Kahl am Main, 10.05.2005 - SINGULUS TECHNOLOGIES today announced the successful qualification of 'BLU-LINE" '“ its forthcoming replication system for 3 rd generation Blu-ray discs.

Jointly with SONY Corporation the prototypes of BLU-LINE have been disclosed to top tier customers as well as to '“ for the first time ever '“ major Hollywood studios. SONY is SINGULUS' development partner for Blu-ray technology.

SINGULUS has developed prototypes for two different methods of applying the 100 micron cover layer on Blu-ray. One machine design uses the film bonding technology while the other system is dedicated to liquid resin technology.

During several live demonstrations the playability of Blu-ray discs has been proven for both manufacturing technologies '“ film bonding as well as liquid resin. The discs directly taken out of the replication process have been played back on SONY's latest state-of-the-art Bluray player and HDTV screen.

The BLU-LINE concept also allows for future expansion to Blu-ray Dual Layer technology as well as for the integration of a multi cathode metallizer MODULUS for Blu-ray Recordable and Rewritable formats.