Pioneer announces DVR-XD09 slim portable DVD/CD writer

Recognizing the growing popularity of netbook and notebook products, Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. today announces a new slim portable DVD/CD writer, the DVR-XD09, that features the industry’s most compact design to date. The new DVR-XD09 weighs approximately eight ounces and has an overall size that is slightly larger than a music CD case. Simply connecting the DVR-XD09 to a PC through the USB 2.0 port allows users to easily transport, connect and back up valuable data files in virtually any location setting as well as across multiple computers.

“With more than three decades of optical disc advancements, we are excited to once again modernize the DVD/CD computer writer category with our new drive that combines high capacity, high quality performance in one of the world’s most slender form factors,” said Steve Cohn, director of optical sales for Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc.

According to research firm DisplaySearch, shipments of netbooks are estimated to reach nearly 33 million worldwide in 2009*. Netbook and notebooks provide a unique method for consumers to access and view the Internet, personal emails as well as digital content files, but a limited storage capacity often requires additional means for data back-up. Serving as the ideal complement to these emerging mobile computer products, Pioneer’s DVR-XD09 provides a simplified solution to organize and archive a sizeable amount of digital content.

Additionally, owners can archive significant amounts of critical data with the drive’s dual layer DVD-R write support that upgrades the storage capacity of a single layer disc from 4.7Gbytes to 8.5Gbytes.

The new DVD/CD computer writer begins shipping in August for a suggested retail price of $79.99.

Pioneer has been an innovator of optical disc technology since it shipped its first LaserDisc products, the precursor to DVD, to the consumer market in 1980. Pioneer went on to introduce the first DVD writer for video authoring use in 1997, the first DVD recorder as a VCR replacement in 1999, the first DVD/CD writer for home computer users in 2001 and the first Blu-ray Disc writer in 2006. Pioneer Corporation is one of the original Blu-ray Disc Founders. More details can be located at www.pioneerelectronics.com.

DVR-XD09 Specifications Table

Disc Media			Write Speed (max.)			Read Speed (max.)
			DVD–R/+R SL			8X			8X
			DVD–R/+R DL			6X			8X
			DVD+RW SL			6X			8X
			DVD-ROM SL			–			8X
			DVD-ROM DL			–			–
			DVD-RAM			5X			5X
			CD-R			24X			24X
			CD-RW			24X			24X
			Interface			USB 2.0
			Dimensions (H x W x D)			5.24” x .58” x 5.24”
			Weight (pounds)			0.5 lbs.

Source: Panasonic