Pioneer Electronics announced its new BDR-X13U-S and BDR-X13UBK external Blu-ray Disc (BD) recorders.
For more information visit: www.pioneerelectronics.com
Unedited press release follows:
Pioneer Launches Two New External BD DVD CD Writers Compatible with USB 3.2 Gen1 and 2.0 for Windows and Mac
Further improvements in writing quality and speed, as well as a new front design
| Category | Model No. | Type | Suggested Price | Planned Release Date |
| External BD/DVD/CD Writer | BDR-X13U-S | Advanced model | $230 | October 2022 |
| External BD/DVD/CD Writer | BDR-X13UBK | Standard model | $160 | October 2022 |
Pioneer Electronics (USA) Inc. today unveiled its two new external BD/DVD/CD writers with USB3.2 Gen1/2.0 interface for Windows/Mac, both utilizing proprietary Pioneer technology to achieve both high reliability and 16x BD-R writing speed*1: the BDR-X13U-S, a high-performance model offering excellent reliability and stability, and the BDR-X13UBK, a standard-setting model.
With the increasing popularity of work from home, there are more occasions to store large amounts of data at home such as work data and recordings of online meetings.
BDR-X13U-S and BDR-X13UBK are read and write compatible with BD and BDXL™ standard discs and archival optical media M-DISC™. In addition to conventional high-precision writing speeds such as 16x BD-R1, the new products support 6x writing speed to M-DISC (BD) Single Layer 25 GB and M-DISC (DVD), achieving higher writing speeds and improved writing quality2. In addition, the BDR-X13U-S is equipped with features for enjoying music on a PC, such as PureRead 4+3, which faithfully reads audio CD data, and RealTime PureRead3, which reduces the frequency of data interpolation in real time. BDR-X13UBK is equipped with PureRead 3+*3.
In terms of product appearance, the front bezel and tray cover have been redesigned, all while maintaining the quietness and high dust resistance. For BDR-X13U-S, the simple design of smoked acrylic with a hairline finish from which blue light seems to emerge with floating blue light and line accents creates a high-quality feel. For BDR-X13UBK, blue LED lighting and a hairline finish together with grooves on the sides contribute to the attractive design and improve rigidity.
Other features include a new Custom Eco function that reduces the drive’s power consumption.
BDR-X13U-S product webpage
BDR-X13UBK product webpage
Features
(1) 16x BD-R Writing1 and BDXL Support2
Compatible with all BDXL Blu-ray media2. Up to 16x maximum write speed on BD-R Single Layer (SL) 25GB media1, up to 14x maximum write speed on BD-R Dual Layer (DL) 50GB media, up to 8x maximum write speed on BD-R Triple Layer (TL) 100GB media and up to 6x maximum write speed on BD-R Quadruple Layer (QL) 128GB media.DVD-R discs (Single Layer: 4.7GB) can be written at up to 16x, while music CDs can be read at up to 48x*4 speed.
(2) The latest versions of PureRead 4+ and RealTime PureRead*3（BDR-X13U-S）
When read errors caused by scratches or fingerprints occur when importing (ripping) audio CDs, using this function allows for automatic detection of the disc state, adjustment of the read method using an original algorithm, and then re-reading of the disc, minimizing error data interpolation. The algorithm utilized in PureRead 4+ is also used in RealTime PureRead, reducing the incidence of data interpolation in real time and playing back audio CDs with the original sound data. BDR-X13UBK is equipped with PureRead 3+*3.
(3) Can be placed on either side
Comes with four insulators for use in a horizontal configuration and eight for use in a vertical configuration. In addition to the horizontal configuration, the drive can be placed vertically on the left or right side of the PC, allowing you to use it in a configuration that suits the layout of your workspace.
(4) Compatible with high-speed M-DISC writing for long-term data archiving*2
This product is compatible with M-DISC optical media for archiving, developed by US-based Millenniata Inc.It now also supports 6x writing on M-DISC (BD) SL and M-DISC (DVD).
M-DISC format supports M-DISC DVD/BD media (including 25GB Single Layer (SL), 50GB Dual Layer (DL) and 100GB Triple Layer (TL)).
(5) Custom Eco function helps reduce the drive’s power consumption*5
If the drive does not receive any commands (instructions for operation) from the PC for a specified period, this function will reduce the drive’s power consumption, such as by stopping the disc from rotating or reducing the disc rotation speed. Shortening this specified period will make the drive enter the power saving mode earlier.
(6) AUTO power supply function links with PC power to provide power savings*6
The drive power is turned on and off according to the power supply of the connected PC, keeping unnecessary power consumption down.
(7) Drive function setting tool, Pioneer BD Drive Utility, available for download free of charge
PureRead, RealTime PureRead and Custom Eco function can be configured as well as enabled and disabled with the Pioneer BD Drive Utility.
- Drive Utility for macOS Catalina® 10.15 or later is Drive Utility Lite.
- When using Drive Utility Lite, operate without a disc inserted.
(8) CyberLink® Media Suite 10*7for Windows® OS is available for download free of charge using bundled product key.
*Application Software for macOS® is not included.
For BDR-X13U-S
• PowerDVD® 14：Ultra HD Blu-ray™*8compatible, BDXL compatible, BD/DVD playback software
• PowerDirector® 19：Video editing and BD/DVD authoring software
• Power2Go® 11：BDXL compatible disc writing software
• LabelPrint™2.5：Label design and printing software
• PhotoDirector® 10 LE：Photo editing software
• AudioDirector® 7 LE：Audio editing software for video
• ColorDirector® 5 LE：Color editing software for video
• MediaShow® 6 LE：Image and video management software
• Screen Recorder™4：Live streaming and screen recording software
• MediaEspresso® (30days trial)：Image transformation software
For BDR-X13UBK
• PowerDVD 14：BDXL compatible, BD/DVD playback software
• PowerDirector 19 DE：Video editing software
• Power2Go 11：BDXL compatible disc writing software
• LabelPrint 2.5：Label design and printing software
• PhotoDirector 10 LE：Photo editing software
• AudioDirector 7 LE：Audio editing software for video
• ColorDirector 5 LE：Color editing software for video
*1 The dedicated high-speed filter driver for these products must be installed. The maximum 16x writing speed for BD-R discs (Single Layer: 25GB) may not be available when the high-speed filter driver is disabled. Mac users do not need to install the high-speed filter driver.
https://pioneer.jp/device_e/product-e/ibs/device_e/dev00001r_e.html#HighSpeedFilterDriver
*2 For details on supported media, please refer to the media list at https://pioneer.jp/device_e/product-e/ibs/device_e/dev00003r_e.html
*3 Not all discs or all portions of discs may be playable if they are too damaged.
*4 When the PureRead function is turned on, priority is given to reading accuracy, and the maximum playback speed of CD audio and CD-ROM is set to 40x. The PureRead function is turned on as a default setting. This function can be configured using Pioneer BD Drive Utility.
*5 Custom Eco settings can only be changed in Windows. After changing the settings in Windows, the device can be used with a Mac.
*6 Drive power is turned off when the USB is not connected or when the drive detects that the connected PC is off.
*7 These are bundled software versions. The specifications, functions and version numbers differ for the software when offered on a stand-alone basis. Regarding bundled software, direct inquiries to the following software manufacturers. CyberLink Support Center https://www.cyberlink.com/support/index.html
*8 Mac does not support Ultra HD Blu-ray playback.
Playback of Ultra HD Blu-ray™ requires a separate device that supports HDMI2.0a, HDCP2.2, HDR (recommended) standards and a CPU that supports Intel® Software Guard Extensions (Intel SGX) technology. Intel SGX has been removed from Intel 11th generation and newer CPUs, and support for SGX may be removed on new versions of Intel drivers or utility programs such as Intel SGX and Intel Management Engine drivers and firmware in the future. Such changes could cause these platforms to lose support for Ultra HD Blu-ray movie disc playback. For information on other PC environment requirements, download the Ultra HD Blu-ray Advisor Tool to your PC, and check. https://pioneer.jp/device_e/product-e/ibs/eula.php
Specifications/ Operating environment
| Interface | USB 3.2 Gen1/2.0 |
| Mounting Orientation | Horizontal or Vertical*9 |
| Dimensions | 160 mm(W)×50 mm(H)×220 mm(D) 6-19/64 in.(W)×1-61/64 in.(H)×8-21/32 in.(D) |
| Drive net weight | 1.1kg (2.4 lbs) |
| Operating System | Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 8.1 OS X El Capitan® 10.11, macOS Sierra® 10.12, macOS High Sierra® 10.13, macOS Mojave® 10.14, macOS Catalina 10.15, macOS Big Sur® 11, macOS Monterey® 12 |
| Included Accessories | ・Owner’s manual (including application product key and warranty information) ・USB cable (USB Type-A → USB Type-B) (1 m (3 ft. 3 in.)) ・AC adapter (1.2 m (3 ft. 11 in.)) ・Power cord (0.5 m (1 ft. 8 in.)) ・Insulators for horizontal placement × 4 ・Insulators for vertical placement × 8 |
For details on specifications and operating environment, please refer to the product webpage:
BDR-X13U-S product webpage
BDR-X13UBK product webpage
*9 8 cm (3-9/64˝) discs cannot be used when the unit is used in a vertical configuration. (8 cm (3-9/64˝) disc adapters cannot be used.)
Product Comparison Chart
| BDR-X13U-S BDR | BDR-X13UBK | ||
| Function | Ultra HD Blu-ray compatible* | ○ | × |
| M-DISC compatible | ○ | ○ | |
| BDXL compatible | ○ | ○ | |
| PureRead | 4+ | 3+ | |
| Displaying PureRead mode | ○ | ○ | |
| RealTime PureRead | ○ | × | |
| PEAK POWER REDUCER* | ○ | ○ | |
| Custom Ecofunction* | ○ | ○ | |
| Display disc information | ○ | ○ | |
| Easy Setting* | ○ | ○ | |
| Vertical placement (both sides) | ○ | ○ | |
| Optimum Writing Speed Feature* | ○ | × | |
| Optimal Write Strategy Prediction Algorithm | ○ | ○ | |
| Disc Record Surface Quality Mode * | ○ | × | |
| DVD-R CLV fixed writing mode* | ○ | × | |
| Technology | Optical Pick-up developed by Pioneer | ○ | ○ |
| Limit equalizer circuit for BD | ○ | ○ | |
| Disc Resonance Stabilizer | ○ | ○ | |
| Dust-resisting and sound-dampening front bezel | ○ | – | |
| Standard front bezel | – | ○ | |
| Honeycomb structure | ○ | ○ | |
| Advanced dust-resisting and sound- dampening mechanism | ○ | – | |
| Standard dust-resisting and sound- dampening mechanism | – | ○ | |
| Application Software for Windows | Available for download free of charge | Available for download free of charge | |
| Accessories | Application Software for macOS | Application Software for macOS is not included. | Application Software for macOS is not included. |
| Pioneer BD Drive Utility | Available for download free of charge | Available for download free of charge |
*Supported on Windows only. As to Custom Eco function, Custom Eco settings can only be changed in Windows. After changing the settings in Windows, the device can be used with a Mac.