Scooby Dooby Blue

Summary:

16x DVD+/-RW (will write at 16x on Piodata 8x media)
4x DVD+DL writer! (writes at 4x on 2.4x DL media)
3 colours



Pioneer Corporation announced the introduction of the DVR-A08-J (pure white), DVR-A08-J-BK (black) and DVR-A08-J-SV (silver), the world's first DVD writers capable of recording at up to 16x write speed on DVD-R or +R discs and at up to 4x write speed on DVD+R DL (double-layer) discs. They will be available in Japan in late July 2004 with the monthly production of 10,000 units, 8,000 units and 8,000 units, respectively. The retail prices are not suggested.

Pioneer's new DVD writers realize not only the industry-leading write speeds on DVD-R discs, DVD+R DL discs and +R discs, but also provides high-quality recording and high reliability with quiet operation owing to Pioneer-developed eminent technologies which have been further advanced from Pioneer's previous writers.

The DVR-A08 fully satisfies a wide range of requirements from PC users, such as high productivity, quieter drive, accurate recording and stylized design.

*1 For DVD-R and DVD+R DL recording, as of July 13, 2004.
*2 For 16x write on DVD-R or +R discs, please use Pioneer-recommended 8x discs or media that are designed for this recording speed. (The expected write speed might not be obtained under certain conditions.)
*3 For 4x write on DVD+R DL discs, please use Pioneer-recommended 2.4x discs. (The expected write speed might not be obtained under certain conditions.)

Main features

(1) 16x high-speed recording to DVD-R or +R (the world's fastest)
The DVR-A08 realizes high-speed recording of up to 16x write speed on DVD-R and +R discs by employing Pioneer's original technology that sets the optimum write strategy for each of used discs. It also records at 4x speed*4 on DVD-RW or +RW, 32x speed*4 on CD-R, and 24x speed*4 on CD-RW discs.
In addition, the new writers have an auto write speed selecting function, which automatically optimizes the write speed depending on discs' conditions, which can improve the reliability in recording.
*4 For 4x, 32x or 24x write, please use appropriate media relevant to each write speed.

(2) 4x high-speed recording to DVD+R DL (the world's fastest)
The new DVD writers provide the fast recording to DVD+R DL discs at 4x write speed, making it possible to store the data of 8.5GB in about 25 minutes on DVD-R DL discs (cf. about 45 minutes at 2.4x write speed). It helps users easily and smoothly record or backup a wide range of data, such as moving pictures and a large volume of data. Pioneer's eminent optical technologies including the Liquid Crystal Tilt/Thickness Compensator have realized this high-quality recording even on double-layer discs.


(3) Playback Compatibility in all DVD formats
The new writers support the playback of DVD-RAM*5, DVD-R, +R and DVD+R DL discs.
*5 Only DVD-RAM Version 2.0 and 2.1 without cartridge supported.

(4) Stylish design in three colors
The new writers, designed for vertically or horizontally mounting, can also be installed in a slim-type PC*6.
*6 Please check the mounting slot of PCs before installation.

(5) Other outstanding features
a. Various original technologies to improve quality and reliability in recording, including:
- "Liquid Crystal Tilt/Thickness Compensator"
- "Smart Laser Driver technology
- "Ultra Dynamic Resonance Absorber"
- "Buffer Under-run Protection"
- "Precision Recording Technology"
b. High-speed recording and low noise operation
- Pioneer's original "honey comb structure" and other improvements to the internal structure have drastically reduced operation noise during high speed rotation.
- "Performance Adjusting Firmware*7" automatically optimizes the disc's rotation speed depending on user's requirements and keep operation noise at the minimum in the write and read modes.
- "Performance Adjusting Utility", application software bundled with the writer, allows users to manually select the disc rotation mode and more effectively utilize "Performance Adjusting Firmware".
*7 Patent pending
c. CD-ROM containing a variety of application software, and "DVD Handbook" (in PDF data) supplied with the drive.

Recording speeds:
* DVD+/-R 16x-speed (Zone CLV), 12x-speed (Zone CLV), 8x-speed (Zone CLV), 6x-speed, 4x-speed, 2x-speed, 1x-speed
* CD-R 32x-speed (Zone CLV), 24x-speed (Zone CLV), 16x-speed , 10x-speed, 4x-speed
* CD-RW 24x-speed (Zone CLV), 20x-speed (Zone CLV), 16x-speed, 10x-speed, 4x-speed

Reading speeds:
* DVD-ROM/DVD-Video(Single Layer) 5~16X (CAV)
* DVD-ROM/DVD-Video(Dual Layer) 5~12X (CAV)
* DVD+/-R 12X (CAV)
* DVD+/-RW 8X (CAV)
* DVD+R DL 8X (CAV)
* DVD-RAM 2X (Zone CLV)
* CD-ROM 40X (CAV)
* CD-R 40X (CAV)

what would scooby do

any ideas on pricing yet - they seem to start off at around £120 and drop to £60/£70 after a while ??

PG

when you getting them in stock Paul ?

Scooby Dooby Blue

Official prices to be announced.
Initial speculation is $180 US, this would point towards (IMO) £120 launch price.

As usual, this will fall steadily as more stock becomes available to the UK market, probably levelling out at around £80

The drives are available in Japan at the end of this month. We hope to have our own stock mid-August.

SCOOBYG

When is there going to be some sensibly priced double layer media available? I have only seen discs at about £10 each

Scooby Dooby Blue

The Verbatim 2.4x DVD+DL are currently available around £8-9 per disk...bargain!

Ridisc (Ritek inc.) have announced the launch of their +DL media. This should be in the UK next month, probably alongside the 108. My estimation is around £2 per disk in the first instance as initial batches will be flown in.
Prices should drop slightly once disks begin to come off the boat.

All IMHO of course

wwp8

and compared to the benQ 16x dvd writet what do you think?

Scooby Dooby Blue

We have not had a chance to test the new writers against each other yet, hope to find time to run comparisons over the weekend.

I reckon in the next couple of weeks there will be an improved firmware for the 108 (official or hacked), that will greatly improve its performance.
As it stands, the 108 takes slightly longer to burn 4gb at 8x compared to the 107.

The lite-on should prove a good alternative for similar money. Not got one to test yet, should do next week.

Paul

wwp8

what media should i be looking for too?

Scooby Dooby Blue

For video storage, Ritek (GO4 or GO5), media is the most compatible/reliable.

At the moment, Datawrite 'Yellow' 4x Ritek are an excellent buy, around 27p per disk.

Cheaper media is fine for mp3/photo/data storage. available from around 13p per disks now.

Paul

InvisibleMan

Will the 108 be in black too?

Scooby Dooby Blue

Yep, beige and black.

imlach

I notice it is available here (and in stockt) for £69 inc vat...

http://www.svp.co.uk/acatalog/Hardwa...on__.html#a988

I also see there is a NEC dual layer one for £49 inc vat.

PG

it is cheaper here though
....might well be on the shopping list

wwp8

ordered mine,

but can someone tell me whats the difference between -r and +r media

InvisibleMan

its not when including delivery though....


When will the black versions be coming out?

Iwan

Just ordered mine, and some disks to feed it on.

lightning101

What ever happened to the re-badged pioneers e.g. TEAC etc ?


Have they gone out of business ?

Scooby Dooby Blue

I think www.neogames.co.uk still do the Teac badged Pioneers.

I'm sure these are Malaysian imports.
The Pioneers impored from Japan are now a more cost-efficient option, probably why the Teac badged burners have fallen by the wayside.

Pioneer UK are now offering more favourable prices to the need to import cheap greys is becoming less and less.


Paul

Iwan

Got mine in the post yesterday, cheers Paul

Just one question though. I ordered a Pioneer 108, but the drive i got in the post is badged up as a 107D. The receipt says 108 on it, but the installation manual says it's 107D too.

Is the 108 just different firmware to a 107, i.e. is a 107D actually a 108? Or did i get sent the wrong one?

Kicks a$$ though!

Leg@cy

iTrader: (2)

How do you get them to burn at 16x then???

Is it:

1. a case of buying 16x media

2. Finding disc's that it recognises as 16x

3. Firmware upgrade

4. Other

cheers

Phil

wwp8

ooh, the fitted mine, yesterday.

first thing i did was check the instructions and it and it says DVR-108

and on the burner it says 108


i think the worst sorry

wwp8

hmmmmm

lightning101

I also think the NEC 3500 is noteworthy at the moment wirth better specs than the pioneer although maybe not as reliable long term and is available in large quantities for £54.42 + vat on ebuyer.
Specifications
Dust protected enclosure
Emergency eject
IDE/ATAPI interface with UltraDMA 33 (max. 33 MByte/sec transfer rate)
Internal 12/8cm CD and DVD drive (half form factor)
Read Speed: 16x max. DVD-ROM and 48x max. CD-ROM
Tray load mechanism supporting horizontal and vertical use
Write Speed: DVD+R: 16 max., DVD+RW: 4x max., DVD+R9: 4x,. DVD-R: 16x max,. DVD-RW: 4x. CD-R: 48x max,. CD-RW: 24x max.
Access Time (CD): 120 ms
Access Time (DVD): 140 ms
Audio: Digital-out and line-out at the back (MPC compatible)
Burst Transfer Rate: PIO mode 4/Ultra DMA 33
Cache: 2MByte
Compatibility: MPC level 3, Multi Read, PC2001
Dimensions (HxWxD): 148mm x 42mm x 190mm
Interface: IDE/ATAPI
Mechanism: motorized tray load mechanism for horizontal and vertical use
Media/Mode Supported: DVD-ROM, DVD-R, DVD-RW, DVD0+R, DVD+R9, DVD+RW, DVD-Video, CD-ROM, CD-ROM XA, CD-Audio, CD Extra, CD Text, CD-I Ready, CD-Bridge, Photo-CD, Video-CD, Hybrid-CD
Transfer Rate Read CD: 48x CAV (max7200 kByte/s)
Transfer Rate Read DVD: 16x CAV (max 22000 kBytes)
Transfer Rate Write +R (DVD): 16x CAV (max 22000 kByte/s)

Transfer Rate Write +R9 (DVD): 4x CLV (5500 kByte/s)
Transfer Rate Write +RW (CD): ./.
Transfer Rate Write -R (CD): 48x CAV (max. 7200 kByte/s)
Transfer Rate Write -R (DVD): 16x CAV (max22000 kByte/s) Transfer Rate Write -RW (DVD): 4x CLV (5500 kByte/s)
Trasfer Rate Write -RW (CD): 24x ZCLV (max 3600kByte/s)
Weight: 1.0kg
Writing Methods: DAO (disc at once), SAO (session at once), TAO (track at once) with zero gap, variable or fixed packet, multisession

Leg@cy

iTrader: (2)

WWP8

Cheers..... missed that.............. where to by was that posted?? ta

Phil

Leg@cy

iTrader: (2)

Where can I get some of these piodata 8x (that'll go at 16x) then??

Cheers

Phil

lightning101

Try www.diskdepot.co.uk


They are one of the cheapest places on the net for media.

Have bought disks and ink cartridges, chepaer than ebuyer, bigpockets etc and are very quick at delivering.

InvisibleMan

is it working atm? getting a

if your an admin log here if your a account holder log here nonsence

Scooby Dooby Blue

Site's down for maintenance and we're shifting servers.

Your ISP should update DNS overnight so will be up n running again tomorrow <touch wood>

Phil

The new 'ANV' 8x Ritek will burn reliably at 12x in the 108 on original (v1.06) firmware, i tested them myself today. Nice speed curve and excellent PI & PO results too.
I didn't get a chance to flash a drive to v1.10 today but i reckon they'll go to 16x in a flashed drive.

These disks are an absolute steal at the current going rate.

Paul

lightning101

Paul - are you open tomorrow - desperately need some 8 speed DVD's (printable), seen the site was down today so assumed the above.


Have managed to get my company (tristar) to start buying from you (only ink cartridges and CD/DVD's at the moment) but am working on it.

Cheers


Mark