Independent Testing Shows the New Ricoh MP7060 Series Drives Burn CD-Rs Faster Than Current 8X CD-Recorders

TUSTIN, Calif., June 15 /PRNewswire/ -- Ricoh Disc Media and Systems-Center today announced the fastest CD-R/CD-RW combination drive on the market for July shipping. The new faster MediaMaster CD-R/CD-RW drive package has a 6X CD-Recording speed capability, 4X CD-RW rewriting speed and a 24X CD-reader.

An independent benchmark test released by XXCAL Testing Laboratories, Japan compared CD-Recording and CD-read performance speeds against two 8X CD-Recorders and one 6X CD-Recorder. (There are only two 8X CD-R drive manufacturers in the world, the remainder are sold through OEM.) The Ricoh 7060 drives performed better in the CD-R performance test against all three manufacturers. Ricoh also performed better than two manufacturers in the read speed category, and tied with the third. The full report is available upon request.

Called the MediaMaster MP7060A (atapi) and MP7060S (scsi), these internal drive packages are MAP priced at $349 and $399 respectively. The new device complements the earlier MP7040 series by advancing the technology one step forward in CD-R media write speed and CD-ROM read speed. An external SCSI version will be available before the end of July for $449.

Ricoh improved both the write and read speed by changing an extra-small pick-up module to optimize its performance. A tracking/focusing servo system was fine tuned to allow reliable 24X reading. In addition, a write strategy was improved to ensure reliable 6X writing for CD-R media.

Ricoh, one of only four manufacturers of Rewriteable CD-Recorders, was the first in the market to ship them in March, 1997 and has been a major force in developing the CD-R/RW industry with contributions in both media and drive technologies. The other three manufacturers are Philips, Sony and Yamaha.

Mary Bourdon principal analyst for Dataquest's optical storage program in the Computer Systems and Peripherals Group reported during Dataquest's Storage Track '98 conference that Ricoh led the market in CD/ReWritable shipments during 1997.

The MediaMaster MP7060A drive includes a 2MB data buffer to ensure error-free recordings and the class 3 million dust-proof design exceeds industry standards. The drive supports eight standard formats including CD- Digital Audio, CD-ROM, CD-ROM+, CD-DA, CD-ROM/XA, Photo CD, CD-I, CD-Extra and Video CD.

The full package includes: Ricoh MediaMaster MP7060A Internal ATAPI CD- R/CD-RW disc drive or MP7060S internal SCSI with 2MB buffer; disc drive mounting hardware, one RICOH Platinum blank CD-R disc, one RICOH Multi-Speed blank CD-RW disc, one RICOH CeQuadrat PacketCD formatted CD-RW media, audio cable, users manual, Quick Start Guide and the following high performance software programs:

• CeQuadrat PacketCD packet writing software.
• CeQuadrat WinOnCD 3.6 premastering software.
• CeQuadrat just!audio allows easy creation of personal audio.
• Seagate BackupExec allows the user to schedule full or incremental backups of systems 

System Requirements

The Ricoh MediaMaster MP7060 series drive works with any Pentium 100MHz IBM compatible microprocessor or greater, requires Windows 98/ 95 operating system or Macintosh, 32MB or greater RAM, 75MB free hard disk space, available 5 1/4-inch mass storage bay. An open E-IDE port is required for the Atapi drive.

Applications Drive Acceptance

International Data Corporation projects that the major opportunity for CD-RW growth lies in the desktop computer segments for the home, medium/large business, small business and small office. Primary applications have included back-up of system operation, archiving data, exchanging data and CD audio and data duplication.

Emerging applications with quad-speed rewritability include updating of information databases such as client lists, direct mail lists and company financial records. Due to low storage costs, CDs will also become tools for data sharing, including customized meeting presentations, brochures, product listings, price lists and inventory sheets. CD-RW has become a contender in the secondary storage market for back-up due to the low cost, multi-functionality and media interchangeability.

About Ricoh DMS-Center

Headquartered in Tustin, Calif., Ricoh DMS-C (Disc, Media and Systems Center), an operating unit of Ricoh Company LTD, Japan, is a major OEM and supplier of CD-R/RW drives, optical storage products, recordable media and related software products. DMS-C, is one of the original consortium members who developed the CD-RW (rewritable) industry specifications, and the first manufacturer to market a CD rewritable disc drive. Ricoh holds many worldwide patents, including one for CD-RW media. Customer product inquiries and information requests can be directed to Ricoh 877-Ricoh RW. (877-742-6479), or through the website http://www.ricohdms.com

About Ricoh Corporation

Ricoh Corporation, headquartered in West Caldwell, N.J., is a subsidiary of Ricoh Company Ltd., the 63-year-old leading supplier of office automation equipment with 1997 sales in excess of $10.6 billion.

Ricoh Corporation is a diversified office equipment and electronics provider. The company is a pioneer in the development of computer-connected and digital multifunctional document systems, is a leader in the fastest-growing color copier market and is a premier supplier of black & white copiers, facsimile machines, printers and scanners.

Ricoh has received the 1998 Energy Star Imaging Equipment Partner of the Year Award, from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) -- the EPA's highest industry award. Ricoh was chosen for its commitment to the environment and its extraordinary leadership role in promoting and producing energy efficient copiers, facsimile machines, printers, and scanners.

Information about Ricoh's complete range of products and services can be accessed on the World Wide Web at http://www.ricoh-usa.com

SOURCE: Ricoh Disc Media and Systems-Center