New Medium Enterprises Inc. has unveiled the VMD (Versatile MultiLayer Disc), a next generation HD Disc & Drive capable of 20GB of storage capacity on the current Red Laser technology platforms. The HD films will be shown in genuine HD formats (MPEG-2, 1080i and 1080p). Not only that, we can look forward to 15 GB, 20 GB, 25 GB and 30 GB discs and drives by third quarter of next year! The drives are backward compatible with the existing pre-recorded and recordable DVD and CD formats.
| VMD was recently demonstrated to enthusiastic groups of industry leaders in several countries and was hailed and embraced as a breakthrough and compelling solution for cost effective High-Definition pre-recorded discs and players. "We are thrilled with the opportunity of unveiling this remarkable technology to the public,'' says Ethel Schwartz, CEO of NMEN. ``We anticipate a similar resounding response from the attendees as we have seen from the enthusiastic industry leaders that have already viewed our VMD products demonstration.'' The pre-recorded VMD has four layers on one side for an initial capacity of 20 GB and is entirely based on the current Red Laser DVD industrial infrastructure. VMD is designed for viewing High Definition (HD) content requiring high storage capacity and high bit rate (up to 40 Mbs), such as full-motion pictures, sports entertainment and other demanding video content and data. |
Please take a moment to read about this technology over at PhysOrg and give us
your thoughts. Frankly, this story seems to be little more than marketing
hype. The tech may be solid, I can't determine that, but the reaction from
the "enthusiastic industry groups" to me is a bit over the top to buy into. They state the availabilty of these disks in about 1 year. So I guess they have production lines for the media and players, or maybe they are just trolling for investors, I don't know. But, if they are telling us the truth, they move really quick and have content, manufacturing etc., all lined out to meet such a timeframe.
In addition, I have to ask myself if the consumer will accept the thought of an interim player for a transitional disc. Seems we are all about fed up with multiple solutions to next generation obstacles. Even the article says this is a bridge to Blu-ray: "The VMD technology is easily adaptable for Blue Lasers at a time when the costs of Blue Lasers and associated manufacturing processes will become competitive on consumer electronics markets."
Source: PhysOrg
