Lite-On 4x DVD drive - $200 - support both +/- formats

[joepic]

Lite-On support department when asked about the release date of their dual format DVD recorder had this to say....

Thank you for your interest in our Lite-On Products. We plan to have a 4x DVD-RW that will support both +/- formats . As the battle of format wars continues, we at LiteOn continue to watch and monitor the progress. We plan to introduce our DVD-RW product in Q2 2003.

Regards,

Sales & Marketing

Lite-On will release a dual format 4x DVD recorder for about $200. Of course these drives are highly anticipated and a lot of you will have to decide to wait for these drives or buy another brand.

[MOVIEGEEK]

UPDATE!
The drives will be $140-150USD and will be released soon.
http://www.digitimes.com/NewsShow/Article1.asp?datePublish=2003/03/06&pages=03&seq=8

[joepic]

UPDATE!
The drives will be $140-150USD and will be released soon.
http://www.digitimes.com/NewsShow/Article1.asp?datePublish=2003/03/06&pages=03&seq=8

I think this is ONLY for the +R/RW drive as the +/- format drive is not available yet?

[Gazorgan]

A 4x DVD+-RW at $150 US would be a 'killer' deal. Like the $50 Apex DVD Player that plays anything. You know Sony is making money, so competitors can make money at lower margins. Good for us!!!

Now just decide on a dam format!!!

[MOVIEGEEK]

If you look closely in the article you will see a "_" under the "+".
Let's hope it isn't a typo or a tgpo.

[defense]

@ MovieGeek, It looks like joepic is right. I read the article and I don't see any (-) anywhere. The truth is that price seems too low for a multiformat DVD burner anyway. Even if the (-) was there, I'd have to believe it to see it.

Here's an excerpt.

Prices are currently quoted at US$50 for CD-RW/DVD-ROM combo drives, US$90 for slim-type CD-RW/DVD-ROM combo drives, and US$140-150 for DVD+R/RW drives, but are expected to fall between US$5 and US$15 per unit each quarter this year.

I don't see the (-), do you? Maybe your mind is playing tricks on you, or you've been watching too many movies lately and your eyes are blurred. lol

[MOVIEGEEK]

@defense.....Sleep is over-rated
See for yourself:

[RichEtheridge]

@defense.....Sleep is over-rated
See for yourself:

That's a tough one to call. The article has the "+" over "-"in two places, but where it shows the quoted price it only shows the "+". By the context of the article it appears to me that the "+" without the "-" is a typo and that $140 - $150 does indeed refer to a DVD burner that supports both formats.

[defense]

That's a tough one to call. The article has the "+" over "-"in two places, but where it shows the quoted price it only shows the "+". By the context of the article it appears to me that the "+" without the "-" is a typo and that $140 - $150 does indeed refer to a DVD burner that supports both formats.

That's what most people would want to believe, but I live in a world of reality fortunately. I absolutely think it's the other way around...some drives will be multiformat, while others, such as the burner for $140-150 US dollars, will be DVD (+) only. No way they will come out with a multiformat burner so cheap. That's why in the article it does refer to both signs, however, when it SPECIFICALLY talks about that $140 US burner, it shows the (+) only. See MovieGeek, sleep isn't overrated, take a nap and re-read that article. lol

[next]

Tough to call on this one but if history proves right it has never been long before somebody comes out and halves Sony price points. If not right around the corner then pretty darn soon.

[soundforbjt]

If you read further down it turns out that Lite-On is making most of Sony's parts for them. I also heard from Lite-On themselves..I called them, that the burner they will release will indeed be a dual-format -\+ drive.

[defense]

that's great that you called them. You can call the pope too, it won't make a bit of difference. Write my POST DOWN, print it OUT...You heard it here first. IF Liteon comes out with a MULTIFORMAT BURNER, such as the Sony burners...THEN the price will at LEAST be $199. NOT $150 as mentioned in the article with the "+" format. They may come out with TWO burners, one which is multiformat, the other which is strictly (+). That I don't know, but I know it won't be $149 for a multiformat burner. I'm just gonna go all out and say that will serious confidence rihght now because I don't live in Fantasy Land.

[MOVIEGEEK]

Don't beat around the bush defense,tell us how you really feel.

[soundforbjt]

that's great that you called them. You can call the pope too, it won't make a bit of difference. Write my POST DOWN, print it OUT...You heard it here first. IF Liteon comes out with a MULTIFORMAT BURNER, such as the Sony burners...THEN the price will at LEAST be $199. NOT $150 as mentioned in the article with the "+" format. They may come out with TWO burners, one which is multiformat, the other which is strictly (+). That I don't know, but I know it won't be $149 for a multiformat burner. I'm just gonna go all out and say that will serious confidence rihght now because I don't live in Fantasy Land.

I never said it would cost $140 to $150 did I? They (Lite-On) said the target price will be $199.00

[aznguy]

I think they may have one coming out around $150-200.

article:
Lite-On IT and Sony form strategic alliance, sources say
Compiled from outside sources; Sarah Chang, DigiTimes.com [Wednesday 26 February 2003]


Sony recently signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Taiwan-based optical drive manufacturer Lite-On IT, reported the Chinese-language Commercial Times. The news follows shortly after BenQ and Philips Electronics announced a new joint venture on February 12.

According to the report, Sony will increase its orders to Lite-On IT and lower its licensing fee. Shipments to Sony accounted for 5% of Lite-On IT’s shipments last year but have risen to 15% in the first quarter of this year.

Shipments of Sony’s slim-type DVD-ROM/CD-RW combo drives have decreased since the fourth quarter, and therefore both companies hope to expand their market share. Lite-On IT also will increase its key components purchasing from Sony.

It is believed that Lite-On IT’s projection of increasing slim-type optical drives shipments from 50,000 units last year to five million units this year was made in consideration of the strategic alliance with Sony, the Commercial Times said.

The two companies were said to be cooperating on developing DVD-Dual chipsets, scheduled for launch in the second quarter. These highly integrated chipsets combine support for the DVD+RW and DVD-RW standards and could help DVD-Dual optical drives/players become mainstream products.

[defense]

Well, it looks like the price for this MULTI-FORMAT burner is gonna be around the $300 mark. As I said, there was NO WAY IN HELL it would be $149 like many were someone believing. Stay away from that WhiteOut...it clouds the brain. I guess we'll have to wait and see for the "official" pricetag.

[MOVIEGEEK]

White Out helps me get through the day
BTW...defense do you have a new link about the Lite-On drive?

[defense]

White Out helps me get through the day
BTW...defense do you have a new link about the Lite-On drive?

lmao....what's up MG? The article was quoted and posted in another thread. I will try and find the site and link the info. Even from a reuptable site, it's still too early too decide what Lite-On will finally decide in terms of their price for that multiformat burner, but It just seems obvious that being that they as well as Sony are working diligently on this dual chip technology, as well as the current price of single format burners, I think even my "LOW" end estimate for this burner was too low.

In all seriousness, my STRONG, STRONG, estimate would be $299. That would be less then $300 and you know how the "mental" price figures work. And even at that price, they'll still be $50 lower then Sony's internal multi-format burners.

[defense]

just read yet another post regarding this Lite-On Dual format drive. Here's the copy of the post.

Just saw this item added to one of my distributor's inventory lists, no estimated release date was shown. Wondering if this is a rebranded Sony drive.

Description: The Liteon DVD-Dual/CD ReWritable drive features a 4X Max DVD-R and +R Write, 2X DVD-RW Rewrite, 2.4x Max DVD+RW Rewrite, and 8x Max DVD-ROM Reading. 24x Max. CD-R write, 10X Max CD-RW Rewrite and 32X Max Cd-ROM reading. Conforms to DVD specifications and DVD+R/+RW 4.7 GB basic format specifications. 8MB Buffer size with a 250ms access time on DVD disc and 300 ms on cd disc.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Mfr.: Lite-On Mfr. Model: LDW-400D
Category: DRIVES-CD/CDRW/DVD
Sub Category: DVD-Recorders Est.Retail Price: $309.00
Weight: 3.5 lb.

Anyone want to come back and say it's still gonna be priced at $149? I hate to be the one that said I told ya' so..but ...I TOLD YA' SO! 8)

[deaves]

I already know EXACTLY what they are gonna do. The will release a $200 drive that will do both - and +

AND they will release a $150 drive that will only do + BUT.. will be firmware hackable to switch it to a -+ drive !!

just like their CDRW 32x 40x 48x burners were! !! Sweet DEAL !!

I really hope i'm right about this.. :P

(i'm just guessing, i don't have any real knowledge)

[next]

How about $69 in 12 months or less. Just look at the technology. History repeats itself over and over and over and over......etc....be a student.

Study history and it gets really really simple.

Early adaptors can enjoy regardless of the price, that quite simply is the hobby....or the fun.

Like I said over two years ago....it's happening. Micheal?

[MOVIEGEEK]

LDW-400D is available online for $309USD,basically a rebadged Sony.
http://avlogic.com/product.cgi?code=18030056

[soundforbjt]

Write my POST DOWN, print it OUT...You heard it here first. IF Liteon comes out with a MULTIFORMAT BURNER, such as the Sony burners...THEN the price will at LEAST be $199. NOT $150 as mentioned in the article with the "+" format. They may come out with TWO burners, one which is multiformat, the other which is strictly (+). That I don't know, but I know it won't be $149 for a multiformat burner. I'm just gonna go all out and say that will serious confidence rihght now because I don't live in Fantasy Land.

Part of a quote from March 2003 While you were right about Lite-on, Other companies did it.

[Skynet107]

Don't you think it's kinda a moot point for Lite-On to come out with a +/- burner for $140.00? The NEC ND-1300A is already $140.00 and it is a great drive, and can't imagine it being any better.

[budz]

NEC 1300A is selling at $114.00 at AVLOGIC.COM

check it out:
http://avlogic.com/product.cgi?code=18030059

Hard deal to pass up on eh!!!!

[Bob W]

A 4x DVD+-RW at $150 US would be a 'killer' deal. Like the $50 Apex DVD Player that plays anything. You know Sony is making money, so competitors can make money at lower margins. Good for us!!!

Now just decide on a dam format!!!

You can already buy this NEC Dual format drive for only $114 here http://avlogic.com/product.cgi?code=18030059

[defense]

Part of a quote from March 2003 While you were right about Lite-on, Other companies did it.

I didn't say anything about another brand..I said LITE-ON...and I was right. I also was referring to that point in time when BOTH SONY AND PIONEER DRIVES were damn near $100 MORE....times changed....

in addition...another reason is was obvious at that time... "at least to me" that the Lite-On burner wouldn't be less then half the price of the Sony...was because there simply wasn't much other competition in the dual-format area. Sony & Pioneer were basically the only viable options...also...Sony was and still is working with Lite-On in a type of strategic alliance. But simply put..there just wasn't competition. I don't care what you sell...the more competitors...the lower prices will become.

The same can be said for DVD MEDIA....look at the prices early on...compared to how many new DVD MEDIA MANUFACTURER'S there are today.....and look at the difference in price now. Had there not been nearly as many new companies who introduced their own dual format drive...the Sony and Pioneer drives wouldn't of dropped much, if at all. Since the release of the Lite-On numerous other companies have introduced a dual format drive of their own.

At the time I made the comment regarding Lite-On and their initial price of their burner...it was geared strictly on the market situation at that particular point in time. And as a result at this point in time....Sony and Pioneer drives have also gotten cheaper...because of the lesser known manufacturer's who have penetrated the market with burners at very low prices.....my post 7 months ago was dead on.