ALAMEDA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 9, 2003--
Calimetrics, Inc., the emerging leader in data storage semiconductor and
high-density optical media technologies, today announced it has demonstrated the
commercial viability of its ML(TM) (MultiLevel) recording technology to double
the capacity of dual-layer DVD read-only discs (DVD-9) with sufficient transfer
rate to provide a cost-effective path to extend DVD to next-generation
high-definition (HD) video and interactive games.
Calimetrics developed "ML HD-DVD" discs using
industry-standard DVD mastering and replication equipment currently utilized in
a large-scale manufacturing operation. This demonstrates that ML HD-DVD is
commercially viable and can be implemented in a high-volume production
environment with no major changes to manufacturing infrastructure. The discs
were tested and proven to meet DVD-9 standards for data integrity under
specified stress conditions.
"ML HD-DVD provides the consumer electronics and
digital entertainment industries with a fast-track route to delivering
high-definition content, without the major capital investments required by
alternatives using blue lasers," said Ken Campbell, president and CEO of
Calimetrics. "The results of our demonstration program prove that ML HD-DVD
discs can be manufactured on standard production lines and can be read using
commercial off-the-shelf optics."
For consumer electronics manufacturers, ML HD-DVD
provides a cost-effective new product opportunity. Calimetrics has developed
proprietary ML codes and error correction algorithms for implementation in a
single integrated circuit (chip) to add HD capability to DVD players. With ML
HD-DVD technology incorporated into the electronics of an existing DVD system,
consumer electronics makers can offer the market high-definition video players
without any changes to the optics and mechanics of a standard DVD player. Thus,
HD-capable DVD video players that also read existing DVD libraries can be built
using currently available components. Proposed blue laser-based systems for with
HD capability will require two lasers, adding to both complexity and cost.
In addition, ML technology provides content owners
with an unsurpassed protection system. The proprietary ML format provides
flexibility, revocability and multiple levels of security that can be tailored
by content owners for their specific applications.
"As more and more consumers use DVDs, the demand
for more capacity only increases. ML technology is a cost-effective means for
manufacturers to extend the capabilities and life of their existing product
lines and create interesting new consumer electronics devices," said John
Freeman, president of Strategic Marketing Decisions. "Manufacturers need to
offer high capacity at consumer prices today. ML technology is the right
solution to meet the cost objectives of the market."
About ML Technology
Calimetrics' patented ML technology is the only way
to significantly increase the capacity and performance of optical media storage,
including CD and DVD, at minimal incremental cost while ensuring backward and
forward compatibility. ML technology improves capacity and performance by
encoding significantly more information in a mark or pit location. ML recording
increases disc capacity at the fundamental physical layer and adds to other
improvements, such as video compression. Implementing the technology requires
the addition of a single integrated circuit (IC) to the standard electronics of
current optical drives, so manufacturers can add ML recording capability without
altering existing optics, mechanics, or manufacturing infrastructure. ML discs,
which incorporate enhancements to increase the available storage capacity
compared to current technology, maintain the low cost base of conventional
discs. ML technology is also compatible with anticipated future improvements in
laser-based recording technologies.
Source: Yahoo.com
