Samsung intros first combo 8x Blu-ray drive
updated 01:40 pm EDT, Thu October 8, 2009
Samsung's first Blu-ray drive writes to CDs, DVDs
Samsung late yesterday introduced the first internal combo Blu-ray player, the SH-B083 (not pictured). It can read Blu-ray discs at up to 8x speeds, both in single-layer 25GB capacities and dual-layer 50GB capacities. The combo drive can also read CDs at as fast as 40x and DVDs as fast as 16x. It can also record onto blank CD and DVD media thanks to a second lens.
The SH-B083 has an average access speed of 350ms, which Samsung says is faster than any competing product. Bundled software for Windows users includes Cyberlink Powerproducer and Cyberlink TrueTheater software, which lets them record HDTV broadcasts or camcorder movies onto DVDs and upscale a DVD resolution movie to full HD resolution, respectively.
Samsung says it has incorporated spherical aberration compensation technology (SACT) to improve reading quality on a BD disc that has an uneven protective layer.
The SH-B083 will ship in November, though prices haven't been announced.
