NEC Launches $99 Dual Layer DVD Writer

Today NEC introduced the NEC ND-3500A, a double layer internal DVD rewritable drive. They will be selling it at an initial price of $99 dollars.

The ND-3500A offers double layer 16X DVD+/-R/RW speed and the support of all major brands of CD, DVD +/-R /RW, and double layer media. This NEC rewritable drive is also compatible with all major PCbrands.

Larry Sheffield, senior vice president of the Solutions Platform Group for NEC Solutions America, believes the ND-3500A features the best DVD technology available in the market today.

“The ND-3500A is the first double layer 16X DVD re-writer to offer significantly faster recording speeds, ensuring users don’t have to compromise the quality of video and photos,” said Sheffield. “Now, a one hour DVD can be recorded in less than four minutes, and with the new double layer DVD media, consumers can now store 8.5 GB on just one DVD+R DL disc offering the ability to record huge amounts of data at a industry leading speed.”

By entering the market with a price of $99.99 for the ND-3500A, NEC is hoping to gain significant market share in an industry that is seeing a significant upswing. By the end of 2005, over 12 million US homes will have a DVD recorder, compared with 3.3 million in 2004.(2)

“Working with NEC to make the ULead DVD MovieFactory(TM) 3.5 Suite Deluxe edition a key component to the new NEC ND-3500A DVD Kit is outstanding news for consumers,” says Lewis Liaw, president of Ulead Systems, North America. “DVD creation doesn’t need to be complicated and MovieFactory 3.5 Deluxe Edition is a testament to this. Consumers who use MovieFactory 3.5 Deluxe Edition will be pleased with how quickly they can burn movies, slideshows, data and music to CD or DVD.”

Pricing and Availability

The NEC ND-3500A is priced at $99.99 and is available through PC Connection, CDW, Tiger Direct, and PC Mall. Additional information can be found on the NEC Solutions America website at http://www.necsam.com/.