Verbatim First to Launch 4x DVD+R Write-Once Media; New Discs Cut Recording Time for 4.7GB DVD+R Disc to About 15 Minutes

Business Wire, Nov 7, 2002

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

CHARLOTTE, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 7, 2002

With today's announcement of 4x-speed DataLifePlus(R) 4.7GB DVD R media, Verbatim(R) Corporation becomes the first media manufacturer to offer DVD R that supports 1x, 2.4x and 4x write speeds. At 4x speed (44 megabits per second or about 36x CD-R performance), a 4.7GB DVD R disc can be filled to capacity in about 15 minutes. Verbatim has already provided its new media to major drive manufacturers and will coordinate media shipping with the arrival of the first drives that support the new 4x DVD R speeds. The drives are expected to be available in December.

Recognized worldwide for its research and development strength, Verbatim has an unmatched history of being first with the industry's fastest optical media while maintaining its reputation for providing the highest levels of reliability and durability. The key component in achieving 4x speed DVD R media is DYN-AZO technology, a proprietary recording layer technology developed by Verbatim's parent company, Mitsubishi(R) Chemical Corporation (MCC). By using the proven dye technology incorporated in its 2.4x DVD R media as the platform for the new, more sensitive DYN AZO technology, Verbatim engineers not only achieved 4x R write speed, they ensured that the new media will sustain 1x and 2.4x recording compatibility.

"Verbatim works directly with leading drive manufacturers to co-develop next-generation DVD R/ RW solutions," said Tim Clatterbuck, Verbatim's director of optical storage marketing. "These co-development efforts and MCC's extensive R&D capabilities have helped Verbatim strengthen its reputation for being first with new disc technologies. Our customers benefit because we've already provided 4x R drive manufacturers with Verbatim 4x R media for testing and certification."

For consumers, the 4x write speed means they can save a tremendous amount of time because they'll be cutting their recording time substantially. Consumers will also benefit from the broad compatibility of the DVD R format. Data and video recorded to Verbatim DVD R discs can be read by the vast majority of DVD set top players and computer DVD-ROM drives in use today.

Broad compatibility, a low storage cost and high-speed recording make the discs ideal for sharing computer data, home videos, photos, and music. With write-once security, Gigabytes of capacity, and a 100-year data life, Verbatim DVD R media is also an excellent storage solution for data backups and archiving of personal memories.

The demand for DVD media is being driven by increased sales of recordable drives. Research firm IDC projects that worldwide DVD media sales will climb from 50 million discs in 2002 to nearly 150 million in 2004. Since making its debut last February, DVD R continues to claim a growing share of the DVD media market. With the availability of 4x DVD R media, that share is expected to increase even faster.

Verbatim and its parent company, Mitsubishi(R) Chemical Company, are original members of the DVD RW Alliance that developed the DVD RW format. Verbatim was the first to offer ReWriteable and Write-Once media for the DVD RW and DVD R formats.

Availability

Verbatim DataLifePlus 4x DVD R media will be available in December through authorized resellers and the Verbatim web site. The new media will be packaged in jewel cases, multi-packs and spindles. Blank inkjet printable surface discs will also be available. Verbatim backs the quality of its complete line of DataLifePlus DVD media with a lifetime warranty.

About Verbatim

Verbatim Corporation, a Mitsubishi(R) Chemical Company, is currently the only firm in the world that designs, develops and manufactures high-performance, high-quality CD-Recordable, CD- ReWriteable, DVD-Recordable and ReWriteable DVD media products, and a complete family of 3.5-inch and 5.25-inch MO media, as well as magnetic media and imaging products. For complete information on Verbatim's new DVD media contact Verbatim at 1200 W.T. Harris Boulevard, Charlotte, NC 28262, 800/421-4188, FAX 704/547-6609; or visit the company's web site at www.verbatim.com.

Note to Editors: Verbatim and DataLifePlus are registered trademarks of Verbatim Corporation. Other company and product names contained herein are trademarks of their respective companies. Specifications subject to change without notice.