Verbatim(r) Corporation announced Tuesday DataLifePlus 48x-certified CD-R discs that can burn a full 700MB of data or 80 minutes of music in about 2 minutes. To achieve error-free recording at the new faster write speed, the firm's patented "Super Azo(tm)" recording dye technology was reformulated to ensure that customers will be able to reliably capture error-free data during the recording process when using today's high-speed 48x CD-RW drives. The new 48x CD-R discs have already been tested and certified by leading 48x drive manufacturers.

"As drive manufacturers push the performance limits of CD-R writing technology, we have continued to improve our dye chemistry formulation," said Ron Hanafin, Verbatim CD Product Marketing Manager. "The unique Azo recording dye that is used to produce our higher-performance DataLifePlus CD-R media reacts faster to laser light than dyes used by the majority of manufacturers.

"By tuning the dye formulation to the new high-speed CD recorders," he continued, "we can provide customers with quality, error-free recording that is also faster. Reducing the thickness of the recording layer to improve sensitivity for higher-speed rotation drives is only one option to achieve 48x performance. This simplistic approach improves sensitivity at high recording speeds, but sacrifices reliability and durability. Verbatim Super Azo CDR media delivers the best total solution for the customer by keeping the same level of quality recording without losing consistency elsewhere."

To deliver error-free recording at the faster writing speeds, Verbatim has developed and refined an innovative "Super Azo(" recording dye chemistry and enhanced recording layer production technology. Verbatim works closely with the industry's leading drive manufacturers for certification with high-performance drives to assure end users that data will be reliably stored at the drives' full-rated speed. The special formulation of Verbatim's patented Super Azo technology not only withstands the high-speed lasers and drive speeds of the new drives, it also maximizes the drives' performance.

For improved reflectivity and maximum read/write performance, the new media's CD-R silver reflective layer is safeguarded with a dual-protective layer that provides a longer archival life and protection from scratches that can damage the recording layer. Verbatim's DataLifePlus CD-R media is the only CD-R disc that includes double protection for the reflective layer as standard.

Like all Verbatim DataLifePlus CD-R media, the 48x CD-R discs deliver an estimated archival life of more than 100 years and are tested to ensure the broadest compatibility with current and future CD drives.

Availability, Pricing

Backed by a lifetime warranty, the new DataLifePlus 48x 700MB, 80 min. CD-R media is available from authorized resellers in single and multiple-disc packages with ultra-slim cases, jewel cases, and spindles. Street prices for the new media are $.99 for a single disc and $8.99 for a 10-pack.