Faster DVD recorders…

The world of recordable DVDs never ceases to create a strong buzz on this ever-growing market: Despite the numerous formats already created, its constant progression was never stopped. It's now Pioneer and TDK's turn to offer a new technology in order to compete with Philips' format.

Reminder: The DVD-RW technology uses an x1 speed, while DVD+RW goes up to x2/3.

Press release
TOKYO (Reuters) - "Japanese companies Pioneer and TDK are commonly developing a new technology, capable to multiply the current DVD burning speed by four or five", the Nihon Keizai Shimbun declared on Wednesday.

This approach is to ensure a better competition between these manufacturers' RW products against the RAM standard, most commonly used, notably by Matsushita Electric, added the financial article.

Pioneer and TDK are planning to release a new series of DVD recorders in 2004, with a recording speed four to five times superior to that of currently available recorders.

Sony and Sharp are also currently creating a new range of DVD players/recorders compatible with the RW standard, which is less popular than the RAM standard used by Matsushita, Toshiba and Hitachi.

80% of the Japanese market of DVD is composed by devices compatible with the RAM standard, said the paper.

According to the Nihon Keizai Shimbun, the number of DVD recorders sold in Japan will be doubled before 2003. The recording speed has become a determinant factor on this highly competitive market. This type of recorder also features a built-in hard-drive.

Source yahoo.fr