BenQ, Pioneer launch 16x DVD-dual burner models

Taipei, Aug. 9, 2004 (CENS)--Both BenQ Corp. of Taiwan and Pioneer of Japan debuted their 16x digital versatile disc (DVD) burner models last week, representing the arrival of a new-format era for such product.

Both BenQ and Pioneer's new 16X DVD burner models support the DVD+/-R (dual) and single/double-layer formats and feature comprehensive functions to meet customers' needs.

In addition to the said two companies, Taiwan's Lite-On IT Corp., Asustek Computer Inc. and Aopen Inc. are also scheduled to launch 16x DVD burner models this month and fuel fierce price competition. As the 16x is the ultimate speed for DVD burners, industry sources said that the new models are expected to stimulate strong purchasing willingness among consumers.

Makers of 16x DVD burners adopt similar key parts and components in their devices. Lite-On used pick-up heads supplied by Sanyo and Hitachi of Japan and chips made by MediaTek Inc. of Taiwan; BenQ's model employed both two key parts from Philips of Netherlands; Asustek adopted parts from Pioneer; while Aopen used Ricoh-supplied key parts.

According to Tokyo Shoko Research Ltd. (TSR) of Japan, Lite-On and BenQ were the top-two DVD burner makers in Taiwan in the first half this year; while Lite-On was also one of the world's top-five makers in the line, trailing Hitachi-LG Data Storage (HLDS), NEC, Pioneer and Panasonic.