TDK Recording Media Europe has recently received reports of the production and sale of DVD-R discs that are not authorised or manufactured by TDK, but have TDK's manufacturer identification code. Confirmed products violating the TDK DVD manufacturer identification code include SuperX and Princo DVD media. TDK believes these discs will cause confusion and inconvenience to both consumers and recording drive manufacturers in terms of poor quality issues, and would like to take this opportunity to explain its position.

The manufacturer identification code is a piece of information engraved into the stamper, the core component of the optical disc manufacturing system. This unique code identifies the manufacturer of the disc and is read by the recording drive in order to adjust to the optimal recording settings dictated by the disc type. The manufacturer identification code is one of the underlying mechanisms for ensuring reliability. TDK co-operates with leading DVD drive manufacturers to ensure their DVD writers automatically detect the speed of the DVD media being used, in order to optimise performance. As a result, TDK DVD discs provide the highest compatibility and quality with all drives.

TDK discovered that DVD–R discs are circulating in the European market in violation of its manufacturer identification codes. TDK is not the manufacturer of these particular discs and takes no responsibility for them.

TDK has voiced objections in the strongest possible terms to the parties involved in both manufacture and distribution of discs linked with the unauthorised use of TDK’s manufacturer identification code. Considering that this type of conduct is detrimental to the entire industry, TDK has also explained the situation to industry groups including the RW Products Promotion Initiative (http://www.rwppi.com) and other involved parties.

TDK takes a firm position against the unauthorised use of manufacturer identification codes in order to prevent any inconvenience to our customers. The TDK name has become one of the world’s most respected brands in recording media and TDK will make every possible effort to maintain its trusted brand, relied upon by its customers.

For further enquiries please contact: http://www.tdk-support.com