Lite-On IT, given the fact that several global leading brands will follow Japan-based Plextor and unveil 18x DVD burner models this quarter or early next quarter, is preparing to offer 20x DVD burners in the fourth quarter to enhance its competitiveness, according to industry sources.
Toshiba-Samsung Storage Technology (TSST), NEC, Hitachi-LG Data Storage (HLDS), Pioneer and I-O Data Device are among the brands expected to release 18x DVD burners soon, the sources indicated.
The mainstream speed of DVD burners currently is 16x, and whether or not 18x will surpass 16x as the mainstream hinges on a sufficient supply of 18x chipsets, the sources pointed out. NEC, globally the largest producer of DVD burner chipsets, will offer 18x chipsets with Sony and Pioneer willing to adopt the product, the sources noted. If MediaTek, Taiwan's largest producer of DVD burner chipsets, is able to start volume production of 18x chipsets soon, 18x DVD burners stand a good chance of replacing 16x models as the mainstream speed within one to two years, the sources indicated.




