Philips to release 16x DVD+R burner with support for DVD-R/RW and DVD+R9 in July

March 2, 2004

A while ago we reported that Philips will release the DVDRW885K double layer burner in July but today the German website Heise Online reports that this writer will show up already in April. BenQ, Philips' optical storage joint venture partner, has also announced that it plans to release its first double layer burner, the DW830A, in April so the earlier date makes sense. Heise Online writes that Philips instead will release another double layer burner in July, the DVDRW1640K, which also will support 16x DVD+R single layer speed and the DVD-R/RW format.

But already in July 2004 -- likewise on the CeBIT those which can be seen -- the first 16-DVD-Brenner DVDRW1640K is to appear, which describes DVD+R with up to 16X, two-part plus blanks with 2,4X, DVD+RW with 4X and as standard equipment also minus blanks. The 16fache burning speed reaches DVD burners only in the external area of the Disc, a complete combustion lasts then about five to six minutes. A still higher burning speed is not possible with einlagigen blanks because of the high number of revolutions. So far a Philips's plans selling price of 199 euro, which can themselves however at short notice still change depending upon market situation, was called it on demand. (Babelfish translation)

Philips will also follow BenQ and offer buyers of its current 8x drive, the DVDRW824K, to purchase a firmware update with support for DVD-R/RW writing in March. A similar firmware for the DVDRW885K double layer burner will also be available this autumn. The MSRP of the DVDRW885K incl. Nero 6 will be 169 euro.

Source: Heise Online