Pioneer, a company well known for optical drives since the first DVD writers, has launched its latest and most powerful internal Blu-ray writer, the BDR-2207. This writer includes read and write support for the latest BDXL disc formats, including triple-layer DB-R and BD-RE 100GB media and quad-layer BD-R 128GB media.
The writer also features QuickStart for up to 42% quicker time between inserting the disc and it being ready for use. When it comes to disc defects such as scratches and fingerprints, its PowerRead feature skips over unreadable areas (e.g. scratches) to minimise playback interruption and its PureRead2 feature reduces clicking/popping sounds when playing CDs using its unique algorithm.
One common issue when writing discs such as when using an under-powered PSU is where the drive does not receive enough power during a write operation, potentially resulting in a coaster. To prevent this, this writer has a Peak Power Reducer feature which monitors the drive's input power and can reduce the peak power to prevent a write failure.
Its write speeds include up to 12x BD-R DL, 6x BD-R TL/QL (3 & 4 layer), 2x BD-RE SL/DL/TL, 16x DVD±R, 6x DVD-RW, 8x DVD+RW, 8x DVD±R DL, 5x DVD-RAM, 40x CD-R and 24x CD-RW. It can read at up to 10x BD-ROM SL, 8x BD-ROM DL, 16x DVD-ROM SL, 12x DVD-ROM DL and 40x CD-ROM. It has a 4MB buffer and the drive can be mounted in a vertical or horizontal position, although 8cm discs cannot be used when mounted vertically.
The Pioneer BDR-2207 has a suggested retail price of $99.99 and is expected to be available early May. The drive comes bundled with CyberLink PowerDVD 10 BD3D, PowerDirector 9 and Power2Go 7. A 3D display is required for 3D Blu-ray playback.
