MKM) today announced the development of 6x DVD-RW discs for data, which will be launched in the Japanese market in mid-March 2005. "The market for DVD drives for data is showing tremendous growth worldwide," says Shigeru Tamura, MKM Chief Information Officer. "Within that market, sales for rewritable DVD discs should reach some 3 million units in 2005*1, which will be an increase of some 68% compared with last year." Recordable DVD disc keep getting faster, so there's considerable demand for faster rewritable DVD discs, as consumers use them to edit or backup immense amount of visual data.

MKM responds to consumer demand by launching the new DVD Forum*2 standard, with discs compatible*3 with 6x writing speeds.

The characteristics of the new discs are:
(1) Used with compatible DVD drives, these discs can be recorded / re-recorded at speed of 2x-6x. The new discs can be written in roughly one-sixth the time of conventional MKM (1x-2x) discs.
(2) The discs can be played with conventional DVD drives or DVD players. The new discs have a high level of playback compatibility with conventional DVD drives and players.

MKM will continue to use its proprietary technology*4 to create new value-added products to meet the demands of its time.

Something a Bit Advanced

*1 Japan Recording-Media Industry Association
*2 The DVD Forum is an worldwide organization that sets DVD standards and promotes those standards throughout the world. Electronics makers, software companies, and media makers are registered members of the DVD Forum.
*3 DVD-RW Ver.1.2/2x-6x (Class 1/Rev.3.0)
*4 MKM proprietary technologies
Ultra-precise stamper and disc shaping technology
SERL technology developed for phase change DVD recording layers