The RAM Promotion Group (RAMPRG) reports that future of the DVD-RAM recordable DVD format continues to brighten, as Panasonic, LG and other RAMPRG member companies have announced plans for the next generation DVD MULTI drives and DVD-RAM discs. Among this week's announcements were plans by Hitachi-LG Data Storage, and Panasonic Industrial Company to introduce DVD MULTI drives which feature 5x DVD-RAM recording. Complimenting these hardware announcements, Hitachi Maxell, Ltd., Maxell Corporation of America, and Panasonic Consumer Electronics Company unveiled plans for new 5x DVD-RAM discs, in both cartridge and non-cartridge configurations.

The Hitachi-LG Data Storage, Inc. 5x SUPER MULTI drive will be available in June, while Panasonic's SW-9573-C drive will be available later this year. The Maxell brand 5x DVD-RAM discs will be available in June, and the Panasonic 4.7GB and 9.4 GB 5x DVD-RAM discs will begin shipping in August of this year.