Eindhoven, The Netherlands – Philips & Lite-On Digital Solutions (PLDS) announces the introduction of its first external BD-ROM (Blu-ray Disc Reader) drive to the market. With the introduction of DX-4O1S, PLDS complements its Lite-On Blu-ray product line, which already consists of an internal BD-ROM and BD writer. 

“Due to recent market developments we can expect an increasing volume of movies to be released in high definition on Blu-ray Discs”, says Jelmer Veldman, European Marketing Manager at PLDS. “The market adoption of Blu-ray as the optical disc standard for High Definition content results in a growing demand for Blu-ray playback solutions. The portable external Lite-On BD-ROM drive allows users to playback their Blu-ray discs on any PC via a USB 2.0 cable* ”, Mr. Veldman adds.

The Lite-On DX-4O1S external BD-ROM is a universal playback device that can read virtually every available format of optical media including BD-R/RE/ROM, single layer and double layer, at 4X maximum. It can read single layer DVD±R or DVD-ROM at 12X max, while double layer DVD±R and single layer DVD±RW can be read at 8X max. CD-R/RW/ROM can be read at 32X maximum speed.

The stylish black & white casing gives the DX-4O1S a modern and trendy look The design was awarded a red dot design award by the German Design Zentrum Nordrhein Westfalen for high design quality.

The DX-4O1S BD-ROM drive will be available in Europe in Q2 2008. The consumer price is yet to be defined.

* Minimum system requirements must be met to be able to playback Bu-ray Discs