| HITACHI HOME | UP | SEARCH |

March 17, 1998

Hitachi to Release World's First Libraries with DVD-RAM Drives

- Space-saving cabinet type offering maximum capacity of 390 GB -

The largest of the DL series DVD-RAM libraries can hold up to 150 DVD-RAM discs able to store 2.6 GB of data per side, giving it a maximum storage capacity of 390 GB.

Changing circumstances, including proliferation of systems handling moving picture, voice and other high- volume multimedia data and the advent of data warehouses, have dramatically increased the amount of data that businesses are required to store. Against this backdrop, library units equipped to use next-generation DVD-RAM discs are seen as the future storage systems of choice for a broad range of applications, such as high-volume data backup and long-term storage, especially because of their low-bit cost storage and data rewrite capabilities.

As a leading manufacturer of DVD drives, Hitachi has aggressively sought to invigorate and expand the market for DVD units by setting industry firsts with the shipments of 2X DVD-ROM drive samples in March 1997 and DVD-RAM drive samples in June of the same year. In a related move, Hitachi also announced today a DVD-RAM external unit kit for personal computers, the GF-1055, which is expected to be welcomed by PC users when it appears in stores in Japan from April 15, 1998.

The new libraries use DVD-RAM discs with four times the capacity of CD-ROM discs. The DL series libraries come in three configurations, a basic model with two drives that holds 100 discs storing up to 260 GB, a high-capacity unit with two drives that holds 150 discs storing up to 390 GB, and a high-speed model with four drives that holds 100 discs storing up to 260 GB.

The size of the DL series library cabinets is minimized by direct, high-density loading of the DVD-RAM discs without use of cartridges. The libraries are not limited to writing and reading of DVD-RAM discs. They can also read various other Disc types including DVD-ROM/R and CD-ROM/R/ RW. To prevent fouling of the Disc recording surfaces by handling during loading and unloading, Hitachi will also provide a special cartridge that holds up to 10 discs. Reliability is also enhanced by a dust-proof design encompassing all aspects of the device structure.

OEM sample price (excluding tax and discs) and shipping date

DL111-10 (Cabinet type):
Two drives / 100 discs/260 GB / 1.35 million yen / End June 98

^*As an option, a choice is available between a high- capacity configuration that holds 50 additional discs and a high-speed configuration with two additional drives.

High-capacity model (Option):
Two drives / 150 discs/ 390 GB 1.60 million yen / End June 98

High-speed model (Option):
Four drives / 100 discs / 260 GB / 1.55 million yen / End June 98

Product features

(1) High-capacity, compact library unit equipped with DVD-RAM drive and featuring rewrite capability

Despite their cabinet-type configuration, the units are only 215mm wide and have a maximum storage capacity of 390 GB.

(2) Dust-proof structural design

For high reliability, the Disc trays and drive sections are sealed off from the external atmosphere to prevent fouling of the discs and drive by external dust.

(3) High-density Disc loading

The need for the standard cartridges ordinarily used for tray loading has been eliminated. Bare discs are loaded at high density to realize a markedly miniaturized configuration.

(4) Higher reliability by use of simple Disc transport mechanism

The Disc transport mechanism has been simplified to greatly reduce the number of components. This and the use of precision parts ensure greater reliability.

(5) Easier and more reliable operation achieved by use of a batch loading/unloading system

To make operation easier and avoid fouling of the recording surfaces of the bare discs by contact with the hands, loading and unloading is done using a special cartridge that holds up to 10 discs.

(6) Performance improved by multiple drives

The DVD-RAM drives are equipped with multiple (2 or 4) drives to enable parallel data access and a proportional increase in processing performance.

(7) Mounting on standard rack also possible

Although the units are of the cabinet type, two can be mounted side by side on a standard 19-inch rack for easier use. (Detachment of some components is required during mounting.)

(8) Standard SCSI interface

SCSI-2 (10MB/s) has been adopted as the interface.

(9) Extensive maintenance functions supported

Maintenance capabilities are enhanced by on-line diagnostic features available from the operating panel, detailed error information gathering and display capability, and other powerful support features.

1. Changer

Drive type:	DVD-RAM Drive
Number of drives:	Two drives (Four drives with two optional drives)*
Maximum number of discs:	100 discs (150 discs with optional 50 discs)*
Maximum storage capacity:	260 GB (390 GB with optional 50 discs)*
Disc transport time:	Approx. three seconds (average)
Interface:	SCSI-2 (Maximum data transfer rate: 10 MB/s)
Import/export of discs:	Cartridge (up to ten discs)
Operating panel:	LCD panel
Power supply:
Voltage:	AC 90 to 132 v (single phase) or
	AC 180 to 264 v (single phase) /
	automatically adjustable
Frequency:	50 / 60 +/- 1Hz
Power consumption:	110 W (two drives) / 125 W (four drives)
Environment:
	Temperature:	5 to 35 C degrees (operating)
		-10 to 50 C degrees (non operating)
	Humidity:	20 to 80 % RH (operating)
		20 to 90 % RH (non operating)
	Dimensions:	(WxDxH) 215 x 700 x 600 mm (excluding caster)
	Weight(excluding discs):	Approx. 40 Kg

2. Drive:

Compatible disc:	DVD-RAM: Write / Read supported
	DVD-ROM/R: Read supported
	CD-ROM/R/RW: Read supported
Storage capacity:	2.6 GB/disc (single-sided Disc)
Interface:	SCSI-2 (Maximum data transfer rate: 10 MB / s)
Buffer memory size:	1 MB
Data transfer rate:	DVD-RAM: 1.38 MB / S
	DVD-ROM/R: 2.76 MB / S
	CD-ROM/R/RW: 1.20 MB / S
Average access time:	DVD-RAM: 210 ms
	DVD-ROM/R: 210 ms
	CD-ROM/R/RW: 150 ms

3. Disc:

DVD-RAM disc / 2.6 GB (single-sided)

top of this page