Samsung Announces its First Internal Blu-ray Disc Combo Drive With World's Fastest 8X Read Speed

Seoul, Korea, October 8, 2009: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., a worldwide leader in digital consumer electronics and information technology, has launched its first internal Blu-ray disc COMBO drive for PCs, the SH-B083, with large capacities of up to 25GB for a single layer disc and 50GB for a double layer disc. Building upon the company's ODD leadership, the new Blu-ray drive reads at up to 8x, the world's fastest speed, reads CDs at up to 40x, and reads DVDs at up to 16x.

With Samsung's fast dual layer jumping algorithm, the new SH-B083 COMBO drive features an average access speed of 350ms which is much faster than any other drive on the market. The new drive reads Blu-ray discs and reads and writes CD/DVDs.

"Expanding the HD content experience for PC users, Blu-ray technology offers consumers a lot of advantages over traditional ODD technology," said Jinsoo Lee, the vice president of Samsung Optical Disc Drive division strategic marketing team. "With Samsung's new BD drive, users can not only watch HD movies on their PC but they can also record HDTV broadcasting on to a DVD with the bundled software Cyberlink Powerproducer. They also can record and burn HD camcorder movies to a DVD disc with Powerproducer."

The higher precision Blu-ray technology dictates the need for more advanced reliability features to ensure HD viewing. The new SH-B083 is equipped with two lenses for more stable reading and writing: one lens for BD read and the other lens for CD/DVD read/write. SACT (Spherical Abberation Compensation Technology) improves reading quality on a BD disc whose protective layer does not have a uniform thickness. Also, PSCT (Precision Step Control Technology) accommodates the higher resolution in the OPU position control system that the smaller track pitch of BD demands.

For more precise BD disc reading, Samsung's drive includes a four point skew adjustment instead of the typical three point skew found in regular DVD writers. For increased thermal reliability, an optical pickup lens cooling system reduces heat buildup.

The new eco-friendly drive features low power consumption and an aerodynamic frame design to lower acoustic noise by preventing pressure concentration in several areas of the bezel and door.

Samsung has designed its BD drive with an edgier look that sets it apart from other ODD drives. The front bezel of the internal BD drive, including the chic mirror front door design and blue LED, are appealing to consumers who consider design an important factor. The lighter weight not only reduces internal heat but also contributes to lower CO₂emissions by improving loading efficiency.

With Cyberlink TrueTheater software, users can upscale a DVD resolution movie to full HD resolution. Users can check to see if their PC is ready for BD by using the Cyberlink BD advisor in the bundled disc and on the Cyberlink homepage. Like all the other Samsung ODD drives, the BD drive supports Firmware Live Update which allows users to ensure they always have the latest BD Drive firmware version.

The SH-B083 is available in November in the US with a $110.00 MSRP through retail and eRetail channels like amazon.com and newegg.com.

About Samsung Electronics
Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. is a global leader in semiconductor, telecommunication, digital media and digital convergence technologies with 2008 consolidated sales of US$96 billion. Employing approximately 150,000 people in 134 offices in 62 countries, the company consists of two business units: Digital Media & Communications and Device Solutions. Recognized as one of the fastest growing global brands, Samsung Electronics is a leading producer of digital TVs, memory chips, mobile phones and TFT-LCDs. For more information, please visit 

www.samsung.com.