Yamaha claims quad speed RW breakthrough

Yamaha has claimed it has made a breakthrough in CD Rewritable technology with the introduction of a four speed drive. The company said that the unit, the CRW 4416, both writes and re-writes at quad speed. Previously, said Yamaha, CD-RW drives were only able to re-write at double speed. According to Jim Corbett, general manager of Yamaha UK’s media division: “Yamaha’s goal in CD ReWritable technology has been to expand our quad speed drive line up with faster rewritability and playback devices.” He said the ratification of the Orange Book Part 3 standard earlier this year had meant that the company could develop the quad speed drive. The unit will be available in the retail market towards the end of September and will cost £349 including VAT. ®