LG spiffs up its dual-format DVD computer drive

The Korean electronics maker debuted the second iteration of its external drive that can read both next generation formats, and write to Blu-ray discs.

Still missing is any kind of capability to write to HD DVD, which the previous model also lacked. But speeds writing to Blu-ray have increased. The drive can read and write to the format at 6x speed versus 2x, although read speeds to HD DVD remain at 3x.

Speeds of DVD writing have also been bumped up. Where the first model could write at a speed of 8x, the new model has doubled that to 16x. In addition, LG has added LightScribe technology which would allow for the inscription of artwork directly to the disc.

Pricing and availability of that drive was not made immediately available. But the company did announce two other drives, an internal version of the above drive for $399, and a internal DVD writer with playback for either format for $299. Both models would also include LightScribe technology.

The principal component of LG's dual-format computer drive is the same one used in its hybrid high-def players, which were also on display this afternoon.