Samsung Smart Media Hub Pumps DVDs to Phones

Samsung's new external ODD will stream CD and DVD content to smartphones, tablets and PCs. It will also connect to those same devices wirelessly for backing up data.

Friday Samsung revealed an external optical disc drive (ODD) that also serves as a media hub, allowing users to wirelessly stream CD and DVD playback to tablets, smartphones and PCs. Called the SE-208BW, it will be available at the beginning of 2012 and will also provide traditional CD/DVD playback and writing capabilities.

"The SE-208BW breaks new ground for ODD’s by adding wireless access point (AP) and repeater functionality to connect the drive to an Ethernet LAN cable," the company said. "For users with an existing AP that suffers from weak signal strength, the SE-208BW also serves as a repeater to amplify Wi-Fi signals and widen the connectivity range across the home."

In addition to streaming content to mobile devices, the ODD will also wirelessly connect to those same devices to easily backup data such as pictures, video or contacts onto CDs or DVDs without ever having to fire up a desktop or laptop. What's more, it will perform as a private cloud server thanks to Dynamic DNS support, allowing users to connect an external hard disk drive or USB memory drive in addition to the Ethernet cable.

"For TV’s with DLNA compatibility, the SE-208AB comes with Allshare allowing users to view drive content through the TV menu to play and record multimedia files onto CDs and DVDs," the company said. "The drive complements any home entertainment system with a sleek hi-gloss surface built around a slim case measuring 140mmx21.5mmx200mm. The drive also offers a USB power interface that eliminates the need for a separate electrical outlet."

As a disc burner, Samsung's SE-208BW provides a variety of speeds across different data media types including 24X CD-ROM, 24X CD-RW, 8X DVD reading and 8X DVD±R, 5X DVD-RAM, 6X DVD+R Dual Layer, 6X DVD-R Dual Layer, 8X DVD+RW and 6X DVD-RW recording.

Friday Samsung also revealed a slim, portable Blu-ray ODD for the mobile sector. Called the SE-506AB, the drive can easily connect and play content via an AV connectivity function on multimedia TVs with an available USB port. It also recognizes and allows access to the fifth sub-directory and more than 3000 files – previous Blu-ray writers only recognize the first sub-directory and 1000 files, Samsung said.

The company also stated that the drive provides a variety of speeds across different data media types featuring BD Quadruple layering. Specific speeds include: 6X BD-ROM, 24X CD-ROM, 24X CD-RW reading and 6X BD-R, 6X BD-R Dual layer, 4X BD-R Quad layer, 8X DVD±R, 5X DVD-RAM, 6X DVD+R Dual layer, 6X DVD-R Dual layer, 8X DVD+RW, 6X DVD-RW recording.

Samsung's SE-208BW external Blu-ray writer is available now for $140 USD.