Samsung Launches High-End 16X DVD ReWritable Disc Drive.

SAN JOSE, Calif. -- Samsung Electronics Ltd., the worldwide digital consumer electronics and information technology leader, announces the newest entry in its award-winning optical disc drive family, the Writemaster(TM) TS-H552B 16X DVD ReWritable drive. The double-layer TS-H552B supports all the popular DVD recordable/rewritable formats, and provides computer users with greater storage power and even more flexibility to enjoy favorite movies and music, and archive data without regard to format variations.

"DVD storage is rapidly becoming the standard media format, enabling users to share multimedia presentations, burn or convert video clips, and create custom CD-R discs in minutes," said Tom Quinn, Senior Vice President, Memory Sales and Marketing for Samsung SSI. "As a leader in DVD and optical disc drive development and manufacturing, Samsung has the capability to offer the latest technologies at more affordable price points."

The TS-H552B provides double-layer data storage up to 8.5GB in one disc, which is two times more than single-layer DVD and 12 times more than a CD disc. To reduce noise when recording or reading at high speeds and ensure outstanding functionality, the TS-H552B features Samsung's Silent Pulse Width Modulation (SPWM) technology and an Automatic Ball Balancing System (ABS).

Fast and reliable performance of the TS-H552B is ensured through several high-end technologies including: Speed Adjustment Technology (SAT), which automatically optimizes the speed according to the disc quality; Tilt Actuator Compensation (TAC), which gives the disc a tilt with the objective lens for the most reliable writing condition; and Double Optimum Power Control (OPC), which strengthens the writing performance by controlling the laser power in the inner and outer sides of the disc. The drive also includes a power save function and technology to prevent Buffer Under Run Error.

The TS-H552B is capable of recording DVD+R media at 16X, DVD-R at 12X, DVD+/-RW at 4X and double layer DVD+R. The new 16X rewritable disc drive is now shipping with an estimated price of $200.

For more information about Samsung's Optical disc drives visit the website at

http://www.samsung.com/Products/CDDVD_Writer/index.htm

Samsung TS-H552B DVD RW Drive
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                         -- Specifications --

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Data Transfer Rate

    Media Type                  Write                   Read
    ----- ----                  -----                   ----

    DVD+R                   16X (21.6MB/sec)        8X (10.8MB/sec)

    DVD+R Double            2.4X (3.24MB/sec)       8X (10.8MB/sec)

    DVD+RW                  4X (5.4MB/sec)          8X (10.8MB/sec)

    DVD-R                   12X (16.2MB/sec)        8X (10.8MB/sec)

    DVD-RW                  4X (5.4MB/sec)          8X (10.8MB/sec)

    DVD-ROM                 -                       16X (21.6MB/sec)

    CD-ROM                  -                       48X (7.2MB/sec)

    CD-R                    40X (6.0MB/sec)         48X (7.2MB/sec)

    CD-RW                   32X (4.8MB/sec)         32X (4.8MB/sec)

Burst Transfer Rate

    PIO Mode 4 (16.6MB/sec)

    Ultra DMA Mode 2 (33.3MB/sec)

Average Seek Time

    DVD : 130ms

    CD : 110ms

Supported Disc

    DVD+R, DVD+RW, DVD-R, DVD-RW, DVD-Video, DVD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW,
    CD-ROM, CD-ROM/XA, CD-Audio, Video-CD, Photo CD, CD-I(FMV),
    CD-Extra, CD-TEXT

Buffer Memory

    2MB

Dimensions (WxHxD mm)

    148.2x 42x 184

Weight (kg)

    0.76
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About Samsung Electronics

Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. is a global leader in semiconductor, telecommunication, digital media and digital convergence technologies with 2003 parent company sales of US$36.4 billion and net income of US$5.0 billion. Employing approximately 88,000 people in 89 offices in 46 countries, the company consists of six main business units: Corporate Technology Operations, Digital Appliance Business, Digital Media Business, LCD Business, Semiconductor Business and Telecommunication Network Business. Recognized as one of the fastest growing global brands, Samsung Electronics is the world's largest producer of color monitors, color TVs, memory chips, TFT-LCDs and VCRs. For more information, visit www.samsung.com.