BenQ launches DW820A dual layer DVD writer in Q1-Q2 2004

December 9, 2003

GristyMcFisty used our news submit to tell us that Benq will offer dual layer recording. We already posted some rumours about their current drive being upgradable to dual layer recording. Benq Europe has confirmed to us that it is trying to make a firmware upgrade possible to the DW800A to make it support dual layer discs. However the company told us they are currently only checking the technical possibilities and are not able to say at this moment if it will work out the way they want it.

The mechanical parts of the DW820A dual layer burner will be the same as DW800A. However, current laser diodes as well as power controllers are not capable to offer the appropriate power for dual layer writing. Thus, firmware upgrade of the DW800A will offer very weak possibilities to control the laser power for dual layer discs.

According to early information, the new DW820A with support 8x DVD+R, 4x DVD+RW and 2.4 DVD+R9 writing.

Again an advantage for the plus-format. It will be interesting to find out if the current writer can really be upgraded to dual layer recording and if media producers will be ready to provide dual layer recordables when the drive becomes available.

You may of course discuss this topic in our Recording Hardware Forum. If you are interested in dual layer recording, you probably also want to read our article about it.

Source: CD Freaks