LaCie DVD-RAM/R
by Rick Smith (November 30, 2001)
While some DVD writers are content to create DVD-R or CD-R media, the new dual technology LaCie DVD-RAM/R drive can create DVD-RAMs as well. This capability gives you the ability to randomly read and write to 4.7 gigabytes of removable storage.
The LaCie DVD-RAM/R drive is hot-swappable and features high performance FireWire connectivity. This plug-and-play drive automatically detects the system interface and configures this connection when it is plugged in. Because it then behaves just like any other drive in the computer system, you can conveniently move this drive among workstations, without having to shut down or reboot each machine.
Key features of the LaCie DVD-RAM/R are:
Transfer rate - 2x (equivalent to 20x CD rate)
Seek time - 75 ms DVD-RAM / 60 ms DVD-ROM
Burst rates - 22.16 MB/s (max.) 4.7 GB DVD-RAM
Buffer capacity - 2 MB
Write compatibility - DVD-RAM, DVD-R General
The external LaCie DVD-RAM/R drive is able to read CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW, CD Video, CD-DA (audio), VideoCD, DVD-ROM, DVD-R, DVD-Video or DVD-RAM media. It retails for $629 and ships complete with cables, software drivers, DVD authoring software and backup software. This drive is compatible with Windows 98 SE, ME and 2000 (Macintosh OS 8.6-9x).
DVD-RAM media offers the random-access capability and performance of a hard drive to provides near instant retrieval of files or video frames. Built-in error correction, more than 100,000 overwrites and a 30-year data life makes DVD-RAM a great solution for backup/recovery and editing videos prior to pre-mastering. DVD-RAM media is available at $20 for the single-sided 4.7 GB disc, and $35 for the double-sided 9.4 GB disc.
DVD-R General media offers a write-once format and 100-year data life. This is a great solution for secure storage and archiving. In addition, DVD-R General discs can be played back by most DVD video players and DVD-ROM drives in use throughout the world today, so the media discs can be easily shared. LaCie offers 4.7 GB DVD-R General media in a 5-pack for $39.
Copyright
© 2006 Rick Smith All rights reserved.
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