Statement of the DVD Forum on the Status of HD Media Using Blue Laser Diode

Business Wire, Nov 27, 2002

Business Editors

TOKYO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 27, 2002

DVD Forum today reported the status of its consideration of optical disc formats utilizing blue laser diodes and released the following statement.

In June 2002, the Steering Committee of the DVD Forum formed two Subgroups of the Forum's standing Working Group 11 "to study and promote the best technical approach based on" 0.6mm and 0.1mm technologies respectively for blue laser optical disc applications. At the same time, the Steering Committee also formed a Subcommittee to work with the Blu-ray Disc Founders toward reaching an agreement to work together on a common format. The first of the two Subgroups was formed in June, and is now studying 0.6mm technology. To date, no 0.1mm technology has been proposed to the DVD Forum. The DVD Forum has so far made no decision to adopt or reject any proposed format (either 0.1mm or 0.6mm) for blue laser optical disc applications.

Founded in 1997, the DVD Forum is a voluntary association of more than 200 companies worldwide from the consumer electronics, information technology and entertainment industries with a common interest in DVD hardware and software.

The purposes of the Forum, as stated in the Forum's Charter, are (1) to establish the single DVD Format for each of the DVD application products, including revisions, improvements and enhancements, that would be in the best interests of consumers and users, and (2) to encourage the broad acceptance of DVD Formats on a worldwide basis among members of the Forum, related industries and the public. Further information regarding the Forum and its activities may be found at www.dvdforum.org.

Press Contact:

DVD Forum Secretariat

Shiba Shimizu Bldg. 5F

2-3-11, Shibadaimon,

Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-0012, Japan

TEL: 81-3-5777-2881

FAX: 81-3-5777-2882