14 DAY TRIAL // If you're in the market for a future-proof Blu-ray unit, the type of device that's capable of both burning content onto Blu-ray discs and playing back even Blu-ray 3D content, then the people over at Plextor might have a very solution available for you in the form of their new PX-LB950SA model, capable of reaching 12X recording speeds. Hence, the internal BD writer is able to record a 25GB single-layer disc in unprecedented 12 minutes and offers a substantial 50GB of data storage on a double layer Blu-ray disc (the speed drops to 8X in this case, though). However, the drive also supports BD-RE/ BD-RE DL discs (just 2X write speed, though), DVDs (single and double layer, R and RW, with the average write speed being set somewhere in the 8X-16X range), going down to CDs as well, that reach the already pretty standard limit of 48X write speed. It's also quite important to mention the fact that the Blu-ray drive from Plextor is accompanied by the PowerDVD9 BD Suite, which incorporates a full range of flexible software tools for 3D Blu-ray playback and standard Blu-ray and DVD playback and recording. This 3D Blu-ray support is actually extremely important, since it allows users to turn their computer into a next-gen home entertainment center, especially when coupled with a suitable 3D display (either a monitor, a projector or a TV set). In addition, the powerful PlexUtilities software, of comprehensive test tool, media information, drive information, and drive tuning system, is also included. Plus, with LightScribe direct disc labeling, users can burn customized labels on any LightScribe compatible discs. The PX-LB950SA is available in Europe from November for an estimated price of Euro 179, which is in fact a pretty OK point, given the enhanced level of versatility the drive can provide.
The Plextor PX-LB950SA Blu-ray unit
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