Plextor Corp. has announced the release of its new PX-716SA series DVD±R/RW drive. Featuring a native Serial ATA (SATA) interface and high-speed 16X DVD+R and 16X DVD-R recording, the internal drive combines fast performance, 150MB/sec bandwidth, and recording features that Plextor says will ensure reliable, high-quality results across a broad spectrum of media.

The drive achieves 16X CAV performance on recommended 8X DVD+R media, and burns a 4.7GB DVD in less than six minutes, Plextor says. The new drive also supports dual-layer DVD media, enabling users to burn up to four hours of MPEG-2 video on a single 8.5GB DVD disc in approximately 28 minutes.

The internal PX-716SA drive features an integrated Serial ATA connection, enabling OEMs and System Integrators to leverage the benefits of SATA, including 150MB/sec bandwidth, elimination of master/slave configuration jumper issues, a substantial pin count reduction, and thinner cables to help airflow and improve cable routing.

The Plextor PX-716SA is a 9-in-1 DVD/CD burner that supports 4X DVD+R Double Layer, 16X DVD+R, and 16X DVD-R Writing; 8X DVD+RW and 4X DVD-RW Rewriting; and 16X max DVD reading; as well as high-speed 48X CD-R writing, 24X CD-RW rewriting, and 48X max CD reading.

The PX-716SA has an 8MB buffer and features buffer underrun prevention technology to prevent buffer underrun errors and allow multi-tasking. Lossless Linking/Zero Link technology enables users to perform basic editing tasks directly on the DVD disc.

The PX-716SA includes PlexTools Professional software, a unique combination of user-controllable CD recording and CD/DVD media test features. The PX-716SA also features Intelligent Recording, a combination of technologies designed to achieve recordings across a broad spectrum of media with varying grades of quality.

Plextor's bundled software package is supposed to offer ease-of-use and extensive functionality for Windows platforms. The PlexWriter PX-716SA ships with Easy Media Creator 7, Basic DVD Edition. Roxio's DVD/CD recording software lets users create movie DVDs, data DVDs, music CDs, photo slideshows synchronized with music, data CDs, and backup copies of personal discs. The software package also includes Roxio PhotoSuite 5 SE for capturing, organizing, editing, and sharing digital photos.

The Plextor PX-716SA DVD+/-R/RW drive is scheduled for shipment to distributors and resellers in North and South America in December. The internal PX-716SA drive has an MSRP of $159. All retail packages include unlimited toll-free technical support and one-year full warranty.

www.plextor.com