June 2002 News
YAMAHA UNCOVERS ITS MUCH ANTICIPATED
EXTERNAL CRW-F1 CD-RECORDERS
– The Ultimate CD Recorder Combines Quality with
Compatibility For Three External Models: SCSI, USB 2.0, Dual
Interface FireWire & USB 2.0 –
BUENA PARK, CA – Yamaha Electronics Corporation unveils
three new external models in its revolutionary CRW-F1 family
of CD recorders, introducing Yamaha's sleek, exhilarating
new look for its external models.
Designed specifically to enhance the style and appeal of
the contemporary computer workstations, Yamaha's all new CRW-F1
external models are not only geared to provide easy connectivity,
reliable performance and high-quality top-speed CD recording,
but also become an appealing, decorative part of any work
environment.
Designed specifically to enhance the style and appeal of
the contemporary computer workstations, Yamaha's all new CRW-F1
external models are not only geared to provide easy connectivity,
reliable performance and high-quality top-speed CD recording,
but also become an appealing, decorative part of any work
environment.
Available in three models, CRW-F1 family's external models
will be available as: 1) A Dual Interface model featuring
both FireWire and USB 2.0 connections (model CRW-F1ZDX); 2)
A USB 2.0 model (model CRW-F1ZUX); and 3) An Ultra SCSI model
(model CRW-F1ZSX).
"Whether you are a Mac user or a PC user, CRW-F1's extraordinary
features and technologies are now available to you regardless
of your computer's interface or operating system." states
Allen H. Gharapetian, general manager, Multimedia Products
Division, Yamaha Electronics Corporation. "The Dual interface
model, featuring the popular FireWire connectivity, is ideal
for Mac users while the USB 2.0 model will connect to any
PC compatible thanks to its backwards compatibility with the
industry-standard USB 1.1 interface"
Designed from the ground-up as an external model rather than
just another internal CD recorder boxed inside a crudely designed
external enclosure, CRW-F1 models come with all the features
and performance qualities associated with the internal models.
All external models feature Yamaha's revolutionary DiscT@2TM
Laser Labeling System (which allows graphics and text to be
burnt onto any CD-R disc), 24X CD-RW ReWriting with full Mt.
Rainier support and the exclusive CD-RW Audio Track Edit system,
Yamaha's award-winning Safe-Burn buffer underrun prevention
technology with 8MB of buffer memory, jitter suppressing Full-CAV
writing technology, and Yamaha's class-defining Advanced Audio
Master Quality Recording System for mastering studio-quality
audio and data CDs.
"Because of its performance, reliability and dozens
of exclusive features, Yamaha's new CRW-F1 series is ultimately
the world's most complete CD Recording device," states
Gharapetian. "The fact that it is available in this attractive,
contemporary new enclosure makes it the world's most appealing
CD Recorder as well".
The CRW-F1 external models will be available in August 2002,
beginning with the USB 2.0 model. The dual interface FireWire/USB
2.0 model and the SCSI models will follow shortly.
The new external design features a florescent white on/off
indicator light, as well as an elongated blue LED indicator,
stretching across the entire width of the tray opening via
a curved, custom-designed light-pipe. The new enclosure is
also designed to be stackable for multiple unit connectivity.
YAMAHA'S CRW-F1 DELIVERS TOP
QUALITY CD RECORDING WITHOUT COMPROMISING SPEED WITH FULL-CAV
TECHNOLOGY FULL-CAV vs. Zone-CLV
BUENA PARK, CA–Yamaha Electronics Corporation has remained
at the top of the CD recording industry by consistently introducing
innovative technology that demands attention. Yamaha's adaptation
of the Full-CAV (Full Constant Angular Velocity) recording
method for the new CRW-F1 is another example of the company's
dedication to deliver premium technology to the consumer.
This new recording method raises the quality standard and
is just one more piece to the puzzle that explains why the
CRW-F1 is the Ultimate CD Recorder!
Utilizing the Full-CAV recording technology, Yamaha CRW-F1
is able to write a full 80-minute CD-R disc in just 163 seconds,
quicker than any 48X CD-Recorder using the conventional Zone-CLV
speed shifting technology, while delivering impeccable quality,
playback reliability and a longer life expectancy.
"Quality has always been a defining trait of Yamaha.
With that in mind, the decision to implement the Full-CAV
technology was easy." states Allen H. Gharapetian, general
manager, Yamaha Multimedia Products Division. "Unlike
the Zone-CLV CD recorders, Full-CAV technology allows the
CRW-F1 to increase speed in a smooth, steady manner rather
than going through sudden speed shifts during recording that
could cause unconditional forced write errors on a CD every
time the speed jumps occur."
Full-CAV
The Full-CAV recording method is identical to the way a conventional
CD-Rom reads data, which rotates at a constant speed no matter
where the data is located on the disc. Yamaha's efficient
use of Full-CAV technology allows writing to increase at a
smooth and consistent rate until it achieves full speed. Yamaha's
exclusive OWSC (Optimum Write Speed Control) adjusts to the
maximum recording speed of the blank CDR.
Zone-CLV
Other high speed CD-RW manufacturers are using the "Zone-CLV
(Constant Linear Velocity)" method which "jumps"
in recording speed, greatly compromising the integrity of
the recorded data on the disc and substantially increasing
the likelihood of encountering critical errors while making
the links between each speed zone. The Zone-CLV recording
method relies on competitor's buffer underrun protection in
order to create the link between the speed zones. Each time
the buffer management system is activated, an error is introduced
on the CD. Over time, these errors can compromise the reliability
of the recorded CD. Without the speed shifts and the required
links, a Zone-CLV equipped recorder cannot reach its maximum
write speed.
Full-CAV vs. Zone-CLV
Disc rotation plays an important part in understanding the
benefits of Full-CAV over Zone-CLV. Research has shown that
as recording speed increases, it becomes more difficult to
maintain the integrity of data. This is due to the increased
vibration that results from spinning the CD at ultra high
speeds. In the current Yamaha implementation of the Full-CAV
method, the rotation speed is kept at a constant 8700 rpm
throughout the full CD. In addition, to ensure the best writing
quality, Yamaha has developed a unique Dynamic Damper designed
to counteract vibration and noise. Compare this with the Z-CLV
method where the disc can spin at over 10,000 rpm in the inner
portion of the disc and, because of the inherent variations
in the rotation speeds, there is no possibility to counteract
the vibration and noise. Full-CAV's constant disc rotation
helps towards achieving an improved recording quality across
the entire surface of the disc.
Zone-CLV divides the writing of a disc into several zones,
with the writing speed kept constant within each zone. When
it shifts up to the next speed level, writing is suspended
and then restarted using the buffer underrun protection, causing
errors to be introduced to the CD at each link point. Full-CAV
is the ideal technology for high-speed recording because writing
is completed smoothly and no link points are produced.
"Achieving faster CD writing speeds–while maintaining
maximum reliability–has always been a necessity for
Yamaha, especially for the growing number of users who understand
that the quality of any data or audio recording outweighs
the potential benefits of shaving off a few seconds during
recording," states Gharapetian. "Our research has
found that the Full-CAV technology utilized in our CRW-F1
drives is superior to other high speed drives which rely on
ŒZone CLV' writing methods, resulting in more stable,
high-quality CD recording."
For more information, visit www.yamahamultimedia.com where
eight press releases will unfold to tell Yamaha CRW-F1's story.
Full-CAV is the fourth installment; the remaining four releases
will be posted every Monday and Thursday for the next two
weeks. Each release will detail a different outstanding feature
of the industry's finest CD-R series and show why the CRW-F1
is The Ultimate CD Recorder.
For product and sales information, contact Yamaha Electronics
Corporation, Multimedia Products Division, 6660 Orangethorpe
Avenue, Buena Park, CA 90620; www.yamaha.com; telephone (714)
522-9011.
The DVD/CD Shredder-
Unique Data Security Tool Only from Alera Technologies
The simple way to successfully prevent theft or unauthorized
use of your valuable data
Van Nuys, CA June 24, 2002 - Alera Technologies, developer
and manufacturer of Advanced DVD and CD Recording Solutions
announced today that it is launching its new DVD/CD Shredder
that permanently destroys the data layers on DVDs and CDs
securely preventing unauthorized use. For quick and easy handling,
the DVD/CD Shredder will process up to 30 discs per minute,
completely destroying the information contained on them and
it is equipped with unique automatic start/stop operation.
Even when information is not considered confidential, it will
be damaging if it falls into the wrong hands. Most company
trash contains a gold mine of
information and taking items or information from someone’s
trash is entirely legal. "Responding to growing market
demand for safety and security Alera Technologies is proud
to offer perhaps the simplest, quick and easy method of preventing
misuse of sensitive data recorded on discarded discs ,"
states Perry Solomon, President and CEO of Alera Technologies.
"With a DVD or CD falling into the wrong hands you could
lose all of your personal financial records, business customer
lists, an entire accounting system or more. With the growing
threat of hazards like identity theft the DVD/CD Shredder
provides the protection and peace of mind you need at a very
low cost, and its available only from Alera Technologies.”
It is estimated that 700,000 to 1,100,000 people had pieces
of their identity pilfered for fraudulent purposes in the
year 2001 according to the Identity Theft Resource Center.
A Privacy Rights Survey recently found that it takes 23 months
and 175 hours to repair the damage caused by identity theft.
In addition, the average person spends $1000 to clear their
name, NOT including lawyer's fees. States are passing laws
that hold businesses responsible for ID Theft damages to their
clients if they don't take the proper measures to dispose
of personal data. When information is stored on DVDs and CDs
the amount of data and the danger of loss is enormous. Failure
to securely dispose of discs containing sensitive data that
has become partially obsolete has the potential to destroy
you and your business. A single CD holds the equivalent of
approximately 80 four-drawer cabinets of text data. One side
of a single DVD disc holds about 560 four-drawer cabinets
filled with data, seven times CD capacity. Recording data
and information of all types on DVD and CD discs is a growing
practice and the problem of secure disposition of old discs
is growing faster. When DVDs and CDs are used to store data
or back up a system, usually all of the data on a subject
is recorded. When changes are made, they are typically to
only small parts of the data and when changes are stored,
all of the data is re-recorded on a new DVD or CD. The DVD
or CD made before the changes still contains much sensitive
and valuable information. The DVD/CD Shredder is the ideal
security tool for corporate, government,
education, and consumer applications. The DVD/CD Shredder
(Alera
Technologies Part # 240114, Ingram Micro SKU # 561008) has
an estimated street price of only $59.99. Complete information
is available at http://www.aleratec.com/ .
SEI Commences Sample Shipments of Low-Dislocation
GaN Single Crystal Substrate for Violet Lasers
Osaka, Japan, June. 14, 2002 - (JCN Newswire) - Sumitomo
Electric Industries, Ltd. (SEI) has succeeded in developing
a novel single-crystal gallium nitride (GaN) substrate that
may be used in violet lasers for high capacity, next generation
`Blu-ray Disc` optical video recording technology. SEI has
started shipping samples and is presently working to mass-produce
the substrates.
Presently, manufacturers of audio-visual equipment are negotiating
to establish a unified standard for a new optical video recording
format called `Blu-ray Disc`. `Blu-ray Disc` enables the recording
and writing of data from and to optical discs using a violet
laser that has a shorter wavelength than the red laser used
in DVD players.
The new substrate has low dislocation (crystal defect) areas
arranged orderly. Each low dislocation area of new substrate
is about 500 microns in diameter. The density per square centimeter
of these low dislocation areas is between 10,000 and 100,000,
that is 100,000 times less than the dislocation density of
conventional GaN epitaxial layers on sapphire substrates.
These low dislocation areas arranged orderly allow easy device
fabrication.
In the epitaxial growth of GaN, sapphire substrates are commonly
used and recent research has focused on making GaN-based violet
laser devices using sapphire substrates.
Since the physical properties of sapphire substrates and
GaN are different, sapphire substrates cause dislocation density
to become extremely high, which reduce the lifetime of the
laser and have led to delays in the practical application
of GaN-based violet lasers.
In order to overcome the problem of dislocations, the epitaxial
lateral overgrowth (ELO) technique is used in the development
of violet laser. The ELO technique allows dislocations to
be reduced to a small area of a few microns in width. However,
when the ELO technique is used, it is difficult to cleave
the crystal and obtain a laser reflective surface.
The development of a high-quality, low-dislocation single-crystal
GaN substrate, on which epitaxial growth of GaN can be performed
has long been seen as a way to solve this problem.
SEI, which has extensive experience in the development of
GaN substrates and had developed the worldfs first 2-inch
GaN wafer in 2000, established its own unique GaN substrate
fabrication process, called the Dislocation Elimination by
Epitaxial growth with inverse-pyramidal Pits, or `DEEP` technique,
which reduces dislocations by forming inverse-pyramidal pits
on the surface of the crystal.
However, even with the use of `DEEP` low dislocation areas
were not large enough. So SEI managed to develop a technique
that controls the area where dislocations are concentrated.
This technique enables the formation of larger low-dislocation
areas. Low dislocation areas, each about 500 microns in diameter,
are arranged orderly, allowing easy device fabrication.
For lasers to have sufficient lifetime, the density per square
centimeter of these dislocation areas on the substrate must
be less than 100,000. SEI`s newly developed low-density GaN
substrate has a dislocation density of between 10,000 and
100,000, which is 1/10,000 and 1/100,000 the dislocation density
of conventional GaN epitaxial layers on sapphire substrates.
The new substrate also features higher conductivity and offers
better cleavages, therefore is highly efficient when used
in laser devices.
Test developments of a two-inch substrate of this type have
proved successful and SEI has started shipping samples. After
laser device manufacturers evaluate the new GaN substrate,
mass-production will start by the time Blu-ray Disc comes
to market. SEI forecasts the production of low-dislocation
GaN substrates to reach 300 per month by April 2003.
Yamaha unveils CRW-F1
(44x/24x/44x) FULL CAV CD-R/RW!
Monday, 3 June 2002
Yamaha Corporation, an established leader in digital audio,
today unveiled the CRW-F1, a High-Quality, Full CAV CD-R/RW
recorder, that promises unmatched stability, efficiency and
offers the new Advanced Audio Master Quality Recording and
the revolutionary DiscT@2 laser drawing system.
High-Quality Full CAV CD-R/RW recorder
To develop the CRW-F1 recorder, Yamaha adopted the Full CAV
method for CD-R writing as well as CD-RW rewriting to ensure
high-quality recording even at high speeds. In the Full CAV
(Constant Angular Velocity) writing/rewriting mode, CRW-F1
maintains a constant disc rotation speed from start to end.
By removing any fluctuation in the disc rotation speed, unwanted
vibrations which may affect the writing quality are eliminated,
thanks to Yamaha's newly developed traverse mechanism with
dynamic damper.
The new CRW-F1 recorder features a 2:42 recording time for
Full 80-minute CD-R discs (at Full CAV speeds of 44x) along
with up to 24x in CD-RW Rewriting. Read speed and digital
audio extraction speeds reach 44X, while delivering maximum
quality and compatibility.
DiscT@2 laser drawing system
The CRW-F1 is the first CD-RW recorder to offer the revolutionary
DiscT@2 Laser Labeling System, which allows graphics and text
to be burnt onto CD-R disc, eliminating the need for labels.
Customers can put graphics, such as signatures, logos, memorandums,
and photo images onto CD-R's unused area after data writing.
This unique feature will certainly enhance the CD-R recording
experience for many of the users.
Advanced Audio Master Quality Recording
The CRW-F1 recorder has an "Advanced Audio Master Quality
Recording" mode for writing audio CDs, and Data CDs,
with less digital noise, or jitter. This unique feature enables
recording of music CDs at quality levels that rival professionally
prepared master discs. In addition to sound quality enhancements,
reducing jitter slows the bit?s edge deterioration that naturally
occurs over time. In short, it extends the life of important
data on media. The new "Advanced Audio Master Quality
Recording" support 1x and 8x writing speeds addition
to the original 4x writing speed previously available. When
Advanced Audio Master Quality Recording mode is enabled, the
system widens the lands and the pits, significantly reducing
jitter created during CD-R recording, improving audio and
music-recording quality to levels equal to professionally
prepared music CDs. The CRW-F1 supports up to 870MB and can
record maximum 79 minutes music data in Advanced Audio Master
Quality Recording mode.
Adding to these unique features, the CRW-F1 adds support
for a new packet-writing format called CD-MRW (CD Mount Rainier
Rewrite). CD-MRW is the next-generation of the packet-writing
format, which features background formatting, defect management
by the drive, and the ability to eject the disc during formatting.
Availability
The CRW-F1E (Internal ATAPI) will become available worldwide
by the end of July.
Features:
- Writing Speeds: 1x, 4x, 8x, 16x (CLV), 44x (FULL CAV)]
- Writing Speeds (Advanced AudioMASTER): 1x, 4x, 8x (up to
63mins with 650MB, up to 68min with 700MB and up to 79mins
with 870MB discs)
- Re-writing speeds: 2x, 4x, 10x, 12x, 16x (CLV), 24x (P-CAV)
- Packet Writing speeds: 10x, 24x (FULL CAV)
- Reading speeds: 44x (full CAV)
- Buffer: 8MB
- SafeBurn anti-coaster technology
- Supports CD-RW Audio Edit Track
- Supports Mt. Rainier
- Supported recording formats: CD-DA, CD-TEXT, CD-ROM, Mixed
Mode CD-ROM (CD-ROM+CD-DA), CD-ROM XA, Photo CD, Video CD,
CD-EXTRA, CD-MRW (Mount Rainier)
- IDE (UDMA33), SCSI, FireWire connection interface
MARCAN Offering
Standalone DVD Copier with Firewire Port
BELLEVUE, WA, June 6, 2002 – The Microboards DSR Series
of DVD duplicators is now available from MARCAN, Inc., a leading
CD/DVD solutions provider. The DVD-R and CD-R copier comes
with General Purpose recorders and supports standalone and
computer-connect operation, including a Firewire port for
burning masters from a PC or MacIntosh.
The DSR features one touch, LCD display operation that copies
and verifies at up to 2X speed for DVD, and 8X for CD. The
standard hard drive makes it possible to archive images and
perform CD track extraction for audio CD compilations. Available
with up to four recording drives in a DVD configuration and
up to eight in a CD-R, the systems are easily expandable,
with prices from MARCAN starting at $2045.
How to Contact
For quotes on the Microboards DSR Series, references or more
information, contact MARCAN at 1800 112th Ave NE, Suite 205E,
Bellevue, WA 98004; phone 800-635-7477; fax 425-635-7479;
sales@marcan.com; www.marcan.com.
About MARCAN
MARCAN offers high quality CD-R and DVD-R duplication, CD
replication and DVD video authoring services, including a
full range of printing and packaging options. The company
also sells CD and DVD recording and duplication systems in
multi-drive and autoloading configurations including color
printing systems. MARCAN has been providing CD-ROM solutions
for nine years to such organizations as Boeing, Intel, Microsoft,
Oracle, AT&T, NEC, Cisco and many others.
Plextor ships external 40X CD
recorder drive with USB 2.0
June 2, 2002
Plextor Corporation, a leading developer and manufacturer
of high-performance CD-related equipment and software, today
announced the immediate release of the PlexWriter 40/12/40U
CD-RW optical disc drive. The new PlexWriter is Plug &
Play compatible with Windows 98SE/ME/2000/XP for easy setup.
The new PlexWriter also features BURN-Proof technology to
enable multitasking and prevent buffer underruns when working
with slow source drives. The PlexWriter 40/12/40U also features
PoweRec-II technology, a proprietary media-writing strategy
that guarantees recording results across a broad base of certified
media. A unique feature calibrates the drive to each media
disc to ensure the highest quality write operation using Zone-CLV
servo positioning. The drive also uses VariRec (variable recording)
technology, which allows CD recording enthusiasts to tweak
laser-beam power-levels in order to achieve particular audio
playback characteristics or enhance disc compatibility with
home/car CD players. The drive ships with Roxio's Easy CD
Creator and DirectCD v 5.2 and Oak Technology's SimpliCD software.
Also included are Liquid Audio's Liquid Player, a music player
for streaming, downloading, and playing audio files, and a
trial version of Stomp Click'N Design 3d, a CD labeling software.
The external PlexWriter 40/12/40U CD-RW drive with Hi-Speed
USB 2.0 is scheduled for shipment to distributors and resellers
immediately with an MSRP of $209 USD.
Pioneer ships Sonic
MyDVD with DVR-A04 DVD-R/RW drives
June 4 2002
Sonic Solutions has announced today that Pioneer Electronics
(USA), Inc. is bundling Sonic MyDVD 3.5 Video Suite with its
DVR-A04 DVD-R/RW drives. By combining the fourth-generation
Pioneer drive and Sonic MyDVD 3.5 Video Suite, Pioneer provides
users of its DVR-A04 drives with integrated DVD creation,
editing, and burning capabilities. Sonic MyDVD Video Suite
enables users of Pioneer DVR-A04 drives to record videos to
DVD, watch them on their TVs, and then, if they wish, put
them back into their PCs to edit and update the content using
Sonic's integrated technology to create OpenDVD-compliant
discs. OpenDVD technology expands the possibilities for DVD
by making it easy to create video diaries, up-to-the-minute
customized sales presentations, family video albums, and more.
MyDVD 3.5 Video Suite incorporates ArcSoft's ShowBiz video
editor, enabling users to perform advanced video editing on
their DVD titles, including the ability to add transitions,
titles, and effects.
Pinnacle Studio
DV Ranked Top-selling Digital Video Editing Solution for Second
Year
MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA, June 4, 2002
Pinnacle Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ: PCLE) announced today
that Studio DV was the number one digital video editing product
in the US with consumers and publication reviewers for the
second year in a row. According
to NPD Intellect (formerly PC Data), Studio DV led the industry
in both sales and unit volume in 2001. Product rankings were
determined by comparing Studio DV sales with similar products
that include digital video editing software and a FireWire
interface card. At the same time the product received dozens
of editors' choice awards by publication and web site reviewers
both in the U.S. and around the globe.
Following the August 2001 release of Studio DV's next-generation
product, Studio DV 7, the new version added to the momentum
and quickly became the leading digital video editing solution
for the August - December 2001 period. With three products
in NPD's 2001 top-ten list (Studio DV, Studio DV 7 and DV200),
Pinnacle Systems'
share of the consumer market for video capture and editing
solutions rose to more than 41 percent.
Released in the same time frame, Pinnacle Studio 7, the software-only
version of Pinnacle Systems' award-winning digital video editing
product was also at the top of the sales chart and has received
two Editor's Choice Awards from PC Magazine as well as major
recognition by some of the video and PC industry's leading
consumer and trade publications. During the August - December
2001 period, NPD Intellect's software figures show Pinnacle
Studio 7 moving from number three in sales to number one.
