Verbatim has foot in both camps in Blu-ray and HD-DVD tussle
Jul 28, 2005: Optical media developer Verbatim has announced plans to support the development of both Blu-ray and High-Definition DVD (HD-DVD) recordable and rewritable media. Both formats are expected to begin shipping in early 2006, when high-definition drives and recorders are expected to be released. The pending release of both formats has for some time now been shaping up to be something akin to the battle for supremacy between VHS and Betamax when video recorders were introduced to the mass market. The difference here is that both formats have a number of vendor supporters, as opposed to the early days of the VCR, where Betamax lost out because the technology was proprietary to Sony, which refused to licence it, while VHS was open to all manufacturers to produce devices. This ought to mean that the best technology will win the day, unlike the video wars, where Betamax was widely considered to be the superior technology. Verbatim Blu-ray media will be available with 25GB (single-layer) and 50GB (double-layer) capacities. The HD-DVD media will be available with a single-layer capacity of 15GB. Double-layer HD-DVD media is also being developed for release following format finalisation. With recordable media that meets the specifications of these new high-capacity, high definition formats; users will be able to record and enjoy the amazingly sharp images that high-definition video provides. The high-capacity discs will also find extensive application in computer data storage. Verbatim is already working with the standards groups and burner/recorder manufacturers to develop and refine the materials and manufacturing processes, has joined both the BDA (Blue-ray Disc Association) as a contributor and the HD-DVD Promotion Group as a general member. Verbatim officials noted that the company will leverage its experience in producing professional blue laser media for the consumers as well. ?Verbatim's proven R&D strength will play a prominent role in the development of next-generation blue laser media technology,? said Merv Tabe, Verbatim Australia?s managing director. ?Our growing expertise in double layer technology will enable us to rapidly migrate to the production of blue-laser media.?
Verbatim's Singapore facility is the focal point for the development of HD DVD recordable media, while its Mizushima plant, in Japan, will focus on the Blu-ray media. The two high-definition formats are currently rallying support from major distributors and manufacturers worldwide in order to become the next standard for movie and data storage. Whilst there has been talk of a compromise format being developed, there has been no final decision released on this subject and it has become increasingly apparent that both formats will be released to market.
Verbatim Corp. and its parent, Mitsubishi Kagaku Media, said Monday that the media manufacturer will support both Blu-Ray and HD DVD, the two competing next-generation optical formats. The implication is that Verbatim has not determined that there is a clear winner in the next-generation DVD race. HP has chosen to include Blu-Ray drives inside its PCs, and Disney Corp. has chosen to release its movies on the format. Meanwhile, four other major Hollywood studios have decided to back the HD DVD format, led by Toshiba. Verbatim Blu-ray media will be available with 25-GB (single-layer) and 50-GB (double-layer) capacities, Verbatim said. The HD-DVD media will be available with a single-layer capacity of 15 GB. Double-layer HD-DVD media is also being developed for release following format finalization, the company said. Verbatim did not release a production timetable.
Verbatim has dedicated its Singapore facility to HD DVD production, and its Mizushima, Japan facility to the manufacture of Blu-Ray discs.
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This message has been edited since posting. Last time this message was edited on 8. November 2005 @ 21:07
interesting read buddy, looks like Verbatim getting their feet planted in BOTH camps, now that is SMART~! regardless of which format "takes off" in the future, just know that Verbatim will be there to manufacturer some QUALITY media whether it be in their Singapore facility or their Japanese one...i would gladly use EITHER or BOTH once time comes...
p.s. i won't be using either HD-DVD or Blu-Ray in the near future as the costs are simply outrageous at this point (predicted retail cost that is)...but, something to consider a few years down the road~ :)
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Verbatim 8x dvd+r MCC003
Verbatim dvd+r DL (MKM001)= flawless no compression backups
"Do Yourself A Favor, Use The Good Stuff
TY & Verbs 4 Life~ :)" ~docTY~
"Its better to be quiet and appear stupid, then to open your mouth and remove all doubt."
I am always prepared to recognize that there can be two points of view - mine and one that is probably wrong - John Gorton
