ODC Nimbus Announces Upgrades for Pi Mastering System

September 28, 2006

ODC Nimbus today announced the release of two significant upgrades for the Pi Mastering System, both designed to dramatically improve performance.

Gary Helfrecht, Director of Sales and Marketing for ODC Nimbus commented, “These new upgrades are the result of extensive customer dialogue and cooperation with our technical staff.  The result of this effort is a much improved Pi Mastering System, one which is even more flexible and user-friendly than the original.  We are pleased to make them available now”

Pi Control Centre Software Upgrade

This software upgrade has two major features.  Most significant is the addition of Programmable Pre-Emphasis Filters.  This allows the assignment of various pre-emphasis filters (modulation patterns) to each of the different DVD layers by automatically downloading the assigned filters prior to mastering.

In addition, this new version of software corrects many previous bugs and cosmetic flaws.  It also allows for more efficient scanning of the input jobs directory to minimize apparent system freezes.

Pi Auto-Developer Upgrade

The Pi Auto-Developer has been designed to ensure even greater consistency between masters.  Variations in process and environmental parameters can affect pit geometry that subsequently produces differences in asymmetry when timed development is utilized. 

The new Pi Auto-Developer constantly monitors pit geometry during the development cycle and automatically stops the process when a preset reference state, or “end-point”, is reached.  Two independent monitoring and preset channels, one of CD and one for DVD, are provided.  A third optical channel measures the zero order intensity allowing normalization of the first order signal.

There are no moving parts used in the auto-developer optical assemblies, which makes the system very robust and reliable.  The entire upgrade fits into the existing developer station.

A comprehensive log file is created for each development cycle.  This contains data about the first order signal, laser power, solenoid open times, liquid flow rates, water conductivity and water temperature.  A log viewer allows the data to be plotted. The auto-developer can be used in ‘end-point’ or timed mode.

Included with the Pi Auto-Developer Upgrade is the new Pi Control Centre Software Upgrade.