Imation said that it is currently finalizing the development of both HD DVD and Blu-ray optical recordable media. Imation is a member of the Blu-ray Disc Association (BDA) and DVD Forum.

The company will utilize a hard coat protective disc coating in the development of both formats, in order to increase the durability of the new media.

Imation has tested both single layer and double layer advanced optical formats, and plans to begin shipping both HD DVD and Blu-ray products starting in the early part of 2006.

Throughout 2006, Imation plans to launch the BD-RE (rewritable) and BDR (recordable) 25GB single layer and 50GB double layer Blu-ray formats. Also in 2006, Imation plans to launch the HD DVD-R (recordable) and HD DVD-ReR (Re- recordable) 15GB single layer and 30GB double layer HD DVD formats.

Note that the HD DVD-ReR format has been proposed for approval and the DVD Forum's decision is not expected earlier than spring 2006.

With a significant part of the format specifications still not 100% finalized, media makers like Imation and others cannot give specific dates of availability and pricing for their planned products. More announcements about Blu-Ray and HD DVD media are expected in the following weeks.