Dual layer recording is at 5X. The drive uses Speed Adjustment Technology (SAT), which optimizes speed according to disc quality; Tilt Actuator Compensation (TAC), which tilts the disc with respect to the objective lens for more reliable writing and Double Optimum Power Control (OPC), which adjusts writing power according to disc location and quality. The drive also feautures a power save mode and, employes a Buffer Under Run Error prevention technique.

Overall, a very interesting drive on which CDRInfo.com will soon be able to offer its valuable testing opinion.

Below are the main Specifications.

SE-W164C Specifications