Lite-On IT and Behavior Tech Computer (BTC), two main optical storage drive producers in Taiwan, are inclined to forgo offering 12x DVD-Dual burners and directly step into production of 16x models.

Taiwan’s major makers have begun production of 8x DVD+RW and 8x DVD-Dual burners. They originally planned to offer next-generation 12x DVD-Dual burners in April or May this year and the most advanced 16x DVD-Dual sometime in the second half. However, some of the makers worry that the tight timing would likely make the 12x DVD-Dual a transitional model with a short product life cycle. Lite-On IT estimates the life cycle of 12x DVD-Dual drives would be shorter than one quarter and will concentrate its R&D on developing 16x models, with production slated for May at the earliest, the company said.

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