Verbatim sent out a press release this morning, announcing the world's first LightScribe 8x DVD+R Double Layer (DL) discs. Available in the U.S. in November, these new discs are produced with LightScribe Media Version 1.2 coating technology and are fully compatible with LightScribe-enabled drives and software.

lightscribe logo square.jpgLeveraging many of the same technologies that set the standard for high-speed DVD+R Double Layer (DL) disc performance, reliability and compatibility, Verbatim® Americas, LLC, announced today the worlds first LightScribe® 8X DVD+R Double Layer (DL) discs. At 8X speed, the industrys fastest DVD DL burning speed, an entire 8.5GB single-sided disc can be filled to capacity in 15 minutes¹ or less. Verbatim will begin shipping LightScribe 8X DVD+R DL discs in November.

Verbatim and its parent company, Mitsubishi Kagaku Media (MKM), have consistently been at the forefront in developing DVD+R DL technologies and LightScribe media coating. Verbatim was also the first company to release DVD+R DL discs and LightScribe media worldwide.

LightScribe certified, Verbatims new double layer media is fully compatible with LightScribe-enabled drives, duplicators and the latest software licensed by Hewlett-Packard Company (HP). When combined, the same drive that burns content to the data side of the disc can be used to burn silkscreen-quality monochrome labels directly on the label side of the discs. The discs are produced with LightScribe Media Version 1.2 coating technology on the label side to provide enhanced contrast for photos, graphics, images and text. Verbatims new DVD+R DL discs deliver LightScribe direct-to-disc labeling quality and convenience without requiring any software or firmware upgrades.

By offering compliance that exceeds the DVD+R DL standard, users also have the assurance that Verbatims new LightScribe media is compatible with the new multi-format drives and duplicators that support 8X DVD+R DL technology and most DVD playback devices.

The increased storage capacity required by digital contentespecially HD video, and the volumes of Internet content that are being downloaded are driving the demand for higher-capacity storage. With two recording layers on a single side, Verbatims new LightScribe 8X DVD+R DL media nearly doubles the storage capacity of a DVD from 4.7GB to 8.5GB. The higher capacity will enable businesses, content developers and consumers to store up to 3.5 hours of DVD-quality videos, about one hour of HD video or 8.5GB of data without having to flip the disc. The capacity and 8X performance that these discs provide also make them ideal for backups and archiving.

Since its launch early in 2005, LightScribes adoption rate has grown substantially. Today, most of the major optical drive manufacturers include LightScribe Direct Disc Labeling technology with their burners. LightScribe also recently reported that the direct disc labeling technology is now licensed by over 80 electronics and software companies worldwide, including many disc publishing systems manufacturers.

Availability

Verbatim LightScribe 8X DVD+R DL media will be offered in 10-disc spindles with hanger boxes. The media will be available in the US in November through leading retailers, Internet resellers and distributors.