Other World Computing (OWC) announced its new 16x Mercury Pro Blu-ray Disc (BD) BDXL writer ($167.99).

For more information visit: www.macsales.com

Unedited press release follows:

OWC Raises The Optical Bar With Mercury Pro External 16X BD-R, 128GB BDXL Blu-ray Optical Drive

OWC Mercury Pro External Blu-ray optical drive offers 16X BD-R write capabilities and 128GB BDXL™ compatibility with multi-interface USB 3.0, FireWire 800, an eSATA connetivity

Woodstock, IL – March 18, 2014 – Other World Computing (OWC®) http://www.macsales.com, a leading zero emissions Mac and PC upgrade and storage technology company has upgraded the OWC Mercury Pro External Blu-ray™ Optical Drive to professional grade 16X BD-R write speeds, 128GB BDXL™ compatibility, and high-speed USB 3.0 connectivity.

Read and Write Double, Triple, Quad Layer BD-R Discs
In addition to single and double layer BD-R discs, the Mercury Pro External offers expanded support for up to 100GB of data on triple layer BDXL-R/BDXL RE discs and up to 128GB on quad layer BDXL-R discs. For comparison, 128GBs of data on a single quad layer BDXL disc is the equivalent of 27 standard DVDs or five single layer Blu-ray discs.

“Optical drives are still a vital component of any desktop or mobile computer for affordable data backup and archiving,” said Larry O’Connor, Founder and CEO, Other World Computing. “And the Mercury Pro External offers best-in-class speed, features, and compatibility for all users.”

Fast and Flexible
The USB 3.0, FireWire® 800, and eSATA multi-interface data connection options provide the throughput to support fast 16X write speeds. From 640MB CD-Rs to 128GB BDXL media, the Mercury Pro External Blu-ray optical drive provides the right speed and data capacities for every size project.

Key Features Include:

• Read and write all Blu-ray formats.

• Includes everything needed to get up and burning with ease.

• High-quality, double shielded FireWire 800 (1394b) connecting cable (9-9 pin cable)

• High-quality, double Shielded USB 3.0 Standard-B to Standard-A cable

• Large Buffer Memory: 4MB

• RoHS Compliant

• 1 Year OWC Limited Warranty

• Software:
– Prosoft Engineering® Data Backup 3
– Smile® DiscLabel™ software for labels and jewel case inserts
– Roxio Toast® 11 Titanium media toolkit with Blu-ray support (optional)

Pricing and Availability:
The OWC Mercury Pro External Blu-ray optical drive is available today from OWC and select retailers for just $167.99. For more information, visit: http://eshop.macsales.com/item/OWC/MR3F8BDSD16/

The OWC Mercury Pro External Blu-ray optical drive is also available with Roxio Toast 11 Titanium media toolkit software for only $219.99. For more information, visit: http://eshop.macsales.com/item/OWC/MR3F8BDSD16S/

About Other World Computing (OWC)
Other World Computing has been providing quality hardware products and support to the computer industry since 1988 and features one of the largest online catalogs of computer, iPod®, iPhone®, and iPad® enhancement products through its e-commerce portal www.macsales.com. As a member of the Apple Developer Program, OWC also provides extensive US-based technical support for Macintosh® users around the world as well as Internet access via www.fastermac.net and www.owc.net.

Widely recognized for the high quality of its products and exemplary customer service, OWC’s industry awards and recognition include: Crain’s Chicago Business 2009 and 2011-2012 “Fast Fifty” List of the Fastest Growing Companies in the Chicago Area; Crain’s Chicago Business 2008-2013 “Largest Privately Held Businesses in the Chicago Area”. Inc. 5,000 “Fastest Growing Privately Owned Companies in America” list honoree 2007-2013, and Inc. “Hire Power Awards” honoree 2012-13; Reseller Ratings Elite Member 2009-2013; Better Business Bureau Top Rating of A+ 2010-2013; About.com 2012 & 2013 Readers’ Choice Award for best Mac Peripheral Reseller; 2013 Green Tech Company of the Year by Business Intelligence Group; CES Innovations 2014 Design and Engineering Award Honoree.