Pioneer Launches BDR-X12J-UHD and BDR-X12JBK Blu-ray Recorders

Pioneer Japan announced its new BDR-X12J-UHD and BDR-X12JBK external SuperSpeed USB 3.1 Blu-ray Disc (BD) recorders.


Translated press release follows:

Pioneer Corporation – January 7, 2020

New release of two external BD / DVD / CD writers for Windows / Mac that support BD-R 16x recording –

playback of “Ultra HD Blu-ray” * 1 and direct import of CDs to Android ™ devices Support playback –

Product name Model number Color Suggested retail price Release time
BD / DVD / CD writer BDR-X12J-UHD black Open price Mid January
BDR-X12JBK black Open price

* Manufacturer: Pioneer Corporation Sales Company: Estee Trade Co., Ltd.
* 1 Only “BDR-X12J-UHD” is supported. To play Ultra HD Blu-ray, a device that supports the HDMI2.0a, HDCP2.2, and HDR (recommended) standards is required separately.

Planning intent
In recent years, the number of PCs not equipped with a drive has increased due to the miniaturization of the PC housing, such as those who have used high-performance half-height size internal drives in commercially available tower type desktop personal computers and home-built personal computers so far. There is a growing need for high performance external drives.

Pioneer is now supporting 4K content “Ultra HD Blu-ray” playback, which supports recording of BD-R discs (1 layer: 25 GB) at up to 16x speed and direct import and playback of CDs on Android devices * 1 We will release two high-performance external BD / DVD / CD writers.

Main features
(1) Supports high-precision 16x recording on BD-R discs (1 layer: 25 GB)

It supports high-precision 16x recording on BD-R discs (1 layer: 25 GB) * 2 . In addition to BD discs (1 layer: 25 GB / 2 layers: 50 GB), all BDXL ™ discs * 3 (BD-R XL: 3 layers 100 GB / 4 layers 128 GB, BD-RE XL: 3 layers 100 GB ) Can be recorded and played back * 4 .

(2) Supports high definition 4K content “Ultra HD Blu-ray” playback (“BDR-X12J-UHD”)

Supports playback of “Ultra HD Blu-ray” with richer color tone at 4K resolution (3,840 horizontal x 2,160 vertical), which is higher definition than Full HD. You can enjoy realistic images on your PC.

(3) Equipped with a function “PureRead (original sound reproduction)” that improves the reading accuracy of audio CDs

“PureRead 4+” (BDR-X12J-UHD) and “PureRead 3+” (BDR-X12JBK) functions to re-read audio CD data when the audio CD data cannot be read due to scratches or dirt on the disc surface. ) * 5 . In addition, “BDR-X12J-UHD” is equipped with “RealTime PureRead”, which reduces the frequency of occurrence of error data storage due to dirt and scratches on the disk surface in real time and reproduces the original sound quality of CDs.

(4) CD songs can be directly imported and played on Android devices without using a PC

If you connect this unit to an Android device that has downloaded the “Wireless Hi-Res Player-Stellanova-” application for Android smartphones (free of charge) with a USB cable * 6 , you can import music from a CD directly to your Android device without using a PC , Can be played.

(5) Can be placed horizontally or vertically on both sides

Includes insulators for horizontal installation (4 pieces) and insulators for vertical installation (8 pieces), and can be installed horizontally or vertically on both sides.

(6) Other features

• Supports recording and playback of optical media “M-DISC” for archiving that allows long-term data storage

• Compatible with “Pioneer BD Drive Utility” * 7 that allows various drive settings

• Equipped with a power saving mode (PEAK POWER REDUCER). Stable operation is maintained even when power supply is reduced by suppressing power consumption during peak operation

• Equipped with “PowerRead ™” function * 8 that can play BD / DVDs with scratches, fingerprints and dirt, and BD / DVDs with low writing quality

• Uses a high-speed rotation-compatible clamper that stabilizes disk rotation and further improves recording accuracy

• Adopted “disk resonance stabilizer” which improved writing accuracy by suppressing disk vibration by rotating wind

• Realizes power saving with the AUTO power supply linked with the PC power supply and “Intelligent Eco Mode”

* 2 It is necessary to install the dedicated “High-speed filter driver”. When “High-speed filter driver” is disabled, the speed may not be up to 16x.

* 3 Standard for large-capacity Blu-ray discs, determined by the Blu-ray Disc Association.

* 4 For details on compatible media, refer to the media list on the Pioneer website.

* 5 Reading of all disks is not guaranteed. Also, reading in all PC environments is not guaranteed.

* 6 Operation on all Android devices is not guaranteed. In addition, a conversion cable suitable for your Android device is required for connection. Please check our website for details.

* 7 Can be downloaded from our site.

* 8 Effective for BD / DVDs recorded in BD-MV, BD-AV, DVD-VIDEO, DVD-VR format, but playback is not guaranteed for all BD / DVDs. . Also, depending on the BD / DVD status, block noise may occur in images, and sound skips may occur in audio. PowerRead ™ function requires compatible BD / DVD player software.

List of bundled software common to both models (for Windows):
Free download

PowerDirector 15 (CyberLink) * 9

Edit HD videos comfortably with 64-bit native support. Not only video cameras but also digital cameras and smartphone photos and videos are supported.

Power2Go 8 (CyberLink)

Compatible with BDXL ™. In addition to creating BDs, DVDs, data CDs, and music CDs, it supports a variety of disc writing applications, including music CD import and encryption protection.

InstantBurn 5 (CyberLink)

You can write files on your PC to the disc by drag & drop operation. Since files can be added or deleted for each file, you can easily record files.

LabelPrint 2.5 (CyberLink)

You can easily design the label of the disc.

PhotoDirector 8 LE (CyberLink)

In addition to RAW development, various adjustment tools such as white balance, saturation, brightness, hue, etc. are installed. It can be used for a wide range of purposes such as managing photos, editing, printing, and uploading to SNS.

AudioDirector 7 LE (CyberLink)

Easily and quickly edit, de-noise, and restore audio to enhance the audio quality of your video productions.

ColorDirector 5 LE (CyberLink)

Software that corrects video colors. You can select and adjust the color of the entire video, or just any part.

List of bundled software only for “BDR-X12J-UHD” (for Windows):
Free download

PowerDVD 14 (Ultra HD Blu-ray ™ compatible) (CyberLink)

You can play Blu-ray ™ and DVD-Video such as movies, animations and music on your PC. It also supports CPRM and AVCREC ™. It can also play high-definition 4K content Ultra HD Blu-ray ™ and Blu-ray 3D ™, and convert 2D video to 3D for playback.

PowerProducer 5.5 (CyberLink)

Compatible with BD-MV and AVCHD. Create discs from high-definition video and edit BD / DVD videos. It supports BDXL ™ and can write various contents on one compatible disc.

PowerBackup 2.5 (CyberLink)

Data backup and restoration can be operated on an easy-to-read screen.

MediaShow 6 (CyberLink)

You can display a list of images and videos imported to your computer and edit them with special effects. You can create slideshows with background music and easily convert your videos to smartphone or web video file format.

MediaEspresso (30-day trial version) (CyberLink)

Convert videos, photos and music files to other formats. Various profiles for smartphones and tablets can be converted to the optimal format.

Bundle software only for “BDR-X12JBK” (for Windows):
Free download

PowerDVD 14 (Blu-ray ™ compatible) (CyberLink)

You can play Blu-ray ™ and DVD-Video such as movies, animations and music on your PC. It also supports CPRM and AVCREC ™.

* 9 “BDR-X12JBK” is “PowerDirector 15 LE”.

Supported OS

Supported OS Windows 10 ™, Windows 8.1 ™, Windows 8 ™, Windows 7 ™ Japanese version
Mac OS X 10.11, macOS Sierra 10.12, macOS High Sierra 10.13, macOS Mojave 10.14,
macOS Catalina 10.15 standard model

Main specifications of “BDR-X12J-UHD” and “BDR-X12JBK”

Recording disc BD BD-R, BD-R DL, BD-R TL, BD-R QL, BD-RE, BD-RE DL, BD-RE TL, BD-R LTH, M-DISC (BD) SL, M-DISC ( (BD) DL, M-DISC (BD) TL
DVD DVD-R * 10 , DVD-R DL, DVD-RW, DVD + R, DVD + R DL, DVD + RW,
HS DVD + RW, DVD-RAM * 11 , M-DISC (DVD)
CD CD-R, US + CD-RW, US CD-RW, HS CD-RW, CD-RW
Play disc BD Ultra HD Blu-ray ™ (BD-ROM DL, BD-ROM TL) (Supported only for “BDR-X12J-UHD”) * 1 , BD-ROM, BD-ROM DL, BD-R, BD-R DL, BD-R TL, BD-R QL, BD-RE, BD-RE DL, BD-RE TL, BD-R LTH, M-DISC (BD) SL, M-DISC (BD) DL, M-DISC (BD ) TL
DVD DVD-ROM, DVD-ROM DL, DVD-Video, DVD-R, DVD-R DL, DVD-RW, DVD + R, DVD + R DL, DVD + RW, DVD-RAM * 11 , M-DISC (DVD )
CD CD-ROM, CD-ROM XA, Photo CD, Video CD, CD-DA, CD-Extra, CD-Text, CD-R, CD-RW
interface USB 3.1 Gen1 / 3.0 / 2.0
Writing speed BD -R 2x, 4x, 6x, 8x, 10x, 12x, 16x
-R DL 2x, 4x, 6x, 8x, 10x, 12x, 14x
-R TL 2x, 4x, 6x, 8x
-R QL 2x, 4x, 6x
-R (LTH) 2x, 4x, 6x, 8x
-RE / DL / TL 2x
M-DISC (BD) SL 2x, 4x
M-DISC (BD) DL 2x, 4x, 6x, 8x
M-DISC (BD) TL 2x, 4x, 6x
DVD -R 1x, 2x, 4x, 6x, 8x, 12x, 16x
-R DL 2x, 4x, 6x, 8x
-RW 1x, 2x, 4x, 6x
+ R 2.4x, 4x, 6x, 8x, 12x, 16x
+ R DL 2.4x, 4x, 6x, 8x
+ RW 2.4x, 3.3x, 4x, 6x, 8x
-RAM 2x, 3x, 5x
M-DISC (DVD) 2x, 4x
CD -R 4x, 10x, 16x, 24x, 32x, 40x
-RW 4x, 10x, 16x, 24x
Read speed BD-ROM (1 layer) 12x Max
BD-ROM (2 layers) 8x Max
BD-ROM (3 layers) 4x Max (only supported by “BDR-X12J-UHD”) * 1
DVD-ROM (single layer) 16x Max
DVD-ROM (2 layers) 12x Max
CD-ROM 40x Max
Buffer memory size 4 MB
Installation posture Horizontal / Vertical * 12
External dimensions 160 mm × 50 mm × 220 mm (W × H × D) (excluding protrusions, body only)
mass 1.1 kg (body only)
Power supply AC adapter (AC100 V 50/60 Hz) * 13
* 10 Supports writing to DVD-R Version 2.0 For General. DVD-R For Authoring 3.95 GB, 4.7 GB cannot be recorded.
* 11 Only DVD-RAM Version 2.0 / 2.1 / 2.2 without cartridge is supported. Recording to RAM2 standard discs is not possible.
* 12 8cm discs cannot be used when used vertically. (8cm disc adapter cannot be used)
* 13 It does not operate with power supply (bus power) from the USB connector.

Region settings

The unit’s region code is initially set to “2”. This unit has a DVD region playback control function. You can change the region code up to 4 times. Be careful when making the change, as it will be fixed as the final region code on the fourth change. The method of changing (setting) a region and the number of times that it can be changed differ depending on the DVD playback software or OS.

[“BDR-X12J-UHD” and “BDR-X12JBK” operating environment (for Windows * 14 )

When playing Ultra HD Blu-ray ™ (“BDR-X12J-UHD”)
Supported OS Windows 10 ™ Japanese version
CPU Core i7 / i5 processor for Intel 7th generation desktop (KabyLake-S) or higher
Core i7 / i5 processor (KabyLake-H) for Intel 7th generation notebooks or higher
* U processor not supported
GPU Built-in GPU with Intel HD Graphics 630 7th generation processor or higher
memory 6 GB or more
External display 4K resolution (3840 x 2160 or higher) HDMI2.0a (requires HDCP2.2) compatible display
HDR compatible (HDR content playback, HDR> SDR conversion when not supported)
Motherboard Intel 200 series motherboard for Intel SGX
HDCP2.2 / HDMI2.0a output compatible Intel built-in GPU output compatible motherboard (for HDMI output)
To play Ultra HD Blu-ray ™, a device that supports the HDMI2.0a, HDCP2.2, and HDR (recommended) standards is required separately. To check the Ultra HD Blu-ray ™ playback environment, use the automatic detection tool posted on our website.
During BD recording / playback
Supported OS Windows 10 ™, Windows 8.1 ™, Windows 8 ™, Windows 7 ™ Japanese
CPU Core ™ Duo T2700 / Core ™ 2Duo E6300 or higher
memory 1 GB or more
Hard disk space Recording: 25 GB (50 GB or more * 15 ), playback: 120 MB
graphic For digital output of BD-Video images, a graphic function and display compatible with HDCP are required.
For 3D video playback, Windows 10 ™, Windows 8.1 ™, Windows 8 ™, Windows 7 ™, and peripheral devices that support 3D display are required. Please refer to the CyberLink website for details on the playback environment.
Cyberlink homepage
During DVD / CD recording / playback
Supported OS Windows 10 ™, Windows 8.1 ™, Windows 8 ™, Windows 7 ™ Japanese
CPU Pentium III 800 MHz or higher (Pentium 4, 2.2 GHz or higher * 15 )
memory 128 MB or more (256 MB or more * 15 )
Hard disk space 2 GB or more (7 GB or more * 15 )
Sound card 16 bits or more
Monitor resolution 1024 x 768, 32 bit or higher display
Please prepare video input device (video deck, camcorder, etc.) and capture card separately.
If you are playing a CPRM recorded disc for the first time, please connect to the Internet.
* 14 Mac OS application software is not included.
* 15 Recommended operating environment.
* The operating environment does not always guarantee operation.
* This unit is a consumer device and is not covered by warranty for professional use.
* The recorded media cannot be used without permission from the right holder under copyright law, except for personal enjoyment.
* Ultra HD Blu-ray ™, Blu-ray Disc ™, Blu-ray ™, Blu-ray3D ™, BDXL ™, AVCREC ™ and related logos are trademarks of the Blu-ray Disc Association.
* Microsoft and Windows are trademarks or registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and other countries.
* Mac, Mac OS, OS X, and macOS are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the US and other countries.
* Android is a trademark of Google LLC.
* PowerRead ™ is a trademark of Buffalo Corporation.
* Other company names and product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.
* Some functions are restricted on macOS. Please check our website for details.