EPSON debuts new CD-ROM drive; fast 6X speed with complete compatibility and multimedia capabilities

Business Wire, Nov 13, 1995

LAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 13, 1995--EPSON Monday introduced the CMD-2260, a new CD-ROM drive that targets OEMs and commercial distribution.

The CMD-2260 features an enhanced IDE/ATA Packet interface for complete compatibility with today's CD-ROM standards, easy-to-use front-panel audio controls and a fast 6X transfer rate that provides support for MPEG playback applications.

The new CMD-2260 is a low-cost, high-performance drive that incorporates the ATAPI-IDE standard for easy installation and added support of tape, optical and other peripherals. The CMD-2260 is capable of retrieving data from 5-inch (12 cm) and 3-inch (8 cm) compact disc media.

Fitting in a standard 5.25-inch, half-height drive bay, the CMD-2260 is a random-access, read-only storage device that is compliant with the data interchange standard for CD-ROMs.

``There is an increasing demand for CD-ROM drives to deliver a wide range of applications from multimedia to software distribution at fast speeds,'' said Walter Carlos, business unit director, EPSON. ``The introduction of the 6X CD-ROM drive represents EPSON's commitment as a major supplier of leading-edge storage technology products.''

The CMD-2260 features an audio passthrough with front-panel audio controls allowing the user to enjoy music CDs without going into the system to run them. In addition to audio controls, the front panel features a headphone jack, volume control, jump-track, back-track, random selection, eject button and a rear panel digital audio output.

Additionally, the CMD-2260 also features a ``touch-sensitive'' motorized tray loading system that is dust-proof, eliminating the need for costly caddies and cumbersome manual loading trays. This internal drive complies with MPC Level 2 and CD-XA (extended architecture) standards.

These standards allow the merging of sound, graphics, text, animation, photo images and full-motion video all on one track for high-quality multimedia presentations.

The CMD-2260 is multisession Photo-CD compatible and features MPEG full-motion video playback. By using the appropriate Photo-CD application software, photos recorded on CD-ROM can be viewed and photo libraries and visual databases accessed.

In addition to multisession Photo-CD format, this fast CD drive also supports audio CD-DA, CD-I, Video CD, ISO 9660 and High Sierra formats.

The CMD-2260 also features a 900KB/sec data transfer rate and an average access time of 195 milliseconds. Advanced power management features, including low power consumption while idling, are standard. The CMD-2260 is 5.75 in. x 1.63 in. x 8.18 in. and weighs 1 kg.

The CMD-2260 features a burst transfer rate of 11.1MB/sec, a buffer size of 256KB and an operating temperature of 5 to 55 degrees Celsius. This reliable CD-ROM drive has a MTBF of 30,000 POH (25 percent duty) and a user-friendly installation program.

The CMD-2260 is currently available and carries a MSRP of $250. For more information on EPSON and its products, call 310/787-6300 or stop by EPSON's corporate website on the Internet at http://www.epson.com.

EPSON offers an extensive array of technology products including ink jet, laser and dot matrix printers, scanners, portable and desktop computers, and for the OEM market, a variety of component and electronic devices.

Founded in 1975, Epson America Inc. is an affiliate of Seiko Epson Corp., a global manufacturer and supplier of high-quality technology products that meet customer demands for increased functionality, compactness, systems integration and energy efficiency. Epson America has headquarters in Torrance, Calif. -0-

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CONTACT: EPSON

Susie Mitchell, 310/782-5174

310/782-5179 (FAX)

or

Base One Marketing

Julie O'Brien, 310/792-1877