8 speed DVD+R and DVD-R disc manufacturing to start next month

September 22, 2003

Digitimes reports that the production of DVD+R and DVD-R discs could start
as early as next month. Currently some companies have announced 8x DVD+R drives
and Plextor has already 8x drives on sale but 8x media is hard to find.
Strangely enough has 8 speed writing not yet passed the DVD forum (DVD-R),
so it is likely that first only production of 8x DVD+R discs will start.
Currently Verbatim, TDK and Ricoh have announced 8x media, when the Taiwanese
companies will also start their production, prices of media will likely drop.

The
global DVD+R and DVD-R market is currently dominated by 4x models, but
Japanese manufacturers recently began offering 8x DVD-Dual drives
(supporting the DVD+RW and DVD-RW rewritable formats).

Although their 8x DVD+R/-R discs have passed OEM client
certification and been ready for production, the top three Taiwanese disc
makers have not commenced volume production because local optical drive
makers are behind schedule in launching corresponding burners, the disc
makers said.

With few companies having entered the market, 8x DVD+R/-R
discs scheduled for shipment in October are commanding prices of
US$1.30-1.50 per disc, compared to US$1-1.20 for 4x
discs.