Lite-On Launches Internal 12x Blu-ray Combo Drive for Mini PCs

Lite-On has just announced the launch of the iHES212 internal 12x Blu-ray combo drive which was especially developed to be used by mini PCs and media centre systems, since it sports a compact design that fits really nice inside confined spaces.

According to the company, the iHES212 measures no more than 17cm in length, which makes it just 5cm longer than the optical discs is meant to burn and read.

In order to develop such a compact optical unit, Lite-On had to pay close attention to the cooling of the drive and it used a proprietary airflow design which not only reduces vibrations and ensures minimal noise, but helps keep the iHES212 cool, even in confined spaces found inside many mini PCs.

As far as its specifications are concerned, Lite-On's drive is able to read Blu-ray discs at speeds up to 12X, while DVDs can be burned at speeds up to 16X.

In addition, the iHES212 also sports support for such technologies such as Lightscribe, which allows users to label their discs without the need for extra hardware or marker pens, and SMART burn.

“Since the very beginning Lite-On has been present in the Blu-ray market with various Blu-ray Disc writer, a BD-ROM and BD-COMBO”, says Maarten Souren, marketing manager at Lite-On.

“With the iHES212 we have upgraded our BD-COMBO to 12X BD reading speed, and whether users want to truly experience a Blu-ray movie or simply burn the perfect DVD, they can add the this drive to their mini case for the perfect fit,” concluded the company's rep.

The iHES212 will be available later this month for a recommended retail price of approximately £69.

Uses who want a slightly less expensive Blu-ray combo drive can opt for the iHES112, which comes without Lightscribe support. The price of the iHES112 hasn't been revealed until now.