LaCie Takes the Lead in DVD-RAM for PC and Macintosh
Hillsboro, Oregon – September 2, 1998.
LaCie has entered the DVD-RAM market in force with a solution addressing
both PC and Macintosh desktop solutions. The LaCie DVD-RAM SCSI products
are now available, and have shipped in volume since July 1998.
What is DVD-RAM?
DVD-RAM stands for Digital Versatile Disc-Random Access Memory, and
represents the hottest rewritable technology for low-cost, high-reliability
and easy-to-use storage. A solution halfway between CD and optical
rewritable technology, DVD-RAM is a non-magnetic storage solution that uses
the speed and precision of laser optics. With a total capacity of 5.2GB per
disc, a single DVD media can hold the equivalent of nearly 3,600 floppy
diskettes.
Why is DVD-RAM the ideal storage solution for graphics professionals?
Graphics professionals need fast, reliable storage for backup, archiving
and data exchange. Although tape has long been the preferred technology for
full system backups, DVD-RAM delivers new advantages. DVD-RAM’s large 5.2GB
capacity, speed, media durability and low cost compare favorably to the
lower-capacity and lower performance DAT and Travan drives. Tape is
substantially slower than DVD and is vulnerable to data loss by stray
magnetic fields, media wear-out and contamination, while DVD-RAM media will
last for decades.
Add to that DVD-RAM’s low $.05 per megabyte cost (based on one drive plus
three pieces of media) and the graphics professional has the ideal storage
solution.
Why is LaCie entering the DVD market now?
Until now, the storage industry has been unable to agree on universal
standards. The early release DVD-ROM drives have been limited to movie
titles for content, since there have been very few game and reference
titles. While the industry’s primary concern has been standard setting for
use with mass market video and audio DVD format, LaCie is solely focused on
developing solutions for the graphics pre-press and digital content
creation professionals. Because of LaCie’s focus on the graphics market,
the company is not supporting video movie player at this time, but this
will be considered for future inclusion as MPEG content is developed for
this market.
Not only were these early DVD-ROM solutions not essential to the
professional graphics community, but relatively few useful titles were
available. Now, with the emergence of DVD-RAM technology, the best solution
for the desktop is here today. With new DVD-ROM drives coming in the fall,
compatibility with DVD-RAM media will be a widely available feature on the
desktop, and the market will be able to take full advantage of this
technology.
Why does LaCie’s DVD-RAM solution offer the widest compatibility?
With LaCie’s DVD-RAM solution, the technology has matured. LaCie’s solution
conforms to the latest standards of the DVD Forum, published in the DVD
Book. In addition to DVD-RAM media, it can read all existing DVD-ROM
formats, as well as all PD, DVD-R, CD-ROM, CD Audio, CD-DA, CD-R and CD-RW
discs. The forthcoming fourth-generation DVD-ROM drives, scheduled by LaCie
for October 1998, will also read DVD-RAM media. The net result: a storage
solution that is stable, inexpensive, and trouble-free.
DVD-RAM offers data exchange for graphics professionals, or anyone who
needs to transport a lot of data in a readily accessible format. With
DVD-ROM standards now set and with widespread adoption by the major PC
manufacturers on the near horizon, now is the time for graphics
professionals to embrace DVD-RAM technology as the new standard, the
certain choice for data backup, archiving distribution and exchange.
The facts about LaCie’s DVD-RAM solution:
Capacity: 5.2GB per disc (2.6GB on each side)
Data Transfer Rate: 1.3MB/sec. for DVD-RAM, 3MB/sec. (20x) for CD-ROM
Seek Time: 120ms or less (85ms for CDs)
Size: 12 cm DVD-RAM discs, (drive bundled with one piece
of
DVD-RAM media; additional media available for
purchase separately)
Interface: Fast SCSI-2
Features: Front controls for volume, stop/eject button,
headphone jack and activity indicator
Power 100-240V AC, 50/60 Hz world wide compatibility
LaCie offers the best quality
LaCie is working with the leading producers of DVD-RAM technology to ensure
that we provide the best combination of performance and price on the market
today. LaCie DVD-RAM solutions ship complete with cables, the LaCie DVD
pack software driver both for Windows 95/98 and Mac OS, a single piece of
media, and a SCSI card if required. LaCie DVD-RAM products have been
shipping since July 1998, with an M.S.R.P. of $799.
Who is LaCie?
Founded in 1989, LaCie is a world leader in the development and manufacture
of cross-platform mass storage, digital video and color-management computer
peripherals.
The Company has grown rapidly with a current annual turnover now in excess
of $190 million.
LaCie products are renowned for combining high-performance technology with
innovative design concepts. The company operates through an international
network of offices in 15 countries that sell to VARs, computer resellers,
mail order chains and distributors across the world. Creative professionals
and busy IT managers rely on the LaCie brand as a trusted solution
provider.
LaCie is listed on the French New Market (code SICOVAM 5431) — full
details are available on www.lacie.com.
For more information, please visit www.lacie.com or call 503-844-4500
