Whether it turns out to be Blu-Ray or HD-DVD, Verbatim, the world’s market leader of optical storage media, is prepared for both standards. As there has currently been no agreement to the simmering argument between the two storage systems, the company based in Japan is to offer both variants.
“After a few minor alterations we can also use our Japanese factory for the production of Blu-Ray and our plant in Singapore has been earmarked for the production of HD-DVDs. Our experience with the Ultra Density Optical Disc helps us to rapidly set up production plants in order to produce Blu-Ray media and we are already prepared for HD-DVD as a result of our experience with DVDs. Of course a single standard would be practical for consumers. We will however offer both variants until a clear winner emerges,” said Torsten Leye, DVD product manager at Verbatim EUMEA.
The Blu-Ray standard is supported by manufacturers such as Sony, Panasonic, Philips, Pioneer, Hitachi, LG Sharp, Mitsubishi Electric, Thomson, and Samsung, whereas the likes of Toshiba, NEC, Sanyo and Memorytech are pushing for the use of HD-DVD.
The Blu-Ray disc can store up to 25 gigabytes in its first version, up to 15 gigabytes can be stored on a HD-DVD. The Blu-Ray disc is however more sensitive to scratches and will be supplied in a cartridge during the first phase of product development.
The new DVD formats finally give users the necessary capacities to record and play pin-sharp images from high-resolution video. In addition, thanks to their high storage capacities the discs can be used wherever a lot of information must be filed – to archive company data for example.
Verbatim has its own development department and is one of the first companies ready to go into production of the new media and in a position to further develop available media (keywords: higher speed, improved durability). Last year the company brought the 30-gigabyte UDO (Ultra Density Optical) disc onto the market. Above all the storage medium has proved to be a success when it comes to optical data storage for healthcare, the legal system and the worlds of finance and government.
Images
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About Verbatim/MKM
Verbatim/MKM is an international organization that develops and markets innovative, high-quality products for storing, moving and using digital content. Known for its leadership in the removable storage media and related accessories markets, the company provides reliable, unique technologies and products that are highly sought after and broadly distributed worldwide.
Contact
Verbatim GmbH, Frankfurter Straße 63-69, 65760 Eschborn, Germany
Maria Csilics, phone: +49 6196-9001-30; email: mcsilics@verbatim-europe.com
www.verbatim-europe.com
LEWIS Communications, Baierbrunner Straße 15, 81379 München, Germany
Michael Wilmes, phone: +49 89 173019 34, email: michaelw@lewispr.com
www.lewispr.com