Releases

posted on 30 July 2008 09:47

July 29th 2008 -- PLDS has today announced plans to unveil a new generation of Lite-On branded DVD writers which incorporate both improved 22x speed and a brand new data erasing feature, SmartErase.

About SmartErase:

SmartErase is a patented function for DVD+/-R(DL) and CD-R discs, which overwrites existing data with random and meaningless characters so the disc can no longer be read by any drive. This process provides assurance to users that any confidential data is no longer able to be accessed by anyone and is guarantees a more thorough approach to simply breaking the disc or ‘shredding’ data.

“SmartErase is an ideal solution for companies or individuals that need to delete confidential data stored on a write-once disc,” says Jelmer Veldman, European Marketing Manager for Lite-On. ”Instead of physically destroying the disc, you can now simply overwrite the data and make the disc unreadable. After a full erase the data can not be recovered and this method is friendlier to the environment then physically destroying disc, which releases chemicals to the environment.”

To enable easy use of SmartErase, the function will be built into Nero 7 Essentials, the software bundled with the DVD writers. Users wishing to erase data simply have to select from the Nero application and choose from one of two strategies:

* Quick Erase – only erases data stored in Lead-in area and data on the first track. This renders the disc unreadable by drives but does leave a small chance of data recovery by some software.

* Full Erase – overwrites the entire disc, and although takes longer will ensure all data is permanently erased.

Four new models of writer will be released comprising the SmartErase function:

* iHAP322: 22x DVD writer with PATA connection

* iHAP422: 22x DVD writer with PATA & Lightscribe

* iHAS322: 22X DVD writer with SATA connection

* iHAS422: 22x DVD writer with SATA & Lightscribe

The new DVD writers will be available across Europe by October 2008.

About PLDS:

PLDS (Philips & Lite-On Digital Solutions) is a joint venture between Royal Philips Electronics and Lite-On IT Corporation, established in 2007 and active in the market of Optical Disc Drives (ODD). The combination of a strong R&D-focus and access to enormous production capacity makes PLDS an industry leading company. PLDS has multiple ODD brands in its portfolio: Lite-On, HP (under exclusive license) and Philips (in United States only).

^{[Formatted by Wendy Matthews.]}