It appears that HD DVD fans are going to have to wait a bit longer for 51GB HD DVD discs. In a recent statement to BetaNews, a Toshiba spokesperson pointed out that only a preliminary version (1.9) of the physical specifications had been approved by the DVD Forum. Also, the company won't be able to determine whether current players will be able to use this "Trip-Layer" format until the final specifications have been approved.
"We understand that the preliminary version (1.9) of the physical specifications for the triple-layer 51 GB HD DVD-ROM disc has been approved," said Toshiba's spokesperson today.

The spokesperson then added that it has not yet been determined whether current HD DVD players or recorders will be able to use the new format, which the headline of an official Toshiba statement given to BetaNews today is now calling "Trip-Layer." "Toshiba will study the performance of current HD DVD player/recorders with the disc after the standard receives final approval by the DVD Forum."
I'd be very surprised if the final specifications were approved this year. Then again, the DVD Forum may push it through to give them the advantage over Blu-ray. If you'd like to read more, the entire article can be found here. Add a comment
The DVD Forum held their 39th Steering Committee meeting earlier this week. Among other things, the group approved the physical specifications for the Triple Layer Twin format and 51GB High Density Read-Only Disc. Here are some of the highlights from the meeting:
  • Approval of Optional Specifications for HD DVD-ROM Physical Specifications Version 1.2: Triple Layer Twin format, Revision 1.0
  • Approval of DVD Specifications for High Density Read-Only Disc [HD DVD-ROM (51G)] Part 1 Physical Specifications, Version 1.9
  • Approval of
    -DVD Download Blank Disc Test Specification, Version 1.0
    -DVD Download Disc Writer Test Specification, Version 1.0
  • Approval of HD DVD & DVD Non-Mandatory Verification Tools Requirements & Guidelines, Version 1.0
  • Approval of Logo/Mark for HD DVD Format on Red-laser Recordable Disc
  • Approval of China HD DVD Format related issues
    -Use of Standard Contents of HD DVD-Video Specifications
    -Use of File System of HD DVD-ROM Specifications
So there you have it. The 51GB HD DVD Disc has been offically approved by the DVD Forum. Now we just need to wait and see if they can be read by existing HD DVD players. If you'd like to read more, the Steering Committee's entire list of resolutions can be found here. Add a comment
AOpen has officially announced their new 20x "Super Multi" drive, the DSW2012SA. Along with support for Serial ATA, the DSW2012SA features 20x DVD±R, 8x DVD±R DL and 12x DVD-RAM writing speeds.

AOpen, the leading DVD drive manufacturer, announces the new 20x multi- format internal DVD RW drive with the SATA interface -- DSW2012SA. With its blazing fast 20x writing speed and "All You Can Write" capability, AOpen DSW2012SA supports virtually all disk formats, including DVD±R/R DL/RW, DVD-RAM and D-R/RW. Being one of the few complete DVD/CD RW solutions in the industry, AOpen DSW2012SA is also the first DVD writer in the industry to use the SATA interface, making a giant leap in data transfer rate between DVD Drive and motherboard to a level of 150MB/s Ultra-DMA5. This allows users to always pioneer in major PC trends.

AOpen DSW2012SA is one of the few DVD RW drives that supports up to 20x DVD±R and 12x DVD-RAM writing speeds. Its DVD±R DL Double/Dual Layer technology can also write up to 8.5GB data to a DVD disk at 8x speed. With its already mature CD writing technology, AOpen DSW2012SA lets you write disks of all formats using one single drive.
No word yet on pricing or availability. As we find out more, we'll let you know. In the mean time, AOpen's entire press release can be found here. Add a comment
Memorex announced today that they will be bringing Labelflash DVD media to the U.S. and Canadian markets. Similar in concept to HP's LightScribe technology, Labelflash lets you burn graphics and text onto the tops of special DVD discs.

Memorex,the leading brand of optical media at U.S.retail and a portfolio brand of Imation Corp (NYSE: IMN),today expands its specialty optical media product familywith the addition of Labelflash technology. Memorex brings Labelflash DVD media to U.S.and Canadian retail, enabling the consumer to use this advanced technology to create custom high-resolution DVD disc designs. Consumers and prosumers alike can now create custom photo and video DVDs in sharp, deep blue, monochromatic designs using Memorex Labelflash DVD-R discs and a Labelflash-enabled drive.

“Labelflash is the elite solution for consumers and prosumers seeking to add finely detailed disc designs to their keepsake DVDs,” said Carla Pihowich, director of marketing, Imation. “With Labelflash DVD-Rs, consumers have another solution to take their digital creations to a new level of design and personalization that can resist damage from smudges, scratches and the test of time.”
Memorex's Labelflash DVD media will be available this month and is priced at $14.99 for a pack of 10. Full details can be found here. Add a comment
Moser Baer announced today that they will be entering the PC peripherals market with their own line of optical disc drives. The company has partnered with Philips & Lite-On Digital Solutions and will be selling combo drives and DVD writers under the name “Moser Baer-Lite-on”.
Moser Baer, India's largest and world’s second largest optical storage manufacturer today announced the launch of its Optical Disk Drive (ODD) i.e. Combo drive and DVD writer, which also marks the company's foray into the PC peripherals industry. Moser Baer in partnership with Taiwan’s Philips & Lite-On Digital Solutions Corp., the world’s largest OEM/ODM optical disc drive manufacturer has launched their ODDs in India in the name of “Moser Baer-Lite-on”.

Having established itself as a global leader in the high technology manufacturing space and the global blank optical storage media industry, Moser Baer is now leveraging upon its existing synergies, established brand equity and large distribution network in the domestic market to enter the PC Peripherals market. Moser Baer brand is recognized for high quality products which the company now plans to extend into the fast growing PC Peripherals market in India, given its credibility amongst the drive manufacturers. The company plans to enter this market by launching products in five metros and create a niche for itself.
If you'd like to read more, Moser Baer's entire press release can be found here. Add a comment