Plextor Corp. announced its new PlexWriter 52/24/52A CD-R/RW recorder ($86).

For more information visit: www.plextor.com

Unedited press release follows:

Plextor Introduces the PlexWriter 52/24/52A CD-R/RW Drive; Its Second 52X Optical Disk Drive; Ideal for Systems Integrators and Resellers Who Want High-Performance, Low-Cost Solution

FREMONT, Calif. — May 27, 2003 — Plextor(R) Corp., a leading developer and manufacturer of DVD and CD equipment, today announced the availability of the PlexWriter(TM) 52/24/52A CD-R/RW drive. The high-speed 3-in-1 drive features 52X CD-Writing, 24X CD-Rewriting, and 52X-max CD-Reading, and is available as a 5.25-inch half-height internal drive with an ATA/ATAPI-5 interface. The new PlexWriter was specifically engineered to appeal to high-volume resellers and systems integrators seeking value, performance, and reliability in a CD burner.

Although the PlexWriter(TM) 52/24/52A breaks a new price barrier for Plextor, it still includes a full suite of Roxio digital media software, as well as a unique combination of Plextor features and technologies that deliver unparalleled recording reliability. Buffer Under Run Proof technology prevents buffer underrun errors, so users can multi-task during a recording session. PoweRec(TM) (Plextor Optimized Writing Error Reduction Control) technology is a sophisticated write strategy for stable recording at maximum speeds. Superior 52X-max digital audio extraction (DAE) eliminates pops, clicks, and hisses for superior sound quality.

“Drive cost is a factor considered by many of our VARs and Systems Integrators,” said Howard Wing, vice president of sales and marketing for Plextor. “We set out to design a 52X drive that would be affordable, yet still uphold Plextor’s reputation for dependability and consistency in recording CDs. Now we have two 52X drive solutions–the PlexWriter(TM) Premium for professionals and other end-users who want the ultimate in user-controlled features, and the low-cost PlexWriter(TM) 52/24/52A for high-volume systems integrators.”

PlexWriter 52/24/52A CD-R/RW Drive
The PlexWriter 52/24/52A drive makes installation faster and easier than ever before. The drive is designed for flexible PC installation, with ATA/ATAPI-5 interface, support for horizontal or vertical drive bay orientation, and Plug & Play compatibility with Microsoft Windows(R) 98/ME/2000/XP(TM) operating systems.

The unit features a 2 MB data buffer and burst data transfer rates of 33.3 MB/sec (UltraDMA Mode 2) or 16.6 MB/sec (PIO Mode 4/DMA Mode 2). PlexWriter drives support a wide variety of CD writing modes, including Track-at-Once, Disc-at-Once, Session-at-Once, Multisession, and variable/fixed packet writing.

Software Bundle – Roxio(R) Easy CD Creator(TM), Roxio PhotoSuite(R) and PlexTools(R)
Plextor’s bundled software package offers ease-of-use and extensive functionality. The PlexWriter 52/24/52A ships with the Easy CD Creator/DirectCD software package from Roxio, Inc. Roxio’s number one selling CD-recording software allows users to drag and drop files to CD-R and CD-RW media. Easy CD Creator includes DirectCD(TM) (packet writing), CD pre-mastering, one-button CD copier, and the ability to create enhanced and mixed-mode CDs. Easy CD Creator also provides the ability to create music CDs, photo slide shows synchronized with music, data CDs, and backup copies of personal discs.

Roxio PhotoSuite allows consumers to capture, organize, edit and share digital photos. It includes simple electronic albums and a combination of automated and advanced photo-editing tools. Consumers can also print and share online or quickly E-mail them without leaving the program.

PlexTools allows you to control the important functions of the PlexWriter 52/24/52A with an easy-to-use interface. It permits drive identification and control, display of Compact Disc information, Digital Audio Extraction, CD copying and more.

The PlexWriter 52/24/52A drive also includes a 30-day trial version of Dantz Retrospect(R). Built on patented technologies, the Dantz Retrospect family of backup products has earned numerous awards for protecting vital information on file servers, business-critical application servers, desktops, and notebooks.

Pricing and Availability
The Plextor PlexWriter 52/24/52A drive is available for shipment to distributors and resellers in North and South America in late June 2003. The PlexWriter 52/24/52A has a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $86.00 USD. All retail packages include unlimited toll-free technical support and one-year full warranty.

About Plextor
Plextor Corp. is a leading developer and manufacturer of high-performance CD-related equipment for professional use in consumer and business environments. Since opening its headquarters in Silicon Valley in 1990, Plextor has introduced numerous generations of award-winning optical storage products, including CD-ROM, CD-Recordable, CD-ReWritable, and DVD+R/RW drives. Plextor is privately owned by Shinano Kenshi Co., Ltd., a developer and manufacturer of advanced technology hardware and precision electronic equipment headquartered in Japan. Shinano Kenshi is best known for its expertise in manufacturing motors.