Having experienced huge growth in sales of its data storage products, NEC now aims to become market leader in the DVD RW half-height and slim sectors.

NEC UKs unit sales grew 300% in Q1 2005, compared to the same period in 2004, to help to achieve 16% of global sales for half-height and slim DVD re-writer. NECs grip on this sector looks set to grow even larger in 2005.

NEC was one of the first companies to bring the dual-layer optical storage technology to market and launched the first ever 16x dual layer +/- DVD re-writer at the end of last year. The award-winning products from the optical storage suite have attracted consumer attention by combining excellent value for money with cutting edge technology.

Whilst NEC remains focused on maintaining its position at the forefront of DVD innovation, it is also investing significant resources to cement its future as a leader in the development of HD DVD (High Definition DVD). HD DVD is the next-generation DVD format that allows recording of more than four hours of high-resolution movies on a single ROM disc using more precise blue-laser diodes and advanced video compression technology.

Andrew Wyllie, Business Manager for NECs Data Storage Business in the UK, commented: The advances that NEC has made in optical storage underline the importance of our ongoing commitment to R&D. The success that solutions such as the recent ND3540A have enjoyed indicate that there is serious market demand for high speed, high quality storage devices. Building on that demand, we are positive about our future success in the market as a leader in next-generation DVD. HD DVD is the natural, seamless migration path for the current DVD industry and offers NEC a huge opportunity for growth.