Fremont, CA. – October 18, 2007 – Philips & Lite-On Digital Solutions (PLDS), the joint venture between Philips and Lite-On that is responsible for the Lite-On branded Optical Disc Drive (ODD) business, expands its 20X DVD writer portfolio with an external drive that incorporates LightScribe, a disc labeling technology, and patented SmartWrite feature. This sleek and attractive external design is based entirely on Lite-On’s award-winning Blu-ray triple writer which recently won the prestigious RedDot Design Award in Europe.

The new DX-20A3H 20X external writer with USB connection is designed for true power users who not only care about speed but the quality and functions of the drive. The DX-20A3H delivers a maximum write speed of 20X on select DVD±R media, one of the fastest write speeds available on the market.

The new 20x optical drive features “SmartWrite”, is a self-learning mechanism that automatically detects and decides the optimal “write strategy” for each DVD±R recordable media. The phrase “write strategy” refers to the precise combination of optimum write power and recording speed to produce the highest quality recording in the fastest time allowable, based on the media used in the process.  The drive not only determines the best write speed strategy automatically, it also memorizes the writing strategy for every single type of media previously used for a faster, better quality DVD recording experience.

In addition, the DX-20A3H includes the latest version of LightScribe labeling technology which allows users to silkscreen any type of artwork right onto the surface of the LightScribe-supported CD or DVD.  Users simply burn content data as always onto any LightScribe-compatible media, flip the disc over, reinsert it into the drive and burn a beautiful label based on personal artwork, text or photographs.  The new LightScribe software completely eliminates the need for printers, permanent markers or adhesive labels and provides a clean, professional appearance that adds to the final touch to your perfect creation.

Adding to the convenience and creative control of the LightScribe feature, the new DX-20A3H DVD burner features “Super AllWrite” technology that gives consumers the ability of read, write and re-write any disc format on the market, including DVD-RAM and Double-Layer DVD±R format discs.  The ability to write to virtually any CD or DVD media gives consumers the added option of selecting media based on individual preference -- price, capacity, or brand – with the comfort of knowing that the media will work flawlessly with the unit.

The drive writes and re-writes to DVD-RAM discs at an optimum speed of 12X.  The unit’s Double Layer disc capability allows writing at a write speed of 8X.  It also supports 8X DVD+RW and 6X DVD-RW Rewriting; 16X max DVD-Reading; and 48X CD-R Writing, 32X CD-RW Rewriting, and 48X max. CD-Reading.

The Lite-On DX-20A3H external DVD Writer will be available end of October at authorized LiteOn retail outlets nationwide.

About PLDS & Lite-On:
PLDS (Philips & Lite-On Digital Solutions) is a joint venture between Royal Philips Electronics and Lite-On IT Corporation, established in 2007. PLDS is responsible for the sales and marketing of Optical Disc Drives (ODD). By combining strong R&D from Philips and Lite-On IT’s massive production capacity, PLDS will continue to provide innovative quality products and exceptional services to customers in Northern and Latin America.