In addition to 18x*¹ write speed for DVD-R and +R media, 6x*² write or rewrite with DVD-RW and 8x*² +RW media, 12x write on corresponding DVD-RAM media, the drive is capable to write up to 8.5GB with maximal 8x*³ speed to
DVD +R9 media  and dual layer DVD-R DL*³. Besides DVD recording, the drive writes CD-R media with up to 48x speed as well as Ultra-Speed CD-RW discs
up to 32x. Together with the read speed of 16x for DVD-ROM and 48x for
CD-ROM comprise in total 11 optical storage functions plus DVD label writing with Labelflash™ in 1 drive – the true all in one optical device.

The AD-7173A offers the fastest available DVD recording together with
high speed CD recording and excellent read performance by utilising
Sony NEC Optiarc’s know how to develop and produce highly reliable optical storage devices.

With the AD-7173 the user does not need to decide between DVD formats
– he has the freedom to choose the DVD R, DVD rewriteable or
DVD R two layer media of his choice without a compromise in performance
or storage capacity: 1 hour DVD Video can be recorded in just 5 minutes
– and the writing of a label taking advantage of Labelflash™ requires just
another 5 minutes.

As with NEC’s predecessor DVD Writer’s the AD-7173 takes advantage
of “high resolution writing strategy”, “Active Optimized Power Control” (Active OPC) and buffer under run error prevention technology developed by NEC. The “high resolution writing strategy”, uses advanced laser modulation
to enhance the accuracy of the written data. Active OPC dynamically monitors writing power and reflection of the media in use, calculating the optimum laser power and adjusting it in real-time. This ensure that not only is the media type itself written in the optimum way – but any local anomalies on the used media can be handled in the best possible way by NEC technology.

Platform supported are Windows 98SE, 2000, Me, XP and 2003 Server.

The AD-7173 is available in beige, black and silver colour.

Technical Data – Optiarc 18X DVD Multi Writer with Labelflash™

Product name:                 AD-7173A

Data transfer rate read  DVD:              18x CAV    (max. 22,000 Kbyte/s)

                                           CD:                48x CAV      (max. 7,200 Kbyte/s)

                                write  DVD-R:          18x *¹         (max. 24,700 Kbyte/s)

                                           DVD-R DL:      8x *³         (max. 11,000 Kbyte/s)

                                           DVD-RW:        6x *²           (max. 8,200 Kbyte/s)

                                           DVD-RAM      12x *⁴         (max. 16,600 Kbyte/s)

                                           DVD +R:        18x *¹         (max. 24,700 Kbyte/s)

                                           DVD +R9:        8x *³         (max. 11,000 Kbyte/s)

                                           DVD +RW:      8x *²         (max. 11,000 Kbyte/s)

                                           CD-R:            48x              (max. 7,200 Kbyte/s)

                                           CD-RW:         32x              (max. 4,800 Kbyte/s)

Access time           DVD:  160 ms

                                  CD:  140 ms

Memory:                            2 Mbytes                           

Interface:                          ATAPI  Ultra DMA 66 mode 4

PIO mode:                        Mode 4

Audio connections:         analog- and digital output

Media supported:            DVD-ROM, DVD-R (DL), DVD-RAM, DVD +R(9*⁴), DVD-RW, DVD +RW, CD-ROM, CD-R and CD-RW
with 80mm and 120mm diameter

Modes supported:          DVD-ROM, DVD Video, CD-DA, CD Extra,
CD Text, CD-ROM, CD-ROM XA, CD-I,
CD-I Ready, CD-Bridge, Photo-CD, Video CD

Writing methods   DVD:  Random writing (DVD +R/+RW, DVD-RAM ver. 2),

                                           Sequential writing (DVD +R/+RW, DVD-RAM ver. 2),

Incremental (DVD-R/-RW), Multi-Border (DVD-R/-RW) and Restricted overwrite (DVD-RW),
Labelflash™ *⁵

                                  CD:  DAO (disc at once), SAO (session at once), TAO (track at once) with zero gap, variable or fixed packet, multisession

Special features:             Vertical operation possible

                                           Anti-dust seal

                                           PC 2001 Certification

                                           MultiRead compliant

*1  For 18x write on DVD R disc, please use NEC-recommended 16x media

*2  For 6x write on DVD-RW or 8x on +RW disc, please use NEC-recommended  media

*3  For 8x write on DVD-R DL and DVD +R9 media disc, please use
NEC-recommended discs (the expected write speed might not be obtained under certain conditions)

*4  For 12x write on DVD-RAM disc, please use NEC-recommended discs (the expected write speed might not be obtained under certain conditions)

*5  For Labelflash™ label writing Labelflash™ media is necessary

Firmware updates