Pioneer's 3 New 20X DVD Burners

Pioneer have unveiled the DVR-116D dual-format ATAPI DVD writer, the DVR-216D (SATA version) and the DVR-216 that adds DVD-RAM writing capabilities.

All models deliver write speed of 20X, offer enhanced 12X writing speeds for Dual / Double Layer media and include special features to reduce noise, advance write performance and support a wide range of high-speed media.

A key feature of the new writers is the ability to support an extensive range of 16X media for 16X, 18X and 20X writing speeds. Manufacturers have to date listed a preferred range of media (typically two or three types) to be used in their DVD writers when customers want to achieve the highest possible write speeds. Pioneer has focused on making the new model line-up as compatible as possible with discs from a broad range of media suppliers.

Research indicates that the DVR-116D / DVR-216 models support high speed writing a wide range of 16X-speed media which greatly extends consumer choice when purchasing discs.

The new DVR-116D/216D/216 series will support a function that Pioneer is calling "Optimal Write Speed" setting. This will be user-selectable via a software utility. Instead of defaulting to the "highest possible writing speed" for a specific media, the optimal write speed feature will switch to a mode which writes at a speed that gives the "best possible quality writing".

Even though the drives can write to media at high speed, all media have been optimised for burning at a specific speed. The Optimal Write Speed setting will write at the speed it has calibrated as the "best quality" for the media inserted in the drive.

The DVD writers also reduce operational noise. This is achieved through two innovations. First, the airflow within the unit has been improved. This enables air to easily circulate around the internal chassis, reducing noise caused by the build-up of air.

Second, the drives have been re-designed to prevent the escape of air, especially through the front bezel, that can create significant amounts of background noise.

With overlapping chassis joints, it's harder for the air to escape resulting in products that Pioneer tests show are among the quietest DVD writers ever produced. Write performance and the lifecycle of the products is improved by the chassis design that works to prevent dust ingress.

All models include the following key write specifications: 20X speed on DVD-R and +R, 12X on DVD-R DL and +R DL, 6X on DVD-RW and 8X on +RW while CD-R and CD-RW media are catered for at 40X and 32X speeds respectively. In addition, the DVR-216 multi-format writer also writes at 12X speed to DVD-RAM media. The high write speed of 20X for DVD-R and +R discs is achieved through the adoption of the CAV recording system, while Pioneer's proprietary technologies ensure the disc has been recorded accurately and efficiently.

The DVR-116D, DVR-116DBK and DVR-116DSV are available now on an OEM basis in PCs and can also be purchased from Pioneer's distribution network. The DVR-216, DVR-216BK and DVR-216DSV, DVR-216D, DVR-216DBK and DVR-216DSV will be available in August 2008.

Range line-up:
DVR-116D: ATAPI, dual format, beige
DVR-116DBK: ATAPI, dual format, black
DVR-116DSV: ATAPI, dual format, silver

DVR-216: SATA, multi format, beige
DVR-216BK: SATA, multi format, black
DVR-216SV: SATA, multi format, silver

DVR-216D:SATA, dual format, beige
DVR-216DBK:SATA, dual format, black
DVR-216DSV: SATA, dual format, silver