Software Architects (SAI), a supplier of disk drive utility software that uses the Universal Disk Format (UDF), has released WriteDVD! Pro 4.0 for the Mac and Windows operating systems. It runs on Mac OS 8.6 to 9.2, but, unfortunately, has yet to be Carbonized for Mac OS X.
Version 4.0 supports drag and drop writing to all types of DVD recordable drives and media, including DVD+R, DVD+RW, DVD-R, DVD-RW and DVD-RAM. The software supports drives from such companies as Sony, HP, Ricoh, Philips, Pioneer, Hitachi and Panasonic, as well as third party drive systems, such as LaCie and QPS.
The software simplifies the operation of “combination” drives that can read/write a variety of media types by using the world’s first integrated UDF file system and driver architecture that supports both block addressable DVD-RAM and DVD+RW discs, and sequential recording DVD-R, DVD-RW and DVD+R media, as well as CD-R and CD-RW media, said Robert Zollo, president of SAI. WriteDVD! uses SAI’s “total UDF” integrated UDF architecture that offers a single file system and driver interface independent of the type of disk inserted into the drive.
Version 4.0 also includes support for “real time recording” functions used in new DVD-RAM disk based video camcorders and video recorders. Real time recording optimizes reads and writes of video files to disk by emulating sequential recording on the random access, block addressable DVD-RAM media. This minimizes the optical head movement during playback, resulting in faster and smoother video reads from the disk, Zollo said.
WriteDVD! Pro 4.0 costs US$99.95. It’s available immediately in English, Japanese and European language options.