Verbatim announced that it has finished the pre-production phase of HD DVD-R media manufacturing and will begin shipping the new media in early 2006 when hardware and software products supporting the format are launched.

Similar to DVD media in structure, Verbatim HD DVD-R sports 15GB of single layer capacity and is manufactured at MKM's high-tech DVD production facility in Singapore. 30GB dual layer HD DVD-R media will be produced by the end of 2006.

Well known as the leading developer of organic dyes for CD-R and DVD-R media, MKM has developed a new recording dye specifically designed for HD DVD-R. Highly sensitive to blue laser light, the new dye minimizes the thermal interference between data marks, a key performance parameter since the data density of HD DVD is over 3.5 times higher than that of standard DVD. The features of the new dye allow Verbatim HD DVD-R media to achieve optimum data writing and superior playback compatibility.

"The manufacturing process for HD DVD-R is similar to standard DVD-R," said Tim Clatterbuck, Verbatim Optical Storage Manager. "MKM's extensive expertise in the development of DVD materials and mass production technology translates directly to producing high-quality HD DVD media. We will leverage this experience to continue our leadership position as the preferred media brand for HD DVD-R in both the professional and consumer markets."

The HD DVD-R manufacturing process was developed at MKM's Singapore factory, also the location of the world's premier dual layer DVD production facility. "Utilizing our proven production technologies, Verbatim expects to be first to launch dual layer HD DVD-R, a 30GB single sided disc, later this year," said Clatterbuck.

Verbatim/MKM has already supplied burner/recorder manufacturers and their software suppliers with engineering samples of its new high-capacity media for securing read/write compatibility.

By providing them with benchmark media for performance and compatibility testing, Verbatim/MKM validates its media across the broad range of burners, recorders and players that will be released. For end users, the additional testing means they will have the best compatibility between their hardware and Verbatim-branded media.

With the availability of MKM/Verbatim premium-quality HD DVD-R media, 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/MKM is a general member of the HD DVD Promotion Group and a charter member of the DVD Forum.

Verbatim is exhibiting at the CES 2005 Show in Las Vegas this week at Booth #36049, South Hall 4.