According to DigiTimes, NEC has offered its own-brand DVD burners without burning software for sale in the European market at an average price of below US$30, lower than the US$33-35 quoted by Taiwanese OEM makers.

DVD burners without burning software are not packaged for retail sale and thus 10-20% cheaper than DVD burners of the same models for retail sale, the sources pointed out. DVD burners that don’t include burning software are generally supplied to international and regional PC brands but sometimes available for sale through retail channels, the sources indicated.

NEC’s price cut may be aimed at clearing inventory in the European market before Sony NEC Optiarc, a joint venture that combines Sony’s and NEC’s ODD businesses, swings into full operation as well as stimulate sales during the traditional off-season in the second quarter, the sources noted.

Source: DigiTimes