Panasonic has decided to back two runners in the DVD standards race, releasing a DVD drive that writes and reads in both DVD-RAM and DVD-R disc formats. The LF-D311S DVD-RAM/R drive is the first of its kind to be released in Australia.
The DVD Forum's --the body that ratifies and monitors adherence to DVD standards--parley with industry groups has led to the approval of a number of DVD specifications, but 'coopetition' (cooperative competition) has yet to produce a clear leader in the pack. There are four key recognised standards: DVD-RAM, DVD-R, DVD+RW and DVD-RW. DVD-R and +RW support single-sided 4.7G discs. DVD-RAM supports double-sided 4.7G discs (9.4G in total).
Fundamental differences between the way the formats read information suit them for different purposes. DVD-R reads data sequentially making it suitable for audio and video entertainment applications. DVD-RAM seeks and reads information randomly making it more suitable for data applications such as backup and storage.
The LF-D311S's variable wavelength laser output allows the player to read and write in both formats, bridging the gap between conventional optical data storage and the consumer electronic entertainment spheres. In short it lets you have the benefits of DVD-RAM and create discs that will play in your living room DVD player.
Earlier this year analysts predicted that the DVD technology would displace VCR in the living room, even though only one electronics manufacturer has stepped forward to release a DVD recorder that can match VCR's functionality. DVD recording is too immature to speculate about which standard will become de rigueur for it, but Philips chose DVD+RW for its DVR1000, the first DVD recorder ever commercialised.
Panasonic claims that the drive can achieve a DVD-R mode transfer rate of up to 11.08 Mbps, which is approximately equal to a 10x CD-ROM drive and 22.16mbps in DVD-RAM mode (equivalent to 20x CD-ROM drive).
Panasonic's recommended retail price for the LF-D311S is AU$1750.
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