Verbatim Doubles DVD-R Media Write Speed to 16x; Announces January Delivery Schedule

Business Wire, Jan 7, 2005

LAS VEGAS -- Verbatim(R) Corporation announced today that it will begin shipping 1-16x speed DVD-R media later this month. With the ability to record video, photos, music or data files at about 21 MB/sec, users will be able to fill an entire 4.7GB disc to capacity in about six minutes. To ensure broad compatibility, Verbatim 1-16x speed DVD-R discs are compliant with the DVD Forum's 16x DVD-R Specifications. Leading drive manufacturers such as BenQ, Hitachi-LG Data Storage, Lite-On, NEC, Plextor, Sony and others have announced 16x DVD-R compatible drives. The new write-once media, which can be used at all recording speeds between 1x and 16x, is also backward compatible with existing DVD recorders and 1-8x DVD-R burners when appropriate firmware upgrades are installed.

The reliability, high-speed recording and broad compatibility that Verbatim's new 16x DVD-R discs provide make them ideal for sharing computer data, home videos, photos, and music. With write-once security and 4.7 GB of capacity, the media is also an excellent storage solution for fast backups, archiving and library applications.

Like Verbatim's certified 1-16x speed DVD R media which is now in daily use around the globe, the new DVD-R discs are produced with the proprietary Advanced AZO(TM) recording layer technology developed by Verbatim's parent company, Mitsubishi(R) Kagaku Media (MKM). The patented AZO dye provides a unique combination of features including increased sensitivity to laser light -- the key requirement for high-speed recording, control of the heat interference between consecutive recorded marks for substantially less jitter and reduced degradation of recording marks, as well as a wide power margin for very stable recording.

To minimize errors during high-speed recording, the premium quality 1-16x DVD-R discs are produced using precision molding technology to ensure that the surface of each disc is consistently flat.

Availability

Backed by a limited lifetime warranty, Verbatim 1-16x DVD-R discs will have an estimated street price of $2.00 and will be available in January through leading retailers, Internet resellers and distributors across the country. The new media will be packaged in jewel cases, multi-packs and spindles. Blank inkjet printable and thermal printable discs will also be available.

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.

Editor's Note: For photos and samples of Verbatim 1-16x DVD-R media for use in benchmark testing new 1-16x dual format burners, contact Andy Marken, Marken Communications, Inc., 408-986-0100 or andy@markencom.com.