Verbatim Double-Layer DVD+R Media Receives Philips Certification; World's First 8.5GB DVD+R DL Media Exceeds DL Specs to Ensure Reliability and Compatibility

Business Wire, May 6, 2004

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

CHARLOTTE, N.C.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 6, 2004

Verbatim(R) Corporation, an industry pioneer in bringing advanced DVD technologies to market, announced today that Philips Format Verification Laboratory has certified its new 8.5GB Double-Layer DVD R (DVD R DL) media as fully compliant with the DVD R DL standard. Certification provides drive manufacturers and end users with the assurance that Verbatim's new DVD R DL media delivers broad compatibility with new DVD R DL drives and existing DVD playback devices. Limited quantities of Verbatim DVD R DL-certified discs will ship later this month. Philips, Sony, Dell, HP and other DVD RW Alliance members have announced drives that support the DL format.

Double-Layer DVD R technology was developed by Verbatim's parent company, Mitsubishi(R) Kagaku Media (MKM) in collaboration with Philips and other DVD RW Alliance members. To ensure compliance with the Alliance's DVD R DL standard, the Philips certification process involves extensive testing of pre-recorded disc parameters, write strategies, and read performance of recorded discs.

"While it's conceivable that DVD R DL media can be produced to the nominal specifications, Verbatim is committed to a higher standard that ensures superior performance and reliability," explained Tim Clatterbuck, Verbatim Optical Storage Manager. "MKM used their R&D strengths to develop Double-Layer media that is at the upper end of the scale. We're confident through our testing of key recording parameters such as jitter and PI errors that Verbatim DVD R DL media will be the reference standard for the entire Double-Layer production industry and that it will provide consumers with excellent write/read performance."

With Verbatim DVD R DL media, content developers and consumers will be able to store up to 4 hours of DVD-quality video, 16 hours of VHS-quality video or over 120 hours of MP3 audio on a single-sided disc. PC users will be able to archive nearly 8.5GB of data on a single disc without having to stop and flip the disc or replace it with a new disc.

Clatterbuck acknowledged that even with MKM's advanced technologies, the development of high-quality Double-Layer discs was a significant challenge. "Double-Layer media required new media production materials and processes as well as a major investment in production modifications and new equipment, but we moved aggressively through the startup, yield improvement and testing/certification phases," he noted. "All of the media produced to date has been delivered to burner manufacturers and software developers for testing before shipments begin for consumers. Now that we have proven that Verbatim Double-Layer media provides fast, reliable storage and broad playback, we're focusing on increasing media production volumes to deliver the benefits of this exciting new technology to business, professional and individual users."

Verbatim's new multi-layer technology allows the properties of two unique layers, once recorded, to meet the DVD read-only specifications for DVD-ROM drives and DVD video players. During recording (and reading), each layer can be targeted without disrupting data on the other layer. New Metal Azo(TM) recording dyes and reflective materials were developed by MKM for each layer to optimize parameters such as signal amplitudes and power margins while ensuring full compatibility with current DVD standards.

Availability

Verbatim 8.5GB Double-Layer DVD R media will begin shipping by the end of May.

About Verbatim

Verbatim(R) Corporation, a Mitsubishi(R) Kagaku Media Company, 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. For more information, 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.

Verbatim is a registered trademark of Verbatim Corporation. Other company and product names contained herein are trademarks of their respective companies. Specifications subject to change without notice.