The DVD+RW Alliance will present the world's first recording of 8X speed on 8.5 GB double layer DVD+R DL media at the World PC EXPO in Japan.

The technical presentation will be based on the laboratory results of Philips, MKM and Ricoh.

At 8X recording speed, consumers will be able to create a full 8.5 GB DVD disc in less than 16 minutes, compared to the 47 minutes (at 2.4X recording speeds) using current DVD writers. 8X DVD+R DL media and drives are expected to come to market in the first quarter of next year.

"When it comes to DVD recording, faster is better," said Frank Simonis, Chair of the DVD+RW Alliance Product Promotions Group and Strategic Marketing Director for Philips Optical Storage. "8X DVD+R DL recording will cut the time it takes to burn a DVD+R DL disc to about one-third of what it is now. That's something consumers will like. And it's just one more example of how the DVD+R/+RW format is leading the way to the future with our ability to provide the functionality and performance consumers want."

About DVD+R/+RW

The DVD+R/+RW format is capable of recording up to 8.5 gigabytes of digital video, images or data. This equates to the storage capacity of up to eleven CD discs and the potential to store thousands of digital photographs or approximately four hours of digital video. The primary benefit of DVD+R/+RW is its two-way compatibility, meaning that DVD+R, DVD+R DL and DVD+RW media can be played in most DVD video players and DVD-ROM drives.

About The DVD+RW Alliance

The DVD+RW Alliance is a voluntary group of industry-leading personal computer, optical storage and consumer electronics manufacturers. The companies promote the universally compatible, rewritable DVD+R/+RW format that enables true convergence between personal computing and consumer electronics products. Over 70 companies have formally joined DVD+RW Alliance to support DVD+R/+RW technology. Further details about the DVD+RW Alliance and member companies can be found at http://www.dvdrw.com. Product or service names mentioned herein are the trademarks of their respective owners.