14 DAY TRIAL // Although it won't reach the groundbreaking speed of 12x when scribing Blu-ray disks, as can Pioneer's BDR-205 or Plextor's PX-B940SA, I-O Data's upcoming BR Burner will still deliver quality Blu-ray disk read and write capabilities, all the while boasting a weight of only 330 grams. The product seems to be in tune with I-O Data's reputation as a manufacturer and provider of high-quality computer peripherals and interface products to the global consumer and OEM markets.
I-O Data's upcoming product is an external scriber, which measures 137 (W) x 154 (D) x 20 (H) mm. The device will be able to read BD ROM disks and also write data to single-layer BD-R disks at the speed of 6X, whereas for dual-layer Blu-ray disks, the maximum speed will be only of 2X. The drive will connect to the PC via the Universal Serial Bus (USB) Controller 2.0 interface.
As more accurate specifications go, I-O Data's Blu-ray unit will run at writing speeds of 6x for BD-R disks, 4x for BD-RE, 8x for DVD-R/+R and DVD+RW, 6x for DVD-RW, 5x for DVD-RAM, 4x for DVD-R/+R DL, 24x for CD-R and 16x for CD-RW.
The product will become available in Japan later this month and will cost an average US$340. This may seem somewhat expensive, especially considering that the aforementioned BDR-205 only costs US$249. Nevertheless, the price is thus set because the I-O Data 6X Blu-ray burner is an external and slim model for those wishing to expand, or even improve, their disk writing possibilities via USB 2.0. The product will have a one-year warranty.
I-O Data was founded in 1976 by Mr. Akio Hosono, and has since received recognition as Japan's undisputed market leader within the PC peripheral industry. I-O Data, besides handling the actual manufacturing of such devices, handles the design, development and production of all of its produce, always focusing on high quality and versatility.