
HP dvd840i Super Multi DVD Writer
High-speed internal drive with DVD±R/±RW and DVD-RAM 
read/write, ±R double-layer capability, and LightScribe direct disc labeling
hp
HP’s super multi drive offers high speeds, double-layer DVD¹, and 
the fastest LightScribe labeling available². It lets users easily 
preserve, edit and share up to 8.5 GB of video, photos, and 
multimedia presentations on one double-layer disc – and quickly 
store, back up and transport files on DVDs and CDs. The dvd840i 
records double-layer DVDs at up to 8X, recordable DVDs at up to 
16X, rewritable DVDs at up to 8X, and DVD-RAM at up to 5X.
Datasheet
LightScribe is the innovative new disc-labeling system that gives 
CDs and DVDs
a neat, professional look without ink, pens, or 
paper labels. With LightScribe, you simply burn your data, flip the 
disc over, and burn
a precise, silkscreen-like label directly onto
your LightScribe CD or DVD.
Compatible and versatile
• Record to all major formats on one drive: ±R/±RW, DVD-RAM, 
  CD-R/RW, and LightScribe.
• Enjoy excellent playback compatibility on DVD drives and players.
• Record hours of video onto DVD with your PC, then play it back 
  in your living room.
• Record and back up critical files on DVD-RAM.
The hottest technologies
• Get the latest optical storage features in the HP dvd840i.
• Burn discs at high speeds.
• Record to single- or double-layer DVDs, and now to DVD-RAM.
• Burn labels directly to disc with the latest, fastest LightScribe 
  technology².
LightScribe direct disc labeling
• LightScribe is artistic: Create beautiful labels and burn them directly 
  to your LightScribe discs.
• LightScribe is easy: Just burn your CD or DVD, then flip the disc 
  over and burn a label.
• LightScribe can’t peel off, get stuck, or cause disc damage the way 
  paper labels can.
• LightScribe direct disc labeling means no pens, no ink, no printer 
  and no sticky labels.  
Creative, fun and robust
• Full software suite included—edit video, organize photos, create 
  slideshows, back up music and data, create personalized label 
  designs, and more.
• Surprise your family and friends with slideshows and home 
  movies, digitally preserved on DVD or CD, beautifully labeled with 
  your own personal touch and ready for playback.
• Rely on HP’s high-quality testing standards for compatibility 
  and quality results.  
(1)
Also compatible with single-layer DVDs. Storing 8.5 GB on one DVD requires double-layer media, sold separately.
(2)
LightScribe labeling requires LightScribe media.

HP dvd840i Super Multi DVD Writer Datasheet
Key Specifications
Drive Performance System Requirements
Environment
• Write speed:  
  DVD+R up to 16X (CAV); DVD+RW up to 8X (ZCLV); DVD-R up to  
  16X (CAV); DVD-RW up to 6X (ZCLV); DVD+R Double Layer up to 8X 
  (ZCLV); DVD-R Dual Layer up to 4X (CLV); DVD-RAM up to 5X  
  (PCAV); CD-R up to 48x (CAV); CD-RW up to 32x (ZCAV)
• Read Speed: 
  DVD-ROM up to 16X (CAV); CD-ROM up to 40x (CAV)
• LightScribe CD labeling approximate times:
Setting
Best
Normal
Draft
• Sustained transfer: 
  1x CD = 150 KB/s (data mode 1); 1X DVD = 1350 KB/s
• Burst transfer rate: 33 MB/s max
• Access time: DVD-ROM (SL) 140 ms; DVD-ROM (DL) 175 ms; 
  DVD-RAM 250 ms; CD-ROM 160 ms (typical)
• Disc finalization time: DVD <2 minutes at 4X (DVD+R single-layer 
  disc); CD <1 minute typical
• Mean time between failures (MTBF): 100,000 POH at 20% duty cycle  
  in room temp
• Operating temperature: 5° to 45° C (41° to 113° F)
• Storage temperature: -30° to 60° C (-22° to 140° F)
• Operating humidity: 10%~80% RH (Non-condensing)
• Storage humidity: 10%~90% RH (Non-condensing)
• Power requirement: +5V±5%; +12V±10%
Title only
< 4 min.
< 3 min.
< 2 min.
Title
& content
< 9 min.
< 7 min.
< 4 min.
Full label
(w/ graphics)
< 29 min.
< 24 min.
< 18 min.
Compatibility
• Minimum system requirements: 800 MHz Intel® Pentium® III 
  processor or equivalent, 1.6 GHz Intel® Pentium® IV processor or 
  equivalent recommended (Actual drive performance depends on PC 
  configuration)
• 128 MB RAM (256 MB RAM recommended for video editing)
• 1024 x 768 video resolution with a minimum of 16-bit color required 
  for DVD authoring and editing
• Video capture: IEEE 1394 interface or analog video capture device 
  required
• Minimum hard disk space requirements: 1 GB free for included 
  software installation, 10 GB free for DVD video disc creation (18 GB 
  free for double layer). Internet connectivity recommended for software 
  updates
• Operating system compatibility: Microsoft Windows XP/2000 
  Professional SP4, Windows Professional x64 edition, and Windows  
  Server 2003
• Device write media compatibility: CD-R, CD-RW, DVD+R, DVD+R  
  DL, DVD+RW, DVD-R, DVD-R DL, DVD-RW, LightScribe CD-R,  
  LightScribe DVD+R, 4.7 GB single-sided/9.4 GB double-sided 
  DVD-RAM (2.6 GB single-sided/5.2 GB double-sided media not 
  supported)
• Device read media compatibility: DVD-ROM, DVD+R, DVD+R DL, 
  DVD+RW, DVD-R, DVD-R DL, DVD-RW, DVD-Video, 4.7 GB 
  single-sided/9.4 GB double-sided DVD-RAM (2.6 GB 
  single-sided/5.2 GB double-sided media not supported), CD-R,  
  CD-RW, CD-DA, CD Extra, CD-ROM (Mode 1 - Yellow Book), 
  CD-ROM/XA & CD-I Ready (Mode 2/Form 2 – Green Book), 
  Photo-CD (single and multi-session), VCD, CD-Text
Warranty
Contents
Box contents • Internal dvd840i drive with DVD±R/±RW and DVD-RAM read/write, 
±R double-layer capability, and LightScribe direct disc labeling
• Software CD including electronic user’s guide
• Quick-Start placemat
• Getting Help guide
• Installation screws
Software included
Optional Accessories
CD and DVD recordable media
For best results, use HP DVD and CD recordable 
and LightScribe discs, available from your local vendor.
©
2005 Hewlett-Packard Company
Actual product may vary from image shown on datasheet. All hardware and software specifications are subject to change without notice. HP and the invent 
signature are trademarks of the Hewlett-Packard Company. All other product names mentioned herein may be trademarks of their respective companies.©2005 
Hewlett-Packard Company. All rights reserved.
• 1-year limited hardware and software warranty from date of  
  purchase
• Nero Software Suite (for DVD authoring, writing, editing and 
backup)
• SureThing (for LightScribe labeling)
• CyberLink® PowerDVD™ (for DVD playback)
& rewritable discs, including double-layer DVDs
Questions about the HP dvd840i Super Multi DVD Writer? 
Look us up online at http://www.hp.com