The new 840 series of drives is Sony’s latest crop of multi-format DVD burners that support 20X DVD±R recording speeds, delivering a full 4.7 GB disc of video, data, music or images on standard 16X DVD+R media in about five minutes. In addition, the drives can record on 8.5GB DVD+R Double/Dual layer and 4.7GB DVD+RW discs at 12X speed. The internal Sony DRU-840A drive incorporates an ATAPI interface for easy installation inside a PC, and includes a black replacement bezel for matching to black-colored PC cases.
The external Sony DRX-840U drive features a space-efficient vertical design and offers connectivity with a high speed USB (USB 2.0) digital interface for simple setup. Both models support 20X DVD±R, 12X DVD±R DL, 12X DVD+RW, 6X DVD-RW, and 12X DVD-RAM for data backup, as well as 48X CD-R and 32X CD-RW recording speeds.
The slim external Sony DRX-S70U burner supports 8X DVD±R, 4X DVD±R DL, 8X DVD+RW, 6X DVD-RW, 5X DVD-RAM, and 24X CD-R/RW recording speeds. It also comes with a high speed USB interface for maximum flexibility.
All three Sony burners support both dual and double layer formats, as well as CD-R/RW recording. The Sony DRU-840A drive is available for about $70; the external DRX-840U burner is expected to ship next month for around $110; and the slim DRX-S70U drive will also be available next month for about $130.
