Mitsubishi Chemical media Ltd. announced the development of the world's first BD-R Low-To-High (LTH) BD-R 25GB discs for 6x recording.

The LTH Type discs use an organic recording layer which allows them to be manufactured on existing CD-R or DVD-R production lines with only minor adjustments, providing a more affordable solution to high-definition video storage. The organic recording layer which is applied using the same dye spin coating process as Verbatim/MKM CD-R or DVD-R media. The spin coating process ensures a uniform thickness and a flat, smooth surface.

The use of organic dye in the recording layer causes the reflectance of the disc to change after recording from low to high (LTH). Compared to standard BD-R discs which use inorganic dye, BD-R LTH discs use a patented organic AZO layer which Mitsubishi developed by leveraging its many years of success in developing organic AZO recording layers for CD-R and DVD-R media. The organic AZO layer is also allowing for high speed burning at speeds of 6x, it is offering high sensitivity to laser light? the key requirement for optimized recording performance and control of the heat interference between consecutive recorded marks for substantially less jitter and reduced degradation of recording marks. We should note here that since the LTH discs are using an organic dye, light resistance is generally not as high as in the inorganic BD-R media. The dye also features a wide power margin to ensure quality recording on the entire disc surface.

The company claims that the new discs are also extremely durable and light resistant offering reliability and a life span equal to DVDs.

To provide added protection from scratches, fingerprints and dust particles which can cause recording and playback errors, all Verbatim BD media features a proprietary, super-hardcoat finish developed by MKM. Similar to the surface coating technology found in touch panel displays and scratch-resistant eyeglass lenses, the coating technology protects the recording layer without warping the disc.

Mitsubishi plans to start production of the new discs in the summer. At the same time, the company's 2x BD-R LTH media will appear in the worldwide market under the Verbatim brand. Drives and recorders that support 6X BD-R LTH Type will be released in the Fall.

Taiyo Yuden, Maxell and Fuji Photo Film have also announced the release of 2x BDR-LTH media this year.