Ritek, CMC Magnetics and Prodisc Technology have started or will soon start production of 8x DVD+R/-R discs, according to the companies.

The companies have been poised for volume production of 8x DVD+R/-R discs for some time, but 8x DVD+R/-R burners only became available late last month. Ritek and CMC Magnetics have just commenced production of 8x DVD+R/-R discs in small volumes and Prodisc will do so later this month.

The three makers currently focus on production of 4x DVD+R/-R discs. This month, Ritek, CMC Magnetics and Prodisc estimate that their shipments of 8x models will account for nearly 10%, 10-20% and up to 30%, respectively, of their total delivery volumes of DVD+R/-R discs.

The three companies quote 8x DVD+R/-R discs at US$1.20-1.30. In anticipation of fast growing demand in the first quarter of 2004, the companies plan to raise their prices. However, the success of any price hike will depend on sales during the traditional peak period prior to Christmas, CMC Magnetics said.