Memorex, a division of Imation, today announced the retail availability of its first Blu-ray media.

The recordable (BD-R) and rewritable (BD-RE) discs support high-definition (HD) video recording save and share up to 25 GB of HD contenty. The capacity is actually a little less - approximately 23.3GB for BD-R and 22.6GB for BD-RE (data).

Memorex Blu-ray discs use blue-violet laser technology to support HD broadcast and video recording, as well as high capacity data and photo storage from PCs and servers. Compatible with Blu-ray capable recorders, Memorex Blu-ray media records and preserves the digital quality of HD broadcasts, including enhanced 7.1 channel surround sound, widescreen aspect ratio, high resolution 1080i picture, and interactive features. A single 25 GB Memorex Blu-ray disc can store approximately two hours of HD-quality video or up to 20 hours of lower-resolution video.

For protection of important data and video, Memorex Blu-ray discs include DuraLayer Technology, a special scratch-resistant hard coating that guards against dust, debris and rough handling.

Memorex is a division of Imation, which holds several intellectual property rights in the manufacturing processes of the Blu-ray format and boasts the world's only modular manufacturing facility for the production of both Blu-ray and rival format HD DVD discs. Memorex is a contributing member of the Blu-ray Disc Association, which supports the Blu-ray format, as well as the DVD Forum, which supports the HD DVD format. As announced earlier this year, Memorex will deliver both Blu-ray and HD DVD products to the consumer market.

Individually packaged Memorex Blu-ray recordable (BD-R) and re-writable (BD-RE) media are now shipping to select retail locations and are listed at a suggested retail price of $19.99 and $29.99, respectively.