The Japan Recording-Media Industries Association (JRIA) has released its survey results on global demand for recording media such as optical discs, magnetic tape and compact memory cards. In 2005, in particular, shipments of recordable DVDs including DVD-R and DVD+R discs grew sharply, and are estimated to reach 3.643 billion discs, 2.7 times larger than in 2004. The demand is predicted to further expand 40% in 2006 to reach 5.159 billion discs.

On the contrary, demand for CD-R discs, which have thus far boasted far larger shipments than other media, is expected to slow down. Estimates for data CD-R discs, for example, are forecasted to hit the ceiling in 2005 at 7.144 billion discs and slightly decrease to 6.911 billion discs in 2006. If recordable DVD demand continues to rise by 1.0-2.0 billion discs per year, demand may possibly surpass that for CD-R discs as soon as in 2007.

By geographical area, recordable DVD demand sharply soared in North America and Europe. In 2005, the demands in these areas are both anticipated to increase to about three times the amount in 2004. The association considers global diffusion of DVD recorders is boosting demand for recordable DVD discs. Its estimates for 2005 are 1.467 billion discs in North America, 1.342 billion discs in Europe and 507.0 million discs, an 83% rise compared to 2004, in Japan.

For 2006, the association predicts recordable DVD demands of 2.01 billion, 1.906 billion and 710.0 million discs, respectively.

For more information see JRIA's publication here.