Verbatim Announces Development Plans for both Blu-Ray and HD-DVD Media

Verbatim Corporation, world-leading optical media developers and marketers, have announced plans to support the development of both Blu-ray and High-Definition DVD (HD-DVD) recordable and rewritable media. Both formats are expected to begin shipping in early 2006, when high-definition drives and recorders are expected to be released.

Verbatim Blu-ray media will be available with 25GB (single-layer) and 50GB (double-layer) capacities. The HD-DVD media will be available with a single-layer capacity of 15GB. Double-layer HD-DVD media is also being developed for release following format finalisation. With premium-quality recordable media that meets the specifications of these new high-capacity, high definition formats; users will be able to record and enjoy the amazingly sharp images that high-definition video provides. The high-capacity discs will also find extensive application in computer data storage.

Verbatim is already working with the standards groups and burner/recorder manufacturers to develop and refine the materials and manufacturing processes, has joined both the BDA (Blue-ray Disc Association) as a contributor and the HD-DVD Promotion Group as a general member. Verbatim officials noted that the company will leverage its experience in producing professional blue laser media for the consumers as well.

'Verbatim's proven R&D strength will play a prominent role in the development of next-generation blue laser media technology," said Merv Tabe, Verbatim Australia's Managing Director. 'Verbatim has established itself as the industry leader in DVD technology and our growing expertise in double layer technology will enable us to rapidly migrate to the production of blue-laser media."

A world leader in media dye, sputtering and production process technologies, Verbatim has assigned the development of the next-generation technologies to two of its leading-edge facilities. The Singapore facility, where substantial experience has been gained in producing DVD double layer media, is the focal point for the development of HD DVD recordable media. With its expertise in more magneto-optical and UDO media development and high-precision mastering, the Mizushima Plant, in Japan, will focus on the Blu-ray media.

The two high-definition formats are currently rallying support from major distributors and manufacturers worldwide in order to become the next standard for movie and data storage. Whilst there has been talk of a compromise format being developed, there has been no final decision released on this subject and it has become increasingly apparent that both formats will be released to market.

About Verbatim

Verbatim® Corporation, a Mitsubishi® Chemical Media Company, is an international organisation that develops and markets innovative, high-quality products for storing, moving and using digital content. Known for its leadership in the removable storage media and related accessories markets, the company provides reliable, unique technologies and products that are highly sought after and broadly distributed worldwide. For more information, contact Verbatim Australia at 6 Weir Street, Glen Iris. VIC 3146, t. (03) 9823-0999, f. (03) 9824-7011; or visit the company's web site at www.verbatim.com.au.

Copyright 2005, Verbatim Australia. All trademarks or registered trademarks mentioned herein are recognised as the property of their respective holders. For more information regarding this product including hi-res images, please contact Vanessa Taylor at Verbatim (contact details at top of page). Previous Press Releases from Verbatim: Verbatim Announces 133X SD Card from Pretec Verbatim/MKM Named No.1 in Global Recordable CD and DVD Media Markets Verbatim Announces Store'n'Go USB Drives Verbatim Announces LightScribe-compatible 52x CD-R and 8x DVD+R Discs Verbatim Introduces 2.1GB Store'n'Go USB HD Drive

Source: Verbatim