While Samsung launched its Super-WriteMaster SH-S223 22x DVD burner in early March 2008 and LG Electronics will follow suit to launch its latest Super Multi series GH22, in the second quarter of 2008, 18x and 20x are still the mainstream burning speed levels, according to industry sources in Taiwan.

22x DVD burners take 4.5 minutes to burn a 4.7GB 16x DVD+R/-R disc, faster than 6-8 minutes using an 18x or 20x model, the sources pointed out. However, the highest write speed of blank DVD+R/-R discs currently available is 20x, and 22x DVD burners are significantly more expensive, the sources indicated.

Therefore, 22x is unable to replace 18x and 20x to become the mainstream DVD burning speed, the sources noted.

Most International PC vendors adopt 18x DVD burners while 20x is mainly promoted in retail markets, the sources quoted Taiwan-based Lite-On IT as saying. In the Taiwan market, Sony Taiwan currently focuses its promotion upon 20x models but may introduce 22x models in May of this year, the sources indicated.

OEM prices for 18x and 20x DVD burners have dropped to US$22 or below and retail prices have fallen accordingly, which is the main reason behind Samsung's and LG's promotion of 22x models offering higher profitability, the sources pointed out. However, the global demand for 22x DVD burners hinges on whether international PC vendors are willing to adopt them, the sources indicated.

Story source: digitimes.com.