Verbatim announced today that it is on schedule to deliver the industry's first Double-Layer DVD+R (DVD+R DL) discs. The new 2.4x DataLifePlus(R) media nearly doubles the storage capacity on DVD recordable discs from 4.7GB to 8.5GB on a single side. Verbatim's target launch date is spring 2004 to coincide with DVD+R DL hardware introductions by DVD+RW Alliance members.

With Verbatim's new DVD+R DL discs, consumers can store up to 4 hours of DVD-quality video or up to 16 hours of VHS video quality on a single disc. PC users will also benefit by being able to archive nearly 8.5GB of data -- all without having to stop and turn the disc.

The new media is fully compatible with the DVD+R DL standard endorsed by the DVD+RW Alliance and incorporates the Double-Layer DVD+R technology developed through the collaboration of Verbatim's parent company, Mitsubishi(R) Kagaku Media (MKM) and Philips.

The development of reliable Double-Layer media is the key technology enabler for Double Layer DVD+R recording. The ultimate challenge was to develop materials and manufacturing processes for multi-layer discs that allow the properties of two unique layers, once recorded, to meet the DVD read only specifications for DVD-ROM drives and DVD video players. During recording (and reading), each layer can be targeted without disrupting data on the other layer.

The first recording layer of the Verbatim DVD+R DL disc is semi-transparent, providing enough reflectivity for writing/reading data on the first layer, yet transmitting enough laser power to read/write on the second layer by refocusing the laser. In addition to optimizing layer reflectivity, new Metal Azo recording dyes were developed by MKM for each layer to optimize parameters such as signal amplitudes and power margins and ensure full compatibility with current DVD standards.

Availability

Scheduled to begin shipping in spring 2004, Verbatim 8.5GB Double-Layer DVD+R media will be available through authorized resellers and the Verbatim web site. Verbatim backs the quality of its complete line of DataLifePlus DVD media with a lifetime warranty.